2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Woman sexually assaulted outside shopping centre as cops seal off bus station & launch urgent manhunt
A FRANTIC hunt is underway for a man after a woman was sexually assaulted outside a shopping centre.
The horror attack, near Victoria Shopping Centre in Nottingham, took place at around 4.45am today.
BPMCops were called after a horror attack in Nottingham today[/caption]
Detectives are now searching for any potential witnesses that may have seen the “distressing incident” in York Street.
A pathway at Victoria Bus Station is now cordoned off with police tape as investigations continue.
Pedestrians have been told to divert from the path using the adjoining car park, with both entrances to the station blocked off by the cordon.
The station remains open for use and cops have urged anyone with information to get in contact.
Cops said they’re examining CCTV footage in an attempt to track down a man who may be connected to the attack.
Detective Constable Laura Manley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and we are working hard to track down the person responsible.
“We are currently reviewing local CCTV footage and closely examining the scene, but would also like to hear from any additional witnesses who saw or heard anything that may help our investigation.
“Even the smallest piece of evidence may prove vital in this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 127 of 23 February 2025.
BPMA police cordon has blocked off areas of the bus station and witnesses have been urged to come forward[/caption]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Ten HARDEST test centres in the UK to pass your test revealed – do you live near one?
THE DVSA has revealed the centres with the lowest driving test pass rate across the country – and it’s bad news for those learning in two major cities in the south west.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which conducts driving tests in the UK, including theory tests, recently shared their driving test and theory test data for September 2024.
GettyThe hardest test centres in the Uk have been revealed – and it’s bad news for those learning in two cities in the south west[/caption]
The map reveals where the test centres are located and their percentage pass rates
It showed some centres have stark differences to others, with a clear sign that many learners are facing challenges in securing a pass.
In the list of the top 10 lowest pass rates, the Plymouth LGV test centre in Devon had the lowest pass rate, just 27.3% – meaning just over a quarter of the drivers who took their test were going home disappointed and out of pocket.
Of course, the LGV centre specialises in large goods vehicles – those that want to get behind the wheel of a lorry or bus.
Second on the list was the test centre in Watnall, Nottinghamshire, with a 29.4% pass rate.
Nervous drivers in the area might fancy taking their test at the centre in Ashfield, which is a 25-minute drive away and has a pass rate of 51%.
Third on the list is the city of Exeter, just an hour away from Plymouth, with a 33.3% pass rate.
The village of Gairloch in West Ross, Scotland, is level with Exeter on pass rate, with Leicester’s Cannock Street branch completing the top five with a 34% pass rate.
Of course, while failing a driving test (or theory test) is not the end of the world and both tests can be retaken, test slots are currently in high demand and eager drivers may be forced to wait weeks or even months for a fresh chance.
That is why it is crucial for learners to be fully prepared ahead of their test, to avoid the frustration and cost of retaking.
The figures have prompted the Transport Select Committee in Parliament to look into the issue and see how it can be addressed.
In the latest round of hearings the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, which represents DVSA employees, accused the agency of putting pressure on examiners to be more lenient.
How to boost your chances of passing first time
Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, the largest driving school in the UK, that trains nearly a quarter of all driving instructors in the country, has shared his top five tips to help boost your chances of passing for the first time:
Master your manoeuvres
Ensure you’re confident with key manoeuvres like parallel parking, a forward bay park or a reverse bay park. These can make or break your test, so practice them until you’re confident in doing these under pressure. Let your instructor know ahead of your test if there’s anything you’re concerned about and they can help you practice until needed.
Plan your lessons with your instructor wisely
Take lessons at different times of day, including busy periods. This helps you get comfortable with all driving conditions and traffic situations, giving you a true feel for real-world driving. Particularly if the only time you can secure a test is during a busy period – you’ll be thanking yourself later.
Your instructor will also help make sure you’re test ready and point out anything that needs to be worked on. They’re there to help your chances of passing for the first time!
