A number of properties have been evacuated after a house fire spread to the roof space in a row of terraces in Leicester.Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it had been called to a house fire in Coral Street in Belgrave on Friday afternoon. The fire service said eight fire engines, including an aerial ladder platform, were at the scene.Residents have been told to close their windows and doors while motorists were warned to expect delays. The fire service added there were “no reports of casualties”.
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Properties evacuated as Leicester terrace fire spreads to roof
Man arrested after former MP Ann Widdecombe found dead
A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, following a large-scale manhunt for a white male.Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation into the death of Miss Widdecombe, who was discovered deceased at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, near Newton Abbot in Devon at 11:40am on Thursday (July 9).
At an afternoon press conference, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death is not being treated as terror-related. Officers confirmed the suspect is British, reports the Daily Star.
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Miss Widdecombe, who had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday (July 8), was found to have sustained “serious injuries”. Police also confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for a white male believed to be responsible for her death.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman speaking at a press conference(Image: BBC)
Speaking at the press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Longman said: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.”
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman further confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.
He added: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.
“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Ann Widdecombe’s secluded home – which she bought in 2008 – is now the scene of a frantic murder probe(Image: Sky News)
“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”
The former Conservative minister, aged 78, later served as a Brexit Party MEP before becoming a Reform UK spokeswoman, and also gained recognition beyond politics through her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. Numerous tributes were paid to her earlier today before officers confirmed their murder inquiry.
Speaking to journalists at Chequers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the news of the investigation for the first time. He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Potential future Labour Leader and next PM Andy Burnham has also paid tribute following the death of Miss Widdecombe, through a spokesperson. A spokeswoman for Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Miss Widdecombe’s management company Cloud 9 called on anyone with information to come forward, stating: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”The statement added: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.”Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP] for information, images or footage to be submitted to them. You can also get in touch by phone on 101 or through their website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.
You can follow the link to the public portal here.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org..
Player tracker: Which Premier League stars are shining at the World Cup?
With a combined 121 goals and assists at the FIFA World Cup, players from the 2025/26 Premier League teams have produced almost double the direct goal contributions of any other league, with Spain’s LaLiga next on 62, 10 ahead of Germany’s Bundesliga.
Here, we take a look at the Premier League stars who are leading the way, including World Cup players who were featuring for Premier League clubs at the end of the 2025/26 season and those registered to play for Premier League clubs in 2026/27.
Stats correct as of 12:45 BST on 10 July. Scroll across on mobile to see each table
Who are the top goalscorers?
Erling Haaland is in contention to win the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring seven times in only four matches so far.
Manchester City’s prolific striker is locked in competition with three other world-class forwards. Argentina’s Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and France’s Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) both lead the way with eight goals, Haaland is behind the pair on seven goals, while England captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, is just behind on six.
Top PL goalscorers*Player
Goals
Nation
ClubErling Haaland
7
NOR
MCIIsmaila Sarr
4
SEN
CRYBrian Brobbey
3
NED
SUNMatheus Cunha
3
BRA
MUNYoane Wissa
3
COD
NEWKai Havertz
3
GER
ARSCody Gakpo
3
NED
LIVYasin Ayari
2
SWE
BHAAnthony Elanga
2
SWE
NEWLeandro Trossard
2
BEL
ARSDaichi Kamada
2
JPN
CRYDaniel Munoz
2
COL
CRYAmad
2
CIV
MUNHabib Diarra
2
SEN
SUNYouri Tielemans
2
BEL
AVL*Scroll across to see the full table on mobile. Players set to feature in 2026/27 PL. Min. two goals.Who are the top assisters?
Only ex-Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) has provided more assists in the competition than Bruno Guimaraes.
Top PL assisters*Player
Assists
Nation
ClubBruno Guimaraes
4
BRA
NEWMartin Odegaard
3
NOR
ARSFlorian Wirtz
3
GER
LIVAlexander Isak
3
SWE
LIVBukayo Saka
3
ENG
ARSLeandro Trossard
2
BEL
ARSIliman Ndiaye
2
SEN
EVEChris Wood
2
NZL
NFORyan Gravenberch
2
NED
LIVViktor Gyokeres
2
SWE
ARS*Scroll across to see the full table on mobile. Players set to feature in 2026/27 PL. Min. two assists.
Which clubs are leading the way?
Arsenal are the Premier League team with the most goal involvements, with 20, from eight goals and 12 assists. They lie eight behind the leading club, Real Madrid.
Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Arsenal have each had eight goals scored by their players, a total only Real and Paris Saint-Germain can surpass.
