Men 'livestreamed' Russia-linked arson plot, court hears

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A court heard that two men admitted to starting a fire at a warehouse in Leyton, London, that supplied Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine. This act of arson, linked to the Russian group Wagner, caused about £1 million in damages. Several other individuals are on trial for their roles in the arson, which was allegedly planned by foreign agents.

Key Facts:

• Two men admitted to setting a fire at a warehouse in Leyton, east London, causing £1 million in damages.
• The warehouse supplied Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine.
• The individuals were allegedly recruited by the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
• CCTV and phone evidence tracked the movements of the accused men to the scene of the fire.
• During the attack, one individual livestreamed the arson using a mobile phone.
• The fire caused "extensive damage" and posed risks to nearby individuals.
• The incident has been linked to foreign influence and motives, potentially for financial gain or political reasons.
• Two other defendants are charged with failing to disclose information about terrorist acts related to the case.

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Strip search of girl known as Child Q surprised school, hearing told

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A school staff member called the police because she thought a student, known as Child Q, had cannabis. The police carried out a strip search on the 15-year-old girl without an adult present, but no drugs were found. A panel is reviewing the actions of the officers involved to see if they followed the rules.

Key Facts:

• Child Q is a 15-year-old student who was strip-searched by police at her school in east London in 2020.
• A school staff member reported Child Q to the police because she believed the girl smelled of cannabis.
• The police officers involved did not have permission from a higher-ranking officer to conduct the search and did not ensure an adult was present.
• No drugs were found during the search.
• Child Q felt "demeaned" and "physically violated" by the experience.
• The school staff member believed she was following procedures by contacting the police.
• The misconduct panel is examining whether the officers broke professional standards.
• If found guilty of gross misconduct, the officers may lose their jobs.

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NHS doctor who faked degree told to pay back £400k

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A woman named Zholia Alemi worked as a psychiatrist in the UK's NHS using a forged medical degree for over 20 years. She has been ordered by a judge to repay over £400,000 to the NHS or face additional jail time.

Key Facts:

• Zholia Alemi used a fake degree from the University of Auckland to get a job as a doctor in the UK.
• She was born in Iran and moved to Auckland in the early 1990s, where she failed a medical degree.
• Alemi was convicted of forgery and other crimes by a jury and sentenced to seven years in prison in 2023.
• A judge has now ordered her to repay £406,624 to the NHS.
• The General Medical Council registered Alemi as a doctor based on her fake documents.
• Alemi earned more than £1.3 million working for the NHS with the false qualifications.
• In 2018, Alemi was also jailed for five years for a separate fraud related to forging a will.
• The General Medical Council has since apologized for its inadequate checks in the 1990s.

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Body found in search for stag party Scot missing in Portugal

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A body was found in Portugal during the search for Greg Monks, a 38-year-old from Cambuslang, Scotland, who went missing last week while on a stag party. The body was discovered in the Cerro de Aguia area near Albufeira, where Mr. Monks was last seen.

Key Facts:

• Greg Monks, aged 38, went missing in Portugal during a stag party.
• He was last seen early in the morning after leaving the main strip in Albufeira.
• A body was found in the Cerro de Aguia area, about 3.1 miles from where he was last seen.
• The local police, Policia Judiciaria, are handling the case and have found the body on uneven land.
• The body has not yet been formally identified.
• An autopsy is planned to confirm the identity and cause of death.
• The UK Foreign Office is providing support to Mr. Monks' family.
• Friends and family have expressed their condolences on social media.

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A-ha star Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson's

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Morten Harket, the lead singer of the band A-ha, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has undergone brain surgery twice to manage symptoms and is open about his condition now, although it affects his singing career.

Key Facts:

• Morten Harket is the frontman of A-ha, known for their hit "Take On Me."
• He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
• The diagnosis was announced on A-ha's official website.
• Parkinson's disease affects the brain and can cause shaking, slow movement, and stiff muscles.
• Harket has undergone surgeries known as deep brain stimulation to help manage symptoms.
• These surgeries took place in June 2023 and December 2024.
• Despite the treatment, Harket is uncertain about his future as a singer.
• Managing his condition involves balancing medications and other physical factors.

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Middlesbrough sack head coach Carrick

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Middlesbrough has dismissed Michael Carrick as head coach after two and a half years. Carrick, a former England player, helped the team reach play-offs in his first season, but they missed the top spots in the following years. His assistants have also left, and the club is looking for a new coach.

