Driver cleared over boy’s death after electric car ‘moved on its own’
The driver of an electric car has been found not guilty of causing the death of a five-year-old boy, after he claimed the car “jumped” forward on its own, crashing into the boy and also injuring his own 12-year-old son.
Minicab driver, Ashenafei Demissie, 53, was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen ID.4 when it suddenly accelerated forward, killing Fareed Amir and seriously injuring his son, on November 25 2022.
During the week‑long trial at the Old Bailey, a prosecution crash expert told the court the collision occurred when Demissie had accidentally pressed the accelerator.
However, Demissie maintained that the vehicle moved forward on its own, suggesting a possible software fault.
After five hours of deliberation, the jury found him not guilty of causing death and serious injury by careless driving.
Jurors were not informed that, following publicity around the case, around a dozen electric‑vehicle owners had contacted the legal teams to raise concerns about their own cars – including several who drove the same model as Demissie.
The court previously heard that Demissie had collected his younger son from school on the afternoon of 25 November. He parked his leased Volkswagen ID.4 in the car park outside his home in Borough, south London, and waited for a space to become available.
The two boys were playing nearby, and Demissie had just offered Fareed a lollipop when the vehicle suddenly moved forward, striking them before crashing into five parked cars.
Fareed later died from his injuries, and Demissie’s son sustained multiple fractures to his lower legs. The crash was witnessed by both boys’ mothers.
In a police interview, Demissie said: “Suddenly the car jumped. I believe the car jumped because Fareed triggered the sensor. I had never had any mechanical problems with the car before.”
Speaking about the incident, Demissie said it was “just like a moment of madness. I don’t know what happened exactly. I tried to brake. It was like too late. It was just like a moment, second, whoosh and jump.”
He told officers his son said: “Daddy hurts, daddy hurts, broken, daddy hurts”, as he covered his son so he would not see his injury,” PA reported.
Giving evidence in court, Demissie told jurors that Fareed’s death “is never-ending pain”.
Defence barrister Stephen Knight asked: “Did you press the accelerator to cause this collision?”
Demissie replied: “Never. I didn’t touch it.”
A Metropolitan Police traffic collision investigator told the court he believed the incident was caused due to a case of “pedal misapplication” by the defendant and said he found no evidence of a technical fault with the vehicle.
Mark Still said: “I was unable to find any defect that contributed to the collision and I was unable to make the car accelerate without the driver driving.
“I found no faults with the operation of the vehicle, including steering, brake and acceleration. I was unable to make the vehicle move without any additional input. You had to make an action to make the vehicle move.”
Mr Still added that he was unable to find anything that caused the car to move forward without the driver physically doing something to it.
However, under cross-examination, he said that he was not a computer expert nor a software engineer.
Following the verdict, Judge Alexia Durran KC thanked Fareed’s family in court for the “dignity” they had shown throughout the trial.
The Independent has contacted VW for comment.
New criminal offence tackling AI deepfakes announced
Creating non-consensual intimate images will become a criminal offence from this week, technology secretary Liz Kendall has told MPs, as Ofcom investigates X over sexualised images made by its AI chatbot Grok.
After legislation was passed on it last year, the new law will now be brought into force as a “priority offence” in the Online Safety Act, Ms Kendall said in a statement given in the Commons on Monday evening.
She labelled AI-generated images of women “tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood and much, much more” as being “weapons of abuse”, and condemned reports of criminal imagery of children as young as toddlers as “child sexual abuse”.
The government will also criminalise apps that allow users to create fake nude images of people, she pledged.
Her remarks come after the UK’s communications regulator announced that it has launched a formal investigation into whether X has complied with British laws over reports that Grok created and shared sexualised images of children.
Ms Kendall accused the social media platform of “monetising abuse” by making users pay for the chatbot’s AI image creation function.
‘Offering premium service that strips women and girls is new low for X and Musk,’ baroness says
Baroness Kidron has said that “offering a premium service that strips women and girls to bikinis is a new low for X and (Elon) Musk”.
The independent crossbench peer, who founded the non-governmental organisation 5Rights which looks at the impact of technology on children, continued: “It is time to introduce minimum standards of terms of service in the UK that includes meeting our standards and values as set out in online safety and data legislation.
