Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

'Heroic' train worker saved lives, police say, as man, 32, only suspect in stabbing

PA Media Emergency workers are stood on a train platform on the left next to a train which is at a standstill. PA Media
Police met the Doncaster to London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon

A 32-year-old man is now the only suspect after multiple stabbings on a train, police have confirmed.

A member of LNER staff remains in a life-threatening condition following the attacks on a train from Doncaster to London King's Cross, which stopped in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire shortly before 20:00 GMT on Saturday.

A 35-year-old man, arrested at the scene, has been released with no further action after it was reported "in good faith" that he had been involved in the attack.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the suspect, who is from Peterborough, boarded the train at the city' station. They also confirmed five casualties have now been discharged from hospital.

A BTP statement confirmed the LNER staff member had tried to stop the attacker, and said it is "clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives".

Dep Chf Con Stuart Cundy said: "Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident."

The force said a knife had been recovered by officers at the scene.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links

China intimidated UK university to ditch human rights research, documents show

Laura Murphy Laura Murphy, a young woman with black curly hair and octagonal silver earrings, smiles at the camera against a neutral, light blue backgroundLaura Murphy
Professor Laura Murphy says her academic freedom was traded for access to the Chinese student market

China waged a campaign of harassment and intimidation directed at a UK university to get it to shut down sensitive research into alleged human rights abuses, documents seen by the BBC show.

Sheffield Hallam University staff in China were threatened by individuals described by them as being from China's National Security Service who demanded the research being done in Sheffield be halted.

And access to the university's websites from China was blocked, impeding its ability to recruit Chinese students, in a campaign of threats and intimidation lasting more than two years.

In an internal email from July 2024, university officials said "attempting to retain the business in China and publication of the research are now untenable bedfellows".

When the UK government learned of the case, the then Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a warning to his Chinese counterpart that it would not tolerate attempts to suppress academic freedoms at UK universities, the BBC understands.

The issue was also raised with China's most senior education minister.

China was seeking to halt research by Laura Murphy, professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam, into allegations Uyghur Muslims in the north-western region of Xinjiang were subject to forced labour.

China has faced accusations – always firmly denied – that it has committed crimes against humanity and possibly genocide against the Uyghur population.

In late 2024, following pressure from the Chinese state and a separate defamation law suit against the university, Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish a final piece of research by Prof Murphy and her team into forced labour.

And in early 2025, university administrators told her that she could "not continue with her research into supply chains and forced labour in China".

She initiated legal action against the university for failing in its duty to protect her academic freedom and she submitted a "subject access request" demanding Sheffield Hallam hand over any relevant internal documents.

The documents she obtained showed the university "had negotiated directly with a foreign intelligence service to trade my academic freedom for access to the Chinese student market," she told the BBC.

She added: "I'd never seen anything quite so patently explicit about the extent to which a university would go to ensure that they have Chinese student income."

Getty Images A young Uyghur women,  with a small child on her knee, sits next to two older women on a street in Kashgar City, Xinjiang. All three are dressed in traditional garments with head scarvesGetty Images
The Uyghurs are the largest minority ethnic group in China's north-western province of Xinjiang

Sheffield Hallam has now apologised to Prof Murphy and said she can resume her work.

A spokesperson said "the university's decision to not continue with Professor Laura Murphy's research was taken based on our understanding of a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance".

They said the university wished to "make clear our commitment to supporting her research and to securing and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law".

But the general secretary of the University and College Union, Jo Grady, said "it is incredibly worrying that Sheffield Hallam appears to have attempted to silence its own professor on behalf of a foreign government".

She added: "Given the censorship Hallam has seemingly engaged in, it now needs to set out how it will ensure its academics will be supported to research freely and protected from overreach by foreign powers."

A government spokesperson told the BBC "any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated, and the government has made this clear to Beijing after learning of this case".

A partly redacted internal document marked confidential which shows Sheffield Hallam university's concerns about pressure from China
Internal documents shared with the BBC show Sheffield Hallam under pressure

It all began so differently.

When, in 2021, Prof Murphy published a major report into Uhygur forced labour in the solar panel industry, the director of the Helena Kennedy Centre (HKC), the department in which her unit was based, wrote to congratulate her.

"This is an exceptional moment in the history of the HKC... we are all exceptionally proud of this body of work which rightly shines light on the blatant abuse of Uyghur tights (sic) in China.. Well done Laura!"

Over the following months her unit published four reports, including into car parts and cotton for clothing, trying to trace supply chains and highlight where goods reaching western consumers may have been produced with inputs made with forced labour in Xinjiang.

China denies such practices occur.

The Chinese Embassy in London told the BBC "the Helena Kennedy Centre at the Sheffield Hallam University has released multiple fake reports on Xinjiang that are seriously flawed".

"It has been revealed that some authors of these reports received funding from certain US agencies," the Embassy added.

Prof Murphy told the BBC she has received funding over the course of her career from the US National Endowment for Humanities for work on slave narratives, the US Department of Justice for work on human trafficking in New Orleans, and more recently from USAID, the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office for her work on China.

The Chinese Embassy said the allegations of "forced labor" in her reports "cannot withstand basic fact-check".

"While presenting itself as an academic body, the Centre has in practice acted as a vehicle for politicised and disinformation-driven narratives deployed by anti-China forces," the embassy added.

The university realised it was coming in for criticism from China as far back as 2022.

An internal university email from August of that year, seen by the BBC, said China's foreign ministry had issued a statement "denouncing us as being in the 'disreputable vanguard of anti-China rhetoric'".

The email said the university had admitted 500 Chinese students in 2018, but numbers had collapsed in the pandemic and had not bounced back like it had in other markets.

It expressed concern that the Chinese government's criticisms could result in a "boycott" by prospective students and recruitment agents.

In total, the documents show Sheffield had earned £3.8m in 2021/22 from China and Hong Kong.

Later in August 2022 the university's English language testing website used by Chinese students to take tests before coming to Sheffield had been "shut down in China temporarily".

Over the next two years the pressure escalated dramatically leading university officials to write in an email in May 2024 that "the continuation of the university's scholarly activity with and in China and Hong Kong has been placed at risk because of the research activities, led by Professor Laura Murphy, in relation to alleged persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang Province, China".

An internal "risk summary," dated 9 December 2024, detailed what had happened.

In August 2022, China had blocked access to the university's websites. All email communication from and to the university was disabled.

It meant students in China due to study at Sheffield Hallam were unable to access the enrolment website, arrange their welcome or airport pick up in the UK, or course information.

The university said this had "undoubtedly had a negative impact on recruitment" in 23/24, with "anticipated further decline in 24/25".

And, in 2024, the intimidation began.

UK Parliament Baroness Helena Kennedy KC in a purple jacket with a fur collar against a neutral grey backdropUK Parliament
Baroness Kennedy says UK universities are vulnerable to pressure from China

"Things in Beijing have kicked off," an internal email from 18 April 2024 said.

The risk summary detailed that "three officers of the National Security Service" visited Sheffield Hallam's office in China.

A local staff member was "questioned for two hours regarding the HKC research and future publications.

"The tone was threatening and message to cease the research activity was made clear."

At another visit, security officers said the internet issues were because the Uyghur research was available on the university website.

Finally, in September 2024, the document states "a decision by the university not to publish a final phase of the research on forced labour in China was communicated to the National Security Service .. immediately relations improved and the threat to staff wellbeing appears to be removed".

Sheffield Hallam says these internal communications need to be seen in context and do not represent university policy.

Complicating things for Sheffield Hallam had been a report by its Forced Labour Lab published December 2023 into clothing supply chains connected to Xinjiang.

Smart Shirts Ltd, a Hong Kong supplier of garments with customers in the UK, brought a claim for libel, alleging it had been defamed as its name was included.

A preliminary ruling at the High Court in London in December 2024 found that report had been "defamatory".

A full trial in that case is yet to take place at which Sheffield Hallam will be able to put forward its defence to the company's claim, but the university was told by its insurers that "any defamation, libel or slander" claims linked to its entire Social and Economic Research Institute were no longer covered.

Professor Murphy had, meanwhile, built an international profile.

Her work had been cited in the UK parliament, in Canada and in Australia. She had taken a career break in late 2023 to work for the US Department of Homeland Security, helping it with the implementation of their Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act.

In her absence, and amid the pressure from China and the lawsuit, Sheffield Hallam decided her unit would close in early 2025.

"Despite significant offers of continued funding we have decided it is in our best interests to terminate the research," an email of August 2024 said.

It added that by not publishing the final report under the university's auspices it hoped "we can minimise the possibility of any further scrutiny of our operations .. thereby attending to related duty of care issues".

But failing to publish the report was a breach of the terms agreed with the external groups who had agreed to fund the research.

So the university decided to close the unit and not use any outstanding funds.

Sheffield Hallam said it was normal practice for research groups to stand down at the end of an external contract.

Sign saying Sheffield Hallam University on a modern steel and concrete building
Sheffield Hallam says China is no longer a significant student market for the university

When Prof Murphy returned from her career break in early 2025, the university told her of its "decision not to continue with her research into supply chains and forced labour in China due to .. the corporate insurance position .. and our duty of care to colleagues working in both China and the UK".

Any other work or public engagements outside the university would also have to be checked for "conflict of interest".

Seeking to continue her work, Prof Murphy began her legal action and made a subject access request to the university requiring it to turn over relevant internal documents.

"What about the duty of care to me and the duty of care to the rest of my research team?," Prof Murphy told the BBC.

"They laid off my entire research team. Sent them away. They sent back all of our research funding, and they shuttered the entire programme without regard for the people who worked with us on that project, so many of them Uyghur folks."

She added: "As long as the university system in the UK is so wildly underfunded as it is now, universities will be vulnerable to attacks like this."

After receiving her apology from the university and a pledge to protect her academic freedom, she is not currently pursuing her legal action.

Her case had been built on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which places on universities a duty to promote freedom of speech and academic freedom for their staff.

Her solicitors, Leigh Day, had argued that a lack of insurance and "unspecified" concerns about staff safety do not provide universities carte blanche to restrict freedoms.

The law firm believes refusing to authorise any research on a particular country would be unlawful.

Sheffield Hallam's spokesperson said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the decision was not based on commercial interests in China.

"Regardless, China is not a significant international student market for the university."

The university only enrolled 73 students from China in 2024/25.

The Chinese Embassy said "there are over 200,000 Chinese students in the UK, making China the largest source of international students in the UK," adding "educational cooperation has become a driving force in bilateral ties".

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, patron of the centre that bears her name, said UK universities were "vulnerable" to pressure from China because "bringing in Chinese students is one of the ways of dealing with the financial crises that universities are facing".

"If we see limitations being made on the kind of research that goes on in these universities, I think we should be alarmed," added the Labour peer, who has herself been sanctioned by China for speaking out about issues related to Xinjiang.

At least 20 dead after magnitude-6.3 earthquake hits Afghanistan

BBC Map showing Afghanistan and surrounding countries BBC
Mazar-e Sharif is home to more than 500,000 people

An earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-e Sharif, one of the country's largest cities around 20:30 GMT (01:00 local time).

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 28km (17 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

The agency also warned of "significant casualties" and "potentially widespread" disaster.

A Taliban spokesman in Balkh province - of which Mazar-e Sharif is the capital -wrote on X that four people have died and "many people are injured" in Sholgara district. The BBC is unable to verify this figure independently.

In an earlier post, Haji Zaid wrote that they had received "reports of minor injuries and superficial damages from all districts of the province".

"Most of the injuries were caused by people falling from tall buildings," he wrote.

Mazar-e Sharif is home to more than 500,000 people. Many of the city's residents rushed to the streets when the quake struck, as they feared their houses would collapse, AFP reported.

The Taliban spokesman in Balkh also posted a video on X appearing to show debris strewn across the ground at the Blue Mosque, a local landmark in Mazar-e-Sharif.

The religious complex is believed to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam - a religious leader believed to hold divine knowledge. It's now a site where pilgrims gather to pray and celebrate religious events.

Khalid Zadran, a Taliban spokesman for the police in Kabul, wrote on X that police teams were "closely monitoring the situation".

The quake on Monday comes after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan's mountainous eastern region in late August, killing more than 1,000 people.

That earthquake was especially deadly as the rural houses in the region were typically made of mud and timber. Residents were trapped when their houses collapsed during the quake.

Afghanistan is very prone to earthquakes because of its location on top of a number of fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

Firms ordered to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water for 6m people

Getty Images A woman with blonde hair tied up in a bun, wearing a green fleece and red lifejacket, holds up a laboratory storage bottle containing water. She is wearing blue latex gloves and examining the water, the background is blurred but shows a river landscape and city surrounding.Getty Images

Water companies have been ordered to tackle potentially harmful levels of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water sources for more than six million people, the BBC can reveal.

