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- London bus driver dismissed for pursuing and hitting thief who stole from passenger
- Potential Consequences of a US Strike on Iran: Detailed Scenarios Explored
- Luis Enrique comments on Arsenal after PSG’s draw with Newcastle in the Champions League
- Boys ‘laughed and filmed’ as girl was assaulted, court hears | News UK
- EU Trade deals, Iran’s Guards, EU Budget | EU Briefing
- Flood Alerts Issued as Storm Chandra Creates Widespread Disruption
- Grandmother killed in ‘revenge for sons stealing phone from drug dealer’ | News UK
- Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran: Nuclear Deal or Face Severe Consequences
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London bus driver dismissed for pursuing and hitting thief who stole from passenger
12:00 pm
TL:DR – London bus driver dismissed for pursuing and hitting thief who stole from passenger
- London bus driver Mark Hehir was sacked after chasing a thief who stole a necklace from a passenger.
- He restrained the thief but left the bus unattended with the engine running, leading to a disciplinary hearing.
- Despite a police report defending his actions as proportionate, he was found guilty of gross misconduct.
- The tribunal upheld his dismissal, stating he brought the company into disrepute and excessively used force.
London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching thief who stole from passenger | News UK
The bus driver was sacked after leaving the vehicle to chase down the thief (Picture: Getty Images)
A ‘hero’ London bus driver who ‘instinctively’ caught and restrained a thief who stole from one of his passengers has been sacked.
Mark Hehir was driving the 206 bus between Wembley and Maida Vale in June 2024 when a man boarded the bus, snatched a necklace from around a woman’s neck before running off.
Mr Hehir, who worked for Metroline for two years, chased after the thief and returned the necklace to the female passenger.
But because he left the bus engine on while chasing after the man, Mr Hehir faced a disciplinary hearing where he was told he brought the company into ‘disrepute’.
The man then reappeared where he threw ‘the first punch’ at Mr Hehir, the tribunal was told.
Mr Hehir then responded in self-defence and hit the man once – knocking him unconscious.
He dragged the man to the pavement and restrained him for almost ‘half an hour’.
Although both men were arrested, Mr Hehir was released and was told he would face no further police action.
But the day after the incident, the bus driver was suspended from duty and told to attend an investigation.
At a disciplinary hearing, he was accused of ‘bringing the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger’ and that he also ‘failed to protect his and his passengers’ safety by leaving the bus unattended with engine running and chasing an assailant’.
Mr Hehir told the hearing that ‘he had acted instinctively in running after the (man)’ and that he had left the doors open and the handbrake on.
A police report defended Mr Hehir, saying ‘the claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger’.
Mr Hehir told the hearing that when the man returned to the bus ‘the female passenger was scared’.
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He explained held him on the ground as ‘he was frightened the man would do something if he got to his feet’.
Mr Hehir told the hearing that the public’s view of his actions was that he was a ‘hero’.
The hearing questioned whether the man returned to the bus to ‘shake hands and apologise to the female passenger and the claimant’.
They also questioned who threw the first punch.
Alina Gioroc, an operations manager who heard the disciplinary case, told the tribunal that she believed ‘that the (man) returned towards the bus with the clear intention to apologise and shake hands with the female passenger’.
Ms Gioroc continued: ‘When the (man) intended to shake hands with the claimant, the claimant pushed the (man) away rather than stepping away himself, and that the (man) had not been aggressive until this point.’
She found the restraining of the man for almost half an hour to be an ‘excessive use of force and disproportionate’, the tribunal heard.
Ms Gioroc concluded that each allegation was found and decided the claimant should be dismissed without notice for gross misconduct.
A tribunal held in Watford upheld Mr Hehir‘s dismissal and said ‘that the genuine belief of the disciplinary and appeal managers that the claimant was guilty of gross misconduct was held on reasonable grounds and was within the band of reasonable responses open to an employer in the circumstances’.
Potential Consequences of a US Strike on Iran: Detailed Scenarios Explored
10:46 am
TL:DR – “Potential Consequences of a US Strike on Iran: Detailed Scenarios Explored”
- The US deploys the USS Abraham Lincoln and missile destroyers near Iran amid rising tensions due to protests and a crackdown.
- President Trump sets red lines regarding the treatment of demonstrators while calling for negotiations.
- Experts warn that military conflict could escalate quickly, with Iran likely responding through indirect means.
- Disruption may impact global oil prices and inflation, extending political ramifications.
- A potential US military action aims to influence pro-democracy movements in Iran.
