2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Ten girls taken to hospital after being pricked by ‘man with syringe’ at French music festival as one arrested
AROUND ten girls were reportedly pricked by a man with a syringe during a French musical festival.
The incident is said to have unfolded in Metz on Friday, when over 50,000 flocked to celebrate World Music Day, Le Républicain Lorrain reports.
Google MapsThe alleged attacks took place in the square Place de la République in central Metz[/caption]
The girls – most reportedly minors – were targeted by one or more people at around 10pm, according to the local outlet.
The alleged attacks happened between two popular spots in the city centre, Place de la République and Place Saint-Jacques.
Firefighters at the event quickly tended to the girls, who were then rushed to hospital “for analysis”, according to Metz mayor François Grosdidier.
A man was arrested by local cops in connection with the incidents.
He was taken to the police station to be interviewed.
Grosdidier estimated that a crowd of 50,000 packed the city centre, adding: “It’s Saturday night and it’s still hot… There are a lot of people, people everywhere, in all the city centre streets.”
Police remained on duty throughout the night following the incident.
It comes as a school girl was stabbed to death by a 15-year-old student who went on a knife rampageat a school in the French city of Nantes.
The attacker, wearing black clothing and a balaclava, also stabbed three other students who were rushed to hospital.
When armed cops arrived at the scene, the attacker reportedly shouted “shoot me in the head” before being handcuffed and taken away.
The suspect was named as Justin P. by French newspaper Le Parisien.
Just hours earlier, an anonymous email is said to have gone around the school speaking of a “revolt”.
The manifesto, reportedly seen by Le Parisien, spoke about eco issues.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Santi Cazorla completes fairytale swansong with Oviedo as Arsenal legend scores to get boyhood club promoted to LaLiga
SANTI CAZORLA completed his fairytale swansong with Oviedo after netting to get them promoted back to LaLiga.
The ace helped inspire a stunning comeback against Mirandes to seal a return to the top flight after a 24-year absence, prompting an incredible pitch invasion from fans.
GettySanti Cazorla inspired Oviedo to LaLiga promotion[/caption]
GettyThe ace netted a penalty as his side fought back from 2-0 down against Mirandes[/caption]
Cazorla got a kiss from wife Ursula at full timeFans invaded the pitch in jubilant scenesPlayers celebrated wildly in the midst of the supportersOviedo were last in Spain’s top flight 24 years ago
The former Spain ace started his career with Oviedo’s academy in 1996 before going on to star for Villarreal, Malaga and Arsenal.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Eamonn Holmes’ ‘wheelchair hits female producer’ as GB News bosses launch investigation after set incident
GB News has launched an investigation after Eamonn Holmes’ wheelchair ‘knocked into a young female producer’, according to reports.
The television news channel is said to have received a complaint from his colleague after she was ‘bruised’ in the alleged incident.
Louis WoodGB News has reportedly launched an investigation into an ‘incident involving Eamonn Holmes’ wheelchair’[/caption]
GB NewsEamonn’s chair allegedly bruised a young female producer[/caption]
The Mail On Sunday claims Eamonn’s chair knocked into the producer after she told the employee pushing him that he could not return to the set.
Eamonn, 65, is said to have taken a toilet break but that the cameras for his breakfast show were rolling when he came back.
A source told the publication there were “frustrations” during the conversation between the producer and the person pushing Eamonn, but that Eamonn did not do anything wrong.
“[Eamonn] is really struggling to move around these days so, as part of the care that GB News are giving him, he will need to be wheeled to the loo if he needs to go during the programme,” the source said.
“Only this time there was some confusion over whether or not he could go back to his seat as the cameras were going and the show was being aired live.”
The source added: “There were frustrations over it from some involved and the next thing the woman gets hit and she got a bruise on her leg.”
The Mail On Sunday reports that GB News’ HR department is “looking into the incident”.
The Sun has contacted Eamonn’s rep and GB News for comment.
