6 days agoSouth TvComments Off on 7 chilling clues in unsolved murder of mum & her 5 young kids in house fire – including mystery cyclist & missing laptop
POLICE have issued a fresh appeal after a mum and her five young children were murdered in a deliberate house fire.
Dr Sabah Usmani, 44, her daughters Hira, 12, and Maheen, three, and sons Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, nine and Rayyan, six, all died in the horror.
Essex PoliceA mum and her five children died in the horror blaze[/caption]
Essex PoliceNo one has ever been brought to justice over the killings[/caption]
Dad Dr Abdul Shakoor was the only survivor after the blaze ripped through their terraced home in Harlow, Essex.
The family were sleeping at the time on October 15, 2012, with Dr Abdul able to escape from an upstairs window.
Essex Police launched a murder probe named Operation Shakespeare but no one has ever been brought to justice.
They have now released a fresh plea for information 12 years on from the arson attack.
Officers are hoping to shed light on seven key lines of enquiry – including the whereabouts of a missing laptop.
The black Toshiba Satellite was taken from the family home in a burglary but has never been found.
Police say its lead and bag were later recovered near to the scene between Whitewaits and St Michael’s Close.
In a strange twist, the lead had a shaver adaptor plug attached to it that did not belong to the tragic family.
Officers are also hoping to track down a man on a bicycle seen in the area at the time of the fire.
He has been described as white and aged in his late teens/early 20s.
The horror unfolded at around 1.40am as the fire took hold of the downstairs of the terraced property.
A silver Ford Focus was also set alight at the same time close to the house.
Police launched a huge murder probe – with 500 people coming forward with information.
A month after the horror, a person called Harlow police station from a phone box and left a message about the fire but they have never been traced.
That same month, a piece of paper about the fire was left on a shelf in Boots in Harlow.
Police have not revealed what was said in the phonecall or written on the note.
7 chilling clues surrounding horror blaze
ESSEX Police have released these key pieces of information they are trying to solve.
A white man aged in his late teens/early 20s on a bicycle seen in the area when the house and car were set alight. It is thought he could be a key witness.
The family laptop, a black Toshiba Satellite, which was taken from the house in a burglary. This has not been located. Do you know where the laptop is or was?
The laptop was fitted with a two-pin lead because it was bought in Saudi Arabia. The laptop bag and lead were later recovered near to the scene between Whitewaits and St Michael’s Close. Did you see these items being dumped or did you notice any suspicious activity in these areas at the time?
Attached to the laptop lead was a shaver adapter plug. This did not belong to the Shakoor family which suggests someone tried to use the plug. Did you have a shaver plug missing from your home at the time?
Do you know anything about the silver Ford Focus which was set alight?
In November 2012 a person rang Harlow police station from a phone box and left a message about the fire. Are you that person? Please contact us.
Also in November 2012 a piece of paper about the murder investigation was left on a shelf in Boots in Harlow. Did you leave that piece of paper?
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Dr Shakoor lives with the unimaginable pain of losing his entire family; a wife who he had planned to grow old with; children who he imagined growing up and going on to do great things.
“But that future was taken from him exactly 12 years ago. For 12 years, no one has faced justice for what happened but I remain committed to changing that.”
“I have met with Dr Shakoor and I see his unwavering determination to see someone – or some people – held accountable for his family’s deaths. I am committed to doing all we can to give him that.
“No case is ever closed, and this investigation has been regularly reviewed to identify new lines of enquiry. Securing justice for Dr Shakoor remains our determined aim and I remain very confident the answers to this absolute tragedy lie within the Harlow community.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Dr Abdul Shakoor was the only survivorGetty Images - GettyThe family were sleeping at the time of the fire
6 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Eight out of 10 Brits want to be ‘more Italian’ and adopt a ‘slower, more relaxed pace of life’, new research shows
NEW research shows that majority of British people are keen to adopt a more Italian lifestyle.
The study found that eight out of 10 Brits want to lead a “slower, more relaxed” life.
GettyA study found that majority of Brits want to adopt a more Italian lifestyle (stock image)[/caption]
According to the poll, most British people want to cook with family, dress up for any occasion, and have an Espresso on the go.
The study of 2,000 adults found 80% admire Italian culture, with 41% describing it as “passionate,” 37% calling it “laid-back,” and 26% labelling it “sophisticated.”
