Some Southampton fans hoped the actual details of the spying incident involving Middlesbrough might help ensure there was some leniency in their punishment.

The spy, Southampton analyst intern William Salt, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to a raised area of ground.

Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call.

Southampton fan Cameron said he expected expulsion from the play-offs was a strong possibility, but felt the four point deduction for next season in addition was too much.

“I am shocked, to be honest,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

“I mean, from everything that was going on, we knew the punishment was going to be harsh.

“After seeing the picture come out of what it was actually like with just an iPhone AirPods, we thought, okay, might not be that bad, but to be expelled from the play-offs and a four-point deduction seems way too harsh.”

Fellow Saints fans Chris Jewell added: “I think it’s a bit unfair.

“I know we have done wrong but how they can stop it when they have sold all these tickets, people have booked coaches. I am absolutely gutted about this.”

Middlesbrough supporters speaking to the BBC outside the club’s Riverside Stadium on Tuesday were understandably delighted.

Supporter and podcaster Jimmy Lees said: “It would have been massively unfair to the ethics of game of football.

“If Southampton were able to play in the final on Saturday, what example would that set for everyone else in football? Is it worth cheating to try and get that unfair advantage?

“Thankfully the EFL stood firm, gave their punishment and kicked Southampton out of the final. Now it is Middlesbrough’s opportunity to play Hull and hopefully get Premier League promotion.”

Fellow fan Chris Saunders added: “I am stunned. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to Boro – we are used to our hopes being dashed and bitter disappointment. I was expecting them to get away with it and a big fine.”

For Hull there will be some frustration that the team has been preparing to face one opponent but will now be taking on a different one with just three more days to train.

Prior to the decision being announced, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden said on the Monday Night Club that the club would be prepared for whatever eventuality.

“If anything changes in the next few days then we’ll have to adapt to that,” he said.

“There’s obviously going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of nervous energy, going into such a big occasion and for us it’s about the players going out there and not overthinking.

“We’ve adapted well to teams we’re playing against, to injuries and we’ve found ways to win.”

For BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White, there still remains too much uncertainty given Southampton’s appeal.

“There will be questions about whether Hull City consider their legal position in all of it, because they have been put in a position where they have had a couple of days notice to prepare for Middlebsrough,” he said.

“But I think there’s too many good professionals at Hull City. I would be amazed if they hadn’t done some sort of work, prep or plan for Middlesbrough being the opponent. Ultimately, in the public eye they have been given three days notice to prepare for Middlesbrough. So would they consider their legal standing?

“The hope is they go into the final, win the final, and justice has been done in that sense. It’s mucky, it’s horrible and not a nice position for anyone to be in. Southampton made their bed and have to lie in it.”

The BBC’s Northern Ireland police drama has been a massive hit with viewers who have awarded it a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes

Three series of the police drama are now available to stream in their entirety, and viewers appear to have nothing but praise for yet another BBC triumph.

When the third series arrived, audiences were delighted to have even more content to immerse themselves in, and it appears with justification, as they awarded it an impressive 100% flawless rating on the review platform Rotten Tomatoes.

Blue Lights is a police drama centred at a fictional station called Blackthorn in Northern Ireland, positioned against the landscape of considerable grit and emotional turbulence.

It tracks the daily experiences of a police force in Belfast as they interact with various members of the community.

Throughout we encounter hardened criminals and ordinary residents, and unlike other programmes in the genre, it opts to focus on the internal dynamics of the police rather than the investigations themselves.

The ensemble comprises Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Martin McCann and Richard Dormer, all of whom have garnered significant acclaim for their authentic portrayal of the police force.

Commenting on the cast, one fan posted: “Absolutely brilliant acting. One of the best series I’ve ever watched. Characters and plots are brilliant. Totally believable, and the tension at times is almost palpable. If you’ve not watched it yet, what are you waiting for?”

