More than £100,000 is to be pumped in replacing unreliable and obsolete traffic lights across Liverpool’s road network. As part of a wider Department for Transport policy announced by the…
KATE Cassidy’s final Instagram post with Liam Payne has fans in tears – as they pair posed together just weeks before his tragic death.
Former One Direction star Liam, 31, died from multiple injuries after falling from a third floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday afternoon.
Kate, who had been dating the pop star for two years, attended a friend’s wedding with Liam just six weeks ago in Paris.
The model shared photos from the day, including a loved-up picture of her and Liam with his arm around her waist.
Liam was suited and booted and Kate wore a lemon off-the-shoulder dress for the occasion.
In another photo, the Perfect singer flashed a big smile as he posed alongside his girlfriend and a guest at the wedding reception.
Kate captioned it: “The most stunning evening, we celebrate the lovebirds.”
Devastated fans have left a flurry of comments on Kate’s post and commented on how happy the pair looked at the time.
This emotional follower wrote: “Thank you for making him happy again, even just for a little while, we’ll be always grateful for that. Wish you well, Kate! I know it’s hard but stay strong! We’re trying over here too.”
A second said: “People saying that he was happy in those pics prove that social media are so fake.”
A third added: “Thank you for making Liam happy, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
In Snapchats shared just minutes before his death, the singer uploaded photos of his food and detailed his plans to play polo.
He filmed Kate, 25, as they ate breakfast, revealing they had been staying at their friend’s home together.
The footage saw Liam addressing the camera, saying: “This is the breakfast table, just enjoying breakfast and coffee even though it’s 1pm.”
Kate could be heard in the background joking that the pair were “losers” for laying in so late.
Liam was first linked to Kate in October 2022, before making their first red carpet debut together two months later.
In March 2023, Kate accompanied Liam to the premiere of documentary All of Those Voices, made by his One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson.
She shared pictures of herself and X Factor star Liam at the showbiz event and told her followers: “What a crazy eye opening experience!”
Kate added: “@Louist91 well done on such a beautiful film that everybody will love.”
Liam’s relationship with Kate came following the end of his engagement with model Maya Henry.
The couple ended their romance in June 2021, before reuniting later that year. But they called it quits for good in May 2022.
On Wednesday night, it was confirmed to The Sun that Liam has died.
The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo in Argentina.
Witnesses said Liam smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an erratic incident earlier in the day, TMZ reports.
His death was confirmed as soon as ambulance crews arrived.
Cops discovered “what appeared to be narcotics, alcohol, destroyed objects and furniture” in his room.
Photos published by Argentine media showed white powder, burnt aluminium foil and a smashed TV screen inside his suite.
Forensic teams reported that a whiskey bottle, lighter and mobile phone were retrieved from the building’s internal courtyard where Liam’s body was found.
But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.
Officials have said “everything indicates” that he was alone when he died and could have been partly or fully unconscious when he fell.
A full toxicology report is still pending and could take weeks to become public.
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
THE HIGHLY anticipated drama Rivals has finally premiered on Disney+ and it is packed full of familiar faces.
Alongside actors like David Tennant, Emily Atack and Aidan Turner, the eight-part drama also stars Coronation Street legend Denise Black – but did you spot her?
Denise, 66, is best known for playing Denise Osbourne in the ITV soap from 1992 to 2017.
Now she’s taken on a new role playing Joyce Madden, the assistant to TV station boss Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
She filmed her scenes last year for the new Hulu series, which is available to stream on Disney+ for viewers in the U.K.
Denise looks unrecognisable in the series, sporting classic 80s fashion, short blonde hair, and thinly famed glasses.
Upon first glance, Joyce appears to be nothing more than a serious and straight-laced secretary, but it quickly becomes clear that Denise’s character is full of wit.
While speaking to Cameron (Nafessa Williams) in one scene, the sassy secretary says, “I’m not paid to have opinions” before she immediately speaks her mind to the drama producer.
Alongside playing Joyce on Rivals and Denise on Corrie, the TV star has also appeared in Emmerdale, Prime Video’s cancelled hit My Lady Jane and popular detective drama Grantchester.
