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Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen on relationship with Clive Owen

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Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen on relationship with Clive Owen

The Our Yorkshire Farm star was reflecting on family life during a preview for the third series of spin-off show Our Farm Next Door, when she revealed that disagreements and clashing moments are simply part of how their household operates.

Despite Amanda and Clive splitting in 2022, the TV star says that the pair still share the parenting duties and do the TV show together.

“It’s just like me and Clive, isn’t it?” Amanda said.

Amanda Owen (Image: CHANNEL4)

“One minute we’ll be agreeing on something, next minute you’ll be saying something through gritted teeth, and I’ll be giving him the old evil eye. It is just how it is.”

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The comment came as Amanda spoke openly about the realities of raising a large family, explaining that while the children are close, life on the farm is far from picture-perfect.

She suggested the same realism applies to her relationship with Clive, built on teamwork, honesty and accepting that dynamics are always shifting.

Despite the tensions, Amanda made it clear that space and independence are key to keeping both family life and relationships healthy.

With plenty of room on the farm and “a zillion things to do”, she believes having the freedom to step away helps avoid conflict, something that applies to adults as much as children.

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As the children grow older and more independent, Amanda said she has found this stage of family life particularly rewarding and rejuvenating.

“So far this is the best period I’ve enjoyed since they were little babies,” she said.



“You just get to see their independence and their characters and what they take in, and that never fails to surprise me.”

She added that watching the children develop their own interests and identities has brought a renewed sense of positivity into the household and into her own life.

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“You feel more alive when you’ve got these youngsters bobbing about doing their thing,” Amanda said. “You think to yourself, it’s all positive. It’s all good.”

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Review: Gorillaz launch Mountain tour at Co-op Live

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Review: Gorillaz launch Mountain tour at Co-op Live

How much of the new release do you play? How many of the fan favourites do you keep in the set?

Gorillaz at Co-op Live, Manchester (Picture: Luke Dyson)

In launching the Mountain tour at Co-op Live, Gorillaz delivered a masterclass in how to bring a new album to the stage and still delight the doting crowd with hit after hit.

This was so much more than a gig. In typical Gorillaz fashion it was also a live art installation with the Co-op Live’s massive screens being put to full use as Jamie Hewlett’s cartoon creations and delicate illustrations provided the backdrop for an astonishing array of musicians to spellbind us.

At the centre of it all, Damon Albarn was part ringmaster, part high priest – an almost delicate figure in British Rail jacket – the stage was his pulpit as he spread his message of compassion and unity.

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Damon Albarn and Joe Talbot of Idles during Gorillaz show at Co-op Live Manchester (Picture: Luke Dyson)

The Mountain is a spiritual album, reflecting on love, loss and the hereafter, not the subjects you would think would translate into a 20,000+ arena setting. But the world rhythms and driving beats created a hypnotic effect which was mesmerising.

On the screens there were cameos from Sparks, on a wonderful The Happy Dictator, and Bobby Womack on Stylo.

More guests came on stage in person with Joe Talbot of Idles sharing the microphone for The God of Lying, Omar Souleyman on Damascus and Bootie Brown on Dirty Harry.

Damon Albarn and Kara Jackson during Gorillaz show at Co-op Live Manchester (Picture: Luke Dyson)

The encores illustrated perfectly how balanced and nuanced this special show was. Two songs from the new album – The Hardest Things and Orange County, featuring Kara Jackson. And then the explosive finale as De La Soul’s Pos whipped the crowd into a frenzy for Feel Good Inc with the show ending with Clint Eastwood leaving the crowd delighted and exhausted in equal measure.

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Several times Damon Albarn climbed down from the stage to stand at the barrier with the fans who hung on his every word. He looked genuinely moved by the welcome he’d received in Manchester and it was richly deserved.

Music needs genuine artists, people who are prepared to think outside the box, stick to their convictions and produce work you can tell is special to them.

Gorillaz at Co-op Live, Manchester (Picture: Luke Dyson)

You may not like everything they do but you have to admire and appreciate the fact they do it and do it so well.

On this showing, Gorillaz are still the trail-blazers they were when the first drawings of 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs first appeared some 28 years ago.

