Seven Iranians among eight arrested in two counter-terror operations

Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two separate counter-terror operations across England.

Police searches are being carried out at a number of addresses across the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas, as people are warned to “remain vigilant” while the force establishes if the public are in danger.

Five men, including four Iranian nationals, were arrested at locations across England on Saturday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after a suspected plot “to target a single premises” was uncovered, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force confirmed a further three Iranian men were arrested on Saturday as part of a separate investigation.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the arrests were sparked by “serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats”.

The first four Iranians were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and the fifth man, whose nationality is yet to be established, was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

Those arrested include a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area, a 46-year-old man in west London, a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area, a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a fifth man in the Manchester area. They remain in custody.

Another three Iranian men were arrested at three addresses in London as part of a separate counter-terrorism operation under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023.

Section 27 grants constables the power to arrest individuals without a warrant if they reasonably suspect them of being involved in “foreign power threat activity”.

Two men, aged 39 and 44, were arrested at separate addresses in north-west London and the third – a 55-year-old man – was held in west London. They remain in custody and searches continue at the three addresses.

Ms Cooper praised Britain’s police and security forces.

“I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe. Protecting national security is the first duty of government and our police and security services have our strong support in their vital work.

“These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats. The government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.”

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.

“The investigation is still in its early stages, and we are exploring various lines of inquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.

“We understand the public may be concerned and, as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”

He added: “We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”

Searches are being carried out at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas.

Williams faces Zhao in fascinating World Snooker Championship final

Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong begin their World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible today in what promises to be a fascinating match-up.

At 50 years of age, Williams is the oldest Crucible finalist in history as he tries to claim a fourth world title, 25 years after his first. Meanwhile, Zhao is 22 years his junior and the 28-year-old Chinese star is the youngest World Championship finalist since 2011.

Welshman Williams overcame world No 1 Judd Trump 17-14 in a captivating semi-final despite poor eyesight causing him to claim he is playing “half-blind” while Zhao – who is somewhat of a controversial figure as he competes at this World Championship as an amateur after recently returning from a ban for being party to match-fixing in snooker – enjoyed a day off on Saturday after thrashing seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7 with a session to spare on Friday evening.

The pair begin their best-of-35 encounter at 1pm this afternoon, with the second session at 7pm this evening, before sessions three and four are at the same times on Bank Holiday Monday, with the 2025 world champion to be crowned in the evening.

Follow all the action from day one of the World Snooker Championship final between Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong below:

UK rivers are ‘toxic chemical soup’ as all now plagued by sewage, campaigners warn

All of the UK’s rivers are now polluted with sewage with campaigners warning of a “toxic chemical soup” in our waters.

Leading campaign group Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the government and water companies to tackle the issue, as new data showed only 40 per cent of rivers are deemed to be good ecological health.

According to the website Top of the Poops, which collects information on sewage dumps, found there were at least 513,234 spills into rivers in 2024, lasting more than 4 million hours.

Sewage can harm wildlife and river ecosystems because chemicals – including everything from pharmaceuticals drugs to phosphates – entering the water from sewage systems are toxic. It can fuel the rapid growth of algae, which can choke out other forms of life by consuming all the oxygen.

It can also be a source of E. coli, which can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever when ingested by swimmers.

Wessex Water was listed as the worst offender, with 5,221 sewage spills into the River Avon, which runs through the southwest of England between Bath and Bristol.

Other rivers with significant pollution include the River Trent with 3,186 spills last year, as well as the River Ouse in Yorkshire and the River Severn in the South West.

In Wales, the River Teifi endured 2,232 sewage spills by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water over 22,288 hours. Consistent dumps were recorded in Cardigan Bay despite its popularity with swimmers, kayakers and its abundance of wildlife.

In its annual water quality report, SAS recorded spills into Scotland’s rivers and lochs every 90 seconds last year, with a lack of accuracy over its data leaving people unsure if it was safe to swim.

The group said that while the “missing data” means the true figure is not known, it could have been as high as 364,629 discharges.

SAS chief executive Giles Bristow told The Independent: “Every time we test the water we find a worse toxic chemical soup. It’s pharmaceuticals, toxins, sewage – it’s worse than we’ve feared, we can only describe it as a continued environmental degradation.

“We are the canaries in the coal mine, these are rivers and lakes that are poisoned with sewage fungus and toxic chemicals.

“Nature does not have a chance, yet we pay these water companies to clear up these issues.”

SAS said it received 1,853 sickness reports in the UK last year, which it said was the equivalent of nine years’ worth of sick days linked to sewage pollution.

