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Why Navalny dart frog poison announcement was deliberately timed | World News

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Why Navalny dart frog poison announcement was deliberately timed | World News

It is no coincidence that the UK and its allies chose a security conference in Munich to accuse the Kremlin of killing Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with dart frog poison.

The extraordinary announcement on Saturday seemed deliberately timed to grab global headlines in much the same way as the dissident’s actual death did.

The news that Mr Navalny, 47, had died in prison in Russia broke on the opening day of the same Munich Security Conference of global leaders almost exactly two years ago.

Naming the person or government allegedly responsible for such a political assassination – if the claim of poisoning is substantiated – is a form of information weapon.

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The intent is to make sure perpetrators cannot hide in the shadows and could face serious consequences such as sanctions or even criminal convictions.

The thinking – which might well be wildly optimistic – is that greater scrutiny could make a hostile state think twice before sanctioning plots to kill political opponents or other enemies.


Only Russia could poison Navalny – Yvette Cooper

It is doubtful that the efforts by Yvette Cooper, the British foreign secretary, and her German, Swedish and Danish counterparts, who made the poisoning announcement, along with Mr Navalny’s widow, will deter the Kremlin from such allegedly ruthless action in the future.

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However, their words are at the very least evidence of a growing resolve amongst NATO allies to stand up to what they regard as attempts by President Vladimir Putin to attack their countries and societies in the grey zone – under the threshold of conventional war. This also includes acts of sabotage, cyber hacks and disinformation spread online.

Speaking to a group of journalists about the case, Ms Cooper spelt out clearly the charges she was levying against Moscow.

“We have confirmed that a deadly toxin was found in Alexei Navalny’s body and that toxin has been identified as a toxin that is found in Ecuadorian dart frogs,” she said.

“Only the Russian government had the means, the motive and the opportunity to use that toxin against Alexei Navalny in prison and that is why we are here today to shine a spotlight on the Kremlin’s barbaric attempt to silence Alexi Navalny’s voice. To show that the Russian government has contempt for its citizens and the willingness to use this deadly toxin.”

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How could Navalny have been killed by toxin of poisonous frog?

Yulia Navalnaya, Mr Navalny’s widow, also spoke. She learnt about her husband’s death while at the Munich conference on 16 February, 2024.

“It was the most horrible day in my life,” she recalled, visibly upset.

“I came to the stage and I said my husband Alexei Navalny was poisoned. What could else happen with Putin’s number one enemy in Russian prison?

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“But – sorry, it is very difficult for me to say this – what could else happen with my husband in Russian prison? But now I understand and I know it is not just words. It is scientific proof.”

British scientists played a key role in identifying the deadly neurotoxin – called epibatidine – that was allegedly administered to Mr Navalny.

The poison is found in the skin of the South American dart frogs, although Sky News understands it is likely the version used in the alleged murder was manufactured in a laboratory.

Yulia Navalnaya spoke about the death of her husband
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Yulia Navalnaya spoke about the death of her husband

The effects of the poison are devastating, causing paralysis, respiratory arrest and an agonising death.

If – as claimed by Britain – the Kremlin did choose to use such an exotic substance to silence a critic, it demonstrates an unusual level of ruthlessness.

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The Kremlin is already accused of trying to kill Mr Navalny in 2020 with a Novichok nerve agent – the same chemical weapon deployed against a former Russian spy on the streets of Salisbury two years earlier.

Fighting back, Moscow is well-practised and highly adept in the information space.

Its embassy in London was quick to respond to the allegations about dart frog poisonings.

“The goal of this ridiculous circus performance is transparent: to stoke waning anti-Russian sentiment in Western society. If there’s no pretext, they laboriously invent one,” it said.

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“The method chosen by Western politicians – necropropaganda – is truly shocking. This isn’t a quest for justice, but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of a Russian citizen, London and European capitals cannot give him peace, which speaks volumes about the instigators of this campaign.”

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The cheapest petrol and diesel prices in Scotland – check your postcode

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Daily Record

The Iran War has sent fuel prices skyrocketing in March, so being able to find the best deal is crucial for drivers.

