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  • Inquest to be held after prisoner, 28, dies suddenly

    Inquest to be held after prisoner, 28, dies suddenly



    Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome after being admitted to Peterborough City HospitalHMP Peterborough(Image: Google)An inquest will be held into the sudden death of a 28-year-old prisoner whose post-mortem report did not reveal “any abnormalities whatsoever”. Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in Peterborough City Hospital on August 28 of last year.Simon Milburn, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said the inquest would seek to answer if “any cardiac issues should have been identified and acted upon” and “could Mr Hayward’s death have been prevented”. Speaking at a pre-inquest hearing on Monday, June 15, he said the given cause of death may make answering this “not that straightforward”.Mr Milburn asked for a cardiologist with expertise in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) to give evidence at the full inquest to “tell us whether this was something that should or could have been prevented”. He said the inquest will look into Matthew’s admission to the hospital in August as well as his time inside HMP Peterborough.Dr Paramjit Samrai, representing North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said the post-mortem had not revealed “any abnormalities whatsoever”.He said: “I think the problem with this particular case is the pathologist struggled to come up with a cause of death as sudden arrhythmia is based on exclusion. Something caused the cardiac arrest on that date and he needs to look at the circumstances that have caused that.”He said that “getting the right specialists will be really important”. He suggested an intensivist or general physician rather than a cardiologist, adding: “I don’t think it’s been caused by a cardiac problem from what I’ve seen.”Dr Samrai said that Matthew had been “vomiting” and “not eating” before his death and said: “We’ve got a young man here who should be fit and well, but something has happened. It really does need someone who understands all the systems of the body.”A date for the inquest has not yet been confirmed.

  • Leeds United ‘most keen’ on Champions League striker seeking new club

    Leeds United ‘most keen’ on Champions League striker seeking new club


    Juventus players celebrate
    Credit: Imago

    Leeds United look almost certain to strengthen their attack this summer, with the club keen to add more firepower ahead of the new Premier League season.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of the goalscoring burden last term, finishing with 14 league goals and establishing himself as Leeds’ main attacking threat. Beyond him, however, there was a lack of reliable support.

    Most Read on The Leeds Press

    Lukas Nmecha managed six league goals in 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe struggled to make an impact in a limited role and ended the Premier League campaign without scoring.

    As a result, bringing in another striker has become a priority for Leeds, and Lois Openda is one of the names believed to be high on the club’s shortlist as they look to bolster their options up front.

    Leeds ‘most keen’ to sign Lois Openda

    Lois Openda has struggled since joining Juventus from RB Leipzig last summer, and the Serie A giants are keen to move him on this summer.

    Juventus want to recoup most of the £35m they paid for the forward, and his representatives have been trying to shop him around in the Premier League.

    Leeds are amongst the clubs contacted, but they have also been in touch with Everton and Nottingham Forest ahead of the transfer window.

    However, according to TeamTalk, Leeds have shown the most interest in getting their hands on Openda ahead of the 2026/27 season.

    The Whites see him as a potential excellent focal point of their attack and believe he can revive his career in the Premier League.

    Leeds are said to be ready to pay significant wages to the forward and are open to signing off on an expensive loan-to-buy agreement this summer.

    Openda has been open to a move to Leeds, but has several options on his table ahead of the summer.

    He will be a huge gamble

    From Leeds United’s perspective, this is a transfer that comes with far more questions than answers. Juventus are understood to want to recoup a significant chunk of the £35m they invested in Openda, and that alone makes it difficult to see where the value lies.

    The striker’s form this season has done little to justify such an outlay. He has managed just two goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, and the fact that Juventus are already prepared to move him on should give any interested club pause for thought.

    Negotiations would not be straightforward either. Juventus would ideally like a permanent sale and, even if they were open to a loan, they would almost certainly push for an obligation or option to buy as part of the agreement.

    Openda’s wages are another major factor. His salary expectations are believed to be high, which further increases the overall cost of any deal.

