Police launch witness appeal following two violent incidents reported Author: Poppi AndelinPublished 5 hours agoBedfordshire Police are appealing for witnesses after two separate stabbing incidents left two people seriously injured in Luton on Tuesday evening (26 May).The first attack happened between 5.20pm and 7.15pm in the Leagrave and Hockwell Ring area. A 16-year-old boy was reportedly assaulted by a group of three teenagers and suffered stab wounds. In a second incident, which police say is unrelated, a 22-year-old man was attacked while inside his vehicle on Lincoln Road between 6.30pm and 7.00pm. He also sustained serious injuries. Both victims later attended Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment after emergency services were alerted. Detective Inspector Jon Wheeler of Bedfordshire Police said the incidents were being treated separately but described both attacks as serious.“Although these two incidents are not linked, both have left the victims with serious injuries. “We are following several lines of enquiry in our efforts to better understand the circumstances and identify those responsible.”Police are continuing their investigations and are urging anyone who witnessed either incident or has information to come forward.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
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Teenager and man seriously injured in separate Luton stabbings
West Ham Keep Faith With Nuno After Relegation, Target Immediate Premier League Return
West Ham United have confirmed that manager Nuno Espirito Santo will remain in charge despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Portuguese coach met with West Ham’s senior management on Monday following the club’s drop to the Championship, with both parties deciding against ending their agreement despite having clauses allowing a separation without compensation.
In an open letter to supporters, the club said: “We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him.”
“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season.”
West Ham pointed to Nuno’s previous success in the Championship, where he guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to the title in 2018 with 99 points.
“Nuno has spent one previous year in the Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers,” the statement added.
The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League for the first time since 2012 after a difficult campaign the club admitted “has not been good enough.”
Club sources estimate the relegation will cost West Ham around £200m in lost revenue. The financial impact comes after losses exceeding £100m in the club’s latest accounts, with further losses expected this season.
The situation is expected to force player sales, with key figures including captain Jarrod Bowen and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes attracting interest.
Nuno replaced Graham Potter in September and endured a difficult start before improving results in the closing months of the campaign.
“While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the board of directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress,” the club said.
“A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game – a ratio that would have resulted in a 7th place finish across the total season.”
“Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January, leading to that upturn in performances and results, makes him the right man to lead us forward.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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Leicester student flats extension plan gets green light
Plans to build an extension to a student accommodation unit in Leicester have been approved.The three-storey addition to the former Luke Turner and Co factory in Henshaw Street, which comprises 56 flats, would result in 32 additional flats.Planning documents submitted by the applicant stated the proposed development would help meet the “unmet need” for student accommodation within the city.Planning officers at Leicester City Council approved the proposal subject to conditions.
Work at Travellers’ site halted by emergency High Court injunction
A court injunction has been granted, meaning no further works can be carried out at the siteMoor Drove, Cottenham, is subject to a High Court injunction(Image: South Cambridgeshire District Council)Work on a suspected Travellers’ site in Cambridgeshire over the bank holiday weekend has been done without a planning application, according to a councillor. Illegal work on the site near Moor Drove, close to the Cambridgeshire villages of Cottenham and Histon began on Saturday (May 23).Hardstanding ground has been laid alongside at least 16 caravans in the green belt protected area. It remains unclear who owns the land.South Cambridgeshire District Council secured a High Court injunction late on Sunday evening (May 24). Mr Justice Mansfield acknowledged there was no planning application for the works.In court documents, Cllr Dr Martin Cahn said he visited the site on Sunday, May 24, and witnessed “plant and machinery [moving] newly imported materials”.He added: “The materials had been brought to the site via large HGV tipper trucks. I sought to engage with the gentleman in the white shirt […] to determine what works were being carried out. He advised me that he did not know anything about the project.”The Judge granted the injunction which means no further works can be carried out on the grounds it was reasonable to suspect further units would be bought onto the land. The injunction was made under s187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.Mr Justice Mansfield added: “The practicalities of not being able to serve individuals who are carrying out the works as their identities cannot be ascertained at a time when there is an already urgent problem. I have no doubt there is a serious issue to be tried.”The site at Moor Drove is just five miles away from Smithy Fen where Travellers bought land around the village of Cottenham and fought to stay there in 2003. They appealed their eviction under the Human Rights Act and won – despite lengthy legal battles and headline news.Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Henry Batchelor, said the council had acted swiftly to secure the injunction. He said: “This required significant work by the Council over the bank holiday weekend, and we are grateful to the Judge for making themselves available out of hours to hear our case.”It is important that everyone abides by planning rules, which are in place to protect our communities. Council officers have visited the site and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The council expects to return to the High Court for a further hearing on this matter shortly.”