The cheapest places to fill up with petrol and diesel in Scotland have been revealed. Drivers across the country are looking for ways to save when topping up their tank at the moment.

While we always love a saving, it is especially important at the moment due to the skyrocketing fuel prices amid an ongoing cost of living crisis. Costs at garages have been rising steadily since the first US-Israeli strike on Iran sparked a huge conflict in the Middle East.

And the Iran War has continued to have a massive impact on the price of crude oil and, therefore, the cost of fuel here in the UK. The latest figures from the RAC show that both petrol and diesel increased by record amounts in March.

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Petrol surged by 20p across the month, coming out at an average pump price of 152.83p on March 31. The change in diesel was even more dramatic, with a surge of more than 40p to 182.77p on average – almost double the previous record rise after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Although we haven’t yet hit the all-time highest prices, the recent rise has motorists throughout Scotland and beyond worried about filling up. Especially with the Easter Weekend almost upon us, when the RAC estimates more than 20million car journeys will be made in the UK.

With this in mind, finding ways to save on a full tank aren’t to be sniffed at. We previously told of an offer that will save drivers £5 on their next top-up at a range of garages across Scotland.

And there is also a relatively recent scheme that can help drivers pick out the best offers in their area – or on their driving route. The UK Government-backed Fuel Finder website has been created to gather and share fuel price data as close to real-time as possible.

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Garages across the country are supposed to update their fuel costs within 30 minutes of any change, meaning motorists are able to scan the most up-to-date prices. It is free to use and has a handy, map-based layout.

Users just need to type a location or postcode into the Fuel Finder website, set a distance radius from five to 50 miles, and select their chosen fuel; petrol (e10), diesel (B7), super unleaded (E5), premium diesel, or EV charging points.

The stations within the chosen area should then appear on the map, as well as in a list at the side. The prices will be listed alongside each station, and they are colour-coded on the map, ranging from the cheapest in green, through amber, to the most expensive in red.

Users can also filter their choices by various facilities, such as being open for 24 hours, having toilets, or having a car wash. Launched at the start of February, hundreds of fuel stations across the UK are included – though not all of them have the most up-to-date prices.

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To help you out, we have travelled across Scotland on the Fuel Finder map, picking out the best deals for drivers. We haven’t included any stations that haven’t updated their price in the last week, given how quickly the prices have been changing.

In terms of petrol, the cheapest in Scotland at the time of writing is found at Tesco in Cupar and at Costco in Edinburgh, with both charging 144.9p per litre – though the latter is only for Costco members. Burnpark Filling Station in Kilmarnock was next at 146.7pm, with Pace in Cumnock, Tesco in Rutherglen, and Costco in Glasgow all at 146.9p

Asda in Ayr charges 147.7p per litre of petrol, while there are several other supermarkets priced at 147.9p. These include Tesco stores in Dingwall and Ayr, Sainsbury’s in Prestwick, and Morrisons in Ayr. A whopping six of these best-priced locations can be found in Ayrshire.

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In terms of diesel, at the time of writing, Gunns Garage in Appin, near Oban, is the best price at just 165.0p. However, this was last updated on March 28, the longest time ago of any forecourt mentioned in this article, so it may have changed since.

Elsewhere, the Gulf Garage in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, charges 168.9p, Central Garage in Alyth, Perthshire, has diesel at 169.9p, and it costs 170.9p at Tesco in Wishaw.

There is a bit of a jump to the next garages, though they do cover a wide area. Tesco in Dingwall (174.9p), Burnpark Filling Station in Kilmarnock (175.7p), Morrisons in Newlands (175.9p), and The Filling Station in Applecross (176.8p) are all at least 5p below the average rate.

To find out the most up-to-date figures on the cheapest petrol or diesel in your local area, or on the route of your Easter holiday, go to the Fuel Finder website.

