Four people, including a two-year-old child, have died while attempting to cross the English Channel, French authorities say.
The authorities said they were found “unconscious” and were likely “trampled to death” in two separate boats that had engine failures.
French interior minister Bruno Retailleau called the deaths a “terrible tragedy”, adding that people smugglers “have the blood of these people on their hands”.
In one of the incidents, a French rescue service picked up 15 people, including the child, and one person was airlifted to a French hospital with burns to their legs.
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The prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region, Jacques Billant, said one of the boats was off the coast of Boulogne-Sur-Mer in northern France which was carrying “almost 90 people” overnight.
He said it got into difficulty after an engine failure and called French rescue services.
“A French rescue boat went to the scene and picked up 15 migrants, including an unconscious child.
“The medical team, dispatched by helicopter, was unable to save the two-year-old child, who was pronounced dead.”
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According to the Boulogne-Sur-Mer prosecutor Guirec Le Bras, the child was “trampled to death”.
A person on the vessel with burns to their legs was airlifted to hospital, Billant added.
The remaining passengers on the boat continued their journey, the AFP news agency reported.
On a separate overcrowded small boat, another incident happened overnight off the coast of Calais when “multiple engine failures led to a stampede and some migrants fell into the water but were rescued”, Billant told journalists.
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“Three people – two men and a woman – were then discovered unconscious inside this small boat,” he added.
“They were likely trampled to death during the stampede.”
According to French authorities, 51 migrants have lost their lives in 2024 while trying to cross the Channel to reach the United Kingdom.
“Our government will intensify the fight against these mafias who are getting rich by organising these crossings of death,” Retailleau said in a post on X.
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UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, also posting on X, described the deaths as “appalling”, adding that “criminal smuggler gangs continue to organise these dangerous boat crossings”.
“The gangs do not care if people live or die – this is a terrible trade in lives,” she said.
She said she had been in touch with Reailleau on Saturday, and they had met in Italy at the G7 meeting earlier this week, where they had discussed the matter.
She previously said that an action plan agreed at that meeting “means new international joint investigative teams to pursue the gangs, finance and supply chains.”
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Earlier this week, the country’s prime minister, Michel Barnier, said France needed a stricter immigration policy.
Barnier said he would be “ruthless” with people traffickers, adding that they “exploit misery and despair” and encourage undocumented asylum seekers to cross the Channel and the Mediterranean Sea.
Figures from the Home Office show there were 395 migrants on 4 October who arrived in the UK in small boats without permission to enter the country, and 59 arrived on 29 September.
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More than 25,000 people have crossed the Channel in 2024 so far.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is back in the spotlight over comments she made on X (formerly Twitter).
In a post shared with her 1.2 million followers late on Oct. 3, Greene wrote: “Yes they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.”
Greene doesn’t specify the identity of the “they” she refers to. She has since received backlash online over the comments.
“Okay, but if ‘they’ control weather, then the next logical extreme is that humans caused climate change. She really didn’t think this talking point through,” one social media user said.
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“I need to add ‘consult with they’ while sitting at my desk analyzing weather data to formulate my forecast,” said FOX13 meteorologist Paul Dellegatto, replying to Greene’s post.
Yes they can control the weather.
It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.
Greene’s comments come amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across the Southeastern United States, including in Greene’s home state of Georgia. Per the New York Times, as of Oct. 4, at least 225 people have died and there are ongoing searches for those who are missing as a result of the storm.
As Greene makes these comments, she and former President Donald Trump have publicly called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the agency continues to receive criticism on its handling of Helene. Both have pushed claims that FEMA is utilizing funding to “house illegals.” FEMA called the accusations over funding being used for migrants “completely false.”
FEMA has set up a web page on its official website to address the rumors circulating their Helene response, writing that misinformation and rumor can cause “confusion” and “prevent… people from getting the help they need.”
“Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other non-disaster related efforts,” the web page states. “The funding for communities to support migrants is appropriated by Congress to Customs and Border Patrol—it has nothing to do with FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund.”
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This is not the first time the far-right Republican has received backlash over her responses to natural disasters and events. In April, she commented on the earthquake in the Northeast and the solar eclipse expected across North America that month, stating they were signs from God. After facing online criticism, she doubled down on the comments.
“God is sending America strong signs to tell us to repent. Earthquakes and eclipses and many more things to come. I pray that our country listens,” Greene wrote on X, after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in New Jersey rattled many in the area.
In response to Greene’s comments, many pointed to the years of knowledge and expectation that preceded the solar eclipse on April 8, as well as the reports from the National Earthquake Information Center showing that around 55 earthquakes happen a day around the globe, caused by movement between the earth’s tectonic plates on active or inactive faults.
Katie Smith will regularly go “Rightmove stalking” of the houses she has seen for sale
Katie Smith has had an addiction for as long as she can remember. Something she feels compelled to dozens of times a day.
The 30-year-old finds herself repeatedly opening the Rightmove app, despite the fact she has no intention of moving house anytime soon.
“Rightmove is my porn,” laughs Katie, from Stone, Staffordshire. “It’s like being a modern day peeping Tom,” she says, referring to the number of homes she looks inside, all from the comfort of her smartphone.
Last week, after a day trip to Knutsford, Cheshire, she spent the evening looking at all the houses for sale there – regardless of price. And during a recent weekend in London, she loved looking at “how expensive houses in Richmond are”, which was close to her hotel.
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Property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market are goldmines of user data about both homebuyers and sellers.
Zoopla told the BBC that 1,860 properties are viewed every minute on its website and app, while the figure is even higher for Rightmove – nearly 10,000 properties viewed per minute.
Rightmove recently rejected a fourth takeover bid by Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, saying the latest £6.2bn offer undervalued the company and its future prospects, showing just how valuable the data it holds is.
The websites themselves acknowledge that not all their users may actually be looking to move home, so what is it that keeps people scrolling?
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Katie, who previously worked in interior design, says she loves to check how quickly properties might sell and has a list of favourite homes she has looked at.
“I love character properties, things with features like beautiful Georgian homes,” she says.
While she and her partner are planning to move out of her rented accommodation in about six months, there is no immediate or urgent need to search.
“He thinks I am looking at more houses because of this, but it’s not – it’s just because I love it!”
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‘I love a floorplan’
Sam Kennedy Christian, who lives in Herne Bay in Kent with her husband and two children, uses Zoopla to look at her dream purchases.
“I love imagining what I’d get if we won the lottery… specifically in the Isle of Man where I grew up and my family still live,” she says.
Jessica Whitcher
Sam Kennedy Christian uses Zoopla to look at houses both in her local market and in the area where she grew up
They moved closer to the seaside during the pandemic as many people looked for more outdoor space.
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Sam says she enjoys refreshing the Zoopla app as part of her “bedtime scrolling” routine, or while waiting for the baby to drop off to sleep.
She also keeps an eye on similar properties in the local market, although they are not intending to sell anytime soon.
“I especially love a floorplan – you can get a real handle on a house, and how you might use the space.”
Dopamine trigger
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When we browse property websites, we’re engaging in “a form of escapism that taps into the brain’s reward systems,” says Louisa Dunbar, the founder of OrangeGrove, a research agency that uses behavioural science to improve business websites.
“Visualising ourselves in these desirable homes triggers the dopamine system, giving us a sense of pleasure, even if we’re not planning to buy. It’s a chance to mentally step into a better life.”
She says that certain features of property portals can play a big role on what we might click on.
High-quality photos may encourage viewers to picture themselves living in a property, while the use of badging listings with terms like “Highlight” or “Just added” fuels the fear of missing out.
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These psychological triggers can keep us engaged as we nose around the neighbour’s living room, or imagine a better future, she says.
Idly browsing online property listings is a favourite pastime for many people
Users may love these property sites, but are they worth it to estate agents, given most online viewings will not turn into actual enquiries?
Some agents have expressed unease at the high cost to advertise, particularly on Rightmove as the market leader. They say they provide all the photos and listings information about the houses for sale and are then having to pay to do it. It means these high costs can limit their ability to advertise in local newspapers or other places.
One estate agent, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC: “Right now, it’s a case of not being able to live without the likes of Rightmove. The prices [for estate agents] are going up faster than I’d like and I worry about the stranglehold they have on the market.
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“But, even if many users are just idly browsing without any real intention of moving, it is still worth it to have properties on there.”
Rightmove responded, saying it has “a variety of different packages to suit businesses of different sizes and needs and the average [agent] spends £1,497 per month”.
Both Rightmove and Zoopla are bullish about the future, saying that confidence in the market is recovering as mortgage rates fall. On Thursday, Zoopla said the number of homes for sale on its platform is growing.
And for now they seem to be attracting everyone whether you’re an idle browser just nosing around, fantasising perhaps about castles you can never afford, a homeowner checking on how the value of your home compares with your neighbours’, or even an actual genuine buyer.
TAKE the kids to explore a city for an October half-term treat. You don’t have to go to London for a choice of fantastic attractions and experiences.
You’ll find it cheaper to stay and pay for family fun at other favourite cities across the UK. Trisha Harbord brings you a selection of the best things to see and do in these walkable cities.
Edinburgh
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Enjoy Edinburgh’s cobbled Royal Mile or The Museum of ChildhoodCredit: Getty
THE cobbled Royal Mile is one of the UK’s most famous streets. Visit the castle on the hill then start your walk to the Scottish Parliament.
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You’ll pass St Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square, cashmere shops, the famous World’s End pub, one-time jail Canongate Tolbooth and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
FREE: The Museum of Childhood with toys and games from across generations. Harry Potter fans can join a free tour around the town with stops including the inspiration behind Diagon Alley and Voldemort’s grave, see pottertrail.com.
THRILL: Re-live Edinburgh’s darkest history in the Dungeon, with special effects, scary actors and a drop ride.
If you have a car, ride the waves at the new Lost Shore surf centre, 25 minutes from the city.
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GO: Two nights’ B&B for two adults and two children at Arrandale Guest House is from £430. See visitscotland.com for details.
Cardiff
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Take the kids to walk the walls of this castle in Cardiff, which was once a Roman fortCredit: Supplied
WALK the walls of the castle. Once a Roman fort, it’s a mix of buildings from all eras and now a Gothic extravaganza.
Visit Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades and stop off at Spillers, the oldest record shop in the world.
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Bute Park is the green heart of the city with natural play features.
FREE: Try a walking tour to learn the city’s 2,000-year history, fogosfreetours .com.
Visit the National Museum or open-air St Fagans to see craftsmen showing traditional skills.
THRILL: The Principality Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby. If you fancy, you can walk along the edge of the 75,000-seat roof, zip wire across the canopy, then abseil down.
Take a Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River TyneCredit: Getty
ENJOY a circular Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge, taking in stunning views from both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides of the River Tyne.
Check out music at Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
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See the Norman castle and the fantastic science attraction Centre for Life.
FREE: Visit the Discovery Museum and the centre for kids’ books, Seven Stories. Stroll through Leazes Park and Victorian Saltwell Park in Gateshead, with a lake, play areas, an animal house, maze and cafe.
THRILL: Newcastle Climbing Centre has walls for all abilities.
Weave through the canals of Birmingham, which has more of them than VeniceCredit: Supplied
THIS city has more canals than Venice, so weave your way through Brindleyplace with its cafes and squares.
It is close to the National Sea Life Centre, with the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel to see the marine life.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first Cadbury shop in the city, so do visit Cadbury World with its new Chocolate Quest ride.
