London measles outbreak infects 50 children

A measles outbreak in north London has left 50 children with confirmed cases of the virus.

It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said an outbreak in schools and nurseries in north-east London was affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, leaving some needing hospital treatment.

It previously reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from 1 January to 9 February.

But the latest data from the UKHSA shows measles cases have continued to increase in London, driven by the outbreak in Enfield, with 50 confirmed cases in the borough up to 16 February. The agency also confirmed there were 10 cases in the neighbouring borough of Haringey, and 23 in Birmingham.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to affect humans, which starts as a cold-like virus followed by a rash a few days later. But it can trigger serious complications such as ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), blindness, breathing problems or pneumonia.

The World Health Organisation recommends that at least 95 per cent of children should receive vaccine doses for each illness to achieve herd immunity. But uptake of the MMRV vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, is now at record lows, particularly in UK cities.

Just 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the vaccine in 2024-2025 – one of the lowest rates in the country.

All London boroughs have a vaccination rate below 80 per cent, according to data showing how many five-year-olds had both doses of the vaccine in 2024-2025. In Haringey, 65 per cent, and in Hackney, just 58.3 per cent had received both doses of the jab.

Since 1 January 2026, there have been 130 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England. Some 68 per cent of these have been in London and 22 per cent in the West Midlands, according to UKHSA data.

The majority of cases (34.6 per cent) are in children aged five to 10, and the second most affected age group is children aged one to four at 29.2 per cent. Babies under one account for 12.3 per cent of cases.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “The outbreak is still mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries. With the time lag involved with confirming cases through laboratory testing, we expect the actual number of cases to be higher.

“The outbreak has led to some children having to be hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long-term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.

“All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up.

“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease, and also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due a weakened immune system.”

NHS radiographer struck off after asking trainee if she had a boyfriend and another to sit on his lap

An NHS radiographer who asked a junior colleague if she had a boyfriend during theatre training and asked another employee to sit on his lap has been struck off for gross misconduct.

Christopher Gyiripah, who worked as a radiographer at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, was accused of making “unwanted sexual advances” towards two colleagues – claims he had denied.

A disciplinary investigation heard he asked a colleague, known only as colleague D, several personal questions during her week of theatre training, such as “Do you have a boyfriend? What kind of relationship do you prefer – do you like an open one?”

In another instance, he also asked another staff member, colleague E, to sit on his lap and made a “patting gesture on his thigh”, which made her feel “very uncomfortable”.

In April 2022, Mr Gyiripah was dismissed from his role for gross misconduct following an investigation and a final Health and Care Professionals Tribunal Service (HCPTS) hearing in February 2026, which concluded that his name should be struck off the register.

The hearing found he was in a position of power, which he “exploited for his own sexual gratification”. Although Mr Gyiripah admitted there was a power imbalance because he was a senior member of staff, he denied he had a sexual motivation and told the panel he was a “friendly person” and had “platonic relationships with his colleagues”.

He was also found to have made staff feel “intimidated” and at risk of receiving unwanted advances at work, which may have had an impact on their ability to care for patients. There was also evidence that a number of colleagues refused to work shifts with him.

Colleague D told the panel that in 2018, Mr Gyiripah had looked her up on Facebook on his phone while in her presence and, while looking through her profile pictures, he said she “looked hot and had a nice arse”.

She also said that he found out she was living in hospital accommodation and asked what room she was in, saying he could “pop over during a night shift and give her a surprise”. She declined, but heard from other colleagues that he was asking where her room was.

On another occasion in November 2018, when she was working a shift with Mr Gyiripah, he hugged her and squeezed her bottom. She told him to leave her alone, to which he asked, “Why?” adding: “I felt like touching you, so I did”. He also said: “If you tell anyone, no one will believe you because no one knows you… everyone knows me and respects me” or words to that effect, the panel was told.

The second colleague to complain about Mr Gyiripah worked with him as a radiographer at the hospital from March 2020 on a weekly basis. Colleague E said that during a night shift in January 2021, she had some music playing on her computer and he stared at her in an “intense, creepy and perverted manner” and asked her to dance with him.

Another staff member, referred to as colleague H, who was the radiology general manager working in the department, said she had received a number of complaints from colleagues of a similar nature relating to the radiologist’s alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace. She said he accused the witnesses of “lying” and laughed off the allegations put to him.

All allegations against Gyiripah were found proven by the panel.

Frimley Heath NHS Foundation Trust said: “All our staff are entitled to feel safe and respected at work and we will never tolerate any form of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behaviour.

“We suspended Mr Gyiripah from duty as soon as these allegations were raised and conducted a thorough internal investigation. He was subsequently dismissed and the case was referred to the Health and Care Professions Council.

