Three people killed in explosion at service station in Ireland - Sky News

Three people have been killed in an explosion at a service station in Co Donegal, Ireland.

The explosion happened just after 3pm on Friday at the Applegreen service station on the outskirts of Creeslough, where a search operation is continuing with the help of sniffer dogs.

Photos showed a number of cars damaged by debris, with what appears to be an apartment block behind the forecourt having been largely destroyed.

Councillor John O'Donnell earlier told Sky News: "This is very, very hard here in a small rural village.

"Everybody's completely numb here - we're just all in shock."

A spokesperson for Letterkenny University Hospital said soon after the explosion that it was "dealing with a serious incident, with multiple injured people requiring immediate attention".

"The hospital has moved to Major Emergency Standby as it deals with this incident.

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"We are appealing to the public not to come to the Emergency Department unless it is an emergency."

Forecourt retailer Applegreen confirmed there was a "serious incident" at one of its dealer-operated locations.

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Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "My thoughts and prayers are today with those who have lost their lives, and those injured in the devastating explosion in Creeslough.

"I wish to express my deepest sympathies to their family, and friends, and to the entire community of Creeslough, on this darkest of days for Donegal and the entire country.

"People across this island will be numbed by the same sense of shock and utter devastation as the people of Creeslough at this tragic loss of life.

"I would like to thank all the members of the emergency services, from across the North-West and Northern Ireland, who responded so quickly to the scene, and who are working throughout the night in extremely traumatic circumstances."

TD Pearse Doherty told RTE news: "This is something that's your worst nightmare.

"This is a quiet village, a very close-knit village, this is the only shop in the town.

"It ripped right through this building, and this was a very busy location at that point in time."

Mr Doherty said it had left "a very, very dark cloud" over the community.

He said: "There are silent prayers being said, there are people still trapped within the building and the emergency services are doing everything that they can to remove the rubble, and people are being airlifted away to our hospitals in the region.

"There's just quiet, it's surreal. People are just holding on for hope, holding on to hear news, positive news coming from the emergency services."

Residents have been asked to stay away from the area.

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said it was a "very sad and tragic day".

He thanked Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann for the emergency crews he provided to help the situation in Creeslough.

In a post on Twitter, Mr Coveney said: "Sincere thanks for your help today Robin. Very sad and tragic day."

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2022-10-07 21:45:00Z
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Covid: Protect elderly from rising virus levels in UK - BBC

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By Michelle Roberts

Digital health editor

Covid is on the rise again in the UK and people who feel unwell should avoid vulnerable friends, colleagues and relatives as a precaution, say experts.

Data suggests 1.3 million or one in 50 has Covid, with a "marked increase" in infections among over-70s in England.

There are no new restrictions, but people are being reminded to take extra care and protect the elderly.

There are fears of a flu and Covid "twindemic" this winter, and those who qualify for free jabs should get them.

Reminder texts, emails and letters will be sent out next week to more than 6m people in at risk groups, says NHS England.

The UK's National Statistician Sir Ian Diamond told the BBC it was too soon to call what was happening a "winter wave", but it could turn into one.

"It is incredibly important that we maintain very high levels of vaccine uptake across our country," he said.

• Who can get a Covid booster this autumn?

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures suggest Covid is infecting:

• one in 50 people in England (up from one in 65)
• one in 50 people in Wales (the same as before)
• one in 40 in Northern Ireland (from one in 80)
• one in 45 in Scotland (the same as before)

The estimates are based on thousands of random tests on people in private households across the UK a couple of weeks ago, whether or not they have symptoms.

Meanwhile, Covid hospital admissions in England are rising too.

Rates are highest among people aged 85 and over, at 132.3 per 100,000.

This is up from 80.1 and is the highest rate for this age group since late July.

About two-thirds of patients in hospital who test positive for Covid are being treated primarily for something else, however.

Not alarming, but concerning

Dr Mary Ramsay from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that with people back from holidays and children back in school, the rises were to be expected.

She told the BBC most of the infections are due to Omicron variants of Covid, which have been circulating for some time.

"This isn't being driven by a new variant, so it is difficult to say how much this is going to carry on through the winter now that people are in that mode - back at work, back at school. We are keeping a very close eye," she said.

Prof Mark Woolhouse, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, said the figures were "not yet alarming" but they were concerning.

Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warned that cases and hospitalisation rates were at their "highest level in months".

With more outbreaks happening, she asked people to help protect the most vulnerable.

"If you are unwell, it is particularly important to avoid contact with elderly people or those who are more likely to have severe disease because of their ongoing health conditions.

"If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, wearing a face covering will also help stop infections spreading," she said.