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The Mountain tour is back at Co-op Live tonight before heading around the UK

Setlist

The Mountain

The Happy Dictator

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Tranz

Tomorrow comes today

19/2000

Rhinestone Eyes

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The God of Lying (idles)

The Moon Cave

El Manana

On Melancholy Hill

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The Empty Dream Machine

New Genious

Saturnz Barz

Delirium

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Andromeda

Stylo

Damascus

Dirty Harry

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Casablanca

The Sad God

Encores

The Hardest Thing

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Orange County

Feel Good Inc

Clint Eastwood

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Surprise, unease in Japan after Trump uses Pearl Harbor to defend Iran war

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Surprise, unease in Japan after Trump uses Pearl Harbor to defend Iran war

TOKYO (AP) — Senior U.S. and Japanese officials tend to shy away from anything but very careful public comments about Japan’s 1941 sneak attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. So there was embarrassment, confusion and unease on Saturday in Japan after President Donald Trump casually used the World War II attack to justify his secrecy before launching the war against Iran.

The Japanese discomfort was compounded by the fact that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was sitting awkwardly at Trump’s side as he spoke.

Partly, the reaction is linked to the crucial security and economic role that the U.S. plays for Japan, its top ally in the region. Put simply, Japan needs to make sure the U.S. relationship thrives. That’s why Takaichi was in Washington.

But it’s also a reflection of just how fresh the political debate about Japan’s role in World War II remains here, even 80 years after its end.

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Senior leaders, including Takaichi, have argued that Japan has apologized enough for what happened in the war. Takaichi herself has recently hinted at visiting Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine, where Japanese war criminals are honored among the 2.5 million war dead.

It is, however, somewhat startling for Japan to see these history questions spill over into a White House summit.

On Friday, when asked by a Japanese reporter why he didn’t tell allies in Europe and Asia ahead of the U.S. attack on Iran, Trump cited Pearl Harbor to defend his decision, saying, ‘Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor, OK?”

The liberal leaning Asahi newspaper said in an editorial Saturday that Trump’s comments “should not be overlooked.”

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“Making such a remark to justify a sneak attack and boast about its outcome is a piece of nonsense that ignores lessons from history,” Asahi said.

Claims of rudeness

Social media reaction has ranged from accusations of ignorance and rudeness by the U.S. president to claims that he didn’t see Japan as an equal partner. There were calls for Japan to protest what Trump said.

Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, said in an online opinion piece published in the Nikkei newspaper Saturday that the comment signaled that Trump was “not bound by existing American common sense.”

“I get the impression that the comment was intended to bring the Japanese reporter (who asked the question) or Ms. Takaichi into complicity in order to justify his ‘sneak attack’ on Iran during diplomatic negotiations and without telling allied countries,” Watanabe said.

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There’s also a feeling that an unspoken understanding exists between U.S. and Japanese leaders to tread carefully on the subject. Both sides need each other, with Washington relying on Japan to host 50,000 troops and an array of powerful hi-tech weapons, and Japan relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella to deter hostile, nuclear-armed neighbors.

Japan’s post-World War II constitution bans the use of force except for its self-defense, but Takaichi and other officials are now seeking to expand the military’s role.

When it comes to U.S.-Japan reconciliation, many here look to the example of former leaders Barack Obama and Shinzo Abe, who in 2016 paid tribute together at the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and at the Hiroshima Peace Park.

Mixed reaction for Japan’s leader

Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, was praised for not reacting to the comments by Trump, letting them pass with a roll of her eyes and a glance at her ministers seated nearby.

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After all, the goal of her summit was to deepen ties with her most important ally, not debate World War II. She arrived shortly after Trump suggested that Japan was among the nations that did not quickly join his call to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.

Some, however, criticized Takaichi for not speaking up.

Hitoshi Tanaka, a former diplomat and a special adviser at the Japan Research Institute think tank, wrote on X that he felt embarrassed to see Takaichi flattering Trump.

“As national leaders, they are equals. … To make an equal relationship is not to flatter,” he said. “Just doing what pleases Trump and calling it a success if you are not hurt is too sad.”

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Reporter criticized

There was initial blame on social media of the Japanese reporter who asked the question that prompted Trump’s Pearl Harbor comment.

The reporter, Morio Chijiiwa with TV Asahi, later said on a talk show that he asked the question to represent the feelings of Japanese who are not happy about Trump’s one-sided attack on Iran, and because other countries, including Japan, are being asked to help out.

