March 11, 2024

Princess Kate Apologises Amid Photo Editing Controversy

The Princess of Wales has issued a statement on the photo editing controversy surrounding Kensington Palace’s latest image of her and her children.

Kate has personally apologised for confusion over the family photograph issued by Kensington Palace.

She said: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.”

The image of Kate and her children, said by the palace to have been taken by the Prince of Wales, was posted on social media.

The photograph was shared with media on Sunday but it was withdrawn by international picture agencies later the same day because of concerns that the image had been manipulated.

Speaking prior to Kate Middleton’s apology, Royal commentator Peter Hunt said: “This is damaging for the royals.

“They knew there would be intense interest in any picture they released of Kate.

“Their challenge is that people will now question whether they can be trusted and believed when they next issue a health update.”

The picture shows Kate sitting in a chair with her arms around Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are on either side of her, with Prince George standing behind, as all four smile at the camera.

But there was speculation that edits had been made to the left sleeve of Princess Charlotte’s cardigan, and other areas of the picture also raised concerns about possible manipulation.

In the social media post, Kate thanked the public “for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months”.

The photo of the princess is the first released since she was admitted to the London Clinic, the private hospital where the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate, for a planned operation on January 16.

Charles, 75, visited his daughter-in-law’s bedside after being admitted himself on January 26, the 11th day of Kate’s stay.

She was also visited by her husband, William.

Kate left the hospital on January 29, almost two weeks later, and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

Details of the princess’s condition have not been disclosed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

The 42-year-old future queen was last pictured in public during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Kate is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter, and William, 41, temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children as she recovered.

Police Continue Hunt for Individuals Linked to Fatal Crush at O2 Academy Brixton

Police are still hunting for 12 people who they would like to identify as the O2 Academy Brixton is set reopen after a fatal crush which killed two people.

Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, were killed when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a show by Nigerian artist Asake on December 15, 2022.

The O2 Academy Brixton will reopen from April 19, 2024 – 16 months after the deadly crush at the venue.

The families of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson met at New Scotland Yard on December 13, 2023, to support police appeal for information and the Metropolitan Police released images of people they would like to speak to.

On March 4 as the O2 Brixton Academy announced its reopening date, police confirmed that the appeal is still ongoing.

Anyone with footage or information that can assist the investigation can upload it to the Metropolitan Police on their website.

The south London venue faced permanent closure after the Metropolitan Police urged the council to remove its licence but following a two-day hearing in September 2023, Lambeth Council’s licensing sub-committee voted to allow the venue to continue operating – so long as it meets “77 extensive and robust new conditions”.

It has now been confirmed the first shows at the venue will feature tribute acts, rather than famous bands.

A statement from O2 Academy Brixton on X said: “O2 Academy Brixton will reopen on Friday 19 April with Nirvana UK (tribute to Nirvana) and The Smyths (tribute to The Smiths), followed by Friday 26 April with Definitely Mightbe (tribute to Oasis) and UK Foo Fighters (tribute to Foo Fighters).”

Rebecca’s father Anthony Ikumelo, said: “Rebecca was a caring loving person who cared for everyone in the community.

“This tragedy has left a large hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.

“We urge anyone who has information about what happened that night to come forward so that those responsible can be identified.”

Gaby’s sister Kelsey Hutchinson, said: “Our lives will never be what they used to be, we have gaps and it’s trying to find a new normal.

“Because we don’t have the answers, we’re still waiting for investigations to be completed, we’re still in a situation where we don’t know why. I think if we could get to that point, that might help us.

“No one should ever go to work and not come home.”

DCI Penney said: “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening, how Rebecca and Gaby came to lose their lives and why a young woman remains in hospital in a very serious condition a year later.

“I am grateful to those who have already helped by either speaking to police, sharing footage or providing us with valuable advice in terms of our investigation and the impact of this tragic event on people in Lambeth and beyond.

“We owe it to the families who have been left heartbroken and with many unanswered questions to establish the truth about what happened to their loved ones, and continue to follow the evidence where it takes us – without fear or favour.