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Cheapest petrol prices in Scotland

  • Costco, Costkea Way, Edinburgh – 144.9p (members only)
  • Tesco, South Road, Cupar – 144.9p
  • Burnpark Filling Station, Ayr Road, Kilmarnock – 146.7p
  • Pace, Barrhill Road, Cumnock – 146.9p
  • Tesco, Dalmarnock Road, Rutherglen – 146.9p
  • Costco, St Rollox Business Park, Glasgow – 146.9p (members only)
  • Asda, Heathfield Retail Park, Ayr – 147.7p
  • Tesco, Mart Road, Dingwall – 147.9p
  • Sainsbury’s, Ayr Road, Prestwick – 147.9p
  • Tesco, Whitletts Road, Ayr – 147.9p
  • Morrisons, Castlehill Road, Ayr – 147.9p

Cheapest diesel prices in Scotland

  • Gunns Garage, Appin – 165.0p (Last updated March 28)
  • Gulf, Turriff Service Station – 168.9p
  • Central Garage, Alyth – 169.9p
  • Tesco, Belhaven Road, Wishaw – 170.9p
  • Tesco, Mart Road, Dingwall – 174.9p
  • Burnpark Filling Station, Ayr Road, Kilmarnock – 175.7p
  • Morrisons, Riverford Road, Newlands – 175.9p
  • The Filling Station, Shore Street, Applecross – 176.8p

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Scott Mills wondered why he hadn’t ‘been escorted off premises’ years before BBC axe

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Manchester Evening News

Scott Mills wrote that he was surprised he had not been fired as a DJ for “saying the wrong thing” or having poor listener stats years before being axed by the BBC

Scott Mills said he was surprised he hadn’t been dismissed as a DJ in remarks made a full 14 years before his sacking. The former Radio 2 presenter was taken off air following his final show on Tuesday, 24 March. Mills had been questioned by police in 2018 over allegations of “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy under the age of 16 between 1997 and 2000, as part of an investigation that commenced in 2016.

The case was dropped in 2019 after it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence. The Mirror disclosed on Wednesday (1 April) that the BBC was compelled to terminate its star radio presenter’s contract after compelling new information emerged.

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Mills subsequently issued a statement, asserting that he had “fully cooperated and responded” to the investigation in 2018, and that the “evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges”. As the story continues to unfold, earlier remarks by Mills have resurfaced regarding his “plan for a quick getaway” should he ever find himself axed from his role as a DJ.

He recalled in his 2012 autobiography, Love You Bye: My Story, beneath a section entitled “Things I have learned”, that hospital radio “was the first and last radio station” to dismiss him. In his opening entry, “plan for a quick getaway”, he wrote: “You may be surprised to learn that hospital radio was the first and last radio station to give me the sack.

“There are so many stories of DJs being escorted off the premises by security for saying the wrong thing, or having a bad set of RAJAR [radio listener stats] results, it seems strange that’s not happened to me. Yet. Being fired as a DJ can be quick and it can be brutal. One programme director famously held a presenter meeting where he played them all their new jingles.

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“When one DJ piped up and said, ‘My name wasn’t on there’, the programme director replied, ‘I know. See me in my office after the meeting’.” Mills added: “I’ve never kept many personal items at work for that very reason. If I’m escorted off the premises, I want to make it quick; I’ll shove my mug and my signed photo of George Alagiah [a BBC newsreader who died in 2023] in a cardboard box and be out the door.”

In his statement, issued through Mills’ lawyers to the Mirror, he maintained that the “announcement” had resulted in what he termed the “publication of rumour and speculation”. It read: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter. I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”

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Epstein survivor says the King should ‘show dignity’ and meet survivors on US visit | News UK

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Epstein survivor says the King should 'show dignity' and meet survivors on US visit | News UK
Helm called on the King to ‘send a strong message to the world’

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein has called on King Charles to meet her and other victims during his state visit to the US this month.

Teresa Helm believes a meeting between survivors and the Monarch would help criminal investigations on both sides of the Atlantic and ‘send a powerful message to the world’.

The campaigner, who was allegedly groomed by Ghislaine Maxwell and sexually abused by Epstein in 2002, said she was disappointed that the King will not be able to meet victims despite a US lawmaker asking him to.

Charles will visit the US with Queen Camilla at the end of April to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence, where he will meet President Trump and address Congress.

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Teresa Helm arrives at court during the fifth day of the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, the Jeffrey Epstein associate accused of sex trafficking, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., December 3, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri - RC217R9X3J0Q
Teresa Helm said a meeting could help police investigations in the UK and US (Picture: REUTERS)

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Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who spearheaded the release of the Epstein Files, wrote to the King this week asking him to meet the sex offender’s victims.