“So that’s why I asked the question. I was meaning to say, Why didn’t you tell us, why are you troubling us?” he said. “Then President Trump hit back with the Pearl Harbor attack. … I found it extremely awkward for him to change the subject.”

Junji Miyako, 53, said Takaichi flattering Trump felt more condescending to him than the President’s Pearl Harbor remark.

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“I was so frustrated to see Takaichi didn’t even say anything to Trump to stop the war,” he said. “I think Trump’s Pearl Harbor comment was stupid, but to me the war he started is a much bigger problem.”

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‘I want fence to stop neighbour’s child’s annoying habit but there’s 1 problem’

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Daily Mirror

A woman has admitted she is being ‘driven insane’ every evening after getting home from her ‘highly stressful’ job owing to the behaviour of her neighbour’s son

A woman who is desperate to deter her neighbour’s child’s annoying habit has admitted that doing so poses one problem preventing her from taking action. Taking to Reddit to talk about her neighbour issue, she detailed an issue that is her driving her “insane” after a basketball hoop was installed on the border that divides their two properties.

“I moved into this house about three years ago and everything was fine until my neighbour decided his teenage son needed to become the next NBA star,” the woman elaborated in the Neighbours From Hell community. “About two weeks ago he installed one of those heavy duty portable basketball hoops but instead of putting it near his garage or in the middle of his driveway he tucked it right against the edge of my property.”

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The woman went on to reveal that the hoops’ backboard is just inches from her own exterior wall, where her master bedroom is located.

“Every single time that kid misses a shot the ball slams into the side of my house with a massive thud that shakes the pictures on my walls,” she slammed. It starts at around 4pm when he gets home from school and goes on until 9pm or even later some nights.”

Owing to her “highly stressful” job, the woman said she longs to be able relax when she gets home from work, rather than being subjected to the “rhythmic thumping sound” every five seconds throughout the evening.

“I tried talking to the dad nicely and asked if they could move it just 10 feet to the left so it wasn’t leaning against my house,” she continued. “But he just shrugged and told me that his driveway is levelled better on that side and that it’s a free country.”

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The “worst part” of the situation, however, is the fact the ball keeps landing in the woman’s flowerbeds, meanwhile. “I spent a lot of money and time on my landscaping this spring and now half of my hydrangeas are snapped because the kid just tramples through them to get his ball back,” she said.

The woman added that she had even caught the youngster on her Ring doorbell trampling on the flowers without a care in the world and after heading outside to confront him, she was met with a “blank stare” and a lack of understanding as to why she was so upset.

“I feel like a prisoner in my own home,” she confessed. “I cant even have the windows open because the shouting and the constant metallic clanging of the rim is so loud. I checked the local ordinances but apparently as long as they aren’t playing past 10pm there isn’t much the city can do about noise.”

The irate woman closed by advising that she was considering erecting a high fence, but this would set her back “thousands” for the privilege. “It’s not even about the kid playing sports it is the fact that they chose the one spot that impacts me the most,” she said.

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Writing in response, one Reddit user joked: “I think you need to install a motion-activated sprinkler for those poor hydrangeas. Every time that kid misses a shot, he gets soaked.”

To which the woman conceded: “Part of me loves this idea way more than I should. Realistically I’d probably end up starting a whole new war, but the image of him getting blasted while trampling my flowers is very satisfying.”

Whilst a second person declared: “He can’t be damaging your house and property like that. There are rules about things like that out there. Ask them to move it and to stop hitting your house. They should be some kind of city code about this in your area. Also contact the cops and ask them to come trespass the kid for coming it your property and destroying your flower and siding.”

The woman replied: “You’re probably right. I kept second guessing myself because I didn’t want to be the uptight neighbour, but once it’s hitting my siding and they’re walking through my flower beds, it’s clearly past being a minor annoyance.”

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According to the government, you can ask your local council for help if the neighbour dispute involves an activity that is damaging to health or a nuisance. This is known as a ‘statutory nuisance’.

This could include:

  • noise (including loud music and barking dogs)
  • artificial light (except street lamps)
  • dust, steam, smell or insects from business premises
  • smoke, fumes or gases
  • a build-up of rubbish that could harm health

Your council has a duty to investigate any statutory nuisance.