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of thousands of substances used in everyday products. They are persistent pollutants which build up in the environment, and a small number have been linked to increased risk of some serious illnesses.

The BBC examined 23 enforcement notices issued by the Drinking Water Inspectorate over elevated levels of PFAS which could "constitute a potential danger to human health" to see how many people were affected.

Industry body Water UK said it was confident drinking water was safe.

But Water UK called for a ban on the chemicals to prevent accumulation.

Amid growing worries about these chemicals, water companies have been required since 2021 to test for 47 of the most concerning ones in water supplied to customers' homes and drinking water sources such as aquifers and reservoirs.

In the last four years, 1.7 million tests for individual forever chemicals have been carried out across the network. At least 9,432 of those recorded PFAS levels above the level which the DWI says could constitute a potential danger to human health.

When a test result is above or likely to breach this level - set at 0.01ug/L - (micrograms per litre) the Drinking Water Inspectorate issues enforcement notices to the water company requiring action to be taken to ensure water is safe.

The BBC analysed the enforcement documents, highlighted by Watershed Investigations - a group of journalist campaigners - to identify all the water supply areas with sanctions in place.

Using publicly available information, we matched each supply system to the number of customers it serves, identifying a minimum of six million people.

Forever chemicals have been used prolifically since the 1940s in thousands of products from frying pans to medical equipment to school uniforms.

Over time they have found their way into the environment - and the water that gets treated for drinking - through the washing of PFAS products, storm runoff and releases from industrial sites, according to Dr William Hartz, an environmental chemist specialising in PFAS at research institute NILU in Norway.

He said this might include PFAS leaching out as rainwater filters through landfill sites or firefighting training sites, where the use of some firefighting foam directly releases forever chemicals into the environment.

The study of PFAS is an emerging field but a small number of these chemicals have been identified as carrying significant risks to human health.

Earlier this year the World Health Organization raised significant concerns about two specific compounds. It classified PFOA as carcinogenic, and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic - increasing the risk of thyroid, testicular and kidney cancers. Both substances are now banned.

But Megan Kirton, senior projects officer at environmental charity Fidra, said the chemistry of PFAS meant they do not easily break down, so even if banned they remain in the environment unless treated by water companies.

"It's a very tough situation that we're in, because PFAS is very hard to get out of water. It's like trying to get milk out of your coffee once you've already poured it in there," she said.

The BBC assessed more than 2,000 individual test results from 2024, obtained via Freedom of Information Act requests, to identify which specific PFAS compounds were being found when levels breached the limits. This showed that both PFOS and PFOA were found in more than 350 of the drinking water tests.

Kristen Colwell/Getty Images A grass field with a pine forest in the back appears charred. There is a burnt out barbeque and foam is being sprayed over the burnt area from the right of the picture. Part of the ground is covered in the firefighting foam.Kristen Colwell/Getty Images
Some firefighting foam used on chemical fires previously contained the now banned forever chemicals PFOA and PFOS

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has said that water quality remains safe because, once a sanction is issued, water companies are required to increase testing, change or strengthen treatment for PFAS, or remove a source of drinking water altogether.

This process can take several years and requires months of monitoring before a sanction is removed.

The inspectorate told the BBC that it "operates one of the world's most comprehensive PFAS monitoring programmes", ensuring the public can have "complete confidence in the safety of their drinking water".

However, environmental charities and the Royal Society of Chemistry have raised concerns that UK guidelines are not legally binding and that the limits, which are 2.5 times higher than those of the US, should be reduced.

"I think we have a pretty good idea of both what PFAS are in the waters in the UK, and knowing that these health effects happen at very low levels, so we think it's time that they put these guidance into law, to make sure water companies are fully held to account," said Stephanie Metzger, policy adviser at the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In July, an independent review into the England and Wales' water system commissioned by the government found that "there is a need for stricter treatment requirements to protect public health and the environment".

The BBC understands that the government is currently preparing a white paper in response to the review which will include changes to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

But removing PFAS is very challenging for water companies with conventional water treatment infrastructure, the Environment Agency has said.

Prof Peter Jarvis, professor of water science and technology at Cranfield University, said there were technologies such as nanofiltration occasionally deployed by the water industry which could be used more widely, but that these came with high costs and huge energy demands.

"We have got to have a bit of a more mature conversation about how we go about implementing these types of technology, and how we pay for them," he said.

"Regardless of where you are in the country, when you turn on your tap, you are enjoying the very best drinking water in the world," a Water UK spokesperson said.

But in light of the rising treatment costs, Water UK has called for stricter regulation on those who produce the forever chemicals in the first place.

"We want to see PFAS banned and the development of a national plan to remove it from the environment which should be paid for by manufacturers," its spokesperson said.

Related internet links

Private baby scan clinics putting expectant mothers at risk

Getty Images Stock shot of a pregnant woman being given an ultrasound scan. You can see the lady's pregnant belly and a scanning tool being operated by a medical practitioner wearing gloves. Behind is an out-of-focus image of the baby appearing on screen.Getty Images

Some high-street clinics are putting lives at risk by allowing unqualified non-specialists to carry out baby scans, the Society of Radiographers (SoR) has warned.

The trade union says its members have seen examples of pregnant women being incorrectly diagnosed with serious health conditions and given dangerous advice.

Other expectant mums have been sent to hospital after being told an abnormality meant they would need to end the pregnancy only to find their baby was completely healthy.

It is concerned that anyone using an ultrasound machine can call themselves a sonographer and offer the service - often sold as a reassurance, souvenir or sexing scan - ahead of the routine 20-week NHS check.

Dangerous advice

"One time, we had a lady referred [to hospital] from a private clinic, who was eight or nine weeks pregnant," says Elaine Brooks, Midlands regional officer at the SoR.

"The sonographer at the private clinic said there was no heartbeat and that the baby was very, very malformed, and they sent her in for an induced miscarriage.

"We started scanning the lady, who was in tears, and on the scan there was a clearly beautiful nine-week pregnancy with a heartbeat. It was absolutely fine."

A BBC investigation in 2020 uncovered similar failures in the diagnosis of serious medical issues during private baby scans.

It heard reports of women who were bleeding and in pain being accepted for scans, rather than being told to contact their doctor.

Bad practice and sexual misconduct

The trade union, which is also the professional body for medical imaging, says it has seen other examples of bad practice by some private clinics including:

  • Major foetal abnormalities such as spina bifida or polycystic kidneys being missed
  • Ectopic pregnancies, where the fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, either not being diagnosed or being falsely diagnosed
  • A radiographer continuing to work as a private sonographer despite having been struck off and banned from working for the NHS due to sexual misconduct

The president of the SoR, Katie Thompson, said there were some "really great" private services offering checks with properly trained staff, but she was particularly concerned about the growth of pop-up clinics in shopping centres and on high streets selling souvenir images or scans to reveal the sex of the baby.

She said she was aware of another case where a private scan late in pregnancy did not record the baby was still breech or lying bottom first in the uterus. The mother was not immediately referred to the NHS and the baby later died.

Getty Images An image of a baby's head shown on screen on an ultrasound scan. It is a grainy black-and-white image of the side of the head. You can clearly see the nose and eyes. Overlaid on the top of the image are data from the imaging machine including a yellow box and a green dotted line.Getty Images
Private clinics often offer reassurance or sexing scans before the standard NHS anomaly scan which is normally offered between 18 and 21 weeks into the pregnancy

The SoR is now calling for sonographer to become a protected job title in the UK in the same way as dietician, podiatrist, art therapist or radiographer.

That would mean only those who are properly qualified and registered with a regulatory body would be allowed to use that job description.

Many private sonographers are already qualified midwives or radiographers, and accredited training courses are also available, although this is currently not a legal requirement.

Individual sonographers can also decide to join the Register of Clinical Technologists, which the public can then search to see if certain standards have been met, but again participation is voluntary.

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care recently carried out a public interest test of that register and has written to the government to say the "risks appear sufficiently high" that it should consider if stronger regulation of sonographers may be needed.

The Care Quality Commission which inspects private clinics said many were providing good quality care, but it "remains concerned that some are not" with worries over staff training, consent policies and procedures for escalating unusual findings.

Where its inspections identify concerns it said it would "hold providers to account and make clear that action is required to ensure staff are adequately trained".

In a statement, the Department of Health said the safety of patients was paramount and the regulation of all healthcare professionals was kept under review.

"We will carefully consider any proposals from professional bodies regarding this," added a spokesman.

World awaits landmark US Supreme Court decision on Trump's tariffs

Reuters Trump, wearing a navy suit jacket, white shirt and red tie, pictured holding a board titled: "Reciprocal tariffs". It lists several countries next to two other columns which are titled 'the tariffs charged to the USA' and 'USA discounted reciprocal tariffs'. Reuters
Trump announced new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in April

What may be the biggest battle yet in Donald Trump's trade war is about to begin.

The Trump administration heads to the US Supreme Court on Wednesday, facing off against small businesses and a group of states who contend most of the tariffs it has put in place are illegal and should be struck down.

If the court agrees with them, Trump's trade strategy would be upended, including the sweeping global tariffs he first announced in April. The government would also likely have to refund some of the billions of dollars it has collected through the tariffs, which are taxes on imports.

The final decision from the justices will come after what could be months of poring over the arguments and discussing the merits of the case. Eventually they will hold a vote.

Trump has described the fight in epic terms, warning a loss would tie his hands in trade negotiations and imperil national security. He has even suggested he might take the unprecedented step of hearing the arguments at court in person.

"If we don't win that case, we will be a weakened, troubled, financial mess for many, many years to come," he said.

The stakes feel just as high for many businesses in the US and abroad, which have been paying the price while getting whipped about by fast-changing policies.

Trump's tariffs will cost Learning Resources, a US seller of toys made mostly overseas and one of the businesses suing the government, $14m (£10.66m) this year. That is seven times what it spent on tariffs in 2024, according to CEO Rick Woldenberg.

"They've thrown our business into unbelievable disruption," he said, noting the company has had to shift the manufacturing of hundreds of items since January.

Few businesses, though, are banking on a win at the court.

"We are hopeful that this is going to be ruled illegal but we're all also trying to prepare that it's setting in," said Bill Harris, co-founder of Georgia-based Cooperative Coffees.

His co-op, which imports coffee from more than a dozen countries, has already paid roughly $1.3m (£975,000) in tariffs since April.

A test to Trump's presidential power

In deciding this case, the Supreme Court will have to take on a broader question: How far does presidential power go?

Legal analysts say it is hard to predict the justices' answer, but a ruling siding with Trump will give him and future White House occupants greater reach.

Specifically, the case concerns tariffs that the Trump administration imposed using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the White House has embraced for its speed and flexibility. By declaring an emergency under the law, Trump can issue immediate orders and bypass longer, established processes.

Trump first invoked the law in February to tax goods from China, Mexico and Canada, saying drug trafficking from those countries constituted an emergency.

He deployed it again in April, ordering levies ranging from 10% to 50% on goods from almost every country in the world. This time, he said the US trade deficit - where the US imports more than it exports - posed an "extraordinary and unusual threat".

Those tariffs took hold in fits and starts this summer while the US pushed countries to strike "deals".

Opponents say the law authorises the president to regulate trade but never mentions the word "tariffs", and they contend that only Congress can establish taxes under the US Constitution.

They have also challenged whether the issues cited by the White House, especially the trade deficit, represent emergencies.

Members of Congress from both parties have asserted the Constitution gives them responsibility for creating tariffs, duties and taxes, as well.

More than 200 Democrats in both chambers and one Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski, filed a brief to the Supreme Court, where they also argued the emergency law did not grant the president power to use tariffs as a tool for gaining leverage in trade talks.

Meanwhile, last week the Senate made a symbolic and bipartisan move to pass three resolutions rejecting Trump's tariffs, including one to end the national emergency he declared. They are not expected to be approved in the House.

Still, business groups said they hoped the rebuke would send a message to the justices.

'An energy drain like I've never seen'

Three lower courts have ruled against the administration. After the Supreme Court hears arguments on Wednesday it will have until June to issue its decision, although most expect a ruling to come by January.

Whatever it decides has implications for an estimated $90bn worth of import taxes already paid - roughly half the tariff revenue the US collected this year through September, according to Wells Fargo analysts.

Trump officials have warned that sum could swell to $1tn if the court takes until June.

