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- Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge
- Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
- OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
- Lewis Hamilton shares the advice he offered Lando Norris ahead of F1 title victory.
- Plane crash in Greater Manchester triggers significant emergency response
- Rio Ferdinand explains Benjamin Sesko’s growing popularity among Man Utd players
- Poland Accuses SpaceX’s Starlink of Aiding Russian Military Operations
- Italy Prepares for Major Tourism Surge Ahead of Winter Olympics 2024
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Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge
4:42 pm
TL:DR – “Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge”
- Three teenage boys set a homeless man, Karn (51), on fire in Bangkok after dousing him with fuel while he slept under a bridge.
- The incident, recorded as a ‘prank’, caused significant injury and property damage on January 19.
- Karn had previously faced harassment from the boys, who are aged between nine and 15.
- Police have identified the suspects, charging them with arson, and they face potential fines and imprisonment.
- The case highlights growing concerns over youth violence towards the homeless.
Teens ‘set homeless man on fire while he slept under a bridge as a prank’ | News World
A group of three teenage boys doused a homeless man in Bangkok with fuel and set him alight before fleeing the scene.
The boys reportedly doused Karn, 51, as he was sleeping under a bridge in Thailand on January 19.
They then ignited the liquid, triggering a blaze that engulfed the area, injuring Karn and a nearby water pipe and bridge.
CCTV footage showed one boy recording the cruel ‘prank’ on his mobile phone before all three fled the scene on a black-and-red motorcycle.
Police arrived at the scene, where they found Karn seriously injured but alive.
The homeless man, Karn, said he woke up when he felt a cold liquid being splashed on him, allowing him to escape with his life.
He claimed the boys had been harassing him for months by verbally abusing him and throwing rocks and water bottles unprovoked.
Residents said Karn had never caused any trouble in the area and often shared his food with other homeless people.
Karn escaped with minor injuries but is reeling (Picture: Asia Press)
The blaze spread quickly and damaged nearby infrastructure (Picture: Asia Press)
Officers launched an investigation and said they had identified the suspects on January 22, but their identities have not been disclosed as they were minors.
Police Colonel Tosaphol Ampaiphiphatkul, superintendent of Prawet district station, said: ‘The group of suspects were aged between nine and 15. They rode the motorcycle together to escape.
‘After committing the offence, they fled to the Krungthep Kritha 18 road. Investigators identified them and informed their families.
‘We have to handle this case urgently because, if it is left unchecked, it could become a repeat of the incident in Sa Kaeo, where teenagers attacked a homeless man in Aranyaprathet district, causing severe injuries.
‘Regarding the charges against the three youths, they were only charged with ‘arson’ not ‘attempted murder.’
Police said the suspects may also face a property damage case for damaging water pipes, the bridge, and street lamps, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
The penalty for arson is up to seven months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £3,294.
Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
4:00 pm
TL:DR – Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
- Marcus Rashford intends to remain at Barcelona instead of returning to Manchester United after his loan spell.
- He has scored nine goals and made nine assists during his time at Barca, leading to interest in a permanent move.
- A £30m clause exists for Barcelona to sign him permanently.
- Rashford’s future is uncertain following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the appointment of Michael Carrick, who is keen to have him back at United.
- Rashford will explore other options if Barcelona does not sign him permanently.
For more details, see Ruben Amorim’s influence and Michael Carrick’s potential role.
Marcus Rashford makes decision on Man Utd return after Michael Carrick message | Football
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Man Utd (Picture: Getty)
Marcus Rashford has ‘no intention’ of returning to Manchester United and will seek a move to another club if Barcelona do not sign him on a permanent transfer.
Rashford is enjoying a productive loan spell at the Nou Camp, scoring nine goals and making nine assists for the Spanish champions.
Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa last season and was keen for the forward to leave again in the summer.
Rashford is loving life at Barca and ideally wants to sign a permanent deal with the club who are sitting top of La Liga and safely through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
When they signed Rashford on loan, Barcelona agreed a deal which would allow them to sign the United academy graduate permanently for around £30m.
Decision-makers at the Nou Camp have been impressed by Rashford’s impact but will not make a final decision on his future until nearer the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old’s situation has been complicated further by the sacking of Amorim and the appointment of caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
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Michael Carrick would push for Rashford’s return (Picture: Getty)
It was reported last week that Carrick was keen to welcome Rashford back to Old Trafford should he get the manager’s job on a permanent basis.
But the Daily Mirror claim Rashford has already decided his future lies away from United and has informed Barcelona of his desire to stay put.
As a result Rashford will explore other avenues should Barca decide not to keep him rather than return to the club he first joined at the age of eight.
Rashford made over 400 appearances and scored over 100 goals for the Red Devils but looked a shadow of the player he once was towards the end of his spell at the Theatre of Dreams.
His most prolific season at United came under Erik ten Hag when he scored 30 goals in all competitions, although he was also deadly under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking about Rashford’s future at Barcelona, Hansi Flick said last month: ‘Deco and I always speak about our team and what we can do.
Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford’s Man Utd exit (Picture: Getty)
‘Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, but we have to manage it. It’s Deco’s job and the club’s job to work on next season so we have to wait.
‘We still have plenty more time, there are many months, many days, many weeks ahead of us, and that’s how it is.’
Rashford’s parent club Manchester United have won three games in a row under caretaker boss Carrick to move back into the Champions League places.
The Red Devils were wildly inconsistent under Amorim, finishing just 15th last season, but have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham since Carrick took over.
Carrick was not initially believed to be in the frame to replace Amorim on a permanent basis but the impressive run has convinced a number of pundits that the legendary midfielder should get the job.
England boss Thomas Tuchel and Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti have been linked with the Old Trafford position and will be available after this summer’s World Cup.
United face Tottenham this weekend while Rashford’s next assignment for Barcelona is a Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete.
OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
3:50 pm
TL:DR – OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
• Mathias Cormann, head of the OECD, spoke at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on 3 February 2026 about EU economic challenges.
• Cormann urged EU leaders to heed Mario Draghi’s recommendations for structural reform in response to tariffs.
• Draghi advocates for the EU to operate as a “true federation,” a view he reiterated on 3 February.
• EU leaders will meet next week in Belgium, with Draghi attending at António Costa’s invitation.
• The OECD highlighted concerns over Chinese trade practices and market distortions affecting the EU.
Europeans ‘would do well listening to Mario Draghi,’ OECD chief says
European leaders should heed the advice of Mario Draghi as they seek solutions to the challenges posed by tariffs on the European Union’s economy, according to Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, 2026, Cormann emphasised the urgency of navigating the EU’s structural challenges in an evolving trade landscape.
Cormann pointed out that the EU is a “uniquely successful story,” but must adapt to new global dynamics where international rules are increasingly scrutinised. He remarked that Draghi’s insights, presented in a 2024 report advocating for radical changes in the EU’s functionality, are critical at this juncture.
Draghi recently reiterated his call for the EU to operate as a “true federation,” moving beyond the current framework of individual nation-states.
Mathias Cormann Highlights Draghi’s Leadership
“Mario Draghi is an exceptional leader,” Cormann told Euronews. He encouraged EU leaders to “listen very carefully” to Draghi’s recommendations. Cormann remarked on the pressures facing Europe, stating, “The EU has to position itself in the best possible way in evolving circumstances.”
He also noted that European Union leaders will convene at an informal retreat next week in Belgium, with Draghi invited by European Council President António Costa.
In a previous interview with Euronews, António Costa indicated that he expects the leaders to provide “clear political guidance” regarding the largely unimplemented recommendations of Draghi’s report, which warned that the EU could face “slow agony” without transformative change.
Draghi has advocated for collective initiatives, including joint borrowing among EU member states for significant projects.
Trade Relations Amid Global Tariff Challenges
Cormann also addressed the impact of tariffs, asserting that trade remains a beneficial aspect of global relations despite the challenges posed by the US government’s trade policies. He highlighted that appetite for international cooperation persists, even as tariffs have been introduced.
Additionally, Cormann raised concerns about market distortions attributed to China’s trade practices. He noted that the European Union has urged Beijing to tackle its increasing trade deficit and warned of a potential “second China shock.”
“There are areas where we are concerned about market-distorting practices and excessive levels of state subsidies,” Cormann stated, emphasising the preference for alignment with market-based practices.
Lewis Hamilton shares the advice he offered Lando Norris ahead of F1 title victory.
3:00 pm
TL:DR – Lewis Hamilton shares the advice he offered Lando Norris ahead of F1 title victory.
- Lando Norris won his first F1 World Championship with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by two points (Norris’ Triumph).
- Lewis Hamilton expressed pride in Norris’ achievement, noting he advised him to keep doing what he was already doing (Hamilton’s Message).
- Hamilton’s disappointing season saw him finish eighth, significantly behind team-mate Charles Leclerc (Hamilton’s Struggles).
- Former champion Nico Rosberg urged Hamilton to continue racing despite a challenging debut season with Ferrari (Rosberg’s Advice).
Lewis Hamilton reveals advice he gave Lando Norris before F1 title win
Lewis Hamilton said he was ‘really happy and proud’ after Lando Norris’ triumph (Picture: Getty)
Lewis Hamilton passed on his congratulations to Lando Norris and revealed the simple piece of advice he gave the McLaren driver before he became the new F1 world champion.
Norris clinched his maiden Drivers’ Championship with a third-place finish in Sunday’s tense and thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the 11th Brit to win the title in the process.