The representative said it would allow the Monarch to hear directly form them about ‘how powerful individuals and institutions failed them’.

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The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual abuse, which he denied, also ‘strongly’ urged the King to ‘hear’ what victims ‘have to say’.

Now Helm has become the first Epstein survivor to say she wants to meet the Monarch, alongside other survivors, when he comes to the US.

She told Metro: ‘I do believe that the King should meet with us survivors.

‘Not only could it help with investigations or connecting the pieces, but it would send a strong message around the world that no one is above the law.

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‘There is a lot of human dignity that could be demonstrated by meeting with survivors.’

OXFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: King Charles III speaks during a tour of the facility at Oxford PV, a globally-recognised pioneer of solar technology on March 27, 2026 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
The King will not be ale to meet survivors due to fears it could prejudice police investigations, Metro understands (Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images)

Asked what she would say to the King if she met him, Helm said: ‘I would really encourage him to continue down the path of justice on behalf of all the survivors, on behalf of his family, on behalf of his country.

‘It would take a lot of courage to make sure that there is no stone left unturned as far as any investigation.’

Metro understands the King and Queen’s position is that they will not be able to meet with survivors due to ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

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There are fears any Royal meeting with victims would risk prejudicing these investigations into the King’s brother.

Charles said at the time of Andrew’s arrest that law enforcement ‘have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.’

He added: ‘Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.’

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

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Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, younger brother of Britain???s King Charles, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaves Aylsham Police Station on a vehicle, on the day he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after the U.S. Justice Department released more records tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in Aylsham, Britain, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Phil Noble TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ATTENTION EDITORS: UPDATING HEADLINE
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office (Picture: REUTERS)

Reacting to the news that the King will not be able to meet survivors, Helm said it was ‘disappointing’.

She added: ‘ It would be such a missed opportunity to set a precedent to showing profound human dignity. The world could really use a healthy dose of that right now.’

The campaigner, who was a close friend of Giuffre before her death almost a year ago, said she did ‘respect the King’ for ‘stating that he supports the investigative process, even of his own brother’.

She added: ‘The decisions that are made in the justice that is sought or not is going to impact many generations to come.’

However Helm, who has become a leading advocate for the full release of the Epstein Files, also called on more pressure to be put on Andrew to testify in front of US lawmakers, which has previously refused to do.

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She claimed: ‘Andrew had a very close relationship with Ghislaine.

‘Ghislaine harmed me very directly and personally. In my mind she is pretty much a monster.

‘Jeffrey, Ghislaine and Andrew were very close, and many others. In my mind… they all knew what they were doing because they were all supporting one another in doing it. They were all in each other’s pockets.’

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 03: Teresa Helm (C) speaks during a news conference with fellow alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, their lawyers, supporters and members of Congress outside the U.S. Capitol on September 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA ) have introduced the Epstein List Transparency Act to force the federal government to release all unclassified records from the cases of Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Helm was a lead advocate in the release of the Epstein Files (Picture: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Helm praised the fact that police forces across the world are investigating people linked with the Epstein files, but questioned why US law enforcement are yet to act over the relevations.

She explained: ‘When I look at other parts of the world where there are arrests and investigations, I am left wondering why we have not seen that in the United States.

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‘We’re all just still watching and waiting for some true actual accountability.

‘All these names are being named, there are photos, but there is nothing following behind that to show people are being held accountable.’

While the full details of the King’s visit to the US have not been confirmed, he will meet President Trump during the trip.

‘It will be TERRIFIC!’, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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The King has also been invited to address Congress during the state visit.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Petrol bomb attack in Cranbourne Terrace in Stockton

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Petrol bomb attack in Cranbourne Terrace in Stockton

Police were called to a property on Cranbourne Terrace in at around 4.40pm on Wednesday, April 1, after reports of a petrol bomb being thrown at a house and two cars.

An investigation has now been launched to find those responsible and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Pringle, from Stockton CID said: “At 4.40pm on Wednesday, April 1, police were called to reports of a petrol bomb thrown at a house on Cranbourne Terrace in Stockton and another at two cars causing minor damage.