Eamonn, who announced his split with his telly star wife Ruth Langsford in 2024, has been battling a chronic health condition for four years.
The former This Morning presenter is now confined to a wheelchair due to intense back pain.
A further spine and neck procedure in 2023 also did little to alleviate Eamonn’s pain.
Last month, Eamonn suffered another nasty injury when he fell off his chair live on his GB News breakfast show.
Ruth and Eamonn's relationship timeline
Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style.
Here’s how their romance played out…
1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.
1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”
2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family.
2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle.
2006 – The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together.
2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand.
June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.
2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles.
June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits “compromise, consideration and lots of conjugal,” while Ruth said it was “laughter and an equal marriage”.
November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’.
December 2021 – After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning.
January 2022 – Eamonn debuted on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women.
September 2022 – Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve.
November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation.
September 2023 – Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery.
May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship.
September 2024 – Eamonn was spotted on a luxury holiday in Barcelona with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth calls in a ‘fierce’ divorce lawyer.
Incredibly, Eamonn – who is now in a relationship with marriage counsellor Katie Alexander – managed to carry on with the rest of the programme and was described as a “trooper” by his concerned colleagues.
At the end of the show, he told viewers: “The chair gave way and I was lying flat on my back with my head hanging off the set.
“The first hour or so I was OK because the adrenaline kicked in, but then as the morning went on I felt the aches and pains.
“The worst thing is that two weeks ago I was hospitalised for a similar fall in the same area, back of my neck, head and shoulders and that’s all come back.”
He added: “We’re going to have to replace the chairs because I’m not the only one to have fallen.”
SplashEamonn was able to walk with an aid until recently[/caption]
InstagramPictured with girlfriend Katie, he is now confirmed to a wheelchair[/caption]
Louis WoodEamonn has vowed to walk again one day[/caption]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Brit rising star becomes unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as race to be new 007 heats up
A BRITISH rising star has become an unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as the race to be the new 007 heats up.
Speculation over who will replaceDaniel Craiginthe iconic rolehas been heating up, and fans all have their own theories.
AlamyA British rising star has become an unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as the race to be the new 007 heats up[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialAaron Pierre is emerging as a front runner for the iconic Bond role[/caption]
YouTubeThe star is best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad and Rebel Ridge[/caption]
British actor Aaron Pierre, 31, is now emerging as a frontrunner for the iconic role.
And industry insiders and bookmakers are taking serious notice of the new contender.
Following a leak by industry insider Daniel Ritchman, it has been revealed Aaron is in talks for the role reported GBNews.
Aaron is best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney’s upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King.
And rising betting odds are putting the young actor firmly in the frame for the coveted spot.
Bookmakers now have Aaron gaining ground, as his odds narrow to place him alongside all the familiar contenders.
Currently, Theo James leads the pack with odds of 5/2 followed by Henry Cavill at 3/1 and Jack Lowden at 4/1.
Barbara, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal.
Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant – owned by Jeff Bezos – will turn Bond “woke”.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”
GettyAaron Taylor-Johnson is thought to already have agreed to the Bond role[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialHenry Cavill is firmly still in the running to play James Bond[/caption]
Instagram / real_argJames Argent parties with his Towie pals at Tommy and Georgia’s Majorca wedding[/caption]
Instagram / real_argJames posing with his pal Dan Edgar[/caption]
SplashNcoline Artursson recently broke her silence on James’ attack on her[/caption]
But TowiealumJames, 37, seemed unbothered as he posted happy snaps from his pals lavish ceremony, showing him loving life.
They first tied the knot in 2023 in an understated ceremony, but finally got to have their “dream wedding.”
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Men who are being abused can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKindon0182 3334 244
Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galopon0800 999 5428
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
“Our Dream wedding finally happened,” they posted to Instagram alongside two photos from their outdoor ceremony.
“Best day of our lives. Surrounded by so much love. Can not wait to get all of our pictures & videos back to show you how incredible it was & you’ll be able to watch it all.”