Focus on observation and awareness
The driving test is as much about your ability to spot hazards as it is about your car control. Stay alert, check mirrors regularly, and always anticipate what’s happening on the road. Your examiner will be looking out for this, so keep this in the back of your mind while taking the test.
Know your theory
Putting your theory knowledge into practice is more important during your test than ever. There are also resources students can use to ensure that they are fully prepared – at RED, we have apps to help our students prepare for their tests such as the Learn to Drive with RED app and RED’s Complete Driving Theory app.
Stay calm under pressure
Don’t let nerves get the best of you. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and if you make a mistake, don’t let it get to you. Keep your focus on the next task and show the examiner you can recover quickly.
2 weeks agoNews 1Comments Off on Urgent alert as popular dairy product pulled from Irish stores over health fears
A POPULAR dairy product is being recalled from Irish stores due to health fears.
Some supplies of Horgan’s cheddar products are being recalled across the country due to the possible presence of listeria.
Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar may contain listeriaFsai.ie
TheFood Safety Authority of Irelandissued a recall alert, stating that one popular product had been pulled from the shelves after it was deemed unsafe.
They said that a batch of Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar is being recalled due to “the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.”
The affected batch comes in a pack size of 150g with an approval number IE 1089 EC.
And it displays the use by date: 25/05/2025.
Dunnes Stores,SuperValu, Tesco Irelandand local supermarkets have removed the affected batches from sale and displayed recall notices at point-of-sale.
Customers are urged not to consume the products and return them to their point of purchase or dispose of them.
They can seek a replacement or a refund from their supermarket.
Consuming the affected batch may produce some symptoms of listeria, including mild flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications.
Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly.
The incubation period is, on average, 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland issued recall alerts with two food products pulled from the shelves after they were deemed unsafe.
They said that batches of Burren Smokehouse organic hot smoked products are being recalled due to “the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes“.
The impacted products are Burren Smokehouse Smoked Irish Organic Salmon Hot Smoked Over Oak and Burren Smokehouse Organic Hot smoked over oak with honey, lemon & pepper.
The affected Burren Smokehouse Smoked Irish Organic Salmon Hot Smoked Over Oak batch numbers are 429721 and 52221.
It comes in pack sizes of 500g and 180g with use by dates of: 04/03/2025, 10/03/2025, 11/03/2025, 05/03/2025, 10/03/2025 and 11/03/2025
And the affected Burren Smokehouse Organic Hot smoked over oak with honey, lemon & pepper batch numbers are 51721 and 429121.
It comes in a pack size of 140g with use by dates of: 04/03/2025, 05/03/2025, 10/03/2025 and 18/02/2025.
The FSAI has issued a recall alert across the country for the popular dairy productGetty Images - Getty
2 weeks agoNews 1Comments Off on Border Patrol agent whose death is tied to cult-like Zizians is buried with military honors
A U.S. Border Patrol agent whose killing in Vermont during a traffic stop near the Canadian border has been tied to a cult-like group was buried with full military honors Saturday at a national cemetery in Minnesota.
Campbell is happy to line out wherever Ward asks toIreland next face Slovenia in Koper on Tuesday with kick-off at 5pm Irish time
The London City Lionesses ace — known for her long throw-ins — was picked to play in the heart of Ireland’s defence by new boss Carla Ward instead of her usual full-back role.
She helped the Girls in Green pick up a clean sheet against a side 35 places behind them in the world rankings with Aston Villa’s Anna Patten beside her.
And Campbell said: “As I’m getting older, I prefer the more central role than being the full-back.
“I still enjoy it there. I play there for my club and I’m comfortable in that position.
“Having the support and backing of the staff to step in there comforted me.
“My understanding of the game suits me better at centre-back. It’s about helping the team where I can.”
With Ireland leading after Kyra Carusa struck with a first-half header, the Girls in Green were forced to withstand a nervy finale.