Cafe Campesino Pomeroy is wearing a black t-shirt and writing in a notebook with a black pen among green foliage, with the back of the head of a farmer in the foregroundCafe Campesino
Trip Pomeroy, chief executive of Cafe Campesino, one of the 23 roasteries that owns Cooperative Coffees, on a recent trip to Peru with a partner farmer

If the government is forced to issue refunds, Cooperative Coffees will "absolutely" try to recoup its money, said Mr Harris, but that would not make up for all the disruption.

His business has had to take out an extra line of credit, raise prices and find ways to survive with lower profits.

"This is an energy drain like I've never seen," said Mr Harris, who is also chief financial officer of Cafe Campesino, one of the 23 roasteries that own Cooperative Coffees. "It dominates all the conversations and it just kind of sucks the life out of you."

What could happen next?

The White House says that if it loses, it will impose levies via other means, such as a law allowing the president to put tariffs of up to 15% in place for 150 days.

Even then, businesses would have some relief, since those other means require steps like issuing formal notices, which take time and deliberation, said trade lawyer Ted Murphy of Sidley Austin.

"This is not just about the money," he said. "The president has announced tariffs on Sunday that go into effect on Wednesday, without advance notice, without any real process."

"I think that's the bigger thing for this case for businesses - whether or not that is going to be in our future," he added.

There is no clear sign of how the court will rule.

In recent years it has struck down major policies, such as Biden-era student loan forgiveness, as White House overreach.

But the nine justices, six of whom were appointed by Republicans, including three by Trump, have shown deference to this president in other recent disputes and historically have given leeway to the White House on questions of national security.

"I really do think arguments are available for the Supreme Court to go in all different directions," said Greta Peisch, partner at Wiley and former trade lawyer in the Biden administration.

Adam White, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said he expected the court to strike down the tariffs, but avoid questions like what constitutes a national emergency.

Reuters Von der Leyen, in a white cropped jacketa nd black pants reaches her hand in front of a side table with a white flower arrangement to grip the hand of Trump, who is in a blue suit and gold tie and holds papers in his other handReuters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump announcing a deal in July

The case has already complicated the White House's trade deals, such as one struck in July with the European Union.

The European Parliament is currently considering ratifying the agreement, which sets US tariffs on European goods at 15% in exchange for promises including allowing in more US agricultural products.

"They're not going to act on this until they see the outcome of the Supreme Court decision," said John Clarke, former director for international trade at the European Commission.

Chocolats Camille Bloch Daniel Bloch in a white lab coat and hair net stands with a woman in a black Camille Bloch t-shirt and hair net before a tray of chocolate bars in a factoryChocolats Camille Bloch
Swiss chocolatier Daniel Bloch says he is not confident the Supreme Court will resolve the tariff issues facing his business

In Switzerland, which recently downgraded its outlook for economic growth citing America’s 39% tariff on its goods, chocolatier Daniel Bloch said he'd welcome a ruling against the Trump administration.

His business Chocolats Camille Bloch is absorbing about a third of the cost of new tariffs on kosher chocolate that his firm has exported to the US for decades, aiming to blunt price increases and maintain sales. That decision has wiped out profits for the unit and is not sustainable, he said.

He hopes Trump will reconsider his tariffs altogether, because "that would be easiest".

"If the court were to make the tariffs go away of course we would see that as a positive sign," he said. "But we don't trust that that will bring the solution."

Man, 32, only suspect in train stabbing as staff member in life-threatening condition, police say

PA Media Emergency workers are stood on a train platform on the left next to a train which is at a standstill. PA Media
Police met the Doncaster to London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon

A 32-year-old man is now the only suspect after multiple stabbings on a train, police have confirmed.

A member of LNER staff remains in a life-threatening condition following the attacks on a train from Doncaster to London King's Cross, which stopped in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire shortly before 20:00 GMT on Saturday.

A 35-year-old man, arrested at the scene, has been released with no further action after it was reported "in good faith" that he had been involved in the attack.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the suspect, who is from Peterborough, boarded the train at the city' station. They also confirmed five casualties have now been discharged from hospital.

A BTP statement confirmed the LNER staff member had tried to stop the attacker, and said it is "clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives".

Dep Chf Con Stuart Cundy said: "Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident."

The force said a knife had been recovered by officers at the scene.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links

Nine-month-old baby killed in dog attack

BBC Police cars at the end of a dark street BBC
Police and paramedics went to a property in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, on Sunday evening

A nine-month-old baby has been killed in a dog attack in south-east Wales, according to Gwent Police.

Officers and paramedics went to a property on Crossway in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, at about 18:00 GMT on Sunday.

The dog was seized and removed from the address, the force said.

Ch Supt John Davies said: "Officers are on scene and will be making further inquiries as the investigation progresses."

Residents have been gathering in the street where the attack happened in utter disbelief at the death of the child.

The community is in a state of shock has been trying to come to terms with what has happened.

They said they saw police cars and ambulances on the quiet residential street in south Wales at the time of the incident.

'No help, no food, no water': Hurricane-hit Jamaican towns desperately wait for aid

Brandon Drenon / BBC News Two people on a motorcyle ride through a town covered in storm debris including broken tree branches, parts of buildings and cars Brandon Drenon / BBC News
A town just outside of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish sits in ruins

Five days after Hurricane Melissa pummelled into western Jamaica with record force, residents in devastated communities along the coast are still desperately waiting for help.

Many of the roads are blocked by debris and people are isolated with little food, no power or running water, and no idea of when normalcy will return.

The government said on Saturday that at least 28 people in Jamaica have died since the hurricane hit as a monster category five storm with 185 mph (297km/h) sustained winds.

That is a near 50% jump in the death toll overnight, and the number could rise as officials clear their way into new parts of the island in the coming days.

Local official Dr Dayton Campbell told the BBC 10 of those deaths were in Westmoreland.

Westmoreland parish is believed to have the second highest number of unconfirmed deaths, after St Elizabeth to the south east. The eye of the storm hit somewhere between the two neighbouring parishes. At St Elisabeth an estimated 90% of homes have been destroyed.

A long stretch of road headed west into Westmoreland Parish winds through a graveyard of trees – stacks of branches and limbs, cracked and twisted, blanketing the landscape for miles. It is grim evidence of Hurricane Melissa's ferocity - it was the strongest storm to strike the Caribbean island in modern history.

Piles of debris are heaped on the parish's roadsides, next to battered buildings, shipping crates turned on their side and crowds of people wading through the destruction.

On Saturday morning, men with machetes hacked through branches as thick as their arms, clearing patches of the road where traffic jams were at a standstill.

A policeman with an automatic weapon strapped to his chest, part of a convoy accompanying an aid truck on its way to Westmoreland, hopped out of his vehicle to help direct traffic.

"We don't know what lies ahead," the officer told the BBC, describing what he has seen as "total devastation".

Brandon Drenon / BBC The town of Whitehouse in Westmoreland ParishBrandon Drenon / BBC
Brandon Drenon / BBC Roy Perry wearing a yellow t-shirt seated in front of a badly damaged buildingBrandon Drenon / BBC
Roy Perry says he has lost everything in the wake of the strongest hurricane in Jamaican history
Brandon Drenon / BBC Two men are seated beneath a building half blown away by the stormBrandon Drenon / BBC
Anthony Burnett (left) and Gary Williams (right)

Those living in Whitehouse, a coastal town and commercial hub on the edge of Westmoreland Parish, say the wait for assistance is becoming frustrating.

Gary Williams said he has heard promises of incoming aid delivery, but "they no turn up".

He sat in the shade on a makeshift stool in front of a building barely standing – its entire roof gone – unsure of what to do next.

Williams said he lost his house in the storm and has "nowhere to live", suggesting he might sleep right where he is, outside on the front porch.

Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Words can't explain the situation that we're in. It's horrible. I don't even know what to say. So many hopeless, helpless, and lifeless people here right now."

About 400,000 people in Jamaica were without power as of Friday, and an untold number more have no access to cell phone service or Wi-Fi, cut off from the outside world.

Jamaica's transportation minister Daryl Vaz announced on Saturday that more than 200 StarLink devices have been deployed across the island to help people access the internet.

He addressed criticism the government has received for its response, saying there were "several factors" contributing to delays.

"Refuelling, Areas for Landing, Accessibility and Timing/Visibility," Vaz said on X.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged that the "immediate focus is on clearing debris, restoring essential services", as well as providing food and medical supplies.

But that would only solve part of the problem.

Brandon Drenon / BBC Residents of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish try to piece their lives back togetherBrandon Drenon / BBC
Residents of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish try to piece their lives back together

In a tiny community just outside of Whitehouse, Robert Morris rested against a slab of broken concrete. Behind him, the fishing village he has called home his entire life has been destroyed, along with his livelihood.

"We all devastated here man," he said. He said the boat house was destroyed and is now "flat".

"Melissa take everything down," he said, including his fishing boat, which he describes as "mashed up".

Morris also told of "no help, no food, no water".

"We just have to try and see what we can do," he said, adding that his plan was to find someone whose boat was still intact so that he could join and fish.

Even then, he is not sure where he would sell his catch.

The people in these areas are filled with pride and resilience, words that are often repeated on local radio stations and visible through their optimism in the most difficult circumstances.

Seated under the facade of a badly damaged building, Roy Perry said he has lost everything, but "we have to just keep the faith and the hope is up still".

Brandon Drenon / BBC Robert Morris stands in front of his fishing village that was flattened by Hurricane MelissaBrandon Drenon / BBC
Robert Morris fishing village in view over his right shoulder has been entirely destroyed

"Can't give up. Not gonna give up," he said.

It is the same tone struck by Oreth Jones, a farmer sitting in the bed of his truck selling pears, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes – the last of his produce that was spared from the storm.

Of his farm, he said: "It's all wrecked. They all destroyed." But he quickly followed up with: "We have to give God thanks we're alive."

Jones survived the strongest hurricane in Jamaican history while he was injured, wearing a homemade splint on his right leg from a fracture he suffered during a biking accident before Melissa hit.

When asked about how the community will move forward, he said: "Pray. Nothing else we can do. Nothing else."

Meanwhile, foreign aid has now started entering into Jamaica.

The US State Department announced on Friday that its Disaster Assistance Response Team had arrived. And countries including the UK have also pledged millions in aid relief funds and emergency supplies.

Brandon Drenon / BBC Local farmer Oreth Jones sits in the trunk of his car next to the last of his harvestBrandon Drenon / BBC
Oreth Jones, a local farmer, said his farm was "all wrecked"

Nato 'will stand with Ukraine' to get long-lasting peace, senior official tells BBC

BBC Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone speaks during a BBC interviewBBC
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone describes the war as a strategic failure for Russian President Vladimir Putin

Nato "will stand with Ukraine up to the day in which we will have them sitting around the table for a long-lasting peace", a senior official from the military alliance has told the BBC.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of Nato's military committee since January, added from an operational point of view he considered the Russia-Ukraine war was bogged down, and "it was almost time to sit and talk because it's a waste of lives".

Pointing to the fact that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had resulted in two more countries joining the Western alliance - Finland and Sweden - Adm Dragone described the war as a strategic failure for Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite recent slow, incremental advances by Russia on the battlefield.

"They will not get a friendly or puppet government like in Belarus. Putin will not succeed."

Asked if European nations were prepared to keep going with supporting Ukraine's defence, he said they did. It was beneficial, he believed that they had had something of a wake-up call and were now taking charge of their own defence.

In June, Nato members agreed to raise their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The move followed repeated urges from US President Donald Trump for members to do so.

On Russia's recent announcement about long-range, nuclear-powered weapons like the Burevestnik and the Poseidon, the former Italian chief of defence staff and naval aviator played down concerns by Nato, saying that it was a defensive nuclear alliance.

"We are not threatened by them," he said, "we are just ready to defend our 32 nations and our one billion people. We are a nuclear alliance."

On the risk of future invasions or attacks, Adm Dragone said if - and he emphasised the conditional here - there was to be anywhere it would likely be the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

But he pointed out that as Nato states Article 5 would be requested - which considers an attack on one nation to be equivalent to an attack on all - and that Nato would come to their defence.

Asked if that included the US, he replied: "Yes, because they have committed to this and they have underlined that they are still in the business."

Reuters A Ukrainian gunner fires a self-propelled howitzer on Russian positions in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. File photoReuters
The Russia-Ukraine war is the biggest and bloodiest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two

Of all Nato defence needs right now, Adm Dragone said air defence was the top priority. Recent incursions by Russian drones into Poland and Romania have prompted the alliance to upgrade its air defences.

Regarding the possibility of activating a notional "drone wall" on Nato's eastern borders, he said this would be done within months and that "the alliance's Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk [Virginia] is already working on that".

