Posts by Kim browne
Ringleader behind arson attack and kidnap plot was ‘groomed’ by Russian chatbot, court told
The ringleader behind an arson attack and plot to kidnap a billionaire Russian dissident had been “groomed” by a chatbot, operated by Wagner mercenaries, a court was told. The Old Bailey heard the fire at an industrial estate in Leyton, East London, on 20 March 2024, caused an estimated £1m of damage, including to vital…
Read MoreDoctors in England to go on strike next month
Resident doctors in England will go on strike next month, the British Medical Association has said. The strike is part of escalating industrial action over jobs and pay. The strike action will take place between 14 and 19 November. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh…
Read MoreAlleged Madeleine McCann family stalker said she never intended to harm them, court hears
The young woman accused of stalking Madeleine McCann’s family said in police interviews she never intended to harm them, a jury has been told. Julia Wandelt, 24, who the prosecution says believed she could be the missing toddler, allegedly said: “I never wanted to cause them any distress, or make them stressed or sad, never.…
Read MoreDave Ball, one half of Tainted Love hitmakers Soft Cell, dies, aged 66
Electronic musician Dave Ball, who was one half of the popular 1980s band Soft Cell, has died at the age of 66. The musician, who formed the duo with Marc Almond, died on Wednesday, just days after completing a new Soft Cell album. Fomed in the late 1970s, Soft Cell were pioneers of the synth-pop…
Read MoreParatrooper known as ‘Soldier F’ not guilty of Bloody Sunday murders
A former paratrooper accused of murdering two civilians in the Bloody Sunday shootings in Northern Ireland 53 years ago has been found not guilty. Soldier F – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – was accused of killing James Wray and William McKinney during disorder after a civil rights parade on 30 January 1972…
Read MoreThree people arrested in London on suspicion of assisting Russian spy agencies
Three people have been arrested in London under the National Security Act on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services. The Metropolitan Police said three men, aged 48, 45, and 44, were arrested at addresses in west and central London. Searches are ongoing at these addresses as well as another address in west London, according to…
Read MoreManchester gig by punk rap duo Bob Vylan postponed to next year
A Manchester concert by controversial punk rap duo Bob Vylan has been postponed, following calls by Jewish leaders and MPs for it to be cancelled. The band, which led a crowd in chants of “death to the IDF” (Israel Defence Forces) during an appearance at Glastonbury music festival this summer, had been due to play…
Read MoreTess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to leave Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they will be leaving the show. The pair made the announcement in a joint video shared on social media, saying they will enjoy the rest of the “amazing” current series before bowing out together and passing on “the very sparkly baton” to new hosts.…
Read MoreBritish man dies off coast of Melbourne after surfboard snaps
A British man had died off the coast of Melbourne after his surfboard snapped in rough conditions. Strong winds of up to 80mph had been reported in the state yesterday. A 43-year-old friend had jumped into the water to try and assist him, but both ended up in difficulty. A police helicopter winched them back…
Read MoreAs hate crimes against Muslims rise, govt urged to adopt new definition of Islamophobia in full
A long-awaited definition of Islamophobia is expected within weeks – and a former faith minister is urging the government to adopt it in full. It is expected that the government will move away from the word “Islamophobia”, instead replacing it with “anti-Muslim hostility”. But Lord Khan, who oversaw the start of the review into the…
Read MoreThe groundbreaking breeding programme that’s reducing methane in cow burps
Cows bred to produce less methane in their burps could prove to be an important ally in the fight against climate change, scientists have told Sky News. A groundbreaking breeding programme in Scotland is proving so successful that the amount of the greenhouse gas produced by cattle when they belch or break wind could fall…
Read MoreUK weather: Four Met Office warnings in place as Storm Benjamin hits
Yellow weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain have been issued overnight – as Storm Benjamin sweeps through the UK. The Met Office has issued four alerts – and has warned flooding, power cuts and travel disruption are possible. Forecasters say damage to buildings is possible, with “a small chance of injuries and danger…
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