More than a fifth are keen to live more by the mantra of “My house is your house” and a third are set on working to live, not living to work.
While 39% want to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace of life, and 10% like the idea of using a lot of gestures to express themselves.
The Italian coffee company, Lavazza commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new coffee range “Tales of Italy.”
“Many Brits would like to embrace a more Italian lifestyle, and one way they can do this is by slowing down and savouring life’s everyday pleasures,” said Filippo Ferrari of the Lavazza company.
“This can mean enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones, choosing quality over quantity, or luxuriating in simple rituals like your morning coffee.
“The Italian way of life is a celebration of connection and appreciating the beauty in everything.”
The study also found 48% of those polled have previously visited Italy and would like to go again.
Its history, architecture, and welcoming people are among the things that stood out to those the most.
But it was the delicious Italian food that came top of the list at 48%.
Nearly half of those who have been to the country have recreated recipes or drinks upon their return home.
However, 44% admitted it was worse than they had enjoyed in Italy – with only nine percent claiming it was better than the real thing, according to the OnePoll.com data.
It also emerged 32% consume Italian food or drink at least once a week, as 70% say the culture or heritage of their favourite cuisine products is important to them.
Often known for its great quality coffee, half of those who drink it associate the boot-shaped country with it the most.
Cappuccino at 54%, caffe latte at 46%, and espresso at 30% were voted the most enjoyable types of Italian coffee.
Top 15 things Brits want to adopt from the Italians
Embracing a slower, more relaxed pace of life
Working to live, not living to work
Being more mindful of what you eat / cooking from scratch
Enjoying meals with the family, for example long lunches at the weekend
Cooking with family
Being very welcoming – your house is your house
Being a lover of beauty and art
Enjoying dressing stylishly for any occasion
Being more romantic and passionate
Enjoying a cappuccino with a croissant or a pastry
Drinking authentic Italian coffee at home
Having an aperitivo with friends
Using a lot of gestures to express myself
Having an Espresso on the go
Driving a Vespa
With taste at 70%, quality at 44%, and price at 32% rated as the most important factors to consider.
It also emerged 18% of coffee drinkers have a dedicated routine, with 16% enjoying the ritual of making it as much as drinking it.
And 31% say the taste and aroma of coffee helps them feel more alert and focused.
“Italian cuisine and coffee are more than just food and drink – they’re expressions of culture, regional traditions, and passion,” added Filippo Ferrari.
“We want to share the true essence of Italian coffee culture with the world – each blend provides a sensory journey, carefully created to evoke the unique spirit of some of Italy’s most iconic cities.”
GettyAccording to the research, most British people want to adopt a ‘slower, more relaxed’ approach to life (stock image)[/caption]
6 days agoSouth TvComments Off on Supersized beers and a trio of NFL games – the biggest events in the UK this month
AMERICAN football games and German beer are coming to the UK this October.
NFL London Games
Playing Premiership matches in America may be controversial, but the US has no problem exporting its version of football here.
The NFL has been playing games in the UK since 2007 and now schedules a three-game series each October. Here’s a preview of this month’s remaining games.
Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears
Sunday, October 13, 2.30pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London N17
The Bears return to the new Spurs stadium for the first time since losing there in 2019, when it hosted its first NFL match.
Number one overall pick Caleb Williams has started well, but results have been mixed and they’ve won only ten games in the past two seasons.
The Jaguars have problems too. They lost their first two games of the season and tight end Evan Engram is likely to be missing with a hamstring injury.
Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit could be promoted from the practice squad to the Jaguars active roster.
New England Patriots v Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, October 20, 2.30pm, Wembley Stadium, London
The Jaguars stay in London to take on six-time Super Bowl champs the New England Patriots. The Patriots have started well under Jerod Mayo, with new pick Keion White typifying the coach’s aggressive defensive approach.
Star linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley – ruled out for the season in week 2 – will be difficult to replace. Last time they met, in 2022, the Patriots crushed the Jaguars 50-10.
Oktoberfest
If American football isn’t your thing, but beer is, then you’re in luck. This month it’s Oktoberfest, the annual celebration of Bavarian brewing.
Towns and cities all over the UK will be holding events involving huge steins of beer, loud oompah music, sizzling bratwurst sausages and silly games.