Rivals is a raunchy drama set in the 1980s in the fictional countryside county of Rutshire. Adapted from Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name, it follows the intense rivalry between TV station controller Tony and charismatic ex-Olympian and Conservative MP Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell).
The rich men regularly butt heads over money and women, but they’re ready to go to war over the TV company Corinium Television.
With the future of Corinium Television hanging in the balance, the two are at odds, each determined to emerge victorious.
Tony owns Corinium and hopes that with the help of his new drama producer Cameron and presenter Declan O’Hara (Aiden Turner), it will be enough to emerge victorious.
But racy actions in the bedroom and boardroom make for an unpredictable storyline, so anything could happen.
Rivals’ all-star cast also features Eastenders star Danny Dyer, The Inbetweeners’ alum Emily Atack, Rufus Jones of W1A fame, Our Girl’s Luke Pasqualino and Bella Maclean from Sex Education.
The series, which premiered today (October 18) on Disney+ has already garnered dozens of rave reviews who have called it “magnificent.”
David Tennant has become one of the UK’s most prolific actors with countless films and TV shows under his belt.
Among one of his most notable roles is his portrayal of the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who in which he appeared regularly between 2007 and 2010.
Proving popular with fans, he returned in both 2013 and 2023 to play the character once again.
One of David’s most acclaimed and series roles was that of DI Alec Hardy in ITV’s crime drama Broadchurch.
The show ran between 2013 and 2017 and went on to be nominated, and win, a slew of top TV gongs.
In recent years, he appeared in three series of the show Staged before going on to portray Alexander Litvinenko in the ITV1 dramatisation Litvinenko.
Another fan gushed: “Rivals is everything I expected and more! 80s hair, music and debauchery! I love it!”
With reviews like those, it’s no wonder there’s already talk of a second series.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but a TV Insider teased that “there is still so much more in the story.”
Series 1 of Rivals is available to stream on Disney+ now.
A PREDATOR who raped an unconscious mum-of-three on a park bench before she was found dead hours later has been found guilty.
Mohamed lidow, 35, was prowling a park looking for vulnerable women when he raped Natalie Shotter, 37, multiple times after finding her passed out.
The vile attack caused NHS worker Natalie to suffer a heart attack and she was found dead by a member of the public hours later.
Jurors at the Old Bailey wept as they were shown footage of the horror attack at Southall Park, West London, on July 17, 2021.
lidow, who was a complete stranger to Natalie, was today found guilty of rape and manslaughter.
He will be sentenced on December 14.
The Old Bailey earlier heard how, earlier that night, Natalie had been captured on CCTV dancing outside a shop with other people.
She was then seen sitting on a bench with a different man when Lidlow walked past and looked at them.
Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, said: “What was the defendant doing there, what was he seeking to do, walking up and down the paths in the middle of the night and thinking about what his objectives must have been – seeking out a vulnerable woman to rape.”
Iidow then left the park and drove away in his car, but returned later on.
Natalie had been lying down and showed “no clear movement” for around half an hour before the lidow approached her “nonchalantly”.
Ms Morgan added: “Natalie Shotter does not appear to have been conscious at the time that she was raped, let alone consenting to the defendant.
“He could never have believed that she was consenting.
“It was the process of raping Natalie repeatedly that caused her death.”
Further CCTV showed lidow moving her body around in different positions as he raped her.
Natalie was little more than 5ft tall and weighed just 43kg (6st 11lb).
The defendant then drove back to his home in Hounslow, West London, via a petrol station where he stopped to buy cat food and mouthwash.
Ms Morgan added: “Very sadly, by the time she was found, she had died and it was obvious that she had been dead for a number of hours.
“She had not been stabbed or beaten to death, there were no obvious signs of significant injury to her body and there was nobody else with her.
“It has taken time to understand what must have happened to Natalie that night to understand what it was that must have caused her death.
“Crucially a CCTV camera at some distance away from the bench on which she was found would reveal what had happened to her that night.”
Natalie was found dead early in the morning of July 17, 2021.
