Browsing: UK featured

Emergency services retrieved the body of a 14-year-old boy from the River Thames near Donnington Bridge, Oxford, on Wednesday. His death, treated as ‘unexplained but not suspicious’ by Thames Valley Police, marks the 11th water-related fatality during the UK’s recent heatwave.

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.

Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 is in lockdown following a police incident, resulting in significant traffic delays as access points are closed. Passengers have abandoned vehicles to walk to the terminal. Despite the disruptions, flight operations remain unaffected, though some services face delays.

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.

Patrick Vieira expressed optimism about Arsenal’s future after their Premier League title win, highlighting the potential for dominance under Mikel Arteta. He praised the team’s young yet experienced squad, specifically noting Declan Rice’s significant impact as a leader and top player this season.

Paul Merson has advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to include Jurrien Timber in the squad for the Champions League final against PSG, even if he is only partially fit. Timber, who has been sidelined with a groin injury for the last two months, played a crucial role in Arsenal’s recent Premier League title win.

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.