“Winning a race or playing in the garden and posting an image, ending up as child sexual abuse, violence abuse is an affront.
“I have called on government to either use Online Safety Act or fill a gap if they cannot. We need enforcement to move fast.”
Lady Kidron also said: “There is no reason to invent a technical way to strip women. That is abhorrent.”
Lady Kidron sat in a side gallery to watch Technology Secretary Liz Kendall make a statement on “non-consensual sexual deepfakes” in the Commons.
Ofcom must reach a solution quickly, says law professor
A leading expert on violence against women and girls has said that while Ofcom’s investigation is “very welcome”, it is vital that it reaches a quick solution so X’s Grok can no longer produce this material.
Speaking to The Independent, Durham University law professor Clare McGlynn said: “I think some of that discussion about the ban is in some ways a distraction. What Ofcom and the government need to focus on is just trying to get the changes that are needed on the ground without trying to wage war on the platform.
“The most important thing is the changes on the ground. The arguments, (with) Elon Musk throwing his toys out of the pram and talking about free speech, this whole experience, is women’s speech being hindered. I find it really ironic that Musk talks about him being the protector of free speech when he’s the one who has been shutting it down.”
Government to criminalise apps that allow users to create nude fake images of people, Kendall says
The government will criminalise apps which allow users to create nude fake images of people, Liz Kendall told the Commons.
The technology secretary said: “I can today confirm that we will build on all the measures I have already outlined and legislate in the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, to criminalise nudification apps.
“This new criminal offence will make it make it illegal for companies to supply tools designed to create non-consensual internet images, targeting the problem at its source.”
She later said that the government’s actions were “not as some would claim about restricting freedom of speech”, adding: “It is about tackling violence against women and girls, it’s about upholding basic British values of decency and respect and ensuring the standards we expect offline are upheld online, and it is about exercising our sovereign power and responsibility to uphold the laws of this land.”
The government “will of course keep our participation on X under review”, Ms Kendall told MPs.
However, she also appeared to suggest ministers saw the social media site as a valuable communication tool, adding: “I think it’s also worth bearing in mind, with 19 million people on X in this country, and more than a quarter of them saying that they use it as their primary source of news, that our views and often simply the facts, need to be heard wherever possible.”
Technology secretary warns Ofcom’s investigation into Grok must not take ‘months and months’
Ofcom’s investigation into Elon Musk’s Grok AI must not take “months and months”, the technology secretary has warned.
Liz Kendall told the Commons: “The Government expects Ofcom to set out a timeline for the investigation as soon as possible. The public, and most importantly the victims of Grok’s activities, expect swift and decisive action. So this must not take months and months.
“But X does not have to wait for the Ofcom investigation to conclude. They can choose to act sooner to ensure this abhorrent and illegal material cannot be shared on their platform. If they do not, Ofcom will have the backing of this Government to use the full powers which Parliament has given them.
“I would remind X and all other platforms that this includes the power to issue fines of up to 10% of the company’s worldwide and qualifying revenue.”
Creating non-consensual intimate images will become criminal offence from this week, Kendall announces
Technology secretary Liz Kendall has announced that creating or requesting to create non-consensual intimate images will become a criminal offence this week after legislation on it was passed last year.
Ms Kendall said she would make it a “priority offence” in the Online Safety Act.
She told the Commons: “The Data (Use and Access) Act passed last year made it a criminal offence to create or request the creation of non-consensual intimate images, and today I can announce to the House that this offence will be brought into force this week.”
Kendall tells MPs X is ‘monetising abuse’
Technology secretary Liz Kendall has told MPs the social media platform X is “monetising abuse” by making users pay for Grok’s artificial intelligence (AI) image creation function.
She told the Commons: “Last week X limited the image creation function to paid subscribers. This does not go anywhere near far enough.
“It is insulting to victims to say, ‘you can still have this service if you’re willing to pay’, and it is monetising abuse.
“So, let me be crystal clear: under the Online Safety Act sharing intimate images without someone’s consent or threatening to share them, including images of people in their underwear, is a criminal offence for individuals and for platforms.”
Ms Kendall added: “The Data (Use and Access) Act passed last year made it a criminal offence to create or request the creation of non-consensual intimate images, and today I can announce to the House that this offence will be brought into force this week.”
