free webpage hit counter

Blogs

Cops step up patrols after teenage girl allegedly sexually assaulted near school as ‘specialist’ team launch probe

AN investigation has been launched following the alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl near a school in Co Down.

The incident took place in the Samson’s Lane area, off the Ardglass Road in Downpatrick shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday.

No arrests have been made at this time and the PSNI has not released any details of a suspect.

Local District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said a specialist team of Detectives from the PSNI’s Rape Crime Unit are investigating the incident.

He said: “I want to reassure the community that a dedicated, skilled and specialist trained team of Detectives are working at pace to support the victim of this crime and to progress the investigation.”

The PSNI said it will be stepping up police patrols in the area.

In a statement, cops urged anyone who may have any information on the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Supt Haslett said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area yesterday morning, or who has any information that could help our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please bring it to us by calling 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25 or online.

“If you would prefer to provide your information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity, you can do so by calling 0800 555 111 or online.”

He added: “I want to further reassure the community that there will be a noticeable increase in police patrols in the area in the coming days and weeks.”

A stock picture of a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) logo badge in Derry City in Northern Ireland. ... Police Stock ... 20-01-2019 ... Londonderry ... UK ... Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire. Unique Reference No. 40731681 ... Picture date: Sunday January 20, 2019. See PA story POLICE Stock. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The PSNI is investigating the incident
Niall Carson/PA Wire

Read More »

Irish Rail delays after ’emergency’ on board train as services terminated amid warnings over M50 delays due to crash

IRISH Rail passengers faced delays this morning after a person fell ill on board as emergency services rushed to the scene.

The Drogheda to Dun Laoghaire service was impacted by the medical emergency this morning.

Traffic jam on motorway due to overturned car.
The M50 has been experiencing congestion due to an incident
Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin
Irish Rail Class 22000 train at Connolly Station, Dublin.
Irish Rail services have been suffering due to a medical emergency and a railway issue
Alamy

The 7:55am service was held at Howth Junction as an ambulance made its way to the scene.

Posting an update on social media, Irish Rail said: “The 07:55 Drogheda/Dun Laoghaire service is being held at Howth Junction awaiting the arrival of emergency services to assist with an ill passenger.”

Irish Rail confirmed that the emergency services have arrived on site and the service has resumed operations, but remains 24 minutes behind schedule.

And due to the unexpected delay, services through Howth Junction may experience delays due to the stoppage and a signalling issue.

As a result of the signalling issue, the 08:50 Connolly/Belfast service is currently stopped at the platform, affecting Northbound Northern commuter and DART services.

This is also affecting many popular services as they have been adjusted or terminated at specific stations.

The 07:55 Drogheda/Dun Laoghaire service will terminate in Pearse Station this morning, while the 08:15 Bray/Howth service will terminate in Harmonstown.

The Bray/Howth service will operate as the 09:30 Malahide/Greystones starting from Harmonstown.

The 08:45 Bray/Malahide service will also terminate in Connolly Station.

They reported that railway engineers are on site to repair the issue and prevent further complications to any services on the route.

M50 DELAYS

And for road users, there are disruptions on the M50 this morning.

The Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s traffic alert informs road users that there are currently delays on the M50 Northbound between J11 and J06.

It also impacts M50 Southbound between J05 and J13.

A collision was reported on the M7 between J05 – ATHGOE and J04 – RATHCOOLE, affecting the Aux Lane and Lane 1.

The collision was cleared 40 minutes after the incident was reported.

However, road users may experience some road congestion due to the morning rush, which may linger for a while.

They also reported that routes N3 S, M4E, M7E, and M11N are experiencing delays.

No delays have been reported for N40 – the national primary road in Cork.

Read More »

Pattaya takes to the streets in World Drug Day march

In a powerful show of unity, Pattaya took to the streets today to mark World Drug Day with a major anti-drug campaign march. Led by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon, the event along Pattaya Beach Road, in front of Central Pattaya Shopping Mall, attracted participants from all walks of life, united in the battle …

The story Pattaya takes to the streets in World Drug Day march as seen on Thaiger News.

Read More »

Leinster ace to captain Lions as Andy Farrell announces team to face Western Force with eight Irish inclusions

DAN Sheehan has been selected to captain the British & Irish Lions in the opening game of the Australia tour against Western Force in Perth.

Andy Farrell will be looking for a good response from his side following the disappointing performance against Argentina in Dublin.

20 June 2025; British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell before the Lions 1888 Cup match between the British & Irish Lions and Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The former England international was handed a shock loss in the Aviva last Friday
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Dan Sheehan looks on during the British & Irish Lions training session held at Hale School on June 25, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
This is a huge responsibility given to the 26-year-old on his Lions debut

The 2025 Lions team have already achieved an unwanted historical feat as the Lions have not lost an opening tour game since 1971.

