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- American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
- Millionaire businessman dies from heart attack after brutal assault case
- Europe explores new fertiliser technologies to reduce gas dependency
- EU strengthens ties with Armenia amidst concerns over Russian influence.
- UK Supermarket Opening Times for May Bank Holiday 2026: Aldi, Tesco & More
- Austrian police arrest man after rat poison found in HiPP baby food jars
- Britain raises terrorism threat level to severe following conviction
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American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
HIGH COURT DISPUTE
Hopwood DePree is set for a two-day trial on September 29 and 30 against Rochdale Borough Council over access to Hopwood Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion.
Hopwood DePree is set for a two-day trial on September 29 and 30 against Rochdale Borough Council over access to Hopwood Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion.
HIGH COURT DISPUTE
Rochdale Borough Council has rejected Hopwood DePree’s claims of meeting the terms for restoring Hopwood Hall, citing a lack of a commercially viable business plan.
Rochdale Borough Council has rejected Hopwood DePree’s claims of meeting the terms for restoring Hopwood Hall, citing a lack of a commercially viable business plan.
HIGH COURT BATTLE
Hopwood DePree’s case against Rochdale Borough Council is set for trial on September 29 and 30, determining the future of Hopwood Hall.
Hopwood DePree’s case against Rochdale Borough Council is set for trial on September 29 and 30, determining the future of Hopwood Hall.
What we know so far
A Hollywood filmmaker is set to battle Rochdale Borough Council in the High Court over his family’s crumbling ancestral estate, known locally as ‘Downton Shabby’. Hopwood DePree, 56, was locked out of the 600-year-old Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester, despite years of restoration work.
The court will hear the case on September 29 and 30, determining whether Mr DePree met the conditions of his agreement with the council. He claims the authority has failed to recognise his efforts in restoring the Grade II-listed building, which included investing around £750,000 of his own money.
Relations soured between Mr DePree and the council following a disagreement over the terms of their partnership. In 2024, the council opted not to renew their deal, leading to the closure of the hall, a decision Mr DePree described as a shock to the community. He insists he has substantial evidence to support his claims that he adhered to the agreed conditions.
In response, Rochdale Borough Council has stated it has invested significant public funds in the estate and must consider alternative options to fulfil its obligations. The upcoming trial will bring clarity to the dispute, a situation Mr DePree hopes will honour both his family legacy and the community.
Read in full
American who inherited ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion vows to fight council who locked him out | News UK
A Hollywood filmmaker is fighting to get let back into his family’s crumbling ancestral estate dubbed ‘Downton Shabby’ by locals.
Hopwood DePree, 56, says he was left stunned after being locked out of the 600-year-old mansion in Middleton, Greater Manchester, despite putting in years of work restoring the property.
A two-day trial has now been set for September 29 and 30, where judges will decide the future of the Grade II-listed Hopwood Hall – and whether Mr DePree met the terms of an agreement with Rochdale Borough Council.
Speaking about the upcoming hearing, he said: ‘I’m looking forward to this coming out in public.
‘I feel I have to stand up and fight for what’s right.’
Mr Hopwood first discovered the long-lost family home in 2013 while researching his ancestry – having grown up hearing stories about a mysterious ‘Hopwood Castle’.
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He says he travelled to the UK in 2013 to see it for himself and found the once-grand mansion in a derelict state, with broken windows, collapsing ceilings and water running down the walls.
After working with Rochdale Borough Council, he says he struck a deal in 2017 giving him the chance to take ownership of the site for just £1 if he could secure planning permission and bring it back into use.
Mr DePree relocated to the UK, set up the Hopwood Foundation and began restoring the hall with the help of volunteers and heritage experts.
Planning permission to transform it into an events and hospitality venue was granted in 2022.
He says he invested around £750,000 of his own money into the restoration project – later documenting the journey in a book about the efforts.
But relations with the council broke down, with the authority claiming he had failed to meet the terms of the agreement – including producing a commercially viable business plan.
In November 2024, the council chose not to renew the deal and the building was shut, leaving Mr DePree and his team locked out of the historic site.
He said: ‘They attempted to pull the plug on the project and locked us out. That was a complete shock to the community.
‘I couldn’t believe a public body would behave in this way.’
Mr DePree insists he met the conditions of the agreement and disputes the council’s claims – including suggestions he failed to present a business plan.
He said: ‘They just went directly to the media and fed a story that we had not made enough progress and I hadn’t presented a business plan, which is 100 per cent false.’
The council, meanwhile, says it has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into the building and must protect public money, adding that it has a responsibility to explore alternative options.
The dispute is now set to be decided in court, with both sides preparing to argue their case.
Mr DePree said he has submitted around 1,500 pages of evidence and believes the hearing will bring the full picture into the open.
Currently based in Michigan but born and raised in Los Angeles, he said the project has taken its toll – but remains deeply personal.
He said the restoration would be a tribute not just to the community, but to his late grandfather.
He added: ‘It would be an incredible day to see Hopwood Hall restored, not only for myself after everything we’ve gone through, but also for my grandfather who has passed away.’
Rochdale Council was approached for comment.
Millionaire businessman dies from heart attack after brutal assault case
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: Millionaire businessman dies from heart attack after brutal assault case
Anzhelika Tartanova, 33, suffered catastrophic head injuries and had part of her skull removed following an attack by her boyfriend, businessman Dmitry Kuzmin, 41. Kuzmin died suddenly from a suspected heart attack after learning he faced a lengthy prison sentence for the assault.
Anzhelika Tartanova, 33, suffered catastrophic head injuries and severe brain damage after being attacked by her boyfriend, Dmitry Kuzmin, 41, who died from a suspected heart attack after learning he would face imprisonment. Neurosurgeon Vyacheslav Smirnov described her injuries as “complex and severe,” necessitating emergency surgery and reconstruction of her skull using advanced technology.
Anzhelika Tartanova’s recovery following her catastrophic injuries continues to be slow, with ongoing issues related to her speech, memory, and coordination. Neurosurgeon Vyacheslav Smirnov indicated that her skull would be reconstructed using modern technology, with a 3D printer creating a model to fill the defect left by the attack.
Model has part of skull removed after attack from partner | News World
Doctors said Anzhelika’s case was ‘severe and complex’ (Picture: East2West)
A millionaire businessman who left his girlfriend with half her skull missing after a horrific attack has died from ‘shock’ after learning he would be jailed or fight in Ukraine.
Anzhelika Tartanova, 33, suffered catastrophic head injuries, severe brain damage and lasting cognitive problems after Dmitry Kuzmin, 41, attacked her.
Kuzmin has now died suddenly from a suspected heart attack, after learning of his expected punishment.
The model went on TV four months ago to reveal the horrors of her injuries.
Initially, businessman Kuzmin hoped to avoid a prison sentence and was even allowed to visit Tartanova in hospital, despite having caused her horrific injuries. But then he was charged with attempted murder.
‘Preliminary reports indicate that Kuzmin’s heart failed due to the psychological trauma of the criminal case brought against him following the horrific beating of Anzhelika,’ Russian media said.
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The model was unable to speak for months after the attack by the road construction mogul.
Kuzmin was facing a lengthy prison sentence before his death (Picture: East2West)
She revealed her recovery has been slow from the attack on 23 November last year, and her speech has not fully recovered.
‘For a long time I didn’t go near the mirror, I was very scared,’ she said.
Her sister Anastasia Beloglazova said: ‘What kind of animal do you have to be to treat a person like that…? It’s horrifying.’
Kuzmin’s attack shattered her bones, effectively ‘removing half of her skull’, Starhit news said, adding: ‘Now she’s dealing with serious consequences: speech, memory, and coordination are impaired, and she faces a long recovery and further surgeries.’
Doctors say the assault caused devastating brain trauma, requiring emergency surgery to save her life.
Neurosurgeon Vyacheslav Smirnov said her case was ‘complex and severe’.
Anzhelika suffered severe injuries in the attack (Picture: East2West)
‘She not only had a subdural haematoma, but also damage and destruction of the brain tissue itself. And a severe traumatic brain injury,’ he said.
Without immediate surgery, she would likely have slipped into a coma within hours, he said.
The procedure required surgeons to remove a large section of Tartanova’s skull to relieve pressure on her brain — a process known as a decompressive craniotomy.
