Tourist fighting for life after losing leg in horror shark attack at popular holiday hotspot
A Spanish newlywed is fighting for his life after a horror shark attack in the Maldives left him needing his leg amputated.The man, from Alicante, suffered catastrophic injuries on Monday when when he was viciously bitten while swimming off Kooddoo island in the Gaafu Alif Atoll.Surgeons were forced to amputate his leg following severe blood loss.A relative of his wife told El Periódico Mediterráneo: "With one bite, it took all the flesh from the knee down off her husband's leg." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The couple had travelled to the Indian Ocean destination for their honeymoon.The victim is believed to have entered the water as part of a group at a popular swimming spot.Kooddoo has become a hotspot for honeymooners but is also home to significant populations of spinner sharks. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that a bull shark was responsible.A source told local media: "The sharks were likely in a heightened state of hunger and anticipation."When the group jumped in, the entry itself may have triggered a predatory response."Emergency services rushed the man to Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital before he was airlifted to the capital, Malé.He remains in intensive care at ADK Hospital, where doctors are fighting to save his life.SHARK ATTACKS - READ MORE:Windsurfer mauled to death by shark in horrific attack as body found in waterShark kills 13-year-old on popular tourist beach after 'entire leg almost eaten' in horrific attackSwimmers scramble to flee bull shark at Sydney beach - just days after horror attacksA close friend said: "They are trying to save him, he's in intensive care, but the medical conditions there are very precarious."The incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory trip for the newlyweds.The victim’s wife has reportedly launched legal action against the tour operator, alleging serious negligence over the booking.Local reports suggest the attack may have been linked to conditions around the nearby fish processing plant, where waste had reportedly not been disposed of for around a week.Sharks in the area typically feed on the waste, and the disruption to their food source may have left them more aggressive when the group entered the water.According to figures published by Maldivian authorities, 112 tourists have died in marine incidents in the archipelagic country since 2020.The tiny South Asian nation has seen an influx of tourists in recent years, seeing more than 2 million flood its shores in 2024 alone.It is also popular holiday destination among Britons, with an estimated 180,000 travelling there every year.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Baby's skeleton found under floorboards by contractors may be 300 years old
A baby skeleton found under the floorboards of a home in County Durham may be 300 years old, an inquest has heard.The baby was discovered by contractors who were renovating a building on Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland in July 2024.Referred to as Baby Auckland, County Durham and Darlington senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield said the boy came to full-term, with a skeleton of about 40 weeks development.It was impossible to confirm whether or not he was a stillborn, Mr Chipperfield said. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say DNA analysis confirmed the baby was a boy, but was not able to identify him, and no other information about his cause death was revealed through post-mortem inspection.Contractors did find a brown twine looped three times around the baby's neck, Mr Chipperfield noted.The baby was swaddled in a copy of The Umpire newspaper from June 19 1910, the inquest was told.But radio-carbon dating suggested the remains dated further back than that.The first tests confirmed the baby was born before the first atomic bomb testing in 1945.Another type of radio-carbon dating suggested the child was most likely born between 1726 and 1812.Initial investigations centred around determining who lived in the Victorian era property between 1900 and 1920 because of the newspaper.When the baby was found DCI Mel Sutherland said: "My focus is on finding out who the baby is, what happened and how it came to be under the floorboards of that house.MORE ACROSS THE NORTH EAST:British museum accused of 'rewriting history' after claiming Victorian boys were 'gender-fluid'Council row erupts over decision to ban cockerels at allotments as petition racks up signaturesMigrant who fled Iranian regime ‘depressed’ after being sent to Gateshead"As soon as we are able to, I am determined that this little baby is given an appropriate and dignified funeral."The forensic postmortem examination was conducted by Dr Louise Mulcahy, a pathologist, and Dr Micol Zuppello, a forensic anthropologist.The coroner’s officer Stephanie Clough told the inquest: "I understand the circumstances to be that on 29 July 2024 police were contacted as a contractor working on the building had found a small skeleton of a baby under the floorboards at the address."The baby appeared to have a thin twine-like material wrapped around its neck."She added: "Carbon dating and DNA investigations have been undertaken by Durham constabulary. However, the remains of the baby have been unable to be identified."A local undertaker and Durham County Council will give Baby Auckland a funeral after Mr Chipperfield released Baby Auckland's remains and adjourned the inquest.The baby will be buried in Bishop Auckland cemetery on April 27.A full inquest will continue on May 18 at 3pm. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
