Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, was woken up at 05:30 by the sound of a fire engine.Throughout the morning, she said, the police presence had grown and she had been told to stay inside.”This person was shouting out the window, and it turns out, allegedly, he was going to blow something up with gas or whatever,” she said.”Eventually they went to the house. They had them big metal heavy things and stormed the door and next thing you hear they’re in the house and… shot, shot, shot.”She said she had been left “very upset” by the death of her neighbour, who she said had “mental health issues”. “It was just tragic. It’s just terrible to see,” she said.The man’s identity has not yet been formally confirmed.
Blog
Bedford man shot dead by police was ‘harmless’, say neighbours
Premier League Title and Relegation Battles Heat Up as Final Matches Approach – SSBCrack News
As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, the narrative is shaping up to be one of high stakes and dramatic conclusions, particularly for Manchester City, Arsenal, and several clubs at the bottom of the table. The Athletic is providing live coverage of the crucial match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, a contest that holds significant implications for both the title race and relegation battles.
With only 21 games left in this season’s 380-match journey, the intensity has ramped up as Arsenal has established a five-point lead over Manchester City after a thrilling victory over West Ham. City kept pace with their own decisive 3-0 win against Brentford, putting them firmly in pursuit of the top spot as the season nears its climax.
The juxtaposition of the title chase against imminent relegation battles adds further depth to the unfolding drama. Arsenal’s impending fixtures against Crystal Palace and Burnley will be pivotal. A victory against Palace for City tomorrow is essential; anything less would hand Arsenal a significant advantage, enabling them to clinch their first title in 22 years with a win against Burnley next Monday.
In stark contrast, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Both clubs, which began the season with more optimistic expectations, now find their survival in the Premier League at risk. A recent 1-1 draw for Spurs against Leeds has kept the pressure mounting, while West Ham’s path to safety has narrowed considerably. The London rivals are both battling to avoid joining Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship next season.
With just two matches left, West Ham’s upcoming clash against Newcastle carries enormous significance. It is a must-win scenario for them to remain competitive, as Spurs’ results will also play a critical role in determining their fate. The emotion surrounding these matches is palpable, with the potential for both clubs’ seasons to end in heartbreak or relief.
In the race for European qualification, the stakes are equally high. The results from this season’s European competitions have set the stage for the top five finishers to secure Champions League places, with the possibility of a sixth place being extended depending on Aston Villa’s success in the Europa League. The upcoming match between Villa and Liverpool this Friday is set to be critical, with both clubs currently vying for a Champions League spot. With an already narrow gap in points, the outcome could significantly influence their aspirations.
However, the dynamics do not stop there. Teams such as Bournemouth and Brighton are keen to secure their positions for European football, with securing at least a seventh-place finish being a notable objective. The intricacies of UEFA’s qualification criteria mean that teams are not just fighting for survival or glory in the league, but also for their future in Europe, complicating the narrative further as the season approaches its dramatic conclusion.
As the clock ticks down toward the final matches of the season, the landscape of the Premier League remains interconnected, with every point being vital and every match potentially altering destinies. Fans and players alike brace for a frenetic finish that promises to resolve the league’s most pressing questions in the coming weeks.
Ventola Projects Strengthens VAvR Global Alliance – Love Business East Midlands
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 13 May 2026
Ventola Projects has officially announced mutual collaboration agreement with creative technology specialist Teq4, further cementing its position within the VAvR Global Alliance.
The agreement, formalised in early May during a major business convention in Brighton, marks a significant evolution in the relationship between the two companies. By merging Ventola Projects’ industry-leading display, lighting technologies and AV integration with Teq4’s interactive creative systems, the partnership aims to deliver a new standard of integrated, experience-led solutions for the leisure and entertainment sectors.
This milestone builds upon a successful year of cooperation, which saw the launch of the Beyond Bowling concept. This digitally augmented, immersive bowling experience was developed in alignment with the VAvR Global Alliance to transform traditional bowling lanes into interactive environments.
Mick Ventola, Founder of Ventola Projects, commented on the significance of the deal:
“Through the VAvR Global Alliance, we’re bringing together best-in-class technologies and creative expertise to deliver fully integrated solutions for the leisure and entertainment sector. This collaboration with Teq4 strengthens our ability to support operators with scalable, future-ready experiences that are both impactful and easy to integrate.”
John Bullivant, CEO of Teq4, added:
“Signing this agreement marks an important milestone in our relationship with Ventola Projects and the wider VAvR Global Alliance. Over the past year, we’ve demonstrated the potential of combining creative technology with robust AV infrastructure, and this formal collaboration allows us to move faster and go further. Together, we’re focused on delivering engaging, commercially viable experiences that raise the bar for entertainment venues.”
Looking ahead, Ventola Projects and Teq4 will continue to focus on creating cohesive offerings that integrate effortlessly with existing venue layouts while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in experiential entertainment. Further joint initiatives and product developments are expected to be announced as the collaboration matures.