The Turks troubled Ward’s side late on and were unlucky not to have scored an equaliser at Tallaght Stadium.
In fact, Campbell even had to head away a corner that looked set for the net after Courtney Brosnan misjudged the flight of the ball.
But Campbell admitted: “Their ranking is not justified.
“They were very physical and tried to break things up a lot more than we would have liked.
“If they’re stopping us getting possession, they are winning in that respect.
“They were very direct and we worked on that all week, knowing that.
“A lot of the focus was on us. We had to be positive and work on our formation and how we were going to build.”
But the game was played in difficult conditions with the surface ‘very soft’ after Shamrock Rovers’ European tie on Thursday night was followed by torrential rain in the Dublin area on Friday morning.
Campbell added: “The pitch was very soft. Rovers were unfortunate to lose on penalties over two legs.
“They would have felt that as well in the legs and they played for 120 minutes. I don’t envy them in that respect.
“For us it was very soft, it kept lifting very easily so when you planted your foot to pass, things were bobbling.
“We could have been a lot smarter with that but it’s really positive as we did really well in those conditions. A clean sheet and three points are positive.”
MAIN CHANGE
Ireland deployed a fluid 4-3-3 shape under boss Ward and it was justified with a victory.
The new formation is something Campbell is looking forward to taking on.
But she admits it will take some getting used to.
The Ireland stalwart said: “We want to be on the ball, keep possession and do that higher up.
“We changed from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 so you have one less in the backline which creates an extra one up front.
“It was positive and we were trying things. We’re trying to keep possession higher up.
“If we have to turn them, we have to turn them. We didn’t expect them to press as high.
“We have the quality but the confidence is something we may have maybe lacked in ourselves.
“But now we need to put that right in terms of our confidence.
“Everyone is technically good enough. The quality is there. We are good enough as a team and squad.”
2 weeks agoNews 1Comments Off on EastEnders ‘finally’ signs up The Bill and Casualty legend for new role as fans rejoice
EASTENDERS has ‘finally’ signed up a star of The Bill and Casualty for a new role – leaving fans delighted.
Yesterday it was revealed that Vicki Fowler would be returning to Albert Square after 21 years to attend the funeral of her uncle, Martin.
PAEastEnders has ‘finally’ signed up a star of The Bill and Casualty for a new role – leaving fans delighted[/caption]
PAAlex Walkinshaw has joined as Vicki Fowler’s boyfriend, Ross[/caption]
HandoutAlex is best known for his role as Smithy in The Bill[/caption]
The role has been recast, with actress Alice Haig taking over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson.
However, some EastEnders fans were more excited to learn that a star of two other huge shows will be joining as Vicki’s new partner, Ross.
Ross will be played by Alex Walkinshaw, who is best known to TV viewers as Dale ‘Smithy’ Smith in The Bill and Adrian ‘Fletch’ Fletcher in Casualty and Holby City.
Having also starred as PE teacher Jez Diamond in BBC school-based drama series Waterloo Road, fans think it’s long overdue that the actor join EastEnders.
Taking to X, one wrote: “Great to see @WalkinshawAlex finally in EastEnders.
“Always thought it likely once The Bill finished and of course he was then great in Waterloo Road, Casualty and Holby #EastEnders.”
Another added: “Alex Walkinshaw / Smithy from The Bill!!!!What great casting with various shows apart from The Bill he’s been involved with.”
A third tweeted: “Alex Walkinshaw is perfect for EastEnders. He was incredible in the Bill.”
Speaking of his role as newcomer Ross, Alex said: “I am really excited as I’ve had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it.
“The show is top draw drama and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Ross is a decent, hardworking family man, he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing.”
Vicki and Ross will be joined by his son Joel, played by newcomer Max Murray.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said of the castings: “We’re delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us.
“Vicki is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she’s changed a lot since we last saw her.
“We’re excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicki and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square.
“It won’t be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.”
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
