6 days agoBlogsComments Off on Western Force 7 British & Irish Lions 54: Tourists run riot in Perth but Tomos Williams hands worrying injury scare
Henry Pollock announced himself to the Aussie public as the Lions romped to an eight-try win to get the tour up and running.
But there was an injury scare when scrum-half Tomos Williams limped off with hamstring trouble after pulling up after scoring his second try after 47 minutes.
GettyThe British and Irish Lions roared to a 54-7 thrashing of Western Force[/caption]
GettyBut Tomos Williams handed the Lions a major injury scare[/caption]
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 28, 2025
And that could spell bad news for the Lions with Jamison Gibson-Park currently sidelined and Alex Mitchell the only other nine here.
Northampton back row Pollock made a try, got involved in a scrap with Western Force lock Darcy Swain, got yellow carded and threw a horror pass to James Lowe behind his own line.
And that was just in the first half.
If the Australians did not know who Pollock is they do now and it looks like he is going to be making plenty of noise down under for the next few weeks.
The 20-year-old was one of the Lions to stand up – despite his card – and was always involved in the thick of the action and must have a fighting chance of making the Test 23.
It took just 16 minutes for Pollock to let the Australians know he had arrived when he set up Tomos Williams’ score and he never went away.
Farrell was fuming after last Friday’s 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin which got the tour off on the wrong foot and nothing but a thumping win would do here.
The boss had seven familiar Irish faces in his starting line-up including captain for the day and hooker Dan Sheehan as the countdown to the first Test in Brisbane in three weeks started properly.
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Western Force finished ninth of 11 in Super Rugby this season and were missing some players who had been kept in Wallaby camp by Aussie head coach Joe Schmidt.
But if the travelling fans were expecting an easy ride they had an early alarm call after skipper Dan Sheehan had finished off from Finn Russell’s cross kick and a one-two with James Lowe after 95 seconds.
Force have not played for a month but it didn’t show as they put the tourists under the pump and former Exeter scrum-half Nic White dived it over to level it on four minutes.
But then came Pollock with a storming run after playing a one-two with Josh van der Flier.
Pollock was caught short of the line but popped the ball up for Williams to score.
Then Elliot Daly scored after Finn Russell’s crafty quick tap and run and Pollock and Swain had some afters following the Englishman’s celebration.
Then Pollock was carded for playing the ball on the floor but he took one for the team there as the Lions were on a warning.
It was over as a game when Williams went over for his second and with Garry Ringrose’s score, it was 33-7 before Joe McCarthy helped the tourists get to 40 after Pollock’s kick had pinned Force back.
Daly added a second as tourists cruised past 40 and Force were done with Mitchell bringing up the 50.
Scorers:
Western Force: Try: White; Con: Donaldson
British & Irish Lions: Tries: Sheehan, Williams (2), Daly (2), Ringrose, McCarthy, Mitchell; Cons: Russell (5), Smith (2)
6 days agoBlogsComments Off on Travellers left ‘potentially hazardous’ POO at park to fester in 30C heat…the smell was ‘unbearable’
“POTENTIALLY hazardous” waste including poo and used bog roll was allegedly left to fester at a park in 30C heat by travellers.
Locals living near the Hough Ends Fields in Chorlton, Manchester, have complained of unbearable smells following the encampment.
STEVE ALLENCaravans parked up at Hough End playing fields in Mauldeth Road in West Manchester – about 200 yards from the GMP Training and Mounted police complex[/caption]
STEVE ALLENThe playing fields were taped off, with used toilet paper and nappies left strewn around[/caption]
STEVE ALLENThe field is used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC and is popular with dog walkers[/caption]
It comes as a large traveller encampment was evicted from the playing fields last Friday – with the city council then posting signs reading: “Potentially Hazardous Waste Do Not Enter.
“Cleaning will be commencing as soon as possible.”
The authority also taped off a vast area of woodland with the same “do not enter” signs in place.
Around 30 caravans had pitched up from June 12 for eight days with residents and dog walkers horrified at the level of filth and muck spread around.
The pitches invaded by the Travellers are used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC.
One 80-year-old walking her dog Sky told The Sun: “It was disgusting. Dirty toilet paper just blowing about, nappies and sanitary towels.
“One pick-up truck just raced onto the field and missed my dog Sky by just inches – they have no respect and don’t seem to care.