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“Officers swiftly attended and an investigation is ongoing to establish who is involved.

“We are appealing to anyone with information to call 101 or visit the website quoting reference number 060579.

“You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.”

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Grand National 2026: Get Free Shop bets every day of festival with your Daily Mirror

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Belfast Live

Packed pullouts and FREE shop bets every day of the iconic Grand National festival from your trusted racing paper – don’t miss out!

The Randox Grand National Festival is a highlight of the British sporting calendar, and over three days, the stars of horse racing line up for a chance to come away as one of the festival’s iconic victors.

Your Daily Mirror has an incredible line up for this huge event! With packed pullouts featuring tips and insights from your trusted pundits and all the information you need on the day’s runners and riders every day of the festival. PLUS you’ll find a £5 FREE shop bet inside your paper EVERY day of the festival to use at any A.McLean Bookmakers – so pick a winner with your Daily Mirror this Aintree!

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On Saturday April 11, 34 horses will line up to take on the four and a quarter mile titular race over the Aintree spruce fences before a winner is crowned. It is the one occasion of the year when the public places a bet with millions of pounds set to be wagered on the outcome of the 4.00 race at Aintree on April 11. There is also the small matter of a £1 million prize fund up for grabs, with £500,000 on offer for the winner, making it a potentially lucrative day out for owners and trainers.

Winning is not an easy task, however, and there is lots of competition for the crown of Grand National winner. Last year Willie Mullins pulled off the extraordinary feat of training the 1-2-3 in the race with Nick Rockett, ridden by his amateur rider son Patrick, defeating 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West. For good measure he also trained the fifth placed finisher.

Last year’s first three are destined to take on the challenge again with billionaire JP McManus, the owner of favourite I Am Maximus, also represented by Iroko and Jagwar near the top of the betting. McManus also owns Johnnywho, a winner at the recent Cheltenham Festival, and Oscars Brother, trained by former champion apprentice Connor King who at 27 will attempt to become the youngest trainer to win the Grand National. Haiti Couleurs, trained in Pembrokeshire, west Wales by Rebecca Curtis, will attempt to add the Grand National to triumphs in the Irish and Welsh versions.

Inside your Daily Mirror from Thursday April 9th

Thursday April 9th, and Friday April 10th: 12 packed pages of racing content from Day One and Two of the festival

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Saturday April 11th: Celebrate Grand National Saturday with TWENTY pages of epic tips, features and content from your trusted Mirror pundits

PLUS Get a FREE £5 Shop bet with A.McLean Bookmakers inside your paper on Thursday, Friday, AND Grand National Saturday!

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Police officer injured after crash in Cambridge

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Cambridgeshire Live

The crash involved a car and a police van.

A police officer has been injured after being involved in a crash. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of a crash on Gilbert Road in Cambridge at around 8.55am on Thursday (April 2).

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The collision involved a car and a police van. One officer was injured during the incident. No arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were called at about 8.55am this morning (2 April) to Gilbert Road, Cambridge, to reports of a collision between a car and a police van.

“An officer suffered minor injuries, there were no arrests and officers remain at the scene.”

To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

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We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

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Texas Smoker street food vendor joins Stack Seaburn

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Texas Smoker street food vendor joins Stack Seaburn

New street food vendor, Texas Smoker, has already been a hit at the St. James’ Stack in Newcastle.

Founder Garry Overs comes from a family with four generations in the food business and was inspired to introduce American-style smoked meats to the UK around 15 years ago.

Mr Overs said: “I built my own smoker as there was nothing like that available at the time.”

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He continued: “We’re really delighted to be coming to Sunderland.”

The menu includes 48-hour oak-smoked brisket and pork, served with homemade slaw and signature sauce in a brioche bun, alongside chili cheese dogs, ribs, and dirty fries and nachos.

Garry added: “It’s a great site for us and we think it will go down a storm.

“It’s something new and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”

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At their busiest times, Garry and his team smoke around a tonne of meat every weekend, using everything from oak to applewood to get the unique flavour.