“We have established support enabling any of our staff to raise concerns about their own sexual safety, or that of a colleague, all of which are taken seriously and addressed promptly and with compassion.”

The Cornish village where it has rained every day this year

A village in Cornwall has experienced a 50-day spell of rain and has already received more rainfall in February than it typically would over the whole month.

Cardinham, near Bodmin, has not had a dry day since 30 December, and has endured 441.4mm of rain since the beginning of the year, according to the Met Office. However, the village is still short of its record from 2000, when it experienced 72 consecutive days of rain.

The UK has been continuously battered by unsettled weather this winter, with Storm Pedro bringing more ice and rain across the country just this week.

Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said the south-west region of England has had particularly high levels of rainfall due to several low-pressure systems coming towards the UK.

“There’s been a blocking area of high pressure over Scandinavia for much of winter, which has meant that because that air is very cold and very dense, it’s hard to budge,” said Mr Madge. “So these low-pressure storms have been coming across the Atlantic with nowhere to go. They’ve run into this immovable block, and that means that they’ve been depositing more rainfall across areas of the UK because they can’t move any farther because of that blocking area of high pressure.”

Mr Madge said Cardinham was still forecast to have rain in the coming days, but the bad weather could soon ease as conditions begin to settle. “We’ve still got an unsettled picture,” he said. “The forecast has moderated a little bit in that we are getting periods of more settled conditions in between the pulses of rain.”

The UK’s rain deluge gave Northern Ireland its wettest January on record after it experienced 70 per cent more rainfall than the long-term average. Southwest England and the east of Scotland also had among their wettest Januaries on record.

Currently, the Environment Agency has 67 flood warnings in place for England, where flooding is expected, and 169 flood alerts, where flooding is possible. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold health alert for the East Midlands, eastern England, North East, North West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South West until Friday evening.

Thursday

Cloud for most, with early rain or showers in the north and east. Some clear spells elsewhere before strengthening winds bring heavy rain into Northern Ireland and western Scotland later. Turning chilly where skies remain clear, but staying frost-free.

Friday

A chilly start. Outbreaks of rain moving eastwards through the morning. A brighter afternoon, with heavy and blustery showers for many. Winds freshening and turning milder from the West.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

Much milder but often cloudy with rain or drizzle, heaviest in the west, with brighter spells at times. Sunday stays unsettled with rain. Monday briefly brighter before further rain spreads in later.

Antonia Romeo is appointed as UK’s top civil servant

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Britain’s first female cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.

The appointment, which has been rumoured for weeks, comes after allegations emerged that Dame Antonia was previously spoken to about her management style. She had faced claims of bullying relating to her time as consul general in New York in 2017, but was later cleared by the Cabinet Office following an inquiry.

Dame Antonia, who is currently permanent secretary at the Home Office, is the first female cabinet secretary in the more than 100-year history of the role. She succeeds Sir Chris Wormald, who became the latest member of the prime minister’s top team to quit last week as Sir Keir seeks to overhaul his Downing Street operation following a string of scandals.

Announcing the appointment, the prime minister praised Dame Antonia’s long career in the civil service.

“I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary,” he said. “She is an outstanding public servant, with a 25‑year record of delivering for the British people. Since becoming prime minister, I’ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done.”

He added: “Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform, and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.”

The prime minister defended Dame Antonia as an “outstanding leader” earlier this week amid growing expectations that she would be handed the role.

Asked about reports that the senior civil servant had been spoken to about her management style following the Cabinet office inquiry, the prime minister’s official spokesperson insisted that Dame Antonia’s record “speaks for itself”.

A source told the BBC that Dame Antonia had faced “tough conversations” about her leadership style in the wake of the investigation, adding that “there were some issues of personal style that grated with people”.

Dame Antonia, currently the longest-serving permanent secretary in government, was permanent secretary at the Department for International Trade and the Ministry of Justice before taking up the top job at the Home Office last year. She said it was a “huge privilege” to be appointed as the head of the civil service.

“The civil service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love,” she said. “We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the government’s agenda and meet the challenges the country faces.

“I look forward to working with all colleagues across the civil service to do this, in support of the prime minister and the government.”

It comes after Dame Antonia’s former boss, Simon McDonald, a crossbench peer and former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, last week suggested he had doubts about a potential decision to appoint her. He said there should be a “full process” to appoint a new cabinet secretary, which “needs to start from scratch”.

Government sources dismissed Lord McDonald’s claims, saying there was “absolutely no basis for this criticism” and calling him “a senior male official whose time has passed”.

