HOMES in Sheffield have been rocked by mysterious "loud bangs" and "explosions like a bomb going off".
Residents on an estate in Shirecliffe have been left baffled after they heard a booming crack at around 9pm on Sunday.
Residents on this estate in Sheffield have been left baffled after they heard a booming crack
People living on the estate came out of their homes to search for what caused the loud bang but couldn't find anything.
The mystery deepened even further after another explosion was heard at around 9.20pm last night.
Regarding the earlier blast, resident Roy Brook told The Star: "It was just the biggest bang. I’ve never heard anything like it.
“Me and my missus went outside and people were all out of their houses just trying to figure out what it was.
“I honestly thought a helicopter or a plane had come down. I thought a bomb had gone off and half the street would be missing. I cannot express just how loud it was."
Residents claimed cops were called out after the loud bang on Sunday - however South Yorkshire Police said they don't have any records of officers attending the scene at the time.
Police said they were called to a street at the estate earlier that day at 2.20pm after reports of shots being fired.
Cops are investigating the shooting.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said they weren't responsible for the loud noises.
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The government is expected to announce the offering of a coronavirus vaccine to some 1.4 million teenagers "imminently", a minister has confirmed.
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, universities minister Michelle Donelan said Number 10 was awaiting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which is assessing whether all 16 and 17-year-olds should receive the jab, and that an announcement would be made "shortly".
The change in policy was first hinted at by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday as she announced that the Scottish government and the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments are "in the same position" in expecting updated recommendations for 16 and 17-year-olds "in the next day or so".
Image:Some scientists have suggested offering under-18s the jab could prevent disruption to schooling
"We haven't announced that, what we are doing is waiting for the JCVI announcement," Ms Donelan told Sky News.
"At every stage throughout the pandemic we have adopted their advice on this, they are the experts of course when we are determining the vaccine rollout and we will await their imminently announcement shortly."
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She then clarified: "We are awaiting the feedback from the JCVI and then we will update accordingly, so we haven't actually had a change of heart, there's been no policy announcement, we're awaiting that JCVI announcement which we're expecting imminently, and then we'll make an announcement."
The vaccine is already available to children aged 12 and over if their health leaves them at higher risk, or if they live with an immunosuppressed person.
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Ms Donelan did not answer whether parental consent may be required for teenagers to accept the offer of a jab.
And pushed on whether 18 to 30-year-olds could be offered cash incentives to take up the vaccine, she added that "everything is on the table".
The expected move comes as NHS data to 25 July shows more than 220,000 children in England have already had a COVID-19 vaccine.
But there has been significant debate over whether younger individuals should be offered the jab.
Image:Some children under 18 with certain health conditions or living with someone who is immunocompromised are currently eligible for the jab
Some scientists say it would prevent further disruption to schooling in the next academic year, but other individuals have suggested that - as children are at a lower risk of serious illness from the virus - it would not be beneficial.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi announced in the Commons in July that those under the age of 18 with certain health conditions or living with someone who is immunocompromised would be eligible for the jab.
This, he said, would also include those approaching their 18th birthday.
Mr Zahawi noted at the time that the vaccine experts who advise the government, the JCVI, were keeping the option of offering the vaccine to children under constant review.
The JCVI previously said in July that "the minimal health benefits of offering universal COVID-19 vaccination to children do not outweigh the potential risks" as coronavirus rarely causes severe disease in children without underlying health conditions.
Symptoms are "typically mild" in children, the JCVI said, and as of March 2021, fewer than 30 children had died because of the virus.
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Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suggested on Tuesday that an announcement would be made in the coming days
Professor Paul Elliott, director of the React programme, said children should be vaccinated if they are offered the chance as a surge in infections to mid-July was being "driven" by younger people.
"Clearly what's important now is that as many people who get offered the opportunity to have the vaccination should take it," he told Sky News.
Speaking about the React study, which has been tracking infection in the population, he added: "The highest rates of infection was in the 13 to 24-year-old group, and the increase that we saw going up to mid-July was being driven from these younger people.
"As you say, there is a suggestion that maybe 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered the vaccine, in which case, I think it's important that people should take that up if offered."
Co-author of the React study Steven Riley added that the latest results from the programme would "support" extending the vaccination programme to 16 and 17-year-olds.
And Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said allowing younger people to have coronavirus jabs would be welcome news.
Image:Labour's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said vaccinating 16 and 17-year-olds is a 'good idea' if it reduces the number of people being hospitalised
It is expected that ministers will approve advice from the JCVI which recommends healthy teenagers aged 16 and over be offered the chance to take up the vaccine as soon as Wednesday.
Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard told Kay Burley vaccinating 16 and 17-year-olds is a "good idea" if it reduces the number of people being hospitalised with COVID-19.
