Firefighters to continue tackling industrial units blaze into weekend Firefighters will continue tackling a large industrial unit blaze in Essex into the weekend after a major incident was declared and residents were evacuated. Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at 4.50pm on Friday, according to Essex
Met rolls out new testing kits to crack down on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters New testing kits are being rolled out by the Metropolitan Police to crack down on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, with a record number of the vehicles seized so far in 2026. The Met seized 29 e-bikes and seven e-scooters by Tottenham
200,000 people flee wildfires in France and Spain as some leave by boat Massive forest fires forced the evacuation of some 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain, with residents fleeing towns near Madrid and Bordeaux as the flames raged out of control. Firefighters and authorities in both European countries were caught off guard
Police vessel carrying armed officers crashes on Thames Five police officers have been injured after a number had to be recovered from the River Thames when their boat hit Westminster Bridge, the Metropolitan Police said. A police boat carrying armed officers has crashed near Westminster Bridge in central London, police sources have said. Casualties could
Millions of motorists set for long journeys as summer getaways continue Millions of motorists are set for long journeys over the next week as summer getaways continue. The AA said around 6.3 million drivers are planning a road trip of more than 100 miles between Friday and Thursday. Schools have broken up for the summer
Andy Burnham to host first meeting at No 10 North in Manchester Whitehall resistance to devolution is “over for good”, the Prime Minister has said ahead of his first meeting at the new No 10 North. Andy Burnham is expected to work from the site in Manchester once each week during his premiership. He will
Southport killer Axel Rudakubana transferred to psychiatric hospital Southport killer Axel Rudakubana has been transferred from prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. Officials approved the transfer on behalf of ministers, but a spokesperson for the department stressed it does not alter his 52-year sentence. Next Wednesday marks two years since
Persistent money troubles could make the brain age faster – study Persistent money troubles have been linked to faster brain ageing in a new study. The effect was particularly pronounced among men, those who had disadvantaged childhoods and people with a greater genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Supporting those facing financial hardship and reducing poverty
Consumer confidence sees six-point ‘Burnham bounce’ Consumer confidence has seen a significant six-point “Burnham bounce” – the largest increase since November 2023. GfK said the heatwaves, football success and a new Prime Minister appeared to have “lifted the mood”, albeit the headline figure remaining firmly in negative territory at minus 17. Confidence in the country’s
Andy Burnham pauses plan for early release of prisoners Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will “put a pause” on the plan for the early release of prisoners. Under the new Sentencing Act set to come into force in September, some 6,000 criminals were due to be released under the early prison release scheme.