But it warned the true scale of sickness was likely to be “far higher” as most people don’t report it.

Kirsty Davies, Community Water Quality Manager at Surfers Against Sewage: “Our rivers are in a dire state.

“People up and down the country rely on our blue spaces for their physical and mental wellbeing, but risk their health each time they take a dip. This is unacceptable and all thanks to our profiteering water companies, who treat our rivers like open sewers.

“With the weather warming up and the official bathing season about to start, more and more people will be flocking to the UK’s rivers and beaches to enjoy their natural beauty.

“However, these waterways remain choked with sewage pollution. Despite the government promising billions in further investment to clean up our waterways, we cannot end the sewage crisis until we see radical, systemic change and end to pollution for profit.”

New Reform mayor vows to sack council’s diversity officers – except there aren’t any

Andrea Jenkyns’ vow to get rid of council diversity officers as one of her first acts as the new Reform mayor for Lincolnshire has fallen flat after it emerged that the county council doesn’t employ any.

Nigel Farage and Dame Andrea put getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officers at the top of their agenda as they impose their own version of Elon Musk’s cost-cutting Doge on the county.

They doubled down on the promise at a rally in Kent last night where Ms Jenkyns and Mr Farage were among a line of leading speakers as part of Reform’s “war on woke”.

Ms Jenkyns said: “We are going to have a Lincolnshire Doge. We are going to ensure that we get rid of diversity officers because amazingly Lincolnshire County Council is now Reform controlled. That is a historic moment.”

However, The Independent has seen a freedom of information answer from Lincolnshire County Council, where Reform now has a majority, stating: “Lincolnshire County Council does not employ any diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officers.”

The council had been asked how many DEI officers it employed and what their salaries were. The answer was issued in March just before the local election campaign began in the county.

But in response, Ms Jenkyns told The Independent that another one of the three councils under her remit as the combined authority in the county, North Lincolnshire Council, does have diversity officers.

She said: “I have been told by their employees that the leadership pressure staff to wear rainbow lanyards too. They also have diversity officers, named as ‘outreach officers’.”

Ms Jenkyns claimed that the county council “has all the awful [DEI] training though”.

Sharing documents on the breakdown of a £15,190 cost for diversity training between 2021 and 2023, she added: “Not a lot but still can save a bit of money.”

There were also no diversity officers in Northamptonshire where Reform has swept to power.

But speaking on BBC Laurua Kuenssberg’s show on Sunday, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf repeated the claim that diversity jobs were often under “different titles”.

The Tories, who still feel bruised after losing badly in Lincolnshire and elsewhere, linked the failure to know there were no DEI officers in the county with claims they made that Ms Jenkyns lives in Leeds.

A Tory source said: “Someone who lives in Lincolnshire would know that there aren’t any DEI roles going in Lincolnshire Council.

“Catchy slogans aren’t always the answer to complex problems. It the latest proof that Reform is a one-man band without the answers needed to tackle the problems facing hardworking families across Britain.”

However, union officials have issued warnings about the plans by Reform to sack DEI and net zero officers in most of the other councils they took control of.

DEI employees exist in Kent, Durham, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and Nottinghamshire.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This is not the US. Thankfully workers in the UK have laws to protect them from bad employers. And soon employees will get even more protection from unscrupulous bosses when the government’s new employment rights come in.

“Reform has consistently voted against these new measures that will make work more secure. So much for being on the side of ordinary working people.

“Rather than attacking hard-working council staff, Mr Farage should be focusing on his own job representing the people of Clacton. But judging by his voting and speaking record in the House of Commons, he’d clearly rather be making big bucks elsewhere.”

She added: “Unions are there to ensure no one can play fast and loose with the law. Any staff working for councils now controlled by Reform, and who aren’t yet members, should sign up so they can be protected too.

“Nigel Farage and his party’s new councillors have much to learn about local government. They’ll quickly discover there’s nothing left to cut and many authorities are balancing on the edge of the financial precipice.”

Ms McAnea was responding to Mr Farage telling DEI officers or those working on climate change via Sky News: “I think you all better really be seeking alternative careers, very, very quick.”

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper confirm relationship with kissing photo

Gigi Hadid has made her relationship with boyfriend Bradley Cooper Instagram official after more than a year together.

On Saturday (3 May), the supermodel shared a picture of the pair kissing at her 30th birthday party, standing behind a three-tiered chocolate cake while surrounded by Hadid’s friends who watched on.