“They left a pile of cuttings from trees and garden waste down the other end and that needed clearing away.
“The smell was absolutely horrendous.”
International business student Conor Gregory, 22, who lives nearby, hails originally from Appleby in Cumbria – which hosts the annual Horse Fair every June.
Conor added: “It has got a lot worse more recently.”
Shopworker Kyra Crump, 18, said: “The litter and mess and other filth is just appalling. They obviously have no common decency – otherwise they would clear it all up themselves.
“If you go out you have to watch where you are walking as there is so much waste on the floor.
“People were posting images of just how disgusting it was.
“They don’t care about the local community at all. One minute they are here and the next they are gone.”
STEVE ALLENThe city council blocked off the park for cleaning[/caption]
STEVE ALLENBusiness student Conor Gregory[/caption]
STEVE ALLENLocal shop worker Kyra Crump[/caption]
Games host Connie Harphand, 25, who has a flat overlooking the playing fields, said: “It was a shock waking up one morning and seeing them all there.
“My flat mate sent me a video of the antics and we had vans and police cars ever day.
“We probably had 30 or so caravans and they were just driving through an entrance they had made for themselves on the main road.”
A 59-year-old handyman, from Altrincham, who works in the area, but declined to be named, told The Sun: “I’ve worked around here for 25 years and they have been turning up more in recent years.
“Some of the people I work for are very appalled that it’s happening so much – they fear it will have an impact on property prices and want the council to keep them out.”
The city council has confirmed it has blocked access to sections of Hough End Playing Fields, for the clean up and a vast skip stands on the path with all the tapes and warning signs now removed along with the waste.
A council spokesperson said the waste was found after a “traveller encampment” was “evicted” from the Fields last Friday (June 20).
A statement read: “An encampment of travellers was evicted from Hough End Playing Fields on Friday, June 20.
“The site was assessed and re-secured and an initial clean-up operation to remove a huge quantity of waste was undertaken.
“The removal of the remaining waste by our contractor Biffa has started today to ensure that this part of Hough End is re-opened and accessible for residents once again.”
The statement from the authority added it will investigate security for the park.
The spokesperson continued: “We continuously review our site security and we will work with the rugby club to see how we can both better secure this site for the future.”
The council spent millions on a controversial expansion of the Fields’ leisure centre that opened in 2022, with campaigners arguing building car parks and artificial sports pitches on the grass was bad for the environment.
The Sun has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.
STEVE ALLENThe encampment was evicted earlier this month[/caption]
STEVE ALLENPolice at the park during the eviction[/caption]
STEVE ALLENToilet paper, nappies and other toilet waste was left behind[/caption]
6 days agoBlogsComments Off on Meet Ilia Topuria, the son of refugees and high school dropout set to replace Conor McGregor as the face of the UFC
THE Ultimate Fighting Championship is potentially just days away from having a new poster boy.
And it’s somewhat fitting that the potential coronation of mixed martial arts’ premier promotion’s new king will take place nearly four years to the day that Conor McGregor – the face of the sport for several years – had what looked to be his final outing.
APIlia Topuria is on the cusp of making UFC history[/caption]
GETTYThe Georgian-born Spaniard will look to claim the vacant UFC lightweight title[/caption]
GETTYStanding between Topuria and yet more history is former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira[/caption]
INSTGRAM@ILIATOPURIATopuria and his family come from incredibly humble beginnings[/caption]
Many have long thought the heir apparent to McGregor’s throne was ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley, although back-to-back championship defeats to Merab Dvalishvili have seen the former bantamweight king’s sweetness fade.
The man poised to succeed ‘The Notorious’ is a Georgian-born Spaniard who made a statement on the prelims of what with increasing certainty looks to be the last McGregor card in UFC history.
The man in question is former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who will bid to further write his name into the historybooks early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Undefeated Topuria will do battle with fellow fan favourite and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155lbs belt, which the dominant Islam Makhachev left aside.
Becoming the TENTH two-weight champion in UFC history in the fashion he claimed and defended the featherweight title will catapult Topuria into a new stratosphere, one he always believed he’d reach.
Topuria, 28, was born in 1997 in Halle, Germany, where his parents were granted refuge during the ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia in the ‘90s.
It was in Germany that Topuria would discover the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling, which he practised along with his younger brother, Aleksandre.