“There were thousands of people at the venue that evening, and today I am releasing images of people I would like to speak to as I believe they have vital information. I urge them to get in touch as soon as possible.

“I would again ask that if you were at the Asake concert at the 02 Academy Brixton on 15 December 2022, and you were filming – we know from CCTV that many people were – please come forward and share that footage with the investigation, please help the heartbroken families get the answers they need.”

The company which owns the Brixton Academy, Academy Music Group (AMG), said it had developed new safety measures in an effort to have its licence restored, including stronger doors, a better queuing system and more secure ticketing.

AMG said changes to its operating policies had been developed by “leading professionals” to prevent a repeat of last year’s events.

The venue has spent £1.2 million on maintenance and improvements in 2023, despite being closed, a hearing was told.

Following the ruling, Brixton Academy said it was “immensely grateful” to Lambeth Council and looked forward to welcoming fans back.

The Metropolitan Police also said at the time that officers will work with Academy Music Group and Lambeth Council to ensure the public can enjoy events at O2 Brixton Academy again.

GMP Responds to Alleged Stabbing Incident in Murray Road, Bury

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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are actively responding to an incident on Murray Road in Bury. The situation involves what is believed to be a stabbing, and officers are conducting further inquiries.

The injuries sustained by the three victims are not considered life-threatening. While no arrests have been made at this time, the investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector John Charlton, from GMP’s Bury division, provided the following statement: “We believe this incident was a targeted attack, and we are relieved that no one has suffered life-threatening injuries. There is no immediate threat to the wider public, and we consider this to be an isolated incident.”

Residents in the local area may notice heightened police patrols, but there is no cause for alarm. These patrols are in place to support and reassure the community.

GMP urges anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. If you have relevant footage, including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell, or dash cam recordings, please make a report by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1338 of 11/03/2024. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Emergency services have swiftly responded to a suspected stabbing incident reported on Sudbury Heights Avenue in Sudbury Hill this evening. Witnesses observed a significant presence of police cars, ambulances, and an air ambulance near the junction of Morden Gardens, just off Sudbury Heights Avenue, at approximately 7:00 pm. A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service […]

Police Seize Counterfeit Cigarettes Worth £60,000 Following Burglary Incident in Walsall

In a significant operation, Walsall Police have successfully seized nearly 5,000 counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated value of £60,000. The seizure comes in the wake of a burglary incident reported on Sutton Road in Walsall. Officers swiftly responded to the call, which came in shortly before 1 am on Monday, with reports indicating an ongoing […]

Tragic Incident at Dartford Petrol Station: Person Dies After Collapsing at Tesco Express

A person has died after collapsing at a Tesco Express inside a petrol station in Dartford.

The incident happened at Esso petrol station in Dartford Road at around 10.50am today (March 11).

Officers, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue were called to the scene.

The person was pronounced dead shortly after.

A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “We were called at approximately 10.50am today to Tesco Express on Dartford Road, Dartford, to reports a person had collapsed.

“Ambulance crews attended the scene but sadly, despite the efforts of all those involved, the person died at the scene.”

St Leonards Appeal: Help Police Recover Stolen Rare Watch

St Leonards residents are being called upon by the local police force to aid in the investigation of a recent burglary that resulted in the theft of a unique watch. The incident, which took place in the serene Chatfield Close area, unfolded during daylight hours between 11 am and 2 pm on January 11, leaving the community on high alert.
The stolen item, a watch of significant rarity and value, is at the center of the police’s ongoing investigation. In an effort to expedite the recovery of the stolen property and capture the culprits, authorities have released images of the stolen watch, hoping that it may trigger recognition among the public or reveal its possible sale.
The police are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the rare watch or any details pertaining to the burglary to come forward. Community members can assist by contacting the police through their online portal or by phone at 101, referencing serial number 872 of 11/01.
Read more on www.Sussex.News