Georgia looked stunning in an embellished white gown complete with a thigh-high split and which she paired with a strappy pair of silver stilletos.
Tommy opted for a sand coloured suit and open white shirt for his big days.
They married at an opulent Spanish villa and said ‘I do’ under a canopy of red flowers.
The couple’s two children, Brody, four, and Gigi, seven months were in attendance as were plenty of their Towie friends.
Some of the other reality stars to be at their nuptials included, Chloe Ross, Sam Mucklow and Danielle Armstrong.
Instagram / real_argJames posing with Tommy and Georgia at their Majorca wedding[/caption]
Instagram / real_argJames shared a post of him with his pal Chloe Lewis[/caption]
Click News and MediaNicoline explained in a statement that “Violence has no excuse – no matter how much love preceded it”[/caption]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Hobbit star Martin Freeman browses diamonds rings with actress partner Rachel Benaissa at London jewellers
SHERLOCK star Martin Freeman looks as if he is shopping for his precious at a jewellers.
The actor, 53, seemed particularly taken with a £4,500 aquamarine and diamond ring.
ErotemeMartin Freeman, pictured with girlfriend Rachel Benaissa, seemed particularly taken with a ring[/caption]
ErotemeMartin looks as if he is shopping for his precious at the store[/caption]
GettyMartin, 53, has been with actress Rachel Benaissa, 30, for five years[/caption]
ErotemeMartin seemed particularly taken with this £4,500 aquamarine and diamond ring[/caption]
A local who saw him outside the Hampstead, North London shop said: “Martin looked intent on a particular show stopping ring in the front and centre of the window display.
“He even fetched the shop assistant so he could point out which one wanted to look at.
“He was wearing a cap so he could go incognito.”
Martin, who has two children with ex partner Amanda Abbington, recently opened up about his relationship with Rachel.
He said: “ I talk to her about a lot of stuff because she’s kind of my best friend and my confidante.”
He also made a kinky admission on a recent podcast, revealing: “She’s a massive cheese and wine whore.
“She says that about herself, ‘I’m a cheese and wine whore.’ It’s not all she is, but we like cooking.”
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on I explored the tiny European country with underground cities and little-known islands
REACHING for my umpteenth honey and date fritter, I joked that I would have to use the hotel gym after our incredible meal.
But my host clutched her pearls and gasped: “No, no. You have to forget about the gym in Malta, my love.”
GettyThe colourful, quaint cafes in Valetta’s old town in Malta[/caption]
GettyThe Azure Window on the Maltese island of Gozo[/caption]
Malta derives its name from the Greek word meaning ‘place of honey’ — fitting, for somewhere I was quickly realising might be Europe’s most underrated culinary utopia.
And with underground cities, little-known islands and mysterious temples, I would soon discover this wasn’t the only surprise Malta had in store.
As the sun set over Ta’ Cicivetta farm, we were prepared a feast of traditional dishes, all using ingredients sourced from the garden we stood in.
This tiny Mediterranean country is smaller than the Isle of Wight, which goes some way in explaining why its food goes under many people’s radars; the limited land area means Maltese produce is barely exported, so you have to try it at source.
In one dinner, we could taste the different cultures that have called Malta home over the centuries — Italian in the ricotta parcels and focaccia, Arabian in the date-based sweets and bigilla (a hummus-like dip made from beans), Spanish in the bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled in olive oil.
Equally intriguing, however, was how easy it is to come across a full English on this faraway archipelago.
The British stopped ruling Malta in 1964, but they left behind a love for this breakfast along with other cultural footprints such as UK plugs, driving on the left and speaking English (an official language here alongside Maltese).
I got used to the unexpected sight of red telephone boxes on the streets of cities like Mdina, an ancient fortress which otherwise looked like something out of Game Of Thrones.
Mdina’s winding lanes and picturesque plazas were actually used as King’s Landing in the HBO series, and our guide, Audrey, would occasionally hold up a scene on her phone to prove it.