There are plans for big tent events over weekends at Stoke Park in Guildford, Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, Priory Park in Southend, Beverley Racecourse, Central Park in Chelmsford and Central Park in Plymouth.
You’ll find more Bavarian bashes in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens and Manchester’s Platt Fields Park. London sessions will be flowing in Camden, Finsbury Square, Old Billingsgate and Brick Lane.
6 days agoSouth TvComments Off on What the dark circles under your eyes can reveal about your health – and when you must see a doctor
HAVING under eye bags is usually harmless, with one of the most common causes being not getting enough sleep.
They can also be a natural part of ageing or pop up during the Winter months, when there’s less exposure to sunlight which can lead to lack of vitamin D and a paler complexion, which can make dark circles more noticeable.
AlamyDark circles under the eyes are usually harmless, often caused by tiredness and ageing[/caption]
AlamyBut if you suddenly develop dark circles under the eyes then it’s worth visiting your GP[/caption]
Most the time dark circles can be easily treated – getting enough sleep, eating well, using caffeine eye products, prescription creams and cosmetic procedures can all help.
But in some cases, they can be a sign of something more sinister.
GP Dr Ross Perry Medical, Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explained: “Dark cycles aren’t usually signs of a medical problem and can be simply down to ageing, fatigue, dehydration, or just simply genetics, most of which are easily treatable and very common.
“However, it can also be a sign of neuroblastoma, which can come with no symptoms, but can also present itself as causing dark circles under the eyes.”
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children, mostly under the age of 5 years old. It usually starts in the tummy area.
In adults it’s extremely rare, affecting one in 10 million adults per year.
Dr Perry said: “Adults with nueorblastoma have a significantly worse outcome than children with neuroblastoma, with a 5-year survival rate average of 36.3 percent.
“However, early diagnosis can help treatment be more effective.”
Neuroblastoma can come with no symptoms, but can also present itself as dark circles under the eyes.
Occasionally, neuroblastoma can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms can easily be passed off as other conditions, warned Dr Perry.
This can also depend on where the tumour is and its size.
Other symptoms of neuroblastoma the doctor said to look out for are:
Tiredness
A lump or swollen area in the abdomen
Bone pain
Weak limbs
Bulging eyes
Droopy eye lids
Constipation
Difficulty urinating
If you suddenly develop dark circles under the eyes then it’s worth visiting your GP.
Dr Perry advised: “Most of the times it will be absolutely nothing to worry about and offer a simple explanation.
“However, particularly in children, you need to get this checked immediately as early diagnosis is crucial.”
Treating dark circles under the eyes caused by fatigue
If dark circles under eyes have a less serious cause, such as fatigue, Optical Express recommends the following at-home treatments.
Firstly, get more sleep – the most important thing you can do to improve the appearance of your under eyes is to get enough sleep.
Elevate your head – make sure you have enough pillows in bed so your head is adequately elevated and prevents fluid from building up around your eyes.
Use a cold compress – this can reduce swelling and shrink the blood vessels under the eyes, helping them look less puffy and dark.
Try tea bags – these can make an excellent compress as the caffeine and other antioxidants found in tea help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
The most common signs of neuroblastoma in children
Symptoms can vary depending on where the child's neuroblastoma tumour is:
if the tumour is in the abdomen, your child’s tummy may be swollen and they may complain of constipation or have difficulty passing urine (peeing)
if the tumour affects the chest area, your child may be breathless and have difficulty swallowing
if the tumour occurs in the neck, it’s often visible as a lump and occasionally affects breathing and swallowing
occasionally, there are deposits of neuroblastoma in the skin that appear as small, blue-coloured lumps
if the tumour is pressing on the spinal cord, children may have weakness in the legs and walk unsteadily – if your child is not yet walking, you may notice reduced leg movements; they may also have constipation or difficulty passing urine (peeing)
6 days agoSouth TvComments Off on I was on Married At First Sight – meddling producers turned our dates into utter disasters… now my sex life’s ruined too
HE went on Married at First Sight hoping to find the one… but now, lovelorn Thomas Kriaras reckons the show has tanked his sex life.
Paired up with Rozz Darlington on last year’s series, the 27-year-old reveals he endured a disastrous time behind the scenes – battling botched dates, meddling producers and a ‘wife’ who rated him lower than her pet animals.