Smirnov said her skull would later be reconstructed using modern technology, explaining: ‘A 3D printer will create a model of her skull… we will completely cover this defect, and cosmetically nothing will be visible.’
Kuzmin had been told he was expected to face at least eight years in prison.
His only way of avoiding prison would have been to enlist in Vladimir Putin’s army and fight on the frontline in Ukraine.
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Europe explores new fertiliser technologies to reduce gas dependency
10:00 am
Europe explores new fertiliser technologies to reduce gas dependency
Fertilisers Transition
Europe is exploring low-carbon ammonia production using hydrogen generated from renewable electricity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in agriculture.
Europe is exploring low-carbon ammonia production using hydrogen generated from renewable electricity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in agriculture.
Strategic Dependence
Europe’s fertiliser production heavily relies on external imports, creating vulnerabilities amid geopolitical tensions and making the region increasingly dependent on imported nutrients.
Europe’s fertiliser production heavily relies on external imports, creating vulnerabilities amid geopolitical tensions and making the region increasingly dependent on imported nutrients.
Expert Insight
“Dependence on gas – with its recurring price shocks – is no longer viable. It is time to harness our strengths in electrochemistry and engineering,” stated Magnolia Tovar.
“Dependence on gas – with its recurring price shocks – is no longer viable. It is time to harness our strengths in electrochemistry and engineering,” stated Magnolia Tovar.
Key developments
Europe’s ammonia production, essential for fertiliser, is currently facing intense scrutiny due to its reliance on natural gas, exposing the sector to economic and geopolitical volatility. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly impacted gas prices, with costs surging more than tenfold in 2022.
As Europe’s agriculture shifts towards import dependency for fertilisers from nations like Algeria and China, this raises significant strategic concerns. The continent’s past reliance on external nitrate sources foreshadows similar vulnerabilities today, driven by fossil fuel dependence.
A new Haber–Bosch moment: Europe must rethink its fertiliser production
By Magnolia Tovar, Head of the ‘Technologies and Impact’ division at the think tank ‘Future Cleantech Architects’, and a trained chemical engineer
Published on
Half of the world’s population is alive thanks to synthetic fertilisers. At the heart of modern agriculture lies ammonia. It is the key ingredient used to produce nitrogen fertilizers which sustain crop yields across the globe.
Developed in the early 20th century by German scientists, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, the industrial synthesis of ammonia transformed food systems and supported unprecedented population growth worldwide. It also helped turn Europe into a global leader in scientific and industrial innovation.
Today, however, the same process that once gave Europe an edge is now exposing it to growing economic, geopolitical, and environmental risks.
The modern food system remains dependent on fossil fuels
Ammonia production relies heavily on natural gas, primarily as feedstock to produce hydrogen. As a result, the modern food system remains dependent on fossil fuels. When gas prices rise, fertiliser production becomes significantly more expensive, undermining the competitiveness of European industry and increasing costs across the agricultural value chain.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this vulnerability has become impossible to ignore. In 2022, European gas prices surged more than tenfold, rising from historically low levels to record highs. Fertiliser plants across the continent, including industrial leaders like BASF, were severely affected by this shock. At the peak of the crisis, as much as 70 % of Europe’s ammonia production capacity was offline.
The conflict in the Middle East has once again highlighted the risks of relying on gas imports and fossil-delivered exports to sustain our food system: roughly one-third of global fertilizer exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical gateway that proves highly vulnerable to disruption.
Europe’s agriculture under pressure
Europe’s rapidly eroding manufacturing base now carries strategic consequences. It increases reliance on fertiliser imports from countries like Algeria, China, Egypt, Russia, and the United States.
This creates a paradox: while European policymakers seek to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels for important sectors like buildings or road transport, the continent risks becoming increasingly dependent on imported nutrients (produced elsewhere using the same fossil fuels).
Europe has been here before. Prior to the invention of the Haber-Bosch process, European agriculture relied heavily on nitrate imports from Chile, creating supply vulnerabilities that shaped geopolitical strategy. Today, the vulnerability is returning – this time it is driven by dependence on fossil fuels imports. Maintaining Europe’s industrial leadership therefore requires a new wave of innovation.
There is also a climate imperative. Global ammonia production emits roughly 450 million tonnes of CO₂ each year – comparable to twice Spain’s annual emissions. Cutting these emissions matters not only for climate targets, but also for the long-term resilience of food production.
Fertilisers produced using clean electricity
Europe has begun exploring low-carbon ammonia production using hydrogen generated from renewable electricity. Yet this pathway requires major new infrastructure for hydrogen production, transport and storage. That is expensive and risks being too slow.
More promising technologies could change the equation entirely. Emerging processes aim to produce nitrogen-based fertilisers using nitrogen from air, water, and electricity. This can eliminate reliance on fossil gas and potentially bypass hydrogen altogether. The technical details differ, but the goal is the same: to use clean electricity to produce fertilizers in a way that is more reliable, less polluting, and ultimately cheaper.
If these technologies succeed at scale, they could allow fertiliser production in more locations, especially in regions outside Europe where the renewable energy potential is even higher. Smaller and more flexible plants could complement existing large facilities, making supply chains more resilient and creating new industrial opportunities.
New fertiliser tech could protect jobs in industrial regions
This also matters for jobs. Europe’s chemical industry supports hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, many of them in industrial regions that feel threatened by the energy transition. A new generation of fertiliser technologies could uplift and modernise this industrial base rather than simply see this industry migrating abroad.
As a first step, policymakers should support pilot plants and demonstration projects so that emerging technologies can move from the lab to commercial scale. Early deployment will not be cheap. But it is clear now more than ever that dependence on gas – with its recurring price shocks – is no longer viable. As renewable electricity expands and new production methods mature, costs are likely to fall. Europe already has strong capabilities in electrochemistry, engineering and industrial manufacturing. It is time to use them.
Europe’s next Haber-Bosch moment is within reach.
Magnolia Tovar, Head of the ‘Technologies and Impact’ division at ‘Future Cleantech Architects’, is a chemical engineer with over 25 years experience in industrial decarbonisation and the energy transition across more than 20 countries.
EU strengthens ties with Armenia amidst concerns over Russian influence.
9:02 am
EU strengthens ties with Armenia amidst concerns over Russian influence.
The ongoing geopolitical dynamics take centre stage as European leaders converge in Armenia, signalling the EU’s intent to bolster ties with the region amid rising concerns over Russian influence in the area. This gathering reflects the ongoing strategy of the European Commission to enhance security cooperation, with officials highlighting the importance of supporting Armenia against external pressures, particularly from Moscow. European Council President Charles Michel is expected to address the leaders’ meeting, which comes at a critical juncture following increased tensions in Eastern Europe.
In economic developments, the EU continues to navigate challenges as it seeks to bolster its trade frameworks, particularly with regard to upcoming negotiations with the United States. The focus will be on how these talks will shape future trade policies, especially as both sides prepare for critical discussions next week regarding tariff adjustments and regulatory alignment. Observers will be watching closely as key decisions are set to unfold at the anticipated transatlantic summit, where economic priorities will be a focal point.
Key developments across Europe
European leaders converge on Armenia as Russia looks on
EU FOREIGN POLICY — European leaders are increasing their engagement with Armenia amid heightened Russian influence.
This development follows a series of diplomatic meetings aimed at strengthening ties with Armenia, particularly in the wake of regional tensions. The EU seeks to support Armenia in countering Russian interference while reinforcing its commitment to democratic values in the area.
EU Seeks US Trade Talk, But Ready to Respond, Top Official Says
EU TRADE — The EU is preparing to engage the US in trade discussions amid concerns over growing economic pressures.
Officials emphasised the importance of dialogue to address mutual trade interests, particularly related to tariffs and regulatory barriers. This comes in light of rising inflation and economic uncertainties affecting both regions.
EU forging closer ties with Armenia as it sends experts to help counter Russian interference
EU FOREIGN POLICY — The EU is dispatching experts to Armenia as part of a broader strategy to mitigate Russian influence.
This initiative aims to bolster Armenia’s resilience against external pressures, particularly from Moscow. The EU’s growing involvement illustrates its commitment to promoting stability and democratic governance in the region.