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• Office for National Statistics

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2022-10-07 13:44:29Z
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NI Protocol: Flicker of optimism in talks, says Coveney - BBC

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By Darran Marshall

BBC News NI Political Correspondent

The Irish foreign minister has said a "new air of positivity has created a flicker of optimism" in talks over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Simon Coveney is holding formal bilateral talks with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.

Ahead of their discussions, Mr Coveney said there was "a lot of warm language" but warned: "We shouldn't get carried away with that."

He added that there was a "genuine effort" coming from the UK government.

Mr Heaton-Harris is hosting Mr Coveney at Lancaster House in London for a session of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC).

The BIIGC usually deals with economic cooperation, political stability and security.

Mr Coveney also met Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday night, where the pair discussed Brexit, the war in Ukraine and issues about the UN Security Council.

"It is sending the signal that they're up for a serious discussion to try to resolve these issues," Mr Coveney told Irish national broadcaster RTÉ.

"Dublin and Brussels have noticed this change in approach."

Recent developments have included an apology by Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker about some of his behaviour towards Ireland and the EU during Brexit.

"Time will tell whether the compromises necessary to get a deal are possible," said Mr Coveney.

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It is Mr Heaton-Harris's first meeting of the BIICG but Mr Coveney's seventh, having attended all of the meetings since it was reconvened in 2018.

Mr Baker and Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee are also attending.

The meeting is also expected to focus on plans to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

There are reports that the British and Irish governments are keen for US President Joe Biden to visit Northern Ireland next April.

'Election takes us backwards'

Friday's meeting comes as technical negotiations resume between Brussels and London over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Relations between London, Dublin and Brussels have improved in recent weeks and there is hope of progress in those talks.

• What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?

However, on Thursday Mr Coveney warned that a deal was unlikely before 28 October - that is the deadline for restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Stormont Executive.

The Northern Ireland secretary has repeatedly pledged to call an election if a new Stormont Executive is not in place by that date.

Speaking about the prospect of another election, Mr Coveney said: "This will take us backwards because an election in Northern Ireland will polarise opinion again and make compromise more difficult.

"There's a real focus on the deadlines that are coming in the next few weeks to try and make progress."

What is the British-Irish Intergovernmental conference?

The BIIGC was established as part of the Good Friday Agreement to promote bilateral cooperation between the British and Irish governments.

It deals with issues that are not devolved to Stormont.

Meetings tend to discuss economic cooperation, security and political stability in Northern Ireland.

It did not meet for 11 years between 2007 and 2018 but since reconvening it has met twice a year.

The UK government is represented by the Northern Ireland secretary while Dublin's foreign minister represents the Republic of Ireland's government.

An additional minister from both administrations attends.

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2022-10-07 10:32:24Z
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Boy charged with murder of 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak in Gateshead - Sky News

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of another boy of the same age in Gateshead.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had also authorised Northumbria Police to charge the youth with attempted wounding with intent, and one of having a bladed article in a public place.

The teenager was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday morning.

The charges follow the death of Tomasz Oleszak, who was found in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate at just after 8pm on Monday.

Police said his injuries were "consistent with having been caused by a bladed article".

Investigators said the victim's family had been left "utterly devastated".

Announcing the charges, Christopher Atkinson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Our thoughts are with Tomasz Oleszak's family at this difficult time."

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He added: "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the boy are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

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2022-10-07 08:56:55Z
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Princess of Wales challenged during royal visit to Northern Ireland - Sky News

The Princess of Wales was accused of not being in her "own country" during a visit to Northern Ireland.

It happened when Kate and Prince William were meeting people on a walkabout in north Belfast.

A woman who shook hands with the princess said: "Nice to meet you, but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country."

The woman, who appeared to be videoing the exchange on a phone, added: "Ireland belongs to the Irish."

The prince and princess have been on a day-long trip to Northern Ireland, beginning at a suicide prevention charity in Belfast.

PIPS says it has experienced a significant increase in demand since the start of the COVID pandemic - including a 500% rise among young people.

It was founded in 2003 after 14 young people took their own lives over a short period the previous year.

Image: The princess with a volunteer at the charity

Prince William and Kate, both 40, spoke to staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.

They also took part in an art therapy session, painting pumpkins with vulnerable children who have been supported by PIPS.

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And the couple joined a group of volunteer counsellors as they packed up the charity's Little Boxes of Hope.

As well as assisting children, the packages are designed to help parents and guardians, too.

Image: The Princess of Wales in Carrickfergus on Thursday

Read more:
Prince William's first speech as heir honours his 'much-missed grandmother'
Princess of Wales meets mothers and babies at maternity unit during solo visit
No plans for William to have formal investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales

William, now heir to the throne, and Kate also visited a new outdoor street food and retail market in the city centre.

Trademarket, which opened its doors in July, offers artisan food, drinks and products from local, independent vendors.

