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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An 'exciting summer' of women's sport lies ahead

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Three professional athletes are preparing for major international tournaments this summer. Footballer Niamh Charles, rugby player Ellie Kildunne, and cricketer Sarah Glenn are representing England in their sports' respective competitions. The BBC will feature these events heavily as part of its women's sports coverage.

Key Facts:

• Niamh Charles wants to help England's football team defend their Women's Euros title in Switzerland in July.
• Ellie Kildunne aims to win the Women's Rugby World Cup in England in September.
• Sarah Glenn targets success at the Cricket World Cup in India, also in September.
• Women's sports are receiving significant focus from the BBC this summer.
• Charles, Kildunne, and Glenn express excitement and challenges ahead for their teams.
• Each athlete discusses how their sports are growing and developing at a professional level.
• The athletes talk about their preparation and the expectations they face in their tournaments.

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'I was Birmingham's most prolific shoplifter - now I've turned my life around'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Keeley Knowles used to be known for shoplifting in Birmingham to support her heroin addiction and has been to jail 28 times. With help from the West Midlands Police's Offending to Recovery programme, she is now drug-free and helps others struggling with addiction.

Key Facts:

• Keeley Knowles was heavily involved in shoplifting to fund her heroin use.
• She went to jail 28 times due to her actions.
• Knowles began using heroin at 13 years old.
• The Offending to Recovery programme helps people with drug addictions to reduce crime.
• The programme was started in Birmingham in 2018 and is expanding to other areas like Coventry and Wolverhampton.
• It is funded by local authorities, businesses, and the West Midlands police and crime commissioner.
• Knowles now works with the programme and shares her experiences to help others.
• The programme is already positively impacting businesses and communities.

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'Review into my daughter's killing has been hell on earth'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

BBC research shows that only 1% of domestic abuse-related death reviews in England and Wales are completed within the recommended six months. Families like Pauline Jones, whose daughter Bethany was killed, find the review process to be painfully slow, taking years rather than months, which they believe contributes to ongoing risk.

Key Facts:

• Domestic abuse-related death reviews are meant to help prevent further deaths by analyzing how professionals handled cases before incidents happen.
• BBC analysis found that 99% of these reviews take longer than the recommended six months, often lasting years.
• Only 7 out of 495 reviews were finished in the recommended timeframe.
• Pauline Jones, whose daughter was killed by her former partner, experienced a review process that took nearly three years to complete.
• West Yorkshire Police admitted to failures in handling Bethany’s reports about her killer before her death.
• In Yorkshire and Humber, 97% of reviews were not completed within the six-month guideline.
• Delays in reviews are attributed to complex police investigations, legal processes, and the need to involve family members and other parties.

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Police launch probe into patient deaths at NHS hospital after heart operations

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police are investigating the deaths of patients after heart procedures at an NHS hospital. Several reports suggest these deaths may have been due to avoidable mistakes during the surgeries, and some families were unaware of the issues. The hospital has made improvements, but the investigation is still early, with no arrests made.

Key Facts:

• Police are investigating patient deaths after heart operations at Castle Hill Hospital.
• Documents suggest some deaths involved avoidable mistakes during surgeries.
• A patient's operation took much longer than expected and was described as a "disaster," yet this was not noted on her death certificate.
• The hospital's TAVI procedure death rate was three times the UK average at the time.
• Staff concerns led to multiple reviews, none of which were initially shared with the public.
• Reviews and reports highlighted safety and transparency issues with the TAVI service.
• The TAVI procedure replaces a heart valve using a catheter, often taking one to two hours and typically involves older patients.
• Dorothy Readhead, an 87-year-old patient, died after a TAVI operation where the medical team made an error in the procedure.

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RAF chief Sir Richard Knighton to lead armed forces

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Sir Richard Knighton is expected to become the UK's top military officer, taking over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. The role involves leading major changes to improve the UK's military strength as part of a plan to increase defense spending.

