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Batman sequel officially shooting in Liverpool City Region

The old entrance to the Birkenhead tunnel on Rendel Street was covered by large fencing earlier this month as teams were seen on site. The LDRS has confirmed official photography took place around the tunnel last night, with additional shots being taken throughout this week.
Within the closed site, a white car with blue trim bearing the markings GPD – thought to represent Gotham Police Department – could be spotted. The Liverpool Film Office is facilitating the production, which is only expected to be around the tunnel for this week.
It has not been confirmed if crews will return for additional scenes. Shot during the height of the covid-19 restrictions, The Batman went on to be a smash hit for DC and Warner Bros. Starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne and his alter ego caped crusader, it grossed around £578m worldwide when it was released in 2022.
The sequel was officially confirmed to be in cinemas for October 2027 before being pushed back to 2028. Trade publications have listed Liverpool as a filming location for the long-awaited DC Comics sequel.
In May, various vehicles were spotted outside St George’s Hall, including cars mocked up to appear as Gotham Police cruisers and yellow US-style taxis. The Birkenhead tunnel was also used in the dead of night with the police cars while Robert Pattinson’s stunt double was also spotted on top of a moving car.
Aside from the Merseytravel bus stop that escaped post-production, one of the most striking images to come out of the city in the last few years was the sight of Batman swooping down from the Liver Building, doubling as the Gotham City Police Department building.
Shooting also took place at Anfield Cemetery for a scene involving Batman and Catwoman. Stunt doubles were seen on location for a motorbike shot.
During their day in Liverpool earlier this summer, cameras were spotted on location outside St George’s Hall with the Bat symbol adorned on them. The LDRS understands that visit was part of a technical recce by the studio, rather than a full formal shoot.
Principal photography was confirmed to have begun by director Matt Reeves and members of the cast via social media. After completing work at the tunnel, the shoot will move onto the Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn over the weekend.
The Batman is the latest in a series of major productions to have been secured for the city in the last seven years through the Liverpool Film Office. Since 2019, more than 1,600 productions have said This City Is Ours and set up shop here, generating £150m for the local economy.
The Liverpool Film Office is part of Liverpool Council and is funded by the city budget, earned income and external grants. To date, it has invested £2.8m, with fund-supported productions receiving more than 60 award nominations and 19 industry awards, including four BAFTAs and two International Emmys.
It has now launched a new training and work experience programme with the Andy Taylor Foundation named Foot in the Door Liverpool, designed to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) access careers in the rapidly growing digital media sector. Launching this Autumn, the seven-week programme will support 12 Liverpool residents aged 18-21 through a combination of intensive skills training and work experience placements with leading employers across the region.
July 22, 2026
UK triple-murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma abandons SA bail bid

Tshuma left the UK through Heathrow Airport two days before the bodies of his wife and two daughters were discovered in their home in Bedfordshire earlier this month.
UK authorities have since confirmed that his victims succumbed to blunt force trauma.
Tshuma faces a separate charge of possessing an unlicensed firearm in South Africa, which he allegedly intended to use to take his own life.
His lawyer, Chrispen Machingura, confirmed to the court that his client would not be seeking bail.
“Indeed, Your Worship, we have indicated to the State that for now we are not applying for bail. We have also spoken to the State about the status of the accused person and we have agreed, for now, for the date of the 27th [of July 2026] so that we can assess our situation, Your Worship.”
The State said there are still outstanding investigations in Tshuma’s UK case.
Tshuma remains behind bars as UK authorities seek his extradition to face three murder charges.
The State told the court it has received preliminary extradition documents from the UK, but investigations are still under way before the formal extradition process can proceed.
The prosecution has undertaken to provide the extradition documents to the defence, which told the court it has so far received only Tshuma’s arrest warrant.
Both matters have been postponed to 27 August.
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July 22, 2026
Logistics firm opens new Wolverhampton head office to support growth

