Social media videos on Thursday appeared to show vehicles alight in Haswell, County Durham, where balloons were released in tribute to 23-year-old Michael Cahill. Footage showed a large crowd gathering on grassland while cars could also be seen skidding around the area. Later on Thursday, more videos shared online appeared to show burnt-out cars being moved from the field, 20 miles north of the crash site, by a tractor. Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Andy McDonald described the spate of violence in the Middlesbrough area as "terrorism". On Friday, remnants of fireworks, smoke canisters and balloons were scattered, with scorch marks visible on the ground. A section of a front bumper remained in place. It comes as more than 200 extra officers have been drafted in to help Cleveland Police after multiple violent incidents across Middlesbrough. A woman and a seven-year-old girl died in a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, on Wednesday - just one mile away from where two police officers and five young men were killed in the head-on car crash on the A66 in South Bank, early on Saturday. A vehicle also crashed into a wall outside a house in Steele Crescent, South Bank, in the early hours of Thursday morning, minutes away from the two other scenes. Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said in a post on social media that authorities are "working 20-hour days to ensure the ongoing safety of innocent residents". "Over 200 extra police officers from forces around the country are here and are en route, from detectives to armed response," he continued. "I will be sending a letter today to our prime minister asking for even more resource." Adding the police "really are doing an amazing job", he continued: "If it is any reassurance at all, jobs called in to the police are actually down this week, however, the seriousness of the ones that have been called in need serious and swift action." Referring to the house fire, Mr Brown said: "Everyone is heartbroken over the loss of the aunt and little girl in Grangetown yesterday. "People need to feel safe in their homes." Redcar MP Anna Turley said in a Facebook post: "I know how worried people are, and understandably people want to know what is being done. "There is a significant response under way, with additional officers and resources being brought into our area and agencies working together around the clock. "People have a right to feel safe in their homes and in their communities. That is our absolute priority." PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough died in the head-on collision with a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 on Saturday. Inquests into the deaths opened on Thursday morning. Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak were also killed in the collision. Police have arrested 17 people following the crash, as part of investigations into alleged organised crime. Two have been charged and the others have been bailed. Meanwhile, two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the house fire that killed Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece Valentina Foster, and injured four others.

Cullen, who gave voice to Eeyore and Optimus Prime in numerous TV shows and films, died surrounded by his family. The Canadian actor also voiced the titular character in the 1987 Predator movie. A family statement issued by his agent read: "Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. "His family asks that you honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember, be strong enough to be gentle." Cullen first voiced Optimus Prime in the 1980s TV show The Transformers and its spin-off film The Transformers: The Movie (1986). He reprised the role in 2007 in the first live action film of the series directed by Michael Bay. He went on to appear as the shapeshifting truck robot in Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Bumblebee (2018), and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), as well as numerous other TV projects. Read more from Sky News:Children who went missing from asylum hotels still unaccounted forRise in UK salmonella cases linked to imported eggs The actor also voiced Eeyore in series including the cartoon The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which ran from 1988 to 1991, The Book of Pooh and My Friends Tigger and Pooh, as well as films such as The Tigger Movie (2000), Piglet's Big Movie (2003) and Pooh's Heffalump Movie (2005). Alongside his more famous roles, the actor provided the voice of the title role in King Kong (1976) and King Kong Lives (1986), as well as voicing Grundle and Ahgg in My Little Pony: The Movie (1986). In 2023, he won the lifetime achievement award at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards.

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.

The Premier League champions will also face Borussia Dortmund and Napoli in their bid to finish in the top eight automatic places, having topped qualifying with a perfect record last term. Meanwhile, both Man City and Aston Villa will host holders PSG. The Villa Park fixture will be a repeat of the recent Super Cup, which PSG won 2-1 in Salzburg. Among Liverpool's fixtures is a trip to Inter Milan and another tie against Atletico Madrid, with Man Utd also scheduled to face Diego Simeone's side. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Latest on YOUR Premier League club!Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Stream Premier League games with no contract📺PL clubs' league phase opponents in full Arsenal: Real Madrid (H), Bayern Munich (A), Borussia Dortmund (H), Real Betis (A), Lille (H), Napoli (A), Sabah (H), Slavia Prague (A) Aston Villa: Barcelona (A), PSG (H), Borussia Dortmund (H), Club Brugge (A), Fenerbahce (H), Galatasaray (A), Viking (H), Slavia Prague (A) Liverpool: Inter Milan (A), Atletico Madrid (H), FC Porto (H), Club Brugge (A), Villarreal (H), Fenerbahce (A), Lens (H), Lask (A) Man City: PSG (H), Barcelona (A), Sporting CP (H), Porto (A), Napoli (H), RB Leipzig (A), AEK Athens (H), Lens (A) Man Utd: Atletico Madrid (A), Bayern Munich (H), Roma (H), Sporting CP (A), RB Leipzig (H), Villarreal (A), Sabah (H), Como (A) When do fixtures begin? The first round of games will be played September 8-10, with the first six rounds taking place through to December. The league phase resumes in January with the eighth and final round on Jan 27. The top eight teams in the final standings go direct to the round of 16 in March. Teams placed ninth-24th enter the knockout play-offs in February to decide the other eight teams in the round of 16. Teams placed 25th-36th are eliminated. Exact fixture dates, times and match schedule will be announced on Saturday. Four debutants in Champions League draw Four newcomers will debut in this Champions League edition. Como from Italy, coached by Cesc Fabregas, LASK of Austria, Viking from Norway, and Azerbaijani champions Sabah, who were only founded in 2017. Another first this season is an African coach leading a team into the main draw. Former Man City midfielder Yaya Toure guided Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava through their qualifying play-off on Wednesday. League phase dates in full Matchday 1: September 8-10Matchday 2: October 13-14Matchday 3: October 20-21Matchday 4: November 3-4Matchday 5: November 24-25Matchday 6: December 8-9Matchday 7: January 19-20Matchday 8: January 27 Knockout phase dates Knockout phase play-offs: February 16/17 and 23/24Round of 16: March 9/10 and 16/17 March 2027Quarter-finals: April 6/7 and 13/14Semi-finals: April 27/28 and May 4/5Final: 5 June 2027 - Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid

The palace confirmed the death of the monarch, who was a great-great-grandchild of Britain's Queen Victoria, on Friday. King Harald was Europe's oldest living monarch. He was taken to hospital on 17 August, where he was treated for a bacterial infection in his blood. "King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday 28 August, 06:35 (local time)," the royal palace said. Since assuming the throne in 1991, King Harald has slowly introduced modern touches that brought a ceremonial post, seen mainly as a ⁠symbol of national independence, into the 21st century. King Harald had suffered from ill health in recent years, but he had rejected suggestions he could abdicate saying the commitment "lasts for life". His death comes at a tumultuous time for Norway's royal family, which has been battered by multiple scandals in recent years. Following the monarch's death, Harald's son Crown Prince Haakon, 53, automatically became King of Norway, without a coronation. King Harald played a critical role in comforting Norway in times of mourning, including when a far-right, anti-Islam gunman killed 77 people in 2011. 'Long life of service' Tributes have flooded in for King Harald from around the world. King Charles has extended his "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to the Norwegian royal family following the death of his "dear cousin". Harald had strong links to the UK and a close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth. Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Store said: "A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude ​for a long life in the service of Norway. "For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to ​see the best in ourselves - and in one another." 'Symbol of independence' Norway's royal family was placed on the throne in 1905, when Norway gained independence from Sweden. His grandfather, Haakon VII, was born a Danish prince, but was elected as king of Norway. When Harald was born in 1937, he was the first royal heir to be born in Norway for almost 570 years. In more recent years, the family has come under intense scrutiny, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married to Harald's son Haakon, facing criticism over her friendship with ​the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her son Marius Hoiby, born from a previous relationship, was found guilty in ‌June of two out of four counts of rape and one count of domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison. Like other royal houses in Europe, the Norwegian monarchs serve a largely symbolic role, enjoying celebrity status while real power is wielded by the democratically elected parliament.

The global star of contemporary art was best known for her bold polka dot paintings, immersive "infinity room" installations and iconic red bob. She died on 14 August at a hospital in Tokyo, her studio said. No cause of death was given. Kusama was also well known for her pumpkins, which were a signature of her art from the 1940s onwards, and her infinity room mirrors. "She continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, and continued exploration of forever love and eternal soul," the studio's statement said. "We will carry forward Kusama's wishes and, through art, continue to bring hope and strength for the future to people around the world." Kusama's fixation with polka dots and repetitive motifs were inspired by hallucinations she said she had from childhood in Japan. She moved to New York to pursue art in 1957, where she became known for her anti-war performances in the late 1960s in which she adorned people's bodies with patterns. It was there that she befriended artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe and Joseph Cornell. Kusama was in and out of psychiatric institutions for decades, but she remained devoted to artwork that came to focus on her polka dot visions. "Polka dots are fabulous," Kusama said in a 2012 interview. "I want to create a thousand paintings, maybe two thousand paintings, as many as I can draw," she said in her childlike but matter-of-fact tone. "I will keep painting until I die." Read more from Sky News:From rags to rhinestones - farewell to Dolly PartonThe Rocky Horror Picture Show actor dies She signed on with fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton as well as other licensed products like teacups, T-shirts and key chains with her illustrations. In 2008, Christie's auctioned one of her early dot paintings for $5.8m (£4.27m). Kusama won the most prestigious award Japan gives its artists, the Order of Culture, in 2016.

