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'Quite a surprise' to spot 4ft shark swimming in river

May 16, 2025

A man named Thomas Davidson saw a 4-foot-long starry smooth-hound shark swimming in the Connswater River in Belfast. Although unusual to see in an urban area, marine biologist Dr. Patrick Collins stated that it's not rare for these sharks to appear in cities since they are commonly found near the UK and Ireland.

Key Facts:

Thomas Davidson spotted a starry smooth-hound shark in the Connswater River in east Belfast.
The shark was about 4 feet long.
The Connswater River connects to Belfast Lough, an area linked to the sea.
These sharks have been seen in other urban rivers, like the Thames and Mersey.
Marine biologist Dr. Patrick Collins explained that these sharks often eat crabs and small crustaceans.
Such sharks are not dangerous to people, according to Dr. Collins.
This shark swam in the river for about 30 minutes before disappearing.
Smooth-hound sharks can be found in coastal areas around the UK and Ireland.

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Chelsea fate in own hands & Villa hope - six teams in top-five hunt

May 16, 2025

Chelsea and Aston Villa both won their recent Premier League matches, maintaining their chances for Champions League qualification. Chelsea needs a win in their final match to secure a spot, while Aston Villa must hope for favorable results in other games to qualify.

Key Facts:

Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 after a goal by Marc Cucurella.
Aston Villa won 2-0 against Tottenham, moving up to fifth place.
Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League if they win against Nottingham Forest in their last match.
Aston Villa might qualify if they beat Manchester United and other results go their way.
England will have six teams in the Champions League next season due to successful performances by English teams in Europe.
Arsenal can secure their Champions League spot with a win over Newcastle or a draw due to their goal difference.
Manchester City needs at least a point against Bournemouth to remain in the top five.
Nottingham Forest's chances for Champions League qualification are slim, needing specific results to succeed.

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Two firefighters and man killed in business park blaze named

May 16, 2025

Three people, including two firefighters named Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, died in a fire at Bicester Motion business park in Oxfordshire. The fire started on Thursday evening, and police are investigating the deaths but do not consider it a criminal issue at this time.

Key Facts:

The fire occurred at Bicester Motion, a former RAF base, on Thursday around 18:30 BST.
The deceased individuals are firefighters Jennie Logan, age 30, and Martyn Sadler, age 38, along with a member of the public, David Chester, age 57.
Martyn Sadler also served in the London Fire Brigade.
Two other firefighters were seriously injured and are hospitalized.
Ten fire crews worked to control the fire, which spread through an aircraft hangar.
Police have started an investigation into the unexplained deaths but do not suspect criminal activity.
Bicester Motion hosts over 50 businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.
David Chester had been a long-term part of the community, running a family business called Chesters & Sons.

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Rugby star Jamie Roberts 'excited' to become junior doctor

May 16, 2025

Jamie Roberts, a former Wales rugby player, is starting a new career as a junior doctor in the NHS after completing his medical degree. He took twelve years to transition from rugby to medicine, having completed postgraduate studies and passed a necessary exam to resume his medical training.

Key Facts:

Jamie Roberts is a former rugby player for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
He graduated from Cardiff University's School of Medicine in 2013.
He played rugby while completing his undergraduate medical degree.
Roberts retired from rugby in 2022 to focus on his medical career.
He recently passed an exam to return to medicine and will now train as a junior doctor.
His medical training will occur in hospitals in South Wales over the next two years.
He is considering specializing in sports medicine or orthopaedics, which deals with bones and joints.

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Guardiola unhappy Bournemouth game not moved

May 16, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants the team's upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth to be rescheduled to avoid a clash with the Europa League final. City plays the FA Cup final on Saturday and has a tightly packed schedule, affecting their aim to stay in the top five of the Premier League.

Key Facts:

Pep Guardiola wants the match against Bournemouth moved to a later date.
Manchester City is scheduled to play Bournemouth three days after the FA Cup final.
Tottenham's Premier League match was rescheduled to help their European preparations, showing that games can be moved.
The Europa League final involves two English teams: Tottenham and Manchester United.
Guardiola says City has faced scheduling challenges for nine years.
Manchester City will play 57 games in all competitions this season.
City is participating in their third consecutive FA Cup final.
Guardiola noted that City often plays FA Cup semi-finals on Saturdays, which was changed to Sunday this year.

