UK

A police officer has been jailed for 26 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child. DC Stephen Hardy of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) used his teenage victim as a “puppet or sex object”, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said during his sentencing on Wednesday. The 46-year-old was found guilty of 20 offences, including six of rape,

The King met schoolchildren and chatted in French to some well-wishers as he visited the highest village in highland Scotland. The King, who is on his summer break at the nearby Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, visited Tomintoul in the Cairngorms National Park and was welcomed by primary school children and community stalwarts. He wore a

BBC Scotland has removed satirical cartoons of politicians from social media following a backlash online. In one of the now-deleted clips promoting Radio Scotland’s Noising Up show, Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater was depicted as “Limo Lorna”. Speaking in a Canadian accent, the caricature said she was the “minister for green skills, circular economy, biodiversity,

In an increasingly grim housing market, the chance to own a once-in-a-lifetime home for the price of a £5 ticket seems too good to be true. And that’s because it usually is. But amid a cost of living crisis, it is the chance to “escape from reality” that drives people to continue gambling on a

Police investigating a report of historical sexual assault have released a photo of a man they want to identify and speak to. A victim came forward to police earlier this year alleging they were sexually assaulted at student accommodation at a hospital in Ealing, west London, in late 1977 or early 1978. Officers have been

Doctors can lawfully stop treating a 20-year-old man who suffered a brain injury after a fight in a pub garden, a High Court judge has ruled. Specialists say roofer Andy Casey’s brain stem function has died and he is therefore dead. Mr Justice MacDonald, who oversaw a private trial in the Family Division of the

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information following a “bizarre spate of incidents” where pigeons were found tied up in Glasgow’s Southside. The animal welfare charity said there have been several reports in the area since April this year and Police Scotland has been notified. The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the latest incident on

Police will carry out increased patrols of seal pup hotspots after reports of stones being thrown. The patrols along a part of the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales aim to protect seals and their pups during pupping season. Regular visits will be paid by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dyfed-Powys Police to Pwll y Wrach,

COVID and flu vaccines are rolling out across England today having been brought forward after a new coronavirus variant emerged in the UK. The vaccines are being prioritised for people who are housebound or in care homes, though the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends the jab to over-65s, those with a weakened immune system,

A national alert system could be implemented to highlight new methods of suicide to schools, universities and charities, according to a new government document. Teaching suicide prevention in schools and better support for middle-aged men could also form part of plans to bring down suicide rates in England. Ministers have pledged to reduce suicide rates

Manchester United have placed winger Antony on a leave of absence as he faces abuse accusations from three women in Brazil. Last week, Antony was dropped from the Brazil squad following the initial allegations of abuse made by former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. Two other women have since alleged he assaulted them. In a statement on

A Leeds United fan has been jailed for assaulting Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a match between the two sides at Elland Road. David Derbyshire, 35, of Marley Street, Beeston, has been handed a 12-week prison sentence and a six-year football banning order at Leeds Magistrates Court. Derbyshire left his seat in the stands

Police have been scouring Richmond Park for fugitive terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife, Sky News understands. Officers were stationed at key entry and exit points into the early hours of Friday – with two police helicopters overhead. Richmond Park was closed during the operation, and the investigation has now been paused until daylight. Image: Daniel

King Charles has remembered his late mother’s “devoted service” and “all she meant” to the country on the first anniversary of her death. Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September last year. She was 96 and had received her 15th prime minister, Liz Truss, only two days before. The King, who said he recalled Her

A football club has condemned an “appalling chant” from its fans making reference to the serial killer nurse Lucy Letby. Chester FC said it was “ashamed” to be associated with those behind the chant – which was made during the club’s National League North match against Hereford on Tuesday night. The chant made reference to

Police in Pakistan have raided at least 20 homes nationwide as they search for Sara Sharif’s family, Sky News understands. According to Sky’s Inzamam Rashid, the raids were concentrated in Jhelum and Mirpur – and are ongoing. The 10-year-old’s father Urfan Sharif and her stepmother Beinash Batool are believed to have travelled to the country

Nottinghamshire Police are preparing to launch an investigation into maternity cases of “potentially significant concern”. Chief Constable Kate Meynell said the cases relate to Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. She said the decision came after a meeting with senior midwife Donna Ockenden to discuss her independent review “and to build up a clearer picture of

Smart home devices, including appliances like washing machines, demand unnecessarily large amounts of user data that could end up in the hands of social media and marketing firms, a consumer group has warned. Which? said many products’ apps request information during setup that should not be needed to run. Among the offenders are Google thermostats

Sussex Police couldn’t resist making a series of quips after catching a driver speeding in an Only Fools And Horses-style three-wheeled van. The bright yellow Robin Reliant was emblazoned with “Trotters Independent Trading Co” across the back, just like the vehicle used by Del Boy (played by Sir David Jason) in the hit comedy. Black

Manchester United have said they are taking allegations against Antony “seriously” after the player was accused of abuse by his former girlfriend. The club said they are considering the impact of the allegations and would not be making further comments pending further information. A spokesperson said: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and