Another review reads: “Just. WOW. Better than anything we’ve watched that I can remember. Great writing, good character development, and what a plot! I figured seasons 2 and 3 would probably be a let-down, but I see they get even higher tomato ratings.”

Spanning what are now three series, Blue Lights portrays the immense pressures faced by the force, particularly across the Belfast area, while shining a light on the extent of organised crime in the region, including corruption from within the ranks.

Each episode unravels the intricate conspiracies officers must untangle, the loyalist tensions they navigate, and their ongoing battle against an established criminal dynasty.

One reviewer said: “EXCELLENT show. Well-paced and well-written, believable characters and tense storylines set this show apart in the best way in the crowded field of policing dramas.”

One viewer proclaimed the third series to be “Outstandingly excellent on all counts!”. They added: “I love it when you feel the creators love their characters! Even most of the bad guys have a touching, loveable side. Line of Duty excellence + so much human warmth and authenticity = what else could I hope for?”

Blue Lights has reportedly been commissioned for a fourth series following the triumph of its predecessors, though precisely when it will land on screens remains unclear. Fans are anticipating its arrival at some point during 2026.

To remain fixed to your settee, all episodes of Blue Lights are accessible to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

Fans who fell in love with Andrew Garfield’s performance in the WWII war drama have been urging others to give it a watch, with viewers calling it a ‘military masterpiece’ and claiming it’s simply “perfect”

Frequently compared to films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line, this war drama is regarded as a contemporary classic, boasting a celebrated director, star-studded cast and deeply moving narrative.

Audiences cannot help but laud Andrew Garfield’s performance in this biographical war film, with some declaring it simply “perfect”. Following his portrayal of Spider-Man, this represented a significant shift in his career, prompting viewers to regard him seriously beyond family-oriented productions.

Hacksaw Ridge is a true war story based on a 2004 documentary titled The Conscientious Objector. It recounts the poignant tale of how Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honour for his service during the Second World War.

He took a principled stance as an American combat medic who declined to carry any weapon, adhering to his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, during the battle of Okinawa.

His account inspired countless people, and the dramatised screen adaptation went on to make an even greater impression, garnering multiple awards.

The review platform Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film a strong overall score of 84%, with hundreds of reviews praising the drama highly since its 2016 release.

One review states: “Great movie. Doesn’t shy away from the blood and depicts war more accurately than most movies, in my opinion. Shows the horrors Doss had to go through in real life. One of the few movies based on a real war hero that does them justice, in my opinion.”

Another admirer said: “A true military masterpiece. The kind of story that can change you. It’s awe-inspiring to think that it actually happened.”

The Oscar-winning picture is helmed by Mel Gibson, renowned for his cherished performances in films such as Mad Max and the Lethal Weapon franchise, alongside his production, direction and starring role in the legendary film Braveheart.

He assembled a cast featuring Garfield, Luke Bracey, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer and Sam Worthington, all of whom garnered widespread acclaim from critics and cinema enthusiasts.

Another viewer notes: “A truly fantastic film! Screenplay, cast, direction, everything is top-notch. And to make it even more perfect, it’s based on real events. In other words, it’s among the best cinematic productions. It’s a powerful film that, regardless of your beliefs, deserves your time and respect.”

Garfield’s portrayal in Hacksaw Ridge earned him his maiden Oscar nomination for Best Actor, while the picture itself secured victories for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. It garnered six nominations altogether and was hailed as ‘the return of Mel Gibson’ following a period of diminished Hollywood success, amassing over $180 million globally.

One captivated viewer shared: “I was sceptical at first about watching this movie and then was overwhelmed by how good of a movie this was. My hats off to Mel Gibson for putting together such an emotionally gripping and compelling story.

“I liked it so much that I watched it a second time the very next day. Do yourself a favour and watch this movie.”

Hacksaw Ridge is currently available to stream on both Amazon Prime and Netflix, making it perfect for a cosy film night at home.

A section of Piccadilly has been taped off following reports of a ‘stabbing’.

