Virginia Giuffre’s family says Ghislaine Maxwell ‘rewriting history’

Democratic lawmakers and the families of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims are outraged over the Trump administration’s latest “distraction” after the Department of Justice released transcripts and audio recordings from its interview with Ghislaine Maxwell.

During a wide-ranging two-day interview with a top DOJ official last month, Maxwell was asked about Virginia Giuffre, an outspoken victim of Epstein’s sexual abuse and grooming by Maxwell, who died by suicide in April.

Those meetings, Giuffre’s family says, gave the 63-year-old convicted sex trafficker a “platform to rewrite history.”

“The content of these transcripts is in direct contradiction with felon Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction for child sex trafficking,” the family said in a statement. “This travesty of justice entirely invalidates the experiences of the many brave survivors who put their safety, security, and lives on the line to ensure her conviction, including our sister.”

Congressional Democrats also criticized Maxwell’s interview with deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, a former defense attorney for Donald Trump, with one lawmaker branding the release of the transcript an attempt to “distract” from a “White House cover-up.”

California Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, accused Maxwell of “desperately seeking a pardon” and said she “cannot be trusted.”

California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff told NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday that “she wants a pardon.”

“She says exactly what her lawyers tell her is going to be necessary to get a pardon. No one should be surprised here,” he said.

The president has not ruled out pardoning Maxwell.

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison after she was convicted in 2021 for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minors with Jeffrey Epstein, spoke with Blanche and other top DOJ officials last month.

The DOJ released hundreds of pages of transcripts and hours of audio recordings from the interview on Friday.

Those documents were made public the same day the DOJ released an initial batch of the so-called Epstein files to the House Oversight Committee.

The Republican-led committee issued a subpoena on August 5 demanding all communications and documents related to the criminal cases of Epstein and Maxwell.

The DOJ handed over just a fraction of them.

The department shared 33,000 pages, 97 percent of which are already public, Garcia said.

“DOJ’s limited disclosure raises more questions than answers and makes clear that the White House is not interested in justice for the victims or the truth,” he said.

California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna told MSNBC Saturday that the tens of thousands of documents that the Justice Department released account for “less than 1 percent” of all of the Epstein files.

“They’re stonewalling and not releasing things,” he said.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Summer Lee similarly said the DOJ is “pretending to respond to the subpoena.”

“This partial release is insulting to the survivors who have waited far too long for accountability,” she said.

Trump has insisted that the public and press should move on from questions about the case, fueling ongoing conspiracy theories of a government-wide cover up to protect powerful public figures who exploited and abused young girls.

That scrutiny escalated after federal law enforcement officials refused to release additional case information last month, citing “no basis to revisit the disclosure of those materials” despite demands for a full accounting of Epstein’s death and alleged ties to a wider child trafficking conspiracy implicating powerful figures.

This week, a third federal judge rebuffed Trump administration efforts to unseal grand jury documents in the Epstein case, noting that the content of grand jury transcripts “pales in comparison to the Epstein investigative information and materials” already in the hands of the DOJ.

District Judge Richard Berman, who presided over Epstein’s case before his death, agreed with another judge who last week called the government’s request a “diversion” tactic to distract from public pressure against the Trump’s administration to release the files.

In her interview, Maxwell claimed she “absolutely never” saw Trump behaving inappropriately with anyone in Epstein’s circle.

Maxwell told officials she met Trump in the 1990s and took the opportunity to praise him. Trump was “always very cordial and very kind to me,” she said, hailing his “extraordinary achievement in becoming the president now.”

She also addressed Giuffre’s allegations that she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was 17. Prince Andrew has denied the claims and paid Giuffre an out-of-court settlement in 2022.

“Her story doesn’t hold water,” Maxwell said of the claims. “I believe that this whole thing was manufactured.”

In court filings, several Epstein survivors have voiced support for releasing more information around the high-profile cases and criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the matter.

The Justice Department appeared to defend the document release, stating it was “more than was ever requested by the committee” when Democrats held a majority.

“This DOJ will continue to work closely with Congress in pursuit of transparency while adhering to protections afforded to victims of heinous crimes,” the agency said in a statement to The Washington Post.

The Independent has request additional comment from the agency.

Fleetwood exorcises demons to finally clinch first PGA Tour win

Tommy Fleetwood finally broke through on the PGA Tour to banish his demons after so many near misses and clinch a spectacular FedEx Cup victory at the Tour Championship.

