Handcuffs and riot squads: Inside the UK’s most notorious immigration detention centre

Naked but for handcuffs, a waist restraint belt, and a towel to cover his modesty, a man waiting to be deported from the UK is carried by officers to his bed inside his new home – the country’s most notorious immigration detention centre.

Days later, a resident with a history of mental health issues is restrained after smashing up the television in his room and boiling kettles of water in a bid to flood his sleeping area.

On another day, specialist riot-squad officers are scrambled to the site after a mentally unwell resident jumps onto the safety netting between the floors in an apparent attempt to take his own life.

These are typical scenes at Brook House, near Gatwick airport, where violence, assaults, drug use and incidents of self-harm are an almost daily occurrence.

The controversial site, where conditions are modelled on a category B prison, houses foreign nationals who have served time in jail, alongside small-boat migrants and those who have overstayed their visa. It was the subject of an independent inquiry after G4S guards were filmed abusing detainees in 2017. The inquiry found 19 instances of credible breaches of human rights law relating to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, with officers found to have choked and abused migrants and forced them naked from their cells between April and August 2017.

The Independent has now obtained stark written accounts from officers working at the site that lay bare the crises they have witnessed inside, and reveal how restraint and force are being used against vulnerable detainees – some of whom will spend months or years living at the site.

The reports of incidents, obtained through freedom of information (FOI) requests, reveal that force was used against migrants 31 times in July 2025, giving a snapshot of a typical month inside Brook House, where 2,424 people were housed in the year to September.

Separate data obtained by The Independent through FOI shows that the prison riot squad – the National Tactical Response Group – was called out to Brook House 18 times in 2024 and eight times in 2025. This is significantly more than at any other immigration removal centre, with the squad being called to those sites no more than once a year.

Charities and campaigners have now warned of continued “widespread failures” at the detention centre, with excessive force used on torture survivors and people who have lost mental capacity. Serco, which now runs the site, says that restraints are only used as a last resort, and the Home Office says it reviews each incident.

The incidents include:

The reports also document the regular use of handcuffs and other restraints to manage residents, as well as the common implementation of isolation techniques – known as “Rule 40” – where people are kept away from other migrants for their own and others’ safety.

In one revealing account from Serco officers in July 2025, a new resident was delivered to the centre handcuffed and naked apart from a waist restraint belt and a towel, while being restrained by two members of staff.

In a report of the incident, officers asked him if he could walk into the centre, and he apparently replied, “I need a translator.” It is not clear if any effort was made to find a translator, but a decision was made to move him into the centre using force, as he was not complying with instructions.

Later in the month, a resident who had been waiting for a bed in a secure hospital was escorted out of Brook House for the hospital transfer. According to the staff reports, he was being kept in isolation and monitored under the Mental Health Act because he was “suffering with severe mental health issues” and had at times refused to take antipsychotic medication.

While at the centre, he had flooded his room, made a “dirty protest”, and assaulted staff. When it was time to be transferred to hospital, he was in his room, throwing his mattress around, flooding the room, naked and covering himself in water while shouting incoherently, the report said. Staff managed to reason with him – getting him to put on some underwear and start cleaning his room – and used minimal force to stop him from running away, the reports said.

In another account, one resident, who had been at Brook House for five months, was placed into isolation because he had tested positive for the drug spice. As a result, he had been unable to receive his routine medication, methadone, for fear of an overdose.

According to one official account of that day, he became combative because he couldn’t get his medication, covering up the viewing panels in his room with food, tissue and toilet paper and using his mattress as a barricade. The water in his room had also been turned off because he was throwing toilet water at officers.

He began shouting and banging, punching and headbutting his door, according to the officers’ accounts, and then started self-harming using parts of his phone before attempting to start a fire by tampering with the battery. A detainee custody officer later spotted him lying on his back, apparently unconscious, with blood apparently coming from his mouth.