Top 11 clubs for goals and assists**Team
Goals & assists
Goals
AssistsReal Madrid (ESP)
28
17
11PSG (FRA)
20
13
7Arsenal (ENG)
20
8
12Bayern Munich (GER)
20
8
12Liverpool (ENG)
19
6
13Newcastle (ENG)
11
5
6Crystal Palace (ENG)
10
8
2Inter Miami (USA)
10
8
2Man City (ENG)
9
7
2Man Utd (ENG)
9
7
2Sunderland (ENG)
9
8
1**Scroll across to see the full table on mobile. Players who featured in 2025/26 PL
Other PL clubs for goals and assists**Team
Goals & assists
Goals
AssistsNott’m Forest
5
1
4Chelsea
4
1
3Fulham
4
4
0West Ham
4
2
2Aston Villa
3
3
0Brighton
3
3
0Everton
3
1
2Spurs
3
2
1Burnley
2
0
2Wolves
2
1
1Bournemouth
1
0
1**Scroll across to see the full table on mobile. Club stats are based on 2025/26 player registrations
Total minutes for Premier League clubs’ players**Team
MinutesMan City
4,416Arsenal
3,861Liverpool
3,365Aston Villa
2,609Crystal Palace
2,493Man Utd
2,396Fulham
2,064Sunderland
2,011Brighton
1,987Spurs
1,823Chelsea
1,794Nott’m Forest
1,543Newcastle
1,338Everton
1,113Bournemouth
1,027Wolves
979West Ham
914Burnley
721Leeds
620Brentford
503**Club stats are based on 2025/26 player registrations
Staffordshire veterans unveil knife amnesty van to tackle crime
A team of former armed services personnel have created a knife amnesty van which they will tour across Staffordshire in a bid to tackle knife crime.Veteran-led training provider Black Onyx Academy, based in Stoke-on-Trent, will be running workshops from the vehicle, which has been equipped with an amnesty bin.As well as letting people surrender their blades, the group said it would allow the team to have “meaningful conversations with young people, families and communities”.Stefan Northfield, strategic lead and former Royal Marine, said veterans had a “duty of care” and wanted to share his own experiences.”All young people have good in them,” he added. “All they’re lacking is a bit of direction and that’s really what we showcase in our workshops.”It’s highlighting to these young people that there are opportunities for them.”
Estate agent among five men jailed over Bedfordshire cannabis factory network
Operation Costello uncovers illegal cannabis operations linked to local estate agencyAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 3 hours agoFive people have been convicted of more than 23 offences, after Bedfordshire Police uncovered a network of cannabis factories across the county.The investigation focused on Condor Estates, an estate agency company found to be linked to 20 cannabis factories.Sarfraz Farooq, 46, who served as the director of Condor Estates, was implicated in renting properties for use as cannabis factories. The inquiry revealed fraudulent documentation was employed to facilitate tenancy agreements for these illegal operations. Accomplices included Uan Gogu, 42, Zohaib Riaz Ali, 33, Mohammed Farooq, 76, and Glentjan Sefaj, 29, all involved in various aspects of setting up and maintaining the cannabis factories. Guilty VerdictsSarfraz Farooq, Zohaib Riaz Ali, and Mohammed Farooq were collectively found guilty of 17 offenses after a trial. Charges ranged from conspiracy to produce controlled drugs to money laundering. Uan Gogu and Glentjan Sefaj admitted to their roles, including sourcing equipment and performing gardening works at the cannabis sites.Detective Sergeant Tracey Joyce highlighted the continued effort of Operation Costello in combatting organised crime: “We are continuing to crackdown on organised criminal networks, and these five men are the latest to be dealt with by the courts as part of our ongoing commitment to clamp down on those who enable large scale drug production.“Operation Costello takes a strong approach to tackling organised crime by targeting everyone involved, from those running large scale illegal cannabis cultivation, to the professional enablers who support criminal groups by supplying materials or allowing their premises to be used, and make financial gain from it. “Professional enablers are individuals who help facilitate organised crime groups, such as estate agents who locate properties for use for cannabis factories, those who create fraudulent documentation and money launderers. “Organised crime and cannabis cultivation has a huge impact on the community, and underpins much of the antisocial behaviour and serious violence we seen in our neighbourhoods. “We need the community to partner with us on this goal by reporting what they see and spotting the signs of a cannabis factory. Signs include strong odours, covered windows, condensation.”Sentencing for the five convicted men is scheduled for 10th September. 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.