The Topuria family would eventually return to Georgia, where the brothers would continue their education in Greco-Roman wrestling, in 2003.
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INSTGRAM@ILIATOPURIAIlia Topuria and his siblings are the sons of refugees who fled the ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia in the ‘90s[/caption]
INSTGRAM@ILIATOPURIATopuria and his younger brother, Aleksandre, dropped out of school in their mid-teens to pursue MMA[/caption]
INSTGRAM@ILIATOPURIATopuria tore through the regional and European scene before being signed by the UFC[/caption]
INSTGRAM@ILIATOPURIAHe rewarded his dad’s trust in him by winning UFC gold in February 2024[/caption]
Eager to provide a better life for their children, Topuria’s parents, Zaza and Inga, moved the family to Alicante, Spain, in 2012.
Not long after their arrival, Topuria’s mother spotted a man sporting cauliflower ears and asked him if he knew where her sons could continue their training.
That chance encounter paved the way for Topuria to start his mixed martial arts journey under the tutelage of the Climent brothers, Agustin and Jorge.
The Topuria brothers’ passion for MMA was so fervent that they both asked their dad if they could DROP OUT of school to pursue their dreams of fighting in the UFC.
In 2022, Ilia said of his early teenage years in Spain: “Yes [it was hard to communicate], but I left school when I was like 15 years old.
“When I was 15 years old, I went with my brother to talk with my father to tell him, ‘Hey, dad.
“‘We don’t want to go to school any more, but we really want to train.
“And we’re going to the gym all day, every day, and we’re going to train.’
“Because my dream was to fight in the UFC. And he told me, ‘If you’re really going to train all the time like you tell me, then you have my approval.
“That’s one of the reasons why I made my debut so young in the UFC, because it’s very tough to get into the UFC from Spain.
“Because I wasn’t living in the United States and I wasn’t born here, because it’s easier.”
I left school when I was like 15 years old.”
Ilia Topuria
Three years after beginning his training with the Climent brothers, Topuria made his professional debut at the tender age of 18.
He’d rip through the competition on the regional and European circuits with eight straight finishes, seven of which came via submission.
The UFC came calling in October 2022 and Topuria hasn’t looked back since, stopping all comers bar Youssef Zalal and Josh Emmett – both of whom were battered from pillar to post – on his way to claiming and defending the featherweight crown.
His coronation as featherweight king came last February with a sensational second-round knockout of fan favourite Alexander Volkanovski.
And his final outing in the division last October saw him achieve the previously unthinkable and knock out iron-chinned former featherweight champion Max Holloway.
Topuria’s exploits – in particular his championship victories – have seen him become a superstar in Georgia, Spain and the rest of the Spanish-speaking world.
He has a whopping 7.7million Instagram followers, has been recognised by boyhood footie team Real Madrid – who presented him in front of a capacity crowd at the Bernabeu after his KO of Volk – and is pals with Los Blancos legends Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
His global following will explode and the celebs in his orbit will only become bigger, even though he doesn’t crave the limelight, should he become a two-weight champion in a similar fashion to his featherweight coronation.
The title of “biggest star in the UFC” is right there for the taking for Topuria.
All that remains now is for him to make it his own in devastating fashion.
Ilia Topuria is already a superstar in Spain and can become a global name with a win over Charles OliveiraGETTY
6 days agoBlogsComments Off on Marcos cheers for Alex Eala: `The whole Philippines is behind you’
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his support for Alex Eala, who will be playing for the title in the WTA Tour on Saturday evening (Manila time). In an X post on Saturday, Marcos said he “can’t wait to watch [Eala] make history in the Philippines’ first-ever WTA Finals.” READ: LIVE: Alex
That’s more than £30 cheaper than a similar product in John Lewis, with the product available from tomorrow.
The pillow is made of TopCool micro-fine fabric which absorbs moisture from your body leaving your skin dry and comfortable.
The cooling technology will be great for increased sweating during sleep when temperatures soar to 34C this weekend.
The breathable and soft fabric also means it dries quickly, so you don’t have to flip your pillow all night.
The pillow’s shape is adjusted for correct sleeping posture, encouraging your neck, shoulders and head to relax.
It is perfect for those who prefer to sleep on their back or side, and want to bid goodbye to neck soreness in the morning.
Although at 50x36cm it is smaller than a standard pillow size, the Livarno pillow comes with its own cover with a zip.