The royals were pictured trying cocktails at one of the stalls.

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William and Kate race as they make cocktails

Cheering crowds later lined the streets as they arrived in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, to visit a youth charity.

They have been learning about the work of Carrick Connect, which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

William and Kate met some of the young people who have benefitted and their mentors.

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2022-10-06 15:47:50Z
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Three people stabbed after intervening in suspected robbery near Liverpool Street station in central London - Sky News

Three people have been stabbed after bystanders tried to stop a phone robbery in central London.

Witnesses described seeing lots of blood and people lying on the floor after violence broke out near Liverpool Street station on Thursday morning.

A local office worker said he saw a group of masked knifemen on bicycles attempt to snatch a mobile phone from a middle-aged man.

The group, who he described as "teenagers", were watching the smartly dressed man on the pavement before grabbing hold of him in a struggle that left him stabbed and lying on the ground.

Two pedestrians and a passing motorcyclist then got embroiled in the fight to try to help the man, but the knifeman continued his attack, injuring all of them.

The office worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Things escalated so quickly. Pedestrians got involved and they were trying to help the middle-aged man.

"I heard lots of screams and shouts. The next minute, a man on a white moped saw what happened and jumped off, and got himself involved.

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"There was a fight with these teenagers. Out of nowhere, the guy on the moped got stabbed.

"The middle-aged man was already on the floor at this point after he got stabbed and another pedestrian got hurt too, his head was hurt. The teenagers then just took off."

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Three victims were taken for treatment at a nearby hospital and officers cordoned off the area.

Sayeed Dukanwala, who owns a shop right next to the scene, and also saw the incident unfold said: "I saw some guys running past my shop and shouting 'Oi oi oi'. "After a few minutes I saw a fight break out... and people running away.

"Then some people came in and told me there was a stabbing. They said there was a man and a lady on the floor, and there was blood."

He went on to describe the area as "very unsafe" saying that he was assaulted with a bottle inside his shop last weekend.

Afterwards, the scene was said to be littered with used medical kits in an area of Bishopsgate that had been taped off.

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Police say that the victims are being treated at a local hospital.

City of London Police officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) paramedics attended the scene.

In a tweet, the City of London Police said it had received reports of three stabbings and a person pushed to the floor at around 9.45am on Thursday and that "officers arrived at the scene at 9.51am."

The force said: "This... is not being treated as terror-related," and that the incident was a suspected robbery.

London Ambulance Service said its crews treated four patients, adding that three were taken to hospital and one discharged.

Footage on social media showed several emergency services vehicles near to the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper, London's second tallest building.

Nickie Aiken, MP for the cities of London and Westminster, tweeted her concern about the incident and said she was in contact with City of London police for updates.

She added that her thoughts were with all those involved.

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2022-10-06 13:52:30Z
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Three people stabbed in suspected robbery near Liverpool Street station in central London - Sky News

Three people have been stabbed in a suspected robbery near Liverpool Street station in central London, police have said.

City of London Police officers and London Ambulance paramedics were both at the scene.

In a tweet, the City of London Police said it had received reports of three stabbings and a person pushed to the floor on Bishopsgate at 9.46am on Thursday.

Three victims were taken for treatment at a nearby hospital and officers have cordoned off the area.

A City of London Police statement said: "We received reports of three stabbings and a person pushed to the floor on Bishopsgate at 9.46am and officers arrived at the scene at 9.51am.

"Three victims were taken by LAS to a nearby hospital to be treated.

"This is an ongoing situation, but is not being treated as terror-related."

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Police say that the victims are being treated at a local hospital.

The force later added that the incident was being treated as a suspected robbery.

Sayeed Dukanwala, who owns a shop right next to the scene, saw the incident unfold.

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"I saw some guys running past my shop and shouting 'Oi oi oi,'" he said. "After a few minutes I saw a fight break out over there (at the scene) and people running away.

"Then some people came in and told me there was a stabbing. They said there was a man and a lady on the floor, and there was blood."

He went on to describe the area as "very unsafe" saying that he was assaulted with a bottle inside his shop last weekend.

"It's very scary," he added.

The London Ambulance Service also issued a statement saying: "We sent a number of resources - three ambulance crews, two adv paramedics, two incident response officers and our tactical response unit.

"Our crews treated four patients. Three were taken to hospital and one discharged."

Footage on social media showed several emergency services vehicles near to the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper, London's second tallest building.

Later police could be seen standing guard along the 50 metre long cordon with medical kits visible on the ground behind the police tape.

Nickie Aiken MP for the cities of London and Westminster tweeted her concern about the incident and said she was in contact with City of London police for updates.

She added that her thoughts were with all those involved.

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2022-10-06 11:23:17Z
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