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No Writer
Jul 23
Manchester synagogue security guard says 'life changed forever' after attack

Bernard Agyemang, 44, suffered multiple broken bones and a suspected brain injury, when Jihad al Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his car at worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025. Al Shamie went on to attack people with a knife and tried to storm his way inside the synagogue. Armed police shot him dead after he ran towards officers "aggressively" while carrying the knife and what police feared was an explosive device - later identified as a fake. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in the attack. Mr Agyemang survived but has ongoing pain, limited mobilty, cognitive difficulties and severe psychological trauma, including PTSD. "I'm still struggling to process what happened," he said. "For those of us who survived, life changed forever that day. "I try not to think about the events of that day, but I still suffer from nightmares and flashbacks." The 44-year-old from Whalley Range, Manchester, said his body "was left broken after the attack", during which he suffered fractures to his right leg and collarbone as well as the suspected brain injury. He now relies on a crutch to walk. "I live with constant physical pain but it's the trauma that has been the hardest to cope with," he said. "I now live with a great deal of fear for my family's safety in a place that once felt like the safest place in the world." The security guard said he was "eternally grateful to still be here" for his partner and children "who've kept me going throughout my recovery". He added: "I dread to think where I would be without them." Mr Agyemang spoke out for the first time following the sentencing of al Shamie's associate Mohammad Bashir on Thursday. The two had planned a terror attack on a UK military base. "While I'm relieved to see one of those involved in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks held accountable for his actions, no sentence will ever make up for the lives we have lost or the suffering my community has endured and continues to endure," Mr Agyemang said. Read more from Sky News:Former TV star jailed for rape and assaultGreenland will have 'serious effect' on UK weather He added: "By speaking out, I want to show that, despite everything, I will continue to work alongside my family and community as we support one another and gradually recover from this." To support his ongoing recovery, Mr Agyemang instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires. Richard Biggs, the specialist serious injury lawyer representing him, said after the hearing: "Bernard suffered extremely serious injuries in the October attack, which continues to have a profound impact on his life and that of his family and his community. "While Bernard is making progress in his recovery, he still faces significant challenges. Nothing can make up for the pain, trauma and loss caused on that dreadful day, but we remain committed to helping him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he needs."

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No Writer
Jul 22
Donald Trump ordered to reveal financial records in $10bn BBC lawsuit

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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No Writer
Jul 23
Stress testing the UK: Find out how the Iran war is hitting finances at home

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No Writer
Jul 23
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners interested in John Stones and Ezri Konsa after William Saliba injury blow

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 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. Sky Sports News understands Arsenal have been exploring the cost of a potential deal for Konsa but there is a significant gap in valuation with Villa. Both Konsa and Stones 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. Arteta an admirer of Stones It's easy to see the logic behind Arsenal's interest in Stones. He is available on a free transfer and brings a wealth of experience following a glittering 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium during which he won 17 trophies including six Premier League titles. Arteta knows his game intimately having worked with him for three years under Guardiola and confirmed his admiration when Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in signing him in 2020. "John is a player I really like," he said. "We followed him before we signed him when I was at City. I worked with him for many years. I know him well and when I look at centre-backs, he has many attributes that I like." Stones' availability on a free adds to his appeal as someone who could provide short-term cover for Saliba having proved his fitness at the World Cup, where he made five appearances for England over the course of the tournament. His injury history is, however, a concern. Stones was limited to only 439 Premier League minutes last season due to thigh, calf and muscular injuries, and only played 547 minutes in another disrupted campaign before that. The former Everton defender did not play more than 59 per cent of Premier League minutes in any of his 10 seasons at Manchester City. Konsa attractive but tougher deal to do Konsa offers far more robustness than Stones. He has made a minimum of 33 Premier League starts in five consecutive seasons for Aston Villa and has no history of significant injury. Like Stones, he is comfortable in possession and able to withstand opposition pressure on the ball. He primarily plays as a right-sided centre-back, in the same position as Saliba, but showed his capacity to play at right-back during the World Cup. Konsa also boasts outstanding physical qualities and ranks as one of the Premier League's best one-on-one defenders. In fact, according to Opta, he had the highest ground-duel success rate of any outfield player in the Premier League last term, at 73 per cent. That combativeness is sure to appeal to Arteta but signing him over Stones would require a far greater financial outlay on a player who turns 29 in October, with Aston Villa said to value him at £60m. Which players match Saliba's profile? Interestingly, neither Stones nor Konsa appear among the 10 most stylistically similar players to Saliba across Europe's major leagues when using Twenty3's player similarity tool, although Konsa only narrowly misses out in 12th. The tool, which factors a range of statistics, ranks Inter's Manuel Akanji, formerly of Manchester City, Nice defender Kojo Peprah Oppong and Como's Jacobo Ramon as the most similar players to Saliba, with similarity scores of 97 per cent. The only Premier League defenders in the top 10 are Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah and Manchester City's Ruben Dias, who are given similarity scores of 94 per cent.