The cover can be easily removed and washed at 60C.
According to The Sleep Charity 16°C-18°C is ideal for a good night’s sleep, but if your bedroom temperature is over 24°C you’re more likely to wake up.
Using a lighter tog duvet (or even a sheet), a home fan with a quiet setting and opening your windows to let air circulate all help keep your room cool as you rest.
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You can also pick up Livarno Home Double TopCool Duvet to go with your pillow at Lidl.
Designed to keep you cool and comfy, the £10.99 duvet features a micro-fine cover that cleverly regulates moisture and body temperature.
It’s ideal for double beds, with a soft and fluffy polyester filling that still feels cosy without the stifling heat
The handy gadget also works as a dehumidifier and ventilator and can be easily moved throughout the house thanks to its wheels and recessed side grips.
It also automatically oscillates, meaning your whole room will be cooled, and has two different fan speeds, depending on how much you need cooling down.
Priced at £149.00, the fan comes with a three-year warranty and has a 24-hour-digital timer function.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
6 days agoBlogsComments Off on I fear the worst for my dear pal Michael Schumacher – if only we could know more about how he is
MICHAEL Schumacher’s former pal says he fears the worst over the F1 legend’s condition.
Details surrounding the star’s health have been kept under lock and key since he suffered a near-fatal ski accident in 2013.
GettyMichael Schumacher pictured in Monza, Italy in 2005[/caption]
AFPSchumacher with his wife Corinna in Madonna di Campiglio in 2003[/caption]
Richard Hopkins said the F1 legend ghosted him after he shot to fameSUPPLIED
Ex-Red Bull boss Richard Hopkins – who enjoyed regular coffee breaks with Schumacher in the early 1990s – said the lack of information for more than a decade stokes his fears about his condition.
Hopkins, Head of Operations at Red Bull from 2013 to 2015, met Schumacher he was a mechanic at McLaren and the F1 great was at Benetton.
And Hopkins says the longer time goes on without an update, the more he fears about the true nature of his health.
He told The Sun: “It’s a shame and I wish we all knew a bit more. I get it and I understand it, it’s very private to them.
“But the danger of course is that we all make assumptions of how he is, and probably none of our assumptions are accurate.
“We create an assumption that is probably worse and darker than his condition probably is, and then a lot of us look on the bright side and hope it’s a lot better than it actually is.
“I saw the recent story about him signing a crash helmet, and there’s an MS on it. We’d all love to believe he got a pen out the draw and signed it but there was probably some assistance along the way.
“I wish we had a better idea, not just me, all of us in motor racing. It’s sad because even the ‘keep fighting Michael’ message has kind of been forgotten.
“But it’s life and we all move on. It’s very sad that we just don’t know and we don’t hear from him. It’s sad that he doesn’t attend races or make public appearances.
“He was an amazing guy, extraordinary character and amazingly successful.”
Close pal Flavio Briatore, who led Schumacher to his first two titles at Benetton, recently offered a heartbreaking insight into his health.
He appeared to confirm Schumacher, who joined Ferrari after Benetton where he won five titles, was bed-bound.
What do we know about Schumacher since his accident?
MICHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury.
Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend.
December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.
January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable”. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.
June 2014 – Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.
September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.
2015–2018 – Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.
May 2017– German magazine sued by Schumacher’s family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher’s right to privacy.
September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.
December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.
September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”
December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection”.
September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news”. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.
March 2025 – Schumacher becomes a grandfather: Daughter Gina announces arrival of first child with husband Iain Bethke. The pair tied the knot in September 2024. Gina revealed the birth on Instagram and wrote: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”
Briatore told Corriere della Sera: “If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory.
“I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed.”
Hopkins said he used to bump into Corinna but hasn’t seen her, or anyone else close to him, since the crash.
He added: “I just haven’t crossed paths with them.
“Everything about Michael’s situation is kept private, and those who are close to him, including his nursing team, are bound by an absolute circle of trust.
“I did meet Corinna a couple of times, if only just to say hi and everything else. My interactions with Michael weren’t shared with Corinna.
“But even if I did bump into her now, and I asked how Michael was, she would probably just say he’s fine. I didn’t know her well enough for her to share information with me.”
What happened to Michael Schumacher?
MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.
The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.