Hadid, who wore a white corset top and had her hair slicked back into a bun, held Cooper’s face as they kissed.

The pair were first romantically linked in early October 2023, when they were spotted dining together at Italian restaurant Via Carota in New York City’s West Village.

Last month, Hadid commented on her relationship with the 50-year-old Maestro actor in an interview with Vogue, describing their dynamic as “very romantic and happy”.

She said that the Hangover star “has opened me up to going to the theatre more, and that’s something that’s so nice to bring back into my life”.

Hadid also said that she respects Cooper “so much as a creative”, and she feels “really lucky” to be with him.

She said: “I feel that he gives so much to me: encouragement and, just, belief. For those people you admire to encourage you, it can create so much belief in yourself. Like, what’s the worst thing if I auditioned for this? You jump and take the leap.”

Fans have been celebrating the Instagram hard launch, with one person commenting: “Gigi Hadid kissing Bradley Cooper!!!!!! Omggggg.”

“You and Bradley are so cute,” said one fan, as another added, “Omg Bradley hard launch ty for this.”

Hadid also shared a selection of birthday highlights, including a black-and-white photo from a walk with her four-year-old daughter Khai, whom she shares with her ex, former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, as well as pictures of various cakes and personalised cocktails.

“I feel so lucky to be 30!” the model wrote alongside the pictures. “I feel so lucky for every high and low. For all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!”

She added: “So lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week. I had the best time celebrating, and it’s a blessing to feel so loved!! I am grateful and honoured to take on a new decade x x G.”

Cooper shares daughter Lea De Seine, eight, with model Irina Shayk. The pair began dating in 2015 and broke up four years later.

Hadid and Malik split in October 2021 after nearly six years of dating.

Why this Mediterranean region is perfect for a Summer escape

Summertime in Dalmatia: lazy days swimming in sparkling waters and feeling the salt dry on your skin, feasting on freshly grilled fish in a rustic beach bar while watching the sun set over the Adriatic, losing yourself in centuries of history surrounded by intense beauty – it’s the stuff of dreams. But oh so easy to turn into reality. Between Dalmatia’s stretch of the Croatian coast and the enchanting islands just a ferry ride away, you have everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating summer break. Choose between laid-back islands with quiet coves to lively beach resorts offering watersports and entertainment – all of which you can fit into the same trip. To get you inspired, here are some of the highlights of a Dalmatian holiday.

Croatia’s sunniest island is also the country’s most visited, which isn’t surprising when you first set eyes on Hvar Town. Step into St Stephen’s Square, the largest in Dalmatia, and take in the baroque beauty of its cathedral. Follow the path uphill to the 16th-century Spanish Fortress for fantastic views before checking out Hvar Town’s chic beach clubs. Away from the island capital, Stari Grad offers a slower pace of life, despite being on a major ferry route from Split. Once you’ve explored its colourful port, take a hike in neighbouring Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO-listed site, where you can still see the vineyards and olive groves planted by the ancient Greeks nearly 2,400 years ago.

Surrounded by mesmerising blue-green waters, the smooth white pebbles of V-shaped Zlatni Rat on Brač’s southern coast create Croatia’s most famous beach. Its unique geography draws windsurfing fans from around the world to the pretty nearby village of Bol as they zoom across these waters. Bol is also a handy base for hikes up to Vidova Gora, the highest point in Dalmatia and worth the visit for far-reaching views. Head to the northern coast for picturesque villages such as Pučišća, whose stonemasonry school is the oldest in Europe and continues a centuries-old tradition. When you explore the hinterland, you’ll be tempted to stop by rural restaurants that serve authentic Dalmatian cuisine featuring produce from their own farms and olive groves.

Off limits to tourists until 1989 while it served as an army base, the far-flung island of Vis has been slow to catch up on Croatia’s tourism boom – which suits everyone just fine. The long Venetian-style waterfront of Vis Town will look familiar to fans of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, which was filmed here. The island’s other main village, Komiža, is a delightfully laid-back spot from where you can join boat trips to the jaw-dropping natural phenomenon that is the Blue Cave on the tiny neighbouring island of Biševo. There’s more awe in store when you make the rocky trek down to Stiniva Bay on the southern coast, where the pebbly beach is almost entirely encircled by towering cliffs.

Just across the sea from Split but curiously off most tourists’ radar, Šolta is one of Dalmatia’s lesser-known jewels. Sailors will have moored in its deeply sheltered coves such as Šešula Bay, as well as its attractive villages Maslinica and Stomorska, which bookend the island and give an enticing slice of Dalmatian life. In between you’ll see acres and acres of olive groves that produce award-winning liquid gold – a delicious companion for Šolta’s indigenous robust red wine. Explore Šolta’s heavily indented southern coast if you want true serenity while swimming in secluded pebbly coves backed by fragrant pine-covered hills.