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All 10 gruesome films in ‘phenomenal’ horror series streaming free

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Wales Online

It includes the movie with the ‘greatest twist ever’

In a significant expansion to its existing catalogue, every film from the ‘most shocking ever’ horror franchise is currently streaming for free.

Over two decades since it first mesmerised and repulsed audiences, the entire Saw franchise is now accessible via ITVX for no extra cost. This encompasses all the main instalments alongside every sequel and spin-off.

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Altogether, this includes 10 films released between 2004 and as recently as 2023. It may well prove the ultimate test for even the most devoted horror film enthusiast attempting a marathon viewing session.

The franchise was conceived by James Wan and Leigh Whannell, launching with the inaugural entry in 2004. Saw 1 swiftly evolved into a global cultural sensation, particularly renowned for its inventive and grisly on-screen deaths coupled with an unforgettable twist conclusion, reports the Mirror US.

Wan is also responsible for The Conjuring films, whilst Whannell is recognised for Insidious. The original Saw synopsis read: “Photographer Adam Stanheight and oncologist Lawrence Gordon regain consciousness whilst chained to pipes at either end of a filthy bathroom.”

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It continues: “As the two men realize they’ve been trapped by a sadistic serial killer nicknamed Jigsaw and must complete his perverse puzzle to live, flashbacks relate the fates of his previous victims.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gordon’s wife and young daughter are forced to watch his torture via closed-circuit video.” The film’s triumph and enduring fan appeal led to nine subsequent instalments. These encompass direct sequels alongside inventive spin-offs, including 2021’s Spiral, which featured Chris Rock portraying a police detective pursuing a Jigsaw imitator.

For ease of reference, all Saw films currently available on ITVX comprise:

  • Saw (2004)
  • Saw II (2005)
  • Saw III (2006)
  • Saw IV (2007)
  • Saw V (2008)
  • Saw VI (2009)
  • Saw: The Final Chapter or Saw 3D (2010)
  • Jigsaw (2017)
  • Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
  • Saw X (2023)

Enthusiasts remain as passionate as ever about the Saw franchise. Regarding the original film, one viewer remarked: “Saw is an extremely compelling and gruesome horror film that introduced one of the most iconic killers in cinema, Jigsaw, played by Tobin Bell.

“The concept of capturing victims and forcing them to confront their sins through deadly traps is horrifying yet fascinating. The film’s tension and twists keep viewers on edge, whilst the screenplay cleverly connects this movie to the rest of the franchise.”

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Another commented: “Do not spoil this movie, it has the greatest twist of all time at the end. Mind blowing, extremely well made! It shows that good filmmaking with a low budget will always outclass crappy filmmaking with a high budget.”

The tenth instalment has garnered the franchise’s highest ratings, with many declaring it the finest since the inaugural film. One viewer stated: “This brought back the spark that I felt the previous saw films lost, felt like the original ‘2004 Saw’ we all know and love.”

The Saw collection is streaming on ITVX and Prime Video.

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week – Durham firefighter on diagnosis

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week - Durham firefighter on diagnosis

Lindsay Blake, a watch manager with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, began her career in 2009, driven by a passion for helping others.

After 15 years as a firefighter, she transitioned into a role with the brigade’s Business Fire Safety Team.

County Durham firefighter Lindsay Blake has shared how her career in the fire service led to a life-changing neurodiversity diagnosis after joining in 2009. (Image: CDDFRS)

However, she soon found the work—which involves concentrating on legal documents for long periods of time—particularly challenging.

Ms Blake said: “Business Fire Safety is built around legislation, so attention to detail is key.

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“The qualifications that you need to carry out the role were challenging and it was after I completed these that I realised I may be neurodiverse.

“That’s why I decided to go and get tested for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia.”

The diagnosis has since helped her better understand herself and the support available to help her manage her workload.

Ms Blake said: “Understanding my ADHD it has given me the skillset I needed to be able to manage at work and organise myself better.

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“Just because I am neurodiverse doesn’t mean I can’t do different roles in the Service, it just means I need to find different ways to manage myself.”

She hopes that sharing her story during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 16 to 20) will encourage others to seek support at work if they need it.

Ms Blake said: “Everyone is different and has different skillsets.

“Just because someone doesn’t think and act like you, it doesn’t mean they can’t do the job.

