A murder investigation was launched after officers found the woman's remains in the walled garden at Stanley Park, having been called by a member of the public on Friday at around 5.25pm. In an update on Monday police said they had not been able to identify the woman as they appealed for more information. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said the body in the bin bag is believed to have been there for a number of weeks, despite the park's prominent location between Liverpool's Anfield Stadium and Everton's Goodison Park. The woman was described as white, aged in her 70s, about 5ft 2in tall, and of small build with strawberry-blonde hair, and was wearing a "distinctive" pink Nike T-shirt when she was found. DS Wilson said a post-mortem examination had taken place but detectives are withholding the results "for investigative reasons". She said checks of missing persons reports have not resulted in identification and appealed for people to consider if they may have neighbours, family members or friends who live in the area who have gone missing. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ryan said: "This is a shocking crime. And so if anyone recognises the description of this woman or you have any concerns whatsoever about someone you may know and have not seen or heard from recently, please tell us as a matter of urgency." He said the park is a "busy and popular green space, especially in the recent summer weeks". "It is visited by dog walkers and families, as well as people walking, playing and exercising," he said. "It is quite possible that one or more of those visitors may have seen something suspicious recently, and not reported it at the time. "If you didn't speak with us, then please do come forward now. "With hindsight, what you saw, heard or captured on devices may carry more significance than you realised at the time. "We are particularly interested in speaking to those who have been in the area of the walled gardens in Stanley Park in recent weeks."

The country music star was reportedly buried alongside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park And Mausoleum in Tennessee. The Jolene and 9 To 5 singer died aged 80 last week following a "brief battle with cancer". In a post about the funeral on Instagram Parton's great-niece, Lainey Parton, said: "This is a really hard post for me to make. I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words. "From the time I was little, my granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn't do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself. "Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can't think of one with her. "Because she couldn't have kids of her own, she always made us feel like we were hers. She loved us that way, and I'll forever be grateful for that." Read more:From rags to rhinestones - farewell to the Queen of Country She went on to speak about appearing on Parton's album Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith And Fables, saying it is a memory she will "always hold on to". She added: "She had a way of making me feel like nothing bad could happen. She made me feel safe, confident, and like I belonged right there beside her. "As I got older, she continued to believe in me. When I told her I wanted to go to beauty school, she never questioned why I wasn't going to college. She told me she couldn't see me doing anything else. She financially supported me through school and helped me get my career started. "She didn't just tell me to chase my dreams, she helped me get there. "I'm so thankful I said yes to the opportunities and memories I got to share with her as my Aunt Dolly, including being in a movie with her. I'm so glad I have those moments to look back on now. I have things I can watch, hear, and hold on to when I miss her." Lainey added that it "still doesn't feel real that she's gone", and said she would "miss her voice, her laugh, her hugs, and just knowing she was there", adding: "I'd give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again." She thanked fans for showing their support by sending messages and flowers. It comes after an airport in Nashville, Tennessee, proposed changing its name in honour of the singer. Since her death, Parton's music has re-entered the UK charts, including Jolene, which featured at number nine on Friday.

The former foreign secretary and Braintree MP said the capital needed "a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future". Sir James - who has served as shadow housing secretary since July 2025 - revealed on Saturday that he had told Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of his decision to stand down. Writing for The Sunday Times, he said: "We need a credible big hitter putting themselves forward for Mayor of London." Politics latest: Burnham to abstain on assisted dying The former minister said he had stepped down to "concentrate fully on winning this race". He added: "I have told Kemi Badenoch that I will leave the shadow cabinet. Serving there has been a privilege, and I know there will continue to be strong voices around that table. "But to run the most effective campaign possible, I must be free to speak about every aspect of London's future and concentrate fully on winning this race." In a post on X, he said: "London needs more than an administrator. It needs a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future. "That's why I'm running to be the Conservative Candidate for London Mayor." Sadiq Khan has served as mayor of London since 2016 and is yet to confirm whether he will run for a fourth term. The next mayoral election is scheduled to be held in on 4 May 2028.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who captained his country to the World Cup in 2022, showed his enduring quality as he again led them to the final of the World Cup this summer. But 21 years on from his first appearance he has called time on his international career, leaving a record-breaking legacy of 125 goals from 207 games. No Argentine has played or scored more for their country. He retires having won every possible competition in international football, after twice winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, lifting the World Cup in Qatar and captaining Argentina to victory in the inaugural Finalissima in 2022. Messi had hinted at his impending retirement during an emotional post on social media following the death of his father, Jorge earlier in August. He has now confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram, which he said he had originally written on July 21 - two days after the final - which he said "hurt deeply", but having been left with "nothing left to give" he added of his decision: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before." Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in their second consecutive World Cup final on July 19, with Ferran Torres' goal in extra time clinching La Roja's second title. It was expected to be Messi's final appearance at the tournament, given he will turn 43 during the next tournament in 2030. Messi's father Jorge passed away within weeks of the tournament ending in his hometown of Rosario following a long illness. He had previously acted as his son's agent. He said of the final, which his father was unable to attend: "I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one. I couldn't, my legs had nothing left. This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn't. I never managed to feel right. "I am going to miss you a lot, but you will always be present, and especially in the education of my children, because I teach them and educate them as you did with me. "Rest in peace and take care of us from above like you did here. Thanks for everything. I love you, dad." 'I have nothing left to give': Messi's statement in full "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team... "It was a decision that hurt-and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all-not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here. "Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad - especially the bad). "Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey-so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I've shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. "I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you-alongside my teammates-moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you! "Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. "Let's go, Argentina! "*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."

Posting on his Instagram account today, the World Cup winner said: "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team. "It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come." Messi recently raised "serious doubts" over his footballing future while paying tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, who died earlier this month. Messi posted the retirement message with a picture of a handwritten letter, with the text in the caption, where he added that he initially wrote his announcement two days after this year's World Cup final. "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever", he added. While Spain won the 2026 final, Messi cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever footballers by leading Argentina to victory against France in 2022. Making his first appearance for the senior men's national team in 2005, Messi is the all-time leading goalscorer for Argentina, with 125 to his name. He's also the most-capped player in the country's history, with 207 appearances, winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, as well as the Finalissima against Italy in 2022 along the way. Messi also previously retired from international football in 2016 after losing to Chile on penalties in that year's Copa America final, telling reporters at the time, "it's been four finals, and I was not able to win". He returned after widespread public calls inside the country for him to reverse his decision - including by Argentina legend Diego Maradona and then-Argentinian president Mauricio Macri. Read more from 2022: The rest of Messi's career will play out with satisfaction Responding to Messi's announcement, Argentina's men's national team said: "Eternal thanks, Leo. We will love you until the end of our days." In his post on Instagram on Monday, Messi added: "I swear to you that I always gave it my all - not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. "I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. "I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here. "Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad - especially the bad)." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

The executives, who asked not to be named, also noted that while casting the duchess might generate interest, it would also be "risky". Harry and Meghan landed in the UK this week - just days after announcing they would relocate to the country with their children Archie and Lilibet. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and went to live in California. The surprise announcement sparked speculation - and the duchess was said to have had talks about a role in season three of Guy Ritchie's Netflix hit, The Gentlemen. One producer who has worked with Netflix told us: "You don't uproot your family for one role in a show." They added: "There's no chance the reason they're coming back is TV roles like The Gentlemen." As for whether Meghan could join the cast of the show, they added: "I think the producers have said, 'There's a part for two episodes, let's look into that' - but then decided, 'reverse, reverse, the publicity is terrible'. "I doubt the producers or Netflix are enjoying this kind of attention." Another told us that if she was cast, "I don't think people would stop watching because she is in it. They have a fanbase already and there is the possibility that Meghan could add some audience." The insiders agree the duchess would "attract publicity", which could generate "higher ratings" for shows. But casting her would come with its own set of problems, too, the industry insiders have told us. "You need actors who inhabit roles and are believable. How do you get over the fact she's a duchess?" said one. "I don't think Meghan would get a project greenlit just with her attached because, despite her being quite famous, it's quite an unknown, and she is divisive." Since the Sussexes left their lives as full-time working royals, their popularity in the UK has plummeted. Read more from Sky News:Four men plead guilty to Golders Green ambulance arson attackTeenager has dissolvable heart implant fitted in UK first There are practical issues too. "Imagine the security we would need on set," said another TV insider. When she married Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan ended her acting career to focus on her charitable causes and royal duties. She rose to fame on the screen playing paralegal Rachel Zane in the show Suits for seven series. Together, Harry and Meghan signed multi-million-pound deals with Spotify for a podcast series and with Netflix for programmes including the duchess's lifestyle show With Love, Meghan. Their podcast deal ended, and Meghan's Netflix show was not renewed for a third season, but it's reported that the Sussexes remain on a downgraded first-look deal with the streaming giant. 👉Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app👈 And the couple were executive producers on the documentary Cookie Queens, which was released in January. There is little precedent for women who marry into the Royal Family returning to their careers. When Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, married Prince Edward, she gave up her job working in PR. "It will be hard for Meghan to find the right roles. She's had success, and she's a good actress," another executive said. "But she's not Grace Kelly, who was a world-famous actress who became a princess."

A survey carried out by YouGov pollsters showed 50% favoured the measure. Only a minority (16%) of the 6,142 people surveyed on Wednesday opposed an embargo, while 34% did not know. While backing for a ban was strongest among Labour, Lib Dem and Green voters, the policy had cross-party support. The majority of surveyed Conservative and Reform voters said they "strongly support" a prohibition. About a third of the governing Labour party MPs (140) in June had signed a letter calling for an Israeli settlement trade ban. The government confirmed in July it was working towards a ban on imports and exports to illegal Israeli settlements. Both services and goods will be prohibited from flowing to and from the outposts, the trade minister at the time, Sir Chris Bryant, told MPs of the Business and Trade Committee. The policy will be announced in September, according to reporting in The Times and Middle East Eye. How would it work? Exactly how a ban is implemented is unclear but the current sanctions regime could be used, Sir Chris told the committee last month. Another difficulty arises from identifying where goods come from. "We all know perfectly well that it's very difficult to enforce [customs rules] because [Palestinian] territories and the settlement areas and, and the rest of Israel... goods travel in and out very easily, both heavy machinery and foodstuffs and so on," Sir Chris said. Also considered by the UK government, though ultimately rejected, was pausing its trade agreement with Israel. The Department for Business and Trade undertook an impact assessment on suspending the UK-Israel Trade Partnership Agreement, the 2019 post-Brexit continuity arrangement through which Israeli imports mostly enter the UK tariff-free. Attempts to access the impact assessment have been denied by the department, in part, on international relations grounds. "Disclosing the information would be likely to prejudice the UK's relationship with Israel," the department told Sky News. What are settlements? Israeli settlements, in areas like the West Bank, have long been opposed by the UK government, which believes them to be a breach of international law and a threat to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Settlements have rapidly expanded in recent years, with more planned by the Israeli government. Palestinians face increasing attacks and, in the past weeks, have had homes besieged. Creating settlements can involve confiscating land and displacing Palestinians, which is illegal under the Geneva Convention, as is the moving of Israeli civilians into territory Israel occupies. Israel disputes this, saying it cannot be classed as an occupying power, as no country owned the land before it took the territory in 1967, and it has not transferred its population to the territories; people move freely.

Barcola has agreed a five-year contract at Anfield. Liverpool will pay a guaranteed £106m for the winger, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £123m. "It's a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool. I'm very happy," the 23-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com. "It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Liverpool news & transfers🔴Liverpool fixtures & scores | FREE Liverpool highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 "I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League - it's one of my biggest dreams in my life. It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term - that's why I signed a long contract - and I hope I can do it." There had been a gap in valuation between the two clubs earlier in the summer, with PSG previously asking for around £145m for the France international, but Barcola has now become Andoni Iraola's third major signing of the summer after Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, with Jeremy Jacquet also arriving having been signed in January. Barcola becomes Liverpool's second most expensive signing of all time, following the £125m deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer. He has been a long-term target and only wanted to move to Anfield. In signing both Barcola and Munoz, Liverpool feel they have achieved their objective for the window of reinforcing in wide areas. They are unlikely to make any late additions unless there are outgoings. Manchester City have been in contact with Liverpool over a move for Cody Gakpo. Is Barcola really the right winger to replace Salah? Analysis from Sky Sports News' Callum Bishop: Liverpool appear to have made their decision that Bradley Barcola is their Mohamed Salah replacement. Even if they don't naturally play on the same flank, Barcola will surely be looked at as the man to bring Salah's level of productivity from wide areas. When you think of Salah in his pomp, you think of the goals he brought to the team by cutting in from the right flank. Perhaps there's an expectation for the Frenchman to provide similar returns. But is that really what Liverpool need from their wingers? Salah had his least productive season at Anfield last campaign. There are a number of factors behind why that is, but one of those was a change in his role thanks to the introduction of two number nines. When the middle man in the Liverpool attack was Roberto Firmino, it allowed Salah to be the person chances were created for as the Brazilian was far from a stereotypical goalscorer. However, when Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak arrived on Merseyside, Salah's modus operandi shifted. More of a provider, less of a finisher. His record of 10 assists wasn't terrible, but what's interesting is that he only provided one for Ekitike and none for Isak. Barcola is an incredibly talented player with major upside, but Ekitike and Isak may see his arrival as more of a hindrance in their desire to shine. One thing is for sure. Jamie Carragher isn't convinced that the France international is the answer Liverpool need. "He's a left winger for me," Carragher said. "They don't have anyone who looks comfortable playing on the right but they have four players in the squad before Barcola joins who can play off the left. "In terms of balance of the squad, it's not the position Liverpool need." Selected Liverpool transfers this summer In Jeremy Jacquet - Rennes, £60m Victor Munoz - Osasuna, £34.5m Ifeanyi Ndukwe - Austria Wien, undisclosed Ronald Araujo - Barcelona, loan Bradley Barcola - PSG, £123m Out Curtis Jones - Inter Milan, £30m Mohamed Salah - Trabzonspor, free Andy Robertson - Tottenham, free Ibrahima Konate - Real Madrid, free