Sheehan was absent in the Lions send off game in Dublin where Farrell’s side fell to a shock 28-24 loss to Argentina.

The Dublin native will be used to the weight of the captaincy having led Ireland in the Six Nations 27-18 win against Wales in Caelan Dorris’ absence.

The Irish hooker is one of five Leinster players set to make their Lions debut having been unavailable to play Argentina due to featuring in the URC final just six days previous.

Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and James Lowe are the other debutantes in the starting XV alongside Leinster teammate Tadhg Furlong who featured on the 2017 and 2021 tours.

Leinster prop Andrew Porter will be hoping to make his debut off the bench where he is joined by Scotland’s Huw Jones and England’s Will Stuart and Ollie Chessum hoping to achieve the same.

Ronan Kelleher who appeared off the bench for the Lions last week and Jack Conan who started the URC final make up the Irish contingent on the bench.

With this squad announcement, James Ryan and Jamison Gibson-Park are the only Irish players left in the travelling team who are yet to feature in a matchday squad.

Farrell has put out an experimental side as he makes 13 changes from last weeks starting team and five new names are added to the bench.

It is a difficult task to balance finding his best team to face Australia in the test matches and giving appropriate rest time to his players.

Munster man Tadhg Beirne is the only surviving forward from the Argentina clash as he keeps his starting place but has moved from his traditional second row spot to an open side flanker role.

The second row sees a complete makeover from the Argentina match with Joe McCarthy partnering Scott Cummings while Maro Itoje is dropped out of the squad completely.

Connacht winger Mack Hansen earns his first start for the Lions having made his debut off the bench in Dublin last week.

Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu is the only familiar face in the backs as he makes the switch from outside centre to replace Bundee Aki at inside centre where he will partner Ringrose.

British & Irish Lions team to place Western Force:

Forwards: 1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. Dan Sheehan (capt), 3. Tadhg Furlong; 4. Scott Cummings, 5. Joe McCarthy; 6. Tadhg Beirne, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Henry Pollock.

Backs: 15. Elliot Daly; 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Sione Tuipulotu, 11. James Lowe; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Tomos Williams.

Replacements: 16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Andrew Porter, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Ollie Chessum, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Huw Jones, 23. Marcus Smith.

Read More »

Baby boy dies after ‘medical emergency’ at house as woman, 37, arrested over ‘child neglect’

A 37-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect after the death of a baby boy.

Cops scrambled to the scene in Bartley Green, Birmingham, following reports of an infant having a medical emergency at around 4.30pm yesterday.

The tot was found on Culford Drive and was rushed to hospital.

But despite the best efforts of paramedics, the baby tragically passed away in hospital, West Midlands Police confirmed.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, said cops.

She remains in custody today for questioning with inquiries ongoing.

West Midlands cops urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the death.

A force spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a baby having a medical emergency at an address in Culford Drive, at around 4.30pm yesterday.

“The baby was taken to hospital, where he sadly died.

“A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect, and she remains in custody for questioning.

“We understand the concerns of the community of this incident, but we would ask the public not to speculate on the circumstances.”

Read More »

Argentina footballer, 18, tragically dies during knee surgery as club reveal ‘deep sadness’ and close for mourning

AN ARGENTINE footballer has died while undergoing knee surgery, it has been announced.

The tragic news about Camilo Nuin, who was 18 years old, was confirmed on Wednesday evening by his club, San Telmo.

Close-up of the Argentinian national football team's jersey emblem.
AFP
An Argentine footballer has died at the age of 18 during knee surgery[/caption]

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Read More »

Huge band ‘gives away’ secret set at Glastonbury with cryptic Insta post

GLASTONBURY fans are convinced a huge Aussie band have “given away” their secret Worthy Farm set with a cryptic comment.

Eagle-eyed followers of the electro-pop hitmakers, famed for tracks including Holiday, I Can’t Lose You and Does It Make You Feel Good, claim to have spotted a key clue.

Large crowd at Glastonbury Festival in front of the Pyramid Stage.
Getty
A huge band has ‘given away’ their secret Glastonbury set, claim fans[/caption]
Confidence Man performing live on stage.
The Aussie electro pop hitmakers have played at Worthy Farm twice before
Omg secret set?  Emojis of two eyes and a cartoon image of two women.
They raised speculation of a ‘secret set’ on social media

It comes after some Glastonbury Festival revellers were left disappointed by Wednesday’s opening ceremony – with the fireworks display said to be “dogged by sound issues.”