Sir Keir’s decision to replace Sir Chris was part of an attempt to draw a line under the scandal over the appointments of peers Peter Mandelson and Matthew Doyle to top roles despite their known association with sex offenders.

The government has vowed to improve its vetting processes after the prime minister claimed that Lord Mandelson had lied about the depth of his association with Jeffrey Epstein during his vetting before being appointed Britain’s ambassador to Washington.

We’re in deep trouble – everything about our armed forces is yesterday’s war

Over the last few days, warnings that Nato is unprepared to defend itself from a Russian attack have been coming thick and fast. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend, Sir Keir Starmer called for Britain to “build our hard power, because that is the currency of our age” and warned that the UK “must be able to deter aggression – and, yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton and General Carsten Breuer, chiefs of the Defence Staffs of Britain and Germany respectively, published a joint essay warning that “it’s clear that the threats we face demand a step change in our defence and security”, while announcing new cooperation agreements on stepping up defence-industrial production. “We cannot deter if we cannot produce,” wrote the defence chiefs. “People must understand the difficult choices governments have to take in order to strengthen deterrence.”

Europe, after years of enjoying a post-Cold War peace dividend and free-riding on US defence spending, has finally got the message that money has to be diverted from welfare to warfare. But many military experts are warning that Nato’s armed forces are dangerously ill-equipped not just in terms of personnel and equipment, but in their fundamental understanding of how the war being waged on Europe’s eastern frontier is actually being fought.

Gathering in a private dining room in Rome last week, senior Nato military officers embarked on an informal discussion of the alliance’s profound vulnerabilities with a handful of government analysts and journalists.

“Nato has the budget but lacks the imagination and the experience,” said one European general, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Ukraine has the imagination but lacks the budget … but somehow they have achieved more in preparing an effective modern war machine than we [Europeans] have.”

One word kept cropping up in the conversation: Hedgehog, the codename of a major spring 2025 joint military exercise conducted in Estonia and involving 16,000 Nato troops from 12 nations, including a battalion from the British Army.

Playing the Russian army was a detachment of Estonians – and a team of 10 Ukrainian drone operators armed with a wing of the kind of cheap battlefield observation, bomber and kamikaze drones routinely deployed on the battlefields of the Donbas. Plus their secret weapon: Ukraine’s sophisticated, AI-powered battlefield management system. Known as Delta, the system is capable of analysing battlefield data, identifying targets, coordinating strikes and issuing precise firing instructions. Delta’s so-called “kill-chain” – the time between spotting a target and destroying it – operates in single-figure minutes or less. In about half a day, the Ukrainian team succeeded in mock-destroying 17 armoured vehicles and making 30 strikes on other targets – despite having a drone saturation less than half of that typical on Ukrainian front lines.

“The Ukrainians handed us our backsides” during Hedgehog, said one senior British officer who had participated in the exercise as a control-room commander, and believes we’re in deep trouble. “It was a very eloquent message about our unpreparedness for this kind of battlefield.” But, worryingly, it’s a message that military planners in Nato capitals have “not really taken on board”, said the officer.

“The Russian-Ukrainian war has completely changed the nature of warfare,” wrote General Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, soon after the Hedgehog exercise. Zaluzhny predicted that the wars of the future would be won by countries that “concentrated resources on drones, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence” – not by those with the most tanks.

“There is not a single tank that could survive a first-person-view drone attack,” Major Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, the legendary commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, told a packed room of Nato officials last year.

Yet most Western militaries – and the politicians who direct and fund them – remain mired in outdated procurement systems that see billions poured into useless and badly designed big-ticket military toys like tanks, armoured personnel carriers and manned fighter jets.

The situation is not helped by the fact that Europe’s biggest defence contractors – such as Britain’s BAE Systems or Germany’s Rheinmetall – are not only major local employers and powerful political lobbyists, but also provide lucrative career opportunities for retired politicians and military commanders.

“Military spending is the ultimate political pork barrel,” said one senior military analyst present at the Rome meeting, which followed an event at Nato’s staff college in the same city. “Every member of parliament wants their local factory to get a fat [government] contract, even if what is being produced is useless.”

In Britain, successive governments have been criticised for the fundamental unfitness for purpose of Ministry of Defence (MoD) strategies. There have been accusations that the effectiveness of drones in Ukraine has been ignored and widespread criticism of Ajax, and its £5.5bn contract to supply the British Army with next-generation reconnaissance vehicles, which have proved to be anything but. Not only was the delivery horrendously late­, but vibration and noise from the vehicles was so bad that tinnitus and permanent hearing loss ensued among servicemen.

Europe spent an estimated €381bn on defence in 2025, compared to the US’s €828bn. But while overall troop numbers are comparable, Europe’s nations (including the UK) maintain 28 separate General Staffs, use different (and not always practically interoperable) weapons systems, have their own national procurement chains and military doctrines.

The practical result is that as the US has stepped back from supporting Ukraine’s war effort, Europeans have had to buy key weapons systems such as HIMARS and ATACMs rocket artillery and Patriot missiles from Washington for lack of a feasible European-produced alternative. For all of Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron’s talk of putting a peacekeeping force on the ground in Ukraine, in practice, the UK and France would struggle even to keep a contingent of 7,500 on rotation in the country.

As for drone technologies and strategies, Nato remains mired in a culture of big spending and slow delivery. In March 2022, the US government shipped over 700 Switchblade 300 drone systems, made by the Virginia company AeroVironment, to Ukraine at a cost of $60,000–$90,000 (£44,000-£66,000) per unit. Most were quickly destroyed by Russian electronic warfare. The US tried the heavier Switchblade 600 at $100,000–$175,000 each, and they succeeded in taking out one Russian SA-15 Gauntlet air defence system worth an estimated $25m. But, overall, the expensive US drones were massively outperformed by cheap Ukrainian FPV drones costing between $300-$700 for routine targeting of soldiers and vehicles.

As Major Brovdi, Ukraine’s drone army commander, told Nato commanders last July, “You should also understand that our experience is super valuable for all of you here, as none of the countries have this kind of experience nowadays.”

Modern war has changed. Ukraine has learnt that the hard way. But are the British Army, and our Nato allies, learning fast enough?

Traditions and tastes to savour: Hong Kong at Chinese new year

The air crackles and sparkles with pink, red, green and gold as fireworks stream through the inky skies. Crowds gather either side of Victoria Harbour, awestruck by a spectacle that outshines even Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers.

Held annually on the second day of Chinese New Year, this incredible display is just one highlight in a calendar of must-experience events that will herald the Year of the Horse this February. Daytimes are equally vivid; streets bloom with flower stalls and colourful paper lanterns, while the air is perfumed with incense, citrus fruits and crisp yau gok: fried dumplings believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Hong Kong is at its brightest and boldest during Chinese New Year celebrations, with all its rich customs, cultural traditions and culinary delights on dazzling display. Here we explore the events and spectacles that usher in the Year of the Horse, offering a glimpse of what this diverse, compelling destination offers throughout the seasons.

There’s no danger of missing the celebrations. Stretching over 15 days, this is a party that barely pauses to take a breath (or snack on a rice ball). Festivities traditionally start with the Night Parade on the 17th of February in Tsim Sha Tsui, on the southern tip of the Kowloon peninsula. The area is famed for its skyline views across the harbour and this event, held on the first night of the new year, brings spectacle after breathtaking spectacle, with dancers and musicians starting the party in style before the floats parade past, each one more colourful and ornately decorated than the last.

Another highlight in this stellar line-up of events is the annual Raceday. Locals and visitors gather at Sha Tin Racecourse to try their luck and usher in good fortune with lion dances, where lavishly costumed performers shake and shimmy away evil spirits. It’s one of the biggest days in the racing calendar and new year celebrations, so the atmosphere – whether watching a nail-biting finish to races like the Chinese New Year Cup or seeing top musicians perform – is guaranteed to be electric.

Throughout the new year period – and beyond – moments of celebration and quiet reflection can be found all around the city. Flower markets fill the streets with vivid hues with the heady scents of chrysanthemums, orchids and peach blossom among the blooms believed to bring good luck. Victoria Park, a verdant bubble of calm in the midst of the urban bustle, hosts one of the biggest and most impressive markets, while petals and floral charms add pops of colour to every stretch and corner of Hong Kong.

The region is rich in cultural sites and monuments that can be enjoyed any time of year, but are enhanced during this time of vibrant celebration. The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in the Tai Po District, for example, draw visitors with the promise of making dreams come true via wishes, written on a piece of joss paper and hung on nearby wooden racks – while Chinese New Year festivities throw live music, food stalls and traditional dancing into the mix.

It’s a wonderful window onto the rich heritage of Lam Tsuen, an area made up of 26 traditional villages where ancient practices and customs are very much, and vividly so, alive. Nearby Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, was built in 1865 by local fishermen. Today, worshippers and tourists alike visit the site in the busy Yau Ma Tei area, burning coils of incense or simply soaking up the bustling, scent-filled atmosphere.