But Malta has seen real battles that make Starks vs Lannisters look like a tea party.
The country was heavily bombed during the Second World War, forcing people to seek refuge in tunnels under the capital, Valletta, built 400 years earlier by knights defending the city against the Ottomans.
We had already been given an introduction to Malta’s fascinating past at Odyssey — an immersive history experience complete with special effects and rides — now, prepped with head-torches and hard hats, we explored this amazing subterranean network on a tour with Heritage Malta.
Visitors walking Valletta’s grand streets and enjoying €4 Aperol spritzes in its squares seemed to have no idea what lay beneath their feet — understandable, as the city’s ground-level attractions are impressive enough.
These include the 16th-century cathedral (home to one of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings, The Beheading of St John the Baptist), the Upper Barrakka Gardens with sweeping views over the harbour, and the stunning Grandmaster’s Palace, all within walking distance of each other.
In fact, pretty much all distances on this island are extremely manageable, especially from where we stayed in St. Julian’s.
It’s a great base for exploring Malta by car, and a stay at the Hyatt Regency there makes coming back after a day of activities almost as appealing as heading out.
HyattTuck into a feast of traditional dishes at the Hyatt[/caption]
NuriaThe Sun’s Nuria Cremer-Vazquez loved the island[/caption]
The luxury hotel has pristine sea-view rooms with balconies, as well as a heated rooftop pool, spa facilities and a gym (for anyone who does wish to burn off those honey and date fritters).
Its rooms are also triple-glazed so, despite St. Julian’s being Malta’s nightlife capital, we didn’t have to worry about our five-star sleep being disturbed by revellers.
Awe-inspiring
A short drive from the hotel is the port of Cirkewwa, the jumping-off point for visiting Malta’s sister islands, Gozo and Comino, and we were lucky enough to have Audrey — a proud Gozitan — showing us around her home isle.
Gozo is an unassuming patch of land with a smaller population than Dover, yet it is home to the awe-inspiring Ggantija temples — megalithic structures that are older than the pyramids.
Its vibrant capital, Victoria, is another must-visit, and on a clear day you can even see Sicily from the ramparts of the city.
There is plenty to do beyond sightseeing.
At Il-Wileg restaurant, you can try your hand at making the authentic Gozitan cheese, which is served all over Malta, under the watchful eye of a local chef — or you can take an idyllic tuk-tuk ride around the island.
We rounded off our day trip with a memorable dinner at L-Istorja, set inside the lavish Kempinski Hotel.
It serves the rich tapestry of Maltese cuisine with a gourmet twist but without the fine-dining cost — so you might as well order the gold-leaf-coated gnocchi and knock back a few Gozitan wines.
Gozo has much of what makes Malta so special — stunning citadels, mind-blowing food, budget-friendly prices, and glittering turquoise sea — though it has noticeably fewer tourists, giving it a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-track feel.
The ferry takes 25 minutes and costs less than €5, and you only pay on the return journey.
Technically, if you chose to stay, the journey would be free — and you could certainly be forgiven for never wanting to leave.
GO: MALTA & GOZO
GETTING THERE: easyJet has a new flight route from Southend to Malta and prices start at £27 one way.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Inside Dua Lipa’s ‘dream’ Wembley shows with five outfit changes, star fans and cover with 90s music megastar
DUA LIPA realised a life dream as she played to 70,000 adoring fans at Wembley Stadium.
Her Radical Optimism tour’s sell-out gig on Friday — followed by another one yesterday — came ten years after she first per-formed in the capital to just 350 people.
GettyDua Lipa realised a life dream as she played to 70,000 adoring fans at Wembley Stadium[/caption]
Her Radical Optimism tour’s sell-out gig on Friday came ten years after she first performed in the capital to just 350 peopleGettyGettyShe said: ‘Wembley, thank you. It is something I’ve dreamt of my whole life’[/caption]
GettyDua paraded in five different outfits during her set[/caption]
GettyDua also got Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay on stage to join her in singing the Nineties jazz-funk band’s hit Virtual Insanity[/caption]
InstagramDua shared a letter from the Spice Girls, who sent her flowers[/caption]
The singer said: “Wembley, thank you. It is something I’ve dreamt of my whole life, and all day I have been feeling so much love and gratitude to be here with you guys.