The number of young care leavers dying has risen by around a quarter. In 2025, 112 care leavers aged 18 to 24 died. And the government's own review warns that the true number may be higher because councils simply lose contact with some young people after they leave care. Look beyond that headline figure, and the picture becomes even more troubling. Care leavers are estimated to be dying at three to four times the rate of other young people their age. More than a third of the deaths examined were believed to be suicides. Drug and alcohol misuse, homelessness, loneliness and serious mental health problems feature repeatedly. And one age stands out: 18. More care leavers died at 18 than at any other age examined by the review. This can be the moment the system around them changes dramatically. Take Joash McCullough. Joash was autistic and had ADHD. His parents had spent years trying to cope with increasingly complex behaviour and serious mental health crises. Eventually they made the agonising decision that he needed care they could no longer provide at home. At 14, he was moved around 200 miles away to a children's home. He would later move again. Then Joash turned 18 and entered the transition from children's services to the adult system. He died later that year on railway lines near to where he lived. An inquest has yet to fully examine the circumstances of his death, so no conclusions should be drawn about what happened to Joash. But his story helps explain why this government's findings matter. Read more from Nick Martin:Questions for council over deaths of teens Why experienced foster carers are quitting The problem is that very little in this review will come as a surprise to ministers. Even the review itself accepts that. Governments have known for years about the so-called "care cliff". They know there aren't enough foster carers. They know councils are spending huge sums placing children wherever they can find beds. They know the quality of children's homes and supported accommodation varies. And they know the transition between children's and adult mental health services can be brutally difficult. So identifying the problems is arguably the easy bit. Fixing them is much harder. Better children's homes require money and skilled staff. More foster placements require a serious recruitment and retention effort, something the government says it is trying to do. Better mental health provision requires capacity on both sides of the 18th birthday. The political question now is: what is government actually going to do differently? The age of 18 is now accepted to be a perilous point for young people in care. They are most at risk. Acknowledging the "care cliff" is no longer enough. The challenge for ministers is working out how to stop young people from falling off it. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

The league phase draws for both competitions were made on Friday, with Europa League clubs set to play eight matches while Conference League sides will play six, an equal number home and away, between September 2026 and January 2027. Sunderland reached Europe for the first time in 53 years and will travel to the San Siro to face AC Milan, while Bournemouth, in their first-ever European competition, will host the Italian club. Celtic will host Marseille and travel to Marco Silva's Benfica among their eight Europa League matches, while Crystal Palace, last season's Conference League winners, will host LaLiga side Real Sociedad and visit France's Lyon. Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺Who will the British clubs face in Europa League? Celtic: Marseille (H), Benfica (A), Ferencvaros (H), Union SG (A), Celta Vigo (H), Omonia (A), Besiktas (H), Torreense (A). Sunderland: AZ Alkmaar (H), AC Milan (A), GNK Dinamo (H), Anderlecht (A), Jagiellonia (H), Lech Poznan (A), Levski Sofia (H), Torreense (A). Bournemouth: AC Milan (H), Real Sociedad (A), Viktoria Plzen (H), Sparta Prague (A), Sturm Graz (H), Celta (A), Hapoel Be'er Sheva (H), Lillestrom (A). Crystal Palace: Real Sociedad (H), Lyon (A), Sparta Prague (H), Salzburg (A), Lech Poznan (H), Jagiellonia (A), Hoffenheim (H), Besiktas (A). Europa League fixture dates Matchday 1: September 16/17Matchday 2: October 15Matchday 3: October 22Matchday 4: November 5Matchday 5: November 26Matchday 6: December 10Matchday 7: January 21, 2027Matchday 8: January 28, 2027 Knockout stage Knockout phase play-offs: February 18 & 25, 2027Round of 16: March 11 & 18, 2027Quarter-finals: April 8 & 15, 2027Semi-finals: April 29 & May 6, 2027Final: May 26, 2027 (Stadion Frankfurt, Germany) Who do Brighton and Hearts face in Conference League? Brighton are competing in Europe for the second time in their history after beating Tromso in qualifying to reach the Conference League group stage. Fabian Hurzeler's side will face their toughest test of the league phase at home against Ligue 1 side Monaco, and also have tricky away matches against Greek side Panathinaikos and LaLiga's Getafe. Scottish Premiership side Hearts, owned by Brighton chief Tony Bloom, will host Monaco as well and take on Mohamed Salah's Trabzonspor, who also have Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana on loan. Brighton: Monaco (H), Panathinaikos (A), Universitatea Craiova (H), Getafe (A), Kauno Zalgiris (H), Jablonec (A). Hearts: Monaco (H), Pafos (A), Borac (H), Trabzonspor (A), Nordsjaelland (H), Thun (A). Conference League fixture dates Matchday 1: October 15Matchday 2: October 22Matchday 3: November 5Matchday 4: November 26Matchday 5: December 10Matchday 6: December 17 Knockout stage Knockout phase play-offs: February 18 & 25, 2027Round of 16: March 11 & 18, 2027Quarter-finals: April 8 & 15, 2027Semi-finals: April 29 & May 6, 2027Final: June 2, 2027 (Besiktas Park, Istanbul, Turkey)