Blogs

THE UK’s longest motorway will grind to a halt today as a horde of bikers pay poignant tribute to the life of Hairy Biker Dave Myers.

Thousands of riders are expected to grab their helmets and head north to Cumbria to commemorate this year’s ‘Dave Day’ in honour of the late TV personality.

It marks the second consecutive year the memorial bike ride has taken place.

In 2024, an estimated 46,000 bikers arrived to celebrate Dave’s life following his tragic death on February 28 that year.

The bikers are expected to arrive in the county this afternoon where two days of events will begin in memory of the beloved chef.

National Highways is advising motorists to allow more time for their journeys and to plan ahead this weekend.

The motorcycle procession starts at the iconic Ace Cafe in London, with bikers joining at other rendezvous points including the Oxford Welcome Break Services at junction 8A on the M40, the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham and northbound M6 Moto Services at Knutsford between junctions 11 and 12.

National Highways Northwest Operations Manager Dee Murray said: “We are advising motorists to allow more time for their journeys with thousands more bikers than usual travelling across the motorway network this weekend.

“The M6 will be particularly busy, especially at junction 36 with the procession making its way along the A590 to Barrow, but also earlier at Knutsford Services, where motorcyclists travelling from the south will gather before completing their journeys north.

“We urge road users to take extra care with motorcyclists travelling in convoys. Safety advice can be found on our website under our TRIP and BikerTek campaigns.”

TRAGIC DEATH

Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers died on February 28, 2024 aged 66.

The beloved TV chef had battled cancer since 2022, bravely updating fans about his illness.

Dave found fame alongside Si King, his friend of 30 years, as part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo.

His co-star announced the tragic news in a statement, prompting a flurry of emotional tributes from celebrity friends and fans alike.

Posting on Twitter, Si said: “Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news.

“Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

“Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.

“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow.

“I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.

“I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”

LUCENA CITY — Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky assumed his post on Friday as the new chief of the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A), covering the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) region. The designation of Wanky came after outgoing Calabarzon director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas was appointed as acting Deputy Regional

THE alleged mastermind behind the murder of a man who was found naked and bound with duct tape sent vile texts to his ex-girlfriend before the killing, a court heard.

Thomas Campbell was ambushed on his doorstep in an attack allegedly orchestrated by his partner’s ex-boyfriend.

MEN Media

John Belfield denies murder and conspiracy to rob[/caption]

Enterprise

The victim’s glam ex Coleen was previously convicted for manslaughter after his death[/caption]

MEN Media

Thomas Campbell was killed on July 3, 2022[/caption]

His body was discovered by his neighbours the morning after three men “pounced” on him as he arrived home late on a Saturday night, a court heard.

Manchester Crown Court was told the 38-year-old was killed on July 3, 2022 after “very careful planning by a team of highly organised criminals”.

The alleged “mastermind” of the plot is John Belfield, 31, who is on trial and denies murder.

Thomas was dating Belfield’s ex-girlfriend and he was “hostile” about the relationship, the court heard.

The victim’s glam ex Coleen was previously convicted for manslaughter after his death, and she was jailed for 13 years in 2023.

The mum-of-four passed on information about her ex husband’s movements – including details she learned from her children.

Prosecutors argue Belfield was looking for “items of value” in Thomas’, Mossley home, in Greater Manchester.

Today Manchester Crown Court heard how Belfield sent messages to his ex-girlfriend Demi-Lee Driver after she started dating Thomas.

One text read: “You and that helmet will get domed.

“Shut your mouth you dog.”

In more he wrote: “There’s not a thing you or him will do so. I think you should get my draws out your house Monday.

“And I’m going to shag his baby mum now for the point of it, you money grabbing little dog.”

The jury heard Belfield give evidence in his defence today and he admitted to dealing drugs.

He told the court he was at his sister’s house the night of the killing.

GMP

Thomas Campbell had also been a dealer and Belfield admitted planning his steal his drugs[/caption]

Cavendish

Images of the crime scene in Greater Manchester[/caption]

Cavendish

Mum-of-four Coleen had passed on information about her ex husband’s movements[/caption]

Richard Wright KC, defending, asked Belfield if he understood that the prosecution were arguing he had “personal motivation” to attack Thomas because of his new relationship with Demi-Lee.

Mr Wright then asked: “Did you conspire with Coleen Campbell and others to target Mr Campbell as a victim for robbery in his own home?”

Belfield denied this and further denied that he was “motivated by jealously or anger” over Demi-Lee’s relationship with Thomas.

Belfield did admit he had planned to steal Thomas’ drugs, as he was also a dealer.

He denied knowledge of and planting a tracking device on Thomas’ van five days before the killing – but told the court he did surveil the house.

Belfield also denied bringing any torture items to the scene, which had been bought from a B&Q four days before the killing.

He agreed that he did flee the country after the murder but told the court: “I was scared his friend were going to attack me and kill me because of the rumours they had heard.”

Prosecutor Dr Philip Lumb told Manchester Crown Court earlier this week that Thomas was discovered in the hallway of his home, lying on his back after the savage attack.

“He was naked apart from a pair of socks,” he told the court.

Dr Lumb told the court Thomas’ ankles were “bound together tightly” with duct tape.

Injuries to the head and neck suggested a “sustained blunt sharp force physical assault”.

Dr Lumb argued that burns on Thomas’s body had been caused by a “hot liquid such as hot water”, MEN reported.

His arm was found with a “makeshift tourniquet” after an injury that would have bled a lot.

Dr Lumb concluded that Thomas’s cause of death included “multiple sharp force injures, blunt force head injuries” and “pressure to the neck”.

Jurors were told on Thursday of jokey messages sent to Belfield by his alleged “right-hand man” Reece Steven.

Steven, 29, was previously found guilty of Thomas’s murder with conspiracy to rob and he was sentenced to life in prison.

In a conversation about Thomas’ horror injuries, Steven wrote: “Tommy crumble. Dripping in tom juice everywhere.”

Belfield’s driver Stephen Cleworth, 38, was also convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob and was jailed for 12 years.

The identity of the third attacker remains a mystery.

Belfield denies murder and conspiracy to rob.

The trial continues.

GMP

Colleen was jailed for 13 years in 2023[/caption]

GMP

Reece Steven, 29, and Belfield’s driver Stephen Cleworth were both jailed for their role in Thomas’s death[/caption]

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of spying and plotting a terror attack against a British military base in Cyprus.

The suspect, from Azerbaijan, has been linked with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Getty

A man has been arrested in Cyprus for allegedly planning a terror attack on a British military base[/caption]

Getty

His arrest was made based on intelligence[/caption]

He was arrested following intelligence that he was planning an attack, according to Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros.

Officials believe he had been monitoring a British RAF military base in nearby Akrotiri.

He has been charge with terror-related offences and espionage, authorities said on Saturday.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

AN ‘extraordinary’ Royal Ascot row has broken out – after a jockey slated his own jockey over a ‘terrible’ ride.

French handler Jerome Reynier was absolutely furious with US-based jockey Flavien Prat’s effort on Facteur Cheval in Wednesday’s Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

AP

The six-year-old gelding, who has won almost £4million in his brilliant career, was sent off 25-1 for the 1m2f contest.

But his trainer believed those odds were nowhere near a true reflection of his ability.

And he clearly thought that the horse had a chance if Prat followed his instructions.

However, that all appeared to go out the window early when Facteur Cheval chased breakneck 100-1 pace-setter Continuous.

Facteur Cheval was later dropped back but unsurprisingly ran out of gas and finished a limp sixth of eight behind superstar winner Ombudsman.

Reynier, still seething when speaking to the media days later, hit out at Prat’s tactics – which, despite the disastrous effort, still netted the horse’s owners £14,000.

He said: “He (the horse) has come out of the race well, despite his jockey doing absolutely nothing to help him.

“I think it was perhaps the worst ride given to one of my horses since I became a trainer.

“In a race with loads of pace, he elected to lead the chase [of the pacemaker].

“He was the first to commit on the turn for home and launched his attack three wide with no cover and too far out.

“He thought he was at Santa Anita or Del Mar where they have short straights and the tracks are flat.

“And I don’t think it was a judicious move to use a jockey who rides in that style.

“It was just a terrible ride.”

French-bron Prat is one of America’s top jockeys and had amassed prize money earnings there of more than £11m this calendar year alone.

Over the course of his career in the States, Prat has recorded 1,995 wins and earned more than £150m in winnings.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

GARDAI are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager who was last seen on Monday. 

Jake Cunningham Burke, 16, was reported missing from Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

Garda Info

Cops said the teen is five foot with a slim build, black hair and green eyes.

It’s believed that Jake may have travelled to the Carlow area.

Gardai are appealing to anyone with any information on Jake’s whereabouts.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Jake Cunningham Burke who is reported missing in Mountmellick, Co. Laois since Friday, 16th June 2025.