For nearly 40 miles, the Makarska Riviera south of Split offers one alluring beach resort after another – Brela, Tučepi, Baška Voda, Podgora, Drvenik, Gradac and Makarska itself – all in the shadow of the impressive Biokovo Mountains. The sheer variety of beaches and resorts is extraordinary, including the beautiful Punta Rata Beach in Brela and peaceful Nugal Beach just south of Makarska. Follow the long seafront promenade to Baška Voda’s family-friendly beaches including the outstanding Nikolina Beach. And above it all are the hiking trails in Biokovo Nature Park, including the hair-raising Biokovo Skywalk, whose D-shaped glass floor hovers over the cliff and gives you an unforgettable thrill – rather like summer in Dalmatia itself.

For more travel inspiration, information and to plan your trip visit Central Dalmatia

14 children arrested over death of boy in a warehouse fire

Fourteen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of a 14-year-old boy in a fire at an industrial unit.

A body, believed to be that of Layton Carr, who had been reported missing, was found inside the building.

Northumbria Police were called to Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening.

Eleven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in police custody.

A police statement said: “Shortly after 8pm yesterday (Friday), we received a report via the fire service of a fire near Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead.

“Emergency services attended, and the fire was extinguished a short time later.

“Subsequently last night we issued an appeal for missing boy Layton Carr – it was believed he was in the area at the time.

“Sadly, following searches carried out by Northumbria Police and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building.

“His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.

“Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one.

“Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can.

“We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

More follows on this breaking news story

Brooklyn Beckham appears to skip David’s star-studded 50th birthday

Brooklyn Beckham appears to have missed his father’s star-studded 50th birthday party in London amid rumours of an ongoing feud with his brother Romeo.

Former England footballer, David Beckham, was accompanied by his wife, the former Spice Girls star turned fashion designer Victoria, and three of their children, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, at the three-Michelin-starred Notting Hill restaurant Core by Clare Smyth on Saturday night (3 May).

Romeo was accompanied by his girlfriend, model Kim Turnball, 24, who wore a black satin dress, while Cruz was arm-in-arm with his girlfriend, songwriter Jackie Apostel, 29, dressed in a lilac satin maxi dress.

However, there was no sign of Beckham’s eldest child, 26-year-old Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Peltz, who reportedly missed out on the black-tie celebrations and remained in Los Angeles, where they live.

Saturday night was just one of the many celebrations for the ex-footballer’s birthday, following his previous black-tie affair at Cipriani Downtown Miami in March, which both Brooklyn and his wife Nicola missed out on.

Brooklyn’s absence comes amid a rumoured rift between him and Romeo over his new girlfriend Kim, who allegedly briefly dated Brooklyn, according to TMZ. The Independent has contacted Brooklyn’s representatives for comment.

Brooklyn and Nicola also skipped Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week show last month, with TMZ being told that this was due to Kim being present.

Before dating Turnbull, Romeo was in a relationship with model Mia Regan for five years. Turnbull previously dated Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s son Rocco Ritchie.

Earlier this week, David’s 50th celebrations kicked off early with a family party at his lavish £10m Cotswolds home. The family then flew out of Oxford on Friday aboard their private jet for a trip to France, beginning in Bordeaux before heading to Paris for a luxury dinner.

At the London party on Saturday, David and Victoria were joined by celebrity friends including Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tana, Tom Cruise and Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.

Victoria marked her husband’s birthday with a heartfelt social media post, in which she called David her “soulmate” and told him, “You complete me”.

In the video, David – who married Victoria in 1999 – could be seen playing with their four children, who were working out, dancing, and feeding their chickens.

“When I look at this video, I think, “Wow… how lucky am I!!” You’re everything I could have dreamed of and more. Happy 50th!!!” Victoria wrote. “I love you and our beautiful family endlessly. You complete me.”

The night before the special day, the former pop star shared a video of her and David dancing at a restaurant to the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers song “Islands in the Stream”.

“Happy birthday eve,” Victoria wrote. “My everything. My best friend, soul mate and dance partner for life. Like the song says ‘We start and end as one, In love forever, We can ride it together, ah ha’. I love you.”

Romeo shared a birthday message to his dad on social media, dubbing David “the most amazing role model”. Cruz also posted a photo with the former England player, writing, “I love you so much dad.”