Author: James Whitmore

A man in his 50s has been arrested following a police pursuit that resulted in a collision involving three vehicles in Queens Park. Metropolitan Police officers spotted a car reported as stolen at 12:58hrs on Saturday, January 10, prompting a pursuit that began around midday. The vehicle was subsequently involved in a crash with a police car and a moped on Chamberlayne Road. A police spokesperson stated: “The Met Police were involved in a pursuit with a car that had been reported stolen after it was spotted by officers at 12:58hrs on Saturday, 10 January. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was…

Derek Martin, best known for his portrayal of Charlie Slater in EastEnders, has died aged 92 in hospital. The actor passed away on January 10, 2026, following a career spanning more than five decades in British television and film. His sons David and Jonathan described him as “a friend” who “supported us through our highs and lows,” adding: “He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly.” Agent Sharon Henry confirmed his passing, stating: “For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and…

A woman remains in hospital in a stable condition following a stabbing in South Croydon on Sunday morning, with police urgently seeking a suspect who remains at large. The Metropolitan Police were called at 08:37hrs to Brighton Road following reports of a stabbing. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, which treated the woman for multiple stab wounds before transferring her to hospital. Social media reports suggested seven police cars with blue lights and two ambulances attended the incident, which was reported just after 8:30am. Photographs show two marked police vehicles outside a residential address opposite South Croydon…

At least 538 people have been killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, with fears the toll may be higher amid an internet blackout hampering monitoring efforts. The protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial and economic pressures from sanctions tied to the nuclear programme, have evolved into broader challenges to Iran’s theocracy. More than 10,600 people have been detained during two weeks of demonstrations. Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-line speaker of Iran’s parliament, issued threats against U.S. military installations and Israel during…

Four people have been killed and five others injured following a collision between a car and a taxi in Bolton during the early hours of Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the crash occurred on Wigan Road at around 12:45am on January 11, 2026, involving a red Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi. All four deceased individuals were declared dead at the scene. Three teenagers believed to be aged 18 to 19 were among the dead, comprising the Seat Leon driver and two passengers. The driver of the Citroen C4 Picasso, a man thought to be in his…

Four people have been killed and five others injured following a collision involving two cars in Bolton during the early hours of Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the crash occurred on Wigan Road in the Deane area at approximately 00:45 GMT. The drivers of both vehicles involved perished, along with two passengers in one of the cars, identified as a Seat. Up to six people were rushed to hospital following the serious incident. A large police presence remained at the scene as investigations continued throughout the day. Wigan Road remained closed into the afternoon, with traffic monitoring service Inrix…

Transport for London has commenced major roadworks on the A23 Streatham Hill to install protected cycle lanes and dedicated bus lanes along a route identified as an accident hotspot. The works, which started on July 21, 2025, will redesign the section between Holmewood Road on Brixton Hill and Sternhold Avenue, with completion scheduled for spring 2027. The area recorded 72 collisions in the 36-month period up to October 31, 2024, injuring 75 people. Lane restrictions came into effect from Monday, August 4, operating in both directions until autumn. Overnight closures took place on August 3 and 4 between 10pm and…

Detectives from British Transport Police are seeking to identify a man captured in CCTV images following a serious assault on a London Underground train. The incident occurred around 2pm on Friday, 9 January, on an eastbound Piccadilly Line service from South Ealing Underground station. The victim suffered deep cuts to his head after being struck with a wine bottle, which shattered on impact, and required emergency hospital treatment. According to the investigation, the suspect approached the victim and offered him alcohol whilst on the train. When the victim declined the offer, the man became abusive and aggressive. As the victim…

Morrisons has announced the closure of 103 stores, cafes, pharmacies and florists as part of a significant restructuring programme, with 115 workers at its historic Wakefield bakery facing potential redundancy. The supermarket chain confirmed that 50 cafes, all 18 Market Kitchens, 17 daily convenience stores, 13 florists and four pharmacies will shut as part of plans described by chief executive Rami Baitiéh as necessary to “renew and reinvigorate” the business. The closures include the 28,000 square foot Rathbones Bakery facility in Wakefield, which narrowly avoided shutdown in November 2024 after operating at reduced capacity following restructuring. The bakery, founded in…

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a pedestrian sustained a serious head injury in a collision with a car in south London. The Metropolitan Police received a call shortly after 21:00hrs on Monday, 5 January, reporting the incident on Brighton Road, close to the junction with St Augustines Avenue in Croydon. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, which treated the 41-year-old male pedestrian at the roadside before transferring him to hospital, where he remains under care. The driver of the car, an adult male, remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury…