Emergency services were called to the scene in West Mersea, near Colchester, at 5.35pm on Wednesday following reports of several people in difficulty in the water. Essex Police confirmed that, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s died. A third person remains in hospital in a serious condition, and two other people are in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The East of England Ambulance Service said one patient was transported by air and three patients by road to hospital after the incident near the Sea View Holiday Park. "Following reports of multiple people in distress in the water at Sea View Holiday Park, West Mersea yesterday evening, we dispatched multiple resources including our Hazardous Area Response Team, critical care paramedics and two air ambulances to the scene," a spokesperson said. "Sadly, despite best efforts, two patients could not be resuscitated." On Thursday morning, Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: "Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss. "We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our enquiries. "We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch, to help us understand what happened." Police believe the people involved in the incident knew each other. Images from the scene show police officers on the beach and ambulances parked nearby. Read more from Sky News:PC's killers may be released earlyPrivate farewell for Widdecombe In a statement on Wednesday, the force asked people to avoid the area. "While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area," their statement said. "We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet." The coastguard rescue team described Wednesday's events as a "tragic incident". Police have asked for anyone in the area at the time or who may have footage of the incident to contact them. There have been numerous drownings in the UK over the summer, including during the May heatwave when at least 15 people, mostly children, drowned while swimming in open water.

The American president's legal team had claimed the move was "premature, improper, and especially burdensome", but its attempt to block it in a Florida court was unsuccessful. Mr Trump is seeking damages over the editing of a Panorama documentary about the US Capitol riots, which aired in 2024. In the latest development in the case, Judge Enjolique Lett granted the request by BBC lawyers for information from the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust, which holds the president's business interests and assets and is managed by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. However, the ruling can be appealed by the president's team. The BBC's legal team said in earlier court documents that the details were necessary to assess the financial impact of the programme, and rejected claims of a "fishing expedition". Legal filings said they had "requested information from these entities only because plaintiff alleges without limitation that his financial interests have been impacted by defendants' actions and because plaintiff is the sole beneficiary of a trust that owns or is associated with nearly 400 entities". The trust, which is also represented by Mr Trump's lawyers, previously argued that although the president alleged his businesses suffered damages as a result of the documentary, "that alone does not give defendants carte-blanche to obtain sweeping financial discovery from hundreds of non-parties". Read more from Sky News:The toxic chemicals detected at illegal waste sitesEx-Southern Water boss charged with conspiracy to defraud The Panorama episode in question was broadcast shortly before the 2024 presidential election, which Mr Trump won. It featured clips of him addressing supporters on the day of the 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington DC, after losing the previous election in 2020 to Joe Biden. The clips included soundbites from the president spliced together. The lawsuit accuses the BBC of "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring" his speech, and alleges the episode caused him reputational and financial injury. Tim Davie, who was BBC director-general at the time, announced his resignation amid the fallout, and the corporation's chairman, Samir Shah, apologised over an "error of judgment". The BBC accepted the editing of the programme gave "the impression of a direct call for violent action". However, the broadcaster is seeking to have the case thrown out, warning of the "chilling effect" it would have on "robust reporting on public figures and events". It has also challenged the jurisdiction of a Florida court to hear the case, given the programme was never aired in the state or the US.

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Saliba has avoided the need for surgery after injuring his back during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain but the 25-year-old faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Stones is available as a free agent having reached the end of his contract at Manchester City last month. Sky Sports News has reported the England defender is a also a target for Chelsea. The 32-year-old worked with Mikel Arteta during the Arsenal manager's time as assistant to Pep Guardiola at City. William Saliba out for 'extended period' out with back injuryTransfer Centre LIVE! | Arsenal news & transfers🔴⚪Arsenal fixtures & scores | FREE Arsenal PL highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Arsenal games LIVE on your phone📱No Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Konsa, who represented England alongside Stones at the World Cup, is four years younger than Stones at 28 and has two years remaining on his contract at Aston Villa. Both players can also operate at right-back. Arsenal have consolidated their defensive options by completing the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie following his loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen last season. They also have Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Ben White as centre-back options. White has returned to training following the knee injury he suffered in May, while Timber said this week he is "hopefully back soon" as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin problem.

The 45-year-old, who played Stevie O'Hara in the BBC soap, was last month found guilty of five offences between 2004 and 2019. The rape occurred at some point between 2018 and 2019. During his trial at the High Court in Glasgow, his victim told jurors Robertson had sex with her despite her making clear she was not consenting. She described going "limp" when he was on top of her. During his own testimony, Robertson admitted he was "no angel" but denied any wrongdoing. He said he is "aware" of when a woman is consenting to sex, and is "sensitive" enough to know about non-verbal communication. However, the jury found him guilty of rape, along with four other charges. Robertson was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday. 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.