"There is a lot of stuff on the market which will fulfil our immediate needs so we set up a new activity which is Eastern Sentry... integrating all the air defence that we already have on our eastern flank.

"Airspace incursions are pretty frequent, we escort them out and that's basically the game," the admiral said.

Despite no sign that Russia is changing course on the war in Ukraine and despite signs that some members - notably Slovakia and Hungary - are increasingly opposed to supporting Ukraine's defence, Adm Dragone ended on a positive note.

"The alliance is reliable, it is mature, there is a cohesion which is our centre of gravity."

"The alliance is stronger than our adversaries, and we will stay with Ukraine up to the day that peace will break out," he added.

India beat South Africa for historic World Cup win

India beat SA for historic first World Cup win

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

'Time stood still!' - Amanjot makes juggling catch to dismiss Wolvaardt

ICC Women's World Cup, Navi Mumbai

India 298-7 (50 overs): Shafali 87 (78); Khaka 3-58

South Africa 246 (45.3 overs): Wolvaardt 101 (98); Deepti 5-39

India won by 52 runs

Scorecard

Jubilant India held their nerve under the weight of huge expectation to beat South Africa by 52 runs and clinch an historic first Women's World Cup win.

The showpiece event in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd was delayed by two hours because of rain but no overs were lost and a match for the ages played out in Navi Mumbai.

The hosts batted first and posted a competitive 298-7. Opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a dynamic 87 from 78 balls, backed up by Deepti Sharma's 58, which set the Proteas their record one-day international run-chase under the highest pressure.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored her second successive century, a flawless 101 from 98 balls, which kept South Africa in contention at 211-6, needing 88 from the final 10 overs.

But her dismissal, via a sensational juggling catch from Amanjot Kaur at deep mid-wicket off Deepti in the 42nd over, sparked India's charge to victory and even with the game finishing after midnight local time, the packed crowd stayed and roared until the very last ball.

The emotions were contrasting for South Africa, who finished 246 all out which confirmed their third successive final defeat, having lost the previous two T20 finals.

Verma, who was only called up for the semi-finals after an injury to Pratika Rawal, added figures of 2-36 to her knock to also become an unlikely hero with the ball but it was Deepti, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, who ripped through the Proteas batters to finish with 5-39 as bedlam unfolded.

It completes an incredible turnaround for India, who lost three consecutive group stage games which left their semi-final hopes a little doubtful, but the scenes at the DY Patil Stadium suggested that this triumph will ignite the beginning of a new era in the women's game.

Fearless Verma sets up India glory

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

Best shots from Verma's 'terrific' innings against South Africa

With both teams vying for their first World Cup title, the pre-match talk was all about who could handle the occasion – India with the enormous amount of expectation, contrasted with whether South Africa could use the underdog tag in their favour.

With rain washing out any hopes of starting on time, it was inevitable the captain who won the toss would bowl first but the Navi Mumbai surface remained batter-friendly as it had been in India's high-scoring semi-final against Australia, exemplified by Smriti Mandhana and Verma calmly cruising to 64-0 in the powerplay.

It was actually South Africa's bowlers who appeared consumed by the occasion as they bowled too wide to the openers, who reeled off the boundaries with ease, before Mandhana was caught behind off Chloe Tryon and Verma chipped Ayabonga Khaka to mid-off.

The Proteas' ground fielding was brilliant, but they were guilty of dropping five catches including a crucial drop by Anneke Bosch with Verma on 56, while Deepti was also put down on 35 and 37.

Verma was visibly distraught to miss out on a World Cup century but it was a staggering knock considering the lateness of her inclusion in the side and the magnitude of the game, and its attacking nature was invaluable in taking the pressure off the tournament's poster girl, Mandhana.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the semi-final hero, fell for 24 two overs after Verma which gave South Africa a chance to regain control, but India showed impressive composure in keeping partnerships ticking over, anchored by Deepti, before Richa Ghosh's dynamic 34 from 24 balls ensured they finished with a late flourish.

Though it required a record chase, there was a sense that India did not have enough to feel completely comfortable – only adding 69 in the final 10 overs for the loss of three wickets – with the context of India's semi-final chase of 339.

Though Deepti's all-round performances have been sensational all tournament, few would have predicted that Verma would also be her accomplice with the ball.

Deepti outshines Wolvaardt's magnificence

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

'Another fabulous knock from South Africa's captain' - Wolvaardt reaches century

South Africa's hopes were largely dependent on the fortunes of their incredible captain and opener, who played a match-winning knock of 169 in the semi against England, but there was always a feeling that game had been their final.

However, Wolvaardt looked as if she had packed up the Guwahati pitch and carried on with a net session, batting with such fluency and elegance which put tremors of doubt through the crowd.

Another moment of brilliance from Amanjot led to the first breakthrough, swooping in one motion from mid-wicket to run out Tazmin Brits before Anneke Bosch was pinned lbw by Shree Charani for a duck to sway the momentum back in India's favour.

Sune Luus and Wolvaardt rebuilt steadily before Harmanpreet Kaur surprisingly turned to Verma with the ball and she turned the game on its head by having the former caught and bowled and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was caught behind for four from her following over.

Annerie Dercksen played a handy supporting act of 35 before she was bowled by Deepti which saw the run-rate climb, and the pressure told on Wolvaardt, who was forced into playing a shot of aggression off the same bowler.

Every India player sprinted towards Amanjot, who took the catch at the third attempt, to signify the importance of the wicket and Wolvaardt, so often calm and expressionless, looked distraught to know the game had gone with her.

It was a cruel end to the tournament for a generational talent, with the leading wicket-taker eclipsing the leading run-scorer when it mattered the most.

However, it was fitting for Deepti to claim the final wicket of Nadine de Klerk for 18 and for the catch to be taken by their talismanic captain Harmanpreet.

Related topics

More on this story

Hamas hands over three coffins it says contain bodies of Gaza hostages

EPA/Shutterstock Fighters of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, stand guard as they search for the bodies of Israeli hostages alongside Red Cross workers in the east of the Gaza Strip, 02 November 2025. EPA/Shutterstock
Hamas' military wing stands guard during a search for the bodies of hostages

Hamas has handed over three coffins it says contain the bodies of deceased Gaza hostages, according to the Israeli military.

Israel has received the coffins, via the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, and transported them to Israel for formal identification.

If confirmed as deceased hostages, it would mean eight Israeli and foreign deceased hostages remain in Gaza.

Under the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel that started last month, Hamas agreed to return the 20 living and 28 dead hostages it was holding.

Israel has accused Hamas of being too slow to return the deceased hostages, while Hamas has said it is working to recover bodies trapped under rubble in the territory.

Hamas's armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, said the remains had been found earlier on Sunday "along the route of one of the tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip".

Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official X account said: "All of the hostages' families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned."

Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

On Sunday, an Israeli air strike killed a man in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Israeli military said it had struck a militant that was posing a threat to its soldiers.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, all the living Israeli hostages were released on 13 October in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza.

Israel has handed over the bodies of 225 Palestinians in exchange for the bodies of the 15 Israeli hostages so far returned by Hamas, along with those of two foreign hostages - one of them Thai and the other Nepalese.

Prior to Sunday, nine of the 11 dead hostages still in Gaza were Israelis, one was Tanzanian, and one was Thai.

All but one of the dead hostages still in Gaza were among the 251 people abducted during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 other people were killed.

Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 68,500 people have been killed, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

'It is heartbreaking': Locals react to attack

PA Media Two people are in white overall suits standing on a train platform. There is rubbish on the floor and paramedic bags. PA Media
The incident prompted a huge response by the emergency services

People in Huntingdon have found themselves at the centre of a national news story after a train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in their town after multiple stabbings on board. Two people remain in a life-threatening condition in hospital and two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Saturday evening's incident.

'The atmosphere was silent' at the station

Cassie Marriott Cassie Marriot has dark brown hair and is wearing purple and black framed glasses. She is wearing red lipstick. Cassie Marriott
Cassie Marriot was at the station in the town as her mother lives across the road

Cassie Marriot was at Huntingdon railway station at 20:00 GMT on Saturday because her mother lives across the road.

Speaking to the BBC, she said she tried to help people who had come off the train, in shock.

"I met one young lad standing on his own; he looked shell-shocked; he had blood all over his legs. We asked if he was OK and he said, 'it's not my blood," Ms Marriot said.

"I met another young girl, who was about 18 or 19. She told me she was listening to music on the train when a man tried to stab her. She said someone pulled her out of the way.

"She looked absolutely petrified. She had left all her belongings including her phone on the train, the only thing she was carrying was a vape."

Ms Marriot says there were police and ambulances everywhere but "the atmosphere was silent" at the station, which is on the southern edge of the Cambridgeshire town.

"Everyone was in total shock."

'It is not the sort of thing that happens around here'

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Colin Hardy is in the middle of the image looking towards the camera. He has a short grey beard and is wearing a glasses, a green tweed hat, blue shirt and jumper and a chequered coat. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Colin Hardy, who attends a church in Huntingdon, said they were offering prayers to people involved

Colin Hardy, who lives in Huntingdon and attends All Saints' Church, said he had not "come to terms" with the incident as "it is not the sort of thing that happens around here".

"We offer our prayers up to the victims and everyone involved; it must be horrific to have seen what was going on," he said.

"We give thanks for the dedication of the local police, the railways police, and all of the hospital staff."

Police met the Doncaster-London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon shortly before 20:00 GMT, having made its last scheduled stop at Peterborough at about 19:30.

A woman who lives across the road from the Huntingdon station, and wanted to remain anonymous, said she "was shaken up" but what had happened.

'We are travelling to places; we should be safe'

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Adriana Fernandez is stood in the middle of the image looking at the camera. She had long brown hair and is wearing a green jacket. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Adriana Fernandez heard the news today as she was about to board a train at Peterborough station

Adriana Fernandez, from Norwich, said the event was "really shocking".

The 19-year-old was at Peterborough station on Sunday, and was travelling on her own for the first time.

She said: "We are travelling to places, and we should be safe.

"It is really heartbreaking. I feel bad for everyone."

Elsie, who lives in Huntingdon, said she was "frightened... I think we should increase security in the area and on the trains".

Council to support people in coming days

Nicola Haseler/BBC Sarah Conboy is on the left of the image stood in front of a train station. She had shoulder length brown hair and was wearing glasses, a green jumper, and tweed coat. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Sarah Conboy, Liberal Democrat councillor, said the community came together

Sarah Conboy, Liberal Democrat leader at Huntingdonshire District Council, said it was an event "you hope you never get caught up in".

She said local people were accommodating to individuals during the incident, adding: "At the moment when they really needed the community, they opened their doors and looked after them.

"This is normally a very busy station and people are expecting to travel, so we will do all we can to support people to get back to some sort of normality."

'I am absolutely stunned'

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Mark Keen is stood in the middle of the image looking at the camera. He is wearing glasses, an orange jumper and black coat. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Mark Keen, who lives in Huntingdon, visited the scene the following morning to see what had happened

Mark Keen, who lives locally said he visited the scene on Sunday morning to see what had happened.

"I am absolutely stunned really; I cannot actually believe it," he said.

"It is a quiet place, and it is so sad for the people, it is dreadful."

Another person who has lived in the area for four years, but did not want to be named, said: "It is very shocking.

"I do not what to say. What can we say? It is a very scary world we are living in."

Local church 'grateful' for emergency services

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Reverend Jane Smith is in the middle of the image. She has short blonde curly hair and is wearing clear framed glasses, a purple jumper and blue dog collar. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
The Reverend Jan Smith said the church held a silence for those who had been affected by the incident

All Saints' Church in Huntingdon town centre has been offering support to those affected.

The Reverend Jan Smith, its vicar, said: "We were praying last night for all of the people on the train and those severely injured."

She said the church was "grateful" for the emergency services and the local hospital.

"We opened our service with silence and remembered all of those people who have been affected."

'I feel for the victims'

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Asha is in the middle of the image looking at the camera. She had shoulder length brown hair and was wearing black framed glassed, a purple top and cardigan. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Asha Lockwood, a member at the church, said she was thinking of the victims involved

Asha Lockwood, a parishioner at All Saints, said it was "frightening" as her partner was travelling on a different train.

She said it was "horrendous" listening to the eyewitness accounts and credited the train driver.

"I feel for the victims," she said.

"The church is a wonderful community, family, and we will do anything in our power to help anybody."

'I would rather drive'

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Dal Hicks is in the middle of the image looking at the camera. He is wearing a black baseball cap and a black coat. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Dal Hicks, who lives in Peterborough, said he uses the train services regularly

In Peterborough, about 20 miles north of Huntingdon, Dal Hicks, who has lived in the city for about five years, said the event was "a massive shock as it is so close to home".