“It is just surreal. It feels like such a journey, but also like everything has happened so quickly. I want to thank you for believing in me and trusting me, dancing with me, singing with me — and allowing me to wake up every single morning to do what I love to do. Looking out and seeing all you guys means the absolute world to me.”
Dazzling in a white Valentino sheer lace catsuit, she added: “It has been ten years since our first London show and I just dreamt of a night like this.”
Dua paraded in five different outfits during her set — also including a petrol-blue Balenciaga slip dress draped in a faux-fur coat lined with the Union Jack flag and a silver custom Swarovski bodysuit with matching Christian Louboutin boots.
And it certainly seemed Queen Dua was reigning over North London — as billboards promoting her YSL plumping lip gloss were plastered on the famous Wembley Way.
Fans, many of whom got tickets through Priority from O2, queued at merch-andise stands with T-shirts priced £40.
She opened with hit track Training Season and thrilled the crowd with No1 singles New Rules, One Kiss and Dance The Night.
Her ballad Falling Forever cast a spell as fans lit up the stadium by holding their phone torches in the air.
Dua’s mum Anesa and sister Rina, as well as actor fiance Callum Turner and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley were all in the audience.
She even had support from the Spice Girls who sent her flowers.
And Dua shared a letter from the girls on Instagram.
The post read: “Dear Dua, we just wanted to wish you lots of luck with your sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium . . . that’s Girl Power! We love you! The Spice Girls. XXXX.”
She told fans: “This next song is a really, really big dream for me because I want to introduce someone who has inspired me from the moment I started making music.
“He is someone who has been a trailblazer for British music and paved the way.”
I imagine these Dua shows have inspired the next gener-ation of British music stars, too.
A FEW months ago, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock parted ways with label Warner Music and landed a new deal with Virgin – and she’s wasted no time getting started with new music.
The singer shot a video for upcoming single, Been A Minute, in Stoke Newington, East London, last week.
An insider tells me: “The song has a carnival vibe and Leigh-Anne is really excited about it.”
OASIS have spent weeks rehearsing in a secret location in London ahead of their reunion tour – and I can reveal that when the lads hit the stage they will be joined by an orchestra.
As well as Liam and Noel Gallagher, Bonehead, Gem Archer and Andy Bell, there will be musicians playing the cello, violins and woodwind for several of their hits.
PAOasis have spent weeks rehearsing in a secret location in London ahead of their reunion tour[/caption]
An insider said: “The live orchestra will add a cinematic element to their sound and elevate some of the harmonies. It won’t take away from the band, just boost the sound.”
I can also reveal that everyone around them has ditched booze and turned to clean living in a bid to spur on the brothers, inset below, as they prepare for their Live ’25 shows.
Cigarettes and alcohol have been binned in favour of non-alcoholic beers and meditation.
An insider tells me: “In these final few weeks before the tour kicks off, those around Liam and Noel have decided to focus on clean living.
“There are lots of positive vibes in the camp, a very meditative, focused mindset. Everyone around them is aware this is history in the making.
“Liam and Noel are the best of British, working class heroes, and they deserve this incredible moment.
“So those around them are determined to set positive examples and make sure everyone is giving 100 per cent. It’s pretty impressive to see how dedicated everyone is.”
Some Might Say they will be the gigs of the decade . . .
MEL C says she is super “pedantic” about pre-show rituals.
Mel said: “I get the mickey taken out of me because of how pedantic I am about my preparations. I will eat well, try and sleep well, hydration is key.”