< Back
Popular Cambridge fair to return with space theme
The event was cancelled in 2025 due to ‘rapidly rising costs’The Strawberry Fair returns on June 6(Image: Cambridge News)A Cambridge festival that’s coming back after a year off is set to have an Area 51 space theme. The Strawberry Fair has been running in Cambridge for 50 years, providing audiences with free musical entertainment.In 2025 it was cancelled due to “rapidly rising costs”. However, the fair will return to Midsummer Common on June 6 after great fundraising efforts from organisers were able to bring it back.“We are coming back bigger and stronger,” said Mark Evans, chair of the Strawberry Fair committee. With this year’s fair being the 51st, its theme is based on Area 51. On the alien-inspired theme, Mark said: “Last time it ran it was for 50 years. The next is for 51 so it’s a play on words for Area 51.”Mark added that people should “expect a lot of aliens and space themes across the site”. He said: “It gives people an excuse to dress up as their favourite sci-fi character.”While last year was cancelled due to financial struggles, Mark said organisers have been raising money to keep the event going. He said: “There has been lots of fundraising going on with various events. We are looking at how we can sustain it for years to come.”In the lead up to June 6, Mark added that it has been a “manic” time for volunteers. He said: “I can report that everyone is working flat out. We are working a lot smarter than we have before, and having a year off has given us time to refocus.”Mark described the Strawberry Fair as a “unique” event. He added: “It’s free to access and it’s for the people of Cambridge. It’s what the people of Cambridge deserve. There’s nothing quite like it. Cambridge should be proud of it and people should enjoy themselves.”The Strawberry Fair is a volunteer-run festival and is free to attend. Anyone who would like to volunteer or find out more information about the event can visit the fair website.
Police make third attempted murder arrest after Hanley attack
The victim remains in hospitalStaffordshire Police have taped off Potteries Way, in HanleyPolice investigating the attempted murder of a man have made a third arrest. A 39-year-old Stoke-on-Trent man is today still being quizzed following the Hanley attack.The victim – a man in his 30s – today remains in a ‘serious’ condition in hospital.Police, paramedics, and an air ambulance were deployed to Hillcrest Street, in Hanley, at 4.20pm on Sunday. Police later made two arrests on Wellington Street and officers and paramedics were also seen at the junction of Potteries Way and Bucknall New Road.A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “A third man has been arrested following a serious assault in Hanley. A 39-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder last night (Tuesday 12 May). He remains in police custody while our inquiries continue.”Two other men, aged 52 and 53, both from Stoke-on-Trent, who were also arrested in connection with the assault have since been placed on conditional police bail. The victim, a man in his 30s, remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Officers continue to investigate the circumstances of what happened and urge anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to call us.”Witnesses should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 517 of 10 May, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
Liverpool Coffee Festival confirms third annual return to the city
Liverpool’s coffee scene is set to take centre stage with the return of it’s much loved celebration of the caffeinated drink.
The event is set to be hosted for the third time at the beloved Black Lodge Brewery on Kings Dock St. The two-day-long festival aims to celebrate quality, craft and community while bringing together the best coffee producers from Liverpool and across the UK.
People can take the opportunity to explore over 300 different coffees from around the world, and also have access to exclusive talks and tasting sessions.
Ticketholders will also get the chance to compete in a latte art competition with exclusive prizes on the Sunday. Outstanding pastries, baked goods and savoury food from some Liverpool hospitality heroes will also be on offer. Showcasing the UK’s leading roasters, there will also be a bold Roasters’ Village and tasting lab to explore flavour and processes.
Coffee lovers can enjoy the return of the festival with a limited-edition collaborative blend available at Crosby Coffee, Press Bros. and Two Words from next week (w/c 18th May).
This is created together with the festival, with the three roasters working together to select and profile a naturally processed Colombian Pink Bourbon coffee.
The drink is produced by Luis Anibal Calderon and sourced via Cofinet, resulting in a roast that showcases both craft and collaboration within the city’s coffee community.Credit: HJ Comms/ Liverpool Coffee Festival
Credit: HJ Comms/ Liverpool Coffee FestivalLiverpool Coffee Festival Founder and Owner of Sub Rosa, Pedro Hunter, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing the festival back for a third year. Each year it’s grown in both scale and ambition, and it’s been incredible to see the community really get behind it, from local independents to national names, all coming together to celebrate great coffee across the region.”
Geoff Cliff and Chris Austin, distributors of Compak Coffee Grinders and Conti Espresso Machines, said:
“There is a unique energy at the Liverpool Coffee Festival that you won’t find anywhere else. As headline sponsors, we’re proud to support a platform that celebrates both the craft and the community.”
“As Machine and Grinder sponsors, we’re looking forward to powering the brews this year and helping every attendee experience the difference that excellent equipment brings.”