Everton assessing deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone
Everton are keen on bringing Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to the Daily Mail. Everton manager David Moyes wants a quality cover for Toffees first-choice Jordan Pickford as Coventry City are looking to sign his current understudy Mark Travers. Johnstone has much-needed experience having featured in 375 games as a professional, with 85 of those appearances coming in the Premier League.The 33-year-old England international could be open to joining Everton, but an opportunity to be number 1 elsewhere could be more appealing. Johnstone, who last played for the Three Lions in 2023 and has yet to retire, is still harbouring the thoughts of featuring for England again. Remaining in the Premier League following Wolves’ relegation will appeal to him. However, he will have to settle for a place on the Everton bench if he opts to move to the Merseyside club. Pickford remains No. 1 for club and country and the Toffees also have others on their radar as they eye a new addition in goal.They had Leeds United’s Karl Darlow on their radar, but the Wales international is now expected to join Manchester United. The Red Devils were also considering a move for Johnstone but have chosen his Welsh counterpart. Some clubs in the Championship are likely to offer to make him their new first-choice goalie next season. The Everton target will not be short of suitors but may need to settle for the Toffees if he wants to continue in the Premier League.The Blues have signed Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, while Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl have joined permanently from Chelsea and Freiburg, respectively.
Heatwave: EMR to operate reduced train timetable until Sunday | West Bridgford Wire
East Midlands Railway will be operating a reduced timetable across several of our routes until Sunday 12th July, due to forecasted severe weather.East Midlands Railway (EMR) has renewed its travel advice as hot weather continues, urging passengers to travel only if their journey is essential while high temperatures affect the rail network.In an update issued on Friday 10 July, the operator said the Met Office is forecasting temperatures above the seasonal average, with highs of up to 33°C expected in London, the East Midlands and parts of southern England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also has an amber heat-health alert in place for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.EMR said customers should only travel between Wednesday 8 July and Sunday 12 July if their journey is essential.EMR said on Friday 10 July:‘The Met Office are advising that temperatures this week are expected to be above average for the time of year, with highs of 33°C anticipated in London and various areas of southern England and the East Midlands.‘The UK Health and Security Agency’s (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.‘East Midlands Railway are advising customers to only travel between Wednesday 8th and Sunday 12th July if their journey is essential.’
Plans for more than 300 new homes could ensure ‘future growth’ of village
The plans also propose an open space and play areaLand off Toll Bar Way, Sawtry, Cambridgeshire. (Image: LDRS)More than 300 homes could be built to ensure the “future growth” of a Cambridgeshire village. Endurance Estates has proposed to build up to 330 homes, as well as create an open space and play area, on land west of Toll Bar Way in Sawtry.Sawtry is described as a village of “ancient origins” in the plans. However, the applicants added that development of the village and construction of the A1 has “gradually eroded Sawtry’s relationship with its wider setting”.Therefore, the applicant seeks to “reinforce and celebrate Sawtry’s connection with its landscape and help deliver Huntingdonshire District Council’s aspirations for its places, its residents and visitors alike”.The current site for where the homes could be built is a field used for grazing and it’s next to Sawtry services. Of the 330 homes proposed, 40 percent will be affordable housing.Endurance Estates added that landscape is at the “core” of the proposals, as 70 percent of the site will be made up of open space. The developer’s plans include a village green to provide a “flexible space for both new and existing communities”.There will also be other green spaces spread out across the site. This includes two “strategic” green spaces, known as the Water Meadows Linear Park to the north and the Common to the south.In terms of access to the development, this will be via two T-junctions from Toll Bar Way and Green End Road. The applicants plan to create a network of footpaths and cycleways through the open space as well.Before an application was submitted, the developers carried out public consultations with residents and shared a number of concerns before submission. Some concerns and wants were raised about infrastructure capacity; transport, access and highway safety; and community and green infrastructure.Residents were concerned about the “pressure on existing infrastructure” in Sawtry, including GPs, schools and shops.In response to this, the applicant said the site will “contribute towards local infrastructure” with support for education, healthcare and transport improvements”. Other concerns were raised about the safety of roads.A transport assessment produced as part of the plans said the local highway network could “accommodate” the development. The developers also found there was “strong support” for the community facilities and green infrastructure proposed within the development.
