Emergency services attended with a cordon put in place

A woman was taken to hospital after a police car was involved in a crash in south Manchester.

It happened on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury this afternoon (Wednesday, June 17).

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a police car was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

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Pictures from the scene, outside Moor Allerton prep school near the junction with Mersey Road, showed a liveried police car and a blue estate both with damage to their front ends.

Paramedics and fire crews also attended with the area around the vehicles taped off.

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said a woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

GMP were unable to confirm if the person was an officer or civilian.

However they said it appeared there had been no serious injuries had been suffered by anybody.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed they attended to ‘help make the scene safe.’

The project was due to be finished in February 2024

A developer has been criticised for ‘simply unacceptable’ delays to a major flats project, with questions being asked about what went wrong.

Earlier this month, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) announced it has ended its contract with developer Robwood Construction Limited who were appointed to deliver a 30 affordable apartment scheme on Shaw Street in May 2022. The development was a mix of one and two bedroom flats and was due to be finished in February 2024.

The housing association, which manages around 11,500 homes, said there had been a number of delays to the project but these ‘now are solely focused on poor contractor performance’. FCHO said they had worked with Robwood Construction ‘to address the delays and to ensure the project was finished by the end of last year’.

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They claim £3.7m being handed over, but the scheme has still not been finished. FCHO said it had terminated the contract as ‘progress has still remained unacceptably slow’ and they have now taken over the site to finish it.

Chief executive Mark Gifford said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but a delay of more than two years by this main contractor to finish this project is simply unacceptable.

“It has come to the point where we can see no realistic prospect of this development finishing unless we take control.

“This is despite considerable financial and practical support from FCHO including ensuring all payments due to Robwood Construction have been made.”

Mr Gifford said they had sent letters explaining the situation, adding: “We want to see this development finished because people need to move into these homes. We also recognise this has been a building site for too long and nearby residents are rightly concerned about the delays.

“We are now on site and assessing just how long it will take to finish the project. When we have made this assessment, we will be able to give a realistic completion time frame to the community.”

Reform UK councillor for Royton North and group leader, Lewis Quigg, said: “Given the near two-year delays to the project, questions still need to be asked why it took so long. The snap decision to terminate the contract was probably needed given the delays.

“Whether FCHO like it or not, this scheme was a flagship scheme in Royton. Hopefully the scheme can finally be finished. We can only hope that the council ensure the properties go to local people from Royton.”

A FCHO spokesperson added: “We are now in control and we expect to work with some of the respected supply chain that was previously on site to ensure work continues at pace. Everyone can be assured Shaw Street will be completed as soon as possible.”

Asked whether FCHO is looking to recover any of the money given over to developers, the spokesperson said: “The situation is commercially sensitive.”

Robwood Construction was subject to a number of winding-up petitions over the past year, the most recent being filed in April. Those proceedings are understood to be ongoing. A winding-up petition is legal action taken by a person or organisation who believes they are owed money.

If successful in court, this gives the right for the company to be wound up if the debt cannot be paid. Mr Gifford said: “FCHO was aware of the winding-up petitions Robwood Construction Limited was facing in the summer of last year.

“These are not unusual in the construction sector and in other industries. However we then undertook extensive due diligence around the cash flow and solvency of Robwood before we gave the company further funds for Shaw Street to reflect the well documented and nationwide increases in labour costs and materials.

“Those funds came with a stipulation the project’s supply chain were to be paid with the money and this was overseen by our on-site agent.”

Mr Gifford said the termination of the contract was not related to any potential solvency issues.

The LDRS attempted to contact Robwood Construction through its registered accountants on Companies House about the situation and understands the enquiry has been passed onto the developer.

Lee Birkett, the sole director of the company, has also been approached multiple times for a comment.

A woman has been taken to hospital following a crash on the A34 near Handforth Dean on Wednesday afternoon (June 17).

Witnesses report a car has flipped onto its roof on the Wilmslow-Handforth bypass at the roundabout near B&Q, with around five or six emergency service vehicles at the scene.

The Manchester Evenning News understands a woman has been taken to hospital as a precaution after a car hit a lamppost and flipped.

The incident has led to the closure of part of the roundabout, according to AA Traffic News, while traffic is building on the bypass. Google Maps is showing significant delays in the area and indicates the closure could remain in place until midnight.

This is a live event. We’ll bring you updates as we get them.

Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in an emotional end to a decades-long murder case that haunted Long Island.

Families applauded and cheered in the courtroom after the judge handed down the sentence Wednesday. He called Heuermann a “disgusting and despicable man,” stating: “You’re a coward.”

Heuermann was allowed to speak at sentencing and told the court, “I am responsible for all that was said in this room… The words I say have no meaning.”