Officers descended on the area late on Tuesday night.

The Manchester Evening News understands officers are investigating a suspected stabbing.

Armed police were seen in attendance following the incident.

Paramedics were also pictured at the scene, with medical debris on the ground.

Further details about the incident are yet to be confirmed.

Updates will be posted in this blog when they are available.

For many women with lipodoema, the diagnosis comes after years of being told the same thing: eat less, more more. The problem is that the fat accumulating around their hips and legs isn’t responding to diet or exercise, because it was never caused by them in the first place.

Lipoedema is a long-term condition that affects the way fat is stored in the body. It mainly affects women and usually develops or worsens at times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. The link with these life stages is one reason researchers think hormones may play a role, although the exact cause is still not fully understood.

Lipoedema may also run in families, which suggests that genetic factors could be involved.

It usually appears as a symmetrical build-up of fatty tissue around the hips, buttocks and legs. In some people, it also affects the arms. The upper body may remain much smaller, which can make the body look noticeably out of proportion. A common feature is that the hands and feet are usually unaffected, so there may be a clear difference between the affected limbs and the unaffected hands or feet.

Lipoedema is often mistaken for general weight gain, obesity or lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid when the lymphatic system is not draining properly.

Lipoedema primarily involves abnormal fat distribution. This is why the name can be confusing: although “oedema” usually refers to fluid swelling, lipoedema is not caused by fluid build-up. Some people may develop swelling or lymphatic problems alongside lipoedema, particularly in very advanced cases, but these are not the defining feature.

Misunderstanding lipoedema can delay diagnosis and leave people feeling blamed for symptoms that are not simply a result of lifestyle. Many people with lipoedema describe pain, tenderness, heaviness in the affected areas and a tendency to bruise easily. In more severe cases, the size and weight of the affected limbs can make walking, exercising and everyday movement more difficult.

Lipoedema can also overlap with obesity. Someone can have lipoedema and obesity at the same time, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated. Obesity may increase strain on the body, worsen mobility and overload the lymphatic system. Where lipoedema is advanced, especially if body weight is also very high, this can contribute to secondary lymphoedema.

Because lipoedema is not a fluid condition, treatments designed for lymphoedema may not have the same effect. Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialist massage technique intended to encourage fluid to move through the lymphatic system, but evidence for its usefulness in lipoedema itself remains limited.

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Lipoedema is usually diagnosed through a person’s medical history and a physical examination. There is no single blood test or scan that can confirm it. A healthcare professional will look for typical signs, such as symmetrical fat distribution, tenderness, easy bruising and the sparing of the hands and feet.

They may also use a simple clinical check called Stemmer’s sign. This involves trying to pinch and lift the skin at the base of a toe or finger. If the skin cannot be lifted easily, this can suggest lymphoedema. In lipoedema, Stemmer’s sign is negative, meaning the skin can still be pinched.

Myths and management

There are still myths around lipoedema, partly because research is developing and because the condition has historically been under-recognised.

One common claim is that lipoedema fat never responds to diet or exercise. The reality is more nuanced. Healthy eating, physical activity and weight management can still improve health, pain, mobility and quality of life, particularly for people who also have obesity. The aim should be to support strength, movement, comfort and long-term health, without encouraging crash dieting or blaming the patient.

Low-impact exercise can be particularly helpful. Walking, cycling and water-based exercise can support mobility without placing too much strain on painful joints or heavy limbs.

Compression garments also help some people by reducing heaviness, discomfort and swelling. These are close-fitting medical garments that apply controlled pressure to the affected area. Good skin care is important too. This includes keeping the skin clean and moisturised, drying carefully between skin folds and treating cuts promptly, especially if swelling or reduced mobility makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation or infection.

Lipoedema can affect a person’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. This does not mean it directly causes mental health disorders. But living with chronic pain, changes in body shape, reduced mobility and repeated medical dismissal can take a toll.