He added: “If he could be at a race today, I wonder if he would be? I wonder if he would love it today, rocking up at a race track, everyone would love him being there.
“But I don’t think he would, actually. I think he’d spend more time on other interests, spending more time on a bloody horse than a race track now!”
Schumacher retired in 2006 but made a brief comeback for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012.
He is widely considered among the best to ever race in the sport.
Only small hints have been released about his health since the accident.
Briatore’s ex-wife, Elisabetta Gregoraci, previously said he doesn’t speak but communicates with his eyes.
Corinna has also previously said he is now “different, but here”.
6 days agoBlogsComments Off on Dodgy Facebook crook tried to sell me shady £80 Fire Stick… then threatened to come to my HOUSE
AS I sit and scroll through my phone, I’m being bombarded with shady adverts on Facebook offering dodgy devices with 80,000 premium channels and movies.
And it didn’t take long for Facebook crooks to reach out to me offering their illicit services – but this time, the criminals are going one terrifying step further.
FacebookSome illegal streaming devices look just like Sky, as seen here[/caption]
FacebookYou can easily find crooks selling illegal Fire Sticks on Facebook[/caption]
In the message, they not only offered “24,000 channels” including Sky Sports as well as movies and series in “HD quality” – they also offered to deliver to my address and install.
It might seem like great customer service, but it could put you at risk of “physical harm”, experts warned me, with unscrupulous characters turning up at your door.
Not only that, Brits in possession of an illegal Fire Stick could receive a £1,000 fine, while those caught selling Firesticks could face jail time.
Some dodgy dealers have already been locked up for operating criminal streaming sites as part of a global crackdown, but it’s the offer to come to your home address and help install the Fire Stick that’d worrying experts.
Kieron Sharp, chairman at the anti-piracy organisation FACT, told The Sun: “It’s alarming that criminals can openly advertise illegal streaming services and turn up at people’s homes to install them.
“Letting them in puts you at risk — not just physically, but digitally too.”
Fire Stick maker Amazon has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle illegal streaming on its devices.
The gadget’s open tech is meant to give people more freedom to download apps outside Amazon’s own app store, but it’s also susceptible to abuse by illegal streaming operators.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices.”
It’s become a major problem for broadcasters and sports bodies, estimated to cost them billions every year, and they’re increasingly frustrated about the lack of action from tech companies.
Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky, said firms want to see faster action from big tech platforms.
“We know they have the technology and the capability, now we need to see action,” he told The Sun.
‘I will deliver’
I was approached by an account on Facebook called “Firestick updating”, which randomly added me with an open profile and very clear intentions.
“SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE!!!” a post on their page unashamedly reads, alongside a photo of boxes and boxes of Fire Sticks.
Another image shows a rip-off of the Sky Glass interface.
It continues: “£60 for year subscription.
“£80 for loaded stick no shipping charges.”
Within minutes of accepting their friend request, I received a private message.
They bragged: “I’ve worldwide 24,000 channels with all sports channels 80,000 daily basis updated movies and series in HD quality.
One seller assured me the cops can’t trace the deviceThe crook also offered to hand-deliver the illegal streaming stick
“You’ll have everything Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple T,V Disney+, full Sky package all sports channels ppv events all Irish UK USA TV channels, movies and series on demand.
When I asked if it was traceable, they responded, “No mate, not at all”.
What shocked me even more was that the person offered to come to my house and install it there and then.
Although I didn’t share my address, just my rough location, I felt quite intimidated by the offer.
They wrote: “I will deliver it and set it up for you.”
Curiously, researching the matter on Facebook seemed to make Meta’s algorithm think I was interested in illegal streaming, and loads of very obvious ads started to appear.
While it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity
Detective Chief Inspector Emma WarbeyCity of London Police
Illegal streaming operations usually have ties to gangs, and the money they get from it funds other serious forms of criminal activity.
So the idea of having a stranger who might have dodgy links turning up at my front door was quite scary, and more so considering vulnerable people who might allow them into their homes.
Jake Moore, from security firm ESET, said: “Devices sounding too good to be true and sold by someone you don’t know coming to your house should be the first alarm bell, but these devices have been known to ship with viruses and other dodgy programs onboard.”
STRANGER DANGER
The risks of illegal streaming to your online life can also be pretty devastating.
Fraud is the biggest consequence.
We’ve heard from users who chanced it and had their bank account instantly accessed.