Crews tackle ‘large’ fire involving 200 tyres in Staffordshire Moorlands
Firefighters were called to a ‘large’ fire in the Staffordshire Moorlands earlier today (Wednesday 27 May).Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire on Mill Hayes Road in Knypersley which involved around 200 tyres.In a social media statement, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews are currently at the scene of a large fire on Mill Hayes Road, Knypersley. “Three crews are currently extinguishing a fire which involves around 200 tyres. “People are advised to avoid the area and local residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed.”Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for a comment.
A summer of free events is coming to Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool will be celebrating summer every week with free special events across the city centre.
From 18 June until 27 August, there will be free events at locations across the city, from Bold Street, along the waterfront, Hope Street, St George’s Quarter, Derby Square, the Commercial District and more.
With an events programme organised and supported by Liverpool Business Improvement District, you can visit a new place in the city centre for a free event designed to help you relax and get outside in the city. A sound bath at Tempest on Tithebarn, food giveaways at Exchange Flags and Derby Square, mini golf, live music at Princes Dock and Williamson Square, street theatre on Bold Street, circus acts at the Pier Head, a chill-out session on deck chairs at the waterfront, there will be something from everyone.
After the success of the World Chess Championships last summer, chess events will return to the city. There will also be mini tennis events as the International tennis Tournament returns to Liverpool.
Credit: Liverpool BID Company
Katie Bentleym Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool Business Improvement District said:
“Celebrating Summer will add joy and activity for everyone in the city centre this summer. We want to keep this city centre accessible to everyone. Whether you want to dance to live music in the street, or have a quiet moment to chill and relax, there will be something for everyone and their family and friends. There will be animation and activity across the whole of the city. Our message is simple; get outside and relax, enjoy the city and everything it has to offer. And it’s all free”.
Find out more on the Liverpool Bid Company website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this summer on our website.Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.Nine arrested at Luton Carnival
The event took place on SundayAuthor: Jon BurkePublished 3 hours agoPolice have made nine arrests at Luton Carnival.As the temperature climbed over the weekend, the force got geared up for a major presence on Sunday.Alongside the Luton Community Policing team, officers were deployed as part of Project Servator during the parade, Live Facial Recognition vans were set up on the entrances to Wardown Park – getting a hit and making an arrest for an individual wanted for sexual assault. The community team was also in attendance in the park, giving reassurance to the public. Officers from the Boson guns and gangs unit made arrests, for possession of a knife and possession with intent to supply drugs. Two teenagers were also spotted riding escooters while wearing balaclavas, hoodies, and surgical gloves. Both were arrested for attempted robbery and their escooters seized. Three further teenagers were arrested for affray, while one person was arrested after failing to appear in court.In total nine arrests were made around the eventSuperintendent Hob Hoque from Bedfordshire Police said, “The past week and bank holiday weekend have been an extremely busy one for the force. Our officers have attended a range of different incidents, alongside helping keep the public safe during one of the major events of the year, Luton carnival. “Despite the number of incidents, combined with the intense heat over the weekend, our officers and staff continued to make sure the public had the highest standard of service. Everyone involved played a significant part.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Nuno Espirito Santo to stay at West Ham for next season
West Ham United have confirmed that Nuno Espirito Santo will stay as manager of the club next season.The former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss went into crisis talks with the board on Monday afternoon, a a day after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League. At first, it looked as though Nuno would be dismissed but changes on he board alongside discussions from both parties will now see him stay.
In a statement released via the club’s channels, West Ham confirmed Nuno’s position.
“The football operation always has to be our first priority and the planning for next season started as soon as the final whistle sounded on Sunday. We held meetings with Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo early this week and are pleased to confirm that he has expressed his continued commitment to the Club – as we have to him.
“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season. Nuno has spent one previous year in the EFL Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.
“While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the Board of Directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress.