Fleetwood, who just two weeks ago coughed up a two-shot lead with three holes to play at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, playing that stretch in one over par, this time conquered an identical situation to take down fellow overnight leader Patrick Cantlay to win by three strokes at -18.

The final round at East Lake developed into a fierce showdown and potential Ryder Cup preview between Fleetwood and Cantlay, who is hoping to land a Team USA wildcard pick.

But Fleetwood held his nerve and was able to enjoy a three-shot lead down the 18th hole before letting out a scream of relief in celebration as wild cries of ‘Tommy’ circulated around East Lake after victory was confirmed.

“You just keep learning, this one, Travelers, Memphis and plenty before,” Fleetwood remarked, with Russell Henley tied for second at -15 and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler one shot further back in fourth with Corey Conners and Cameron Young, another USA wildcard hopeful.

“This wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve been, I’ve had a great attitude throughout it all, I was a bit erratic at times, but I was really proud of how I found my swing again on the 11th hole.

“When you’ve lost it so many times, a three-shot lead down the last doesn’t seem so many. I’m proud of what I’ve done before, whether I’ve won or not, I’ve been proud of what I’ve done, I have a lot to learn.

“It doesn’t change anything, if it’s one of many, you can’t win plenty if you don’t win the first one. They [the fans] are amazing, it makes me emotional, I said the buzz around me, it’s been amazing, the support like that, it’s so special, I’m so grateful, I said, ‘we’d do it together’.”

The agony of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, which saw Fleetwood drop out of a playoff, eventually won by Team Europe colleague Justin Rose over JJ Spaun, confirmed a 29th top-five finish on the PGA Tour – the most without a win since 1983.

But despite Fleetwood’s torment, adding to this year’s Travelers, when USA captain Keegan Bradley capitalised on a meek finish to snatch victory, the 34-year-old remained composed on Sunday.

As doubts grew once more after a frustrating bogey on 14, a resolute par followed to capitalise on Cantlay, who has not won since 2022, unravelling to leave a three-stroke advantage with just two holes remaining.

Sensible golf from Fleetwood with well-executed irons to safe parts of the green followed, but Cantlay’s meagre birdie putt on 17, to trim the lead to two strokes, never had a chance and appeared to hand the Southport man a relaxing walk down 18.

But with five iron in his hand and 245 yards to navigate over water, Fleetwood’s ball curved from right to left and nestled into the greenside rough. But a crisp chip and putt, completing a two under par final round of 68, belied the pressure of the situation to emphatically break through.

It completed a remarkable week for Fleetwood, who had said it would be “pretty funny” to win this week at the Tour Championship and also bank a second trophy in the shape of the FedEx Cup.

Not only did he do just that, but his win also secured the $10m top prize and positions him beautifully as one of Luke Donald’s leaders heading to Bethpage Black next month in pursuit of another Ryder Cup victory.

Family of missing woman found living among lost ‘African’ tribe in Scottish forest speak out

A missing Texas woman found living with the self-proclaimed leaders of a lost “African” tribe in a Scottish forest insists she is there by her own free will, despite her family’s fears she is lost to the sect forever.

Kaura Taylor was recently found living in the woods with the group after vanishing from her home three months ago, leaving relatives distraught.

“It is very stressful, and difficult. It breaks our heart. We’re overly concerned about Kaura, but she doesn’t think anyone is concerned about her,” Taylor’s aunt Teri Allen told The Independent.

In a message posted to Facebook after 21-year-old Taylor, mother to a one-year-old child who she took with her to Scotland, said that she was not missing lashed out at reports she “disappeared.”

“I’m very happy with my King and Queen, I was never missing, I fled a very abusive, toxic family,” Taylor wrote, following up with a video message telling U.K. authorities to leave her alone in the woods in Jedburgh, 40 miles south of Edinburgh. She added that she is “an adult, not a helpless child.”

However, Allen on Thursday pushed back stridently against those assertions, describing her niece’s younger years as “very sheltered and protected.”

She said Taylor “was brought up in church, but not their religion. Not this thing that they got going. It’s a bunch of hogwash.”

Speaking to The Independent from her Dallas-area home, Allen said Taylor kept it “totally hidden from the family” when she began communicating in 2023 with so-called Kingdom of Kubala leader King Atehene, a former opera singer and PR agent from Ghana whose real name is Kofi Offeh, and his wife Jean Gasho, who now goes by Queen Nandi.

Queen Nandi did not respond to a request for comment. An email seeking comment from King Atehene bounced back as undeliverable.