A £770,000 Business Transition Loan from Lloyds has helped to fund the opening of the new officeUK logistics and delivery business Universal Courier Logistical Services has opened a new head office in Wolverhampton, with funding help from Lloyds.The bank provided a £770,000 Business Transition Loan, which will give the business a central base for its expanding office and operational teams, creating space to support continued growth, strengthen client relationships and improve the working environment for staff.Universal Courier | Universal CourierPreviously, the company’s office teams were based within its warehouse space, but the growth of the teams and the need for a more professional setting drove the decision to create a dedicated head office. The new building, located at Salisbury House on Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, now brings the firm’s central functions together.Alongside growth, the new premises form part of the company’s sustainability journey. The building had been vacant for several years before purchase and has been upgraded with energy-efficient LED lighting and sensor-controlled systems, helping to cut energy use across the site.The business is also making wider changes across its fleet. In the last 12 months, Universal Courier Logistical Services has acquired around 100 electric vans, as it works to reduce the environmental impact of transport and logistics operations.The extra head office space is supporting recruitment plans, including the company’s ambition to attract younger talent by offering a more comfortable workplace environment. Since moving into the premises, Universal Courier Logistical Services has recruited two junior finance administrators and expects further hiring as it continues to win new work.Universal Courier Logistical Services | Universal Courier Logistical ServicesRicky Sharma, founder of Universal Courier Logistical Services, said: “It’s been a real journey to get to where we are today. The new head office is a big step for us as it gives the team the space they deserve and a professional base where we can bring clients as we continue to grow.“Lloyds has been instrumental in helping us move quickly and get this over the line. It’s reassuring to have that support behind us as we keep building the business and work towards our next milestones.”Andy Matthews, relationship manager at Lloyds, added: “The team has achieved impressive growth in a sector that has changed rapidly in recent years. This new head office will help the business bring key teams together, support recruitment and create the space needed for its next stage of expansion.“It’s great that we’ve been able to support the business as it embeds sustainability into its plans, both through energy-efficiency improvements at the new site and continued investment in electric vehicles.”The business provides fully integrated logistics solutions across the UK, supporting businesses with everything from freight forwarding and transport management to warehousing, fulfilment, pallet distribution, same-day courier services and specialist two-person home delivery. The team’s work enables customers to manage their entire supply chain through a single trusted logistics partner. Continue Reading

July 22, 2026
Warwick Hospital doctor describes his experiences after being refused entry to the West Bank

After attending a local talk by Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP), Dr Dayalan Clarke, who works at Warwick Hospital, was inspired to register as a volunteer to help those in medical need. However, he was refused entry to the West Bank, where he had gone as the leader of a team of breast cancer specialists hoping to spend a week operating, teaching and mentoring in Nablus. Here is his experience in his own words.My wife Vinodhini, a Paediatrician, and I, a Surgeon, both work in Warwick Hospital. Last year we attended an event organised by Justice for Palestinians, Leamington Spa, to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The MAP guest speaker for the event was Rohan Talbot, who grew up in South Warwickshire. After listening to an inspirational talk by Rohan on the work that MAP was doing in Gaza and the West Bank, we registered to be volunteers for MAP’s work.Dr Dayalan Clarke, who works in Warwick Hospital, was inspired to register as a volunteer to help those in medical need.I was approached by MAP last year and invited to be involved in a Breast Cancer Mission that was being organised in Nablus, on the West Bank. I had no hesitation at all in signing up to this mission, and it was arranged that I would lead a team of three breast cancer professionals from the UK going out to Nablus to operate, teach and mentor for a week.The following few weeks involved intense discussions with MAP UK on the process and procedures for this assignment, which came with some risks. The greatest hurdle was the entry into the West Bank, a process that was controlled at the border by the Israeli authorities. It was decided by MAP UK that the safest route of entry would be through Jordan, entering Israel through the Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossing. We went through practice interviews with questions that would be asked by the Israeli authorities at the border crossing.Having been prepared for the mission, I set off for Amman from London and was met at the Amman airport by MAP Jordan and checked in to our hotel in Amman. The next morning was an early start to the Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossing. The three British volunteers who were part of this breast cancer mission met up at breakfast in the hotel and made a prompt start at 7am. The drive to the border crossing was rather tense and I was filled with apprehension as to what the next few hours would hold.We were advised that it would be best to cross the border individually, one after the other, and it was decided that I would go first. The passage through the Jordanian passport control was smooth and then we took a bus to the Sheikh Hussein bridge crossing where I was interviewed by a female Israeli officer. The next hour of intense, aggressive interrogation by the Israeli authorities is something I will struggle to forget. It started with the official behind the counter, who then handed over the interrogation to her senior. It involved a series of questions about my visit to the West Bank and my credentials for the visit, followed by long spells where I was left alone in the waiting room and investigations were apparently being carried out with my passport and papers. After an hour of uncertainty and waiting, I was informed that I was being refused entry to the West Bank and was coerced into signing a document that I had been refused entry. Dejected, disappointed and angry, I was put on a bus by the Israeli authorities to return to Jordan. I returned to Amman and was booked on the first available flight back to the UK by the MAP team who were incredibly kind and helpful throughout this process.We do not believe that breast cancer surgeons could possibly represent a threat to Israeli security. The whole process left us feeling that the Israeli authorities would do anything to prevent any form of humanitarian aid being delivered to the Palestinian people, even preventing British medical volunteers entering the West Bank.Continue Reading

July 22, 2026
Watch dramatic pursuit as South Cambridgeshire man tries to speed away from police

A South Cambridgeshire man who drove dangerously around residential streets, reaching speeds of more than 70mph in 30mph zones in an effort to escape police, has been jailed.Sean Kimber, 49, of Manor Close, Little Wilbraham, was driving a car linked to burglaries when he was spotted by officers in Milton Road in Cambridge, on 5 May.When they signalled for him to pull over, he made off at speed and led officers on a pursuit around streets, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to dive out of the way as he drove at more than double the speed limit in places, including at more than 50mph in a 20mph zone.In Histon, he smashed through a wooden gate and sped over private land before being brought to a stop by officers and arrested.He later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, criminal damage and using fraudulent registration plates.Sean Kimber, 49, of Manor Close, Little Wilbraham, following the crash. Pictures: Cambridgeshire policeKimber was sentenced to one year and three months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday (17 July).Det Con Lisa Bacon, who investigated, said: “Kimber’s actions that day were nothing short of appalling. He drove dangerously and clearly with no thought about the danger he was putting other people in. “He narrowly missed numerous collisions as pedestrians were forced to take evasive action.“Thankfully, the pursuit ended and he was arrested before anyone was hurt.”

July 22, 2026
A class above Calvert-Lewin: Why Leeds want to sign £30m striker

Over recent years, Leeds United have often found themselves being home to numerous top-level attacking talents who have captured the hearts of the fanbase. Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford are two who played an influential role in their second-tier success and catapulted the Whites back to the Premier League on separate occasions. The latter of the aforementioned duo arguably enjoyed his best spell in England’s top-flight, as he netted 17 league goals back in 2020/21 – helping secure a top-half finish under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, one other player will think he deserves to be in such a conversation after his efforts at Elland Road during the club’s most recent campaign.
How Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired Leeds to survival in 2025/26
Last summer, many Leeds fans undoubtedly had concerns over the number nine position, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined the club on a free transfer following his release from Everton. His constant injury issues resulted in his departure from the Toffees, with Daniel Farke’s side taking somewhat of a risk in signing him and handing the forward big wages at Elland Road.
However, their risk certainly paid off, as the 29-year-old netted 14 goals in England’s top-flight and ended the campaign as the Whites’ highest goalscorer. No other player managed to reach double figures in goals in the league alone last term, but where would Farke’s side have finished without the Englishman?
Leeds’ top Premier League scorers (2025/26)
Player
Tally
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
14
Noah Okafor
8
Lukas Nmecha
6
Anton Stach
5
Brenden Aaronson
4
Ao Tanaka
2
James Justin
2
Joe Rodon
2
His goals earned Leeds nine points throughout the 2025/26 campaign, with his efforts allowing the club to avoid being sucked into a late relegation battle in the Premier League. Without his strikes last term, Farke’s men would have finished on 38 points – a tally which would have seen the club suffer an immediate return to the second tier.
A run of seven goals in six games in December was no doubt the best patch of his debut campaign in Yorkshire and there will be hope the talisman can reach the next level in 2026/27.
How Leeds can land a better talent than Calvert-Lewin this summer
Despite his efforts at Elland Road last term, there’s a huge chance Calvert-Lewin may not be Leeds’ number one centre-forward option ahead of the new campaign.
As part of the hierarchy’s summer recruitment drive, they have placed an emphasis on landing top talents who can have an immediate impact and improve the options at Farke’s disposal. Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson have already completed their respective moves to join the Whites, but FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dru could be the next to arrive in Yorkshire. It’s been reported by TEAMtalk in recent days that the Whites have started work on a deal to land the Guinea-Bissau international, who’s scored 55 times in the last three seasons.
They claim that Newcastle United and Everton are just two other clubs linked with a move for the 22-year-old star who’s currently valued at the £30m mark by the Danish outfit. Franculino may be a name that’s unknown to many Leeds supporters, but he’s a player who can undoubtedly be the club’s leading talisman for many years to come upon any move. He managed to outscore Calvert-Lewin despite featuring in five fewer games across all competitions – subsequently highlighting his clinical edge over Farke’s number nine.
His underlying stats from his most recent campaign demonstrate his top-level quality in attacking areas – even managing to better the Englishman in a variety of key departments. The Midtjylland striker’s tally of 1.4 shots on target per 90 last term was higher than that of Calvert-Lewin, whilst also ranking him higher than 80% of strikers across the continent.
The youngster also posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate than the England international – reaffirming his phenomenal ability within the final third of the pitch.
Franculino’s skillset stretches to more than just his goalscoring ability, with the Guinea-Bissau star also managing to post a higher tally of dribbles completed and chances created per 90 – leading to talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him an “insane” talent. He ranked in the top 10% of all strikers in Europe for the aforementioned figures, which could hand Farke the all-round talisman he’s hunting for in the summer window. Supporters may question the quality of the opposition he’s faced in recent times – but all of the stats listed are from his recent campaign in the Europa League as he came up against some of the best teams on the continent.
There’s no denying the 22-year-old is a player who possesses serious talent and potential, which could see his current £30m price tag become a bargain down the line. Replacing Calvert-Lewin may seem to be somewhat of a harsh call given his success last term, but it’s a decision that must be made if the Whites are to build on their survival from last term.
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July 22, 2026
English LIV Golf stars excited for Staffordshire return

Seven English players are in action at LIV Golf UK this week. LIV Golf’s English stars are relishing their return to home soil as the tour is back in Staffordshire.LIv Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire in 2025 (Photo by Mateo Villalba/LIV Golf) | APThe event could prove to be the final LIV Golf tournament at the venue, with the league seeking to secure $300 million in funding by September 1 after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) ended its financial backing.Tyrrell Hatton heads into the tournament on the back of his recent LIV Golf victory in Spain and is among the home favourites bidding for success on English soil.“Playing home events are always fun,” Hatton said. “Having friends come out to support you…home fans in general, even if things aren’t going well, they always support you. “If you have a good moment, you get a good cheer – and that can kind of breathe some life into you.”The Legion XIII player produced the best LIV Golf finish by an Englishman at JCB, tying for second behind team captain Jon Rahm in 2024.The league is making its third consecutive visit to JCB and its fifth event overall in England.The all-English Majesticks GC quartet of Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter will be hoping home support can inspire a turnaround after a difficult 2026 campaign.Ian Poulter will feature at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire this week | AFP via Getty ImagesThey arrive at JCB bottom of the season-long team standings but are looking forward to the home atmosphere, including the party atmosphere around the par-three ninth hole, where their pop-up pub is situated.“Very much looking forward to returning to JCB,” said Majesticks co-captain Poulter. “It’s become our home event. The fans come out in massives. We have an incredible fan village, incredible activations. We have the pub. It’s a special week.”Fellow captain Westwood added: “It’s always nice for English and British players to play in front of our home crowds. They really get behind us. It’s a great atmosphere.”Continue Reading