When the team tried to enter his room, the resident jumped up and tried to force his hand and foot into the space created by the open door. Believing he was trying to escape, the guards restrained him and applied handcuffs. They removed the restraints once he had calmed down, and he then tried to eat one of the officers’ earpieces.

According to the latest figures, use of force by officers at the site is higher than at any of the UK’s other detention centres. Between January and June last year, data from the charity Medical Justice, which supports people in immigration removal centres, shows that there were 165 per cent more incidents where force was used at Brook House than at the centre with the second-highest number – Harmondsworth detention centre near Heathrow.

There were 76 incidents of force used against a detainee in March last year, 60 in April, and 43 in May, the data shows.

Previous inspections of the site have noted the high number of detainees reporting mental health problems, and HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor warned in his last full inspection in 2024 of a serious deterioration in healthcare provision at the site.

He was concerned about “disproportionate” routine handcuffing of detainees on external escorts, the availability of drugs, and cases where the Home Office had not identified an individual’s significant vulnerabilities before deciding to detain them.

In an updated inspection from July last year, Mr Taylor found that progress had been made, with frontline managers more visible on the wings. But he found there was limited improvement in support for the most vulnerable detainees, with too many still being held for long periods.

Some 42 per cent of the 192 detainees were assessed as high risk, yet staff were not making necessary notifications to the Home Office when residents’ health was at serious risk, the report found.

At that time, three detainees had been held at Brook House for longer than a year, with one held there for 550 days.

Emma Ginn, the director of Medical Justice, said the charity continues to see “widespread failures” at these sites, including the “failure of clinical safeguards, inappropriate and indiscriminate use of segregation, inadequate healthcare provision, lack of medication and access to hospital, and unnecessary and excessive use of force on torture survivors and people who have lost mental capacity through deterioration during long periods of detention”.

She warned that staff were continually failing to report a person’s likelihood of carrying out suicide to the Home Office in order that their detention could be reconsidered.

Hannah Carbery, from the charity Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group, said that people “routinely disclose not feeling safe in detention due to witnessing or directly experiencing use of force that they feel has not been adequately risk-assessed or is excessive”.

She added: “As inspectorate reports attest, and as conversations with detained people inform us, there is still routine use of force in incidents where de-escalation or more appropriate measures could be explored first.”

Since the inquiry, the site has been taken over by Serco, and Labour has accepted or partially accepted 30 out of 33 recommendations from the inquiry, including robust monitoring of contract performance and providing regular training on the protocol used to put detainees in temporary confinement.

The Home Office said all use-of-force reports were reviewed to identify trends and ensure that techniques are justified.

A spokesperson said: “We have acted decisively on the Brook House Inquiry recommendations, and regard the welfare of people detained in our care as being of utmost importance.”

A Serco spokesperson said: “We have a great team at Brook House IRC who carry out a challenging role with dedication and professionalism. Our officers only use appropriate and proportionate force as a last resort, and robust governance and assurance is in place to closely monitor it. Under our contract with the Home Office, any use-of-force incidents are reported and investigated.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

Agents placed on leave after new details of Minneapolis killing revealed

President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that while he believes both the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents are terrible, he feels worse about Good’s because her parents are “big Trump fans.”

“And I’m not sure about [Pretti’s] parents, but I know [Good’s] parents were big Trump fans, makes me feel bad anyway. But I guess you could say even worse, they were tremendous Trump people, Trump fans,” he said during an episode of The Will Cain Show.

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the two federal agents who shot and killed Pretti have been placed on administrative leave.

DHS is following its standard operating procedure by placing the agents on leave as the department continues its investigation into Pretti’s shooting. Administrative leave does not mean the agents have been fired.

The decision comes after President Donald Trump said he wanted to “de-escalate a little bit” in Minneapolis after the fatal shootings of Pretti and Good provoked outrage.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reportedly presented a preliminary investigation into Pretti’s killing to lawmakers Tuesday. The review did not include any mention of Pretti brandishing his firearm, according to reports.