Yet now Confidence Man fans are insisting the Queensland-based group have a spot on the Somerset festival line-up.

They took to Reddit to ramp up the Glastonbury fever as one fan wrote: “Confidence man secret set.

“They have effectively confirmed on Instagram that they are doing one, but does anyone know when it may be?”

The fan then clarified: “They posted about “surprises” yesterday and then responded with this…” before posting a screen grab of another telling sign.

It saw one fan ask the band: “Omg secret set,” to which the band’s page replied with a wide-eyed Emoji.

Another mused: “Think they did Meat locker last year,” referring to the festival’s Meat Rack stage.

The band released their debut album, Confident Music For Confident People back in 2018.

GLASTO CREDENTIALS

Last year, the group performed on The Other Stage.

Singer Janet Planet told how they had aimed to beat the impressive nature of their 2022 set – so fans will be in for a treat if they perform for the third time in 2025.

She told NME of last year’s set and said: “It was high-pressure.

“We were just like, ‘How can we top something like that?’

“And the way you top something like that is that after that set you get a bunch more money and you spend all the money, and then you just learn how to learn how to do a whole bunch of flips.

“And that’s we did.”

GLASTO GOSS

Several mystery Glasto slots are still yet to be revealed.

A mysterious billboard has popped up near Castle Cary, the main train station for Glastonbury Festival.

Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far

TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far.

Confirmed headliners:

  • The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
  • Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return.
  • Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night.
  • On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot.
  • More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy.
  • Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night.
  • Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.

The large white banner features a cryptic message in red text which says: “I’ve had my share of Monday mornings when I can’t get up.”

One fan was quick to point out that the same sign appeared in Glasgow recently, fuelling rumours that Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi – who made a surprise return to the stage in May after a hiatus – may be planning a surprise return on one of Glastonbury’s stages.

The legendary festival has officially opened at Worthy Farm in Somerset, with headline performances scheduled from June 27 to June 29. 

This year’s headliners include The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Elsewhere on the bill are major acts like Charli XCX, Loyle Carner, Rod Stewart, The Prodigy, Doechii, and Raye.

Earlier this month, the full festival schedule was released — but fans noticed several TBA slots still in place.

On the 2025 Glastonbury schedule, the Saturday 6.15pm slot has a mysterious act called “Patchwork” pencilled in, and fans have been trying to work out what it means.

It follows a similar mystery in 2023 when Churn Ups were revealed to be the Foo Fighters.

Fans are convinced that Chappell Roan is “Patchwork” after she posted a telling clue on Instagram.

West Holts stage at Glastonbury Festival.
Getty
The Somerset shindig kicked off on Wednesday[/caption]
Confidence Man performing at Parklife Festival.
Alamy
Singer Janet Planet previously opened up about upping the stakes for the band’s 2024 Glasto set[/caption]
Fireworks display over the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival.
Getty
Fans were left divided about Wednesday’s Fireworks display[/caption]

Read More »

I jetted to Central America for a £10k facelift at 50, people can’t believe just how young I look now

A WOMAN has revealed that she got a cheap facelift after jetting to Central America.

Michelle Wood, who is 50, decided she needed to give her face an update and headed to Guatemala for the intense surgery and has now shared her final results, leaving everyone stunned.

Woman discussing her facelift in Guadalajara.
tiktok.com/@michellewood165
Michelle Wood jetted to Central America for a facelift[/caption]
Woman recovering from a facelift, responding to a comment about returning to the U.S.
tiktok.com/@michellewood165
People were floored by her transformation[/caption]

Michelle, a mum-of-two who is almost 51, decided to document her surgery journey on TikTok and revealed the huge list of tweaks she was having done.

She said: “I’ve decided to get a full facelift, forehead lift, upper bleph, lower bleph, and lip lift as well as a mini chin implant to help my profile.

“The forehead lift is really to address my uneven brows. You can see that.

“And then also because I’ve got a landing strip on my forehead where hair should be way back here.”

Michelle, added that while she would like to look more refreshed, she doesn’t want to wake up looking decades younger from the surgery.

“I did not want to look 20. I just want to look like I slept for 30 years,” she added.

“So I’ve lost 130 pounds twice in my life, and I think it’s just done a number on my skin, particularly my neck. I’m a single mum, two kids that are 17 and a half.

“I am choosing to do this for me. And everybody is fully supportive.”

Michelle came back to TikTok after the surgery showing off her new face and it left people open-mouthed.

In fact, people were so stunned by the transformation they asked how she could get back to America when she looked so different.

One wrote: “How are you going to get back to the US now since you have a face lift?”

Michelle revealed that she had the same concerns but was able to use her old passport to fly back.