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“I would encourage everyone to be understanding and embrace our differences.

“I’d also urge anyone who is neurodivergent, or think they might be, to be open about the things that you struggle with at work so your line manager support you and look at other ways tailored to you to achieve the same objectives.”

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Meningitis outbreak sees more NHS staff drafted in as cases rise again

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Daily Mirror

The move comes a day after queues at the main vaccination centre stretched back for half a mile on Friday, with some students left waiting in line for seven hours

NHS bosses have brought in extra staff to work at its largest meningitis vaccination centre following reports students were queuing for up to seven hours for the jab.

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More than 700 people were estimated to have been treated at the pop-up clinic inside the University of Kent’s sports centre on Saturday morning. Some waited outside from as early as 5am, but the queue moved considerably faster than in previous days and by 11.15am there was no queue, allowing patients to go straight inside.

It came after officials announced the number of cases has risen to 34, up from 29 on Friday. They include 23 confirmed infections and 11 under investigation, as well as the deaths of 18-year-old Juliette Kenny and a 21-year-old University of Kent student.

READ MORE: BBC Breakfast interrupted for meningitis breaking newsREAD MORE: BBC Sport star left in coma and nearly dies in meningitis battle as symptoms shared

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On Friday, queues at the same centre stretched back for half a mile before around 200 people at the back, including some who had been waiting for three hours, had to be turned away. Among them was second year student Archie Corke, 20, from Whitstable, Kent, who returned early on Saturday morning for another go.

He said: “We got here yesterday about 12.30pm and the queue was huge. We got in the back of it and waited. But at 3.15pm they stopped the queue in front of us.” Asked if he found it frustrating he said: “A little bit, but we got here at 8am today. We’ve only had to wait two hours. It’s moved a lot quicker than yesterday.”

Another student who got the jab with a friend on Saturday morning, said: “We arrived at 7am and there were still 30 to 40 people ahead of us. We waited for two hours until the centre opened at 9am.

“I was at Club Chemistry that night so I wanted to get the vaccine. We’ve had the antibiotics already. We just want to be safe.”

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The student, who asked not to be named, added: “We know someone, a friend, who was ill. She had to have a spinal tap. She was in hospital for six days, but they now think it was something else and not contagious. She’s fine now.”

Patients are attending four vaccination clinics, including two in Canterbury and others in Ashford and Faversham. Health officials are considering opening a fifth this weekend to meet demand. Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura Video, Acting Vice Chancellor posted on university social media on Friday: “This has been an incredibly difficult week for our university community. My deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected.

“We are all feeling the devastating loss of a student, and we continue to hold those in hospital in our thoughts, along with their loved ones. I want to thank the NHS and all those caring for our students and staff.” She added: “Public health advice remains clear. Meningitis spreads through close and prolonged contact, and those most at risk are being contacted directly. Please continue to follow NHS and UKHSA guidance.

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“We know this has been a worrying time. Support is available, and I encourage anyone who needs it to reach out. Thank you for the care and compassion you have shown one another. Please stay vigilant and continue to look out for each other.”

Earlier on Friday, a public health official had warned that the terrifying outbreak could get even worse. Asked whether the outbreak may not yet have peaked, Professor Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council Director of Public Health, said: “I would say yes to that. There might be more cases. We don’t know and we won’t know for sure until next week. It takes about four weeks for this thing to really subside.”

Prof Ghosh said the most likely scenario now was that small outbreaks would develop in parts of the country outside Kent due to students returning home for Easter. He said: “If they were incubating the disease when they left and then caused some cases, there may be small sporadic household clusters elsewhere.”

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The disease’s incubation period can be up to 10 days. Prof Ghosh added that this outbreak was highly unusual for its speed and intensity. He explained: “It’s never happened that we’ve had so many cases at such a pace. It could be there is something different about this particular strain, but that is only my personal opinion.”

He added that the bulk of cases were young people, with the median age around 18 to 26. Officials have set up contact tracing for more than 10,000 people after identifying a “super-spreader event” at a nightclub in Canterbury earlier this month.

On Thursday, officials widened the offer of vaccines and medicines to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in the city from March 5 to 15, in a bid to stop the spread. It emerged that an infected patient may have returned to the nightclub for a second visit, potentially infecting other clubbers. Previously, only those who visited on March 5, 6 and 7 were included in the offer, but officials cannot be sure whether the patient was infectious on their second visit.

