Police are investigating and appealing for information following the incident at Oakwell CourtAuthor: Adam ClarkPublished 4 hours agoLast updated 4 hours agoA woman in her 20s has been found dead at a flat in LongtonPolice were called to the scene in Oakwell Court, at around 3:30am this morning, 12th July, where they discovered the woman’s body. A 30-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being questioned in custody. The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers. Increased Police Presence in LongtonA scene remains at the address as investigations continue, with police seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Neighbourhood officers have increased their presence in the area to provide reassurance to the local community and to gather evidence. Detectives are conducting door-to-door enquiries in an effort to locate any witnesses. Appeal for InformationPolice are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour overnight, or who can provide CCTV or doorbell camera footage from the area, to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 188 of 12th July. For those wishing to report anonymously, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.
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Woman in her 20s found dead in Longton flat
Transfer news LIVE: Mo Salah offered MLS switch as Man Utd and Liverpool battle for Brazil ace
July 12th©IMAGO
The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer storiesFree agent Mohamed Salah is being lined up by ambitious MLS franchise Sporting Kansas City. The Egyptian star, 34, is without a club after mutually terminating his Liverpool contract a year early, and he could be set for a move Stateside in the final years of his career. Saudi clubs are also chasing the Reds icon.
Manchester United and Liverpool have approached Wolves over a move for João Gomes, according to reports. The 25-year-old was due to seal a move to Atletico Madrid but the deal has fallen through, meaning the Brazilian may end up staying in England. Now both Premier League giants are monitoring his situation, with Gomes available for around €45 million.
Sunderland and Fulham are among the clubs chasing AS Roma winger Matias Soulé this summer. The 23-year-old joined the Giallorossi last summer, snubbing interest from Premier League clubs in the process. But Corriere dello Sport report the Argentine is in talks with both teams.
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UK triple murder suspect to be extradited after SA arrest: minister Kubayi
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, the 45-year-old fugitive wanted by Interpol for the alleged murder of his wife and two children in the UK, is expected to be extradited once the necessary documents are signed by justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.Tshuma, who is a Zimbabwean, was arrested five days after entering South Africa following a tip-off from an individual believed to be a family member.He had been placed on Interpol’s Red Notice on Thursday and was traced within hours of the international alert being issued.He was handcuffed and led into a police van on Friday evening.Speaking at an interministerial briefing in Pretoria, Kubayi commended the collaboration between the SAPS and Interpol, which led to the arrest.“He arrived, according to our movement control system, at OR Tambo International Airport on July 5 from Britain. “Once we received the alert from Interpol, we acted swiftly. A multidisciplinary team conducted tracing operations, and the suspect was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg,” she said.Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Nala, 5, and Natalie, 15, who were allegedly murdered by her husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma. Picture: (Bedfordshire Police) Kubayi said Tshuma had not yet been flagged by British authorities when he entered South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport.“If he had been flagged, he would not have entered the country. He will be extradited to the UK once I have signed all the extradition documents and requests, as required by law in my capacity as minister of justice and constitutional development.“We are informed that the teams are working around the clock to ensure that the extradition request and all the necessary paperwork are completed on time,” she said.Bedfordshire Police in the UK had been searching for Tshuma after the bodies of his wife, 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two daughters, 15-year-old Natalie and five-year-old Nala, were found at their home near Bedford earlier this month.Sowetan
Jude Bellingham says he avoided semi-final suspension thanks to mum Denise
The Stourbridge-born midfielder would have missed the next match had he picked up a yellow card against NorwayJude Bellingham in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and EnglandJude Bellingham has revealed he avoided a World Cup semi-final suspension thanks to his mum.Bellingham, from Stourbridge, was the star of the show as his two goals took England into their fourth semi-final.But it was his mum’s advice which helped him walk his suspension tightrope in the Three Lions’ quarter-final win over Norway.Bellingham would have missed the next match against Argentina had he picked up a yellow card against Norway but he avoided a booking thanks to a few wise words from his mum Denise.READ MORE: The disturbing digital trail left by racist monster who raped Sikh woman he thought was MuslimHe said: “My mum’s been telling me all week to watch my language, watch my tackles, watch my face, watch my emotions.”So, I think she drilled it into me all week about being careful of that yellow card.”And to be honest, when you play the right way, and credit to the referee [Clement Turpin], he was class, he still let you communicate in a respectful way.”A lot of referees don’t let you do that. So I think when I get the balance right, and there’s a referee who’s willing to listen, it makes it a lot easier.”And in the end, it was just a really well competed game of football, and luckily I got through it.”READ MORE: Secret to getting the best of BirminghamLive’s storiesThe Real Madrid midfielder has hope going into the semi-final.He said: “The game was split into loads of different kind of facets.”You know, some of it’s technical, tactical, and for me, the biggest one is psychological and how you can manage setbacks, how you can manage adversity.”And this team showed yet again that they can do it, and that’s a really valuable skill and trait to have going into the stage of the tournament.”Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.
Plea over Leicestershire’s ash dieback ‘challenge’
Homeowners have been asked to help tackle the ash dieback “challenge” that is facing Leicestershire. The destructive disease, caused by a fungus, has wiped out thousands of ash trees across the UK in the past 14 years. Leicestershire County Council said the disease can pose a threat to the public as it can cause trees to shed branches or to fall. Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment, said the disease continued to have a “significant impact” on the county’s landscape.The ash dieback fungus originated in Asia and was introduced to Europe about 30 years ago.It was first recorded in the UK in 2012 and experts estimate that 85% of all ash trees could be affected by the disease.The council said many of Leicestershire’s ash trees are on private land, and the body is working to raise awareness of the issue among residents, businesses and landowners. Tilbury said the council was urging landowners to “remain vigilant” for the signs of ash dieback, including thinning canopies, dark lesions on the bark and dieback in branches.”Ash dieback continues to have a significant impact on our landscape, and it is vital that landowners understand their responsibilities in managing affected trees safely,” he said. “Dead or weakened ash trees can present a serious risk to people, property and our highways if not properly maintained.”Everyone has a role to play in protecting public safety and preserving our natural environment, so please take the time to check your trees and seek professional advice where necessary.”
Plans for new Cambridge science centre take next steps
The new science centre could create up to 2,000 jobsIllustrative image of South Cambridge Science Centre proposed at Dales Manor Business Park, Grove Road, Sawston(Image: Copyright Unknown)Plans to build a new science centre in Cambridgeshire – that could create up to 2,000 jobs – are taking its next steps. Back in 2023, plans were submitted to build the South Cambridge Science Centre in the Dales Manor Business Park on Grove Road, Sawston.This land was previously planned to have homes built on it. When built, the new research centre is anticipated to create up to 2,000 jobs.New plans have been submitted for the next phase of the science centre. In the next phase, applicant Sawston Farms (Cambs) Ltd proposes to build four laboratory buildings of “varied sizes”, a multi-storey car park, new access points, and a wellness centre.The planning documents said: “The proposals create a new attractive gateway into the campus and will deliver 250,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art office and laboratory space, plus an end-of-trip wellness centre, transport hub, cycle parking and energy centre.”The four laboratories, also referred to as “commercial buildings”, will be used for a “number of innovative uses”. The wellness centre is proposed to front the multi-storey car park.The applicant said this will be a “striking, contemporary and visually stimulating” building. It’s proposed to contain a gym, cafe and lounge, as well as showers, WCs and lockers.There will also be space for vehicle parking and cycle storage. Landscaping has been considered in the plans.This has been designed to “create spaces for occupation and relaxation, setting a benchmark for a design that can be incorporated across the campus as it evolves”. A number of pedestrian links will be created across the site to separate walkers from roads.Green roofs are also proposed to “soften the impact of the buildings” and also create a “visual landscape”.
Leeds eyeing move for Parma centre-half Mariano Troilo
Leeds United need to sign at least one defender this summer after losing Pascal Struijk, and the Yorkshire team is eyeing a move for Mariano Troilo.Signing a centre-half is one of the priorities for Leeds in the transfer window alongside a new goalkeeper, and Troilo has emerged as an option on their transfer shortlist.AdvertisementThe Leeds target impressed in Serie A, where he helped Parma keep five clean sheets in 21 appearances (18 starts).Troilo won 63 percent of his aerial and 56% of his ground duels across those fixtures. He is a player with ‘great potential‘.The 23-year-old is a fantastic defensive prospect and fits the profile Leeds want. He is young, complete and has resale value.The 6ft4in star reads the game well and has all the tools to become a world-beater, but it remains to be seen how hard they’ll push for his signature.AdvertisementLeeds’ first-choice defensive signing is Ousmane Diomande, but the highly touted defender has a massive release clause.Also, with Champions League clubs showing interest, the English side might not be able to convince him about a move to Elland Road.Switzerland’s Nico Elvedi has been considered, but Leeds are concerned that he is 29 and has no resale value, even though he will cost around £9 million.Troilo would be a terrific alternative if Leeds cannot secure a deal for Tarik Muharemovic, who is also on their radar and regarded as one of Europe’s best young defenders.AdvertisementThe Bosnian has attracted interest from several clubs thanks to his impressive performances and huge potential, making competition for his signature fierce.If Leeds miss out on Muharemovic, they should turn their attention fully towards Troilo.The Parma defender offers many of the same qualities – youth, physical presence, technical ability and significant room for development.Landing either would represent a smart long-term investment.
