News 01/04/26

Iranian media has reported on a letter from the country’s president, described as “important,” addressed to the American people.

In the letter, Masoud Pezeshkian questions whether the White House is truly putting “America First” in its actions in Iran, or acting as a “proxy for Israel.” He says relations between Washington and Tehran are “misunderstood” and claims portraying Iran as a threat is inaccurate. Pezeshkian also warns that attacks on the Iranian people “carry consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders,” in what appears to be a veiled threat.

The BBC has sacked presenter Scott Mills after learning that the alleged victim in a police investigation was under 16.

It is unclear if BBC managers in 2017 knew the age, but current management acted after new information came to light in recent weeks. The corporation said it was aware of the investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences in 2017, but after recent developments, Mills was dismissed last Friday. He has said he “fully cooperated and responded” at the time. The police investigation was closed in 2019 after prosecutors ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Prosecutors are providing early investigative advice to police examining Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Crown Prosecution Service is advising the Metropolitan Police on a 72-year-old man and Thames Valley Police on a 66-year-old man. Both Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Mandelson have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released under investigation. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

A search is ongoing after a shooting in Bristol left a man in his twenties with potentially life-changing injuries.

Police said a gun was fired at a car in Speedwell Road at 1:47pm. The suspect fled on a black and grey electric bike. Four local schools were briefly placed in lockdown but pupils have since been allowed to return home.

Berkeley Homes has provided an update on the Queensmere site in Slough after barriers were erected around the closed shopping centre.

A spokesperson said the barriers are for securing the site following its closure. Demolition is not yet planned as detailed planning permission is still awaited, with the application submitted in December. Updates will be provided when available.

Iran’s foreign ministry has rejected claims by Donald Trump that Tehran asked for a ceasefire, describing the suggestion as false and baseless.

The US president said on social media that Iran’s president had requested a ceasefire, but added Washington would not consider it until the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. He said the United States would ignore any such request and continue military action until the route was open, free and clear.

A woman in her eighties has died after being stabbed in south east London.

Police were called to reports of a man with a knife in Red Lion Place in Plumstead at 8.50am. Officers and emergency crews found the woman seriously injured and she was taken to hospital where she later died. Another man was threatened with a knife during the incident but was not injured, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The BBC has confirmed it was aware of a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017.

The Radio 2 presenter was dismissed after what the corporation described as new information about his conduct came to light in recent weeks. Mills had been investigated over historical allegations of serious sexual offences in 2016, but no charges were brought after prosecutors ruled in 2019 there was insufficient evidence to proceed. He has not responded to requests for comment.

Six teenage girls have been arrested following two incidents of anti social behaviour in south west London.

Police said the disturbances were fuelled by online trends. Around 100 officers were called to Clapham High Street on Tuesday, where young people attempted to access shops and a restaurant, and set fires and fireworks on Clapham Common. Five people were assaulted, including four police officers, one of whom was injured. Three arrests were also made at a similar incident on Saturday.

Donald Trump says he is strongly considering removing the United States from the NATO alliance.

He said he has long believed the organisation is a paper tiger. The United States was a founding member in 1949. He has criticised other members during the Iran war, saying they have not offered enough military support to Washington.

Around 2.7 million people will receive a pay rise this week as the national minimum wage increases. The rate for those aged over 21 rises by 50 pence to £12.71 an hour.

Workers aged 18 to 20 will see an 85 pence increase to £10.85, while under 18s and apprentices will receive 45 pence more, taking their hourly pay to £8. Campaigners have welcomed the changes, but businesses warn higher wage bills could mean price rises or job cuts. The Low Pay Commission says previous increases have not significantly affected jobs.

A man has been charged after a car mounted the pavement and struck pedestrians in Derby city centre on Saturday evening.

Seven people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries, after being hit by a black Suzuki Swift outside a pub in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm. Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, from Alvaston, faces six counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article.

Tiger Woods says he is stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment after being charged with driving under the influence.

The US golfer released a statement on social media after pleading not guilty earlier on Tuesday. He was charged after attempting to overtake a truck at high speeds before rolling the Land Rover he was driving in Florida on Friday. Woods said he understands the seriousness of the situation and will focus on his health.

A weight loss jab will be offered on the NHS to more than a million people in England at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

NICE says those with these conditions, or serious circulation problems, who are overweight should be given the weekly injection as extra protection. Doctors will decide if it is suitable alongside other medication and a healthy diet. Trials suggest the drug can reduce the risk of future heart and circulation problems.

Councillors have unanimously approved plans for a major redevelopment in Slough High Street, creating 274 flats for key workers.

Developers submitted proposals to demolish and rebuild part of the site at 204 to 208 High Street. The building was previously occupied by a former BHS store, with other retail units using the ground floor since its closure.