Key Facts:

• Sir Richard Knighton is reportedly chosen to become the Chief of the Defence Staff, the UK's highest military position.
• He will replace Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has held the position since November 2021.
• Sir Richard has been the head of the Royal Air Force since June 2023.
• The UK government plans to increase its defense budget from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027 and aims for 3% by 2034.
• The government announced a new defense strategy to prepare for potential threats from countries like Russia and China.
• Sir Richard joined the Royal Air Force in 1989 and was deputy chief of the defense staff from 2019 to 2022.
• The Ministry of Defence has not yet officially confirmed Sir Richard's appointment.

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PM warned more funding needed to halve crime against women

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Two senior government officials warned the Prime Minister that without more money, the government will not achieve its goal of reducing violence against women and girls by half. This warning comes before a spending review that is likely to include cuts. Police chiefs have also expressed concerns that reduced budgets could affect which crimes they can investigate.

Key Facts:

• Two government watchdogs have warned that cutting funds could harm efforts to reduce violence against women and girls.
• The government aims to cut violence against women and girls by 50%.
• The warning is linked to an upcoming spending review which may include budget cuts.
• The Home Office, managing police and victim services, is still negotiating their budget with the Treasury.
• Police chiefs say budget cuts could force them to focus less on some crimes.
• Police have already seen reduced numbers due to previous austerity measures, leading to increased violence rates.
• There are concerns that without proper funding, police and the National Crime Agency may shrink further.
• Police chiefs informed that early release of prisoners poses a safety risk without extra funding.

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Man killed in racist attack told police he saw similar assault weeks before death

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police were aware of a series of racist incidents involving local youths in Leicestershire before Bhim Kohli, an elderly man, was attacked and subsequently died. Mr. Kohli had previously reported witnessing a racially motivated attack on another man, who was hit with stones and verbally abused. Two youths were later convicted of manslaughter for Mr. Kohli's death.

Key Facts:

• Bhim Kohli reported a racially motivated assault on a man two weeks before he was attacked.
• Mr. Kohli was attacked by a 14-year-old boy while a 12-year-old girl filmed it; he died the next day.
• Both youths involved in his attack were convicted of manslaughter.
• An earlier victim of racist abuse in the area described being attacked with rocks and verbally insulted.
• Police were informed about previous incidents of anti-social behavior and racism in the area.
• A local resident, Linda Haigh, also raised concerns about racial problems but felt police did not respond effectively.
• Mr. Kohli had previously been targeted by youths throwing stones and using racial slurs in July.
• Police mentioned they were investigating reports of anti-social behavior in the park area before Mr. Kohli's death.

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The Papers: 'Good weather' small boat surge and 'tax bombshells'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Several newspapers report on small boat crossings in the English Channel, with some connecting it to recent weather and others noting government efforts to deter these crossings. Other key stories include the potential renationalization of Thames Water, the UK stockpiling medical supplies for nuclear scenarios, and the ongoing search for Madeleine McCann. Various headlines also mention financial concerns and political spending plans in the UK.

Key Facts:

• Some newspapers report on increased small boat crossings in the English Channel, potentially due to good weather.
• The UK government found that its Rwanda plan appears to have deterred some migrants, according to a recent report.
• Thames Water may become government-owned again after a US firm decided not to invest £4 billion.
• The UK plans to store military medical supplies to prepare for possible nuclear attacks.
• Police in Portugal renewed their search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared almost 20 years ago.
• Large accounting firms are trying to develop ways to audit new artificial intelligence products.
• Rachel Reeves, a UK political figure, has announced a £15 billion spending plan in response to concerns from her political party.

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Author Bernardine Evaristo 'astonished' to receive one-off £100k prize

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Bernardine Evaristo received a special award with a £100,000 prize from the Women's Prize for Fiction for her significant work in literature and promoting diversity. She plans to use the prize money to support female writers and will share more about her plans later this year.

Key Facts:

• Bernardine Evaristo was honored with a one-time outstanding contribution award by the Women's Prize for Fiction.
• She is the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize, sharing it with Margaret Atwood in 2019.
• The award recognizes her career achievements and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts.
• Evaristo will get £100,000 and a sculpture, to be awarded at a ceremony in London on 12 June.
• She intends to use the prize money to support projects for female writers.
• Evaristo co-founded Britain's first Black women's theatre company and other initiatives for diverse writers.
• She was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her contributions to literature.
• Evaristo emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy to maintain progress in women's rights.

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