Swabs taken from her mouth area matched DNA samples taken from lidow.
He was subsequently arrested at his home on August 4, 2021.
lidow later claimed in his police interview the sexual activity was consensual.
But he was found guilty by a unanimous verdict today.
Natalie’s family sobbed in the well of the court as the verdict was passed.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South who led the investigation, said: “Iidow’s predatory attack on Natalie was disturbing and shocking.
“This man drove to the park that night and took advantage of a vulnerable woman who should have been safe.
“Even after his arrest, Iidow attempted to claim that his actions were consensual.
“This case has deeply affected those involved, due to its rarity and tragic details.
“We needed to prove Natalie’s death was caused by being raped and that involved diligent work using experts in this field to charge and now convict Iidow.
“I commend the strength of Natalie’s friends and family who have had to listen to these details throughout the trial. Iidow is now facing a long term of imprisonment.”
BRENNAN JOHNSON is ready to ink his name into Tottenham’s history books — with a helping hand from his mum.
The forward, 23, bids to join ex-Spurs stars Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks in an exclusive club by scoring for the SEVENTH club match in a row against West Ham on Saturday.
Johnson receives good luck wishes before every match from his mother in the form of a four-leafed clover — which is also one of many tattoos on his body telling the story of his life.
The Welshman revealed: “I’ve got a four-leafed clover which my mum has always texted me before every game. She sends me a little one on messages.”
Johnson has already scored in his last six games in all competitions against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United, Ferencvaros and Brighton.
He then netted for his country against Iceland in the Nations League a week last Friday but was suspended for the Montenegro clash on Monday.
Yet Johnson wants to keep on writing new chapters in his blossoming career.
The £47.5million ace has several tattoos across both arms and he got his first bit of ink at the age of 18.
Johnson added: “My first was of my family initials in Greek. The main reason behind getting it was I wanted to get a tattoo but I didn’t really know what to get.
“So I felt like getting the family initials always goes down well. I also got this one – on his left forearm – at the same time. It means family over everything. It’s what my sisters, my mum and dad all have so I wanted one as well. I felt it would be a nice thing to do.
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“I have my grandparents’ date of birth but I also have a map which represents where my family are from. I designed it myself.
“It has an outline of Wales and Jamaica with the co-ordinates around the side and shows where my family are from. It means a lot to me so I thought it was a nice idea. I’m very happy with it.
“I’ve got an eagle above the map. The idea was to do it all in one at first but then I wanted the get the map a bit lower. It was going to be on top of the map and flying over it. But I liked it the way it was done and keep it on its own.”
Johnson’s mum Alison is from Wales while his dad David, who played for Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, was born in Jamaica and attends his matches. And the bulk of Johnson’s tattoos are dedicated to his family.
Johnson has some tattoo collection which has built up from his days playing at ex-club Nottingham Forest and a loan spell at Lincoln.
He said: “I grew up seeing my family and other people that I inspired to be like having tattoos and I looked at them as cool. I didn’t want to force it and get one that didn’t mean anything.
“I started small. Over time not all of them have crazy meanings or are really personal to me.
“I’ve got the number 23 because I was born on the 23rd of May. I really like the number. But some of them I just like and I’m comfortable with.
“I’ve got Bart Simpson. I was a big Simpsons fan growing up. I have a Daft Punk helmet. I’m not like a super crazy fan but I thought the helmet was really cool. It has got a smiley face and thought it looked quite cool.
“I’ve even got an alien. They are random things that I find cool. This left arm shows little things I like and I’m not too serious about myself. It’s a reminder to always try and be happy.
“The first one weren’t actually too bad or painful. They were quite small and thin. I’ve got a palm tree with some sun which is on the back. I was lying with my arm out and it was killing because it was in an awkward place to do. That one was quite painful.”
Johnson plans to add more tattoos in future. He told an episode of Cymru Ink: the stories behind the tattoos: “I don’t have an artist that I go to in London yet. I would have liked a few dates of when we got promoted with Forest or the day I signed for Spurs which I still have time to get. I’m looking for an artist in London.