"I travel in and out from London most days of the week and now it is quite frightening," he said.

"Now I am thinking I would rather drive than go up by train."

He said he could not see how further incidents could "be prevented".

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Two police officers in yellow tabards walking on the concourse outside Peterborough railway station. There are a handful of other people on the pavement.Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
There was as visible police presence at Peterborough railway station on Sunday

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Passengers describe bloodied seats and people arming themselves with bottle

"Run there's a guy stabbing everyone" - witnesses describe attack

Passengers have described blood-covered seats and attempting to protect themselves with a bottle after a mass stabbing on a LNER train left 11 people injured and needing hospital treatment. Two remain in a life-threatening condition.

Police met the Doncaster-London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire shortly before 20:00 GMT.

Hiding in buffet car

Alistair Day, who was travelling back to Hertford having watched Nottingham Forest, was on the train when the attack happened - having narrowly missed his original connecting service.

He joined others and hid in the train's buffet carriage as a fellow passenger confronted a man with a knife.

"I was just by the buffet car. It was odd. I was at the end of the carriage. All these kids were running up and I thought it was like a prank - Halloween or students," he said.

"Then they're getting louder and louder any sorts of people with blood on them [appeared] and I thought, 'Oh, bloody hell, this is not good.'

"I saw a guy flailing out - a fracas with arms going everywhere. I didn't see him that well because there were people in front of him.

"My initial thought was I'm going to sit there and try and do something but I changed my mind.

"We all jumped up and everyone kept running but I was next to the buffet car and the guys in the carriage were trying to close up the shutters and everything.

"So I said, no, you've got to let us in here. So I jumped in there - there were about 12 of us in there.

"I was the first one in, so I was in the corner. A young woman who I spoke to afterwards was by the window and the guy was at the window with his knife trying to get in. Obviously we'd locked it by then."

'You need to run!'

Joe, who was also travelling back from the Nottingham Forest v Manchester United match, said the scenes were "like something out of a movie".

The 24-year-old, from Peckham in south-east London, said: "I was texting my friends about my plans for that night and then people came rushing through from the carriage, running through, saying, 'You need to run, you need to run'.

"At first it didn't really register what was going on.

"And then quickly, I just dropped my stuff and I started running along with them.

"And then I looked back, and I could see this guy - he was quite a tall, black male, and he had a bloodied knife.

"You just looked around and there was blood just everywhere."

'What if we run out of carriages?'

Joe continued: "We kept moving through the train. We could see him behind us coming through.

"The scariest thing was that I knew that because the stops at this stage of the journey are just Stevenage and King's Cross there's quite a lot of big distances between stops.

"So we had no idea how long we were going to be on the train for.

"The thing that was in my mind was we're running through this train now but what if we run out of carriages to run through? What if we reach the end of the train? What happens there?

"It all happened very quickly. I was just in a fight or flight mode really."

Whiskey bottle

Joe Giddens/PA The head and shoulder of a police forensics officer is visible through a train carriage window. Their white hood is over their head, and they have a white mask over their nose and mouth.Joe Giddens/PA

Olly Foster, a passenger on the train, told the BBC he initially heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone", and believed it might have been a Halloween related prank.

He said within minutes, people started pushing through the carriage, and he noticed his hand was "covered in blood" as there was "blood all over the chair" he had leaned on.

An older man "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a younger girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck, Mr Foster said.

Passengers around him used jackets to try to staunch the bleeding.

He added that the only thing people in his carriage could use against the attacker was a bottle of whiskey, leaving them "staring down the carriage" and "praying" that he would not enter the carriage.

Although it lasted 10-15 minutes in total, Mr Foster says the incident "felt like forever".

Describing the scene when he got off the train, he said: "There were three people bleeding severely. One guy was holding his stomach and there's blood coming from his stomach and going down his leg.

"He was going 'help, help, I've been stabbed'."

PA A large group of police and emergency responders stand in communication on the platform at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, after a number of people were stabbed.PA
The incident prompted a huge response by the emergency services

The train's only other scheduled stop before King's Cross was due to be at Stevenage.

Wren Chambers, who was due to get off in the Hertfordshire town, said they first became aware something was wrong when a man bolted down the carriage with a bloody arm, saying "they've got a knife, run".

Wren said they and a friend ran to the front of the train and saw a man who had collapsed on the floor.

Wren said they felt "stressed and pretty scared" once they knew what was happening, but they were eventually able to get off the train unharmed.

"There was quite a lot of blood on the train, there was some on my bag, some on my jeans," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"As soon as the train stopped and people got off most of them ran outside trying to get away from it, because we knew the attacker was still inside on the train."

PA Media A train with people wearing forensic white suits at the station PA Media
The incident took place at 19:42 on Saturday and British Transport Police (BTP) received reports of multiple stabbings aboard the 18:25 LNER service from Doncaster to King's Cross

London Underground worker Dean McFarlane told the BBC that he saw the train pull into Huntingdon railway station at 20:00 with a passenger bleeding.

He said that on arrival, he saw multiple people running down the platform bleeding, with one man in a white shirt "completely covered in blood".

He said he grabbed people and told them to leave the station, and tried to assist passengers who he believed were having panic attacks.

PA Media Police tape over an area with police equipment behind it PA Media
Ten people have been taken to hospital and nine have life-threatening injuries

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links

India beat SA for historic first World Cup win

India beat SA for historic first World Cup win

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

'Time stood still!' - Amanjot makes juggling catch to dismiss Wolvaardt

ICC Women's World Cup, Navi Mumbai

India 298-7 (50 overs): Shafali 87 (78); Khaka 3-58

South Africa 246 (45.3 overs): Wolvaardt 101 (98); Deepti 5-39

India won by 52 runs

Scorecard

Jubilant India held their nerve under the weight of huge expectation to beat South Africa by 52 runs and clinch an historic first Women's World Cup win.

The showpiece event in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd was delayed by two hours because of rain but no overs were lost and a match for the ages played out in Navi Mumbai.

The hosts batted first and posted a competitive 298-7. Opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a dynamic 87 from 78 balls, backed up by Deepti Sharma's 58, which set the Proteas their record one-day international run-chase under the highest pressure.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored her second successive century, a flawless 101 from 98 balls, which kept South Africa in contention at 211-6, needing 88 from the final 10 overs.

But her dismissal, via a sensational juggling catch from Amanjot Kaur at deep mid-wicket off Deepti in the 42nd over, sparked India's charge to victory and even with the game finishing after midnight local time, the packed crowd stayed and roared until the very last ball.

The emotions were contrasting for South Africa, who finished 246 all out which confirmed their third successive final defeat, having lost the previous two T20 finals.

Verma, who was only called up for the semi-finals after an injury to Pratika Rawal, added figures of 2-36 to her knock to also become an unlikely hero with the ball but it was Deepti, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, who ripped through the Proteas batters to finish with 5-39 as bedlam unfolded.

It completes an incredible turnaround for India, who lost three consecutive group stage games which left their semi-final hopes a little doubtful, but the scenes at the DY Patil Stadium suggested that this triumph will ignite the beginning of a new era in the women's game.

Fearless Verma sets up India glory

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

Best shots from Verma's 'terrific' innings against South Africa

With both teams vying for their first World Cup title, the pre-match talk was all about who could handle the occasion – India with the enormous amount of expectation, contrasted with whether South Africa could use the underdog tag in their favour.

With rain washing out any hopes of starting on time, it was inevitable the captain who won the toss would bowl first but the Navi Mumbai surface remained batter-friendly as it had been in India's high-scoring semi-final against Australia, exemplified by Smriti Mandhana and Verma calmly cruising to 64-0 in the powerplay.

It was actually South Africa's bowlers who appeared consumed by the occasion as they bowled too wide to the openers, who reeled off the boundaries with ease, before Mandhana was caught behind off Chloe Tryon and Verma chipped Ayabonga Khaka to mid-off.

The Proteas' ground fielding was brilliant, but they were guilty of dropping five catches including a crucial drop by Anneke Bosch with Verma on 56, while Deepti was also put down on 35 and 37.

Verma was visibly distraught to miss out on a World Cup century but it was a staggering knock considering the lateness of her inclusion in the side and the magnitude of the game, and its attacking nature was invaluable in taking the pressure off the tournament's poster girl, Mandhana.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the semi-final hero, fell for 24 two overs after Verma which gave South Africa a chance to regain control, but India showed impressive composure in keeping partnerships ticking over, anchored by Deepti, before Richa Ghosh's dynamic 34 from 24 balls ensured they finished with a late flourish.

Though it required a record chase, there was a sense that India did not have enough to feel completely comfortable – only adding 69 in the final 10 overs for the loss of three wickets – with the context of India's semi-final chase of 339.

Though Deepti's all-round performances have been sensational all tournament, few would have predicted that Verma would also be her accomplice with the ball.

Deepti outshines Wolvaardt's magnificence

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This video can not be played

Media caption,

'Another fabulous knock from South Africa's captain' - Wolvaardt reaches century

South Africa's hopes were largely dependent on the fortunes of their incredible captain and opener, who played a match-winning knock of 169 in the semi against England, but there was always a feeling that game had been their final.

However, Wolvaardt looked as if she had packed up the Guwahati pitch and carried on with a net session, batting with such fluency and elegance which put tremors of doubt through the crowd.

Another moment of brilliance from Amanjot led to the first breakthrough, swooping in one motion from mid-wicket to run out Tazmin Brits before Anneke Bosch was pinned lbw by Shree Charani for a duck to sway the momentum back in India's favour.

Sune Luus and Wolvaardt rebuilt steadily before Harmanpreet Kaur surprisingly turned to Verma with the ball and she turned the game on its head by having the former caught and bowled and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was caught behind for four from her following over.

Annerie Dercksen played a handy supporting act of 35 before she was bowled by Deepti which saw the run-rate climb, and the pressure told on Wolvaardt, who was forced into playing a shot of aggression off the same bowler.

Every India player sprinted towards Amanjot, who took the catch at the third attempt, to signify the importance of the wicket and Wolvaardt, so often calm and expressionless, looked distraught to know the game had gone with her.

It was a cruel end to the tournament for a generational talent, with the leading wicket-taker eclipsing the leading run-scorer when it mattered the most.

However, it was fitting for Deepti to claim the final wicket of Nadine de Klerk for 18 and for the catch to be taken by their talismanic captain Harmanpreet.

Related topics

More on this story

Avalanche in Italy kills five including father and daughter

Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico A rocky mountain is seen covered in snow and a glacier Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico
The avalanche occurred on Cima Vertana mountain in the Ortler Alps

An avalanche in Italy's Dolomite mountains has killed five German climbers, including a 17-year-old girl and her father, according to rescuers.

The mountaineers, travelling in separate groups, were scaling Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps at around 16:00 local time on Saturday when the fast-moving snow hit.

A group of three people "was fully swept away by the avalanche" and all died, said Italy's Alpine rescue service, Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico.

Separately, the father and daughter were carried away by the avalanche and their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Two other climbers in a third party survived.

The alarm was raised by the survivors, triggering the rescue operation.

Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico A picture of the mountain, with snow on it, and the word Valanga, which means avalanche in Italian, with an arrow showing its downward path.Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico
This picture, provided and annotated by rescuers, shows the path of the valanga, the Italian word for avalanche

Olaf Reinstadler, a spokesperson for the Sulden Mountain Rescue Service, told German media that the avalanche on the 3,545-metre (11,630ft) mountain, also called Vertainspitze, could have been caused by recent snow drifts which had not bonded to the ice below.

He said climbing tours were popular and the weather conditions were good, but wondered why the mountaineers were climbing late in the afternoon, as the descent would have then taken until nightfall.

The bodies of the three people climbing together were recovered on Saturday before rescue efforts were suspended due to fading light and safety conditions.

The Alpine rescue service said that due to fog and low visibility, helicopters could not take off at first light on Sunday.

However, once conditions improved, rescuers and avalanche dog units were airlifted to 2,600 meters before setting out on foot.

By late morning, the bodies of the two missing mountaineers - the father and daughter - were found.

Salmond's estate seeks 'bankruptcy' over legal costs

PA Media Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond is wearing a dark suit and blue tie patterned with white saltire crosses, against a blue and white background.PA Media
Alex Salmond successfully sued the Scottish government over its handling of two harassment complaints

The estate of former first minister Alex Salmond is seeking sequestration – the Scottish legal equivalent of bankruptcy – due to costs linked to court action.

Salmond successfully sued the Scottish government for £512,000 over the handling of two harassment complaints against him by civil servants which were ruled to be "tainted with apparent bias".