Trump hangs picture of himself and Putin in the White House

Donald Trump has hung a picture of himself with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the White House, a move that will likely raise eyebrows among U.S. allies.

The photo of the two world leaders was taken during their summit in Alaska last August, and has been placed above a picture of Trump with one of his grandchildren.

The framed image has been placed in a vestibule area connecting the West Wing to the residence, according to White House correspondent for PBS News Elizabeth Landers, who shared a photo of it on X.

The photo was praised by Kirill Dmitriev, one of Russia’s key negotiators who has met several times with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

“Good,” Dmitriev said. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

But others were less impressed with the latest addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

U.S. senator for Virginia Mark Warner posted about the placement of the two photos: “Putting Putin above the American people and his own family. Almost a little too on the nose.”

Estonian politician Marko Mihkelson expressed fears about what the apparent celebration of Trump’s relationship with Putin meant for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“If it is true that the U.S. president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait. Unfortunately,” he wrote.

The White House renovated the Palm Room last month, the latest in a series of major changes Trump has made since he returned to office last year.

Trump and Putin met in Anchorage on August 15 last year, the first encounter between U.S. and Russian leaders since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

The red carpet was rolled out for Putin, as Trump warmly welcomed the Russian leader while his forces continued fighting their war of attrition in eastern Ukraine.

The meeting was hailed as a victory in Moscow, with the two leaders enthusiastically sharing two handshakes, Putin greeted as if he were a close ally.

In what appeared to be an unscripted moment, Putin decided to travel in Trump’s armoured limousine known as ‘The Beast’, rather than taking his own presidential car. In footage of them leaving the airbase, Putin could be seen sitting in the backseat and laughing.

The Kremlin said earlier this week that the meeting would be included in updated versions of history textbooks in school, beginning in the next academic year, The Times reported.

‘My idea of heaven’: Madonna reveals her love for UK seaside town

With its sandy beach, popular market and growing arts scene, more and more people have been visiting Margate during an impressive revival for the Victorian seaside town – but its latest tourist has taken it to new fame.

Posting on her Instagram profile to her 20 million followers, Madonna shared pictures from her visit to an arts festival in the town last weekend, the second time she has reportedly visited in three months.

Pictured with Turner Prize winner Dame Tracey Emin, she praised her friend’s “quite remarkable” residency programme for artists in the community, before providing a glowing review of the town, which has a population of just over 60,000 and is around 80 miles from London.

“The whole town seems to be inhabited and energised by creativity,” she wrote. “Writers and performance artists, photographers, and painters. This is my idea of heaven. Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream.”

Described as England’s coolest seaside town, Margate has seen an influx of creatives in recent years, attracted by its thriving arts scene, boutique shops and trendy pubs and cafes. Its biggest attraction is the Dreamland amusement park, which features many traditional rides, including a helter-skelter and a Ferris wheel.

Madonna, who has homes in New York and London, wrote: “I have known Tracey [Emin] for over 25 years and I’ve always been a fan of her extremely personal and provocative work. But what she has created in this community by the sea is quite remarkable.

“She has an artist residency program where she invites young artists from all around the world to come and paint and live for several months, artists who otherwise would have no place to paint and develop their talent and be a part of the many exhibitions that happen around Margate.

“I’ve been there a few times now and I’m always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists. Hungry, possessed, and extremely grateful to have this opportunity. They all have very touching stories to share and honestly it’s so refreshing to witness them working in such a dedicated way.”

She added that the town also has her favourite Italian restaurant, believed to be Bottega Caruso. When The Independent approached the family-run restaurant, rated 4.7 stars on Google, a staff member said they were unable to comment. The restaurant’s menu features main dishes priced from £19.95.

In her Instagram post, the 67-year-old, behind worldwide hits such as “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue” and “Material Girl”, wrote: “On top of all of that [visiting arts in Margate], I get to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table!!