What happens if US strikes Iran? All the scenarios explained | News World
United States said on January 26, 2026, as Tehran warned it was ready to hit back at any American attack launched in response to a crackdown on anti-government protests. (Photo by Zachary PEARSON / US NAVY / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT ” afp=”” photo=”” us=”” navy=”” mass=”” communication=”” specialist=”” zachary=”” pearson=”” no=”” marketing=”” advertising=”” campaigns=”” distributed=”” as=”” a=”” service=”” to=”” clients=”” decoding=”sync”/>
Iranian officials are increasingly worried about a potential US attack after protests spread nationwide and sparked a bloody crackdown.
America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers into the region, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea.
It remains unclear what US President Donald Trump will decide about using force, though he laid down two red lines – the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the possible mass execution of detainees.
Trump wrote on Truth Social yesterday: ‘Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties.’
A Conflict is Easy to Start – But Hard to Control
As fears of a US attack in Iran mount, Dr. Bamo Nouri, a professor in International Relations at the University of West London, told WTX News that a conflict launched by the US would be easy to start – but hard to control.
‘Washington could carry out precision strikes on military or nuclear targets, but Iran’s response would almost certainly be indirect and regional – using missiles, regional partners, cyber operations and maritime pressure rather than conventional force-on-force conflict,’ he explained.
‘This is not Iraq in 2003. Iran has spent over four decades preparing not to defeat the United States, but to survive it.’
Dr. Nouri argued that the danger is not a deliberate decision to go to war, but escalation by miscalculation – saying even a limited strike could trigger a larger conflict than intended.
Regional Disruptions Cause Worldwide Inflation
Disruption in the region could cause oil prices to skyrocket, inflation to increase and spark political pressure far beyond the Middle East, experts have warned.
Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, Professor at SOAS, whose family relates to Karim Khan-e Zand, Persia’s dynastic rulers who unified the country in the 18th century, told WTX News gas and oil supplies are the tip of the iceberg.
‘Moreover, it would further deteriorate an already volatile regional security situation, as US allies housing US military could be targeted in response to an unprovoked US attack on Iran,’ he added.
Dr. Nouri added: ‘This is why current US deployments and rhetoric are better understood as coercive signalling rather than preparation for invasion.
‘The US can threaten war with Iran – but it cannot afford the war that would follow.’
A ‘Transition’ to Democracy After Targeted Strikes
Dr. Dafydd Townley, senior teaching fellow in International Security at the University of Portsmouth, previously told WTX News that Trump sees Iran as a major destabilising factor in the Middle East, which could explain his desire to get involved.
‘He certainly wants to have a more pro-Western or Western-leaning government in place,’ Dr. Townley said.
‘But it may be more beneficial to the United States to pursue non-military interventions, such as technological or diplomatic support for the protesters.’
If the US were to conduct precision strikes, wiping out key military and governmental points, it could pave the way for pro-democracy protestors to take control.
Another scenario is the Iranian regime collapsing, but the IRGC military retaining control of the population, which could end in more bloodshed.
Trump’s ‘Armada’ Explained – Could it Be Attacked by Iran?
The USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships have arrived in the Middle East on a mission to ‘promote regional security and stability’, according to the US Central Command.
The strike group was in the Indian Ocean, Central Command said, and not in the Arabian Sea, which borders Iran.
It will bring thousands of additional service members to the region, which has not had a US aircraft carrier since the USS Gerald R Ford was ordered in October to sail to the Caribbean as part of a pressure campaign on then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Iran promised that its finger was ‘on the trigger’ in case the US attacks – but the military in the country is no match for the US armed forces.
However, the multiple US bases dotted in the region could be a target for Iranian ballistic missiles.
There’s also a chance Iran could target US allies in the region – including Jordan, Israel, and others.
Luis Enrique comments on Arsenal after PSG’s draw with Newcastle in the Champions League
10:00 am
TL:DR – Luis Enrique comments on Arsenal after PSG’s draw with Newcastle in the Champions League
- Luis Enrique claims Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) remain Champions League favourites despite a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United (1).
- Both teams finished outside the top eight, missing automatic qualification for the last-16 (2).
- PSG will face either Monaco or Qarabag in the play-off round (3).
- Arsenal are viewed as strong contenders after winning all eight league phase games (4).
- Luis Enrique asserts confidence in his team’s potential to improve and succeed again (5).
Luis Enrique makes Arsenal claim after PSG draw with Newcastle in Champions League | Football
Luis Enrique maintains PSG are still the standout favourites to win the Champions League (UEFA via Getty)
Luis Enrique insists Paris Saint-Germain should still be considered as the favourites ahead of Arsenal to win the Champions League this season.
PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at the Parc des Princes in their final game of the Champions League league phase on Wednesday night.
That result means PSG and Newcastle both finished outside of the top eight and failed to automatically qualify for the Champions League last-16 stage.
PSG and Newcastle must now wait for Friday’s draw to discover who they will meet in the play-off round. One team will play Monaco, while the other will face Azerbaijani side Qarabag.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were the only team to win all eight of their games in the Champions League league phase and are now regarded by many as favourites to win the competition this term.
Last season, PSG also finished outside of the top eight and were forced to go through the play-off round before winning the Champions League.
PSG will play either Monaco or Qarabag in the Champions League play-off round (AFP via Getty)
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Luis Enrique’s side beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs before they knocked out Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal en route to the final, where they ran out 5-0 winners over Inter.
Speaking after PSG’s draw with Newcastle, Luis Enrique was adamant that his side should be considered as favourites to win the Champions League for a second successive season.
‘It was a very good first half. We started positively. We missed a penalty, but we created chances. The equaliser just before half-time hurt,’ Luis Enrique said.
Arsenal are the only team to win all eight of their Champions League league phase games (Reuters)
‘Physically, Newcastle are strong. We knew that before the match. We deserved to win, not by a huge margin, but by a little more. We face very different teams in Ligue 1.
‘I have nothing to reproach my players for, even if some didn’t perform at their usual level. I don’t see anyone as a bigger favorite than us in the competition.’
Luis Enrique added: ‘We can be better, get better results. But we’re here, we’re ready. We’ll see who we play against, Monaco or Qarabag.
‘I’m very demanding of my team. We have to analyse who we’re going to face. We had 13 points before the last match. We deserved to win against Newcastle. The defeat in Lisbon, however, was undeserved.’
Boys ‘laughed and filmed’ as girl was assaulted, court hears | News UK
9:00 am
TL:DR – Boys ‘laughed and filmed’ as girl was assaulted, court hears | News UK
- Anna Bogusiewicz jailed after drunkenly hitting Jordan Chiedozie, leading to his leg amputation.
- Chiedozie, a former AFC Bournemouth player, was investigating a flat tyre when the incident occurred.
- The collision took place while he was a passenger returning from a football match.
- He spent six weeks in hospital and underwent multiple surgeries post-accident.
- The court case involving two teenage boys accused of raping two girls in Fordingbridge is ongoing.
Two boys were ‘laughing and filming’ as they raped girl, trial told | News UK
The first victim was attacked for around 90 minutes, the court heard (Picture: Solent News)
Two teenage boys were ‘laughing and filming’ as they raped a terrified girl in a New Forest town, a court has heard.
Three boys are on trial at Southampton Crown Court, accused in connection with the rape of two girls in two incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Two of the defendants, now aged 15, face four counts of rape against the complainant in the first alleged attack, which happened in November 2024.
The first defendant also faces two counts of rape, and the second defendant faces four counts of rape against the second complainant in the incident which happened in January 2025.
A third boy, who is now 14 but 13 at the time, faces two counts of rape in the second incident by aiding and abetting the second defendant.
The first boy is also charged with taking three indecent photos of the girl in the January incident.
Jodie Mittel KC, prosecuting, said the girl in the November incident, who was 15 at the time, had first come into contact with the first defendant when he sent her a friend invite on Snapchat.
The prosecutor said the girl then travelled from her home to visit him, and after he had bought her a bottle of Lucozade, they had been chatting in the park.
The girl agreed to go to an underpass where she agreed to perform sex acts on the boy, who was then 14, until they were disturbed by passers-by, the court heard.
Ms Mittel told the court the girl had said she was ‘nervous but “comfortable’ when alone with the boy because she was feeling ‘some love’ towards him.
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The prosecutor said the girl became ‘scared and anxious’ when the second defendant, who was 14 at the time, and a third boy, who is not the third defendant, arrived and began ‘pressuring her and they recorded her’ as they laughed.
The court heard the boys suggested a ‘threesome’, which made the girl feel ‘disgusted’, but she went along with it because she felt threatened.
She said that the boys and the girl went back to the underpass, where the girl said she felt ‘cornered and trapped’ as the two defendants raped her and the second defendant filmed.
Ms Mittel said the girl described how she felt ‘numb’ and added: ‘She says she was shaking and saying the boys were just laughing and recording what happened.’
Ms Mittel said the incident lasted around 90 minutes, adding: ‘She was feeling sick, felt like she was about to pass out, the other boys were recording whilst she sat in silence trying her best not to cry.’
The video was later sent to her and the girl was harassed and called a ‘slag’.