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Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Jul 23
PC who took own life alleged to have been violent rapist who attempted murder

The force said it has identified a number of alleged victims of Alan Greer, 47, amid one of the "largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken" by its anti-corruption unit. Work is ongoing to investigate the extent of the reported offending - which includes attempted murder - and to identify and support any other potential victims. Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff, professionalism and assurance, said: "My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer's family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death. "The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken by the anti-corruption unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible. "Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances." Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009 before it merged with Police Scotland in 2013. The force confirmed that he worked as a PC. A major police probe was launched at the end of 2025 following a complaint relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer. The anti-corruption unit got to work and subsequently arrested Greer on 24 April 2026. A number of electronic devices were seized during the search of a property in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, and enquiries into the contents of these are continuing. Greer was released without charge pending further investigation and was suspended from duty. He was found dead at the Wishaw property on 6 May 2026. The force said there were "no suspicious circumstances", and the circumstances of the death following police contact are now subject of a Crown Office-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC). PIRC said it will report its finding to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in "due course". Police Scotland said further investigations have identified a number of alleged victims of serious sexual offending at the hands of Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies. ACC Ratcliff added: "I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. "You will be listened to and given the support you need." Police Scotland enquiry team helplines: • Email: OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk• Phone: 07484 438 539 / 0300 426 6644 Police complaints and concerns relating to allegations of corruption or serious abuse can be reported via Crimestoppers. Read more from Sky News:Taxi driver 'wrongly jailed' over murder bid suing policeManhunt for drug dealer who escaped prison by climbing fence Rape Crisis Scotland has urged anyone in need of support to call its helpline on 08088 01 03 02 between the hours of 5pm and midnight. Nicola Love, the charity's external affairs manager, said: "Our main thoughts today are with the women who have been affected, both those who have spoken out and those who have not. "A survivor has shown tremendous bravery to come forward to report what has happened to her, and her making that report is ultimately what has forced the deplorable acts perpetrated by Alan Greer into the light and led him to be removed from the force." Scotland's Justice Secretary Neil Gray also praised the bravery of the alleged victims. He said: "This is a horrific and deeply shocking case and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with the victims, who have shown enormous courage in coming forward. "The public place their trust in the police and for any officer to abuse that trust and the office they hold is truly heinous. "The vast majority of officers serve to protect people and keep them safe, and the public should be confident about reporting any crime involving sexual violence to the police. "As has been shown since the first victim came forward, the police will investigate such reports." Mr Gray said he had spoken to Chief Constable Jo Farrell regarding the "terrible case". He added: "I have been assured that this investigation is ongoing and I expect it to be handled professionally and with transparency. "I would encourage anyone with information or who may have been a victim in this case to speak to Police Scotland."

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No Writer
Jul 22
Rebel Wilson cleared of defaming The Deb star Charlotte MacInnes on Instagram

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.

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No Writer
Jul 23
Does Burnham need to watch what he says?

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.

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No Writer
Jul 23
World Matchplay Darts: Gerwyn Price, Gian van Veen, James Wade through to quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdraws through illness

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.

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