“I probably got most of them on my right arm in the space of six to eight months. You kind of fall out of it and then you get back into it.
“I had a tattoo artist in Nottingham who was really flexible and would fit me in whenever. I didn’t really want to have to wait too long and think about it too much. They are pretty instinctive.
“I’d definitely say at times it was addictive. When I first started I got a lot then I chilled a bit. I’d definitely get some more. I’ve got the arms pretty much done. Maybe a few more on my right arm.
“Now it’s just if something happens or I find a bit of inspiration or something that means a lot to me, I’d definitely get it tattooed on me.”
SKY is one of the most popular providers in the UK, with a huge library of channels and tech to choose from – but it doesn’t come cheap.
That’s why Sky’s Black Friday deals are the perfect time to shop for products and packages, as the company slashes prices on its TV, mobile, broadband, and more.
Sky deals
The media juggernaut often bundles its deals, so you can save more by subscribing to multiple packages from the same provider.
In our experience, it’s well worth shopping around, especially for mobile and broadband deals, as you may find them cheaper elsewhere.
If you’re hard-pressed to pick which package is best for you, we’ve put two of Sky’s most innovative pieces of kit, Sky Glass vs Sky Stream, up against each other.
Read on for more Black Friday dates, details, and of course deals.
Sky likes to treat new customers to monthly deals to keep things exciting.
To save you time scrolling through the Sky website, here are our top deals that you can score today.
300 Mb/s Full Fibre broadband, £29 per month
If you’ve been considering signing up for Sky broadband, then the company’s ‘lowest ever’ deal might just convince you.
New customers can switch to Sky broadband and pick up a Full Fibre 300 package for just £29 per month with no upfront fees.
Find out more about Sky’s broadband deal here.
Sky Stream, Sky TV, Netflix, and Full Fibre 300 Broadband, £40 per month
If you love watching the latest series, Sky exclusives, and movies, then this package will suit all of your streaming needs.
For £40 per month, you’ll enjoy Sky Entertainment, Sky Originals, Netflix, and shows you won’t find on Freeview.
Already have a Netflix account? Don’t worry, Sky will make sure you don’t pay twice.
You’ll also get Full Fibre 300 Broadband, so you can enjoy wall-to-wall WiFi in every room.
Black Friday will kick off on November 29, 2024.
The annual sales event follows Thanksgiving in the US, which always occurs on the fourth Thursday in November.
However, Sky has a habit of starting the party early with waves of great deals and bundles to shop.
Although details for Black Friday 2024 have not yet been announced, we’re expecting Sky to once again take part.
Over the years, the company has treated customers to a variety of exclusive Black Friday offers from everything to entertainment and broadband to mobiles, and more.
There’s plenty of potential to save!
In the past, Sky has offered a range of deals on TV packages, broadband subscriptions, and mobile phone contracts.
In 2023, we saw up to 50% slashed off 100GB and 40GB plans on Sky Mobile, as well as money off Sky Glass packages.
Although we’re still waiting to see what Sky has to offer this year, we expect to find some great bargain bundles once more.
Previously, Black Friday has been a good opportunity to find a saving on popular Sky TV packages, such as Sky Sports and entertainment channels.
Whether shoppers were looking to test run Sky, score a long-term plan, or bag a broadband package, Sky had plenty of Black Friday deals in 2023.
Here are just a few of our favourite offers from last year’s sale:
Cyber Monday always follows Black Friday weekend, but this year, it won’t be taking place in November.
Instead, we will see Cyber Monday deals appear on December 2, 2024.
Seeing as Sky has partaken in the highly-anticipated sales over the last few years, we’re betting that the company will cut prices across the site again in 2024.
Cyber Monday is usually the penultimate day of the sales for most, with some retailers even choosing to drop prices further in an attempt to make way for newer releases.
Did you order a new device or bag a bundle?
If the answer is yes, then the next step is to secure shipping.
Delivery costs will vary depending on what’s in your online basket.
For example, Sky Mobile delivery is free.
Once your order has been confirmed, you can sign into your account to track or check on your order.
Sky offers some great discounts for NHS staff through Health Service Discounts.