Technology secretary Liz Kendall labels sexualised images ‘weapons of abuse’
Technology secretary Liz Kendall has labelled AI-generated images of women “tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood and much, much more” as being “weapons of abuse”.
Making a statement in the Commons, Ms Kendall said the Internet Watch Foundation “reports criminal imagery of children as young as 11, including girls sexualised and toddlers”.
She continued: “This is child sexual abuse.
“We’ve seen reports of photos being shared of women in bikinis, tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood, and much, much more.
“Lives can and have been devastated by this content which is designed to harass, torment and violate people’s dignity.
“They are not harmless images.
“They’re weapons of abuse, disproportionately aimed at women and girls, and they are illegal.”
Investigation must be ‘swift and decisive’, campaigners warn
Campaigners have warned that a delay in Ofcom’s investigation of X will risk further abuse of women and is urging the regulator to act swiftly.
Emma Pickering, from the Refuge charity, said the Government “must tackle the growing threat of technology-facilitated abuse” if it is to achieve its goal of halving violence against women and girls in a decade.
She said: “Ofcom’s investigation must be swift and decisive – any delay will leave women at risk of further abuse, while X continues to profit from their objectification and degradation.
“Too often, tech companies are left unchecked, allowing them to act with impunity at the expense of women’s safety. To create an online world where women and girls are truly safe, it is crucial that tech companies are held accountable for the harms women and girls experience on their platforms and are required to implement effective safeguards to prevent them.
“Yet, the devastating reality is that many tech platforms are continuing to prioritise profit over the protection of women and girls.”
‘I feel violated and dehumanised after X’s Grok AI stripped me naked’
Women say they have been left feeling “violated and humiliated” after “dehumanising” images of them have been created by users of Grok AI without their consent.
Evie, 22, who did not wish to share her surname, said she has been bombarded with more than 100 sexualised images of herself in less than a week, including one that digitally stripped her naked.
“I just feel like I’ve been violated,” she told The Independent. “I’m just so shocked there are people out there who can do this – and that there are so many people who will defend it and come up with excuses for this when it’s blatantly a huge violation.”
Read Tara Cobham’s full story here
‘What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint’, says Zahawi
Nadhim Zahawi has said that attacking X over its politics is a “dangerous place to be”, as the former Tory chancellor condemned a ban of the social media platform.
Mr Zahawi, who announced his defection to Reform UK on Monday, said: “What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint.
“Technology is moving fast but what you don’t do is take a heavy handed approach and start banning things….When you start attacking a business just because you don’t agree with the owners politics or stance I think that’s a dangerous place to be.”
Petrol stations set to stop selling diesel by 2030
Some filling stations in London will stop selling diesel within the next four years as demand dwindles, according to a report.
The analysis by electric vehicle (EV) think tank New AutoMotive also predicted that many of the roughly 8,400 filling stations across the UK will have stopped selling the fuel by 2035.
It predicted this will encourage more motorists to switch to EVs.
Diesel vehicle numbers and fuel use are consistently falling nationwide.
In 10 years, there will only be about 250,000 diesel cars left on the roads, the report forecast, down from 15.5 million as of the end of June 2025.
London is expected to be the UK’s first city with no diesel cars.
The expansion of the ultra-low emission zone in 2023 means using a diesel car registered before September 2015 anywhere in the capital incurs a £12.50 daily fee.
The report stated: “It is likely that some, and perhaps many, filling stations in London will stop stocking diesel before the end of the decade.”
It added: “Nationwide, it is clear that diesel fuel sales are falling, and this is being driven by the reduction in car numbers.
“Whilst it is impossible to accurately predict when the majority of filling stations will stop stocking diesel, it is clear that there is a distinct possibility that many will over the 2030s.”
Some filling stations now offer EV charging.
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said last year only 57 per cent of its members believe fuel will be a core source of their revenue in a decade.
New Automotive said the amount of diesel sold for cars rose steadily from 2005 to 2017, but has been declining since then.
Sales in 2023 were 22 per cent lower than the peak.
The government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, but there is no proposal to outlaw the use of existing vehicles.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show just 5.1 per cent of new cars bought last year were diesels.