Eastbourne Car Crash and Gas Leak: Urgent Response Detailed

At 6.19pm on March 11, 2024, the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to an incident where a car had crashed into a building on Trinity Place in Eastbourne, accompanied by a reported gas odor.
A woman was extricated from the vehicle as the Technical Rescue Unit was deployed to maneuver the car safely. A precautionary 50-metre cordon was established around the site.
Emergency services, including ambulance and police units, were promptly notified.
Gas engineers were dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough inspection for potential gas leaks.
By 7.30pm, responsibility for the site was transferred to the building’s proprietors.
The public is advised to immediately report any gas or carbon monoxide emergencies, or incidents involving pipeline damage (regardless of gas leakage), by dialing 0800 111 999 at any time. This number should also be used to report the smell of gas.
Read more on www.Sussex.News

Motorists Urged to Follow Official Diversions Amid Unprecedented M25 Closure

Drivers are being warned to ignore satnavs and follow official diversion routes ahead of an “unprecedented” closure of the M25 this weekend.

National Highways issued the alert as it prepares to close a five-mile stretch of the motorway in Surrey from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.

The Government-owned company estimates that drivers who follow signs for diversion routes on A-roads will have an hour added to their usual journey times between junctions 10 and 11, which will be shut in both directions.

It is concerned that some may try to find alternative routes via minor roads.

National Highways project lead Jonathan Wade said how well the area copes with the M25 closure will partly depend on whether drivers stick to official diversions.

He told the PA news agency: “How many people are going to take the initiative and try and use satnavs?

“There’s probably a greater risk of congestion by people just doing their own thing and thinking they can perhaps beat the signs and find a shorter or quicker route.

“That will cause further congestion on some of the key junctions so please avoid doing that if at all possible.”

National Highways senior project manager Daniel Kittredge said: “If people move away from diversion routes that we prescribe, it creates additional issues in different parts of the road network.

“The majority of the time that will be local roads, so that really impacts residents in those particular areas.

“That’s why we’re trying to encourage people to not follow the satnav.

“Stick on the prescribed diversion route. It’s going to be more suitable for your journey.”

National Highways said the action is necessary to enable a bridge to be demolished and a new gantry to be installed.

The organisation believes only one hour will be added to journeys as a result of the closure.

The M25 normally carries between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles in each direction per hour from 10am until 9pm at weekends between junctions 9 and 11.

Four more daytime closures of the motorway will take place up to September.

The project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes and make it easier to enter and exit the M25 at junction 10, which is one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.

Controversy Surrounds Princess of Wales’ Mother’s Day Photo

Kensington Palace has remained silent over claims the Princess of Wales’ Mother’s Day photo was “manipulated”.

It was the first official photo of Kate Middleton that has been released since she underwent abdominal surgery in January this year at the London Clinic.

The photo of Kate and her three children published on social media by the palace is said to have been taken by the Prince of Wales in Windsor earlier last week and was posted to mark Mother’s Day (March 10).

In the post, she said: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”

The picture shows Kate sitting in a chair with her arms around Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are on either side of her, with Prince George standing behind, as all four smile at the camera.

Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day photo removed by international picture agencies

But after the image was shared with the media on Sunday, it was withdrawn by some international picture agencies including Getty Images, AFP, Reuters and Associated Press later the same day because of concerns that the image had been “manipulated.”

This was due to speculation that edits had been made to the left sleeve of Princess Charlotte’s cardigan, and other areas of the picture also raised concerns about possible alteration.

Associated Press, issued a “kill notification” – an industry term used to make a retraction.

According to the BBC, the Associated Press said: “At closer inspection, it appears that the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent.”

However, Kensington Palace has declined to comment, according to the PA news agency.

A spokesperson for the PA news agency said it had not “killed” the picture on its service, but was seeking urgent clarification from Kensington Palace about the concerns raised about “manipulation”.

Confusion over the picture has fuelled further online conspiracies about Kate’s whereabouts which have been swirling on the internet since her surgery.