A 46-year-old Brit – who has asked to remain anonymous – was referred to a cheap streaming site which gives users access to premium channels includingSky Sports.
But shortly after entering his bank details a surge of transactions were attempted on his account totalling several thousand pounds.
“A couple of friends had already done it and they had no issues,” he revealed to The Sun.
“It all seemed quite secure, so I didn’t even think at the time.
“After that, the payment was taken but there were all sorts of transactions on my bank account for quite a large amount of money which were on various times and various dates for different amounts.
“It’s scary really, they attempted thousands.”
Meta’s website says the company removes “millions of violating posts and accounts every day on Facebook and Instagram”, which can range from serious crime like terrorism, to sexual content not allowed on the platforms.
“Most of this happens automatically, withtechnologyworking behind the scenes to remove violating content – often before anyone sees it,” the company claims.
When reaching out to Meta about the influx of illegal streaming ads on my Facebook profile, the examples I showed were quickly taken down.
But many more blatantly illegal streaming services have simply replaced them, many featuring Meta’s new WhatsApp button so you can chat to sellers immediately.
Meta told The Sun that reviewing ads from millions of advertisers globally against its advertising standards is essential, but not without challenges.
These devices can expose your Wi-Fi network, steal personal data, spread scams, and infect your devices with malware and viruses. We urge consumers to think twice
Kieron SharpFACT
The company emphasised that it doesn’t allow fraudulent activity and works closely with law enforcement to support investigations and keep scammers off its platforms.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, told us: “Illegal streaming is a significant challenge for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose consumers to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.
“The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against these criminal operations by utilising our full suite of enforcement options, including pursuing criminal prosecutions and serving ‘cease and desist’ notices to offenders.”
While it might seem like a tempting offer, Brits be warned – criminals behind the computer screens are not just looking to infiltrate your digital life but your home life too.
WHAT'S AMAZON DOING ABOUT IT?
Amazon has previously been criticised by Sky for not doing enough to tackle piracy.
The tech giant told The Sun that bad actors are abusing and misusing the developer features that are part of the open-source operating system running on Fire TV devices.
Though manufactured by Amazon, these devices are jailbroken which not only violates the company’s policies on intellectual property rights, but also compromises the security of customers, it added.
A spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices. Individuals and criminal groups have been convicted in connection with the resale of devices preloaded with piracy-enabling apps, and we will continue to work with authorities and industry partners to stop these sales.”
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6 days agoBlogsComments Off on ‘Death to America’ chants ring out at funeral for Iranian commanders killed in war as Trump warns US would bomb again
THE mass funeral for the Iranian commanders wiped out in the war has been plagued by “Death to America” chants and the burning of Israeli flags.
Over a million people have reportedly lined the streets of Tehran just hours after Donald Trump warned he would bomb the evil regime again if they ever cross the US.
GettyOver a million people have reportedly lined the streets of Tehran for the funeral of Iranian commanders[/caption]
AFPIranians burn the Israeli flag during the funeral[/caption]
GettyTwisted chants of ‘Death to America’ could be heard ringing out across the event[/caption]
Twisted chants of “Death to America” could be heard ringing out across the event today as pro-Ayatollah mourners flocked to the public procession.
The caskets of top military commanders and nuclear scientists all eliminated by Israel during the gruelling 12-day war were all hauled through the capital.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps chief General Hossein Salami – known as one of Iran’s most powerful military leaders – and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh were among the bodies being laid to rest.
Both were directly targeted by Israel for their role in developing Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
The two twisted generals were taken out within hours of the conflict kicking off on June 13.
Some mourners even started to trample on the flags of Israel and the US as the caskets came past with others setting them alight.
It comes amid a surging number of Iranians who are turning against the evil regime following the war.
Many have voiced their issues with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was again nowhere to be seen at the funeral.
Funeral-goers at one point pledged their allegiance to the twisted leader as they chanted: “Oh noble Leader, we are ready!”
Around 60 caskets were wheeled out with many being draped in the national colours of red, white and green.
Iran’s Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi – now among the most high-profile names in Tehran’s cabinet – led the procession.
He made a rare admission as he said the number of lives lost in the short-lived conflict is “hard and painful”.
GettySmoke could be seen at the ceremony[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialDonald Trump warned he would bomb the evil regime again if they ever cross the US[/caption]