King Charles writes to Donald Trump after assassination attempt - The Independent

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King Charles has privately written to former president Donald Trump in the wake of his assassination attempt, it has been revealed.

Buckingham Palace announced the news in a statement today following the dramatic events at a Pennsylvania rally this weekend.

The Monarch reportedly echoed the sentiments of the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and condemned gun violence after the incident that claimed the life of a spectator and the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.

Charles took the opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in the incident, including the former president, and to express his condolences to those it left bereaved.

According to authorities, an additional two spectators were left critically injured.

The spectator who lost his life was later identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, a volunteer fire chief who died while shielding his family from the bullets.

The assassination attempt was similarly condemned by President Biden, who also privately reached out to his political rival after the incident.

In a statement released shortly after the attack on Saturday (13 July), he said there is “no place in America for this. We must unite as one nation to condemn it. It’s sick, it’s sick.”

King Charles has privately written to Donald Trump in the wake of his assassination attempt. (AFP/Getty)

World leaders have similarly expressed their solidarity with the former president and all those affected by the attempted assassination.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said: “I wish him a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with those affected. I condemn this attack. Political violence has no place in our democracies. NATO Allies stand together to defend our freedom & values.”

The former president took to his Truth social media platform to call for unity in the wake of the attack.

“We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” Trump wrote on Sunday (14 July).

“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.

“It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”

Donald Trump survived the attempt with a minor injury to his ear (AP)

Questions are now being raised about how Crooks was able to make such a serious attempt on the former president’s life.

He was killed by law enforcement officers at the event after opening fire on Trump and the crowd from a nearby rooftop.

The FBI has not yet identified a motive for Crooks, who was a Republican.

Crooks has been described as an “outcast” by former classmates who revealed that he was relentlessly bullied for his appearance.

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2024-07-15 09:21:26Z
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Northern Ireland's four best beaches according to The Sunday Times - Belfast Live

Northern Ireland's four best beaches according to The Sunday Times have been revealed.

The annual Times and Sunday Times best beaches guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches. The 2024 guide is the 16th edition, and only features beaches rated as "excellent" for water quality by the national government agencies.

The beach at Ballycastle in Co Antrim has been named as Northern Ireland's beach of the year by the award-winning chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, Chris Haslam.

Read more: Can you afford property prices in NI town named best place to live?

Read more: Best school in Northern Ireland crowned in Sunday Times guide

In his description of Ballycastle, Chris said: "Ballycastle feels like a made-up resort. There’s a river running across a beach of flat sands; the best chippy on the coast (Morton’s on the harbour); kayaking; guided wild swimming; boat trips to Rathlin Island just offshore; and a new high-speed passenger ferry service to Islay and Campbeltown, on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, which is visible from the beach."

Chris Haslam has personally visited and inspected all 50 beaches included in the guide over the past eight weeks. The guide showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist.

Criteria include water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. The guide only covers mainland beaches.

The four best beaches in Northern Ireland according to The Sunday Times:

• NORTHERN IRELAND’S BEACH OF THE YEAR: Ballycastle, Co Antrim

• White Park Bay, Co Antrim

• Benone, Co Londonderry

• Murlough, Co Down

Chris Haslam said: "My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.

"I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”

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Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

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Man charged with double murder after human remains found in Bristol and London - as victims named - Sky News

A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of human remains in two suitcases in Bristol and a London flat - as the victims have been named.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, of Scotts Road, west London, was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He was charged in the early hours of Monday with two counts of murder and will appear in custody later today at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court.

The Metropolitan Police said it is not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the murders.

The two victims can now be named as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth.

Mr Longworth was British, and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.

Image: A police tent on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol

They had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Scotts Road.

Both victims were known to the man arrested and he had been staying with them at the Scotts Road flat for a short period of time, police said.

The bodies were discovered by officers after they received a report of a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on Wednesday night.

Further remains were found at the London address on Friday.

Image: Police and forensics officers at the scene in Shepherd's Bush, west London

The Met Police said the evidence gathered so far does not suggest there was a homophobic motive, but the case has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines.

It said this would be reviewed as any further evidence of a specific motive becomes available.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said his thoughts are with "Albert and Paul's loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news".

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He said: "I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherds Bush but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London.

"I hope it will be of some reassurance that whilst inquiries are still ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders."

Read more from Sky News:
Spain score late to win Euro 2024 final
Police begin new dig for remains of wealthy murder victim

He added: "Officers have worked with the pan-London LGBTQ+ Independent Advisory Group (IAG) since the identity of the two victims and their sexuality was established. Their advice, expertise and support for the investigation has been extremely valuable.

"We will continue to work with them, and with other partners including local IAGs, as the investigation and the policing response continues."

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UK weather: Met Office's warning for floods and storms - BBC.com

Flood and storm warning as heavy rain predicted

Thunder and lightning has also been forecast on Monday by the Met Office

A weather warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales ahead of forecast "heavy rain".

The Met Office's yellow warning for rain is in force from 08:00 to 23:59 BST on Monday.

It covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and Wales, along with parts of the north west of England.

Met Office bosses said up to 40mm of rain could fall in the space of three hours, and there is the possibility of flooding, thunder storms, power cuts and travel disruption.

The Met Office weather warning covers parts of England and Wales

"Outbreaks of rain, some heavy and thundery, will spread steadily north across the area during Monday," the Met Office said.

"Some torrential downpours are likely in places with 15 to 20mm falling in less than an hour and as much as 30 to40 mm in three hours.

"This is likely to lead to localised flooding, slower travel times and a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded."

What to expect?

The Met Office's warning said the following can be expected during the weather warning for rain on Monday:

Follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.