"It's being carried out right round the world at the moment in a safe way and if this increases the resilience of our nation and reduces the number of people facing hospitalisation or facing long COVID then I think it is a good idea," he said on Sky News.
Boris Johnson's trip to Scotland is his first in seven months.
The prime minister's perceived unpopularity north of the border meant many Scottish Tories thought it best to keep him out of May's election campaign.
But UK ministers believe they need to talk more about what they see as the benefits of the union.
EPA
Last week, we had Chancellor Rishi Sunak talking about the success of furlough.
The PM has talked on a number of occasions about why he thinks the union made the coronavirus vaccine rollout easier and faster.
You can expect to hear more of the same in the next couple of days.
When it comes to independence, there is almost no prospect of Mr Johnson's government budging - and agreeing to another referendum.
No rush
Senior figures in Downing Street have made it clear the PM is not going to change his mind.
But can that position hold forever?
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove seemed to hint that it couldn't in an interview last week.
He told the Sunday Mail that if another referendum was the "settled will" of the Scottish people, another vote would be held.
But how do you define settled will?
The question is probably part of the answer. It allows the UK government to keep saying no without a tangible point at which they'll say yes.
The SNP are in no rush either.
The party is trying to figure out the answers to some pretty big questions on its post-Brexit plan for an independent Scotland.
How would you prevent a hard border with England?
How quickly would you move to a new Scottish currency?
How quickly would Scotland be able to join the EU?
Covid and priorities
Behind the scenes, there is work going on to look at these central questions. But the answers aren't simple.
Then there's the question of priorities.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made Covid hers to tackle in the first three months of the new Holyrood term - and her party has promised there won't be another referendum until the crisis has passed. Again, without a definition of when we might judge what passed means.
So while the rhetoric on the constitution continues, decisive moments are a while away. Senior figures in the SNP are reluctant to offer any sort of date for when another referendum might be held.
There could, however, be some small steps in the next few weeks.
In September, the SNP will hold a conference where independence will be one of the main three themes.
There, you can expect Ms Sturgeon to come under pressure to move the independence campaign on.
A leaked provisional agenda for the event includes a motion which would demand Ms Sturgeon's government holds a referendum "as soon as it is safe".
PA Media
The final agenda for the conference hasn't been finalised, but there are also calls for the party to set up a "Borders commission" to do detailed work on the border question.
A number of SNP branches want the party to commit to removing nuclear weapons from Scotland within three years of independence - a significant commitment.
There is going to be a lot more debate about the independence timetable next month.
It's also possible the SNP will team up with the Scottish Greens in a formal arrangement at Holyrood.
This wouldn't be a coalition - but something short of that, focussed on key issues where they agree.
A commitment to another referendum would be one of them. Inevitable for the two pro-independence parties - but a symbolic show of strength.
But on the key question of whether another independence referendum is going to happen, a concrete answer is a while off.
Some 1.4 million teenagers will be offered a coronavirus vaccine, with ministers expected to expand the programme.
The vaccine is already available to children aged 12 and over if their health leaves them at higher risk, or if they live with an immunosuppressed person.
Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said: "What is going to happen is this breakthrough, this very significant development in the vaccination programme.
"Sixteen and 17-year-olds, previously the government was just talking about vulnerable teenagers - not anymore.
"And this is a major change, a major move forward in the vaccination programme."
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The change in policy was first hinted at by the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.
Ms Sturgeon said: "We are waiting on JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advice.
More on Covid-19
"When I say 'we', I am obviously referring to the Scottish government, but the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments are in the same position."
She added: "First, as a priority, I am particularly hopeful that we will see updated recommendations for 16 and 17-year-olds.
"I am hoping for - possibly veering towards expecting - updated advice from the JCVI in the next day or so."
Appointments could be available within two weeks due to vaccine reserves, according to The Times.
The Telegraph said the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines would be available in line with guidance for young adults.
Labour's shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said: "With the JCVI apparently about to give the green light to vaccinating 16-year-olds, ministers need to ensure plans are in place to roll out this vital next stage of vaccination while ensuring parents have all the facts and information they need."
Boris Johnson's trip to Scotland this week is his first in seven months.
The prime minister's perceived unpopularity north of the border meant many Scottish Tories thought it best to keep him out of May's election campaign.
But UK ministers believe they need to talk more about what they see as the benefits of the union.
Last week, we had Chancellor Rishi Sunak talking about the success of furlough.
The PM has talked on a number of occasions about why he thinks the union made the coronavirus vaccine rollout easier and faster.
You can expect to hear more of the same in the next couple of days.
When it comes to independence, there is almost no prospect of Mr Johnson's government budging - and agreeing to another referendum.