SNP on course for majority in Scotland amid mounting calls for second independence referendum
The Scottish National Party is on course to sweep Scotland according to a new poll, as calls for a second independence referendum grow.John Swinney’s party is projected to win 67 seats in the Scottish Parliament, a survey by The Telegraph has found.The result is one the First Minister said would give him a mandate to negotiate with Westminster on a second vote.The poll also points to a two-way battle for second place between Labour and Reform UK, with the Conservatives trailing in fourth. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Mr Swinney has argued that an SNP majority at the May 7 election would serve as a mandate for a second independence referendum, speaking during a televised debate.When asked when another vote could take place, the SNP leader said it would be “perfectly conceivable” for a referendum to be held by 2028.Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the election is “not about independence”.Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay warned a break-up of Britain would be an “unmitigated disaster”.Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer said the country’s future should be “in Scotland’s hands”.Reform UK’s Scottish head, Lord Malcolm Offord, said another referendum would be “divisive”, but did not rule out the idea.Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said he was focused on other issues and had not given a second referendum “a moment’s thought”.Health Secretary Wes Streeting said earlier this month there would not be another referendum, even if the SNP wins a majority at Holyrood.SCOTTISH ELECTION - READ MORE:Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urges voters to ‘give me five years' to fix SNP's messJohn Swinney sets date for second Scottish independence referendumJeremy Corbyn's Your Party hit hard as 12 leaders resign en masse with plan to form rival groupHe argued that Labour’s 2024 landslide - which saw the party win 37 of Scotland’s 57 Westminster constituencies - gave Sir Keir Starmer a mandate to refuse another independence referendum.Scottish Labour is projected to record its worst result since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, finishing second on just 19 seats.Reform UK is forecast to sit close behind on 17 seats.The Scottish Conservatives would be pushed into fourth place, with just 10 MSPs.Neither the Conservatives nor the Greens are projected to win any constituency seats, with the Greens instead expected to secure nine MSPs via the regional list.The Liberal Democrats are predicted to win seven seats.Lord Offord has claimed Mr Sarwar approached him at the start of the campaign to “work together” to block an SNP victory.However, Mr Sarwar rejected the allegation, describing it as a “lie” and “nonsense”.The poll was conducted using multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP), widely considered the gold standard for election forecasting as it enables pollsters to estimate results in individual constituencies.It typically involves larger sample sizes than standard polling and analyses detailed demographic data from both respondents and constituencies.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Biggest parties battling for control of Stockport council make pledges ahead of local election
The main political parties in Stockport are intensifying their campaigns ahead of the upcoming local elections, as control of the council remains finely balanced. Currently, Stockport Council operates under no overall control, with the Liberal Democrats leading a minority administration since 2022. The council comprises 63 seats, with the Liberal Democrats holding 30, just two short of a majority, while Labour serves as the main opposition with 19 councillors. Smaller groups, including the Stockport Community Group, the Green Party, and independents, also hold seats, and Reform UK may enter the council following the election amid rising national support. Liberal Democrat leader Mark Roberts, who has led the council since May 2025, outlined his party’s vision for Stockport’s future, emphasizing community support, environmental protection, and economic growth. The Lib Dems’ council plan for 2026-29 focuses on boosting productivity, entrepreneurship, and skills development, alongside prioritizing new development on brownfield sites to protect green spaces. Infrastructure improvements, particularly modernizing Stockport train station and other local stations, are also key priorities. Roberts framed the election as a choice between positive, inclusive governance and divisive politics, urging voters to back the Liberal Democrats. Labour, as the main opposition, has released its own manifesto, pledging to increase the availability of affordable housing in new developments, with a particular focus on social rent homes accessible to local residents. This reflects Labour’s broader commitment to addressing housing affordability and social equity in the borough. The party’s platform aims to appeal to voters concerned about housing and community welfare, positioning itself as a strong alternative to the incumbent Liberal Democrat administration. With no party holding a clear majority, the election outcome will be crucial in determining Stockport’s political direction and governance stability. The contest highlights broader national political dynamics, including the impact of government funding policies and the potential influence of smaller parties like Reform UK. The results will shape local priorities on housing, economic development, and public services for the coming years.