Liverpool Coffee Festival is supported by IX Water, Alliance Local, Brades Dairy Farm and Brewed by Hand. Conti Espresso Machines and Compak Coffee Grinders proudly sponsor the popular event, too.
Liverpool Coffee Festival will be taking place at Black Lodge Brewery on Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th June 2026 from 10am – 4pm each day. Tickets are available to purchase online now at £13 for a day pass or £20.50 for a full weekend pass.
Find out more about Liverpool Coffee Festival here.
Stay up to date with what’s on this week in Liverpool here.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.Another busy weekend of rail upgrades completed in Bedfordshire
Wednesday 13 May 2026Another busy weekend of rail upgrades completed in Bedfordshire
Region & Route:
Eastern
|
Eastern: East MidlandsNetwork Rail engineers successfully delivered a multi-million-pound package of upgrades designed to improve the long‑term reliability and resilience of the railway in Bedfordshire.
The engineering work over 9-10 May was the second of four key weekends of work, following improvements delivered on 18-19 April.
Teams worked at several sites to deliver projects including:300 metres of new track at St Albans for smoother, more reliable journeys
drainage upgrades at Radlett to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable servicesinstallation of switches and crossings – the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines – at Radlett Strategic Freight Interchange
further progress on the Access for All project at Luton station, where an accessible footbridge and three lifts are being installed.Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, said:
“This was another successful weekend in a series of vital upgrades to make the railway for the East Midlands more resilient and reliable. The work was completed safely and on schedule, allowing trains to resume as planned from the start of Monday services.
“We’re sorry for the disruption over the weekend and would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while this vital work was carried out.”This was the second weekend of four affecting journeys between Bedford and London between April and June. Further engineering work is planned for 20-21 and 27-28 June.
Passengers are advised to continue checking journeys in advance via National Rail or their train operator.About Network Rail
We own, operate and develop Britain’s railway infrastructure; that’s 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK’s largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country’s train operating companies.
Usually, there are almost five million journeys made in the UK and over 600 freight trains run on the network. People depend on Britain’s railway for their daily commute, to visit friends and loved ones and to get them home safe every day. Our role is to deliver a safe and reliable railway, so we carefully manage and deliver thousands of projects every year that form part of the multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, to grow and expand the nation’s railway network to respond to the tremendous growth and demand the railway has experienced – a doubling of passenger journeys over the past 20 years.Follow us on Twitter: @networkrailVisit our online newsroom: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk
Cheshire star Tom Seals teams up with Noddy Holder for new song
He added: “I met Noddy through the TV show and now ridiculously we’ve become best friends and we go out for dinner every week, which is amazing.”Describing the collaboration with the Slade frontman, who has roots in Walsall, Seals recalled: “The lyrics spoke to me in a time where I needed them and here we are.”We recorded it and I’ve been told there’s a chance we might just get it in the official Jazz and Blues charts, which I’m so excited by.”Slade, the rock band, was formed in Wolverhampton in 1966 and enjoyed enormous success with hits including Mama Weer All Crazee Now and festive favourite Merry Xmas Everybody.The Crewe musician, who has previously played alongside the likes of Jools Holland and Gregory Porter, said the song is “real music”.He added: “It’s rock and roll, it’s jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, swing, it’s great. It’s live, it’s mistakes and all and I’m so proud of it.”
Three cats rescued by firefighters after flat blaze in Leicester
Three cats were rescued by firefighters following a blaze at a flat in Leicester caused by an electrical fault with a fridge freezer.Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Central and Wigston Fire Stations were called to Saffron Court in Southfields Drive at 15:05 BST on Monday.The service said all people were accounted for and three pet cats were rescued by firefighters with the blaze being extinguished by 16:38.The cause of the fire in the kitchen on the second floor of the property was found to be accidental, it added.
Sex offender serving 18-year sentence dies in Cambridgeshire prison
He was sentenced in 2012 for sex offences including rape and sexual assaultHMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire(Image: Cambridge News)A man convicted of historic sex offences has died in a Cambridgeshire prison. Barry Ford died aged 77 in August 2025 while serving his sentence at HMP Littlehey in Perry, according to a recently published report.Ford was sentenced to 18 years in prison in December 2012 after being found guilty of sex offences. Ford was jailed for six counts of rape and 10 of sexual assault, as reported by the BBC. Some offences were committed with his son, Craig McKellar, who was also convicted.A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed that Ford was born on January 31, 1948 and died on August 29, 2025 at the prison.A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman stated Ford died of a brain condition caused by frailty in old age. The report says that HM Littlhey prison confirmed that Ford had no identified next of kin.A clinical reviewer said the care Ford received at the prison was “equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community”. The reviewer also found that the end of life care was of a “high-standard” and no recommendations were made.An inquest into his death was held on October 8, 2025 where the coroner concluded that Mr Ford died of natural causes.