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Images posted on Club Chemistry’s Facebook account since the nights in question show young clubbers partying while holding each other and even kissing – one of the main ways the bacterial disease is thought to spread. Some 6,500 doses of the meningitis vaccine have so far been delivered to Kent and Medway from the national stock. Officials requested another 5,000 doses yesterday morning and say they have plenty of supplies.

Asked whether the vaccination programme should be rolled out to include younger teenagers, Clare Winslade, consultant in Health Protection, UK Health Security Agency South East, said the decision would be made by a panel of government experts. She said: “They have been asked to consider it. I think it’s really important we wait for the expert committee.”

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Van crash horror in Dalkeith leaves cyclist fighting for life in hospital

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Daily Record

A 44-year-old man remains in critical condition after his electric mountain bike collided with a van on Old Dalkeith Road.

A man has been left fighting for his life after an electric bike crash with a van in Dalkeith.

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Emergency services raced to the scene on the A6106 Old Dalkeith Road at around 1.40pm on Friday, March 20, after reports that an electric mountain bike had collided with a white Ford Transit van.

The 44-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital where medics say he remains in a critical condition. The driver of the van was not injured and did not require medical treatment.

The road was shut for a period while specialist officers carried out collision investigations.

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage from the area to come forward.

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Sergeant Mike Nash said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to contact us with any information.

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“If anyone has dash-cam footage, please check it as it could have captured images which could assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1660 of Friday, March 20, 2026.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

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Not clear that Ricky Hatton intended to take his own life

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Not clear that Ricky Hatton intended to take his own life

The 46-year-old was described as a doting father, in good spirits and despite past troubles with alcohol and drugs, had been the best “in years”, his family told Stockport Coroner’s Court heard.

Hatton took his daughters and granddaughter out to a pub for a meal on the evening of Friday September 12 last year, the court heard.

He appeared normal and after dropping them off told them he would see them in a couple of days after a trip to Dubai where he was due to take part in an exhibition boxing match, the court heard.

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But he failed to attend an engagement on Saturday and at 6.30am on the Sunday morning, his manager Paul Speak arrived at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to take him take him to the airport to catch the flight to Dubai.

Hatton was found unresponsive in the upstairs games room at his house. The inquest concluded the official cause of death was hanging.

Tests showed the former Dancing On Ice contestant was “well over” the drink-drive limit at the time of his death. Traces of previous use of cocaine and cannabis were also found.

And post-mortem evidence showed some damage to his brain identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) associated with boxing.

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Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, told the court, attended by the boxer’s father, son and ex-partner and mother of his daughters, that no notes had been found from Hatton and there was no information uncovered by police to suggest he was planning to take his own life.

Concluding the inquest, she said: “He had made significant future plans and no notes were found indicating he intended to take his own life.

“I have listened very carefully to all the evidence. When I add everything together, I cannot be satisfied he intended to take his own life.

“Therefore, it is not possible in law for me to conclude suicide. I have concluded a narrative verdict.

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“His intention remains unclear as he was under the influence of alcohol and the neuropathological post-mortem found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and that’s the conclusion I draw.”

Hatton’s son Campbell broke down in tears at the conclusion of the inquest and was hugged by his grandfather, Ray Hatton, 75.

Earlier Campbell Hatton described his father in a statement to the hearing as a “laid back” man but when it came to sport was always “hugely determined.”

He added: “He lived life – in and out of the ring – at 110 per cent and always said he never regretted it. He was always generous with people. He was always extremely well loved and cherished by all of us.”

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Campbell Hatton said his father had been open in the past about his struggles with alcohol and drugs.

But he added: “We felt he was in the best place he had been in recent years.

“The family believe he was the best he had been in years and made massive plans for the future which leads us to believe this was not premeditated.

“However, over the last two or three years we all noticed a significant decline in his short-term memory.

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“He repeated himself constantly, had to write things down and had to be reminded about things he had to do day to day.

Jennifer Dooley, mother of his daughters, Millie, 13, Fearne, 12, and who was Hatton’s partner for 11 years until 2016, said he was a very hands-on father who doted on his children, and they all continued to spend time together after the split.