His former lawyers, Levy and McRae, are now acting for his wife, Moira, in winding up his estate.

Senior partner David McKie said "exposing the unlawful conduct of the Scottish government" had been "a matter of great satisfaction" for Salmond and his wife, but that success came "at a huge cost" personally and financially.

After Salmond won his case against the Scottish government, he was later acquitted of a series of sexual misconduct charges at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Mr McKie said the step of appointing a trustee in sequestration on behalf of Salmond's widow was "very unfortunate" but necessary "to protect her interests and those of creditors".

He said: "It is a matter of profound regret that Alex had to invest so much time and money in clearing his name.

"But most people will understand that faced with such attacks and an unlawful process brought against him, there was no choice for Alex but to defend himself with every resource available to him.

"This matter will now rightly be passed to the Accountant in Bankruptcy and, if appointed, the new Trustees in Sequestration."

Salmond died in October 2024 at the age of 69 after suffering a heart attack while attending an event in North Macedonia.

'No help, no food, no water': hurricane-hit Jamaican towns desperately wait for aid

Brandon Drenon / BBC News Two people on a motorcyle ride through a town covered in storm debris including broken tree branches, parts of buildings and cars Brandon Drenon / BBC News
A town just outside of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish sits in ruins

Five days after Hurricane Melissa pummelled into western Jamaica with record force, residents in devastated communities along the coast are still desperately waiting for help.

Many of the roads are blocked by debris and people are isolated with little food, no power or running water, and no idea of when normalcy will return.

The government said on Saturday that at least 28 people in Jamaica have died since the hurricane hit as a monster category five storm with 185 mph (297km/h) sustained winds.

That is a near 50% jump in the death toll overnight, and the number could rise as officials clear their way into new parts of the island in the coming days.

Local official Dr Dayton Campbell told the BBC 10 of those deaths were in Westmoreland.

Westmoreland parish is believed to have the second highest number of unconfirmed deaths, after St Elizabeth to the south east. The eye of the storm hit somewhere between the two neighbouring parishes. At St Elisabeth an estimated 90% of homes have been destroyed.

A long stretch of road headed west into Westmoreland Parish winds through a graveyard of trees – stacks of branches and limbs, cracked and twisted, blanketing the landscape for miles. It is grim evidence of Hurricane Melissa's ferocity - it was the strongest storm to strike the Caribbean island in modern history.

Piles of debris are heaped on the parish's roadsides, next to battered buildings, shipping crates turned on their side and crowds of people wading through the destruction.

On Saturday morning, men with machetes hacked through branches as thick as their arms, clearing patches of the road where traffic jams were at a standstill.

A policeman with an automatic weapon strapped to his chest, part of a convoy accompanying an aid truck on its way to Westmoreland, hopped out of his vehicle to help direct traffic.

"We don't know what lies ahead," the officer told the BBC, describing what he has seen as "total devastation".

Brandon Drenon / BBC The town of Whitehouse in Westmoreland ParishBrandon Drenon / BBC
Brandon Drenon / BBC Roy Perry wearing a yellow t-shirt seated in front of a badly damaged buildingBrandon Drenon / BBC
Roy Perry says he has lost everything in the wake of the strongest hurricane in Jamaican history
Brandon Drenon / BBC Two men are seated beneath a building half blown away by the stormBrandon Drenon / BBC
Anthony Burnett (left) and Gary Williams (right)

Those living in Whitehouse, a coastal town and commercial hub on the edge of Westmoreland Parish, say the wait for assistance is becoming frustrating.

Gary Williams said he has heard promises of incoming aid delivery, but "they no turn up".

He sat in the shade on a makeshift stool in front of a building barely standing – its entire roof gone – unsure of what to do next.

Williams said he lost his house in the storm and has "nowhere to live", suggesting he might sleep right where he is, outside on the front porch.

Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Words can't explain the situation that we're in. It's horrible. I don't even know what to say. So many hopeless, helpless, and lifeless people here right now."

About 400,000 people in Jamaica were without power as of Friday, and an untold number more have no access to cell phone service or Wi-Fi, cut off from the outside world.

Jamaica's transportation minister Daryl Vaz announced on Saturday that more than 200 StarLink devices have been deployed across the island to help people access the internet.

He addressed criticism the government has received for its response, saying there were "several factors" contributing to delays.

"Refuelling, Areas for Landing, Accessibility and Timing/Visibility," Vaz said on X.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged that the "immediate focus is on clearing debris, restoring essential services", as well as providing food and medical supplies.

But that would only solve part of the problem.

Brandon Drenon / BBC Residents of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish try to piece their lives back togetherBrandon Drenon / BBC
Residents of Whitehouse in Westmoreland Parish try to piece their lives back together

In a tiny community just outside of Whitehouse, Robert Morris rested against a slab of broken concrete. Behind him, the fishing village he has called home his entire life has been destroyed, along with his livelihood.

"We all devastated here man," he said. He said the boat house was destroyed and is now "flat".

"Melissa take everything down," he said, including his fishing boat, which he describes as "mashed up".

Morris also told of "no help, no food, no water".

"We just have to try and see what we can do," he said, adding that his plan was to find someone whose boat was still intact so that he could join and fish.

Even then, he is not sure where he would sell his catch.

The people in these areas are filled with pride and resilience, words that are often repeated on local radio stations and visible through their optimism in the most difficult circumstances.

Seated under the facade of a badly damaged building, Roy Perry said he has lost everything, but "we have to just keep the faith and the hope is up still".

Brandon Drenon / BBC Robert Morris stands in front of his fishing village that was flattened by Hurricane MelissaBrandon Drenon / BBC
Robert Morris fishing village in view over his right shoulder has been entirely destroyed

"Can't give up. Not gonna give up," he said.

It is the same tone struck by Oreth Jones, a farmer sitting in the bed of his truck selling pears, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes – the last of his produce that was spared from the storm.

Of his farm, he said: "It's all wrecked. They all destroyed." But he quickly followed up with: "We have to give God thanks we're alive."

Jones survived the strongest hurricane in Jamaican history while he was injured, wearing a homemade splint on his right leg from a fracture he suffered during a biking accident before Melissa hit.

When asked about how the community will move forward, he said: "Pray. Nothing else we can do. Nothing else."

Meanwhile, foreign aid has now started entering into Jamaica.

The US State Department announced on Friday that its Disaster Assistance Response Team had arrived. And countries including the UK have also pledged millions in aid relief funds and emergency supplies.

Brandon Drenon / BBC Local farmer Oreth Jones sits in the trunk of his car next to the last of his harvestBrandon Drenon / BBC
Oreth Jones, a local farmer, said his farm was "all wrecked"

Louvre heist was by petty criminals not organised crime professionals, prosecutor says

Reuters Police guard near the pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris after a jewellery heist robbery. Photo: 19 October 2025Reuters

Last month's jewellery heist at the Louvre museum was carried out by petty criminals rather than organised crime professionals, Paris's prosecutor has said.

"This is not quite everyday delinquency... but it is a type of delinquency that we do not generally associate with the upper echelons of organised crime," Laure Beccuau told franceinfo radio.

She said four people arrested and charged so far over the theft that shocked France and the world were "clearly local people" living in Seine-Saint-Denis, an impoverished area just north of Paris.

Jewels worth €88m (£76m; $102m) were taken from the most-visited museum, in the French capital, on 19 October.

Louvre Museum A silver necklace with green jewels stolen during the Louvre heistLouvre Museum
Louvre Museum A gold tiara encrusted with diamonds and pearls stolen from the LouvreLouvre Museum

The Marie-Louise necklace and a pair of earrings were among the eight items stolen
A tiara worn by the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was taken

In Sunday's interview to franceinfo radio, Beccuau said the four arrested people - three men and a woman - "all live more or less in Seine-Saint-Denis".

She said two of the male suspects had been known to the police, as they each had multiple theft convictions.

On Saturday, a 38-year-old woman was charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime.

Separately, a man, aged 37, was charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.

The suspects - who have not been publicly named - both denied any involvement.

Two men who had previously been arrested were already charged with theft and criminal conspiracy after officials said they had "partially recognised" their involvement in the heist.

Investigators believe four men carried out the daylight theft, and one of them is still on the run.

Three other people detained earlier this week have been released without charge.

Watch: Two people leave Louvre in lift mounted to vehicle

On the day of the heist, the suspects arrived at 09:30 local time (07:30 GMT), just after the museum opened to visitors, Ms Beccuau told reporters last week.

The suspects arrived with a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony close to the River Seine. The men used a disc cutter to crack open display cases housing the jewellery.

Prosecutors said the thieves were inside for four minutes and made their escape on two scooters waiting outside at 09:38, before switching to cars.

One of the stolen items - a crown - was dropped during the escape. The other seven jewels have not been found.

The fear is that they have already been spirited abroad, though the prosecutor in charge of the case has said she is still hopeful they can be retrieved intact.

Since the incident, security measures have been tightened around France's cultural institutions.

The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France following the heist.

Shein accused of selling childlike sex dolls in France

Getty Images Black Shein logo on a white background on a smartphone screen Getty Images

France's consumer watchdog has reported the Asian fast fashion giant Shein to authorities for selling "sex dolls with a childlike appearance" on its website.

The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) said the online description and categorisation of the dolls "makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content".

Shein later told the BBC: "The products in question were immediately delisted as soon as we became aware of these serious issues."

It said its team was "investigating how these listings circumvented our screening measures". Shein is also "conducting a comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items that may be listed on our marketplace by other third-party vendors".

The DGCCRF has reported Shein to French prosecutors as well as Arcom, the country's online and broadcasting regulator, according to French media.

The news has emerged just days before Shein is set to open its first permanent physical shop anywhere in the world - in a Parisian department store.

Staff shortages from government shutdown cause delays at US airports

Getty Images A file photo of a man standing in front of a screen showing cancelled flights. Getty Images
Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for the last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says

US airports have been hit with widespread delays because of a shortage of air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the federal government shutdown.

A ground stop was issued at Newark Airport on Sunday morning, a major hub servicing New York. Average delays at Newark are more than three hours and could last until Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration says.

Half of the 30 major airports in the US have staff shortages, and Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said flights will be cancelled across national airspace "to make sure people are safe".

Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay as the government shutdown enters its second month.

Air traffic controllers, like other essential federal workers, are required to work without pay during the shutdown, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.

The aviation agency called on lawmakers to end the shutdown so that workers "receive the pay they've earned and travelers can avoid further disruptions and delays".

The FAA said the shortages means it has had to reduce the flow of air traffic "to maintain safety".

"This may result in delays or cancellations," it added.

On Saturday, about 4,500 flights within the US were delayed and more than 500 were cancelled, according to FlightAware. In New York, the largest US city, about 80% of air traffic controllers were absent heading into the weekend, according to the FAA.

Transportation Secretary Duffy on Sunday told ABC the aviation agency would take any steps necessary to make sure travellers are safe.

"But there is a level of risk that gets injected into the system when we have a controller that's doing two jobs instead of one," he said.

He added that air traffic controllers were under a great deal of stress and working without pay.

"They don't make a lot of money, and so they may be the only person that is bringing money into the household," he said.

"They have to make a decision, do I go to work and not get a paycheque and not put food on the table? Or do I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?"

Lawmakers are at an impasse as a Republican-led bill to fund the government has failed to pass the Senate over a dozen times.

In exchange for re-opening the government, Democrats are seeking to extend tax credits that make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans.

They are also calling for a reverse to US President Donald Trump's cuts to Medicaid, a government healthcare programme used by millions of elderly, disabled and low-income people.

How Pakistan is struggling to recover from deadly floods worsened by climate change

BBC A wide shot of houses sitting in flood watersBBC
Floods have swept across Pakistan, hitting urban and rural areas, including the capital of Punjab, Lahore

Rescuers and relatives searched knee-deep in water for the body of one-year-old Zara. She'd been swept away by flash floods; the bodies of her parents and three siblings had already been found days earlier.

"We suddenly saw a lot of water. I climbed up to the roof and urged them to join me," Arshad, Zara's grandfather, said, showing the BBC the dirt road where they were taken from him in the village of Sambrial in northern Punjab in August.

His family tried to join him, but too late. The powerful current washed away all six of them.

Every year, monsoon season brings deadly floods in Pakistan.

This year it began in late June, and within three months, floods had killed more than 1,000 people. At least 6.9  million were affected, according to the United Nations agency for humanitarian affairs, OCHA.

The South Asian nation is struggling with the devastating consequences of climate change, despite emitting just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

To witness its effects, the BBC travelled from the mountains of the north to the plains of the south for three months. In every province, climate change was having a different impact.