“Good to share something in the news that is not about hatred and killing but celebrates human connection and the ability that Art has to elevate people. To bring people together.”

Madonna kept busy in 2025 with a remix album, Veronica Electronica, as well as the release of Bedtime Stories – The Untold Chapter, which gave fans a companion collection of remixes and outtakes from her 1994 album Bedtime Stories, Confessions on a Dance Floor.

More recently, Madonna shared her appreciation for Harry Styles earlier this week after he reportedly cited her as an influence for his new song “Aperture”. She wrote on her Instagram Story: “love your new song Harry!!!!” and then showed a picture of the singer’s upcoming album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally with the words “On Repeat………. ”

‘I’m not surprised this happened’ says brother of suspect in US congresswoman attack

The man accused of attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday evening town hall meeting in Minnesota is a “piece of s**t” with lifelong anger issues who has been fixated on the Somali-born lawmaker – and the Somali diaspora in general – for years, his younger brother told The Independent.

“I’m not surprised this happened,” Anthony James Kazmierczak’s brother said Wednesday morning in a phone interview from his home in North Carolina. “Not at all. Unfortunately, he and my mother are both right-wing extremists.”

Kazmierczak, a 55-year-old Minneapolis resident, is “just a different person than I am,” according to the brother, who said he has been estranged from his sibling for the past four years. The Independent agreed not to name the brother, who said he has begun receiving death threats.

“I believe in helping people,” Kazmierczak’s brother, 52, went on. “He believes in blaming people.”

When asked if Kazmierczak had mentioned Omar before, the brother responded, “Oh, yeah,” and said he is thankful the Somali-born Democratic legislator, who fled her war-torn nation as a child and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, wasn’t badly hurt. Kazmierczak’s antipathy toward Somali-Americans, whose presence in Minneapolis makes up the largest Somali population in the U.S., dates back to well before Omar was elected in 2019, according to the brother.

“He has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years,” Kazmierczak’s brother continued. “There’s a reason I don’t talk to him… He’s got a lot of anger, I have no idea where it comes from. He’s always been that way. In and out of treatment since he was a kid.”

During Omar’s address to a group of constituents last night at the Urban League Twin Cities, Kazmierczak suddenly stood up and rushed the progressive congresswoman as she called for abolishing ICE, the country’s deportation agency. Video of the bizarre incident shows Kazmierczak spraying an unidentified substance at Omar from a syringe in his right hand, which initial reports described as “foul-smelling.”

A security guard tackled Kazmierczak, who was subsequently arrested by police and booked on one count of third-degree assault. Omar, the first Somali-American to serve in Congress, asked for a napkin to wipe herself off but declined further medical attention and continued speaking to the crowd of roughly 100 attendees.

“We’re gonna keep talking,” she said. “Just give me 10 minutes. Please don’t let them have the show.”

ICE has been under fire for violent tactics that left two American citizens dead amid an ongoing deportation push in Minneapolis that has roiled locals and prompted nationwide protests.

The frightening episode spurred outrage by politicians on both sides of the aisle, including GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, who said in a post on X that she was “deeply disturbed” to learn about the attack on Omar.

“Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric – and I do – no elected official should face physical attacks,” Mace wrote. “This is not who we are.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, called for an immediate end to the “cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric” by politicians on the right.

Nevertheless, when asked if he had seen video of Omar’s assault, President Trump told ABC News, “No. I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”

Omar was assaulted the day after federal charges were unsealed against a legally blind “outlaw biker” in Kansas who allegedly posted death threats to her on social media.

According to data released this week by the U.S. Capitol Police, which is responsible for protecting members of Congress, threats to elected officials rose for the third year in a row, with the department’s Threat Assessment Section investigating 14,938 threats in 2025, compared to 9,474 in 2024 and 8,008 in 2023.

Omar is regularly denigrated publicly by Trump, who claims to object to her left-leaning ideas, tarring the 43-year-old pol as a “socialist,” calling her “disgusting” and a “complainer,” and demanding variously, that she be impeached, imprisoned, or deported.

Trump has also made wild claims recently about Omar being worth tens of millions of dollars, suggesting, without evidence, that she came about the funds unethically.

Yet, during the Biden administration, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into Omar’s finances but dropped the case due to a lack of evidence, according to The New York Times.

Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has numerous arrests for DUI, and has twice filed for bankruptcy, according to public records.

Kazmierczak is a staunch Trump supporter, his online activity shows. In one social media post cited by the Associated Press, Kazmierczak wrote, “Trump wants the US is stronger [sic] and more prosperous. Stop other countries from stealing from us. Bring back the fear that enemies back away from and gain respect that If anyone threatens ourselves or friends we will [expletive] them up.” He has also deemed Democrats “angry and liars,” according to the AP. In a March 2022 Facebook post reviewed by The Independent, Kazmierczak called President Biden “spineless.”

A neighbor told the New York Post that Kazmierczak has been “heavily medicated” since a car wreck damaged his spine, and has since been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, calling him a “pretty conservative guy.”

The health issues have left Kazmierczak “not very physically able to do much,” the neighbor said.

Still, Kazmierczak regularly “complains about socialism,” according to his brother, who said his sibling has nevertheless himself “cheated the system” to receive his own entitlements.

“He’s crazy,” Kazmierczak’s brother told The Independent. “He needs help, period… In my mind, he’s a piece of s**t.”

What the future of travel looks like in 2026

Are we done with viral hotspots? According to travel comparison site KAYAK’s WTF (that’s What The Future, by the way) 2026 trends report, the era of copy-paste travel may finally be winding down. Not because people are travelling less – quite the opposite – but because they’re travelling differently.

Drawing on billions of user searches, an independent survey from more than 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers – including over 2,000 next-gen UK travellers – and exclusive TikTok community insights, KAYAK’s report shows a shift away from headline destinations and performative travel. In their place? Shorter breaks, quieter cities, better value and experiences that feel personal rather than pre-approved.

Here’s what that looks like in practice, and where those trends could take you.

The next “it” destination, it turns out, is the one you haven’t already seen 50 times on your phone. According to KAYAK, 71 per cent of Gen Z and 75 per cent of Millennials actively want to visit places they’ve never been before, while TikTok posts tagged #hiddengems are up more than 50 per cent. Saturation is the new turn-off.

Cork fits that brief neatly. Long treated as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else, Ireland’s second city still flies under the algorithmic radar. Yet it rewards curiosity in small, satisfying ways: a walkable centre, a burgeoning food scene and easy access to coastline and countryside without the fanfare.

Base yourself near Shandon rather than around the busier quays, and start the day with a stroll along the River Lee before the city fully wakes up. For dinner, follow locals to the English Market at lunchtime, then head out to Ballycotton or Garretstown the next morning.

Travellers aren’t cancelling trips in 2026, they’re financing them more creatively. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say installment plans will determine how many trips they take, while KAYAK data shows international fares from the UK sitting almost exactly where they were last year. Add a 52 per cent rise in the use of flight price alerts and the picture becomes clear: deal-hunting has gone mainstream.

This shift favours cities that deliver substance without sticker shock. Bilbao still fits the bill, but it’s the city’s everyday pleasures that offer the real value. Skip the Guggenheim café and eat at Gure Toki or Sorginzulo for pintxos done properly. Better still, cross the river into Deusto at lunchtime, where menus del día feel resolutely local and prices soften noticeably. Savvy travellers are stretching budgets without sacrificing experience, and places like Bilbao are making it easy for them.

Forget souvenirs. In 2026, it’s goosebumps people are packing for. More than half of travellers say natural wonders will shape their plans, and 34 per cent list awe-inspiring experiences as a top priority. That’s driving renewed interest in northern landscapes, but not always the obvious ones.