“He often said that the time he spent with his daughter was when he was happiest,” she said.

Hatton took his daughters and granddaughter, Lyla, for dinner at a local pub on the Friday night before his death.

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When he said goodbye, he told them he would see them in a couple of days on his return from Dubai, the inquest heard.

Detective Sergeant Helen Grigalis, from Greater Manchester Police, told the hearing Hatton returned home after the meal at around 7.55pm.

He sent a message to a friend at 8.05pm and his phone last unlocked at 12.02am early on Saturday September 13, with no further use after that time.

Hatton had been due to attend a boxing bout on Saturday in Bolton for a fighter he had trained.

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Det Sgt Grigalis said at 5.30pm a driver had arrived at Hatton’s house to take him to the event, but got no reply. The same driver returned at 7.30pm but again got no reply and left.

Hatton’s manager Paul Speak went to the house about 6.30am on the Sunday to take the boxer to the airport for his flight to Dubai, but also got no reply at the door.

After letting himself in with his own key, Mr Speak found Hatton unresponsive in the upstairs games room.

Hatton was fully dressed. On the pool table was an empty bottle of wine and a half-full glass of wine was on the bar.

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The lights were off but music was playing from a TV.

No notes were found.

Police and ambulance were called, who “confirmed life extinct”, but could not say when Hatton had died, the inquest heard.

The house was secure with no signs of a disturbance.

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The officer said there was no evidence of suicidal ideation, adding Hatton not answering his door or phone was not unusual and did not cause suspicion.

Toxicologist Dr Stephanie Martin, who carried out blood and urine tests found the alcohol in his system was well over twice the drink-drive limit.

There was also evidence of previous cocaine use, but not in the hours before death, and also traces of cannabis, but the inquest heard the use of drugs was unlikely to have contributed to death.

Dr Neil Papworth, who carried out the post-mortem examination, found the cause of death to be consistent with hanging.

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However, analysis of Hatton’s brain showed, ‘degenerative changes’ associated with people older than the boxer, and often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

He said overall the changes seen were suggestive of CTE associated with repeated trauma to the brain, but at the milder end of the spectrum resulting in memory loss and cognitive impairment.

None of the damage to Hatton’s brain could be said to have contributed to his death, the pathologist said.

Ms Dooley’s statement said Hatton’s children has been deeply affected, the girls still sleeping in his T-shirts and spraying his aftershave.

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She added: “They miss their dad deeply. They are heartbroken. His loss has left a significant and lasting hole in our family.”

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Gangland kingpin Ross McGill “leaned on European ultras groups” for help to make Union Bears one of biggest in UK

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Daily Record

The gangster visited clubs in Europe after taking over as capo of the Rangers ultras.

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Mob boss Ross McGill transformed the Union Bears from a ragtag bunch with a handful of followers into the ‘biggest group in the UK’ after visiting clubs in Europe.

A former member of the Rangers ultra group explained to the Record how McGill, 32, took over as capo of the group at the age of 18 and was determined to make them a bigger outfit than the Green Brigade.

The source revealed how the mobster visited clubs in Europe to learn his trade but this led to him getting involved in criminality after he hooked up with ultras in Denmark.

He said: “McGill had been with the Union Bears for a few years before he was made leader and his main focus at first was just to outshine Celtic’s group.

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“He knew he had to learn fast so decided to start visiting clubs across Europe, and would just reach out to the ultras and pitch up alone.

“Rangers have a historical link with Hamburg SV in Germany and he went over there around 20 times and built up close ties with the Chosen Few ultras.

“It was on these visits that McGill learned about creating full-scale displays and how a capo should operate with thousands of ultras at his command.

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“They told him the best times to start songs and the sort of melodies that are good for getting the full stadium to join in with the group.

“He just watched and learned and drank in everything around him and it was off the back off these visits that the Union Bears really started to take off as a group.

“The youths within the Rangers support signed up in thousands and by the time McGill was 21 in 2015 he was arguably leading the biggest ultra group in the UK.”

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His visits to Denmark to hang around the Chilltras and Urban Crew ultras of FC Copenhagen went a long way to inspiring his criminal enterpise.

McGill had been working at a Royal Mail sorting office to fund his trips abroad and struggling to make ends meet up until that point.

But soon after visiting Denmark he started to sell drugs and use his position as capo to build up a huge drugs operation.