Key Facts:

• Michael Carrick was sacked after being Middlesbrough's head coach for two and a half years.
• He started coaching at Middlesbrough in October 2022.
• Carrick's team reached the play-offs in the 2022-23 season but failed in the next two seasons.
• Middlesbrough finished 10th in the 2024-25 season after losing to Coventry.
• During Carrick's tenure, Middlesbrough had 18 losses in the last season.
• Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick, Carrick's assistants, have also left the club.
• 17 out of 24 Championship teams have changed managers since August of the previous year.
• Middlesbrough is now looking for a new head coach, with Rob Edwards and Danny Rohl as potential candidates.

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Man accused of murdering 14-year-old in Hainault wanted to kill many, court hears

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A 37-year-old man named Marcus Monzo is on trial, accused of murdering a 14-year-old boy, Daniel Anjorin, in east London by attacking him with a sword as the boy walked to school. Monzo is also accused of attacking five others during a series of incidents on the same morning. He has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder and attempted murder.

Key Facts:

• Marcus Monzo allegedly killed Daniel Anjorin with a sword on April 30 of last year.
• Daniel Anjorin was 14 years old and was on his way to school when he was attacked.
• Monzo is accused of attacking five other people, resulting in serious injuries.
• He faces eight charges, including four counts of attempted murder, and denies all charges.
• The prosecution claims Monzo had a clear intent to kill, regardless of the victims' identities.
• On the same day, Monzo allegedly broke into a couple's home and threatened them with a sword.
• Monzo reportedly asked people if they believed in God during his attacks.
• After the attacks, when police tried to arrest him, Monzo made statements about God and Allah uniting everyone.
• During a police interview, Monzo said one of his personalities was a professional assassin. A later interview was cut short due to his confusion.

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New chair to do 'whatever it takes' to reform legal appeals body

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The new interim chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), Dame Vera Baird, is committed to reforming the organization. Her goal is to increase public confidence, especially after cases like Andrew Malkinson's wrongful conviction, which highlighted failures in the system. Dame Vera plans to conduct a thorough review and address any issues within the CCRC.

Key Facts:

• Dame Vera Baird is the new interim chair of the CCRC as of Tuesday.
• The CCRC reviews cases where there may have been a miscarriage of justice.
• Dame Vera aims to reform the CCRC and improve public trust in its work.
• Andrew Malkinson was wrongfully jailed for 17 years for rape; his case was mishandled by the CCRC.
• Malkinson's conviction was overturned in July 2023 after new evidence emerged.
• A review found the CCRC failed to act on Malkinson's case, potentially prolonging his imprisonment.
• Dame Vera plans to look into similar cases and communicate with the CCRC's chief executive.
• The CCRC is doing an internal review of cases involving DNA evidence to avoid similar issues.

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Gauff battles past Keys to reach semi-finals

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Coco Gauff reached the semi-finals of the French Open after defeating fellow American Madison Keys. Gauff won the match with scores of 6-7, 6-4, and 6-1, and she will face either Mirra Andreeva or Lois Boisson next.

Key Facts:

• Coco Gauff is the world number two tennis player.
• She beat Madison Keys to reach the French Open semi-finals with set scores of 6-7, 6-4, 6-1.
• Gauff found her rhythm in the second set, leading to her dominating the third.
• Madison Keys made 60 unforced errors compared to Gauff's 41.
• Gauff has beaten Keys three times in six meetings, including this victory on clay.
• She will face either Mirra Andreeva or Lois Boisson in the semi-finals.
• Gauff previously won the French Open doubles title in 2024.

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Teen TikTok star shot dead after man broke into her home, police say

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police in Pakistan have arrested a 22-year-old man named Umar Hayat, who confessed to killing 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf in her home in Islamabad. Authorities believe the murder occurred after Ms. Yousaf rejected his advances, and he broke into her home, shot her, and escaped with her phone. Her death has sparked a national outcry and a wider debate about the safety of women on social media.