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2024-07-14 13:44:27Z
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Kate Middleton pictured arriving at Wimbledon for men’s single final in rare public appearance - The Independent

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independent journalism

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Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Editor

Kate Middleton stunned onlookers at Wimbledon in her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.

The princess, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, presented the trophy to the victorious Carlos Alcaraz.

Before passing the trophy to Alcaraz, Kate commiserated and shook the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic.

Kate introduces Carlos Alcaraz to Princess Charlotte (AELTC/Andrew Parsons/PA Wire)

She arrived at the tennis tournament in SW19 less than an hour before the final was due to begin on Sunday afternoon with her daughter, Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton.

Kate said she had been “filling in the leaderboard” with Charlotte during Wimbledon, adding: “As a family, we play a lot.”

After being asked to try wheelchair tennis by Lucy Shuker, Kate said: “I’ve tried wheelchair rugby before, but not tennis. You’ll have to hold me to that.”

Shuker, the highest ranked British wheelchair women’s tennis player, told the PA news agency: “She was just saying how amazing it’s been to watch and follow everyone’s career.

“Alfie Hewett won the men’s wheelchair tennis earlier. I just asked if they were playing tennis themselves, which they have been, and then said: ‘Have you tried wheelchair tennis?’

“And I got a little pinky promise from Princess Charlotte that she would try it.”

Shuker added: “For me, it’s incredibly humbling to be here and to be asked to meet the princess today.”

Kate and Charlotte were greeted with cheers and applause as they took their seats in the front row of the royal box at Centre Court.

For updates on the Royal Family follow our live blog

The Princess of Wales wore a bright violet capped sleeve midi dress from Safiyaa with nude Camilla Elphick sling-back pumps and a matching LK Bennett leather box bag with gold hardware.

Kate, who has been undergoing chemotherapy, made her first public appearance since announcing her diagnosis in March at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London last month.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales, president of the Football Association, was with Prince George at England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Some spectators at Wimbledon could be seen wearing white England football shirts at the championships on Sunday morning.

Actors Tom Cruise, Zendaya and Hugh Jackman were among the celebrities who attended the Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Saturday as Czech player Krejcikova fought off Italian Jasmine Paolini to claim a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory in the women’s singles championship.

The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte meeting Emma Raducanu (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Kate did not attend the women’s final and Wimbledon chairwoman, Debbie Jevans, presented the trophy to Krejcikova on her behalf.

Earlier in the tournament, the princess paid tribute to double champion Sir Andy Murray saying he should be “so very proud” after he missed out on a final match at Wimbledon.

In a personally-signed message on social media, Kate wrote: “An incredible #Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud @andy_murray. On behalf of all of us, thank you! C.”

The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte arrive to attend the men's singles final match (PA Wire)

Sir Andy was due to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu but the former US Open champion pulled out of the clash, citing stiffness in her right wrist.

The princess visited the championships several times last year and presented Alcaraz with his first Wimbledon trophy after watching him battle with Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final.

On Friday, Kate missed a charity polo match as William took to the field to raise funds for good causes at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.

In a statement released last month, the princess revealed she was making good progress but was “not out of the woods yet” and had “good days and bad days” as she continued her treatment.

Additional reporting by PA

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John Hunt's BBC co-star sends heartfelt message ahead of Spain vs England Euro 2024 final - Liverpool Echo

A leading BBC Sport journalist has sent a touching message to colleague John Hunt after his wife and two daughters were murdered on Tuesday night. Carol Hunt, 61, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were killed in a crossbow attack at a house in Ashlyn Close, in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

Kyle Clifford, 26, has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder. He is in hospital in a serious condition after he was found injured at a cemetery in Enfield on Wednesday.

And as England prepare to face Spain in the final of Euro 2024 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin tonight, former BBC Radio Merseyside commentator Gary Flintoff, who now works for BBC Radio Live, sent a heartfelt message to his colleague.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “This is a special day for the @5liveSport football team. However, our friend and colleague @HuntyCaller and his daughter Amy remain in our thoughts and in our hearts. John is a massive football fan and should have enjoyed this day. Sending our love to both him and Amy.”

The racing commentator, along with his other daughter Amy, released a statement on Saturday. They said they would now need space to come to terms with what had happened and 'start the grieving process'.

"The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words," the statement read. "We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.

"These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful. As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us, and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process.

"While this is happening, we would ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and relations be respected at this time. Thank you."

In a separate statement read to Sky Sports Racing viewers by his colleague Matt Chapman, Mr Hunt paid tribute to his 'magnificently inspirational' daughter, Amy.

He said: "Notwithstanding the horrid evil that's swept through our lives, wrecking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read.

"Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying, trying so hard to replicate. Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug."

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2024-07-14 11:39:00Z
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East Ham: Second child dies in house fire - BBC.com

Second child dies in house fire

The LFB said 40 firefighters responded to the blaze

A second child has died following a house fire in east London, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said.

The blaze broke out on the ground and first floor of a terraced house on Napier Road in East Ham, shortly before 08:30 BST on Saturday.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: "Sadly, one child was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday morning, and overnight a second child died in hospital.

"Two other children and two adults were also taken to hospital, where the children and one adult remain in a serious condition."

All six people are believed to be members of the same family and lived at the house, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.

They added there is currently "no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances".

'Unimaginable loss'

No details have been released of the identities or ages of the children and officers are working to find and inform other members of the family.

Det Ch Insp Jonathan Burks said: “I appreciate that local people will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event.

"We share those sentiments and will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions about this heart-breaking incident.”

Rokhsana Fiaz, the mayor of Newham, posted on X: "It is just an unimaginable loss and my heart goes out to the parents.

"My prayers for the two children who have died. Also prayers for the surviving family members, two adults and two other children."

She added the council would work to support the family.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

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