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Sinner & Alcaraz set up huge Italian Open final

May 16, 2025

Jannik Sinner, the world number one, will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Italian Open after defeating Tommy Paul. Alcaraz reached the final by beating Lorenzo Musetti, preventing an all-Italian final.

Key Facts:

Jannik Sinner is set to play Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open final.
Sinner beat Tommy Paul with scores of 1-6, 6-0, 6-3.
This is Sinner's first tournament after a three-month doping ban.
He is on a 26-match winning streak and could become Italy's first men's singles winner in the tournament since 1976.
Alcaraz, who won four Grand Slam titles, defeated Lorenzo Musetti with scores of 6-3, 7-6.
Musetti made 29 unforced errors in the first set against Alcaraz.
Alcaraz has won all five recent matches against Musetti.
The final will take place on Sunday.

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'We had to be on board' last run of UK's longest train route

May 16, 2025

The UK's longest train route, running between Aberdeen and Penzance, has ended after more than 100 years of service. The final journey on this 775-mile route was completed with many train enthusiasts on board. The operator, CrossCountry, decided to end the service to create a more efficient timetable.

Key Facts:

The Aberdeen to Penzance train route was the UK's longest direct service at 775 miles (1,247 km).
The service started in 1921 and has now been discontinued.
The last train on this route took over 13 hours to reach its destination in Cornwall.
CrossCountry ended the service to improve the train timetable's efficiency.
The longest direct route now is between Aberdeen and Plymouth, at 695 miles (1,118 km).
The last journey included 41 stops and ended at 21:40.
The route was previously shortened during the COVID-19 pandemic and fully reinstated in May 2023.
Passengers included rail enthusiasts and those marking the occasion with special memorabilia.

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Caudery wins pole vault at Diamond League in Doha

May 16, 2025

Britain's Molly Caudery won the pole vault event at the Diamond League meeting in Doha, clearing a height of 4.75 meters. Other notable performances included Jemma Reekie in the 1500m and Amy Hunt in the 100m, who both finished in third place. Letsile Tebogo won the men's 200m, while Tia Clayton claimed victory in the women's 100m with a time of 10.92 seconds.

Key Facts:

Molly Caudery, a British pole vaulter, won the event in Doha by clearing 4.75 meters.
Roberta Bruni and Katie Moon finished second and third in the pole vault, with heights of 4.63 meters.
Jemma Reekie from Scotland placed third in the 1500m race with a time of 4:07.33.
Amy Hunt finished third in the women's 100m, improving her personal best to 11.03 seconds.
Tia Clayton won the women's 100m in 10.92 seconds, beating her twin sister Tina Clayton and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Letsile Tebogo won the men's 200m with a time of 20.10 seconds.
Tshepiso Masalela clocked the fastest time this year in the 800m at 1:43.11.
Lawrence Okoye and Laviai Nielsen finished sixth and seventh in the discus and 400m, respectively.

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JSO activists spared jail after Heathrow glue plot

May 16, 2025

Nine activists from Just Stop Oil planned to glue themselves to a runway at Heathrow Airport but were stopped before carrying out their plan. The judge decided not to send them to jail because they did not actually cause any harm or disruption.

Key Facts:

Nine Just Stop Oil activists were involved.
They planned to glue themselves to a Heathrow Airport runway.
Police stopped them before they could carry out the plan.
The group was part of a larger international campaign.
They had items like angle grinders and glue when arrested.
At court, the judge noted there was no breach or actual harm caused.
Most defendants were ordered to pay trial costs.
The judge accused them of using the trial for publicity.

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Two teens arrested after kittens found 'mutilated'

May 16, 2025

A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were arrested in west London after the remains of two kittens were found in a field. The police charged them with suspected animal cruelty and are currently holding them in custody.

Key Facts:

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.
The arrests were made after two kittens were found "mutilated" in a field in Ruislip, west London.
The incident occurred on May 3.
The teenagers are suspected of animal cruelty.
Police released CCTV images of a duffel bag used in the incident to help their investigation.
The community provided information that helped police with the investigation.
The police say they are treating this case very seriously.