Hong Kong’s temples draw even bigger crowds to partake in and witness rituals that are specific to the new year. At Wong Tai Sin, the first worshippers to burn incense are believed to be the most blessed for the year ahead. Man Mo, in the heart of the city, sees worshippers pray for good fortune and health in the tradition of An Tai Sui – a Taoist ritual practised by those whose birthdays conflict with the ruling zodiac sign of that year. While at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin, kau chim or fortune sticks are drawn to predict the year ahead.

One core element threaded throughout all the celebrations is food. From tangerines believed to bring luck, to dumplings doled out by street vendors and impeccable chef-led menus served at the most coveted tables in town, Chinese New Year serves up a mouthwatering array of edible delights.

Traditional tastes here go deeper than mere deliciousness; they are firmly rooted in Hong Kong’s culture and history. Fish symbolises prosperity, while poon choi – a many-layered dish originating in the villages of the New Territories, where families would throw whatever food they had into one communal pot – perfectly showcases togetherness in every bite, with ingredients ranging from charred pork to oysters and bamboo shoots.

Tong yuen, squishy little rice flour balls filled with peanut, red bean paste or chocolate, offer a sweeter way to celebrate unity, and can be found everywhere from longstanding dessert shops to Hong Kong’s constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants.Making it even easier to negotiate Hong Kong’s rich and varied culinary scene, this year sees the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a curated guide with 250 restaurant recommendations from over 50 local master chefs and Chinese Culinary Institute graduates, organised by neighbourhood. It’s all about hou mei – the Cantonese expression for ‘delicious flavours’ – and the tastes and traditions worthy of celebration, at Chinese New Year and beyond.

For more travel inspiration and to plan your trip visit Discover Hong Kong

Mandelson’s lobbying firm collapses after Epstein links exposed

Global Counsel, the consultancy firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, is preparing to enter administration as early as Friday, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Lord Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, founded the firm alongside Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who previously worked as Tony Blair’s director of strategic communications during his tenure as prime minister.

The source said that staff were told on Thursday that the administration move followed a wave of client departures after Lord Mandelson’s past links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein came to light. The announcement came on the same day that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on allegations that he leaked British government documents to Epstein while serving as trade envoy.

Lord Mandelson is also alleged to have leaked confidential documents to Epstein, according to files released by the US Department of Justice earlier in February.

Police have searched two homes linked to the peer but confirmed no one had been arrested.

Global Counsel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lord Mandelson was sacked as ambassador to Washington in September 2025 following revelations about his friendship with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019. He had maintained ties with Epstein after the financier was jailed for a child sex offence, it emerged.

Early this year, the pair’s relationship again came under scrutiny following the release of documents by the Department of Justice. Among them were files that suggested Epstein had made $75,000 in payments to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, when he was a Labour MP. Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party shortly afterwards to avoid “further embarrassment” to the party. He also said he needed time to investigate the alleged payments, “of which I have no record or recollection”.

Global Counsel confirmed earlier in February that the former US ambassador no longer holds a stake in the business nor exerts any influence. Mr Wegg-Prosser also stepped down as chief executive earlier this month. He said he made the move as it was “time to draw a line” between the firm and Lord Mandelson’s “actions”.

Global Counsel added in a statement that it had reached an agreement to fully divest Lord Mandelson’s shares, thereby ending all connections with him.

Man arrested after two teenagers found dead in holiday park

A man has been arrested after a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were found dead at a holiday park in East Yorkshire.

The teenagers were found in a rental property at Little Eden Holiday Park on Bridlington Bay Road in Bridlington on Wednesday, Humberside Police said.

Officers are investigating a possible connection to carbon monoxide poisoning, but say the deaths are currently being treated as unexplained.

A 33-year-old man remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter on Thursday.

Chief superintendent Matt Peach said: “Emergency services were in immediate attendance at the holiday park, where sadly a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were pronounced deceased inside the property.

“This is incredibly distressing and heartbreaking for the families of the teenagers involved, and they are at the forefront of our minds and actions.”

A cordon is in place at the site, while police work with Humberside Fire and Rescue, the Health and Safety Executive, and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Specially trained officers have been supporting the families over the last 24-hours, and I would please ask people to refrain from any form of speculation and to respect their privacy,” Ch Supt Peach added.

‘We have a dedicated team conducting extensive enquiries, some of which have been complex and required additional time to complete.

“Whilst we are in the very early stages and the deaths at this time remain unexplained, we are exploring the possibility that they may be connected to carbon monoxide poisoning, with further enquiries continuing with our partner agencies.”

Emergency services have visited other properties at the holiday park to check on the safety of others.

“We know the shock and upset this will cause to the local community, and I want to offer my reassurance we will do all we can to determine exactly what has happened,” Ch Supt Peach said.

“Those living in the area will continue to see an increased police presence and we will provide further updates as soon as we are able to.”