Students who are members of UNiDAYS can also enjoy several additional Sky discounts.
Enjoyed reading about what to expect from the Sky Black Friday sale?
We’ve explained everything you need to know about Black Friday here.
Don’t let being an existing customer stop you from enjoying the Black Friday fun, as you’ll still be able to enjoy some exclusive Sky deals and upgrades.
If you’re already a customer, you can log into your account to find all the latest deals available to you.
Existing customers can also access the Sky support chat function to discuss deals.
Simply start a chat, share the details of the discount you’ve spotted, and ask if you can be moved over to that offer.
Black Friday is a great time to shop for a new TV or broadband deal.
Many providers already offer discounts, so if you’ve let your introductory offer slip onto a rolling contract, switching providers or opting for a new package could save you a bundle.
TV and internet packages can’t sell out, so it’s well worth your time to check the offers during Black Friday to get the best deal for your budget.
The exact number of channels you’ll get with Sky depends on the package you purchase.
To give you an idea, the Sky Cinema bundle includes all Sky Originals and Sky Exclusives, plus over 50 channels you won’t find on Freeview – and Netflix is part of the deal too.
You can find a full list of channels here.
Luckily for shoppers, securing a Sky TV subscription is quite easy.
All you have to do is go to the Sky website, click on the “Get Started’ button, and then build the best TV package for you.
At the moment, the cheapest TV deal is £26 per month.
It may be worth stepping up your game and scouring as many packages as you can while the Black Friday sales last.
Sky Q replaced the old Sky+ box and now comes as standard in any Sky subscription – and it’s certainly a great product.
If you’re coming from an old Sky box or are used to this setup, Sky Q will be very familiar.
It allows you to record three things at the same time while watching a fourth.
Its newer functions include allowing you to stream your channels to one tablet, and can even act as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
With Sky Q, you can also purchase extra Mini boxes to access all of your favourite channels on multiple TVs throughout your home.
But it may not be for everyone, especially since Sky Stream and Glass products don’t require satellite installation.
Wondering if you should commit to a traditional set-top box or switch to streaming?
You can find out more in our Sky Q vs Sky Stream head-to-head.
We found Stream ‘much easier to set up’ as it works straight out of the box and ‘connects you to Sky’s channels over the internet, via Wi-Fi or an ethernet connection.’
Yes, to receive the Sky signal, you will need a dish, as Sky TV is provided by satellite.
If a dish is already installed on your property, Sky will send an engineer to connect you.
Or, if you want to be ahead of the curve, the company is home to Sky Glass – its high-end TV that doesn’t require a satellite dish or box.
Sky deals
Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.
THIS is the deadly moment an Israeli tank blasted terrorist Yahya Sinwar’s bolthole before he was shot dead.
Footage released by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) shows a tank firing at the home of the terrorist Hamas leader.
The terror kingpin and his two guards had been spotted by a patrol of Israeli troops in Tal al-Sultan, an area of Rafah.
The IDF also released three photographs of weapons found in Sinwar’s home, including three rifles and ammunition.
The shocking footage shows evil Hamas boss Sinwar pathetically attempt to fight off a drone with a stick in a fittingly inglorious end for the October 7 mastermind.
Drone video released by Israeli forces shows the mini-camera bot sweep into a bombed-out building.
It comes across a dust-covered man with his face wrapped in a bandana – later revealed to be Sinwar.
He can be seen slumped in a dirty armchair with a badly injured hand.
In one of his feeble final acts, he hurls a stick at the drone – and misses.
The humiliating defeat on Wednesday came after he was hunted by Israel for almost 400 days after he ordered the slaughter and kidnap of more than 1,200 civilians.
An autopsy findings reveal Sinwar was likely killed by a long-range gunshot wound to the head – executed with sniper-like precision.
His corpse was also riddled with shrapnel fragments after the house he was in was blasted by a tank.
Sinwar’s body has now been transferred to a secret location inside Israel, Hebrew news site Walla reports.
The focus has now shifted to Mohammed Sinwar, a lesser-known but potentially more dangerous figure who could step into his older brother’s shoes.