People may feel self-conscious, frustrated or isolated, especially if they have spent years being told their symptoms are simply a matter of weight. Some research suggests that many patients diagnosed with lipoedema report significant psychological distress before lipoedema-related symptoms begin. Psychological and social support is therefore an important part of care.

There is no cure for lipoedema, but symptoms can be managed. The best approach is usually holistic, meaning it looks at the whole person rather than treating one symptom in isolation. This may include movement, compression, pain management, weight support where appropriate, skin care and emotional support.

In some cases, surgery may be considered. Special liposuction techniques, designed to be gentler on the lymphatic system, may reduce pain and improve mobility for some people, although the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence notes that evidence is still developing.

For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery, an umbrella term for procedures that modify the digestive system to help people lose weight, may also improve symptoms and daily functioning.

Because knowledge about lipoedema varies, it is important to seek advice from healthcare professionals who understand the condition. Organisations such as The International Lipoedema Association provide further information and support.

Good care should recognise both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact, without reducing lipoedema to either a cosmetic concern or a simple weight issue. Better recognition can help people get support earlier, manage symptoms more effectively and move away from years of confusion, blame and delayed care.

The petition was launched in Malton Market Place and online on Saturday by parents Caroline Garrod and Stuart Moss, alongside Cllr Keane Duncan.

Campaigners say the “phenomenal response” shows the strength of feeling across Ryedale, with residents urging North Yorkshire Council to protect the specialist facility for disabled adults with complex needs.

Families say the threatened centre, based in Old Malton Road, is a “lifeline” that offers safety, routine, trusted support, dignity and vital respite.

The petition follows an 11th-hour reprieve last month when North Yorkshire Council postponed its planned decision to close the centre after Cllr Duncan and families challenged the lack of consultation.

Cllr Duncan said the original approach had caused families “unimaginable hell”.

The council is now consulting on Cauwood’s future, but campaigners say they remain deeply concerned as they urge as many people as possible to sign the petition and respond to the consultation.

Cllr Duncan said: “The response to this petition has been phenomenal. More than 500 people have signed in just three days, and that number is growing quickly.

“This shows the strength of feeling not just in Malton, but across Ryedale and beyond. People understand that Cauwood is a vital facility that must be protected for current users and future generations.

“North Yorkshire Council initially planned to close this centre without any consultation whatsoever. We believed that was a deeply flawed, unfair and potentially unlawful approach.

“While we ultimately secured a welcome reprieve, the fight to save Cauwood is far from over.

“Parents have vowed to fight with their last breath to protect this centre, and I am supporting them every step of the way.”

Stuart Moss, dad of Matty Moss, said the petition response from local people had given families renewed determination: “Everyone has been so incredibly positive. As soon as we mention Cauwood, people instantly know about our fight.

“They say it is unthinkable that the council could consider closing such an important place, and that it needs to be stopped. There was no hesitation at all – everyone wanted to sign.

“Matty was excited every single time and gave his thumbs up. That really says everything. Cauwood means the world to him. It is a place where he is safe, happy and understood.

“Families like ours are not going to quietly accept this. We will fight on because our loved ones deserve the best.

“This campaign is growing by the day. We will keep going until North Yorkshire Council listens.”

Caroline Garrod said: “Cauwood gives people like my daughter Natasha the chance to spend time in a safe and supportive environment.

“The message from people across Ryedale is clear: we must save Cauwood.

“Thank you to everyone who has already supported our fight. Every signature makes our campaign stronger and shows the council just how much Cauwood matters.

“We will not give up on Cauwood or on the people who need it.”

Residents can sign the petition here: https://form.jotform.com/cllrkeaneduncan/save-cauwood

Residents can also respond to North Yorkshire Council’s consultation here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/cauwood-day-service

The NHS has urged people to see thier GP if you are worried

If you are randomly getting stomach pains, it’s normal to be worried. Many people will Google their symptoms, and of course, the worst health issues will come up, making people panic even more.