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Rock band Sleep Token score first UK number one with new album

May 16, 2025

Sleep Token, a British rock band, reached their first UK number one album with "Even In Arcadia." They are known for their unique style and for performing in masks, keeping their identities secret.

Key Facts:

Sleep Token's album "Even In Arcadia" is their fourth release and first UK number one.
The band formed in 2016 and keeps its members' identities secret by wearing masks.
Their music mixes heavy metal with pop and R&B elements.
"Even In Arcadia" topped UK charts, beating releases by artists Kali Uchis and Pink Pantheress.
The band has 9.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Critics have mixed feelings about the band, with some calling their style a gimmick and others appreciating their unique sound.
Sleep Token will headline the Download Festival in Leicestershire along with bands like Green Day and Korn.

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Salah criticises 'harsh' Alexander-Arnold boos

May 16, 2025

Mohamed Salah supports Trent Alexander-Arnold after some Liverpool fans booed him for announcing he will leave the club this summer. Alexander-Arnold, who grew up with Liverpool, will join Real Madrid after his contract ends in June.

Key Facts:

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of June.
He plans to join the Spanish football club Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold has been with Liverpool since he was a child, joining their youth program in 2004.
During his career at Liverpool, he played 353 times and scored 23 goals.
He helped Liverpool win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
Mohamed Salah expressed support for Alexander-Arnold, stating he deserves a positive farewell.
Salah mentioned that Alexander-Arnold seeks a new challenge and did not persuade him to stay.

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Prison governor jailed for nine years over relationship with inmate

May 16, 2025

A prison governor named Kerri Pegg was jailed for nine years after being found guilty of misconduct for having a relationship with Anthony Saunderson, a crime figure. Pegg illegally helped Saunderson and accepted gifts from him, which included a car bought with proceeds from drug sales.

Key Facts:

Kerri Pegg was a prison governor at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire.
She was jailed for nine years for misconduct in public office and holding criminal property.
Pegg had a relationship with Anthony Saunderson, a convicted gang boss and drug dealer.
Pegg received a £12,000 Mercedes C-class car from Saunderson, bought with drug money.
She was living beyond her means, buying expensive items while heavily in debt.
Police found evidence linking her to Saunderson, such as his DNA on personal items in her home.
She was arrested following a police investigation into Saunderson's communications on EncroChat, an encrypted messaging system.
Pegg's actions were described by the judge as a betrayal of public trust.

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Firefighters and member of public die in blaze at business park

May 16, 2025

A fire at Bicester Motion business park killed two firefighters and a member of the public. Two other firefighters were seriously injured and are in the hospital. Thames Valley Police is investigating the deaths, but they are not treating it as a criminal case.

Key Facts:

The fire occurred at Bicester Motion, a business park in Oxfordshire, on Thursday evening.
Two firefighters died while trying to put out the fire, one from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and one from the London Fire Brigade.
A member of the public also died in the incident.
Two more firefighters are hospitalized with serious injuries.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The fire broke out in a former aircraft hangar, which is part of a site that houses over 50 businesses.
Thames Valley Police is conducting an investigation into the deaths to determine what happened.
This incident marks one of the few times in the past 15 years that a firefighter has died while fighting a fire in England.

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How texts from EncroChat helped uncover prison workers affair with drug boss

May 16, 2025

Kerri Pegg, once viewed as a promising prison service employee, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for misconduct and possessing criminal property. Her relationship with drug dealer Anthony Saunderson, and accepting a luxury car as a gift, led to her downfall. The investigation into Saunderson's criminal activities via the EncroChat phone network exposed the connection between Pegg and Saunderson.

Key Facts:

Kerri Pegg was a high-ranking prison service employee.
She was convicted of misconduct in public office and possessing criminal property.
Pegg was involved with Anthony Saunderson, a convicted drug dealer.
She approved Saunderson’s early release without having the authority.
Saunderson gave Pegg a Mercedes car, paid for with drug money.
Saunderson was sentenced to 31 years for drug and firearms charges.
The EncroChat phone network hack helped reveal their illicit relationship.