    That is where Leeds need to be particularly careful. Since returning to the Premier League, the club have taken a measured approach to spending, and investing heavily in both transfer fees and wages for a player coming off such a disappointing season would be a significant risk.

  • Boy ‘dragged from Mercedes’ in suspected carjacking

    Boy ‘dragged from Mercedes’ in suspected carjacking



    A teenage boy was “left shaken but unhurt” after reportedly being dragged out of a car by five men before it was stolen, said police.Officers were called to the reported carjacking at a car park close to football fields on Lower Milehouse Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, at about 17:00 BST on Friday, Staffordshire Police said.The black Mercedes was abandoned on the road after crashing into the central reservation on Ryecroft.Two men, aged 22 and 19, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Newcastle-under-Lyme, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, the force added.The 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.They have been bailed while the investigation continues.Police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who has relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage.They asked people to call 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.Police have appealed for anybody who saw the crash to contact them [BBC]Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links

  • Major brand opens its doors in Liverpool ONE today

    Major brand opens its doors in Liverpool ONE today



    Major brand opens its doors in Liverpool ONE today – Liverpool EchoNeed to knowThe brand is returning to Liverpool once again13:50, 16 Jun 2026Updated 14:59, 16 Jun 2026Liverpool ONE will see multiple new openings this month (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)Everything you need to know:Accessorize opens at Liverpool ONE today, marking the fashion accessories brand’s return to Liverpool city centre after several years. The new store is located on South John Street and joins the destination’s growing retail line-up.The store stocks Accessorize’s latest collections, including bags, jewellery and seasonal accessories. Shoppers can browse a range of affordable, trend-led pieces designed for everyday styling.To celebrate the opening, Accessorize is offering an exclusive gift to the first 50 customers who spend £35 or more. The promotion is available in-store while stocks last.Vicki Baker, Retail Director at Accessorize, says the brand is excited to open at Liverpool ONE, describing it as a high-profile destination in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. She adds that the new store reflects the continued momentum behind the brand as it invests in key locations and expands its reach.Baker says Liverpool is the perfect place to showcase Accessorize’s affordable, style-led accessories. She highlights the brand’s focus on products that can be stacked, styled and worn effortlessly as it continues to grow.Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, says it is great to welcome Accessorize back to the destination. He adds that the brand strengthens Liverpool ONE’s retail mix and is expected to be a popular addition for visitors.You can read the full story here.Follow liverpoolecho:‌‌At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.Accept

  • Bradford City set to sign Barnsley star in statement deal News: The72 – Football League News

    Bradford City set to sign Barnsley star in statement deal News: The72 – Football League News


    Bradford City set to sign Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips

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  • Large plume of smoke seen as scrap yard fire breaks out in Nottingham | West Bridgford Wire

    Large plume of smoke seen as scrap yard fire breaks out in Nottingham | West Bridgford Wire



    Fire crews are currently at the scene of a fire at a scrap yard in Nottingham.Large plumes of smoke and loud bangs were reported after Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Gibbon Street, Dunkirk, at 2.10pm on Monday 15 June.Two fire appliances, from Highfields and West Bridgford, are in attendance.The fire service said the blaze involved a scrap yard containing vehicles, with a large plume of smoke visible from the site.- Advertisement -A Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two appliances are in attendance, from Highfields and West Bridgford, at a fire on Gibbon Street, Dunkirk.“It was reported at 2.10pm. It appears to involve a scrap yard containing vehicles. There is a large plume of smoke coming from the site.” @westbridgfordwirenews Two fire appliances, from Highfields and West Bridgford, are in attendance. Large plumes of smoke and loud bangs were reported after Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Gibbon Street, Dunkirk, at 2.10pm on Monday 15 June. #nottingham ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News