Key Facts:

• A 22-year-old man, Umar Hayat, was arrested in Pakistan and confessed to the murder.
• The victim, Sana Yousaf, was a 17-year-old social media influencer with many followers.
• Authorities say Hayat broke into Yousaf's home, shot her twice, and stole her phone.
• Sana Yousaf's family says she had not mentioned Hayat before the murder.
• Police have recovered the alleged murder weapon and the stolen phone.
• Sana Yousaf's death has caused widespread concern and was quickly disseminated in the media.
• The situation has led to discussions about women's safety on social media in Pakistan.
• Some online criticism of Ms. Yousaf's social media work has appeared, though authorities condemn the murder and support female influencers.

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National Trust covers artwork referencing JK Rowling after tampering

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The National Trust removed a textile artwork from display at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire after a person tampered with it by unpicking the stitching over JK Rowling's name. Between April and November 2024, people added names to the artwork, which was designed to honor admired women. The artwork, created by artist Layla Khoo, was inspired by a historical piece and is being investigated due to the incident.

Key Facts:

• The artwork allowed public contributions of women's names from April to November 2024.
• A participant had stitched over JK Rowling's name, which was later unpicked by activist Jean Hatchet.
• The National Trust manages Hardwick Hall and asked visitors not to tamper with art.
• The art piece is based on missing embroidery by Bess of Hardwick from the 16th century.
• Participants added names of admired women like Rosa Parks and Taylor Swift to the artwork.
• The National Trust stated that people who contributed did not represent their views or those of the University of Leeds.
• The artwork aimed to reflect virtues and was intended for display throughout 2025.

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Madeleine McCann search goes on but is it 18 years too late?

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police are searching again in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, for clues about Madeleine McCann, a British girl who went missing in 2007. Recent investigations by German prosecutors have named Christian Brückner as a suspect, believing he may be responsible for her disappearance and possible murder.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann went missing in May 2007 from a resort in Praia Da Luz, Portugal.
• Initial investigations were criticized for being insufficient, and key forensic evidence was lost.
• British and Portuguese police disagreed on the investigation approach in early years.
• In 2011, the UK Metropolitan Police reviewed the case and spent over £13 million on it.
• In 2020, German prosecutors identified Christian Brückner as a suspect for Madeleine's disappearance and murder.
• Christian Brückner was previously jailed for raping a woman in Portugal.
• Investigation data suggests a phone linked to Brückner was in Praia Da Luz on the night Madeleine went missing.

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'I'm not able to give 100%' - Bright out of Euros

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Millie Bright, an England football player, has decided not to participate in the upcoming UEFA Women's Euros due to not being able to give her best effort mentally or physically. Bright, after completing a busy season with Chelsea, cited burnout as her reason for stepping back and joining teammates Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, who also recently withdrew.

Key Facts:

• Millie Bright is an England defender who has chosen not to play in the UEFA Women's Euros for health reasons.
• She said she couldn't give her full effort mentally or physically due to burnout.
• Bright played 36 games last season and was part of Chelsea's team that won three major domestic titles.
• Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, two other experienced England players, also withdrew recently.
• England's manager, Sarina Wiegman, hopes Bright will feel better soon and emphasized the importance of self-care.
• Bright was a key player in previous tournaments, including England's victory in the 2022 UEFA Women's Euro.
• England faces challenges as they prepare for the tournament with three experienced players unavailable.
• Bright's decision comes shortly after England was knocked out of the Nations League by Spain.

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Sherrock plans to take break from darts next year

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Fallon Sherrock, a well-known darts player, has announced that she will take a break from the sport in 2026 due to health issues. Sherrock has experienced kidney problems since 2014, which have affected her ability to play, but she plans to keep competing for now.

Key Facts:

• Fallon Sherrock plans to pause her darts career in 2026 for health reasons.
• She has dealt with kidney problems since 2014 after her son was born.
• Sherrock was the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship in 2019.
• She mentioned her energy levels have been low, affecting her performance.
• Sherrock wants to participate in events this year, even if not at full strength.
• She has reduced her playing commitments due to health issues and lack of stamina.
• Despite challenges, she is determined to continue playing and hopes to return to full form in a few years.

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Meghan shares new photos of Lilibet to mark fourth birthday

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, shared new photos of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, to celebrate her fourth birthday. The photos included one with Meghan holding Lilibet as a newborn and another recent image showing them on a boat.