Channel 4Thomas Kriaras and Rozz Darlington didn’t immediately hit it off on MAFS UK last year[/caption]
Channel 4He claims the show’s honeymoon destination presented problems for their romance[/caption]
Instagram/@thomaskriarasRozz and Thomas turned up the heat later in the show, but it wasn’t to be[/caption]
Instagram/@thomaskriarasThe reality TV star says the show has made it more difficult to find love[/caption]
Things haven’t got better since, with Thomas admitting dates now get the ‘ick’ over his reality TV fame or use him as a quick ticket to get on Love Island.
And as a finally kick in the teeth, he tells how just days after the reunion show aired, he was admitted to hospital after consuming so many energy drinks he managed to burn a hole in his stomach.
It was one of many times he claims the show’s team intervened in their relationship, including allegedly “pressuring” Rozz to request to leave the process two weeks in a row.
He says: “We felt the pressure from other people including producers and some cast members, who didn’t want to leave the show first.
“We were in their targets and they targetted the person I was with quite unfairly, encouraging her to put leave – especially from producers, which isn’t fair, they did it two weeks in a row.
“Later, I wanted to leave immediately after the homestays. I don’t know how but the producers convinced me to stay for the final commitment ceremony.
“I guess the producers and TV crew become your friends and I remember going, ‘What do I get from putting myself in a situation that’s going to make it tougher for her when she’s made a decision?’
“We had that exit scene in her home, we said goodbye. I said, ‘Why did I need to do more?’
“They said I would regret it and I guess I felt obligated to finish because of the show.”
Channel 4Thomas says one date, which didn’t air, took pace during a blizzard[/caption]
Instagram/@thomaskriarasThey struggled to maintain the spark in their relationship – despite bringing in lingerie[/caption]
SuppliedThomas says he had already tried to leave the show by the time the final commitment ceremony had been filmed[/caption]
Disaster dates
Thomas was approached for last year’s show by a ‘recruiter’, who he believes saw the “nice photos on my Instagram”, and encouraged him to apply.
Now Thomas casts doubts on MAFS’ matchmaking skills – noting that other reality TV shows have more success at finding lasting love for couples.
He says: “They should call the show ‘divorce at second sight’ because everyone splits up except for the lucky, select, chosen ones… Love Island has got a better track record.”
“While others were chilling in Thailand or Tenerife with drinks on the beach, we got put on the top of a mountain in a blizzard,” Thomas says.
They were sent on a skiing holiday in Austria. Neither of them had tried the high-risk sport before and he says a couple of the dates were disasters.
Thomas recalls: “We were getting lessons before hitting the slopes and the producers were like, ‘Go talk to her!’ I’m like, ‘Dude I’m trying not to die here!’
I’ve broken my collarbone, had dengue fever, and I would rather go back and experience those things again than suffer that. It was so painful
Thomas Kriaras
“There were a couple of dates that didn’t make it to air – in one they made us a picnic but it was so cold we couldn’t open the packages of food and snacks because a blizzard hit us.
“It was just so synthetic with the circumstances that they put us in, which is why I think they only used a handful of clips. It was a weird experience.
“It was a shame because we had a lot of laughs and a good time, once we adjusted to the blistering winds.
“I don’t think I’d honeymoon in Austria again.”
Massaging the drama
Thomas suspects producers rigged one date scene – a couple’s massage, which also didn’t air – in a bid to maximise the drama on screen.
He says: “I got a bloke who didn’t use any oil, he was just rubbing my hairy legs. I said, ‘Can we stop!’ because it was so painful, it was like having waxing paper rubbed up and down.
“Everyone thought I was joking. But I wasn’t having a good time. I had to walk out mid-massage because it was absolute agony.
“I’ve broken my collarbone, had dengue fever, and I would rather go back and experience those things again than suffer that. It was so painful.
“I think maybe the masseuse was under pressure not to use oil knowing there were cameras there and they wanted to put on a good show.”
‘Family, animals, Thomas’
Instagram/@thomaskriarasThomas and Rozz remain on ‘good terms’ but no longer speak as she is dating someone else[/caption]
Instagram/@thomaskriarasThomas is pals with Made In Chelsea stars including Freddy Knatchbull[/caption]
Rozz struggled to develop feelings for her husband throughout the experiment and at one point admitted she had “checked out” of the relationship.
