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Radley, the UK handbag retailer, is set to close multiple stores after being acquired from administration by Gordon Brothers, owner of Poundland. The buyout excludes retail operations, leading to significant job losses. All 21 UK locations, including flagship stores in London and Glasgow, will cease trading by September.

Artificial intelligence is being weaponised, presenting significant cybersecurity threats, GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler stated. She emphasised that Russia’s hybrid activities against the UK and Europe are intensifying, while allied nations must prioritise cybersecurity to prevent miscalculations amid rising tensions and evolving AI technologies.

Knifepoint robberies have decreased by 20% in hotspot areas across the UK, including London, compared to June 2024, according to Home Office data. This decline coincides with National Knife Crime Awareness week and the bi-annual Operation Sceptre, which has led to 243 arrests and the seizure of 159 knives this year.

Janice Nix, 67, has been convicted of manslaughter for scalding her five-year-old stepdaughter, Andrea Bernard, in a hot bath at their Thornton Heath home in 1978. The case, reopened after testimony from Andrea’s brother in 2022, revealed a history of abuse and trauma. Nix will be sentenced later.

South Western Railway has cancelled several services due to smoke reported on tracks between London Waterloo and Vauxhall, with safety inspections prompting delays on other lines. Commuters face disruptions as temperatures rise to 34°C, marking an unprecedented heat for May.

King Charles remained at Wood Farm in Sandringham over the bank holiday, notably avoiding a meeting with his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Andrew is now facing potential investigation over allegations of sexual misconduct, following the removal of his titles by the King last year.

Supermarkets across the UK have announced varied opening hours for the late May bank holiday. Lidl will operate reduced hours from 8am to 8pm outside London, while larger Tesco stores will close by 6pm. Aldi stores are also expected to open from 8am to 8pm.

The UK is experiencing a bank holiday heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C in some areas. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber alerts for several regions, warning of potential health impacts, particularly among vulnerable populations. The peak heat is expected to persist through Wednesday.

Travel disruptions are expected across London over the late May bank holiday weekend due to multiple closures on London Underground and Overground lines, alongside a two-day rail strike affecting West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services. Passengers are advised to plan journeys carefully and consider alternative transport options.

Morrisons is set to close around 100 of its convenience stores under the Morrisons Daily brand, impacting hundreds of jobs. The closures, attributed to consistent losses and heightened costs, follow the acquisition of former McColl’s outlets in 2022, with consultations for affected staff currently underway.