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  • Bedford train crash update with 53 in hospital and eight in critical condition

    Bedford train crash update with 53 in hospital and eight in critical condition



    Eight individuals are battling for survival in hospital following a train collision in Bedfordshire. Over 100 casualties were admitted to hospital and a major incident was declared on Friday (June 19) after two locomotives collided near Elstow in Bedfordshire.

    Emergency services were alerted shortly after 5.15pm to reports that two East Midlands Railway trains had crashed. Personnel from the British Transport Police (BTP), Bedfordshire Police, National Police Air Service alongside local firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene.

    The BTP confirmed this evening that 53 individuals were still receiving hospital treatment on Monday, with eight in a critical state. Authorities acknowledge this figure is “likely to continue to change” as the situation develops.

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    Train driver Shaun Burton, 60, perished in the collision. Through police, his relatives expressed: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
    Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, told the BBC: “We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled.”

    100 people were hospitalised following the crash(Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA)

    Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, from the BTP, said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton’s family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday.”

    Dep Ch Const Cundy went on to state that the investigation is being treated as a “priority” for the BTP, with the senior investigating officer collaborating closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to determine what occurred. He confirmed that personal belongings have been retrieved from the trains.

    Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

    The officer added: “Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded. I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners.

    “The recovery operation is now underway, and work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen.”
    Anyone affected by the incident is urged to get in touch with the BTP.
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  • Multiple crews tackle large fire in Leicestershire field

    Multiple crews tackle large fire in Leicestershire field



    Multiple crews are tackling a large fire in a field in Leicestershire.Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said the blaze started on Monday in Kegworth Lane, outside Long Whatton.Pumps from Loughborough, Shepshed and Castle Donington stations are at the scene, with support from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.Local residents should remain indoors and close windows and doors to avoid smoke inhalation, LFRS added.With temperatures high and rising, LFRS has urged people to report any fires in the open by calling 999, and help crews locate the fire by downloading what3words to your smartphone.

  • Man stripped of licence to sell alcohol following drink driving conviction

    Man stripped of licence to sell alcohol following drink driving conviction



    A police officer described the man’s actions as “serious criminal conduct”The meeting was held at Sand Martin House(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)Peterborough City Council has stripped a man of his licence to sell alcohol following requests to do so by police. During a meeting at Sand Martin House on Friday, June 19, the council’s Licensing Sub-committee approved a request made by Cambridgeshire Constabulary to revoke David Cattermoul’s personal licence.The meeting heard that Mr Cattermoul was issued with an alcohol personal licence on November 17, 2025. However, Cambridgeshire Constabulary requested a review of Mr Cattermoul’s licence in May after he was convicted of driving a motor vehicle with excess alcohol at Cambridge Crown Court on March 26, 2025.According to the council’s Licensing Regulatory Officer, Darren Dolby, Mr Cattermoul was arrested for drink driving on February 5, 2026, when he “blew 57 on the evidential breath machine in custody, the legal limit being 35.”Mr Dolby went on to explain that being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the prescribed alcohol limit is a ‘relevant offence’ under the Licensing Act (2003), meaning Mr Cattermoul’s personal licence can be reviewed.In addition, a report put before the meeting said Mr Cattermoul was also convicted of dangerous driving and destroying or damaging property. As a result, he was disqualified from driving for 29 months and sentenced to 14 months in prison. The meeting heard that the court did not consider Mr Cattermoul’s alcohol personal licence at the time of sentencingCambridgeshire Constabulary was represented at the meeting by PC Paul Hawkins. Describing Mr Cattermoul’s actions as “serious criminal conduct,” PC Hawkins said it was right to seek revocation of Mr Cattermoul’s licence as “drink driving at a high reading [and] dangerous driving resulting in imprisonment” made him a “clear risk to the public.”Summarising, PC Hawkins said: “Given the seriousness of the offending, and the associated risk, Cambridgeshire Constabulary requests that revocation is a proportionate and appropriate outcome in this case.”The Licensing Sub-committee agreed unanimously to revoke Mr Cattermoul’s licence.

  • Leeds United plot move for Noah Okafor’s international teammate: Report

    Leeds United plot move for Noah Okafor’s international teammate: Report


    Leeds United have been relatively busy since the conclusion of the Premier League campaign.

    The first piece of business the Whites attended to was ensuring their captain, Ethan Ampadu, signed a long-term contract extension. United also remain in negotiations with the likes of Karl Darlow and Sam Byram over potential new deals at the club.

    In terms of new arrivals, reports suggest that Leeds have launched a bid in excess of £20million to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

    And now, Leeds have also found themselves linked with another defender, who is Noah Okafor’s international teammate.

    Leeds United interested in Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi

    Going into the transfer window, it was expected by most that Leeds would sign another left-footed centre-back this summer.

    If Pascal Struijk did not come to terms on a contract and was sold as a result, we may even have to sign two left-sided centre-backs.

    However, according to a report from Bild, United are also in the market for a right-sided centre back.