The judge asked him if he’s sorry for his crimes, saying, “At least eight women that we know of… Are you a little bit sorry for that?” Heuermann replied, “yes.”

Earlier at the hearing, hands clasped and resting on the defense table in an eastern Long Island courtroom, Heuermann looked straight ahead and lightly tapped his fingers as he was confronted by families of his victims.

“A million years isn’t enough,” Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of victim Jessica Taylor, told killer Rex Heuermann. “Nothing will ever make this right.”

“Justice has been done, but it can’t replace what has been taken,” said JoAnn Mack, the mother of victim Valerie Mack. “She had dreams, and you took them all away from her.”

The Long Island architect, 62, lived a secret life of violence for years before admitting he killed eight women in April.

The sentencing caps an extraordinary investigation that solved one of New York’s most perplexing mysteries — one that began as a series of seemingly unconnected, and largely unmarked disappearances of young women, but became the focus of true-crime documentaries, books and podcasts after police began discovering the victims’ skeletal remains in the sandy scrub along a coastal parkway.

Asa Ellerup, his ex-wife, and their two grown children said through their lawyers that they would not attend the sentencing out of respect for the victim’s families.

The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299

Plans to replace 235 “ageing” homes at former council estates in Cambridge with almost 300 new ones have taken a step forward. Cambridge City Council, working with Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) and The Hill Group, are seeking additional funding to deliver council houses as part of the developments.

The proposals, on Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, aim to improve living standards for Cambridge and help meet growing demand across the city.

The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299. At Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, independent viability assessments concluded that the costs associated with redeveloping the sites mean there should be no requirement to build council homes.

Nevertheless, Cambridge City Council intends to secure funding from Homes England to deliver council homes at each development.

The latest plans at Hanover Court and Princess Court off Hills Road, would see two deteriorating residential buildings of 127 homes demolished and 165 new homes built in their place. Funding for this site will allow 72 council homes to be built as part of the 165 new homes proposed, equalling 44 per cent. This would be a reduction of 10 compared with the 82 existing council homes.

Similarly, at Ekin Road, in Abbey, funding would enable 78 council homes to be built within the 134 total new homes being proposed, equalling 58 per cent. This is 13 fewer council homes than currently exist. Updated plans propose the demolition of 108 “ageing” homes to deliver the new ones.

In addition, the proposals would see more spacious layouts, modern homes, with some homes offering additional living spaces and others offering additional bedrooms.

The remaining 149 homes will be available for sale and profit generated from these homes will go towards the council’s additional source of funding to support its ongoing council house building programme.

According to the council, the current residential buildings in Hanover Court and Princess Court are no longer suitable for council tenants to live in due to a combination of structural concerns, fire safety constraints and wider building performance issues. The council considers that the only way to address the concerns is to redevelop the site.

Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the Ekin Road estate reportedly has many of the maintenance and structural issues which can contribute to issues such as damp, condensation and mould. Therefore, the site is being redeveloped. The development will offer a mix of one to five bedroom homes, as well as four homes specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Residents have already moved from Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road ahead of the planned development works. Support for council tenants includes being given priority access to choosing a suitable council home to move into as well as a home-loss payment of around £8,000, plus a £1,250 payment to cover moving expenses.

Meanwhile, homeowners are offered the market rate for their home based on a property valuation by a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor, plus a statutory compensation payment of 7.5-10 per cent. They are also entitled to reasonable disturbance and assistance with moving costs, including legal fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Councillor Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and CIP board member said: “Everyone deserves to live in homes that meet modern standards – with spacious living areas that are well ventilated and comfortable to live in, with high energy efficiency to bring down spiralling energy costs.”

Plans for Ekin Road are due to be considered by Planning Committee later this summer.

Michael O’Leary called changes to air passenger rights “gobbledygook” and “bureaucratic bunkum” in a statement published on the airline’s website on June 16.

The rules, announced a day earlier, require airlines to display fares including at least one carry-on bag before the booking process begins.

The European Commission says the update will improve transparency and help customers make fairer comparisons.

What happens if you miss your flight due to airport delays?

Mr O’Leary said: “These latest EU261 regulations are more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council.

“Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude second cabin bags), which is what over 50% of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.”

Ryanair claims the rule will mislead passengers who want the cheapest fares, which do not include a second cabin bag.

According to the airline, around half of its customers select the basic option and travel with just a small under-seat bag.

The UK is expected to follow suit with the rule change, as EU261 was adopted into British law post-Brexit.

Mr O’Leary also criticised the EU’s broader approach to aviation regulation.

He said: “As usual, neither the EU Parliament, nor the Council, have done anything to improve the competitiveness of EU airlines by abolishing Europe’s failed harmful ETS taxation or reforming the EU’s broken ATC system.”