Charlotte MacInnes, the lead in Wilson's directorial debut, The Deb, brought the claim over four Instagram posts by Wilson in 2024 and 2025. They centred on an incident in September 2023 when MacInnes and one of the film's producers, Amanda Ghost, went swimming at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Ms Ghost had an adverse reaction to the cold water and they later shared a bath in swimsuits at the producer's apartment. Ms Wilson alleged on Instagram that Ms MacInnes had complained about feeling uncomfortable during the incident but later changed her story. The 28-year-old said Wilson's posts were defamatory as they suggested she was "paid off" to row back on her claim. But judge Elizabeth Raper rejected that assertion: "I do not accept that the meaning conveyed ‌was inherently serious or of a defamatory nature," she wrote in Wednesday's decision. "There is no evidence of the actual impact of the publication on Ms MacInnes' reputation." Amanda Ghost also previously told the court in written evidence that she has never been sexually interested in women. Ms Wilson, who's best known for Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect series, said on Instagram she was relieved the case was over. Read more from Sky News:Godzilla star, 18, dies in car crashTate brothers 'will fight extradition' "I'm grateful this chapter has reached its conclusion and I'm looking forward to getting back to what I love most, my family and my work," she said. "Thank you to the judge and the Australian legal system who I have the utmost respect for." The 46-year-old won her own defamation case in 2017 over magazine articles she said had damaged her career.

The latest policy announcement from Burnham's new government is a 20% tax break for pubs, clubs and live music venues. That means pubs could save an estimated £1,100 a year. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details and again ask, how will this be funded? The two also discuss Burnham's communication style and if it might need more discipline now that he's in No.10. This is in light of the new PM's comments on a potential review of early prison release in England and Wales. The Foreign Office has withdrawn its remaining UK staff from Iran as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Tehran. Sam and Anne talk about what this could mean for the new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.

In the night's opening match Menzies became dizzy on stage while 2-1 up against Ross Smith, and later fainted before returning to his accommodation having been checked over by medical staff. That contest was abandoned with Smith advancing to the last eight, where he will meet Price following the Iceman's emphatic win over Cross. ​​​World Matchplay Darts Day Five: As it happened! Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results 📅Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺Price promises 'the old me' in quarter-finals With the game primed at 3-2 in Cross' favour, Price took control with six legs in a row to move 8-3 in front. While Cross did manage a momentary rally to bring the contest to 8-5, the Welshman then hit back again. Price reeled off the three legs he needed, taking the match on tops with his signature roar coming out. "I felt like I was struggling all through the game," Price told Sky Sports. "I couldn't find my scoring game it was up and down. "If I want to win this tournament I need to be a lot better than that but I am going in the right direction. "I need that energy, I need that buzz, and Ross (Smith) brings that. "You are going to see the old me. As long as these (the fans) accept it, then it will be back." Smith through after Menzies becomes unwell Smith advanced following Menzies' withdrawal. The Scot was taken immediately off the stage after doubling over and appearing unsteady on his feet. He received medical attention and he was cleared. However, he was too unwell to continue. In a statement released by the PDC, they said: "Cameron experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy and subsequently faint. "Following an assessment by the on-site medical team, Cameron was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation." Menzies had come into the match in brilliant form after beating world No 2 Luke Humphries in the first round in what was the biggest win of his career. Van Veen wins tie-break thriller against Nijman to book Wade rematch For a second year in a row, Gian van Veen will take on James Wade in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay. Van Veen will be looking to avenge his 16-13 loss in 2025 after he won a sensational 14-12 tie-break contest against Wessel Nijman to make it through to the last eight. In a battle of two Dutch darting superstars, Nijman was facing a new test as he continued his quest to try and turn his floor form, with which he has won six Pro Tour titles in 2026, into big-stage moments. However, up against world No 3 Van Veen, it was clear it was going to be a battle for him when 'The Giant' found two breaks of throw, including a 135 checkout on the bull, to move 4-1 ahead after the first session. Nijman then did get well into the battle as he started to hit maximums with ease, taking four of the next five legs to level the contest at 5-5. Sky Sports Darts' Wayne Mardle said he was expecting an edgy but enthralling contest and that is what ensued, Van Veen nudging ahead before Nijman would pull the game back as they both averaged around the 97 mark. Nijman levelled the game again with a break of throw and then led for first time since the opening leg when he moved 11-10 ahead but, of course, Van Veen did not back down and found an unbelievable 148 checkout under huge pressure to level things at 11-11 with his opponent waiting on 64. The deciding moment then arrived in the 25th leg as Van Veen broke Nijman's throw and gave himself the opportunity to throw for the match. On D16, he took it and denied Nijman his first ever major quarter-final spot. In the night's final match Wade came through a tough 11-8 match against Ryan Searle to make it through to the quarters for a 14th time on what is his 21st appearance in the competition. Nothing separated the pair in the opening exchanges, with each break of throw being nullified. That saw the game finely poised at 5-5 and begging for someone to take control which Wade eventually did when he found a brilliant 121 checkout on the bullseye and backed it up with a hold of throw to move 8-5 in front. Although Searle managed to break back, Wade came through clutch once again with a 143 finish against the darts. With the 9-7 lead, 'The Machine' remained steadfast on his throw and booked his spot on D12. What is happening on Thursday at the World Matchplay? The quarter-final action begins at the World Matchplay on Thursday, with a later on air time of 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and Main Event. In a replay of a 2025 semi-final epic from the Winter Gardens, Luke Littler will do battle with Josh Rock for a spot in the final four. Gary Anderson will then take on Dirk van Duijvenbode for a semi-final spot. Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.