Key Facts:

• Meghan shared photos of Princess Lilibet for her fourth birthday.
• One photo is from Lilibet's newborn stage; the other shows them on a boat.
• Meghan expressed her joy in an Instagram post celebrating Lilibet's birthday.
• Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, after her parents moved to the US.
• Lilibet became a princess when her grandfather became the king.
• Meghan and Prince Harry have another child, Prince Archie, who is six.
• Meghan discussed the possibility of future business ventures with Lilibet.
• Lilibet's name is a family nickname that originated with Queen Elizabeth II.

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Man City agree deal to sign AC Milan's Reijnders

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Manchester City has reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for 55 million euros (around £46.3 million). Reijnders, who is 26 years old, will sign a five-year contract with Manchester City, pending a medical examination. The transfer aims to strengthen City's midfield ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.

Key Facts:

• Manchester City agreed to a €55 million deal with AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders.
• Reijnders will have a five-year contract at Manchester City.
• The deal includes extra payments if certain conditions are fulfilled.
• The signing is in response to injuries to players like Mateo Kovacic and possibly Kevin de Bruyne not participating in the Club World Cup.
• Reijnders was named Serie A's midfielder of the season while playing for AC Milan.
• Last season, Reijnders scored 15 goals in 54 games for Milan.
• He is considered a versatile midfielder who can play both deep and advanced positions.
• Reijnders started his professional career with PEC Zwolle and also played for AZ Alkmaar.

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Chancellor to announce £15bn for transport projects outside London

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce a £15 billion investment in England’s transport infrastructure. The funds will go to tram, train, and bus projects in the Midlands, the North, and the West Country, with specific allocations for regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to expand and improve their transport networks.

Key Facts:

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to allocate £15 billion for transport projects in England.
• The money is for improvements to trams, trains, and buses in areas like the Midlands, North, and West Country.
• Greater Manchester will receive £2.5 billion to expand its tram network.
• The West Midlands is set to get £2.4 billion for extending tram services from Birmingham.
• £2.1 billion will be used to start the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme.
• Additional investments include £1.5 billion for South Yorkshire and £1.6 billion for Liverpool city region.
• The East Midlands will receive £2 billion to enhance road, rail, and bus connections between Derby and Nottingham.
• Changes in funding allocation rules aim to distribute growth more evenly across regions.

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'A lot of big decisions for Sarina'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

England's women's soccer team lost to Spain 2-1 and did not make it to the semi-finals of the Women's Nations League. Coach Sarina Wiegman will announce the squad for Euro 2025 on Thursday, as the team prepares to defend its title in Switzerland next month.

Key Facts:

• England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Women's Nations League.
• This loss meant they did not reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
• England's team coach is Sarina Wiegman.
• Sarina Wiegman will name the squad for Euro 2025 on Thursday.
• Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland.
• England will try to defend their title in the upcoming Euro 2025 tournament.

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'I need a hug' - singer Jessie J reveals early breast cancer diagnosis

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Singer Jessie J announced she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She plans to have surgery after performing at a music event in London. Jessie J shared her diagnosis on social media to help process the news and connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

Key Facts:

• Jessie J, a well-known singer, shared that she has early breast cancer.
• She revealed her diagnosis on Instagram.
• The singer will have surgery after her upcoming performance at a London music festival.
• She hopes sharing her story will help her manage the diagnosis and support others.
• Jessie J received supportive messages from fellow celebrities like Rita Ora and Gaby Roslin.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK.
• Jessie J has faced other health challenges, including a heart condition, stroke, and Meniere's disease.
• She also has ADHD and OCD and recently turned down a Broadway role to focus on her family.

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Why time is right for resilient 'Mini Messi' Kirby to end England career

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Fran Kirby announced her retirement from England's international football team after an 11-year career with 77 national team appearances. She faced various challenges, including health issues, but made significant contributions to the team's success, including winning the Euro 2022. Manager Sarina Wiegman had informed Kirby she would not be part of the lineup for upcoming matches, which influenced her decision.

Key Facts:

• Fran Kirby played for England's national team for 11 years and participated in 77 matches.
• She won a European Championship medal with the team in 2022.
• Kirby announced her retirement shortly after England's loss to Spain in a recent match.
• Health problems, including knee injuries and pericarditis (a heart-related condition), affected her career.
• Kirby missed the 2023 World Cup due to a knee injury requiring surgery.
• She had "honest conversations" with her manager, Sarina Wiegman, about her future in the team.
• Manager Wiegman commended Kirby for her talent and contributions to the team.
• Kirby was known for her creative playing style and was nicknamed "mini Messi."

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