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Illegal release lynx arrive at their new permanent home

May 16, 2025

Three lynx that were illegally released in the Scottish Highlands have been moved to a permanent home at Highland Wildlife Park after being captured. They were originally found in January and spent time in quarantine before their relocation. Police are investigating the illegal release of these lynx, which may have been abandoned pets.

Key Facts:

Three female lynx were found in the Cairngorms National Park in early January.
The lynx spent time in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo before moving to Highland Wildlife Park.
A fourth lynx, a male, was also captured but died soon afterwards.
The lynx are named A, B, and C, like the first three penguins the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland had in 1913.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used baited cage traps to safely capture the lynx.
The animal enclosure at Highland Wildlife Park is designed to be like the wild, with grass, trees, and climbing areas.
Police Scotland is looking into how the lynx were released.
Lynx were once native to Scotland but became extinct there hundreds of years ago.

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Teenager detained in Georgia writes letter asking to see her family

May 16, 2025

Bella Culley, a British teenager, is in a Georgian prison awaiting trial on drug charges. She wrote a letter asking if she can see her family, and she is being supported by the UK's Foreign Office.

Key Facts:

Bella Culley is an 18-year-old from Billingham, UK.
She is held in a Georgian prison on suspicion of drug offenses.
Authorities found 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in a travel bag.
Her trial is scheduled after a 55-day investigation period.
Bella's lawyer says she has a legal right to request a family visit.
The Foreign Office is assisting her family in the UK.
If convicted, Bella could face up to 20 years in jail or life.
She was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport after arriving from the UAE.

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Man jailed for murdering mum in front of daughter at Notting Hill Carnival

May 16, 2025

Shakeil Thibou was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Cher Maximen, who was stabbed during the Notting Hill Carnival's family day. The incident occurred when Thibou attacked someone else with a knife, but ended up stabbing Ms. Maximen, who was trying to protect her child.

Key Facts:

Shakeil Thibou, aged 20, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 29 years in prison.
Cher Maximen, aged 32, died following the stabbing, which happened in front of her three-year-old daughter.
The attack took place during a fight at the Notting Hill Carnival on 25 August.
Thibou was found guilty of several charges, including murder and attempting to seriously harm another man.
The knife used was described as a "zombie knife," which is a type of large, intimidating knife.
Judge Philip Katz noted the incident occurred in broad daylight and was witnessed by families and police.
The judge described the chaos and lack of police control during the violence.
Thibou's brothers, Sheldon and Shaeim, were convicted of related offenses.

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R&B star Chris Brown remanded in custody on nightclub attack charge

May 16, 2025

Chris Brown, an American singer, was arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting someone with a bottle at a nightclub in London. He appeared in a Manchester court, where it was decided his case will move to a London court for further hearing.

Key Facts:

Chris Brown is a singer from the United States.
He was arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.
The charge is about an alleged attack at the Tape club in London's Mayfair.
He is accused of using a bottle to hurt music producer Abe Diaw.
The court hearing took place in Manchester, and the case will move to Southwark Crown Court in London.
The next court hearing is scheduled for 13 June.
Brown was in the UK for his planned concerts in June and July.
Fans gathered outside the Manchester court to support Chris Brown.

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Piastri leads McLaren one-two in Imola practice

May 16, 2025

Oscar Piastri was the fastest during the first practice at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with his McLaren teammate Lando Norris coming in second. A crash by Gabriel Bortoleto in his Sauber car ended the session early. The track at Imola proved challenging for several drivers, who struggled to stay on course.

Key Facts:

Oscar Piastri was the fastest in the first practice session, with teammate Lando Norris close behind.
The session ended early due to a crash by Gabriel Bortoleto at the second Rivazza corner in his Sauber car.
Carlos Sainz was third with Williams, followed by Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.
A small gap of less than 0.1 seconds separated the top five drivers.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen faced challenges with car grip and was 0.36 seconds behind the leader.
Several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, struggled with the tricky corners and ran off the track.
Lance Stroll, driving an upgraded Aston Martin, finished 11th, slightly ahead of his teammate Fernando Alonso.

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