  • Cambridgeshire pension fund has investments in bombed Middle East oil terminal

    Cambridgeshire pension fund has investments in bombed Middle East oil terminal



    The Cambridgeshire Pension Fund is in discussions about its strategy after it emerged it has invested in a United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil terminal that was struck by Iranian missiles.Local government pension schemes across the UK, including Cambridgeshire, have invested almost £3bn in funds holding assets hit, stranded or put in the direct line of fire in the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to research by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.New Shire Hall, home of the county councilSchemes put money into infrastructure funds that seek out assets to invest in that provide long-term and supposedly stable returns – but the risk of holding these assets is often transferred from oil and gas companies to public sector workers and retirees.Through the IFM Global Infrastructure Fund, the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund invested in the VTTI Fujairah oil terminal. It was stuck by a barrage of Iranian missiles in May which caused a huge fire. As the UAE’s key oil export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, Fujairah has come under repeated attacks since the start of the war.A fund spokesperson said: “The Cambridgeshire Pension Fund recognises that climate risk, including the risk associated with stranded assets, has the potential to temporarily alter the value of the fund. Fossil fuel exposures are managed with a climate risk management lens.“The fund does not have a divestment policy for any sector or region, aligned with government’s latest investment strategy guidance for the local government pensions sector. Nonetheless, the fund may invest through managers that have limited or nil fossil fuel exposures. This approach has led to the fund reducing its carbon footprint by circa 35.8 per cent over the period June 2021 to June 2024, effectively managing climate risk and leading to the fund being on track to achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier. “The fund does invest through the IFM Global Infrastructure Fund. Like all managers, IFM are aware of the fund’s risk management approach and have discretion to manage their portfolio within a broad set of constraints.“The Cambridgeshire Fund is in discussion with IFM regarding its holdings in VTTI Fujairah, but these are not material, representing circa 0.01 per cent of Cambridgeshire Fund assets.” Financial analyst Guy Prince, head of energy supply at thinktank Carbon Tracker, said: “It raises the question about whether long-term pension savings should depend on politically unstable regions and an uncertain future energy demand.“Fossil fuels are financially risky now and their resilience is hugely in question. Pension funds really have to consider whether these assets remain appropriate for long-term, stable returns.”

  • Meet the football coach dribbling from Africa to Staffordshire in time for World Cup final

    Meet the football coach dribbling from Africa to Staffordshire in time for World Cup final



    Mr Lewis is now on his third ball of his near-3,000-mile trip – which he hopes will reach its end just before the World Cup final.He’s raising money for St Giles Hospice, which helps those with terminal illnesses and their families through the toughest moments of their lives – including his father David, who died in 2011.”When I was 11, I was having to go and see my dad when he was in the hospital – at a point in time where his cancer had really, like had an impact on him. For me to see him in a hospital where he’s not comfortable was quite tough,” he said.In a hospice, he had his own space – which was vital for the family, Mr Lewis added.Every year, he has fundraised for St Giles Hospice through a different running challenge – and is now pushing to raise £100,000 through his monumental run.WATCH THE CLIP ABOVE FOR MOREKeep reading…Show less

  • Istanbul’s Cup of Joy comes to London, with its one-of-a-kind cups

    Istanbul’s Cup of Joy comes to London, with its one-of-a-kind cups


    Cup of Joy is a coffee shop and bakery that’s been a huge success in Istanbul, where it started in Bebek and now has eight locations across the city. And now they’re expanding overseas for the first time and heading our way.
    Taking over a newly developed site that’s right opposite Jikoni in Marylebone, the main event here will be their coffee. Their signature blend features Arabica beans from El Salvador, Brazil and Colombia, which has “tasting notes of dark chocolate, orange and hazelnut”. Alongside their coffee, they’ll also be featuring rotating guest coffees from around the world. All the coffee will be served in their own bespoke “one-of-a-kind” ceramics, which are actually created by founder Gökçe Kalyoncu (she’s apparently a self-taught ceramicist).
    As for food with your coffee, they’ll have bagels which include the Aegean Morning, a sesame bagel topped with matured feta, heirloom tomatoes, olives, fresh thyme and house-made pistou and there’s also a pistachio porridge, cooked with coconut milk and pistachio cream and finished with seasonal fruit and pistachio crumble. For lunch, they’ll be adding salads and toasties and they’ll also have lots of sweet treats. Those include the Baba Au Tea, which is their take on a baba dessert featuring poppy seed sponge, orange rooibos syrup and whipped cream.
    So, if you’re after a new breakfast or lunchtime spot in Marylebone, great coffee or are a fan of the original cafes in Istanbul, this should be worth seeking out. 