During the homestays section, she admitted Thomas wasn’t a “priority” for her, which he says led to them splitting up but staying ‘together’ on the show until the final commitment ceremony,
In those scenes, she told the cameras: “He’s telling me everything I want to hear but I worry that in my list of priorities where’s Thomas? I feel like it goes: family, animals, Thomas. That’s not ok.”
Despite their romance having already ended, that final commitment ceremony was appeared such an emotional ordeal that Thomas had to be dragged off by a medic after apparently suffering a panic attack.
But again, he claims this was engineered for drama by producers, explaining: “I was crying because I was sad and saying goodbye to my friends and then they bring on a medic.
“They said I was having an anxiety attack and tried to get me to do these breathing exercises but I was like, ‘Dude, I’m not having an anxiety attack’.
“It was mortifying when that happened. I was like bro get your hands off me. I don’t know why it was so exaggerated and exacerbated, people are allowed to be sad.”
Hospital dash
While that ‘medical scare’ was overblown, Thomas says he had to rush to hospital months later due to “drinking too many energy drinks” and having a bad diet.
Around the time that the MAFS reunion show aired in February, he felt very unwell one evening and called 111.
He explains: “They said, ‘You have to go to hospital now, we’ve made you an emergency appointment at A&E’ so I was driving on the way to hospital thinking ‘I’m going to die’.
I was sort of seeing someone and they suddenly just ignored me because, apparently they were going on Love Island
Thomas Kriaras
“But it wasn’t that bad, it was non-erosive gastritis. It heals on its own and needs a lot of antacids.”
Since then, Thomas has changed his diet – cutting back on his caffeine and poor food intake.
‘Agonising’ love life
As for Thomas, initially he “couldn’t wait” to get back on the dating scene but now says it’s “just agony”.
He jokes: “I feel like there’s an anaconda around my neck squeezing all the air out of me every time.”
Thomas says he’s grown tired of “bad behaviour” from prospective love interests who have “cancelled an hour before” dates or “not followed through with plans”.
He says: “I was seeing someone for a bit but whenever I was talking about what I’m doing, like having an interview, she would roll her eyes.
I’ve got a quarter of a million women following me so there’s a lot of competitive attention and it only takes one person to turn a head
Thomas Kriaras
“She would say, ‘Oh, you think you’re famous’ which I don’t but I feel like why should I do these thing when I’m asked or talk about my experiences?
“A lot of people don’t have respect for me because of the fact I’ve done a TV show. So dating feels like a bit of a minefield.”
Thomas says his inbox is full of admirers who watched MAFS but he ignores them because “it feels really gammy” to pursue them.
Instead, he wants to meet people naturally and has tried to while partying with cast members from Made In Chelsea, including Freddy Knatchbull.
Mafs couples that have stood the test of time
Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby.
The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam’s Doncaster home.
Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau.
Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December.
Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: “I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out – and excited for everything to come.”
Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019.
Owen recalled: “I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work.
“While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in.
“The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if I signed up?’
“A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.”
Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson.
Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna’s vegan lifestyle, the show’s first same sex pairing are still going strong.
They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod.
Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: “We’re not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship.”
“I was seeing someone who I really liked but she couldn’t do it anymore because she didn’t like the whole social media side of things,” he tells us.
“I do get it because I’ve got a quarter of a million women following me so there’s a lot of competitive attention and it only takes one person to turn a head. I’m sure that feeds into someone’s insecurities.
“Then I was sort of seeing someone and they suddenly just ignored me because, apparently they were going on Love Island. In the end they didn’t get on it so that was quite funny.
‘Love Island has a better record’
While Thomas didn’t find his soulmate on MAFS, he believes the goal may not always be to help people find love but to “help you grow as a person”.
“Love Island has got a better track record but that’s because you pick who you are with rather than being put with someone who will help you grow,” he says.
“I’m quite avoidant when it comes to relationships. The show helped me transform from a husk of a person, who was withdrawn like a turtle, to opening up and actually being very open.
“I do think there is an element of MAFS that is incredibly important you’re getting something and someone who the experts think will make you grow as a human being.”
After putting the claims to Channel 4, a spokesperson told The Sun: “As Thomas has said, contributors are able to leave the show at any time if they decide to.
“The show is a fair and accurate reflection of events that happen during filming.”