New landlord running Stoke-on-Trent pub – and barred drinkers are allowed back
They’ve got a second chance!13:25, 08 Jul 2026Updated 01:51, 12 Jul 2026Inside The New Finney Gardens (stock image)(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)Barred drinkers are being welcomed back to a Stoke-on-Trent pub. New landlord Chris Holdforth had originally announced that all blacklisted drinkers would remain barred from The New Finney Gardens, in Bucknall.But the venue has now reversed the decision. It comes as Chris – who has revived The Albion, in Hanley – has moved to The New Finney Gardens from The Marquis of Granby, in Penkhull.In a social media post, The New Finney Gardens stated: “We have agreed that all previously barred people will be unbarred. We want to give everyone at least a chance but let me make it perfectly clear any issues and you will be rebarred. We want to have a sense of community and to do this we need to make sure we give everybody a chance.”I have brought a brilliant new team with me, both front of house and in the kitchen, and we’re all buzzing to get stuck in. Our aim is simple – get this beautiful pub back to being the place everyone wants to be. We can’t wait to meet you all and we’re looking forward to making some great memories together. Thanks again for all the support – it honestly means the world.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
Thousands in city for England Norway World Cup game – live
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NatWest issues £100,000 announcement with customers in Midlands urged to act
NatWest, which has branches in Birmingham, is bringing its UK-wide Pitch competition to the Midlands.NatWest issues £100,000 announcement with customers in Midlands urged to actNatWest has urged customers to apply as it launches its £100,000 pitch competition in Wolverhampton. NatWest, which has branches in Birmingham, is bringing its UK-wide Pitch competition to the Midlands.The bank will invite entrepreneurs to compete for a share of £100,000 at the September final. The Wolverhampton Pitch marks the expansion of the competition into the Midlands, providing founders with enhanced access to funding, networks and support in a region identified for its strong growth potential and innovation pipeline.The competition aims to address one of the biggest challenges facing early-stage businesses: access to capital. Through the NatWest Accelerator, founders benefit not only from funding opportunities but also from coaching, peer-to-peer learning and investor connections designed to help businesses progress from early validation to investment readiness.READ MORE DWP confirms three groups of PIP and DLA claimants excluded from law changeSince launching in 2025, the Pitch has attracted strong interest from founders across the UK, with four events held to date and nearly £400,000 awarded. Participants report increased confidence, stronger investor conversations and accelerated hiring or product development.Five finalists will be selected for each live event to pitch for a share of the £100,000 prize fund. The Wolverhampton final will take place on 10 September, recognising the city’s growing role in the UK’s innovation ecosystem, with further Pitch events scheduled in London in November.To enter, founders must be a member of or join the free NatWest Accelerator community via the NatWest Accelerator app and submit a 60‑second video pitch outlining their business and growth plans by 12 August. At the live event, finalists will deliver a three‑minute pitch followed by up to seven minutes of questions from the judges. The top three businesses will share the prize fund, with £70,000 for the winner, £20,000 for second place and £10,000 for third.Darren Pirie, Head of NatWest Accelerator, said: “Expanding the NatWest Accelerator Pitch to Wolverhampton is an exciting step in bringing more opportunities to entrepreneurs across the UK.”The West Midlands is a region with huge potential, and this event allows us to connect founders with the funding, networks and support they need to scale.”By launching in Wolverhampton, we’re strengthening our existing presence with Accelerator hubs in Birmingham and at the University of Warwick, tapping into a dynamic business community and supporting regional growth priorities that will drive long-term impact.”