The market shares of petrol and pure battery electric new cars were 46.4 per cent and 23.4 per cent respectively.
New Automotive chief executive Ben Nelmes said as fewer people drive diesel cars, filling stations will “stop stocking their fuel” as “diesel does not keep well”.
He went on: “If fuel sits in tanks without selling at pace, it degrades.
“As diesel availability tightens, many motorists will conclude the smartest option is to avoid the headache and go electric.”
Delvin Lane, chief executive of chargepoint supplier InstaVolt, said some filling stations have already started offering high-powered EV charging to “deliver journeys which are smoother, cleaner and more convenient”.
He added: “For drivers, this is not about being pushed into electric.
“It’s a rational choice, driven by better technology.”
A PRA spokesperson said its members have “no definitive plans to cease selling diesel”.
He continued: Nonetheless, they consistently track evolving customer preferences and adjust their services in response.
“This is reflected in investments such as expanded retail shops, EV charging facilities and first-class valeting services.”
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said “it might seem ironic” that concerns over the lack of public EV chargepoints will be “reversed” when diesel drivers “anxiously seek service stations where they can still fill up”.
He added: “There will come a tipping point when the number of diesel cars and vans on the road falls so far that the commercial viability of stocking the fuel at every forecourt falls away.
“But it feels like a brave move to call the death of diesel today when the vast majority of the vans and trucks that power our economy are still diesel-fuelled.”
Arsenal and Man City discover fourth round opponents
Arsenal are still in with the chance of winning a quadruple this season having reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup as well as topping both the Champions and Premier League tables. The Gunners are also safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup having beaten Portsmouth 4-1 on Sunday thanks to a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick.
Arsenal are just one of a number of top-flight teams that made it through to the fourth round with that group including Manchester City, Chelsea, Sunderland and West Ham. Seven other Premier League sides are in the draw and all will be keen to progress further in the competition.
Of the 32 sides remaining in the draw, Macclesfield are the lowest ranked side left in the cup with the National League team having shocked the holders Crystal Palace at the weekend and now hope for another top-flight opponent as they attempt to back up that giant killing.
Other teams to note are Championship high flyers sides Ipswich as well as Hollywood darlings Wrexham AFC. Wigan Athletic, Burton and Port Vale are League One representatives while Grimsby Town fly the flag for League Two.
Follow all the updates from the fourth round draw with our live blog below:
FA Cup third round highlights
Jovon Makama’s hat-trick powered Championship strugglers Norwich to a 5-1 win over Walsall, with Matej Jurasek and Tony Springett also on target.
Hull saw off Blackburn 4-3 on penalties after a poor goalless draw over 120 minutes, with Dillon Phillips denying Yuki Ohashi and Moussa Baradji from the spot.
Ollie Bostock hit the winning penalty as West Brom beat Swansea 6-5 on penalties after their match finished 2-2 in south Wales.
Arthur Okonkwo’s penalty shootout heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest
Wrexham won an FA Cup third-round thriller in front of Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds as Nottingham Forest were dumped out of the competition on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Arthur Okonkwo was the Wrexham hero with stops from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson giving them a 4-3 victory on spot-kicks after Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason and Jay Rodriguez had converted from the spot.
Arthur Okonkwo’s heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to FA Cup shock against Crystal Palace
Wayne Rooney was in tears as he watched his younger brother mastermind one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history.
John Rooney’s Macclesfield side, who are mid-table in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football – knocked out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Moss Rose.
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to famous FA Cup shock
FA Cup third round results
Sheffield United 3-4 Mansfield Town
Louis Reed scored twice against his former club as League One Mansfield upset Championship side Sheffield United with a 4-3 win at Bramall Lane, having led 4-1 before Patrick Bamford and a Nathan Moriah-Welsh own goal gave the Blades hope.
FA Cup third round results
West Ham 2-1 QPR
West Ham‘s new £26m striker Taty Castellanos scored an extra-time winner to see off QPR 2-1 after Richard Kone had cancelled out Crysencio Summerville’s opener.
FA Cup matchdays in full
Here are the dates for the remaining rounds of FA Cup action.
Fourth round: Saturday 14 February 2026
Fifth round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
Gabriel Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
Gabriel Martinelli hit the headlines for the right reasons by scoring a hat-trick as Arsenal overcame an early scare to thrash Championship strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders fell behind less than three minutes into a rain-soaked contest at Fratton Park when Pompey captain Colby Bishop finished from close range.
Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
Aston Villa survive, and the nature of this FA Cup tie might mean Thomas Frank does, too. For this week at least.
His Tottenham Hotspur players at least gave it a go, which is all that most supporters would say they want. Many had been loudly booing with Villa 2-0 up at half-time. A few still were at full-time, but the anger had been tempered by a rousing second-half display in which they pushed Unai Emery’s side to the edge.
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
FA Cup third round highlights
Derby County 1-3 Leeds United
Willy Gnonto and Ao Tanaka scored within four minutes of one another as Leeds came from behind to beat Derby 3-1.
Ben Brereton Diaz put the hosts ahead after Joel Piroe’s first-half penalty was saved, but after Gnonto and Tanaka turned it around, James Justin added a third.
FA Cup third round results
Manchester United 1-2 Brighton
Danny Welbeck scored the pick of the goals to dump out managerless Manchester United as Brighton won 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Brajan Gruda nodded in the opener 12 minutes in, and Welbeck rifled a left-footed strike into the top corner after the hour.
Benjamin Sesko pulled one back but United youngster Shea Lacey was sent off for a second bookable offence late on.
Chechen warlord hospitalised with kidney failure, Ukrainian intelligence says
Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has been hospitalised with kidney failure, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
Rumours are swirling that Mr Kadyrov’s health is deteriorating to the point that the Kremlin is already considering who will take up his position as the head of the Chechen Republic, Ukrainian state-owned news agency Ukrinform reported, citing a source.
The source in the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, who remained anonymous, said Mr Kadyrov has been undergoing dialysis, with doctors not making any firm predictions about his condition.
They added that members of his powerful clan, including family members from abroad, have flocked to his bedside as he is treated at a private hospital in Chechnya.
The emergency treatment has sparked growing concern behind the scenes, according to reports, especially since Mr Kadyrov last appeared in public over a week ago, when he was seen using a walking stick.
Ukrinform reported the Kremlin’s search for Mr Kadyrov’s replacement has intensified. Magomed Daudov, Apti Alaudinov, and Mr Kadyrov’s eldest son, Akhmat Kadyrov, are among the frontrunners, although it will ultimately be Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision.
It was announced last week that 20-year-old Akhmat Kadyrov had been appointed to the role of acting deputy head of the republic’s government by his father, on top of his position as Minister of Sports and others. The move was widely seen as preparing the way for a potential succession and led to accusations of nepotism.
Mr Kadyrov appointed another of his sons, Adam Kadyrov, as his head of security in 2023 – the same year he beat up a prisoner in custody over claims they burnt the Quran, the Moscow Times reported.
Mr Kadyrov is said to have appointed at least 96 relatives to official or corporate posts since he began his rule of Chechnya in 2007.
Critics accuse him of governing the republic like a personal fiefdom over the past two decades.
He was installed as Chechnya’s leader by the Kremlin after the republic came under Russian control following a decade of bloody fighting for independence.
Human rights groups have accused Mr Kadyrov of a string of abuses, including the forced disappearance of opponents, torture and the persecution of homosexuals. He has also been linked to several assassinations, some of them in Europe. In 2021, he was sanctioned by the US for his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings. He denies all allegations.
Mr Kadyrov has been vocal in his support for pro-Kremlin rebels in eastern Ukraine and for Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Chechen forces have fought in Ukraine as part of Russia’s invasion.
The Chechen leader has been a key ally of Putin and one of the most powerful and feared men in Moscow.
His poor health puts the future of Chechnya – and Moscow’s grip on the republic – into question.
Your dream cruise formula: From Caribbean islands to European cities
If your ideal holiday is one that blends fuss-free adventure with great culinary choices and sumptuous relaxation, then book yourself onto a cruise immediately. From experiencing rich cultures, visiting breathtaking beauty spots, and dining on delicious delicacies – cruising has become one of the most luxurious ways to travel.
This dream-holiday formula is something that Virgin Voyages has perfected with its multi-award-winning, adult-only cruises, which sail across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. From entertaining onboard experiences and modern facilities to exciting escapades on land, these are the types of trips that are worth writing home about, and why Virgin Voyages has been named Travel + Leisure ® World’s Best #1 Mega Ship for an impressive three years in a row.
Here’s what would-be Sailors can expect from a Virgin Voyages cruise…
Meet the leading ladies
Whichever of the 150-plus destinations you choose to sail to, one thing remains guaranteed, you’ll get an unforgettable journey, and leave with happy stories to share with loved ones back home. Why not make those memories on Virgin Voyages’ impressive Lady Ships, with Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady each offering a distinct personality which is encapsulated in everything from decor to destinations. Expect enough amenities and activities to entertain a small city: from tequila tasting to spa days and over 20 premium eateries serving menus curated by Michelin starred chefs. There’s a whole holiday’s worth of experiences before you’ve even docked at your first port.
Everyone sleeps easy
Be gone any thoughts of pokey, old-fashioned interiors and get ready to embrace charming cabins with a super-yacht aesthetic. No matter which of the Virgin Voyages sleeping quarters you choose from, you’ll be met with super comfortable beds, a roomy rainshower, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen HDTV. Want to really push the boat out? Opt for luxury suites that promise five-star comfort and opulence, with champagne tables, sun loungers, handwoven terrace hammocks and in-room bars. Virgin Voyages ‘RockStar’ Sailors can also enjoy everything from VIP entrances to private access to rooftop terraces.
Let them entertain you
Whether your spirit is one of a dancing queen or a sophisticated theatre-goer, Virgin Voyages has nightlife and entertainment options to suit every taste – developed with the help of the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists. Choose from 80s parties, festival acts or classic stories like Romeo and Juliet – reinvented with a circus twist. Each ship offers something different, so if you’re a Virgin Voyages regular, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Save your vocal chords for the private karaoke rooms, while the casinos and gaming arcades could elevate an already winning mood even further.
Wonderful wellness
Don’t want to leave your full-on fitness regime behind when you go on holiday? Or are you just curious to try a new healthy group class? Whatever your wellness wishes, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard with workouts for every level. There’s yoga, HIIT, weight training, boxing, meditation and more, plus running or walking the signature 255-metre-ish Virgin red running track, which curves around the top of the ship in a halo shape. If relaxation is your main goal, head to the spa for everything from steam room and sauna to hot stone massage and seaweed wrap. The beauty salon offers a range of professional treatments, from manicures, pedicures and nail art to IV therapy, Botox and fillers.
Make it a ‘Shore Thing’
While you’re free to enjoy port cities at your own leisure, Virgin Voyages also curates an array of land excursions or ‘Shore Things’ for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Why not enjoy a barefoot fish cookout on the Mexican island of Cozumel, a late night party on the Greek Island of Mykonos or visit the historic halls of Harvard University when sailing through Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, choose from a beach day in St Vincent and The Grenadines; explore the private island of Mustique or visit the colourful buildings of the capital Kingstown. Do as much or as little as you like – you’re always in charge!
Discover dreamy destinations
Proving that there really is a cruise for everyone, Virgin Voyages’ child-free cruises visit almost endless destinations that span Europe, North America and the Caribbean. Choose a five-night cruise from New York to Bermuda, taking in the paradise pink-sand beaches, maritime history and cafe culture of the island, or maybe a seven-night voyage starting in Los Angeles and sailing to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico. For a trip closer to home, soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting Europe’s most famous cities and islands starting in the homeports of Greece and Spain. Tick off an array of bucket list destinations with the Idyllic Ibiza cruise aboard the Valiant Lady; set sail from Rome to Barcelona with stop offs at the superluxe Amalfi Coast, Cannes and Ibiza – now, that’s what you call an A-list adventure.
With so many incredible destinations to visit and on-board luxury to explore, a cruise with Virgin Voyages is a holiday you’ll never stop talking about.
Discover Virgin Voyages luxury range of cruises and plan your next adventure today
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after dramatic Supercopa defeat
Real Madrid have parted ways with Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish coach was hired from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning run in the Bundesliga, with the Basque helping to dethrone Bayern Munich and end a run of 11 successive league titles, but he quickly found himself under pressure amid mixed results this season.