Mohammed Sinwar’s rise to power would bring a new level of threat, according to an Israeli official.
Yahya Sinwar, the evil mastermind behind the October 7 massacre, was seen as a relatively strategic leader compared to his brother, whose radical ideology and brutal methods are well known within the ranks of Hamas.
With his brother’s staunch support, Mohammed Sinwar has become the de facto second-in-command of Hamas’ leadership in Gaza following the deaths of top Hamas military commanders, such as Mohammed Deif and Marwan Issa.
By Nick Parker, Foreign Editor
HIS life was saved twice by Israel – but the monster dubbed “The Hamas Bin Laden” repaid his sworn enemy by masterminding the October 7 horror.
Yahya Sinwar, 61, spent 22 years in an Israeli prison for terrorist murder and kidnap plots and spent every second honing his burning hatred for his captors.
His astonishing rise to the top of the Hamas terror tree came despite being sentenced to four life sentences in 1989 for planning the abduction and killing of two Israeli soldiers and the murder of four Palestinians he suspected of working with Israel.
The bearded beast’s life was first saved when he was cured of cancer by an operation in a prison.
Then in 2011 he was freed, among 1,026 others, in a prisoner exchange for a single Israeli soldier in a deal that has been damned by his thousands of victims ever since.
Sinwar taught himself Hebrew and became fluent during his multiple stints as a caged man.
He began reading and studying every Israeli newspaper to probe the weak spots in his enemy’s armour.
The terror master’s deep knowledge of what makes Israelis tick led him to realise the power of the hostage-taking tactic now traumatising the strife-torn Jewish nation.
Yet despite his blood lust and bravado, the Hamas commander “cried like a baby” when he learned he had cancer, his jailer Lieutenant Betty Lahat has revealed
Mohammed became a trust confidant of Yahya, being one of the few people who knew where the Hamas boss was hiding during the war.
Because of his family connections, he also had an easy time rising to the top of Hamas without facing any suspicion of treachery from other members of the terror group.
Unlike Yahya, who has made headlines for his terror activities over the years, 49-year-old Mohammed operates more in the shadows, but his influence is undeniable, the expert said.
Israeli security forces are concerned that Mohammed, known for his ruthlessness, would escalate the conflict even further.
Yakubovich warned: “If Mohammed Sinwar comes to power, I believe it will be very problematic.
“He is much more extreme, even within the ranks of Hamas.”
This sentiment echoes fears that Mohammed, who is described as far less pragmatic than his brother, could resort to even more violent and uncompromising tactics, putting civilians at even greater risk.
Mohammed’s reputation within Hamas is that of a man who exerts total control through fear and violence.
MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.
The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.
On his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.
“That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.
“I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.
“History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.
“That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.
“I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”
Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.
Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.
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“I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.
“I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily.
“I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”
Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.
Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.
“I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel's signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.
Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.
“You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.
“It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.”
IF you want to stay warm this winter, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s nothing worse than feeling freezing cold even though you’ve layered up, right?
Well, if you are someone who is looking to cut costs and as a result, are reluctant to turn on your heating, then fear not, you won’t have to worry about shivering thanks to the new Lidl buys.
Or if you are looking for budget buys that will keep you warm whilst you’re out and about, whether that’s exercising or on an autumn break abroad, we’ve got just the thing for you.
Lidl has announced the return of its thermal clothing range, just in time as temperatures set to plummet.
And if you’re on a budget, don’t worry, as thanks to these affordable middle aisle buys, you can save over £200 – yes, you heard that correctly.
When compared to branded alternatives, the high-quality Lidl items, including the viral Thermal Softshell Jacket and the Adult’s Fleece Jacket could see cash-strapped Brits pocketing the pounds this winter.
Thanks to the supermarket’s fashion-forward winter warmers, shoppers will be able to stock up on all things from thermal jackets perfect for battling the elements, to thermal trousers sure to keep legs toasty.
The Thermal Softshell Jacket is just £11.99 and will be available in both ladies’ and men’s in a variety of colours, saving savvy shoppers over £100 compared to branded alternatives.
Thanks to this brilliant buy, explorers can pop out rain or shine, rest assured that they can battle the forces in a water-repellent, high heat retention jacket.
Chilly but cash-savvy shoppers can also head to stores to get their hands on the Adults’ Fleece Jacket which is only £7.99 and according to the chain, is £100 cheaper compared to branded alternatives.
And the style doesn’t stop there, as the Men’s Thermal Sports Trousers, priced at just £11.99, will also land in the Middle Aisle, and will be available in multiple colours.
In addition to these Sports Trousers, there’s also Ladies’ Thermal Sports Leggings, which are only £6.99 and are perfect for keeping warm whilst exercising this season.
If that wasn’t enough, outdoor lovers will be thrilled when they see the new Rocktrail hiking shoes, which are just £17.99 or £14.99 for those with Lidl Plus.
These reliable shoes provide extra stability thanks to the sturdy heel and toe caps and have ankle padding to provide extra comfort for those looking to explore.
Thermal clothing keeps you warm by trapping air near your body and preventing heat loss.
It’s made from materials like polyester, merino wool, fleece, or down that are good at insulating and wicking away moisture.
Trapping air
The fabric creates a layer of insulation by trapping air, which is a poor conductor of heat. This prevents heat from escaping through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Wicking away moisture
Thermal clothing is breathable and absorbs sweat from your skin, which helps prevent you from getting damp and cold.
Regulating body temperature
Thermal clothing keeps you warm in cold weather, but it’s also breathable enough to prevent overheating during physical activity.
Design features
Some thermal clothing has panels or zones that provide extra warmth to areas like your chest, back, and knees
But if it’s a new pair of trainers you’re after, you’ll be thrilled to see the range of options, which start from just £9.99, that are sure to keep you looking stylish whilst working out.
Even better, there’s also Outdoor socks, available for both men and women, with packs of two costing just £3.99.
The new thermal range starts at just £3.99 and will land in the Middle of Lidl in just two days – on Sunday 20th October.
You will find it in stores nationwide and it will be available whilst stocks last.
So if you’re looking to stay cosy but without breaking the bank this winter, then you’ll need to head down to Lidl from Sunday for these fabulous cost-effective buys.
A HOME expert shared her top tips for drying your laundry in the winter.
Her simple hacks won’t break the bank and will speed up the entire process.
In her viral video, TikTok user Anita Birges (@miseenplace_au) demonstrated some of her go-to tricks.
For her first suggestion, she told her audience to select an extra spin cycle if they wanted to take away moisture.
The laundry pro also explained that roll your wet clothes in a dry towel can help to take away a third of the moisture.
According to Anita, the “biggest mistake” people make when drying their clothes is doubling them up when hanging them on a rail.
Instead, she recommended grabbing a hanger and hanging your damp clothes up the way you would as if they were in a wardrobe.
She explained that this helps by increasing airflow, speeding up the drying time.
For wet socks, she recommended putting them over your hand like glove, and using a hair dryer on them, turning your hand for equal coverage.
And if you find yourself with wet shoes after a rainy day, she talked her audience through a five minute process that will leave them “bone dry.”
Anita began by untying the laces and taking the soles out of the runners.
She then rolled out a hand towel and stuffed it inside each of the shoes.
“Squeeze to get rid of as much moisture as possible and, to top it all off, stick the hair dryer in and give it an extra boost of heat,” she advised.
Anita also explained that damp towels can be due to a lack of air circulation.
To combat this, she recommended opting for towel rails over hooks as this prevents the material from bunching up, giving it air to breathe.
You can also hang your wet towels on a hanger that looks similar to a clothes hanger.
Shoppers can pick up a towel hanger for just £3.34 from Morplan.
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.
Finally, she revealed that you can speed up your dryer by throwing a dry towel with your wet clothes.
According to the expert, this can shave off 30 minutes off your drying cycle.
She alsop advised her viewers to “dig deep” when clearing out their lint traps, rather than just scraping the net.
This will help ensure your dryer is running at its full capability.
Anita explained that by following her tips, your laundry will be “dry in no time.”