Ferragamo traces 80% of leather amid EU sustainability push on fashion
EU BUSINESS — Ferragamo is enhancing its supply chain transparency as part of the EU’s sustainability initiative.
This initiative requires fashion brands to demonstrate efforts towards sustainable practices, with Ferragamo leading by tracing its leather sources. The move is seen as a response to growing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally conscious products.
Cyber-attacks against the EU and its member states: Council sanctions three entities and two individuals
EU SANCTIONS — The EU has sanctioned entities and individuals in response to escalating cyber-attacks.
This decision comes amid increasing concerns over the cybersecurity of EU institutions and member states. The move reflects the EU’s commitment to enhance its collective security posture against cyber threats.
What to watch — Developments in EU-Armenia relations as the EU continues to counter Russian influence in the region.
Further reading from across European news sources
Financial Times
Europe ‘naive’ in clinging to old economic model, says central banker
Reuters
EU may revive 2022 energy crisis measures in response to Iran war
Politico Europe
Orbán is out. Who’s the EU’s next disruptor-in-chief?
The Guardian
EU forging closer ties with Armenia as it sends experts to help counter Russian interference
Der Spiegel
Biden i den tyska; EU i brist på bränsle; Resten av världen ser på – Der Spiegel
UK Supermarket Opening Times for May Bank Holiday 2026: Aldi, Tesco & More
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: UK Supermarket Opening Times for May Bank Holiday 2026: Aldi, Tesco & More
SUPERMARKET OPENINGS
Major UK supermarkets have announced varying opening hours for the May bank holiday, with chains like Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s advising customers to check local timings.
Major UK supermarkets have announced varying opening hours for the May bank holiday, with chains like Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s advising customers to check local timings.
SUPERMARKET HOURS
On bank holiday Monday, the Co-op will maintain normal operating hours while Asda’s large stores will open from 8am until 10pm, varying by location.
On bank holiday Monday, the Co-op will maintain normal operating hours while Asda’s large stores will open from 8am until 10pm, varying by location.
SUPERMARKET OPENINGS
Supermarkets including Aldi, Morrisons, and Tesco have varying holiday hours, with most larger stores closing early and smaller branches generally open as normal.
Supermarkets including Aldi, Morrisons, and Tesco have varying holiday hours, with most larger stores closing early and smaller branches generally open as normal.
What we know so far
Shoppers are gearing up for the 2026 May bank holiday as supermarkets announce their opening times. Many prominent chains have indicated varying hours, providing customers with options for last-minute shopping.
Lidl will operate reduced hours outside London, opening from 8am to 8pm, while larger stores in London and Scotland will follow normal schedules. Marks & Spencer’s operating hours will differ by location, with some stores open as usual, while others may close early. Tesco’s larger stores are expected to close earlier than typically scheduled, but Express locations will maintain their regular hours.
Aldi will also be open from 8am to 8pm, urging customers to verify timings for local branches on their website. Meanwhile, Morrisons has confirmed that its larger stores will close early, opening from 7am until 8pm, whereas convenience outlets remain unaffected.
Asda’s large stores will operate with reduced hours, likely from 8am until 10pm depending on the location, while smaller store formats retain their regular timings. Other chains such as Waitrose and Sainsbury’s will also see varying schedules, encouraging customers to check local details for precise information.
The majority of Co-op stores remain open, with some locations operating around the clock, ensuring shoppers have ample access during the holiday period.
Read in full
UK supermarket opening hours for May bank holiday 2026, including Aldi, Tesco and more | News UK
Need to pop to the shops today?
Supermarkets have revealed their holiday opening times for the 2026 May bank holiday.
To save you time looking at every website individually, WTX has compiled all the key information on which stores will be open for you below.
Branches will have different opening hours, so check your local store’s specific timings to avoid disappointment and empty bags today.
All supermarket opening times for May bank holiday 2026
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Lidl
Much like the Easter bank holiday, Lidl’s branches outside of London (with the M25 as the limit) and in Wales will operate under reduced hours today, open between 8am to 8pm.
Stores within London and across Scotland will be open as normal.
Marks & Spencer
M&S opening times vary store by store. Some larger shops will open as normal, while other big store locations, as well as many M&S foodhalls, will operate at slightly reduced times.