She spoke as part of Volvic’s Force of Nature initiative, in partnership with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The Normal People actor and the singer have been relaxing with friends before she rocks up at Worthy Farm to play The Other Stage on Friday – where Paul is expected to be cheering her on.
Paul Mescal and girlfriend Gracie Adams in the parkSuppliedMegaGracie will play The Other Stage on Friday[/caption]
One park-goer at Highbury Fields in North London said of the pair: “Paul and Gracie have been making the most of the warm weather by hanging out with friends in the park.
“Paul was boun-ding around and is clearly loving the long summer evenings.”
The couple were first linked a year ago when snapped on a dinner date at London celebrity hang-out the BRAT Restaurant – and they seem to be going strong.
Our source added: “They looked super loved-up and Paul couldn’t resist taking a picture of the sunset on his phone to capture the moment.”
DUFFY TO RETURN
DUFFY is secretly working on her long-awaited third album just months after she thrilled fans by appearing in a TikTok video.
I can reveal that the Welsh singer, who posted herself lip-syncing to a remix of her hit Mercy back in March, has been in the studio working with ex-Suede musician Bernard Butler, who was a producer on her debut 2008 album.
GettyDuffy is secretly working on her long-awaited third album just months after she thrilled fans by appearing in a TikTok video[/caption]
Duffy, whose first name is Aimée Anne, disappeared from the spotlight in 2011 after being kidnapped and raped and told her harrowing story in 2020.
A source said: “The time is right for her to make a comeback, she has done enough healing and is ready to make music.
“She has a great working relationship with Bernard and they trust each other.”
In 2020, Duffy revealed in a social media post: “ I am OK and safe now, I was raped and drugged and held captive over some days. Of course I survived.
“The recovery took time. But I can tell you, in the last decade the thousands and thousands of days I committed to wanting to feel the sunshine in my heart again, the sun does now shine.”
STRICTLY star Carlos Gu says he would love to perform with chat king Graham Norton.
The pro dancer, who has previously been paired with EastEnders’ Molly Rainford, said at the British LGBT Awards: “I want to show two men can dance sexily and beautifully. I would love to dance with Graham. He would be great.”
GettyCarlos Gu says he would love to perform with chat king Graham Norton[/caption]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Tensions in Middle East ramp up as B-2 stealth bombers leave US for possible strike on Iranian targets
TENSIONS in the Middle East ramped up further yesterday as B-2 stealth bombers left the US for a possible strike on Iran.
US president Donald Trump is believed to have signed off on a hit on the rogue state’s underground atomic plant at Fordow.
AlamyMiddle East tensions rise as B-2 stealth bombers left the US for a possible strike on Iran[/caption]
GettyMissiles fired from Iran in retaliation for Israeli attacks[/caption]
Trump, who said on Thursday he would decide whether to join the offensive “within two weeks”, yesterday gave Israel free rein to continue attacking its enemy Iran.
Meanwhile, B-2 bombers took off from the US and were thought to be heading to the Andersen Air Force Base on the Pacific island of Guam.
The powerful B-2 Spirit is the only aircraft capable of delivering the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs needed to smash Iran’s atomic site at Fordow, south of Tehran.
Waves of attacks would be needed to destroy the plant, which is encased in steel under a mountain.
Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is also said to be sheltering in a bunker as Israel targets military leaders and nuclear facilities in his country.
US officials last night said no orders had yet been given to move the B-2s beyond Guam.
But it ramped up more pressure on Khamenei to cut a deal — with Trump demanding Iran scrap its nuclear and ballistic missile plans.
Meanwhile, a suspected spy linked to Iran was arrested amid fears he was spearheading a massive attack on UK forces in Cyprus.
Sources said he was posing as a British tourist when he was detained near the RAF’s Akrotiri base with a large camera with telephoto lenses.
He was also found to have three mobile phones when armed officers swooped on Friday.
Police sources confirmed yesterday he was being held on suspicion of terror-related offences and espionage.
He is suspected to have links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Police swooped on him in the Zakaki suburb of Limassol.