“A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game – a ratio that would have resulted in a seventh-place finish across the full season. Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January, leading to that upturn in performances and results, makes him the right man to lead us forward.“
EMAS declares critical incident level after sustained pressure on ambulance services | West Bridgford Wire
East Midlands Ambulance Service has declared a business continuity incident after sustained pressure on ambulance crews across the region, with demand for emergency care rising during the hot weather and wider NHS services also under strain.The declaration, made at 7.15pm on Tuesday 26 May, means EMAS can put additional arrangements in place to maintain patient care, including working with hospitals to speed up patient handovers so crews can return to responding to 999 calls. The service has also escalated to REAP Level 4, the highest level in the ambulance service escalation system, which indicates the potential for service failures.EMAS said it is continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents while reviewing how crews are deployed across the East Midlands. Members of the public are being urged to use 999 only where someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, and to consider NHS 111, pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP services or out-of-hours care for non-life-threatening conditions.EMAS said:East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has declared a business continuity incident (as at 19.15 hours, Tuesday 26 May 2026) following sustained pressure on its services across the region.- Advertisement -In recent days, demand for emergency care has increased, including as a result of the hot weather, alongside wider pressures being experienced across the NHS.A business continuity incident is declared when services may be disrupted below expected levels and additional arrangements are required to maintain patient care.Declaring a business continuity incident allows EMAS to take additional steps, working closely with NHS partners, to help ensure ambulance crews are available to respond to patients in the community. This includes:Supporting the timely handover of patients at hospital emergency departments, so ambulance crews can return to responding to 999 calls.Working with healthcare providers to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. Continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents.This is to ensure emergency ambulances are available to respond to people in the community where life is at risk.We recognise this is challenging for our NHS partners, who are also working under significant pressure, and we are grateful for their continued support.Alongside this, EMAS is maximising available resources and reviewing how ambulance crews are deployed across the region.We will continue to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on maintaining safe patient care and returning to normal service levels as soon as possible.Members of the public are asked to support us during this period of high demand.999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.If your condition is not life-threatening, there are other NHS services available that may be able to help you.These include:– NHS 111 online or by phone.– Local pharmacies.– Urgent Treatment Centres.– Your GP (including out-of-hours services).Choosing the most appropriate service helps ensure our ambulance crews are available for those who may need them most.Additional information:1) Given the severity of the concern, senior leaders will continue to respond to the challenges faced and to ensure support for staff and volunteers at work. Therefore, media interviews will not be conducted tonight. Media requests should be sent via communications@emas.nhs.uk and will be responded to tomorrow.2) In response to pressures in the NHS system and on ambulance services, on Tuesday 26 May 2026, EMAS escalated to Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP) Level 4 – the highest level which indicates a potential for failures within the service.3) The Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response framework describes as business continuity incident as: ‘an event or occurrence that disrupts, or might disrupt, an organisation’s normal service delivery, below acceptable predefined levels, where special arrangements are required to be implemented until services can return to an acceptable level (this could be a surge in demand requiring resources to be temporarily redeployed).
Flats and shop approved despite nearly 40 objections to ‘congested’ traffic area
One person said the increase in traffic would be ‘significant’Aqua Drive, Hampton Water in Peterborough (stock)(Image: Google)Plans to build new flats and a shop in a Cambridgeshire suburb have been approved – despite backlash over more traffic in an already “congested” area. Back in April 2025, Jafbuild Limited submitted plans to build 14 new flats and add a shop on land off Aqua Drive in Hampton Water, Peterborough.The flats proposed are all two-bedroom flats, with 28 car parking spaces proposed. There are also 19 allocated spaces for the shop.Before approval, the applicant said the plans were “essential” to plans for the Hampton Water area. They also said it would provide a “much-needed convenience store and flats” to the area.Peterborough City Council has now approved these plans. Despite the approval, the plans had 37 objections. Concerns were mainly raised about traffic in the area, with one objector describing the area as already “congested”.One person, who lives in Aqua Drive, said the “cumulative traffic impact” would be “significant”. Another person in Broadstone Drive commented on traffic and said: “The traffic at the end of the school day is horrendous to the point where it is not even worth leaving your house to go out.”Add more to that and mix in a few haulage trucks to service more building works for a few more years and we will have a major incident soon.”Also concerned about traffic, a person in Banbury Drive said: “The additional traffic from this development will exacerbate existing congestion issues, particularly during peak hours. The council must assess whether the current road network can accommodate this growth without compromising safety.”In a transport statement on behalf of the applicants, it was concluded the site was “well situated” to local amenities, and it was considered to not have “a severe residual impact on the local highway network”.