The Kingdom of Kubala claims to be a lost Hebrew tribe that aims to retake the land they say was expropriated when Queen Elizabeth I expelled native black Jacobites from England in the 1590s.

The trio in Jedburgh hope to add to their numbers by bringing other supposedly lost tribes back to their purported ancestral homeland.

Allen said she thinks Taylor, who now answers to Asnat of Atehene, handmaiden of Queen Nandi, discovered the group online through a high school classmate.

She then cut herself off very suddenly from loved ones, refusing to attend family gatherings and stopped celebrating holidays altogether, Allen recalled.

At the time, Taylor was living with her aunt Vandora Skinner, Allen’s sister.

In a separate interview with The Independent, Skinner said: “She went missing in May. But she wasn’t missing at all, she left to go live with these people.”

Taylor, who lived with Skinner during her teenage years, was, according to her aunt, a “very very unruly” teen who could be “very disrespectful,” but was always given a lot of latitude at home.

“She lived in a four-bedroom house, with her own room, and maybe I shouldn’t have been as light on her as I was,” Skinner said. “I allowed her boyfriends to come over, but maybe I shouldn’t have. But I did get her to graduate high school. ”

Taylor tried to get her then-boyfriend to relocate to the Scottish forest with her, but he was turned off by King Atehene and Queen Nandi’s “ungodly rituals” and decided against it, according to Skinner. The 21-year-old then ended the relationship and in May headed to Scotland with her then-eight-month-old daughter, whose father was no longer in the picture, Skinner said.

About two days later, Skinner said Taylor texted her, saying, “We had to get out and explore a little bit.” When Skinner asked where she was, she didn’t get a response.

“She said she would have to call me when she got connected to wifi, but then I never heard from her again,” Skinner said.

Skinner did, however, hear from Taylor’s best friend, who spoke to her every day. So when the friend started asking Skinner about Taylor, she said she knew something wasn’t quite right.

The friend told Skinner that Taylor had talked about going to live with “these people,” but that she didn’t know anything further.

“And I said, ‘What people?’ And they said they didn’t know, so I started to call around,” Skinner went on. “I called her ex-boyfriend and that’s when he told me about the [Kingdom’s] Facebook page and that she said she was going to the U.K. I looked up the Facebook page and sure enough, there she was.”

Skinner immediately told Allen, who passed the news along to their other sister, Taylor’s mother.

“She thought it was photoshopped, but it turned out to be true,” Skinner said.

Skinner then began searching Facebook for more information, and saw that Atehene and Nandi had previously set up an almost identical living situation with another young American woman.

What really upset Skinner, she continued, was spotting Taylor in a video posted to the social network saying that while she wasn’t actually married to King Atehene, she still considered herself to be his second wife.

“Now she’s talking about, she’s married to this man and he can have as many wives as he wants?” Skinner said in disbelief.

Skinner eventually connected with a Jedburgh-area resident in the comments section beneath a news article about the group. The couple had fought a losing battle against eviction from their patch of woods.

The Jedburgh resident suggested Skinner contact Scottish police, and gave her a number, so she reported Taylor and her daughter, who turned a year old in June, missing.

Taylor is believed to have flown to the U.K. on May 25 on a six-month tourist visa that would mean her time there is due to end in November, after then her aunts hope she’ll be forced to leave the country and return home to Texas.

A top coach’s four pre-9am daily habits guaranteed to boost health

Do you want to feel fitter and healthier as you navigate life? Do you also want to feel a little bit smug while sitting at your desk? Then start your day with a few health-promoting habits.

Waiting until the evening to exercise or eat a nutritious meal creates myriad opportunities for these plans liable to be derailed. But, by front-loading your day with positive behaviours, you’re making a healthy deposit in your body’s bank before too many distractions can creep in.

“Win the morning, win the day,” quotes Dan Lawrence, a performance coach who works with everyone from elite athletes to chief executives through his company Perform 365. “If you can nail your morning then the likelihood of you having a good day is substantially higher.

“You don’t need to make a complete 180-degree shift in your lifestyle and only eat chicken and broccoli while training six days per week. If you can just move more, and you have a bit of a system involving positive things you can do on a daily basis, then give it four weeks and see how you feel – it will make a difference.”

“Someone can start the day with every intention of doing a 7pm workout, but with every hour that goes by post-midday, the likelihood of that session is reduced,” Lawrence says. “We know people are often putting out fires at work; they have loads of things going on and they are thrown constant curveballs, which is why I think most people should be training first thing in the morning.