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FREE: Take a free family trail around the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to see Egyptian mummies, and the Staffordshire Hoard Gallery has the biggest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
THRILL: Try 11 adventure activities including sky diving over at The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC.
GO: Family room at the Ibis Styles from £94 a night. See all.accor.com and visitbirmingham.com
York
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York has more attractions per square mile than any other UK cityCredit: Supplied
THIS historic hub boasts more attractions per square mile than any other UK city. Step back in time to discover the 10th century at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Tour the amazing York Minster cathedral, see artefacts at Dig, a hands-on adventure based on real-life digs.
York’s Chocolate Story has interactive exhibits, tastings and make your own lolly.
FREE: Stroll along York’s historic walls that have protected the city for 2,000 years. Visit the National Railway Museum, full of iconic engines.
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THRILL: Visit ghost tours, escape rooms, wizard walks, a dungeon and handling eagles at the Bird of Prey Centre.
GO: Family room at Travelodge York Hull Road is from £148 a night. See travelodge.co.uk and visit york.org.
Manchester
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Visit Manchester’s National Football Museum or head to Sea Life’s underwater worldCredit: Getty
HALF-TERM falls over Halloween and Manchester Monsters are out in force, with free events from October 25, and a spectacular procession.
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See the world’s largest football collection at the National Football Museum, visit Legoland Discovery Centre and watch 2,000 creatures at Sea Life’s underwater world.
FREE: Enjoy the city’s museums, including Manchester Museum, which houses 4.5million objects from archaeology to zoology. Young gamers will love the 150 consoles playing from Mario to Minecraft at the Science and Industry Museum.
THRILL: There’s indoor skydiving at iFLY as well as carts on virtual tracks at Chaos Karts.
GO: A family room at the city centre Premier Inn, is from £87 a night. See premier inn.com and visitmanch ester.com
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Brighton
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A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IVCredit: Supplied
RENOWNED as the finest ever, Brighton’s 1,722ft pier has attractions for everyone from fairground favourites to thrill coasters.
Tuck into fish and chips, pizza or ice cream while enjoying sea views.
A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IV.
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The Toy and Model Museum is an amazing Aladdin’s cave of trains, boats, dolls and puppets.
FREE: See the taxidermy collection and a killer whale skeleton at the Booth Museum of Natural History.
THRILL: Glide 450ft into the air for 360-degree views on British Airways i360.
GO: Family rooms at the beach-front Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, from £99 a night. See booking.com and visit brighton.com
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Bristol
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Bristol has more than 400 parks and green spaces to exploreCredit: PR SUPPLIED
WITH more than 400 parks and green spaces, no wonder Bristol has European Green Capital status.
The streets are adorned with art including the elusive Banksy, who was born here.
Explore the world’s first ocean liner at Brunel’s SS Great Britain and travel through space in the 3D planetarium at We The Curious.
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FREE: Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge over the River Avon. Walk across to the visitor centre to learn about one of engineer Brunel’s masterpieces.
THRILL: Wake The Tiger, an immersive high-tech experience where you walk through a labyrinth of 40 spaces of art and kaleidoscope colours.
A 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a suspected acid attack on a girl outside a west London school has been released on bail, police have said.
Teagan McFarlane, 14, suffered “potentially life-changing” injuries and needed surgery following the attack on Monday afternoon.
A 16-year-old boy was also injured outside Westminster Academy, Westbourne Park, while a staff member was hurt trying to help them.
A 14-year-old girl has been arrested and also released on bail, the Metropolitan Police said.
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The arrested man was bailed on Friday pending further enquiries.
Police are continuing to appeal for dashcam footage of the incident.
Detectives said “a lone man” threw a substance at the teenagers before fleeing on an electric scooter along Harrow Road.
Corey McFarlane, Teagan’s father, previously said “words could not express the shock, pain, and trauma” his daughter is going through, “both physically and emotionally”.
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He added that she was initially discharged from hospital, but was later readmitted.
The 16-year-old boy was treated at hospital and has now been allowed home.
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