July 22, 2026
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2026: Live updates from the Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 launch event – Engadget

We’re reporting live from the company’s event in London, UK.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget
It’s time for Samsung to properly unveil its latest lineup of foldables and smartwatches at its Unpacked event today. The launch is being hosted in London, and the company’s presentation will start bright and early at 9AM ET (2PM in London). Our UK Bureau Chief Mat Smith will be on the scene and bringing you the updates live, and he will be supported by myself and senior reporter Sam Rutherford, who will be attending a New York-based satellite event.
Our liveblog will kick off here at about 5AM ET (or sooner, if Mat is able to park himself at the event early). You should expect plenty of foldable fervor from our resident foldable fanatic (Sam) and maybe some pictures of snacks. We’ll of course be bringing you our analysis of the devices, too. Samsung is expected to show off three foldables today and two smartwatches, kicking off a summer of new hardware. Pictured above, for now, is last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, to jog your memory. We will put in a new photo once we get to the event venue, though!
If you’re here early, feel free to leave us some comments below and we’ll do our best to respond in our liveblog. And make sure to head on over to Engadget’s channel on YouTube, because we’ll be livestreaming after the Unpacked keynote is over and taking your questions live! It should be a fun morning, we can’t wait to hang with you all.
July 22, 2026
Council moves to throw out parking charge challenge

A city council is moving to throw out a legal challenge against its decision to end free late night parking.Last month, it was revealed a former city councillor was leading the charge against Liverpool City Council’s move to extend the charging hours in the city centre from 18:00 BST until 23:00.More than a dozen businesses have signed up to launch an action against officials as they said it risks damaging the city centre economy “when businesses are already facing immense pressures.”The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) now understands an application has been made from the Cunard building to have the challenge dismissed.’Desperate’In July last year, it was finally confirmed parking charges would be extended in the city centre until 23:00.Despite almost 90% of people indicating they were against the move, councillors pressed ahead with the change, arguing it would standardise parking across the city centre.The plan was first mooted in 2022.Alfie Hincks, founder of Seascope Maritime Training, said it was “desperate” the council had not pulled the scheme.Mr Hincks said he and other business leaders would seek to challenge the legitimacy of the decision.Last summer, signage and parking meters were updated across the city centre to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ).As a result, drivers are no longer able to leave their cars on city streets for free after 18:00.’Deep corner’A review of the CPZ around the city centre was first carried out in 2018.An initial informal public consultation was held in February 2022 after which proposals were revised and a statutory consultation undertaken between July and August 2023.More than 7,000 drivers were caught out by the new charging hours in the first three months of the scheme.The judicial review challenges the council’s decision to introduce significantly increased parking charges across the city, arguing the measures are unlawful and will have a damaging impact on Liverpool’s economy, workers and visitors.The LDRS understands the council has asked the court to strike out the claim, alleging the claimant did not comply with the procedural requirements for serving the claim.Mr Hincks said: “The impact on the night-time economy is not acceptable. The council have painted themselves into a deep corner, we want our day in court.”It’s desperate from them to not say let’s just pull it and review it.”A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “The council is confident that it has complied with all relevant legal requirements.”However, we will not be commenting further on an ongoing legal matter.”Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.More on this storyRelated internet links

July 22, 2026
Andrew Tate UK Civil Trial: Court Hears Rape, Strangulation and Child Image Allegations