Senior figures in Downing Street have made it clear the PM is not going to change his mind.
But can that position hold forever?
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove seemed to hint that it couldn't in an interview last week.
He told the Sunday Mail that if another referendum was the "settled will" of the Scottish people, another vote would be held.
But how do you define settled will?
The question is probably part of the answer. It allows the UK government to keep saying no without a tangible point at which they'll say yes.
The SNP are in no rush either.
The party is trying to figure out the answers to some pretty big questions on its post-Brexit plan for an independent Scotland.
How would you prevent a hard border with England?
How quickly would you move to a new Scottish currency?
How quickly would Scotland be able to join the EU?
Behind the scenes, there is work going on to look at these central questions. But the answers aren't simple.
Then there's the question of priorities.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made Covid hers to tackle in the first three months of the new Holyrood term - and her party has promised there won't be another referendum until the crisis has passed. Again, without a definition of when we might judge what passed means.
So while the rhetoric on the constitution continues, decisive moments are a while away. Senior figures in the SNP are reluctant to offer any sort of date for when another referendum might be held.
There could, however, be some small steps in the next few weeks.
In September, the SNP will hold a conference where independence will be one of the main three themes.
There, you can expect Ms Sturgeon to come under pressure to move the independence campaign on.
A leaked provisional agenda for the event includes a motion which would demand Ms Sturgeon's government holds a referendum "as soon as it is safe".
The final agenda for the conference hasn't been finalised, but there are also calls for the party to set up a "Borders commission" to do detailed work on the border question.
A number of SNP branches want the party to commit to removing nuclear weapons from Scotland within three years of independence - a significant commitment.
There is going to be a lot more debate about the independence timetable next month.
It's also possible the SNP will team up with the Scottish Greens in a formal arrangement at Holyrood.
This wouldn't be a coalition - but something short of that, focussed on key issues where they agree.
A commitment to another referendum would be one of them. Inevitable for the two pro-independence parties - but a symbolic show of strength.
But on the key question of whether another independence referendum is going to happen, a concrete answer is a while off.
Boris Johnson will not meet Scotland's first minister for talks during a visit this week.
Nicola Sturgeon had invited the prime minister to her official residence to discuss recovery after the Covid pandemic.
But that will not happen, according to a letter seen by the BBC.
Instead, Mr Johnson has suggested a meeting with other first ministers at a later date.
In a letter to Ms Sturgeon seen by the BBC, Mr Johnson said as he was "keen to arrange an in-person meeting" with her.
He said that, at a previous meeting between them, it was agreed they should set up a "structured forum for ongoing engagement" - and officials had made good progress on this.
"There is much for us to discuss as all parts of the UK work together on our shared priority of recovering from the pandemic," he said.
"The UK government is working closely with the devolved Scottish government on a variety of different issues."
And he added: "I look forward to meeting with you soon and working together in the interests of people in all parts of our country."
Ms Sturgeon tweeted on Monday that she had invited the PM to Bute House. She said the prime minister's trip would be the first chance for the pair to meet in person for a while.
The prime minister is expected to visit Scotland in the coming days, as is Labour's leader Sir Keir Starmer.
It will be Mr Johnson's first visit since January - and his first since a pro-independence majority was returned at the Holyrood election in May.
There is no prospect of the pair seeing eye-to-eye on another referendum - but Ms Sturgeon had said she wanted to discuss how the governments could work together on "Covid recovery".
Boris Johnson will not meet Scotland's first minister for talks during a visit this week.
Nicola Sturgeon had invited the prime minister to her official residence to discuss recovery after the Covid pandemic.
But that will not happen, according to a letter seen by the BBC.
Instead, Mr Johnson has suggested a meeting with other first ministers at a later date.
In a letter to Ms Sturgeon seen by the BBC, Mr Johnson said as he was "keen to arrange an in-person meeting" with her.
He said that, at a previous meeting between them, it was agreed they should set up a "structured forum for ongoing engagement" - and officials had made good progress on this.
"There is much for us to discuss as all parts of the UK work together on our shared priority of recovering from the pandemic," he said.
"The UK government is working closely with the devolved Scottish government on a variety of different issues."
And he added: "I look forward to meeting with you soon and working together in the interests of people in all parts of our country."
Ms Sturgeon tweeted on Monday that she had invited the PM to Bute House. She said the prime minister's trip would be the first chance for the pair to meet in person for a while.
The prime minister is expected to visit Scotland in the coming days, as is Labour's leader Sir Keir Starmer.
It will be Mr Johnson's first visit since January - and his first since a pro-independence majority was returned at the Holyrood election in May.
There is no prospect of the pair seeing eye-to-eye on another referendum - but Ms Sturgeon had said she wanted to discuss how the governments could work together on "Covid recovery".