BBC confirm that Father Brown commissioned for two more series
Filming has begun on the 14th series of the BBC’s popular daytime drama Father Brown, which has been officially commissioned for two additional series. The show, starring Mark Williams as the titular Roman Catholic priest, will return to the fictional village of Kembleford with new episodes set to air early next year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The upcoming series will feature guest appearances from comedian Bill Bailey and actor Clive Mantle, alongside returning cast members including Tom Chambers, Claudie Blakley, and John Burton. Season 14 promises a mix of intriguing cases involving magicians, avant-garde artists, and even deadly spiders. A new character, Rita Flint, portrayed by Hannah Bristow, will join the cast as Father Brown’s new housekeeper. The show will also see the return of Father Brown’s nemesis, Father Lazarus, adding to the dramatic tension. Mark Williams, who has also been credited as an executive producer for the new series, expressed enthusiasm about filming in the Cotswold countryside, highlighting the picturesque setting that complements the show’s atmosphere. Father Brown first premiered in 2013 and has since become the UK’s number one daytime drama of the last decade, with over 140 episodes produced and a strong international following. Neil Irvine, executive producer for BBC Studios Drama Productions, praised Williams’ creative input and expressed confidence that the new series will be the most exciting yet. The continuation of Father Brown underscores the BBC’s commitment to long-running, character-driven dramas that blend mystery with a charming rural backdrop.
Watch: Reporter told to fake domestic abuse claim to remain in the UK
A BBC investigation has uncovered that some migrants in the UK are being advised by legal representatives to falsely claim domestic abuse in order to secure permanent residency. The report reveals that certain advisers exploit rules designed to expedite residence for genuine abuse victims by encouraging fabricated allegations. One legal adviser, Eli Ciswaka, was recorded offering to create a false domestic abuse story for £900 to help a client remain in the country. Ciswaka denied making such offers when confronted during the investigation. The Home Office has condemned the misuse of domestic abuse protections, with Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips calling the exploitation "unacceptable." She warned that those facilitating false claims through unscrupulous legal advice would face criminal prosecution. The rules were originally introduced to protect genuine victims of domestic violence, enabling them to obtain residency without enduring lengthy immigration processes. However, this loophole is now being manipulated by some to bypass standard immigration controls. This development raises concerns about the integrity of the asylum and immigration system, potentially undermining support for real abuse victims. It also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent claims, complicating efforts to provide protection to vulnerable individuals. The investigation underscores the need for stricter oversight of legal advisers and enhanced safeguards to prevent abuse of the system. The Home Office’s response signals a commitment to clamp down on fraudulent claims and those who facilitate them, aiming to preserve the credibility of protections for domestic abuse survivors. The case also draws attention to the broader issue of exploitation within immigration processes and the importance of maintaining a fair and just system for all applicants.
Migrants making false domestic abuse claims to stay in UK, BBC investigation finds
A BBC investigation has uncovered that some migrants in the UK are making false domestic abuse claims to secure residency under the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession. This policy, designed to protect genuine victims, is being exploited by individuals who fabricate abuse allegations to remain in the country. The investigation revealed that inadequate Home Office checks allow these claims to proceed with minimal evidence, often leaving British partners caught in distressing and unjust situations. Lawyers and advisers have been implicated in encouraging or facilitating these false claims, sometimes charging fees to create fabricated stories. The investigation included undercover reporting, where an immigration adviser offered to help a client invent a domestic abuse claim for £900 to maintain his visa status. The adviser suggested this approach unprompted, highlighting a troubling trend of legal professionals exploiting the system. The number of domestic abuse-based fast-track residency claims has surged by 50% over the past three years, now exceeding 5,500 annually. Cases include British partners falsely accused of abuse to prevent deportation of their migrant spouses, with some allegations remaining unproven but still effective in securing residency. This exploitation undermines the integrity of protections intended for genuine victims of domestic abuse and complicates the Home Office’s ability to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent claims. It also causes significant personal and emotional harm to British partners who find themselves falsely accused and entangled in legal battles. The findings add to broader concerns about loopholes in the UK immigration system and the role of unscrupulous advisers in facilitating sham claims. The investigation has prompted calls for stronger oversight and reforms to prevent abuse of the domestic abuse concession while ensuring that genuine victims continue to receive protection. Home Office officials face the challenge of balancing the need to close these loopholes without deterring or disadvantaging those truly in need of asylum or protection. The BBC’s report underscores the complexity of immigration enforcement and the ongoing struggle to maintain fairness and security within the system.