Real Madrid lost 4-3 to Barcelona in the Supercopa final on Sunday and trail their rivals by four points at the top of La Liga, while they sit seventh in Champions League table.
A club statement on Monday read: “Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.
Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso’s at Spain, Liverpool and in the Spanish capital who has impressed as coach of Real Madrid B, has been appointed his successor.
Alonso’s Madrid reign began with a run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in the summer before 13 wins in 14 games, but the tide began to turn against him in November with a Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Results since then have been mixed, though he was given the backing from some of his players in early December with Jude Bellingham saying: “The manager’s been great. I personally have a great relationship with him, a lot of the lads do as well.
“After the first run of games we had some really great conversations internally and we felt we were on the back side of that form.”In the past couple of games we let ourselves down again.
“No one’s downing tools, no one’s complaining and moaning thinking the season is over.”
However, the latest defeat to Barcelona appeared to be the final nail in the coffin for Alonso who was swiftly replaced with Arbeloa following the announcement of his sacking.
As Real Madrid boss, Alonso won 24 of his 34 games in charge with four draws and six defeats across all competitions since his appointment in the summer of 2025 but he clashed with high-profile players such as Vinicius Jr and Real president Florentino Perez.
Alonso had the best win percentage of any of Real Madrid boss over the previous decade having won 71% of his matches in charge. That figure is higher than his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti (68.8%) and Zinedine Zidane (69.8%) who famously led Real to a hat-trick of Champions League wins between 2016-18.
Arbeloa has been head coach of Real Madrid B since the start of this season and was previously a coach in Real’s academy.
In the 2022-23 season, the 42-year-old guided the U19s team to the treble – winning their league, Copa del Rey tournament and the Champions Cup title.
He was also a Real Madrid player and played alongside Alonso at both Real and Liverpool.
Major incident declared after 30,000 homes experiencing water shortages in South East
About 30,000 homes across Sussex and Kent are experiencing water shortages, resulting in Kent County Council declaring a “major incident”.
Ten postcodes, including Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury and Maidstone, are still experiencing issues following a weekend of disruption, according to alerts issued by South East Water.
The water company has said a number of issues are to blame for the water pressure problems, including the fallout from Storm Goretti, burst water mains and a power cut at its pumping plant.
South East Water explained Storm Goretti affected its ability to treat water at the normal rate, and this, coupled with an outbreak of burst water mains due to freezing conditions across Kent and Sussex, has caused drinking water levels to run low.
Collection points for bottled water have been set up, and although the water company is working to maintain supplies, some customers have been told their supply may not return until Tuesday.
South East Water said bottled water stations will close today at 10pm, and are located at Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club (TN2 5LS), Headcorn Aerodrome (TN27 9HX), East Grinstead Sports Club (RH19 4JU) and Queensway Car Park (RH19 1BG).
In a post on X/Twitter, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran said: “A major incident has now been declared in Kent on the basis that more households and settings have been impacted in the last 24 hrs and because we are putting additional arrangements in place to prepare for further potential disruption.”
The water supply issues have affected several schools in Kent and Sussex, along with public libraries in East Grinstead, which have also closed for the day.
The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead has also been forced to carry out some appointments virtually. Water tankers are delivering extra supplies, and measures are being taken to ensure essential services at the hospital continue.
A spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff remains our priority. Since Saturday we have had a water tanker onsite to maintain our supply and our teams are working tirelessly behind the scenes to minimise any disruption to care.
“We have been able to continue our essential services and continue to review the situation whilst the water issues remain. We would like to assure patients that appointments and surgeries are still taking place and should anything need to change we will contact you.”
“Our drinking water storage tanks across the counties are running low following an outbreak of leaks and burst water mains after the recent cold weather,” South East Water said in a post on Facebook.
“As a result, around 30,000 properties across parts of Kent and Sussex may be experiencing no water, intermittent supply or low pressure.
“This includes 16,500 properties in East Grinstead, with the remainder spread across parts of Kent, including Tunbridge Wells, Headcorn and intermittently across our Maidstone system.
“We’re sorry for the impact caused by this and know how disruptive it is to your daily lives. We’re doing all we can to try and balance our network and restore supplies to as many customers as possible.”
It comes after 24,000 customers across Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, Frant and Eridge experienced a loss of water or low pressure in December following “water quality issues”.