While Tromsø continues to top bucket lists, travellers looking for something fresher are turning towards Christchurch, New Zealand as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. From here, the night skies of the Canterbury plains offer serious dark-sky credentials without the premium price tags of more famous stargazing spots. Pair it with a drive to Lake Tekapo or a night at Mt John Observatory, and prepare to be amazed as the universe puts on one of its more impressive galactic light shows.

AI has officially replaced your mate who “went once and loved it”. Nearly six in 10 travellers say they’d change destination if AI suggested somewhere better, and half would do so for a better deal. Notably, 44 per cent of AI prompts are now about value, not inspiration.

AI can also steer travellers toward lesser-visited cities that prioritise authentic, local experiences over familiar tourist circuits. Fukuoka, in particular, remains one of the country’s most liveable and engaging destinations, offering a compelling blend of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. Base yourself near Hakata Station for better-value hotels, then eat like a local at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River. It’s informal, affordable and far more revealing than a booked-out tasting menu. Leveraging AI-led planning tools helps today’s savvy travellers to unlock the city’s true potential, moving beyond generic guidebook recommendations.

Luxury, redefined, looks suspiciously like a good night’s sleep. KAYAK’s report shows 69 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials travel primarily for mental reset, while wellness-led luxury continues to rise. The emphasis has shifted from showing off to switching off.

The Greek island of Zakynthos excels here, particularly inland. Head to villages such as Kiliomenos, where evenings are cooler and dinner at family-run tavernas like Latas stretches lazily into the night. No playlists, no dress code, just plates refilled without fuss. For one in five travellers, it’s the small comforts that matter most: a quiet morning, decent coffee, and nowhere you’re expected to be. Wellness travel isn’t about spa breaks and luxury escapes anymore; it’s about coming back better than you left.

The big-city rush is out. In 2026, 84 per cent of younger travellers say they’d rather visit a smaller city or rural area than a major hub. Lower prices help, but the real appeal is authenticity that doesn’t need explaining.

Bastia, in northern Corsica, perfectly exemplifies the trend. Mornings on the old port unfold naturally with fishermen unloading and café chairs scraping into place. Walk up to the Citadelle before the heat builds, then lunch at U San Ghjuvà for unfussy Corsican cooking. These are places where life hasn’t been edited for visitors. Yes, social media still nudges people towards them, but only once they’re already halfway there.

In 2026, the destination is wherever the action is. An overwhelming 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for a major event, whether that’s a concert, a sporting tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Cities that flex around calendars are winning. In Canada, Toronto works as a terrific base. But those thinking ahead are looking beyond the obvious to places like Halifax, where festivals, touring acts and sporting events are easier to access and far less inflated by demand. Stay near the waterfront, eat at The Bicycle Thief, and let the event anchor the trip rather than dominate it.

Over half of travellers say slower travel helps clear their head, and #slowtravel content has surged by almost 330 per cent on TikTok. But the aim isn’t inactivity, more a break from decision-making.

The Azores remain a benchmark, but similar benefits can be found in places like Praia in Cape Verde. The rhythm is gentle, the beaches walkable, and long lunches at Quintal da Música turn into evenings almost by accident. Headspace holidays aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about removing friction and the demand for constant optimisation.

Adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply grown up. Nearly one in four travellers now combine light outdoor activity with proper rest, while searches for amenities like terraces, hot tubs and gyms continue to rise. The Great Outdoors is now more likely to be paired with a Quite Decent bottle of wine.

Hilo, on Hawaii’s Big Island, captures that softer approach to adventure perfectly. Base yourself here and mornings might mean walking the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or taking an easy hike through the stunning scenery of Akaka Falls rainforest. Afternoons are for slowing down: soaking in naturally warmed ocean pools, lingering over poke bowls or fresh fish, and letting yourself reset.

Who says holidays have to be long? Nearly two-thirds of travellers plan to take several shorter trips in 2026, with searches for one-to-four-day breaks continuing to rise. The appeal is immediacy: quick resets, minimal planning and maximum reward.