But there’s a little-known, completely benign issue that could be causing stomach pain. For example, the NHS says that it could be vitamins and minerals at play.

It notes that Vitamin C is just one tablet that could cause stomach pain if you take too much. Also known as ascorbic acid, it can be found in many everyday foods, with good sources including oranges, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts and potatoes.

If you’re getting enough in your diet, you may not need supplements. But if you do consume them, the NHS says that “adults aged 19 to 64 need 40mg of vitamin C a day.”

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It warns: “Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.” But if you take too much, more than 1,000mg per day, it can cause:

• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• flatulence

It adds: “These symptoms should disappear once you stop taking vitamin C supplements.” Vitamin C is not the only supplement that could cause stomach issues.

The health service also notes that calcium, potassium, copper, and molybdenum can cause stomach pain. If you take iron, it also notes that side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:

• constipation
• feeling sick
• being sick
• stomach pain

It warns: “Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.”

I have stomach pain, but I am not taking any supplements. What could be causing my pain?

If you have pain anywhere in your body, even if you are taking supplements, you should always talk to your GP to be on the safe side. You should never assume supplements are causing the issue.

The NHS suggests that stomach pain could be caused by a number of reasons, such as flatulence, food poisoning, indigestion, and constipation. Other conditions that can cause stomach pain include endometriosis, adenoymyosis, IBS, appendicitis, gallstones and kidney stones.

Experts at Cancer Research UK further note that stomach pain could be a sign of cancer. The most common symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• unexplained weight loss
• tummy pain
• indigestion (dyspepsia) that doesn’t go away
• feeling full after eating small amounts
• a loss of appetite
• feeling or being sick
• dark poo
• tiredness due to low levels of red blood cells (anaemia)

You can read the NHS advice on stomach ache here, where it lists when to see your GP and when you should call 111 or 999.

Botanic Avenue prosecution follows one for Lisburn Road cafe earlier this month

A second cafe in a month has been fined in Belfast for allowing hookah smoking on its premises.

The owner of Sahara Shisha, a café on Botanic Avenue, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a failure to prevent people smoking shisha within his premises.

Mr Mesut Savcun was fined a total of £1350 plus costs of £79 for breaching smoke-free legislation under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Belfast City Council brought the prosecution following repeated visits to the cafe by Tobacco Control Officers. On five occasions, officers witnessed people smoking shisha within the enclosed premises.

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Earlier in May, the owners of Lova Coffee, a Middle Eastern café on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, were also fined for breaching smoke-free legislation under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Mayar Coffee Limited, registered at 133 Lisburn Road, were fined a total of £1100 plus costs of £128 at Belfast Magistrates Court on May 5 after pleading guilty to the charge of failure to prevent people smoking shisha within their premises.

Shisha is a form of flavoured tobacco heated by charcoal and smoked through a water pipe or hookah. Originating in the Middle East, it is a popular social activity involving a bowl, hose, and water-filled base that cools the smoke before inhalation. It is covered by smoking legislation and is allowed in areas which are open air, or in which at least 50 percent of the building or structure is permanently open.

A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said, “Under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, it is against the law to smoke in enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and in public places such as bars and offices, as well as work vehicles and public transport.”

“This legislation was introduced to protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke. It is enforced across the city by our Tobacco Control Officers, who seek to support businesses to operate good practice and to comply with the law. However, we will take action against illegal practice which puts people at risk.”

The council said: “The Belfast Agenda lays out Belfast City Council’s vision for all residents to experience improved health and wellbeing by 2035. Affirmative action to reduce smoking, and the danger of second-hand smoke inhalation, feeds into this strategy, and helps to create a healthier Belfast for everyone. Our Tobacco Control work is supported by the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.”