While defending champion Max Verstappen came out on top at the Yas Marina Circuit, the Red Bull driver was ultimately unable to close the gap on his close friend Norris – who ended the season two points better off at the summit.
It represents the narrowest margin to determine a championship since as far back as 2008, when Hamilton beat Felipe Massa to the crown by just a point.
Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri came second in Abu Dhabi and had to settle for third spot in the overall standings after seven wins and 16 podium finishes across the campaign.
It proved another weekend to forget for Hamilton, meanwhile, who came home in eighth, 86 points adrift of Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc down in sixth.
The disappointment was etched across Hamilton’s face as he addressed the media shortly after Sunday’s race and there may be some soul-searching ahead for the seven-time world champion over the coming weeks and months.
Norris pipped Verstappen to the title with a third-place finish in Abu Dhabi (Picture: Getty)
Hamilton had a ‘nightmare’ debut season with Ferrari, says Rosberg (Picture: Getty)
However, Hamilton took the opportunity to send a classy message to Norris on his triumph, underlining just how ‘proud’ he was of his fellow countryman.
‘I’m really, really happy for him,’ Hamilton told Sky Sports.
‘Winning your first world championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers.
‘I know what the feeling is also when you’re coming into this race and fighting for your first championship, it’s nerve-wracking.
‘I’m just really proud of him.’
Asked if there were any pearls of wisdom he had given Norris before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton replied: ‘Before the weekend I just told him what he’s been doing works so don’t change anything.
‘I guess that’s what he did.’
Verstappen won in Abu Dhabi but finished two points behind Norris (Picture: Getty)
There has been some suggestions that Hamilton could decide to call it a day on the back of his wretched debut season with Ferrari.
But Nico Rosberg encouraged his old Mercedes team-mate to ignore talk of retirement after his ‘nightmare’ campaign and instead look to ‘find some of that old magic again’ next year.
‘It’s been a terrible season for him and it’s not a worthy way to end his career,’ Rosberg said on Sky Sports from the paddock.
Hamilton should strive to rediscover the ‘magic’ again next season, says Rosberg (Picture: Getty)
‘It’s so hard for him to deal with that because he’s being beaten by his team-mate, struggling to get into Q2, spinning on his own – it’s a real nightmare.
‘I think it’s even worse than it looks from the outside for him personally.
‘He’s the greatest, and we’re never going to debate that, but still, it’s putting a little scratch on his legacy now.’
Hamilton finished sixth in the overall standings (Picture: Getty)
Rosberg added: ‘It’s horribly tough and that’s why actually, Martin [Brunt], do you think he might call it a day on this incredible career and retire?
‘I think he has to continue because stopping now would be… that’s not cool.
‘He only just started this Ferrari project and to give up, in a way, after only one season, I think that doesn’t work.
‘He has to continue, give it another shot and hope he feels comfortable in that car next year and maybe the car is also a good car because this year’s car was not great.’
Hamilton finished 86 points worse off than Leclerc (Picture: Getty)
According to Rosberg, qualifying proved to be Hamilton’s ‘great struggle’ this season and – after a short break – he should set his sights on putting things right again next season.
‘His great struggle this year was qualifying pace,’ he continued.
‘There was still these flashes of brilliance in the race that we kept on seeing again. It was just that qualifying pace.
‘With the car being so different next year, maybe he can find some of that old magic again so the hope is still there, definitely.’
Rosberg’s Sky Sports colleague Martin Brunt agreed and admitted he would be ‘very surprised’ to see Hamilton bring an end to his glittering career.
Brunt said: ‘The trouble is that his stats and his reputation is not being enhanced, but I would have thought that he’ll wait and see if Ferrari get it together for 2026, sees how he’s going, see how they’re going and whether he’s enjoying it.
‘I think if we were asking that question a year from now when he’s had a difficult season, it would be completely different.
‘I would be very surprised if he just switches it off this winter.’
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Plane crash in Greater Manchester triggers significant emergency response
2:00 pm
TL:DR – Plane crash in Greater Manchester triggers significant emergency response | News UK
- A light aircraft crashed in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, believed to be carrying two people.
- The plane took off from Birmingham around 10am, with its flight path ending near Hollingworth Lake.
- Over 100 emergency service vehicles, including helicopters, responded to the crash site.
- Local weather conditions were challenging, described as windy and foggy.
- The extent of any injuries has not yet been confirmed, with emergency services assessing the situation.
Plane crash in Greater Manchester sparks major emergency response
The aircraft crashed in Littleborough in Greater Manchester (Picture: Men Media)
A light aircraft believed to be carrying two people has crashed in Littleborough, Greater Manchester.
The plane is believed to have taken off from Birmingham around 10am this morning before its flight path ended near the northern town, according to Flightradar.