Milan makes for an excellent Nanocation. Trains run on time, neighbourhoods are compact, and finding good food rarely requires much research. Rather than chasing the Duomo and moving on, spend a night in areas like Isola or Porta Venezia, where the city feels lived-in rather than visited. Grab a seat for aperitivo along the Navigli as the working day winds down, eat late without ceremony, and walk everywhere. Milan rewards restraint; do it right, and even 24 hours can feel like a proper break.

With billions of user searches across its platforms, KAYAK helps travellers find their perfect flight, stay, rental car or holiday package. Download the app here and start exploring.

UK health chiefs issue new warning about Nipah virus

UK health bosses have issued a warning following an outbreak of the Nipah virus in India.

It comes as two cases of the deadly virus have been confirmed in West Bengal, according to Indian authorities.

Several Asian countries have tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for anyone arriving from India. Experts said the virus is “unlikely to pose a significant risk of global spread”, though countries should remain vigilant.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), while the risk to most people remains very low, understanding the virus is important for travellers to affected areas. It added no cases have ever been found in the UK.

Nipah can be spread from animals to humans, and it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person. It is estimated 40 to 75 per cent of those infected will die, according to the UKHSA.

It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Fruit bats tend to help the virus circulate, though the UKHSA said there is evidence it can infect other animals, including pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.

Currently, there is no proven specific treatment for Nipah virus infection.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, said it can be difficult to detect Nipah at borders because of the length of time it takes for people to develop symptoms after catching the virus.

Prof Hunter said: “Although Nipah is a very serious infection, it is unlikely to pose a significant risk of global spread as the risk of person-to-person transmission is low.”

He added the number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to is calculated to be fewer than one.

“Nevertheless, we cannot be complacent as we have seen recently, some viruses can mutate to increased infectivity,” he said.

“Also the long incubation period makes detection at borders very difficult.”

Symptoms can develop between four and 21 days after infection with the Nipah virus, and usually begin with the sudden onset of flu-like illness or fever.

Those infected could also present with pneumonia and other respiratory issues. The UKHSA said the most serious complication is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after infection.

It described Nipah virus as a “serious infectious disease”, adding it is estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with the virus will die. Survivors can be left with complex disabilities such as persistent seizures and personality changes.

Countries with previously reported outbreaks include India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

The UKHSA said many infections in people result from eating or drinking fruits or fruit products, such as raw or partially fermented date palm juice.

This can be contaminated with the faeces, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.

Person-to-person spread is also possible through close contact with an infected person or their body fluids, and has been documented in Bangladesh and India.

The UKHSA advised those travelling to affected areas to:

It added the risk for tourists visiting endemic countries is “very low” if precautions are followed.

Fears further heavy rainfall could bring worst flooding in more than a decade

Storm Chandra is expected to bring further flooding on Thursday and Friday, as fears intensify that heavy rainfall could bring the worst flooding seen in more than a decade.

Hundreds of flood warnings remain in place across the UK , with a major incident also declared in Somerset as a result of the heavy rainfall.

Lesley and John Parker, a retired couple based on the Somerset Levels, said the conditions are the scariest they have seen since their home was devastated by flooding in 2014, when 3ft of water inside the house forced them to evacuate.

Earlier this week, a lorry driver died in the New Forest after crashing into a river on Tuesday in the aftermath of Storm Chandra.

Hampshire Police said a man, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident in North Gorley.

Meanwhile, residents at a home park in Dorset were told to evacuate their properties “as quickly as possible” as a severe flood warning is in place due to Storm Chandra.

Severe flooding, with “deep and fast flowing” water, has caused a road to be blocked both ways in Dorset, as levels on the River Stour rise, with residents told to pack an overnight bag.

National Rail have also warned that disruption is expected until Friday with trains cancelled across Devon, including to Exeter St Davids, while speed restrictions are also in place across Scotland.