     
    More about Cup of Joy
    Where is it? 28 Blandford Street, W1U 4BZ
    When does it open? July 2026
    Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @cupofjoy.london
     
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  • Traffic lights ‘out for weeks’ at ‘nightmare’ Liverpool junction

    Traffic lights ‘out for weeks’ at ‘nightmare’ Liverpool junction



    The issue has led to significant traffic problems across the surrounding area in LiverpoolMotorists passing the area have faced traffic disruption (Image: Liverpool Echo)Drivers have spoken of their frustration after a major traffic light failure at a busy south Liverpool junction caused weeks of disruption, delays and congestion. Temporary traffic lights remain in place at the Smithdown Road/Tunnel Road junction after the permanent signals stopped working around three weeks ago.The issue has led to significant traffic problems across the surrounding area, with drivers reporting lengthy tailbacks and extended journey times.Diana Lee, who lives off Lodge Lane in Toxteth and relies on the junction for her daily commute, said the situation has become increasingly difficult.She told the ECHO: “Three weeks ago the lights stopped working and there were no alternative lights.”It was chaotic. Everybody was just trying to push their way through. The day after they put temporary lights up, and it’s just been a nightmare.Traffic light repairs are taking place in the area(Image: Liverpool Echo)”I have to use that road every day multiple times a day to get anywhere, it’s a nightmare.”There are tailbacks all the time. It adds at least 15 minutes on to my journey, depending on the time of day.”Everyone is getting really angry because Tunnel Road has also been closed for three days, so everyone has had to go right the way around through Princes Avenue. It’s impacting a lot of people and it seems like it’s taking forever to sort the issue.”It’s just a nightmare, the road is a big jumbled up mess.”Pictures taken at the scene on Monday showed engineers carrying out work to repair the traffic signals.The ongoing fault has caused congestion across the area, with traffic backing up along Kingsley Road as far as Ducie Street at peak times.The disruption has once again drawn attention to Kingsley Road, which has previously been the subject of controversy following major changes to the route.In 2023, the ECHO reported on concerns surrounding Liverpool City Council’s redesign of Kingsley Road, which introduced two-way segregated cycle lanes and a one-way traffic system as part of a wider road improvement scheme.The project followed extensive roadworks that left Kingsley Road closed for much of 2021. The scheme was delayed after the contractor responsible for the work went into administration, leaving sections of the project unfinished before the road eventually reopened.While some residents welcomed the changes, arguing they helped reduce traffic issues and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, others criticised the layout.Following complaints that the cycle lanes had reduced parking availability, additional parking spaces were later incorporated into the scheme.One resident described the road layout as “awful and unnecessary” and labelled it the “worst design ever”.Another said: “The whole consultation was a farce,” claiming the council “never intended to take our concerns into consideration”.A third resident said the changes had turned a “perfectly run road into a nightmare”.Responding to the latest traffic light problems, a Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience for motorists at the Smithdown Road/Tunnel Road junction. We have had to install temporary lights as the permanent signals have failed.”The equipment is obsolete and it is not a simple fix. We have ordered new lights and a controller and will get it installed as quickly as we can, but unfortunately we are not able to give an exact timescale yet.”The council has confirmed that a separate issue at the Upper Parliament Street junction has now been repaired and the traffic signals there are operating as normal.