“Of course, this is context-specific – if someone has kids or an irregular schedule it might not work. But generally, that’s why ‘win the morning, win the day’ is such a powerful approach, particularly regarding exercise.”

By doing this on a regular basis, you build a “consistent win” into your day to reinforce positive habits, Lawrence adds. “This will wake up your body, improve circulation after hours of laying down stationary, and prime your nervous system to prepare for the day.”

Whatever type of movement you choose, Lawrence recommends utilising the “RAMP protocol” – an acronym for raise, activate, mobilise and prime – for your morning workouts to enhance focus, fight sluggishness and leave your body feeling limber.

Read more: Do these five things daily for 90 days to see a ‘profound difference’ in your health, fitness and energy levels

Or, if you prefer a gentler start to the day, Lawrence suggests waking up with a short mobility flow.

“Carrying out mobility work in the morning can set you up for the day ahead,” Lawrence says. Some of the benefits include increasing blood flow, lubricating joints and activating muscles.

“It also improves focus and energy for the rest of the day through increased oxygen delivery to the brain.”

To start, try the two moves below:

Read more: If you struggle to stay fit, try adding these nine simple science-backed behaviours into your week

Lawrence’s second recommendation is to spend at least five minutes outside in the sun shortly after waking.

“This regulates your circadian rhythm, which can lead to an improvement in sleep quality,” he says. Our circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, is plugged into pretty much every bodily process, so maintaining a regular routine and using this habit can act as a catalyst for improving the function of many systems such as hormone regulation, cellular function and metabolism.

“[Morning exposure to sunlight] also boosts serotonin and mood early in the day, and supports hormonal balance, including natural cortisol peaks that help energy levels and alertness,” Lawrence adds.

Accessing the sun in the UK is easier said than done, he admits, but the key is simply spending this time outside.

“Even on an overcast morning in the UK, outdoor light intensity is usually 5,000–10,000 lux, compared to only 100–500 lux indoors. That’s still enough to signal your brain to start the cortisol awakening response and suppress melatonin.”

Read more: Five stretches you should be doing every day according to a flexibility expert

Though hydration needs will differ on a case-by-case basis, Lawrence finds that drinking 500-750ml of water within 30 minutes of waking up has been beneficial for clients. For active clients, he also recommends adding electrolytes – sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium – to their morning water.

“This will replenish fluid lost overnight through respiration and sweat, and support mental clarity and physical performance later in the day,” he explains.

“It can reduce cravings and mid-morning fatigue caused by dehydration, as well as serving as a reset – it’s a far better way to start your day than smashing a coffee and diving into your phone*

“Having a coffee right away can impact cortisol and your body’s natural circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake cycle.”

Read more: I’m a trainer specialising in longevity – these are the five changes that have the biggest impact on my clients

Raducanu reveals why rapid US Open win was ‘extra special’

Emma Raducanu claimed her first victory at the US Open since winning the title in 2021 as she breezed past qualifier Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes.

After famously winning the US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier four years ago, Raducanu has twice crashed out in the opening round – losing to Alize Cornet in 2022 and Sofia Kenin in 2024.

But the 22-year-old said she is returning to the US Open in a better place, having enjoyed a consistent run on the court and showing some decent form ahead of the final grand slam of the year.

The British No 1 ultimately was not required to get out of second gear to dismiss the qualifier Shibahara 6-1, 6-2, in what was the fastest win of her grand slam career, but she took an aggressive return position and served well – to the approval of her new coach Francisco Roig.

“Of course I’m very, very pleased to have won that match. It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” Raducanu said. “First rounds are always difficult and especially at a slam. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.”

Raducanu was expected to face the 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round but she will instead play the Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen , with the World No 147 winning 6-4 4-6 6-4 to claim her first ever win at a grand slam main draw.

Before the US Open, Raducanu pushed world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a third-set tiebreak in Cincinnati and spoke before the tournament that Roig, a former coach of Rafael Nadal, has already made a difference to her game.

“I’m very happy. I’ve got amazing people in my corner over there, so I want to thank them, and it makes every day the work feel a lot more enjoyable,” Raducanu said.

“I see the progress that I’m making on the practice court, and it might not come straight away, but I know over time I’m just racking up good days building, and I feel like it has to go somewhere.”

Summer escapes made easy: find your perfect sunbreak fuss-free

When it comes to booking your summer getaway, finding the perfect break can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Whether it’s a fun-packed family holiday, a romantic couples trip, an activity-filled solo break or a group trip where you need to tick everyone’s travel boxes, there’s a lot to consider, and a vast range of options to choose from. So it can be tricky knowing where to start.