“I actually did get back in the country was a concern for me as well, but my doctor wrote me a letter stating that I had had plastic surgery and had a facelift and that might change or alter my appearance,” she explained.

Michelle did offer some advice for those heading out of the country for face surgery.

She recommended turning face ID off on your phone before surgery, as otherwise you won’t be able to get in after you wake up.

What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?

IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.

It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.

Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.

No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.

If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.

Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.

Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.

Source: NHS

The mum said that the surgery had cost her $14,000 which converts to just over £10,000.

The clips have gone viral on her TikTok account @michellewood165 with over 9 million views.

People have been left stunned by just how much younger she looked.

One person wrote: “You’re going to need a new license!”

Another commented: “I’m sorry but this is giving uncanny valley and it’s freaking me out. No one else?!?!”

“SHE LOOKS LIKE A TEENAGER,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “This is so good you look 20 years younger.”

“girl this is CRAZY!! you look AMAZING OMG,” claimed a fifth

Read More »

Phuket’s tsunami drill to test readiness with 1,000 participants

In a massive push to strengthen Thailand’s disaster response, more than 1,000 people will take part in a major tsunami drill in Kamala tomorrow as part of the national disaster response exercise, C-MEX 25. The drill, aimed at enhancing readiness and coordination across six Andaman coastal provinces, is set to be the largest exercise of its …

The story Phuket’s tsunami drill to test readiness with 1,000 participants as seen on Thaiger News.

Read More »

Kerry GAA icon shares rumoured return of star from Australia in time for crunch clash with Armagh

MARC Ó Sé has floated the rumoured return of Jack Barry in time for Kerry’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Armagh.

The midfielder swapped Ireland for Australia in November 2023 and has not lined out for his county since.

12 April 2025; GAA+ analyst Marc Ó Sé at half-time during the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kildare and Westmeath at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, KiIdare. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Marc Ó Sé has heard rumblings of a Barry return
24 July 2022; Jack Barry of Kerry lifts the Sam Maguire Cup after his side's victory in the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kerry and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
He was a key cog in their All-Ireland winning campaign of 2022

Last summer the Kingdom were overrun in midfield in a semi-final clash with the Orchard – who went on to become All-Ireland champions.

Given Kerry’s injury outlook and that Armagh have had a week off, most people are tipping the latter to again triumph in Sunday’s meeting.

Writing in the Irish News, three-time All-Star Ó Sé didn’t sound too optimistic about his county’s chances. He also mentioned an eyebrow-raising rumour doing the rounds in Kerry.

The five-time All-Ireland winner wrote: “My head tells me Armagh v Kerry is going to take a similar course to last year.

“Kerry are really struggling in the middle of the field department minus the services of Barry Dan O’Sullivan, and Diarmuid O’Connor.

“They’re really struggling, and the word down in Kerry is that Jack Barry is back in the panel. He’s home from Australia.

“I’m not so sure if that’s true, but that’s the rumour down here.

“We’ve seen John Small for Dublin in from the wilderness, but it can take six, seven weeks to get up to speed.

“Not be be unfair on Mark O’Shea or Seán O’Brien, but if you said earlier this year that would be a starting pairing at midfield in knockout Championship people would have said you’re living in cuckoo land.”

Last weekend Jack O’Connor’s men dispatched of Cavan with ease in their preliminary quarter-final by 3-20 to 1-17.

Seánie O’Shea returned from a knee problem against the Breffni and fired 0-4, which was a huge boost.

The Kingdom may, however, be without midfielder Diarmuid O’Connor after he suffered a recurrence of a shoulder problem. Defender Mike Breen suffered a muscle issue before the game too.

Paul Geaney has a shoulder injury and was not risked in Killarney, while Barry Dan O’Sullivan’s campaign is over due to a torn ACL he suffered against Cork in the All-Ireland series.

Paudie Clifford is bound to still be a bit rusty too. His sparkling League form was interrupted by a muscle strain.

FAN APPEAL

Last year’s Croke Park encounter with Armagh also saw them outnumbered in terms of bums on seats.

So much so that after bagging his second hat-trick of this Championship campaign, David Clifford made a point of issuing a rallying cry during his Player of the Match interview.

He implored fans: “I’d like to call for our supporters to get behind us. I’m not sure they realise the impact they can have on us in Croke Park.

“When we hear that Kerry crowd behind you it’s worth five and six points to you in a game.”

He also added: “Often times, it’s easier to go to Croke Park, away from home, and express yourself and play without fear and abandon.

“That’s what we want. It’s a great footballer’s pitch, a huge pitch, there is space there and that is why you want to play football.

“I just felt there were times against Cavan when the pressure got to the lads a bit and they didn’t express themselves the way they could.” 

Read More »