Author: Darren Smith

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape following a late-night attack on a teenage girl in a North Somerset village, as police launch an urgent witness appeal. The victim, believed to be in her late teens, was assaulted in the Rooksbridge area at approximately 1am on 16 March before managing to escape and receive help from a passing member of the public. Avon and Somerset Police have released the suspect on conditional bail whilst their investigation continues, with detectives now working to trace witnesses who may have been in the area during the early hours of that…

The Home Secretary has adopted a hardline negotiating stance with France over a new £450 million border security agreement, insisting Paris must finish construction of a delayed migrant detention facility before talks can advance. Shabana Mahmood is holding firm on the completion of the Dunkirk centre as a precondition for renewing the partnership, which expires on Tuesday unless officials can reach a fresh settlement following last week’s Paris discussions. The facility, originally scheduled to become fully operational this year, has been hampered by planning complications. Downing Street had agreed to help fund the centre with expectations French authorities would use…

The US Air Force has suffered the loss of one of its most vital surveillance assets after Iranian missiles struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, leaving approximately 15 American troops wounded and destroying a key early warning aircraft. Around five service members sustained serious injuries in Friday’s coordinated assault, which saw Tehran launch six ballistic missiles and deploy 29 drones against the installation located roughly 60 miles from Riyadh, according to PBS reports. Images reportedly captured at the Royal Saudi Air Force-operated facility reveal the devastated remains of an E-3G Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, identified by…

A man in his 30s remains in police custody following an incident in Derby city centre that left seven people requiring hospital treatment on Saturday evening. Derbyshire Constabulary has launched an investigation into the collision involving a black Suzuki Swift, which occurred at approximately 9.30pm. Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have observed the vehicle being driven in Derby prior to the incident. The force confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, though Friar Gate remains completely closed from the Curzon Street/Cheapside junction to Ford Street whilst investigations continue. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid…

Thousands of American Marines have arrived in the Middle East as Pentagon officials confirm preparations for ground operations in Iran that could extend over several weeks, according to defence sources. The USS Tripoli docked in the region on Friday carrying 3,500 sailors and Marines from the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, who were redirected from exercises near Taiwan almost a fortnight ago. Defence insiders described the preparations as a “major escalation,” though military planners have ruled out a full-scale invasion, The Washington Post reported. Instead, operations would rely on Special Operations forces supported…

Britain’s asylum system has come under fierce scrutiny after two men wanted for gang rape in Denmark were granted refugee status and taxpayer-funded benefits despite an international police alert being issued before they entered the country. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the case as evidence that “Labour has lost control of our borders,” following revelations that Awedin Fikak and Henok Tekleab lived in Britain for up to 18 months at public expense before being extradited. Both Eritrean nationals, aged 27, have now been returned to Denmark to face trial after Danish authorities issued an international warrant complete with photographs…

Ministers must urgently outline emergency measures to prevent panic buying and fuel shortages as the Iran crisis threatens to slash oil supplies by up to a fifth, a former energy industry chief has warned. Nick Butler, who served as BP’s head of strategy and advised former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, cautioned that the Government faces a “really serious potential shortage” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and the conflict continues. Mr Butler proposed a series of interventions to manage declining fuel availability, including restricting motorists to driving on alternate days based on their vehicle registration numbers. He also suggested…

US President Donald Trump has issued his starkest warning yet over America’s commitment to NATO, declaring the country may no longer “be there” for European allies who have declined to join military operations against Iran. The President’s extraordinary statement on Friday night suggested Washington could walk away from the transatlantic alliance after member states refused to provide material support during the conflict’s second month. Speaking at an investment forum in Miami, Mr Trump questioned the fundamental premise of collective defence, stating: “We would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don’t have…

More than two dozen American servicemen have been injured in Iranian attacks on a Saudi Arabian military installation, as the Middle East conflict expands with Yemen’s entry into hostilities for the first time. Sources confirmed that 15 US personnel were wounded during a Friday strike on the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, part of a broader week of Iranian operations targeting American forces stationed in the region. The escalation has prompted warnings from US President Donald Trump, who suggested yesterday he may deploy troops to the area—a move Tehran has cautioned would come at considerable cost. Yemen’s Iran-backed…

A manhunt is underway after a young girl was sexually assaulted by an intruder who broke into her family home in broad daylight. West Mercia Police were called to the property on Willowfields in Woodside, Telford, following the attack on Tuesday afternoon. Officers have launched an urgent investigation to trace the suspect, who fled the scene after apparently believing someone else was in the house. The incident occurred at approximately 3pm when the man gained entry to the address. He touched the girl above her clothing before making his escape. Detectives are now hunting a white male suspect aged between…