To make it easier to plan your perfect break, holiday experts Travel Republic have you covered, whether you’re researching dream destinations or making last-minute plans. With over 20 years of travel know-how, plus big-name airlines, top hotels and exciting attractions – they make booking your next great value getaway easy, affordable and totally stress free.

From trending destinations to incredible money-saving deals and travel ideas tailored to you, Travel Republic has everything you need to find and book your perfect trip. On top of all that, they offer flexible payment plans, super low deposits, are ATOL protected and offer all the holiday extras you need such as car hire, airport parking, transfers and travel insurance.

Ready for some travel inspo? Here’s our guide to four diverse, versatile destinations that offer it all: dreamy beaches, family entertainment, culinary delights, active adventure, and history and culture by the spadeful.

With over 6000 islands and islets, 200 of which are inhabited, not to mention a culture-rich mainland, Greece definitely has something for every type of traveller. For couples, friends and singles looking to party, head to the clubs and beach parties of Ios, Zante (Zakynthos) or Mykonos – enjoy the growing foodie scene in the pretty white-washed, streets of Mykonos Town, while adrenaline junkies will feel at home on the water, with kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and jet skiing on offer. For sandy beaches and calm waters, book into the islands of Rhodes or the family friendly Kos. If chilling on the beach is your priority, some of the world’s best can be found in Crete or Halkidiki – sporty types take note of the 13km scenic coastal cycling route. Or head to Faliraki with the kids for banana boat rides, snorkelling and splashing about at Faliraki Waterpark.

History lovers won’t want to leave Greece: explore the archeological wonder that is the Athens Acropolis, walk the capital’s charming old Plaka neighbourhood and stop at one of the many local cafes to enjoy souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. For another UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the island of Corfu’s Old Town and submerge yourself in a world of Venetian cobbled streets, fortresses and tunnels.

Whether you want the perfect package holiday with breathtaking beaches, buzzing bazaars and cafes on your city break or a boutique stay to explore a multitude of ancient ruins, Turkey has a dream holiday for everyone.

Istanbul will keep every generation entertained: visit the impressive Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, go haggling in the Grand Bazaar, then grab a traditional pide (folded pizza) and a Turkish tea before making a trip to the array of castles and fortresses. There’s also a zoo, aquarium and entertainment parks.

Turkey has an abundance of historical sites, with many accessible from top beach resorts such as Side and Izmir. Head to the Dalaman region, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast in reference to the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon beach. Make the short journey from Daylan town to the magnificent ancient port city of Kaunos, which dates back to the 9th century BC and be sure to go turtle spotting at the neighbouring İztuzu Beach. Thrill seekers should head to the nearby resort of Fethiye, to spy its rugged scenery and historic sites from a paraglider. While Marmaris offers everything from parties and waterparks to romance. Head inland to Anatolia to experience the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia from the skies in a hot air balloon — a true bucket list experience.For resorts that offer a bit of everything, choose Bodrum and Antalya for everything from Roman ruins, bazaars and nightclubs to yacht-filled marinas, waterparks and pristine beaches. Lots to keep little ones entertained, and party goers busy while couples can enjoy luxe adult-only hotels.

From the Costas to the Canaries and Barcelona to the Balearics, Spain really does have it all. If it’s a city break you’re after, choose the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid: take in art at the impressive Prado Museum, stroll through the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and tour the famous Bernabeu Stadium, home to the mighty Real Madrid. Or if you like beach vibes with your culture, opt for the city of Barcelona. Visit the Gothic Quarter for breathtaking architecture, marvel at the iconic Sagrada Família and enjoy tapas and cava in the narrow streets of the El Born district – home to the Moco and Picasso museums.

For full-on beach action, stay on the mainland and choose between Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or the ‘Golden Coast’ of Costa Dorada. Here,Salou is a good option for those looking for buzzing restaurants and bars, active types keen on coastal walks, kayaking and snorkelling and kids keen to mix rollercoasters and waterparks at PortAventura theme park.

If you’re more about ‘island life’ there’s no shortage of options: head to Ibiza or Majorca for parties galore and secluded beaches with crystalline waters or opt for one of the equally idyllic Canaries. For a break that feels out of this world, choose volcanic island Lanzarote, which offers pristine white sand beaches across the island, including the main holiday resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. The latter offers a wealth of bars and restaurants, waterparks, 5km promenade and lively marina with a daily market.