Andrew Tate’s mounting legal troubles deepened this week as a UK court heard disturbing allegations in an ongoing civil case, while British prosecutors simultaneously pursue his extradition from the United States on dozens of criminal charges, including rape, sex trafficking and offences involving indecent images of a child.The controversial influencer and his brother, Tristan Tate, were recently arrested in the United States after British authorities sought their extradition. The arrests came after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised 38 additional criminal charges, bringing the total number of UK charges against the brothers to 59. The brothers deny all allegations and have vowed to fight extradition.UK Civil Trial Hears Graphic AllegationsSeparately from the criminal proceedings, Andrew Tate is facing a civil lawsuit brought by four women who accuse him of rape, sexual assault, coercive control and physical abuse. During court proceedings, lawyers representing the women detailed allegations that Tate raped and strangled women, with one claimant alleging she lost consciousness after being choked. Court filings also describe claims that Tate threatened one woman with a gun, assaulted another with a belt and subjected the women to coercive and controlling behaviour. Tate denies all of the allegations made in the civil claim.The civil lawsuit is separate from the criminal cases being pursued by British prosecutors and Romanian authorities.Why Were Andrew and Tristan Tate Arrested?The Tate brothers were arrested in the United States after British authorities launched extradition proceedings seeking their return to the UK.According to the CPS, the extradition request follows the filing of additional criminal charges after Bedfordshire Police submitted a further file of evidence. The brothers appeared before a U.S. court and are expected to challenge Britain’s extradition request. The process could involve multiple hearings and appeals before any transfer to the UK is approved.What Charges Do the Tate Brothers Face?The CPS said the latest charging decision increased the total number of UK charges from 21 to 59.According to prosecutors:Andrew Tate, 39, faces 42 charges, including additional counts of rape, offences relating to sex trafficking, and charges involving indecent images of a child.Tristan Tate, 37, faces 17 charges, including two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.The CPS said the alleged offences are said to have taken place between July 2010 and August 2017 and involve seven alleged victims. Neither Andrew nor Tristan Tate has been convicted of these offences, and both deny all wrongdoing.How Is the UK Case Different From the Romania Investigation?Although the cases are frequently linked in media coverage, they are separate legal proceedings involving different authorities.UK InvestigationRomania InvestigationConducted by Bedfordshire Police and the CPSConducted by Romanian prosecutorsConcerns alleged offences between 2010 and 2017Separate allegations under Romanian lawBritain is seeking extraditionRomanian criminal proceedings continue independentlyTotal of 59 charges authorisedSeparate investigation and court processAny extradition could depend on the status of the Romanian proceedings and decisions made by the relevant courts.Why Does the UK Want the Tate Brothers?British authorities have been investigating allegations involving the Tate brothers for several years. In 2024, Bedfordshire Police obtained European Arrest Warrants seeking to return the brothers from Romania, where they have been living while facing separate legal proceedings. The CPS said the latest charging decisions followed the receipt of additional evidence from police and increased the total number of alleged victims in the UK investigation to seven.What Have UK Authorities Said?Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said the new charges followed a further submission of evidence from Bedfordshire Police. Bedfordshire Police described the inquiry as a “complex investigation.” Matt Jury, a lawyer representing several alleged British complainants, welcomed the decision to authorise additional charges, saying it was time for the brothers to face justice in the UK courts.Timeline of the Legal ProceedingsThe Tate brothers gain prominence through social media.British police begin investigating allegations.The brothers relocate to Romania.European Arrest Warrants are issued in 2024.Additional evidence is submitted to UK prosecutors.The CPS authorises 38 further charges.Andrew and Tristan Tate are arrested in the United States under extradition proceedings.Extradition hearings are expected to follow.Could They Face Trial in More Than One Country? The UK and Romanian investigations are separate legal matters involving different allegations and jurisdictions. If extradition is eventually approved, decisions will still need to be made regarding the timing of any transfer in light of the ongoing Romanian proceedings.

July 22, 2026