The crash is thought to have happened on land near to Hollingworth Lake and Blackstone Edge.
Helicopters are flying over the area of the crash with a major emergency response is underway on the ground.
The plane appears to have taken off from Birmingham before losing altitude near Littleborough (Picture: FlightRadar24)
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‘More than 100’ emergency service vehicles including helicopters rushed to the crashsite (Picture: Men Media)
Police, paramedics and firefighters are currently on the scene following the crash.
A local told UK News that ‘more than 100’ emergency response vehicles rushed down their road towards the crashsite, including ‘ambulances, police, CID, cranes and foam units’.
They described the weather in Littleborough as ‘awful’, saying it was ‘very windy, showers on and off, foggy and grey’.
It has not yet been confirmed whether anybody is seriously injured.
In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: ‘Emergency services are responding to reports of a light aircraft crash in the Littleborough area. We are currently in attendance to establish the full circumstances and assess any casualties.
‘A scene is in place whilst emergency service workers conduct their enquiries and people are asked to avoid the area as this work is carried out.’
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
Rio Ferdinand explains Benjamin Sesko’s growing popularity among Man Utd players
12:01 pm
TL:DR – Rio Ferdinand explains Benjamin Sesko’s growing popularity among Man Utd players
- Benjamin Sesko shines for Manchester United, scoring a stoppage-time winner against Fulham (Paragraph 7).
- Rio Ferdinand praises Sesko’s work ethic, noting his dedication in training impresses teammates (Paragraph 5).
- After a slow start, Sesko has netted six goals since joining from RB Leipzig for £74m (Paragraph 3).
- Michael Carrick, interim manager, expresses pride in Sesko, commending his bright training performances (Paragraph 10).
Rio Ferdinand reveals why Benjamin Sesko has become popular with Man Utd teammates | Football
Benjamin Sesko was the goal-scoring hero for Manchester United on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko is proving to be a hit with his teammates and the staff at Manchester United due to his brilliant work ethic at the training ground, says club legend Rio Ferdinand.
The 22-year-old arrived from RB Leipzig over the summer for £74m and came with a glowing reputation, having been linked to the likes of Arsenal as well.
Dropped Sesko to the bench
The Slovenia international made a slow start to life in England and just looked to be finding form before interim manager Michael Carrick was appointed.
Carrick immediately dropped Sesko to the bench and played Bryan Mbeumo up front in his first three games in charge, however, the Slovenian came off the bench to be the hero in that third outing.
A brilliant finish in stoppage time was the winner in the dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday, with Sesko scoring his sixth goal for the club but producing easily his best moment in a Manchester United shirt so far.
Obviously his teammates were thrilled with the late winner, but Sesko seemed to be congratulated even more than you might expect, with his manager, with Carrick saying the striker ‘really deserved’ his moment.
Ferdinand says the summer signing has been setting the example in training since his arrival, with his teammates thoroughly impressed by his work ethic and commitment.
Rio Ferdinand claps back at trolls on wife Kate’s bikini pictures
Michael Owen praises out-of-form Man Utd player following Fulham victory | Football
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Michael Carrick was thrilled for Sesko after he netted the winner (Picture: Getty Images)
‘What I would say about him from people on the training ground is his attitude is first class,’ the former United defender said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
‘He’s in every day, early, ready to prepare for training, ready to do the extras before training, getting his body right, to make sure that he’s ready to go out there and give his best every day in training, no stone is left unturned.
‘And they say especially for a young kid, his mindset and his attitude has been first class.
‘The club will have done their due diligence anyway, they will have known that he’s a good kid who wants to work hard. But it’s then coming into an environment like Man Utd, a club of that stature and then wanting to go to a new level.
‘That’s why you see the guys in the changing room and on the pitch reacting to his goal in the way that they was all so happy for him.
‘You only get that type of reaction when they go, “You know what? He’s likable, and you must be a good kid, and you must show traits of someone who works really hard”.
‘So good luck to him, man. I want him to do well.’
Sesko fired Man Utd back to fourth in the Premier League (Picture: Getty Images)
Ferdinand says it is not just hard work that has taken Sesko to Manchester United, feeling that he just needs more confidence to show off his impressive abilities.
‘He’s got all the attributes you’d want in your number nine, by the way, a Premier League modern-day player,’ said the former England centre-back.
‘He’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s agile, he’s got a clean strike. It’s just that confidence and getting them goals.’
‘The reception he got when came back in the changing room told us everything.’
Speaking of his striker’s success, Carrick said: ‘It was a huge moment. We are so, so pleased, everyone in the dressing room. The reception he got when came back in the changing room told us everything.
‘He has been bright in training, he has looked dangerous. Ben is a big talent, he has so many positive things.
‘And today was a huge goal. To score a winner in front of the Stretford End is what you dream of. He really deserved it.’
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