Teens staying silent on politics for fear of being 'cancelled'
A growing number of teenagers are choosing to remain silent on political issues due to fears of being "cancelled" or socially ostracized. This trend reflects concerns about the increasingly polarized nature of political discourse and the potential consequences of expressing unpopular or controversial opinions online and in social settings. Many young people report self-censoring to avoid backlash from peers, family members, or broader social media audiences. Experts suggest that this silence may have significant implications for democratic engagement and the development of critical thinking skills among youth. The pressure to conform to dominant viewpoints can hinder open dialogue and discourage the exploration of diverse perspectives. Educators and psychologists warn that the fear of cancellation may contribute to anxiety and reduce opportunities for meaningful political participation during formative years. The phenomenon is linked to the rise of social media platforms where public shaming and cancel culture have become prominent. Teenagers, who are among the most active users of these platforms, often navigate complex social dynamics that can amplify the risks of expressing dissenting views. This environment may lead to a reluctance to engage in political discussions, potentially limiting their role as informed citizens. Addressing this issue requires fostering safe spaces for dialogue and encouraging respectful debate that values differing opinions. Promoting media literacy and critical engagement with political content can empower young people to participate confidently without fear of retribution. Understanding and mitigating the impact of cancel culture on youth political expression is crucial for nurturing a healthy, inclusive democratic society.
Lyse Doucet in Iran: Under fragile ceasefire, Iranians wonder if US deal can be done
A fragile ceasefire in northwestern Iran has brought a temporary pause to weeks of intense conflict marked by Israeli and American airstrikes targeting military sites. Despite the truce, which is set to expire in a week, uncertainty and fear linger among Iranians, many of whom have been displaced or affected by the violence. Civilians express mixed feelings about the ceasefire’s durability and the broader geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and ongoing hostility with the United States. The conflict has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of a key highway bridge on the Tabriz-Zanjan route, forcing travelers to use rural detours. This damage has drawn criticism from legal experts concerned about potential violations of international humanitarian law and accusations of war crimes. While the US and Israel maintain their strikes are aimed solely at military targets, images of flattened Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) barracks and damaged civilian infrastructure highlight the conflict’s toll on the region. Amid this backdrop, Iranian civilians voice a range of perspectives, from resignation to defiance. Some fear further escalation and the actions of Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces, while others remain skeptical about the prospects for a lasting peace or a diplomatic resolution with the United States. US President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric, threatening to destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants, though he claims to prefer avoiding such measures. These threats underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the broader strategic contest shaping the region’s future. The situation remains fluid as Iranians navigate the immediate consequences of conflict and the uncertainty of political developments. The ceasefire offers a brief respite but raises questions about the potential for a negotiated settlement and the long-term stability of the region amid ongoing military and diplomatic tensions.
Fears government cash will come too late to save manufacturing jobs
Manufacturers have expressed urgent concerns over the timing of government support for energy costs, following an announcement that a key assistance scheme will be expanded but will not commence until next April as originally scheduled. Industry leaders warn that the delay could result in significant job losses and plant closures, as many manufacturers face soaring energy bills that threaten their viability. The sector is calling for immediate intervention to prevent irreversible damage to the manufacturing base. The government’s plan to extend the energy support scheme aims to provide relief to businesses struggling with rising costs, but the deferred start date has sparked criticism. Manufacturers argue that waiting until next April is too late to address the current financial pressures, which have already forced some companies to reduce output or halt operations. The energy-intensive nature of many manufacturing processes makes these firms particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in energy prices, amplifying the risk of economic fallout. This situation highlights broader concerns about the resilience of the manufacturing sector amid ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain disruptions. The delayed support could undermine efforts to safeguard jobs and maintain production capacity, with potential knock-on effects for the wider economy. Industry representatives are urging the government to reconsider the timeline and provide immediate assistance to ensure the sector’s survival and future growth prospects.