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A suspended Labour MSP has denied allegations he planted a secret camera in toilets at the Scottish parliament. Colin Smyth has been charged by police in connection with the claim. The South Scotland representative was arrested earlier this month and separately charged with possessing indecent images, leading to his suspension from Scottish Labour. His access to Holyrood has now been deactivated. Reform UK’s deputy leader has defended a council-imposed media […]

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel has been named as one of the children killed in Wednesday’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. His father described the attacker as a "coward." Eighteen others were injured, including children aged six to 15 and three adults in their eighties. Police say Robin Westman, born Robert Westman, opened fire with a rifle through the windows of the church while children sat in pews. A warehouse […]

An asylum seeker has denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl, telling a court: “I’m not a wild animal.” On the second day of his trial, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu gave the response through an interpreter after being asked directly about the allegation. The 38-year-old insisted he “can’t do these kind of things,” adding, “these are children, new generation.” The court also heard he had told the teenager he wanted her […]

An asylum seeker living in an Epping hotel has appeared in court accused of trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl and telling her he wanted to have a baby with her. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard that 38-year-old Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu made inappropriate comments to the teenager and her friend shortly after she offered him pizza because he looked hungry. Prosecutors say he then invited the girls back to his hotel. […]

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a woman reported being raped in Burnham Park, Slough. The incident is believed to have happened between 11:45 on Sunday night and 12:30 on Monday morning. The victim is being supported by specialist officers. Superintendent Clare Knibbs says a thorough investigation is underway, with several lines of enquiry being followed, although no arrests have yet been made. Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel […]

New laws to cut the use of short prison sentences and toughen community punishments are set to be introduced within weeks. Ministers are expected to bring the legislation before Parliament after the summer recess. The plans would abolish most short-term jail terms and create an earned release scheme, based on a system in Texas. Prisoners who show good behaviour could be released earlier, while those who break rules would stay […]

Human remains discovered by builders in Lancashire may belong to children, police have confirmed. Officers were called to Cleveland Road in Lytham on 15 August after bones were found during building work. Forensic tests later established they were human and could be those of children. Detectives say the find is not being treated as suspicious, and believe it may be linked to an isolated historical burial. The UK could see […]

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has accused Israel of causing a “man-made catastrophe” in Gaza, calling its refusal to allow sufficient aid a “moral outrage.” He said confirmation of famine in Gaza City was “utterly horrifying and wholly preventable.” Mr Lammy urged the Israeli government to act immediately, warning the consequences were “sickening, especially for children,” and stressing the situation must not be allowed to deteriorate further. The US Justice Department […]

Donald Trump has launched fresh criticism of Joe Biden, accusing his predecessor of stopping Ukraine from being able to "fight back". In a social media post, Trump compared Ukraine to a sports team with strong defence but no chance to play offense, adding there was "no chance of winning". The remarks are the latest in a string of attacks from the former president, who continues to use Ukraine policy to […]