He has been in the country since April and is feared to have been mapping troops and jets.
The Foreign Office confirmed he was a British national who is understood to be of Azerbaijani descent.
ReutersThe apparent remains of a ballistic missile lying on the ground in northern Israel[/caption]
Akrotiri — where hundreds of British pilots, troops and back-up staff are based — is just 200 miles from Israel and well within range of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal.
Britain and the US have been warned by Khamenei that their bases will be hit if their forces join Israel.
The suspect appeared before the Limassol District Court on Friday and was remanded in custody for eight days pending inquiries.
Cypriot sources said he was understood to have had the sprawling UK airbase “under surveillance” and also watched Cyprus’s own Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar yesterday also claimed Iran tried to carry out an attack on Israeli citizens in Cyprus.
Extra £3k in Persian MI5 jobs
By Dominik Lemanski
SPYMASTERS are offering £3,000 bonuses to recruit Persian speakers to tackle Iranian terror.
Persian Language Specialists at MI5 and MI6 will support investigations to block Tehran-backed assassins and kidnappers.
Recruits will be paid up to £44,818 with £3,000 a year extra on qualification.
An advert, which is also hiring for GCHQ, reads: “We’re looking for Persian linguists for a role that goes well beyond translation and transcription.
“You will be a significant asset in helping to safeguard the UK.”
In April last year, Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati, 37, was stabbed in South West London, in an attack believed to have been ordered by Tehran.
It was not known if it was linked to the Brit’s arrest.
Cyprus has become a transit point for stranded travellers since Israeli airspace was shut at the start of Operation Rising Lion nine days ago.
Britain has upped the number of RAF Typhoons at Akrotiri and sent extra Voyager air-to-air refuellers.
British and US warjets have previously helped shoot down Iranian missiles fired at Israel.
But Sir Keir Starmer’s government has so far kept the RAF out of the war amid fears of further escalation.
Israel Defence Forces’ biggest scalp yesterday was terror kingpin Saeed Izadi — the financial mastermind of the October 7 attacks which detonated the Middle East crisis.
Izadi, head of the Palestinian Division of Iran’s Quds Force, was killed in a strike on a “safe house” in the Iranian city of Qom.
The Israeli military’s Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir said: “Izadi was one of the key figures involved in planning and executing the October 7 massacre. The blood of thousands of Israelis is on his hands.”
@IDFIsrael’s biggest scalp yesterday was terror kingpin Saeed Izadi[/caption]
The Israeli military later said it killed another commander of the Guards’ overseas arm, Benham Shariyari, in western Tehran.
He was said to be “responsible for weapons transfers from the Iranian regime to its proxies across the Middle East”.
An 11th nuclear scientist was also assassinated at a safe house located by Israeli intelligence.
Iran’s foreign minister said he will not negotiate while attacks continued.
But Trump hit back: “It’s very hard to make that request right now. Israel is doing well, in terms of war, and…Iran is doing less well.”
But he added: “We’re ready, willing and able and we’ve been speaking to Iran.”
Iran fired more missiles at Israel overnight which were intercepted amid reports of minimal damage.
Palestine marcher in ‘bottle hurl’ bust
By Eleanor Gunn
PRO-Palestine protester was arrested after a bottle was thrown at marchers supporting Israel in London yesterday.
His missile fell short but the suspect was chased down The Strand and detained, police said.
Thousands of pro- Palestine demonstrators chanted “Shame on you” as they passed a pro-Israel counter-protest on Waterloo Bridge.
Later, footage emerged seeming to show a protester in a keffiyeh scarf performing a Nazi salute.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed crowds.
He said politicians were seeking to “turn people who protest against the invasion of Iran or the occupation of Palestine into terrorists”.
Yesterday’s protests came as ministers draw up plans to ban group Palestine Action under anti-terror laws.
It came after two yobs from the group broke into RAF Brize Norton Oxfordshire on Friday and doused jets in paint
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