The Emissions Trading System (ETS) requires companies to buy permits for each tonne of carbon they emit—costs Ryanair believes further harm airline competitiveness.

Mr O’Leary argued that more pressing issues, such as air traffic control (ATC) delays, are being ignored.

He said: “Europe’s ATC system accounts for over 90% of airline delays, yet the airlines are not allowed to recover our EU261 costs from these failing Government monopolies.

“At a time when Putin invaded Ukraine, and there is a war in the Middle East, Europe needs to be more competitive if it is to deliver growth.

“At this time of international crisis, all the EU Parliament and Council can do is invent new regulations.

“This will now force airlines to advertise higher air fares (which include second cabin bag fees) instead of advertising our lowest air fares (which exclude second cabin bag fees) which is what more than 50% of Ryanair passengers choose on a daily basis.”

He urged Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders to focus on meaningful reforms.

Mr O’Leary said: “Ryanair again calls on Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU Parliament, to stop making rubbish regulations which makes EU air travel less competitive, and instead do something competitive for European consumers.”

Among other rule changes is a new ban on denying boarding for return flights if a passenger did not take the outbound leg.

However, Ryanair maintains that the carry-on change will confuse customers looking for the lowest fare and further burden airlines with unnecessary red tape.

The song is in opposition to the whole ‘looksmaxxing’ trend

The Fountain in Ely, has been listed for sale on its website after being inactive for years

A 200-year-old pub has been listed for sale just weeks after a bid to turn the building into a staff room was withdrawn. Planning documents said the landlord of The Fountain, Ely, had agreed to sell the pub to King’s Ely school if the plans were approved.

Punters spotted fliers in the pub titled “THE FOUNTAIN”, “FOR SALE” with “interested in purchasing?” above a QR code redirecting them to the pub’s website. The website had been inactive since at least August 2023 according to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.

Visitors are now greeted with a description of the property and a “Buyer Qualification Enquiry” form asking for details and intended use of the pub. A notice above the form states: “Submission of this form does not constitute an offer or agreement of any kind.

“The vendor reserves the right to decline to proceed with any enquiry without providing reasons. All information provided will be treated in confidence.”

Options for intended use include keeping it as a pub, changing the use to residential or commercial, redevelopment and undecided/exploring options. An indicative offer drop-down box allows potential buyers to pick from £400,000-£500,000 at the lowest up to £700,000+.

Joe Moor, who has been campaigning to save the pub, welcomed the news but warned it may not be the end of their battle yet.

He said: “It’s encouraging to see there’s a willingness to sell it but unless there’s a proper process with it on the open market, it could just be a meaningless gesture.”

The owners of The Fountain pub have been approached for comment.

Club: AC Milan Age: 40 Position: Midfielder Caps: 198 Goals: 29

Croatia’s captain and talisman has recovered from a fractured cheekbone on 26 April to stay on course for his 200th cap this summer.

Fifa only recognises three male players with more appearances for their country: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, is yet to decide on his future following AC Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

He was heavily relied on to dictate the team’s tempo in 2025-26 and played his most league minutes (2,788) in a season since 2010-11 with Spurs.

A glorious 13 years at Real Madrid began ignominiously when he was voted ‘worst signing of 2012’ in a poll by Madrid-based sports daily Marca.

But Modric more than proved his worth – claiming 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles at Real.

The incident is said to have happened in Bar Lane, off Micklegate, around 10pm on Tuesday evening (June 16).

North Yorkshire Police said the arrested man is in custody and is being questioned.

A force spokesperson said: “The victim is receiving specialist support whilst the investigation continues.

“The scene has been cordoned off to the public to allow for a forensic investigation.”

As reported by The Press, officers have been stationed between the junction of Micklegate and Bar Lane and the boundary of George Stephenson House, a Network Rail building, all morning and remain in place.

Bar Lane, off Micklegate in York has been the scene of a police cordon today (Wednesday, June 17) (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The cordoned-off area is approximately 60 metres long and is on the Bar Walls side of the road.

A steep bank runs up from a low wall towards the Bar Walls and is covered in shrubs and bushes along its length with a number of tall, mature trees covering the site.

Proprietors and staff of the various retail and hospitality businesses from Nunnery Lane as far as Trinity Lane / Barker Lane were open at various times from around 7am and one owner who cycled into work said he saw the cordon up at that time.

The Network Rail building has been open as normal and traffic has been passing through Micklegate and Bar Lane unaffected by the cordon.

The North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Witnesses or anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to come forward.

“If you can help in any way, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by making an online report.

“Please quote reference number 12260111552 when providing details.”