    The report claims that the Whites are looking to potentially sign Nico Elvedi, who plays at Daniel Farke’s former club, Borussia Monchengladbach.

    Elvedi is also Okafor’s international teammate. Whilst the Leeds winger has struggled to get game time at this World Cup, Elvedi has played every minute of Switzerland’s campaign so far in the heart of their defence.

    Elvedi is about to enter the last year of his deal at Monchengladbach. As a result, the 29-year-old defender leaving the Bundesliga this summer seems plausible.

    Leeds would be willing to pay around £7.4million to secure Elvedi’s services.

    A deal for Nico Elvedi does not make sense on paper

    Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon, Sebastiaan Bornauw and even James Justin all proved they could play centre-back for us adequately last season.

    That is why it is hard to imagine us signing another right-footed centre back. Especially when it is clear that we need reinforcements on the left.

    This is, unless we sell Bornauw, let’s say, this summer, if the Belgian wanted to find a new club where he could play more often.

    If that’s the case, then Elvedi would make a great deal of sense. For just over £7million, we could do a lot worse than to sign a defender with 11 Bundesliga campaigns under his belt and who is just shy of 70 caps for his country.

    Whilst Elvedi would appear to be an upgrade on Bornauw, if we have no intentions to sell him, then signing Elvedi would mean we have an unnecessary backlog of right-footed centre-halves.

    We have far more pressing issues in our squad than signing another right-footed defender. So unless Bornauw leaves this summer, I’d be putting a deal for Elvedi on the back burner.

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  • ‘We were called to over 1,800 outdoor fires last spring and summer’- Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service call for people to enjoy the warm weather safely

    ‘We were called to over 1,800 outdoor fires last spring and summer’- Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service call for people to enjoy the warm weather safely


    With temperatures rising this week, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to enjoy the sun responsibly.This comes after the service saw a 70% increase in the number of outdoor fires from April to September last year, in comparison to the same period the previous year. Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships, Nick Jones, said: “We were called to over 1,800 outdoor fires last spring and summer, which not only strain resources but damage wildlife and landscapes.”Many of these fires were accidental and therefore preventable, so I would urge people to not have disposable BBQs, drop cigarettes or burn waste in the garden, as these practices can easily start fires.”I would also urge people not to start deliberate fires because during periods of warm weather, the ground is much drier meaning that fires can spread quickly and become out of control.”Finally, whilst open water might seem inviting, people should avoid swimming in lakes or canals as there can be hidden dangers.”It’s particularly important for parents to discuss the dangers with their children, particularly teenagers, who may go out with their friends and not appreciate the risks and consequences of cooling off in open water.”The service has issued a list of tips to help people stay safe including not driving the morning after a big night out, considering underwater hazards and educating children on the consequences of starting deliberate fires.

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  • Met Office ‘exceptional heat’ alert as UK map turns red

    Met Office ‘exceptional heat’ alert as UK map turns red



    Temperatures are set to ‘rise rapidly’Happy contented woman using electric fan at home enjoying fresh air on hot summer day.(Image: Getty)The Met Office has warned of ‘exceptional heat’ across the country as swathes of its weather map turn red over the coming days. Extreme heat alerts are also in place for much of the UK.Areas including Lincolnshire, London and Bristol could see highs of up to 39C on Thursday, June 25, with experts urging people to take precautions to keep safe and well. In a new alert issued on Monday afternoon, June 22, the Met Office said: “A spell of exceptional heat is set to develop this week”.Its post on X, formerly Twitter, went on to say that temperatures are “forecast to rise rapidly and potentially challenge or exceed long-standing June records”. Further information in a Met Office blog post explained that this week’s heatwave could see the hottest June day on record.Met Office experts added: “While hot spells are not unusual in summer, conditions of this magnitude remain relatively rare, particularly in June. The current UK June temperature record stands at 35.6C, last recorded in 1976 and 1957, and could be challenged during this spell.”Much of the weather map is turning red(Image: Met Office)It comes after the hottest May day record was broken last month. The heat will feel more intense, meteorologists have explained, due to high humidity levels.”Humidity plays a key role in how we experience heat. When moisture levels in the air are high, it becomes more difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating. This increases the risk of heat stress and associated health impacts.”

  • Transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid want Ayyoub Bouaddi as Arsenal Morgan Rogers favourites

    Transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid want Ayyoub Bouaddi as Arsenal Morgan Rogers favourites



    June 22nd 

    ©TM/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 stories

    Real Madrid are monitoring Ayyoub Bouaddi after his impressive start for Morocco at the World Cup. The 18-year-old is one of the most valuable teenagers in the world and he’s expected to depart Lille this summer with Madrid considering a bid.

    Roberto De Zerbi wants to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool this summer and Tottenham will offer him a leading role in their rebuild. The 27-year-old is contracted at Anfield until 2031 but Liverpool could sanction a sale this summer to provide Andoni Iraola more funds.

    Arsenal are increasingly confident that Morgan Rogers will decide to join them this summer. Several leading European clubs want to sign the Aston Villa star with Arsenal the leading contenders to secure his signature.

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  • National Windrush Day 2026 – Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

    National Windrush Day 2026 – Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust



    Today is National Windrush Day, celebrating the contribution Caribbean migrants and their families have made to the UK.
    Elaina Ible was one of the first five black nurses to work at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D). She travelled from the Caribbean to Luton in 1960 where she began training as a student nurse.
    Elaina said: “I qualified as a State Registered Nurse then a State Certified Midwife between 1960 and 1966. I worked part-time as a staff nurse after having children until I retired in 1999. I learnt a lot, made some lifelong friendships and I’m still in contact with some of them now.
    “I have always seen myself as British and part of the commonwealth. My experience was different than others in that I always felt welcome and didn’t really experience any prejudices. St Kitts-Nevis became partly independent in 1983 and I remain proud of my heritage.”
    Elaina’s daughter, Dionne Ible, created a mosaic to honour the Windrush Generation and the Caribbean families whose hard work, resilience and determination helped shape Luton. Each piece of the mosaic represents an individual story, coming together to form a collective legacy that continues to enrich the town today.
    The artwork has been loaned to the L&D and is currently on display on the first floor of the Surgical Block.
    Dionne said: “As a first generation child of Luton’s Caribbean community, it was important for me to create work that reflects the legacy, contribution and lived experiences of those who came before me.
    “Despite facing discrimination and many challenges, the Windrush Generation helped build communities, raise families and create opportunities for future generations. Pieces of Legacy celebrates their achievements and honours the enduring impact they have had on Luton, reminding us that every contribution, no matter how small, forms part of our shared history.”
    (Left to right) Cyril Ible, Dionne Ible and Elaina Ible
    Pieces of Legacy artwork

  • Rare red weather alert issued to West Midlands

    Rare red weather alert issued to West Midlands



    The West Midlands has been issued a rare red heat health alert this week.Author: Molly HookingsPublished 25 minutes agoThe West Midlands has been issued a rare red heat health alert.It comes into force at 1am on Wednesday (24 June) and ends at 11pm on Thursday (25 June).The UK Health Security Agency says the risk level is 16, which is the highest score.In a statement on the website, it said: “Severe impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:increased risk to life across the whole population, with significant impacts on older people significantly increased demand on all health and social care servicesthe heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver serviceshot indoor environments making provision of care challenging and national critical infrastructure failures, such as generators and power outageswater‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning It’s a temperatures soar this week, hitting 39 Celsius in Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton on Thursday.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.

  • Emergency services warn against swimming in rivers and lakes during warm weather | West Bridgford Wire

    Emergency services warn against swimming in rivers and lakes during warm weather | West Bridgford Wire



    Emergency services have issued a renewed warning about the dangers of swimming in open water as warm and sunny weather continues across Nottinghamshire.Police said officers were previously called to Holme Pierrepont, in May 2026, after reports of groups jumping into the water.There were also reports of people entering the River Trent from both sides of the water close to Weir Fields Recreation Ground, Beeston Rylands.Neighbourhood officers attended and gave advice to those at the scene, with both locations being monitored.Emergency services are reminding people that open water can be dangerous, even during hot weather.Almost half of accidental drownings happen during the warmer months and often involve people making a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the water.Risks include very cold water temperatures, even in summer, strong underwater currents, sudden changes in depth, debris, weeds, pumps and other hidden hazards.Inspector Tim Cuthbert, neighbourhood inspector for Rushcliffe, said: “It’s going to remain very warm and sunny this next week and people will obviously want to be out and about enjoying the start of summer.“People will want to be keeping cool but jumping into open water puts yourself and other people’s lives at risk.“The Trent and other rivers and canals around Nottinghamshire may look incredibly enticing but you won’t know the dangers that lurk beneath the surface.“There are no lifeguards, you don’t know how deep it is, or what’s in the water.“You could get tangled up in weeds, land on discarded items, or seriously injure yourself.“Even with the hot weather, the water could still be cold and cause cold water shock.“No matter how strong a swimmer you believe you are, or if your mates are jumping in, or you’re following a trend on TikTok and egging each other on – remember the dangers.“I’d also urge people not to be a bystander. If you see anyone putting themselves at risk, tell them they could get seriously hurt.“Please enjoy the good weather but don’t go jumping or swimming in open water. It’s really not worth the risk.”Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Natasha Neale, added: “We would reiterate the safety advice from our colleagues in policing.“Water, especially deep water, can be much colder than the air temperature, even after prolonged hot weather spells.“However enticing it can be to cool off in open water, cold water shock can make swimming difficult. Coupled with potential unknown objects under the water’s surface and currents, even strong swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, phone 999 and ask for the fire service. Give an accurate location using what3words or landmarks and instruct the person to float on their back. Never enter the water yourself.”