The complainant in the January incident, who was 14 at the time, told police that she had been with two friends before they went home, leaving her with three other girls before the three defendants arrived, Ms Mittel said.
She said the complainant states that the first defendant threatened her with a knife and told her to leave her phone with an Airtag tracking device in a convenience store before making her walk to the recreation ground and a nearby field.
The prosecutor said that video footage recorded on the second defendant’s phone showed the girl being raped by the first two defendants.
Ms Mittel said that CCTV footage did not show a knife, and a girl witness had described the complainant saying that she needed to ‘ditch’ her phone so her mother could not track her.
The defendants deny the charges, and the trial continues.
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EU Trade deals, Iran’s Guards, EU Budget | EU Briefing
6:36 am
India-EU Free Trade Agreement: A Boost for Aspiring Youth and Economic Growth
- PM Narendra Modi praised the newly signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- He emphasised its potential for “ambitious” and “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant) youth.
- The FTA is expected to facilitate significant trade expansion across various sectors despite initial challenges.
- Modi described this partnership as key to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
- The agreement reflects mutual benefits for both India and the EU in market access and tariff adjustments.
EU Trade deals, Iran’s Guards, EU Budget | EU Briefing
India–EU FTA: A New Era of Trade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a pivotal step for a “young and ambitious” India. This agreement is aimed at bolstering trade relations and enhancing economic growth across sectors.
The deal represents a strategic shift towards liberalised trade, allowing both parties to expand their markets significantly. Modi emphasised its importance for the country’s development and the vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
EU to Add Iran’s Guards to Terror List
The European Union is set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, following a policy shift from France. This move reflects escalating pressures over Iran’s role in regional instability.
France’s change of stance highlights broader diplomatic tensions within Europe regarding Iran, signalling a united effort to address perceived threats. The listing is expected to facilitate sanctions and further isolate Iran internationally.
Economic Survey 2026 Insights
Ahead of the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to present the Economic Survey 2026, with expectations of major reforms. PM Modi heralded the occasion as a significant moment for India’s economic transformation.
The focus will be on policies to support growth and development as the government aims to project confidence in economic proceedings amid global uncertainties. Specific reforms relating to the newly established trade relations with the EU are anticipated.
Vietnam and EU Formalise Strategic Partnership
Vietnam has upgraded its diplomatic ties with the European Union to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in international relations. This upgrade aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors amid global challenges.
The partnership seeks to facilitate trade, investment, and mutual support on issues of shared importance, reflecting a commitment to collaborative international engagement.
India–EU Trade Deal: Tariff Changes Ahead
The recent India-EU free trade agreement marks a significant reconfiguration of tariffs and market access between both entities. Analysts suggest that while potential challenges exist, this deal will lead to increased economic interaction.
As details of the agreement unfold, both parties anticipate a positive impact on industries and trade growth, with the overarching goal of mutual benefit and enhanced economic cooperation.
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Flood Alerts Issued as Storm Chandra Creates Widespread Disruption
6:03 am
Flood Warnings Issued in South East England Following Storm Chandra
- Storm Chandra has caused widespread flooding across the South East UK.
- Flood warnings are currently in effect as rivers rise.
- Residents of Iford Bridge Home Park have been advised to evacuate.
- Authorities have issued a “danger to life” warning due to potential flooding.
- Somerset residents express concern over flood management as water levels rise significantly.
- Emergency services are on alert to assist affected communities.
Flood Alerts Issued as Storm Chandra Creates Widespread Disruption
Residents in South East England are facing significant disruption as severe flooding follows the passage of Storm Chandra, prompting urgent warnings from local authorities. Reports indicate that heavy rainfall has led to the issuance of multiple flood alerts, with government agencies advising communities to prepare for potential evacuations.
This weather event was triggered by a combination of intense rainfall and strong winds brought on by Storm Chandra, which has affected several regions across the country. Experts are highlighting a concerning trend with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, linked in part to climate change.
Affected areas include parts of Kent and Sussex, where numerous roads have been rendered impassable and local services disrupted. Authorities have mobilised emergency teams to respond to the situation, as high water levels pose risks to properties and infrastructure.
Local residents have been vocal about their concerns. One resident near Iford Bridge stated, “It’s like a sea out there,” expressing frustration about repeated flooding issues. Emergency services are ensuring safety measures are in place, with some residents already evacuated from vulnerable areas.
As predictions of further rainfall loom, the Environment Agency warns that conditions could worsen. They reiterated, “People should remain vigilant and heed flood warnings,” as they work to monitor and manage the impacts of this severe weather in the coming days.
The situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced flood management strategies as climate change continues to escalate weather-related challenges.
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