The source continued “Some of the guys he met in Denmark are very serious players .

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“McGill noticed these guys over there flashing the cash and wearing designer clothes and wanted a piece of the action.

“Within a year or two he was driving around in his hometown East Kilbride in fancy motors and expensive off-road vehicles.

“It is a fairly common occurrence in Europe for capos of ultra groups to get involved in organised crime, especially in Italy,

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“These capos have thousands of young people under their control so it is all too easy for them to find willing candidates to start selling drugs for them.”

McGill continued as the leader of the Union Bears for a number of years and as the group flourished so did his criminal enterpise.

However, by 2021 the authorities were closing in after the EncroChat phone network he was using was hacked by police.

Fearing arrest he stood down from the group and fled Scotland in 2022.

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Diego Garcia: Inside controversial Brit island base under attack from Iran

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Daily Mirror

Diego Garcia, a sprawling military HQ in the Indian Ocean, has been identified as a pressure point by Iran after the UK allowed the US to use its Middle Eastern bases in its war

Iran fired missiles at Diego Garcia, the UK’s controversial island military base it shares with the US, in a 2,000-mile attempted overnight raid, officials have confirmed.

The Middle Eastern nation let loose two intermediate-range ballistic missiles aimed at the Indian Ocean base, which is 2,500 miles away, overnight on Friday. One of the missiles failed mid-air, while another was downed by a US warship, which fired an SM-3 Interceptor at the second missile.

While it may have failed, the attempted raid – which came after the UK allowed the US to use its bases to attack Iran – has yet again spotlighted the base, which has become a flashpoint in UK-US relations since Donald Trump returned to the White House last year.

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READ MORE: Iran war LIVE: Missiles ‘fired at UK-US base’ amid warning ‘Brits at risk’READ MORE: Iran warns British lives put ‘in danger’ after Starmer says US can use military bases

Personnel

Diego Garcia is a remote British Overseas Territory that is off-limits to most civilians, and has been wrapped in secrets for decades since it was established in 1960. It is administered from London, but most of its personnel and resources are administered by US officials.

Despite its strategice importance, only a few hundred military personnel are stationed on the base full time, split across the US Air Force, US Navy, and British forces.

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Total personnel number at 360, the bulk of which come from the USN and USAF – which consist of 280 and 40 people respectively – while there are 40 “Brit Forces” personnel. The UK has historically kept “a very limited number of British military personnel” on the base, and rarely changes these numbers.

The civilian population is far higher, with US base operational personnel numbering at around 1,800, overseas government employees at around 80, and mariners at around 300.

Weaponry and equipment

While it is relatively sparse in terms of total personnel, the island is bristling with military capabilities, again primarily American and serving the US military.

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Extensive runways are built to support US B-52 bombers, KC-135 tankers, reconnaissance aircraft and transport planes. Additional supporting structures include radar installations and control towers, with massive storage capabilities mounted on a deep water port capable of docking, resupplying and maintaining naval vessels travelling through the area.

All of this considered, the base is used more as a launchpad, and has played pivotal roles in previous collaborative conflicts like the 1991 Gulf War and Iraq War in 2003.

More recently, US forces used Diego Garcia as a base of operations to launch attacks against the Houthis in Yemen, cementing its modern-day use. As the figures show, the base is skewed heavily towards the US, which is set to continue to use the island as the UK seeks a lease deal.

The Diego Garcia handover row

The Government struck a £3.4 billion deal with the US soon after Keir Starmer arrived at Number 10 that would see the country lease the base to Mauritius.

The lease agreement would give the East African nation sovreignity over the island for 99 years, costing around £101 million per year. US officials, including Donald Trump, agreed the deal secured longterm security for the island, despite sideline snipes from the Conservatives and Reform UK claiming otherwise.

The US backed the deal again in February, but Trump has been characteristically hot-and-cold on the topic, at one point blasting it an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY”, before saying it was the “best” the Prime Minister could make.

He has since called the deal “tenuous at best”, with his flip-flopping leaving the agreement in limbo and Mauritius exploring legal options to force its passage. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam told local media he is pursuing the action after the issue left his nation with a £160 million budget hole.

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He said: “We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case. “We are exploring all possible avenues, but clearly the 2026-27 budget will not be an easy one.”

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