The Texas Smoker team are well known around the UK, appearing at everything from Hyde Park’s annual Winter Wonderland to Rewind Festival to the Royal Highland Show.

All their meat is sourced from Freemans Butchers in Team Valley.

Gemma Dishman, Director of Strategy and Development at Stack, said: “Our focus is always on curating a strong, balanced food offer that keeps people coming back, and Texas Smoker is a great addition to that mix.

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“They bring something distinct in terms of flavour, quality and experience, which complements the existing line-up at Seaburn really well.”

The launch of Texas Smoker follows the recent arrival of another vendor, Strip’d Nashville Fried Chicken, which serves Nashville style buttermilk soaked fried chicken burgers, tenders and wraps, alongside loaded fries and signature chicken wings.

Ms Dishman said: “The addition of Strip’d further strengthens the overall food mix at Seaburn, offering a strong, recognisable crowd-pleaser and gives visitors even more reason to return and try something different.”

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King Charles and and Queen Camilla give away money in ancient Easter tradition

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King Charles and and Queen Camilla give away money in ancient Easter tradition

Recipients will be given two purses – a white purse including a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pennies, to match the King’s age, and a red pursue containing a £5 coin marking 100 years since the late Queen’s birth, as well as a 50p coin celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust charity.

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Peterlee firefighters sleep out in aid of homeless veterans

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Peterlee firefighters sleep out in aid of homeless veterans

Ten members of the Blue Watch team from Peterlee, part of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out on Sunday (March 29) raising £1,285 for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RVBE), a charity supporting ex-servicemen and women across the UK.

The crew camped at a site in County Durham using only basic gear, aiming to better understand the challenges faced by those without shelter.

The crew camped at a site in County Durham using only basic gear. (Image: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

Anthony Matthias, 54, watch manager at Peterlee, said: “The sleep out went really well.

“We pitched five tents and one tarp to accommodate everyone.

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“The temperature got down to around 3°C and we had rain and gusts of wind all night.

“But being uncomfortable made you appreciate what it’s like to be homeless and not able to sleep in a comfortable bed.”

The funds raised will go towards safe housing, mental health support, and job opportunities for veterans through the RVBE.

Donations are being collected until the end of April – to donate visit socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-wx5mm681nmo50

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Mr Matthias said: “We would like to thank all those people who have taken the time and trouble to contribute to the charity.

“These vital funds for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RVBE) will help to provide safe homes, mental health support, employment opportunities, and communities where veterans can support each other.

“We also want to give a shout out to the owner of the permissive camp spot for allowing us to use their land.”

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WWE fans think they ‘dodged a bullet’ as Chris Jericho makes shock AEW return

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WWE fans think they 'dodged a bullet' as Chris Jericho makes shock AEW return
Fans have saida 2026 Jericho run would’ve done the WWE no favours (Picture: AEW)

After months of speculation, Chris Jericho has returned to All Elite Wrestling.

For the first time since April 2025, the legendary wrestler appeared on AEW Dynamite after a long period where people believed he might be making a shock WWE comeback.

Despite reports linking Y2J to a return at the 2026 Royal Rumble and even the first Monday Night Raw of the year on Netflix, nothing materialised, and he remained on AEW’s online roster.

On Wednesday night, Jericho had his comeback in front of a hometown crowd in Winnipeg, where he described Tony Khan’s company as ‘home’.

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While there were cheers from the crowd, and fans are intrigued to see what the next stage in the 55-year-old star’s career holds, many WWE fans appear relieved he didn’t end up rejoining the promotion.

On X, fan @‌jennaia07 wrote: ‘Ngl WWE kinda dodged a bullet, cuz a 2026 Jericho run would’ve done the company no favours.’

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - APRIL 10: Chris Jericho in action against Eddie Guerrero during Monday Night RAW at National Car Rental Center on April 10, 2000 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by WWE/WWE via Getty Images)
Despite rumours to the contrary, Jericho remains on AEW’s online roster (Picture: WWE)

‘*shrugs* I really had no interest in seeing Jericho back in WWE in the year 2026 anyways 🤷‍♂️,’ added @‌Raaaaaaaandyyy.