There was one element in common, though. The poorest suffer most.

We met people who'd lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones – and they were resigned to going through it all again in the next monsoon.

Lakebursts and flash floods

A long shot of a glacier in the village of Passu
There are more than 7,000 glaciers in the high peaks of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush

Monsoon floods started in the north, with global warming playing out in its most familiar form in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.

Amid the high peaks of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush, there are more than 7,000 glaciers. But due to rising temperatures, they are melting.

The result can be catastrophic: meltwater turns into glacial lakes which can suddenly burst. Thousands of villages are at risk.

This summer hundreds of homes were destroyed and roads damaged by landslides and flash floods.

These "glacial lake outbursts" are hard to warn against. The area is remote and mobile service poor. Pakistan and the World Bank are trying to improve an early warning system, which often doesn't work because of the mountainous terrain.

Community is a powerful asset. When shepherd Wasit Khan woke up to rushing waters, with trailing chunks of ice and debris, he ran to an area with a better signal. He began warning as many villagers as he could.

"I told everyone to leave their belongings, leave the house, take their wives, children and elderly people and get away," he told BBC Urdu's Muhammad Zubair.

Thanks to him, dozens were saved.

The danger took a different form in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Gadoon, the BBC found hundreds of villagers digging through piles of rocks with their bare hands.

A cloudburst had caused a flash flood early in the morning, a local official said. That happens when a sudden updraft in humid, moist air leads to a heavy and localised burst of rain. The current washed away several homes and triggered a landslide.

Men from neighbouring villages rushed over to help, which was invaluable – but not enough. The excavators the villagers desperately needed were trapped in flooded roads, some blocked by massive rocks.

"Nothing will happen until the machines arrive," one man told the BBC.

Then a silence suddenly blanketed the area. Dozens of men stood still in one corner. The bodies of two children, soaked in dark mud, were pulled from under the rubble, and carried away.

A group of men are seen from above standing around a man in high vis with a helmet on looking at a screen near a collapsed building
Rescuers and villagers search for survivors, after a flash flood swept away several houses in the village of Gadoon, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Scenes like this played out across the province, with rescuers delayed due to uprooted trees and major infrastructure being destroyed. A helicopter carrying aid crashed in the bad weather, claiming the lives of all crew on board.

Building on Pakistan's floodplains

In villages and cities, millions have settled around rivers and streams, areas prone to flooding. Pakistan's River Protection Act - which prohibits building within 200 ft (61m) of a river or its tributaries - was meant to solve that issue. But for many it's simply too costly to settle elsewhere.

Illegal construction makes matters worse.

Climate scientist Fahad Saeed blames this on local corruption and believes officials are failing to enforce the law. He spoke to the BBC in Islamabad, next to a half-built, four-storey concrete building as big as a car park - and right by a stream that he saw flood this summer, killing a child.

A long shot of buildings partially submerged in water
Pakistan has laws in place banning building near rivers, hoping to avoid homes like these being flooded in future

"Just a few kilometres from parliament and still such things happen in Pakistan," he says, visibly frustrated. "It's because of misgovernance, the role of the government is to be a watchdog."

Former climate minister Senator Sherry Rehman, who chairs the climate committee in Pakistan's Senate, calls it "graft", or simply "looking the other way" when permissions are given for construction in vulnerable areas.

The country's breadbasket submerged

By late August, further south in the province of Punjab, floods had submerged 4,500 villages, overwhelming "Pakistan's breadbasket", in a country that can't always afford to import enough food.

For the first time, three rivers - the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab - flooded simultaneously, triggering the largest rescue operation in decades.

"It was the most important anomaly," said Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah, the chief risk officer for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

In Punjab's capital, Lahore, the impact on wealthier and poorer communities was stark. The gated community of Park View City was inundated by the Ravi river, making its prized streets impossible to navigate. Residents of luxury homes were forced to evacuate.

Surveying the damage, two local men, Abdullah and his father Gulraiz, were convinced water would be drained soon, thanks to the area's property developer Aleem Khan, a federal minister.

"No problem, Aleem Khan will do it," Gulraiz told the BBC.

But for residents in the poorer neighbourhood of Theme Park, the floods were crushing. One officer told the BBC they kept having to rescue people who swam back to their homes when the water levels dropped, desperate to salvage whatever they could. But then the water would rise, leaving them stranded.

We saw one man returning from his house, an inflatable donut resting on his hip.

A woman drawing her headscarf across her face sits with a child and another woman wearing a headscarf
Sumera's home in Lahore's Theme Park neighbourhood was flooded. Weeks away from giving birth, she is living in a tent with her son Arsh

Some residents were moved to tents provided by the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan. Sitting outside in the summer heat, Sumera was weeks away from giving birth. She was extremely thin.

"My doctor says I need two blood transfusions this week," she said as she tried to keep hold of her toddler, Arsh.

Nearby, Ali Ahmad was balancing a small kitten he rescued from the floods on his shoulder. The boy was one of the few who had a mattress to sleep on.

By the end of monsoon season, the floods had displaced more than 2.7 million people in Punjab, the UN said, and damaged more than one million hectares of farmland.

Further south in Multan district, always hit hard by floods, the scale of the humanitarian crisis became even clearer, with tents lining dirt roads and highways.

Access to healthcare was already a challenge in rural areas of Pakistan, but once the floods hit, the challenge was unbearable for many women we met.

BBC Urdu's Tarhub Asghar met two sisters-in-law, both nine months pregnant. A doctor had warned them they weren't drinking enough water. They raised a bottle to explain. The water was completely brown.

The search for solutions

A woman looks at a point to the left of the camera
Yasmeen Lari has built homes she says are "climate-resilient" and made of natural materials such as bamboo and lime cement

Some are trying different solutions.

Architect Yasmeen Lari has designed what she calls "climate-resilient houses" in dozens of villages. In Pono, near Hyderabad, women showed the BBC huts they'd built themselves - a large circular building on wooden stilts. Dr Lari calls it their training centre and says families can move their belongings there and shelter.

But Dr Lari argues building an entire village on stilts would be unfeasible and too expensive. Instead, she says her designs ensure the roofs don't collapse, and that by using natural materials such as bamboo and lime concrete, the homes can be rebuilt quickly by the villagers themselves.

Pakistan has reached a point where "it's not about saving buildings; it's about saving lives," she says.

This is the reality for Pakistan. All the climate scientists and politicians the BBC spoke to warn of an increasingly worrying future.

"Every year the monsoon will become more and more aggressive," Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah at the NDMA said. "Every year, there will be a new surprise for us."

As the country faces the growing and ever-changing challenges posed by climate change, in which the poorest are often the worst affected, there is one refrain from people returning to homes likely to flood next year: "I have nowhere else to go."

Train stabbing witnesses describe bloodied seats and people arming themselves with bottle

"Run there's a guy stabbing everyone" - witnesses describe attack

Passengers have described blood-covered seats and attempting to protect themselves with a bottle after a mass stabbing on a LNER train left 11 people injured and needing hospital treatment. Two remain in a life-threatening condition.

Police met the Doncaster-London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire shortly before 20:00 GMT.

Hiding in buffet car

Alistair Day, who was travelling back to Hertford having watched Nottingham Forest, was on the train when the attack happened - having narrowly missed his original connecting service.

He joined others and hid in the train's buffet carriage as a fellow passenger confronted a man with a knife.

"I was just by the buffet car. It was odd. I was at the end of the carriage. All these kids were running up and I thought it was like a prank - Halloween or students," he said.

"Then they're getting louder and louder any sorts of people with blood on them [appeared] and I thought, 'Oh, bloody hell, this is not good.'

"I saw a guy flailing out - a fracas with arms going everywhere. I didn't see him that well because there were people in front of him.

"My initial thought was I'm going to sit there and try and do something but I changed my mind.

"We all jumped up and everyone kept running but I was next to the buffet car and the guys in the carriage were trying to close up the shutters and everything.

"So I said, no, you've got to let us in here. So I jumped in there - there were about 12 of us in there.

"I was the first one in, so I was in the corner. A young woman who I spoke to afterwards was by the window and the guy was at the window with his knife trying to get in. Obviously we'd locked it by then."

'You need to run!'

Joe, who was also travelling back from the Nottingham Forest v Manchester United match, said the scenes were "like something out of a movie".

The 24-year-old, from Peckham in south-east London, said: "I was texting my friends about my plans for that night and then people came rushing through from the carriage, running through, saying, 'You need to run, you need to run'.

"At first it didn't really register what was going on.

"And then quickly, I just dropped my stuff and I started running along with them.

"And then I looked back, and I could see this guy - he was quite a tall, black male, and he had a bloodied knife.

"You just looked around and there was blood just everywhere."

'What if we run out of carriages?'

Joe continued: "We kept moving through the train. We could see him behind us coming through.

"The scariest thing was that I knew that because the stops at this stage of the journey are just Stevenage and King's Cross there's quite a lot of big distances between stops.

"So we had no idea how long we were going to be on the train for.

"The thing that was in my mind was we're running through this train now but what if we run out of carriages to run through? What if we reach the end of the train? What happens there?

"It all happened very quickly. I was just in a fight or flight mode really."

Whiskey bottle

Joe Giddens/PA The head and shoulder of a police forensics officer is visible through a train carriage window. Their white hood is over their head, and they have a white mask over their nose and mouth.Joe Giddens/PA

Olly Foster, a passenger on the train, told the BBC he initially heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone", and believed it might have been a Halloween related prank.

He said within minutes, people started pushing through the carriage, and he noticed his hand was "covered in blood" as there was "blood all over the chair" he had leaned on.

An older man "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a younger girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck, Mr Foster said.

Passengers around him used jackets to try to staunch the bleeding.

He added that the only thing people in his carriage could use against the attacker was a bottle of whiskey, leaving them "staring down the carriage" and "praying" that he would not enter the carriage.

Although it lasted 10-15 minutes in total, Mr Foster says the incident "felt like forever".

Describing the scene when he got off the train, he said: "There were three people bleeding severely. One guy was holding his stomach and there's blood coming from his stomach and going down his leg.

"He was going 'help, help, I've been stabbed'."

PA A large group of police and emergency responders stand in communication on the platform at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, after a number of people were stabbed.PA
The incident prompted a huge response by the emergency services

The train's only other scheduled stop before King's Cross was due to be at Stevenage.

Wren Chambers, who was due to get off in the Hertfordshire town, said they first became aware something was wrong when a man bolted down the carriage with a bloody arm, saying "they've got a knife, run".

Wren said they and a friend ran to the front of the train and saw a man who had collapsed on the floor.

Wren said they felt "stressed and pretty scared" once they knew what was happening, but they were eventually able to get off the train unharmed.

"There was quite a lot of blood on the train, there was some on my bag, some on my jeans," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"As soon as the train stopped and people got off most of them ran outside trying to get away from it, because we knew the attacker was still inside on the train."

PA Media A train with people wearing forensic white suits at the station PA Media
The incident took place at 19:42 on Saturday and British Transport Police (BTP) received reports of multiple stabbings aboard the 18:25 LNER service from Doncaster to King's Cross

London Underground worker Dean McFarlane told the BBC that he saw the train pull into Huntingdon railway station at 20:00 with a passenger bleeding.

He said that on arrival, he saw multiple people running down the platform bleeding, with one man in a white shirt "completely covered in blood".

He said he grabbed people and told them to leave the station, and tried to assist passengers who he believed were having panic attacks.

PA Media Police tape over an area with police equipment behind it PA Media
Ten people have been taken to hospital and nine have life-threatening injuries

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links

Three killed in latest US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean

US Department of Defense What appears to be a black and white image of the sea as seen from above. A few areas are blurred, including the section where the boat is. A large white area which appears to be the flames of an explosion are in the centre of the image. The word "unclassified" is captioned on the image. US Department of Defense
The US Defence Secretary released a video appearing to show the moment the boat was hit by a US strike

Three men have been killed in a US strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said.

It is the latest in a series of attacks on vessels the Trump administration says are being used to smuggle drugs into the US.

Since they began in September, experts have questioned the legality of the strikes under international law, which have drawn strong criticism from Latin American leaders whose citizens have been targeted.

Combatting the flow of illegal drugs is a key policy for US President Donald Trump - but some have suggested the strikes are part of efforts to influence politically opposed governments in the region.

Hegseth said the boat targeted on Saturday was operated by a designated terrorist organisation - without specifying which one - and had been travelling in international waters when it was hit.

The vessel was travelling along a known drug-smuggling route and carrying narcotics, he said, without providing evidence.