You can check your local M&S store’s opening times using the chain’s store listing.
Tesco
Tesco’s large stores, the non-Express branches, will likely close earlier than usual today.
The chain’s smaller Express stores will remain open as normal over the bank holiday.
You can check the opening times for your local stores using their store locator.
Aldi
Aldi branches are expected to operate at reduced hours today, between 8am and 8pm.
However, you’re advised to check the bank holiday opening and closing times for individual Aldi stores with the chain’s store finder.
Morrisons
Morrisons has confirmed that its large stores will close earlier today, with most being open between 7am and 8pm.
The supermarket’s Daily shops will remain open as normal.
Check exact times for your nearest Morrisons using the chain’s Store Finder.
Sainsbury’s
The opening times for Sainsbury’s stores over today’s bank holiday will vary. The Local smaller shops will generally be open as normal.
The chain’s larger shops, however, will close early, with most operating between 8am and 8pm.
Please use the store locator to find your local branch’s exact times.
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Co-op
The Co-op supermarket chain has confirmed that the majority of its shops will remain open as normal on bank holiday Monday, with some shops still operating 24 hours.
Use their store finder to find exact times for your local branch.
Asda’s large stores are expected to operate at slightly reduced hours, opening from around 8am until 10pm depending on the shop.
The chain’s Asda Living shops will also be open at reduced hours.
The supermarket’s Express Petrol stores will remain open 24 hours, while its ordinary Express shops will follow their ordinary opening times.
Use the store finder to see exact times for your local branch, as they vary across the UK.
Waitrose
The majority of Waitrose’s large stores will remain open today, but they are likely to close earlier than usual.
With opening times varying store to store, we suggest you check your local branch to find out how yours is affected.
Austrian police arrest man after rat poison found in HiPP baby food jars
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: Austrian police arrest man after rat poison found in HiPP baby food jars
A 39-year-old man has been arrested after rat poison was discovered in jars of HiPP baby food, leading to recalls in 1,500 supermarkets. HiPP has removed its carrot-and-potato baby food jars from shelves in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic due to the contamination scare.
Authorities have launched an investigation after a 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with rat poison found in jars of HiPP baby food sold in Austria. HiPP has stated that the recall is precautionary and resulted from an extortion attempt, affirming that the products left their facilities in perfect condition.
HiPP has removed its jars of carrot-and-potato baby food from shelves in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic following the contamination scare. Authorities continue to search for a sixth tampered jar believed to be in Austria.
Man arrested after jars of HiPP baby food found contaminated with rat poison | News World
Paris on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte SIEMON / AFP via Getty Images)” decoding=”sync”/>
Authorities are still searching for a sixth jar, believed to be in Austria (Picture: Charlotte SIEMON / AFP via Getty Images)
A man has been arrested after rat poison was discovered in jars of HiPP baby food across Europe.
Police took a 39-year-old suspect into custody following a contamination scare that triggered recalls in 1,500 supermarkets.
An investigation was launched when a customer reported that a jar had been tampered with.
The seized jar of carrots and potatoes flavoured baby food then tested positive for rat poison in the city of Eisenstadt.
Authorities said five tampered jars were intercepted before they could be eaten.
A seized jar of hip baby food (carrots and potatoes) tested positive for rat poison during an investigation (Picture: Tobias Steinmaurer/APA-Images/Shutterstock)
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Baby food manufacturer HiPP has taken its jars off the shelves in Austria, Slovakia and Czech Republic.
The products affected were carrot-and-potato baby food meant for infants as young as five months old and were being sold at SPAR supermarkets in Austria.
Authorities are still searching for a sixth jar, believed to be in Austria, which has not yet been located.
Police said affected jars were marked with a white sticker and a red circle on the bottom.
Families have also been warned to look out for damaged or open lids, jars missing a safety seal or an unusual or spoiled odour.
HiPP revealed it has been a victim of extortion, adding that someone sent a message to a shared mailbox, prompting them to contact police.
The company said the products all left their facilities in perfect condition.
They stressed the recall was precautionary and not a result of a manufacturing fault.
Store bosses have pledged to hand a full refund to customers who return the products.
Anyone who has purchased any of the suspect jars has been advised to thoroughly wash their hands.
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