Others shared similar sentiments earlier on Wednesday, when reports first emerged suggesting Jericho was staying in AEW.

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‘Don’t give hope. I swear if Jericho shows up on my WWE TV I’m gonna lose it. Keep his a** in Jacksonville,’ raved @‌Jon_Mitchell3, while @‌LoserStoneDsh_n added: ‘NO CHRIS JERICHO IN MY PRECIOUS FEDERATION’.

Some fans had expected Jericho to go to WWE for a Hall of Fame induction and WrestleMania retirement run, but now there are plenty hoping he gets a similar sendoff in AEW after time appeared to be added onto his contract following his long absence.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JULY 25: Chris Jericho in action against AJ Styles during SmackDown at Richmond Coliseum on July 25, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Eric Johnson/WWE via Getty Images)
Fans had expected Jericho to go to WWE for a Hall of Fame induction (Picture: 2017 WWE)

‘Sting got the best retirement run ever in Wrestling history, Jericho will do the same,’ @‌Chuck_Senpai wrote, while @‌PittsburghPug86 added: ‘Honestly, what’s left for Jericho to do in any promotion? Glad he’s back, but he’s done it all. Maybe a retirement tour this time around? 🤷’

Others insisted that while he isn’t ‘needed in AEW’, he can still contribute ‘as an upper mid-card legacy babyface’, using his name value to build the future.

As reported by Fightful Select in the hours before Dynamite, Jericho – who recently trademarked ‘Cornerstone’ – was the subject of plenty of chatter backstage in AEW, while there were ‘absolutely’ talks between the former world champion and WWE.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 12: Chris Jericho attends the "Margo's Got Money Troubles" premiere during the 2026 SXSW conference and festival at The Paramount Theatre on March 12, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
Reportedly, there were ‘absolutely’ talks between the former world champion and WWE. (Picture: 2026 Getty Images)

The outlet said: ‘We’re told that there absolutely have been talks between Chris Jericho and WWE in recent months. However, at no point has creative been set for him that we’ve heard about.

‘He was never planned for the WWE Raw on Netflix anniversary, Royal Rumble, or Elimination Chamber.’

Will Chris Jericho ever return to WWE?

Metro’s wrestling expert Alistair McGeorge looks at what the future could hold.

You can never say never in wrestling, but it’s hard to imagine Chris Jericho returning to WWE now.

There were already doubts about a comeback, given his age and more recent work in AEW, while he had even been met with ‘please retire’ chants from live crowds.

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It remains to be seen how this run goes, but Jericho and AEW will have to work to build up goodwill if he’s going to be a heavily featured, regular player again.

In WWE, he would likely have been used in a short few-month run to keep building GUNTHER’s career killer character by allowing him to retire another legend, which would have been just about the best use for him in the company, along with a backstage role sharing his creativity.

Despite a wealth of older champions across Raw and SmackDown, none are in their 50s, and this month’s WrestleMania card shows a focus on youth with the likes of Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams all set for major matches.

Of course, someone of Jericho’s experience is always valuable to a company when they’re used properly, and WWE has already lost some of that on the regular main roster after AJ Styles retirement. However, the likes of Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio (despite being injured) are still veterans who can help the rising stars.

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Even assuming Jericho only stays with AEW until the end of this year, that’s another 12 months where the wrestling world moves so fast.

Could he return to WWE in 2027? Nothing can be ruled out, and I don’t think a Hall of Fame induction is unlikely over the next few years.

However, it certainly seems like Jericho has set the stage for an AEW retirement run rather than a similar farewell in WWE.

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It’s not clear how long Jericho will be around in wrestling, as he recently admitted he’s nearing the end of his career after more than three decades in the business.

He was recently asked by GamesHub what concerns he has for the future health of the current crop of wrestlers who are embracing a very physical in-ring style, and in his answer, he dropped a hint about his future plans.

‘What worries me about the guys working today is here I am at 55, 35 years in, with still some career left to go. I don’t know if it’s a year, two years, four years — I’m not sure,’ he said.

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‘But I don’t know how many of the guys working now will have the option to go 35 years. Hopefully, all of them. But you can already see what serious injuries do — a bad neck surgery changes everything.’

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