Dramatic coastlines with crystal clear waters, buzzing city life with pop-up restaurants and dolphin and whale watching for wildlife lovers are just some of what is on offer in Portugal, making it a must-visit for group and solo travellers alike. Head to the south coast for the holiday haven of the Algarve, home to some of Europe’s top beaches. There’s 30km of coastline to enjoy at Albufeira alone, peppered with beachfront family friendly and adult-only hotels. Be sure to explore the cobbled streets and palm tree-lined squares of the Old Town before settling down for local seafood specialities including the Cataplana stew. Want to get active? Hike the coastal Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for views of rock formations against the backdrop of turquoise waters. While nightlife lovers should head to the Algarve cities of Lagos and Faro for rooftop cocktails and tunes that play until the sun comes up.

For culture fans, head to capital city Lisbon for countless museums, galleries and beautiful historic buildings including the huge, Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town of Alfama and soak up the smells and tastes of Portuguese baking including the delicious Pastéis de Belém. Beach lovers worry not, you can have sand between your toes after a quick bus ride, while surf lovers can train it to Estoril or Cascais to catch some waves.

For more travel ideas, inspiration and great value getaways, visit Travel Republic

Notting Hill Carnival begins with colourful Caribbean celebration

Europe’s biggest street party, the Notting Hill Carnival, kicked off its annual summer bank holiday extravaganza on Sunday, drawing revellers of all ages to celebrate Caribbean culture and history.

The festivities commenced early on Sunday with the J’ouvert celebration, where people covered each other in paint, coloured powder and chocolate.

Sunday also marks Children’s Day, leading up to the carnival’s main event scheduled for Monday.

The streets are set to be flooded with colour, costumes, dancing and music.

About one million people are expected to be on the streets of West London for the event which has been running for more than 50 years, the Metropolitan Police said previously.

About 7,000 police officers will be on duty across the capital this Sunday and Monday.

The Met said live facial recognition (LFR) technology – which captures people’s faces in real-time CCTV cameras – will be used on the approach to and from the carnival as well as outside the boundaries of the event.

Alongside the use of LFR technology, the Met also said it planned to install screening arches at some of the busiest entry points to the carnival, where stop-and-search powers will be used in a bid to keep weapons out.

The Metropolitan Police said as of 7.45pm on Sunday, there had been 140 arrests – 105 at the carnival and 35 on approaches to carnival as a result of proactive policing interventions.

Fifteen arrests were for assaults on police – with one officer requiring hospital treatment for injuries to their hand – while there were 21 for possession of an offensive weapon, 25 for possession of cannabis and six for possession of class A drugs.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and two for robbery.

The force said additional powers had been authorised which remain in force until 2am on Monday and again from 10am on Monday to 2am Tuesday.

Family pay tribute to funfair worker who died in fairground accident

The family of a fairground worker who died after suffering serious head injuries have paid tribute to their relative, describing him as “loved endlessly”.

Corrie Lee-Stavers, 28, originally from the Sunderland area, was killed on a ride at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, on Saturday.

Shortly after 2.15pm on Saturday, Northumbria Police received a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident.

Emergency services attended the scene and found Mr Lee-Stavers had suffered serious head injuries.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Mr Lee-Stavers died.

Northumbria Police said his family were being supported by specialist officers

“It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Corrie has passed away,” his family said in a tribute.

“He was tragically taken from us in an accident while working on a fairground ride. None of us were prepared for this, and the pain of losing him so suddenly is impossible to put into words.

“Our lives will never be the same without him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.

“We love you endlessly, Corrie, and we miss you more than words can ever say.

“You’re with our mam now – rest in peace Corrie.”

The fair was due to be open from Thursday through to bank holiday Monday, but has been closed.

Northumbria Police has contacted the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), who are assisting their investigation to establish exactly what happened.

The force said in a statement said: “Corrie’s family have asked for privacy whilst they process the loss of their loved one.”

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.”

Summer City Funfairs also posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday confirming their colleague had died.

“We are heartbroken to share that one of our much loved colleagues has sadly passed away following a tragic accident at Spanish City Funfair on Saturday 23rd August, 2025,” the tribute said.

“Our team is like a family and we are all deeply affected by this loss.

“As a mark of respect, Spanish City Funfair will remain closed this weekend, while we take the time to grieve together.

“We kindly ask you for your understanding, and our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending them a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report form functions on the force’s website.

They can also call the force on 101 and quote the reference number NP-20250823-0616.