Derby County star “deserves” Leeds United transfer – Wolves switch would make “no sense”
Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom will return from the World Cup with considerable speculation about his future regarding clubs in both the Premier League and the Championship. Players are now returning from the 2026 World Cup finals in North America, and one who will come back to England to be greeted with considerable speculation concerning his future is the Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. Zetterstrom was called up to the Sweden squad by head coach Graham Potter, despite only having made three prior appearances for them, but was called in as a replacement for Kristoffer Nordveldt following the 5-1 defeat inflicted upon them by the Netherlands in their second match. Having featured in their final group match against Japan and their round of 32 defeat to France, and received reasonably good reviews despite his team’s reasonably early exit from the competition, Zetterstrom’s profile has only further boosted, and he’s already been on the radar of several clubs, which makes his departure from Pride Park this summer look inevitable.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom urged to make step up to the Premier League after Derby & Sweden exploitsAction images
Two clubs that have been connected with a potential move for Zetterstrom are Premier League side Leeds United and freshly-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, so FLW has spoken to our resident Derby County fan pundit Shaun Woodward, who is in little doubt over where the goalkeeper’s next destination should be. “It wouldn’t make any sense to sell him to Wolves. It wouldn’t be a step forward for him because he’d be playing in the same league, and he needs to be playing at a higher level,” Shaun told FLW.
Do you think Molineux or Elland Road would make the best next career move for Jacob WIdell Zetterstrom? Let us know in the comments below!
“So, if we are going to sell him it would make total sense to do it to a team in the Premier League. “He deserves that shot, and even if Wolves can match Leeds’s offer, he needs to be playing at a higher level, because it makes no sense, him staying in the same league and potentially stagnating in the Championship. “He needs to be playing with the best players and against the best players to progress his career. “He deserves that shot, so it would make absolutely no sense for us to sell him to Wolves, especially if they can’t pay more than Leeds, but even if they can, I still think for him personally he should be in the Premier League.”
Related
Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United in ‘contact’ over Derby County transfer
Leeds United, Frankfurt and Wolves are all considering a potential deal for Derby County keeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
What Derby, Wolves and Leeds fans are saying about Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s future
The possibility of Zetterstrom moving on from Pride Park has caused a lot of comment on social media, but not all Leeds fans are that excited by the prospect of him going to Elland Road.
This cynicism doesn’t apply to all fans of the Premier League club, though they are being warned to be careful with their money.
These Wolves fans are of the view that Zetterstrom would make a decent addition at Molineux if the price is right.
But this Derby County fan believes that any offers for their goalkeeper are going to need to be high, to tempt the Rams to sell up.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom will surely have his eyes on the Premier League
Action Images
A strong performance in a World Cup will always boost the profile of a player, and this has certainly been the case regarding Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. The goalkeeper’s call-up by Graham Potter for Sweden’s final group match against Japan raised a few eyebrows, but the 1-1 draw they took from the game was enough to get them through to the Round of 32, and even though they couldn’t get past France, Zetterstrom’s stock rose still further with a strong performance against the tournament favourites. But Zetterstrom earned his place in the Sweden squad off the back of a string of impressive performances for Derby County as the Rams pressed hard for a play-off place last season. Derby County were eventually pipped to the post for the final one of these by Hull City, but this was still a dramatic improvement on the end of the 2024-25 season, when they were sweating on whether they’d survive the drop until the last day of the season.
But with Illan Meslier having left Leeds United at the end of last season – he’s currently reported to be set to join Arsenal – there’s a space at Leeds for another goalkeeper. Karl Darlow was their goalkeeper for much of last season, but he’s now 35 years of age and Zetterstrom would be expected to press hard to become Daniel Farke’s first choice. Going to Wolves would be a sideways move, with the Black Country club having been relegated at the end of 2025-26, but there have been persistent rumours that Sam Johnstone could be on his way to Manchester United, while Jose Sa has also been linked to a move away from Molineux. They’re clearly ambitious to return to the Premier League quickly, so this move being a sideways one could be a temporary state of affairs. Moving to the Premier League will have an obvious appeal to the goalkeeper, but the risks are higher. First-team football in the Championship with Wolves might be easier to hold onto than in the Premier League with Leeds. At 27 years of age, though, Zetterstrom is now reaching the peak years of his career, and if he’s to get to the highest level he can play at, now might be the best time to take that chance.
Tragedy as woman found dead in Stoke-on-Trent house
Police and paramedics had been calledPolice and paramedics were called (stock image)A woman has been found dead in a city house. But police say they are not treating the tragedy in Birches Head as suspicious.It comes as residents had seen a police presence on the Widecombe Road area of the neighbourhood. Staffordshire Police say it was contacted by West Midlands Ambulance Service at 9.40am on Wednesday (July 8).A spokeswoman for the force said: “We went to an address in Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent following a call from colleagues at West Midlands Ambulance Service over a report of a sudden death.”Sadly, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