Also on Tuesday, in a second prosecution success for the council, landlord Patrick Brady was fined £250 for illegally evicting a tenant from his rented accommodation. He was also ordered to pay £78 costs at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after unlawfully evicting his tenant from accommodation at Oranmore Street, West Belfast.

Local councils can investigate complaints about landlord harassment or illegal eviction of tenants and have powers to prosecute landlords for these offences.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has been selected to contest the Makerfield by-election for Labour. His announcement that he was putting himself forward forced others seeking to oust Keir Starmer as prime minister to slow their pace. And it now seems unlikely that anyone will fire the starting gun on a leadership contest until Burnham has at least had a chance to join the pack.

In UK politics right now, the only certainty is that nothing is certain. But what we do know is, as Labour politicians go, Burnham is unusually popular. His selection was well received among his colleagues, and he is regularly the only UK politician of any political stripe with a net-positive favourability rating.

Importantly, Burnham also enjoys strong popularity ratings across his own patch of Greater Manchester. In the borough of Wigan – where Makerfield sits – he won 66.1% of the vote in the last mayoral election in 2024.

But over the next few weeks, Burnham will face important questions on how well that popularity stands up in the face of devastating local election results for Labour, in which the party failed to win a single seat in Wigan.

Policy wins – and missteps

The single biggest policy win Burnham can point to is his work on the buses. As mayor, Burnham championed the foundation of the Bee Network. The centrepiece of this integrated transport scheme was the renationalisation of bus routes across Greater Manchester, as well as support to cap fares at £2 at a time when nationally they were rising.

The vibrant yellow buses have become ubiquitous in Manchester, and a visible reminder of Burnham’s policy presence. It seems that this approach has worked, with people in the street citing Burnham’s support for the bus network as a clear plus point.

Another winning card in Burnham’s hand is his building of “Brand Manchester”. He has cultivated a profile as a politician who cares deeply about his patch, and has consistently and publicly reinforced it. Burnham stood up to the Conservative government over what he felt was a weak and confusing support package during the COVID pandemic. This was what cemented his title as “king of the north”.

In broad terms, Burnham’s building of the brand coincides with Greater Manchester being at a particular zenith under his watch. It is the fastest-growing place in the UK, for example. But this growth is very heavily centred on Manchester city centre. Given concerns about who is actually benefiting from high-rise, high-value developments, this might not be something Burnham will shout too loudly about on the streets of Makerfield.

Of course, his nine years as mayor have included missteps. The development of the Greater Manchester spatial plan – a long-term blueprint for housing, jobs and infrastructure – has been a fraught process, with local authorities withdrawing their support over disputed housing allocations. The struggles of his administration on the thorny question of housing show that Burnham has no miraculous ability to reach consensus on the difficult issues.

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And in 2022, Burnham bowed to political pressure and retreated from plans to introduce a clean air zone in Manchester. This now appears to be a misstep – over a similar period as mayor of London, Sadiq Khan faced down similar pressures. But Khan can claim to have been vindicated, as London hit its air quality targets 184 years ahead of scientists’ predictions.

Ultimately, the English devolved mayors face a very different set of problems to national government. Equally, the powers afforded to them under devolution remain limited in scope, and reliant on whatever funding national government is prepared to release. Complex headaches like national debt and taxation, defence funding or managing geopolitics in an increasingly uncertain world are way beyond the remit of a metro mayor.

Having been outside of Westminster politics for nine years, Burnham is unattached to any preconceived agendas. This blank canvas is both an asset and a risk – although he has said that he would have no plans to change the government’s fiscal rules.

Makerfield is by no means a safe seat, and Burnham’s path is fraught with peril. However, it’s clear that he has been able to use his mayoralty to build a strong local and national profile, while also being sheltered from the crosswinds of national politics as a prince across the water.

Now, Burnham must see if he can realise his own promise or if he will find that he waited too long to make his move. One thing is for sure: his decision to leave Westminster and position himself as the outsider, and his track record as mayor of Greater Manchester, make him a formidable opponent in the by-election.