Announcements of these strikes are usually accompanied with grainy footage but no evidence of the alleged drug trafficking and few details about who or what was on board each vessel.

Hegseth's statement late on Saturday was accompanied by a video that appears to show a blurred-out boat travelling through the water before exploding.

The Trump administration has insisted that it was targeting "narco-terrorists".

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has previously described the attacks as "murder" and said they were being used by the US to "dominate" Latin America.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro accused Washington of "fabricating a war".

The two left-wing leaders have increasingly been at odds with the Trump administration.

Following Petro's comments, the US placed sanctions on him and his inner circle, as well as removing Colombia's certification as an ally in the war on drugs. Trump has threatened military action against land targets in Venezuela.

But this, he has admitted, may require the consent of the US Congress.

However, some US lawmakers, both Democrat and Republican, have said the strikes on vessels also required congressional approval - something Trump has denied.

Others have questioned whether the lethal strikes were legal at all.

The UN's human rights chief Volker Turk said on Friday that such attacks were a violation of international human rights law.

"Over 60 people have reportedly been killed in a continuing series of attacks carried out by US armed forces... in circumstances that find no justification in international law," he said.

"These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable."

Experts in Latin American politics have suggested the strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific were part of a suite of measures designed to influence change in Colombia and Venezuela.

The US is among many nations that consider Maduro's election last year as illegitimate, while Trump has been critical of Petro's policies on combatting the drug trade in his country, which has traditionally been a US ally.

Washington has steadily been building up a force of warships, fighter jets, marines, spy planes, bombers and drones in the Caribbean over the past few months, which it has framed as part of a crackdown on drug-trafficking but which military analysts say is much larger than what is needed.

First glimpse of Paddington as new West End musical prepares to open

Isha Shah A first look at Paddington in the new West End musical. He's wearing his famous red hat, carrying a suitcase and has a note tied around his neck with string. He is dramatically lit as he walks down a railway platform, his brown and gold fur ruffled. He moves freely, without a human directly operating him or puppet strings.Isha Shah
"All-singing, all-dancing" Paddington, as he appears in the new West End musical

He's famous for his voyage from Peru to London, but it didn't take as long as his journey to the Savoy Theatre.

After nearly a decade in the works, Paddington: The Musical is here.

And its star is walking, talking, singing, dancing - and offering BBC Newsbeat a snack.

"I've brought you this marmalade sandwich, but it's only for emergencies."

It's the first public glimpse of the impressive bear, whose design was a closely guarded secret for years.

His fur is pristine.

His famous "hard stare" is piercing.

His face is so expressive, every twitch will reach the back row of an audience.

But if you're looking for insight into his "magical" design and how he was brought to life, his creators aren't giving much away.

Jay Brooks The musical's Paddington bear stands wide-eyed in front of a dark blue background. He has a toy-like quality, wearing his famous blue duffle coat and large red hat.Jay Brooks
Paddington's design is inspired by Peggy Fortnum's "delicate" illustrations for author Michael Bond's 1958 book, A Bear Called Paddington

When Newsbeat asks, everyone involved in the West End production gives the same response.

"Paddington is Paddington."

And designer Tahra Zafar, an experienced creative whose CV includes Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars films, wants to keep it that way.

"I don't want people to think about how we've done it," she says.

"I just want people to love him."

She does let on that the team looked at "some very innovative ways" to get Paddington moving, but says traditional puppetry was ruled out.

They concluded that audiences' hearts wouldn't shatter at the bear's loneliness in London if he was literally kept company on-stage.

The theory is currently being tested as Paddington gets some preview performances under his hat before the show's official opening in late November.

"I feel completely ready," laughs Tahra, with a mix of excitement and relief.

"I love him to bits, but I want to share him."

'I just burst into tears'

Rachel Joseph Tom Fletcher is standing in front of a white background. He is laughing and wearing thick-rimmed black glasses. His hair is swept up and back. He is wearing a plain black t-shirt beneath a patterned dark blue jacket.Rachel Joseph
Tom Fletcher is juggling touring the UK and Ireland with McFly and Busted with launching Paddington: The Musical

Michael Bond's original creation has broken and warmed hearts for generations.

A trilogy of films, with Ben Whishaw voicing its lead, made more than $500m (£380m) at the global box office.

But no previous adaptation of Paddington's story brought him to life in such a tangible way.

And no-one had found his voice in musical theatre until producers set McFly singer-songwriter Tom Fletcher that task.

"You can spend forever thinking 'how do I write a song that sounds like Paddington?'," he tells Newsbeat.

"You just have to trust that it's going to come through, as long as you've done the research."

Moments into Tom's initial call with producers, he started composing a song that remains in the musical five years later.

"I think I wrote five songs in that first process and they're all still in the show," he says.

"I know on paper 'that guy from McFly' may be an odd choice, but I was in musicals from the age of nine.

"I never thought I would end up in a band.

"For me, this is a return to what I love," he says, decades after playing the lead in Oliver! at the London Palladium.

As for Paddington: The Musical's star, Tom first met him two years ago.

The bear's design and technology waited in the wings while the cast and production were pulled together around it.

"You never forget when you first meet Paddington," Tom says, echoing a sentiment almost everyone involved tells Newsbeat with a glassy look in their eyes.

"I just burst into tears," says Tom.

"Once we met him, we all thought: 'This is going to work, and it's going to be so special'."

A footer logo for BBC Newsbeat. It has the BBC logo and the word Newsbeat in white over a colorful background of violet, purple and orange shapes. At the bottom a black square reading "Listen on Sounds" is visible.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

China to ease chip export ban in new trade deal, White House says

Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025 in Busan, South Korea. Trump is meeting Xi for the first time since taking office for his second term, following months of growing tension between both countriesGetty Images

China will begin easing an export ban on automotive computer chips vital to production of cars across the world as part of a trade deal struck between the US and China, the White House has said.

The White House confirmed details of the deal in a new fact sheet after Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met in South Korea this week.

The nations also reached agreements on US soybean exports, the supply of rare earth minerals, and the materials used in production of the drug fentanyl.

The deal de-escalates a trade war between the world's two largest economies after Trump hit China with tariffs after he entered office this year, leading to rounds of retaliatory tariffs and global business uncertainty.

Much of what is in Saturday's fact sheet was announced by Trump and other officials following the meeting between the two leaders.

Trump had described the talks, held in South Korea, as "amazing", while Beijing had said they had reached a consensus to resolve "major trade issues" - but did not immediately release details of the deal.

One of the issues addressed in the deal was the export of automotive computer chips. There had been concern that a lack of chips from Nexperia, which has production facilities in China, could create global supply chain issues.

Nexperia is a Chinese-owned company, but is based in the Netherlands. About 70% of Nexperia chips made in Europe are sent to China to be completed and re-exported to other countries.

The fact sheet states that China will "take appropriate measures to ensure the resumption of trade from Nexperia's facilities in China, allowing production of critical legacy chips to flow to the rest of the world".

It follows Beijing saying on Saturday that it was considering exempting some firms from the ban.

Last month, the likes of Volvo Cars and Volkswagen warned a chip shortage could lead to temporary shutdowns at their plants, and Jaguar Land Rover said the lack of chips posed a threat to their business.

On other key issues, Beijing will now pause export controls it brought in last month on rare earth minerals - vital in the production of cars, planes and weapons - for a year.

The White House also said it would lower tariffs brought in to curb the import of fentanyl into the US, with China agreeing to take "significant measures" to deal with the issue.

On soybeans, China has committed to buying 12 million tonnes of US soybeans in the last two months of 2025, and 25 million metric tonnes in each of the following three years.

Britons evacuated from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa land in UK

EPA/Shutterstock Two men look among the rubble of a street. Shops can be seen behind them partially damagedEPA/Shutterstock
Black River was one of the worst hit areas by Hurricane Melissa with residents previously telling the BBC they have lived in a state of chaos since the storm

A flight carrying British aid arrived in Jamaica early on Saturday to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa, as the UK plans its first chartered flight to bring British nationals home later on Saturday.

The aid flight brought more than 3,000 emergency shelter kits as part of a £7.5 million regional emergency package.

Part of the funding will be used to match donations to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent - with King Charles and Queen Camilla among those who have donated.

Despite aid arriving in Jamaica in recent days, fallen trees and landslides have complicated distribution efforts after Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island, killing at least 19 people.

The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a category five storm and was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever measured in the Caribbean.

Melissa swept across the region over a number of days and left behind a trail of destruction and dozens of people dead. In Haiti, at least 30 people were killed, while Cuba also saw flooding and landslides.

Jamaica's Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Friday "there are entire communities that seem to be marooned and areas that seem to be flattened".

The UK initially set aside a £2.5 million immediate financial support package, with an additional £5 million announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday.

Cooper said the announcement came as "more information is now coming through on the scale of devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, with homes damaged, roads blocks and lives lost".

The British Red Cross said, as of Saturday morning, that 72% people across Jamaica still do not have electricity and around 6,000 are in emergency shelters.

The organisation said the King and Queen's donation would help the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) "continue its lifesaving work" - which includes search and rescue efforts in Jamaica as well as ensuring access to healthcare, safe shelter and clean water.

Although aid is entering the country, landslides, downed power lines and fallen trees have made some roads impassable. The situation has made it difficult to get aid to the worst-hit areas.

Some communities are being affected by water shortages, while the BBC has seen queues for petrol pumps, with people waiting for hours to then be told there is no fuel left when they reach the front of the queue.

Some people are seeking fuel for generators, others for a car to reach an area in which they can contact people, as the power is still down across most of the island.

Around 8,000 British nationals were thought to have been on the island when the hurricane hit.

The UK's first chartered flight to bring British citizens home is set to leave Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport late on Saturday.

The UK foreign office has asked travellers to register their presence on the island.

The department also advises travellers to contact their airline to check whether commercial options are available.

King to strip Andrew of his final military title, minister says

PA Media Andrew Mountbatten Windsor wearing a full military uniform marching alongside other Royal Navy personnelPA Media
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years

The Ministry of Defence is working to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's last honorary military rank under the guidance of the King, the defence secretary has said.

John Healey said King Charles had "indicated that's what he wishes".

Andrew, who was stripped of his title as a prince on Thursday, retained his rank as a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy after giving up his other military positions in 2022.

Healey told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "This is a move that's right, it's a move the King has indicated we should take and we're working on that at the moment."

Andrew had a 22-year career in the Royal Navy, and served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.

This week, he lost his last remaining titles and privileges following months of pressure over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied wrongdoing.

Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, royal author and journalist Valentine Low said the latest move, to lose his last remaining military title, will be a "blow" to Andrew.

"Royals, and particularly Andrew, are very proud and determined to hang onto military titles," he said.

"It seems the King is intent on taking absolutely everything away from his brother. It's a flinty eyed ruthlessness he's displaying."

Trump tells military to prepare for 'action' against Islamist militants in Nigeria

Getty Images Donald Trump points with his finger. He is wearing a navy suit, white shirt and red tie.Getty Images
Donald Trump says he would also cut all aid to Nigeria

US President Donald Trump has ordered the preparation of plans for military action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of not doing enough to halt the killing of Christians.

Trump did not say which killings he was referring to, but claims of a genocide against Nigeria's Christians have been circulating in recent weeks and months in some right-wing US circles.

Groups monitoring violence say there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more than Muslims in Nigeria, which is roughly evenly divided between followers of the two religions.

The government of Africa's most populous nation has not responded to the threat of US military action.

However, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu insisted that there was religious tolerance in the country and said the security challenges were affecting people "across faiths and regions".

Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for "possible action", a

He warned that he might send the military into Nigeria "guns-a-blazing" unless the Nigerian government intervened, and said that all aid to the country would be cut.

Trump added: "If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!"

Trump earlier announced that he had declared Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" because of the "existential threat" posed to its Christian population. He said "thousands" had been killed, without providing any evidence.

This is a designation used by the US State Department that provides for sanctions against countries "engaged in severe violations of religious freedom".

Following this announcement, Tinubu said his government was committed to working with the US and the international community to protect communities of all faiths.

"The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality," the Nigerian leader said in a statement.

Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in north-eastern Nigeria for more than a decade, killing thousands of people - however most of these have been Muslims, according to Acled, a group which analyses political violence around the world.

In central Nigeria, there are also frequent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and farming groups, who are often Christian, over access to water and pasture.

Deadly cycles of tit-for-tat attacks have also seen thousands killed, but atrocities have been committed on both sides and human rights group say there is no evidence that Christians have been disproportionately targeted.

Additional reporting by Chris Ewokor in Abuja

Getty Images/BBC A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News AfricaGetty Images/BBC

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
❌