“Jake is described as being approximately 5 foot in height, with a slim build, black hair and green eyes.

“He is believed to have travelled to the Carlow area.

“Anyone with any information on Jake’s whereabouts is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

Separately, an urgent search has been launched to find a missing schoolboy, 10, who disappeared nearly 24hours ago.

Police Scotland are appealing to find Haiden Crawford, who vanished in Edinburgh at around midday on Friday.

The youngster was last seen in the Glenalmond Place area and cops say he may have travelled in the city by bus.

Officers say “concerns are growing” for the 10-year-old schoolboy and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Haiden is described as being 4ft 10ins, of average build, with short orange coloured hair.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers are asking for the help of the public to trace a 10-year-old boy reported missing in Edinburgh.

“Haiden Crawford was last seen around midday on Friday, 20 June, in the Glenalmond Place area.

“He is described as around 4ft 10ins, of average build with short orange coloured hair.”

Inspector Quentin Russell added: “Concerns are growing for Haiden’s welfare and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well.

“He may have taken a bus and travelled around the city.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Haiden or knows where he might be to get in touch with us immediately.”

A MAN accused of killing an elderly couple at a nudist resort confessed to murdering them over a hot dog, a court heard.

Michael Royce Sparks, 62, is accused of beating to death Stephanie Mernard, 73, and her husband Daniel Menard, 79, with garden tools back in August.

Facebook/Dan Menard

Daniel and Stephanie Menard went missing from their home in a nudist resort[/caption]

AP

Michael Royce Sparks has allegedly confessed to killing the pair[/caption]

ABC 7

A SWAT team Thursday swarmed Sparks’ home and found the bodies in a bag[/caption]

The couple went missing from their home at RV park and nudist resort Olive Dell Ranch, Redlands, California.

Their remains were discovered by cops a week later stuffed in bags in a concrete bunker beneath Sparks’ home.

This week, a detective told court that Sparks had admitted to multiple people that he killed the couple.

He allegedly said the final straw was an argument over a hot dog.

Testifying, Redlands detective Thomas Williams said Sparks told another inmate that Daniel had given him a hot dog, which he interpreted as an insult.

The cop said: “He said Mr Sparks felt that the hot dog was a jab at him, making him feel like he was worth only a dollar hot dog, and that’s what set him off that day.”

Williams told the court Sparks had also confessed the crime to somebody outside the prison through texts and letters.

He allegedly wrote: “Chopped up my neighbors. Didn’t know I had it in me. SNAPPED.”

Sparks is accused of beating the couple to death with a rake, a hoe and a hammer.

He also allegedly admitted drown their dog, Cuddles, in a sink.

Another neighbor told KABC that there was a long history of tension between Sparks and the Menards – which all began over a trimmed tree.

The resident said the Menards pruned the tree after Sparks refused to – kicking off a bitter, years-long row.

The neighbor Tammie Wilkerson said: “I didn’t think he’d ever be able to do something like this.

“I know he didn’t like them, and he didn’t have a problem telling people that, but I never thought he’d do this.”

When a former co-worker reached out to Sparks during the investigation, he reportedly acknowledged he was the prime suspect and revealed he had planned to kill himself – but the gun jammed.

The initial search for the couple lasted five days.

At the time, cops said they searched Sparks’ house because a neighbor reported that he had confessed to killing the pair.

SWAT teams stormed his home and found him hiding beneath it in a bunker.

Police had used a hydraulic battering ram, K9 teams, drones, and a helicopter to look for the couple.

Facebook/@redlandspolicedepartment

ABC News

Sparks first fell out with the couple over the trimming of tree[/caption]

THE best second-hand caravans to buy for under £5,000 have been revealed – as Brit travellers look for UK getaways this summer.

Caravan specialists told The Sun the best brands to look for when RV hunting on a budget, as well as key tips for second-hand buyers across the UK.

Getty

Caravaning can be a great way to holiday on a budget[/caption]

Experts weighed in on which campers have the best value for money at the low £5,000 price point.

A handful of brands were mentioned by multiple sources, with each specialist detailing which caravans had the best quality at their estimated price.

Caravans For Sale told The Sun that shoppers should target “mid to late 2000s models“.

And they gave tips on what to look for before buying used caravans, including reports and battery checks.

Bailey Senator

The Bailey Senator is made by Bailey of Bristol, one of the UK’s most trusted and long-established caravan manufacturers.

Caravans For Sale spokesperson Linzi Oliver said it used to be in the “higher-spec range at the time [it was released]”.

Auto Trader

The Bailey Senator is made by Bailey of Bristol, one of the UK’s most trusted and long-established caravan manufacturers[/caption]

Once a flagship model, it is still known for its luxury touches, solid build quality, and spacious layouts.

She explained: “You’ll find older Series 5 or Arizona models just scraping under £5k if well-used, and they still offer great quality for long-term touring.”

Older models from 2001 can even be snatched up second hand for just over £2,500.

But they still boast decent sized rooms and extra premium features that aren’t found in entry-level campers.

The line was discontinued in 2010, but lives on as a top choice for used caravan buyers in 2025.

Elddis Odyssey

The Elddis Odyssey is a well-built, mid-to-high-range touring caravan made by Elddis, a trusted British brand based in County Durham.

Auto Trader

The Elddis Odyssey is a well-built, mid-to-high-range touring caravan[/caption]

The Odyssey range was a popular step up from Elddis’s entry-level caravans, offering more space and cosier interiors — without the sky-high prices of high-end models.

“This range has a strong reputation for being robust,” Oliver said.

“And with larger 4 berth options, they’re great for families.”

The expert added: “2005–2008 Odyssey models can often be found for £4,000–£5,000, usually in good condition with full service history.”

Though the line was discontinued in the early 2010s, it remains a favourite on the used market.

The Odyssey is ideal for summer staycations, festivals or long weekends on the coast.

Lunar Ariva

Oliver said: “The Ariva is celebrated for being lightweight, often around 970kg MTPLM, which makes it ideal for smaller tow vehicles.

“Older Arivas (2005–2009) are commonly available for £3,500–£4,800.”

Auto Trader

The two-birth caravan may be small, but it still has a well-equipped interior[/caption]

The two-birth caravan may be small, but it still has a well-equipped interior, including a kitchen, living area and a bathroom.

It’s a great choice for couples looking for an easy to handle caravan for short weekend trips away.

Swift Charisma

The Swift Charisma 565 is a great family-friendly caravan, with a 2003 model selling for between £4500 and £5000.

It features a washroom, a side kitchen and a dinette, with an L shaped lounge.

Auto Trader

The Swift Charisma 565 is a great family-friendly caravan[/caption]

“The seating is generally comfortable and the L shaped
lounge is a very sociable area and makes into a large double bed”, said caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson.

This layout is ideal for four or makes a great 3 berth, plus it comes with a mover and an awning – not a bad buy at all.”

This caravan is perfect for taking kids away to the beach on school holidays.

Compass Corona

The Compass Corona 505 is a five-berth caravan with 2003 models of the vehicle selling for around £4,750.

It’s a lightweight family model with two double dinettes, giving it a spacious feel.

Auto Trader

The Compass Corona 505 is a five-berth caravan with 2003 models of the vehicle selling for around £4,750[/caption]

“The caravan has a large front layout, side kitchen with a wardrobe and a washroom opposite with a dinette at the rear which comes with a bunk bed too.

“This layout is ideal for families and with a spec that includes an oven ,heating, a fridge and a shower it’s a great buy and it’s also relatively light in weight too.

“This is ideal for a family of first timers.”

<!– weed.th | 524: A timeout occurred A timeout occurred Error code 524 Visit cloudflare.com for more information. 2025-06-21 09:40:37 UTC You Browser Working Singapore Cloudflare Working weed.th Host Error What happened? The origin web server timed out responding to this request. What can I do? If you’re a visitor of this website: Please try again in a few minutes. If you’re the owner of this website: The connection to the origin web server was made, but the origin web server timed out before responding. The likely cause is an overloaded background task, database or application, stressing the resources on your web server. To resolve, please work with your hosting provider or web development team to free up resources for your database or overloaded application. Additional troubleshooting information here. Cloudflare Ray ID: 95328935256a9c33 • Your IP: Click to reveal 35.240.219.62 • Performance & security by Cloudflare

LEGENDARY actor Jack Betts, known for his roles in Friends and Spider-Man, has died aged 96.

The Hollywood star died in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, California, on Thursday.

Getty

Actress Doris Roberts and Jack Betts arrive at the party celebrating the 200th Episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond”[/caption]

Betts befriended Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts and shared a home with her.

Born in Miami, Florida, in 1929, the legend first began his career on Broadway, in an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard III.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun