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Britain Agrees to Open New Inquiry Into Child Sex Abuse

Britain’s prime minister reverses his position on the need for a national investigation into the abuse scandal, after criticism by Elon Musk.

© Kin Cheung/Associated Press

Prime Minister Keir Starmer had faced criticism for refusing to set up a comprehensive national investigation with wide-ranging powers into the abuse by so-called “grooming gangs” of men.

'It's heavy on the heart': Israelis survey damage in city hit by Iranian missile

Anadolu via Getty Images Damage homes and vehicles in Rishon LeZion, Israel, following an Iranian ballistic missile strike (14 June 2025)Anadolu via Getty Images
Two people were killed when a missile hit Rishon LeZion early on Saturday

As sirens rang out across Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning, Ifat Benhaim and her family ran into their basement.

"We closed the door, and suddenly there was such a big boom," she says. "I thought all the house fell on us."

When they emerged minutes later, they found their windows shattered and layers of dust and debris strewn across the front room.

On their quiet suburban street in Rishon LeZion, just south of Tel Aviv, the roofs of several homes had caved in. Glass littered the road. At least 30 cars were badly damaged, with smashed windows and huge dents.

The Iranian missile struck shortly after 05:00 local time (03:00 BST).

It came amid six waves of Iranian attacks overnight - launched in response to large-scale Israeli air strikes on Iran - that sent millions of people running for shelter.

Two were killed in Rishon LeZion, with one named by Israeli media as 73-year-old Israel Aloni. Around 19 others were injured.

Ifat Benhaim in her ruined home.
Ifat Benhaim and her husband Zion had lived in their home for 29 years

Ambulances and rescue crews arrived shortly after the missile struck. Sniffer dogs were used to search among the smashed concrete and warped metal for any unexploded ordnance.

Now, Ifat, her husband Zion, and six younger relatives are packing up what they can from the home they've lived in for 29 years - and trying to decide where they'll stay over the coming days.

One of their neighbours, who did not want to be named, said she had chosen to stay with her daughter that night - just in case. It may have saved her life.

Another local, 48-year-old Sally Ilan, clutched some crockery she managed to salvage from the ruins of her parents' home.

"It was the first house to be built in the neighbourhood," she says, gesturing behind her. "My father was so eager to build it."

"Forty years of memories are gone... It's heavy on the heart."

Sally Ilan stands in front of her childhood home in Rishon LeZion, Israel
Sally Ilan's childhood home was destroyed by the missile impact and explosion

A total of three people were killed across the country in the overnight strikes - two here in Rishon LeZion, one in the nearby city of Ramat Gan. About 76 were injured.

But the destruction - even in these worst-hit areas - is limited compared to what has been seen in Iran.

Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" began early Friday with the assassination of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. It has since broadened out, striking Iran's nuclear facilities, missile sites, air defences, military bases, an airport and other infrastructure.

Iran's UN envoy said on Friday night that 78 people had been killed at that point. On Saturday, an Iranian health ministry official said around 800 people had been injured.

Iranian state television reported that 60 people - including 29 children - had been killed in an Israeli strike on a block of flats in the capital, Tehran.

In Rishon LeZion, not far from the worst-hit homes, someone had written a question into a layer of dust on a car windscreen: "Until when?"

This conflict may be less than 48 hours old - but it's a question much of the world is now asking.

Fifteen killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid site, hospitals say

AFP Palestinians mourn a person killed as they waited for a convoy of aid lorries on the coastal road north-west of Gaza City, at al-Shifa hospital, northern Gaza (14 June 2025)AFP
Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City said 12 people were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for a convoy of aid lorries on the coastal road

At least 15 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire as they gathered near an aid distribution centre in central Gaza, hospitals say.

Officials at al-Aqsa and al-Awda hospitals said people were shot by troops near a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by Israel and the US. It is inside the Israeli military's Netzarim Corridor.

The Israeli military said troops fired warning shots at a group they believed posed a potential threat. An aircraft also struck one person who advanced rapidly towards them, it added.

The IDF noted the GHF site was closed until Sunday. The GHF posts updates on Facebook, but Gaza has been without internet for more than two days.

This has only added to the confusion that has increasingly surrounded the delivery of aid, with each day seeing incidents in which people are shot at by Israeli troops or local gunmen.

Aid supplies and the internet are vital for people in Gaza - the current lack of both lifelines is rendering their plight even more desperate.

Large numbers of Palestinians appear to be staying near the aid distribution sites - one in the Netzarim Corridor and three others further south - so that they will be ready to get hold of food parcels when and if they are opened.

In another incident on Saturday, al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City said 12 people were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for a convoy of aid lorries on the coastal road.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said at least 29 people had been killed across the territory while seeking aid over the past two days, bringing the total killed since the GHF began operations two weeks ago to 274.

EPA File photo showing Palestinians collecting aid from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the Netzarim Corridor, central Gaza Strip (29 May 2025)EPA
The GHF site in the Netzarim corridor was closed on Sunday (file photo)

Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis meanwhile reported that at least 16 people had been killed by Israeli air strikes in the area overnight.

The Israeli military has not commented, but it earlier warned residents of Khan Younis and the nearby towns of Abasan, Bani Suhaila and al-Jadida to evacuate immediately because it was "working with extreme force to destroy terrorist organisations" there.

Nasser hospital is within one of the city blocks covered by the evacuation orders, and there is increasing concern being expressed by aid groups and medics it may lose its ability to provide essential treatment for those with injuries from shootings near distribution points in Rafah.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that Nasser Hospital is struggling to function.

An ICRC source initially suggested most of Nasser Hospital's healthcare workers had left following the expansion of evacuation orders, but they later clarified that the hospital had lost around 10% of its staff.

One of the doctors who has recently been working at Nasser Hospital, Dr Feroze Sidwa, has called for international support to keep it going.

"If international law has any remaining relevance, Nasser must be protected and resupplied, and its staff must be protected immediately," Dr Sidwa said.

Dr Victoria Rose, who was working at Nasser hospital in May, issued an even more urgent warning: "This is the only hospital in the south of Gaza. Nowhere else has ITU beds, a CT scanner, oxygen generating capability, haemodialysis or a blood bank.

"Hundreds of patients will instantly die and all surgery will now have to take place in tents."

Israel does not allow international news organisations, including the BBC, into Gaza, making verifying what is happening in the territory difficult.

It has been 20 months since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 55,297 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.

UK sending more RAF jets to Middle East

Getty Images An RAF Typhoon about to take off on a runway Getty Images
A file image of an RAF Typhoon aircraft

More RAF jets are being sent to the Middle East amid intense fighting between Israel and Iran, the prime minister has said.

Sir Keir Starmer said the military aircraft were being sent "for contingency support across the region".

He said the situation was fast-moving and there were ongoing discussions with allies, adding: "The constant message is de-escalate."

The UK last announced it had deployed jets to the region last year, when the government said British aircraft had been playing a role in preventing escalation.

Sir Keir made the remarks as he travelled to Canada for the G7 summit, where he said the weekend's "intense" developments would be further discussed.

"We've already been moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support across the region," he told reporters.

"Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we're doing, all discussions we're having are to do with de-escalation."

The prime minister would not be drawn on whether the UK would be involved in defending Israel.

"I had a good and constructive discussion with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu yesterday, and that included discussions about the safety and security of Israel, as you would expect, between two allies," he said.

He reiterated that the UK had "long-standing concerns" about Iran's nuclear programme and recognised Israel's right to self-defence.

Iran has threatened to target UK, French and US military bases in the region if they offer Israel help to stop Tehran's strikes.

Sir Keir spoke to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday afternoon, Downing Street said.

"They discussed the gravely concerning situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to de-escalate," a spokesman said.

Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel overnight, following Israeli strikes on Friday.

The Israeli military said it is still striking Iran, while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian threatened a "more severe" response if Israel continues.

Iranian state TV reported 60 people had been killed in a strike in Tehran, while in Israel, officials said three people had been killed and dozens injured.

Washington DC and Tehran were due to resume talks on Iran's nuclear programme on Sunday, but the talks have now been cancelled, mediator Oman said.

Museum's plea after couple break crystal-covered chair

Watch: Visitors sit on and break artwork chair in Italian museum

An Italian museum has called on patrons to "respect art" after a couple was filmed breaking a chair covered in hundreds of glittering crystals.

Footage released by the Palazzo Maffei, in Verona, shows a man and woman taking pictures of each other while pretending to sit on the so-called "Van Gogh" chair.

The man then appears to slip and fall onto the chair, crushing it underneath him.

Officials say the couple fled the museum before staff noticed what happened.

They have since notified police about the pair, who have not been identified.

"Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences," says museum director Vanessa Carlon.

"Of course it was an accident, but these two people left without speaking to us - that isn't an accident," she adds. "This is a nightmare for any museum".

Palazzo Maffei A picture of the chair with two broken legs and main seatPalazzo Maffei
Two legs and the chair's main seat were broken during the incident

The BBC understands this incident happened in April. Palazzo Maffei released the footage on 12 June.

The chair was built by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and is bejewelled with Swarovski crystals made from polished, machine-cut glass. It is named after Vincent van Gogh as a tribute to the Dutch artist's painting of a simple chair.

Bolla's piece is somewhat priceless, in that the museum declined to provide an estimate of its value when asked by the BBC.

Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian based at the Palazzo Maffei, says that - while it looks sturdy - its frame is mostly hollow and kept together with foil.

"On the chair was a note warning people not to touch, and of course it is placed on a pedestal, so it's quite clear it's not a real chair," says Ms Menegazzo.

Two legs and the main seat were broken, but Ms Menegazzo says "a great job" has been done to restore the piece and it is now back in place.

The Palazzo Maffei opened in 2020 and has 650 pieces on display, including paintings by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art.

Ms Carlon says the majority of visitors are considerate, and she hopes this release of CCTV footage won't become a "negative episode".

Instead, she wants to highlight that "anyone should enter art places, or museums or churches, wherever art is displayed, in a more respectful way".

"Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile," she adds.

Bath end 29-year wait for Premiership title

Bath end 29-year wait for Premiership title

Bath players celebrate winning the Premiership grand finalImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Bath won 14 of their 18 matches during the regular season to finish top

Gallagher Premiership final

Bath (13) 23

Tries: Du Toit, Ojomoh Cons: Russell 2 Pens: Russell 3

Leicester (7) 21

Tries: Van Poortvliet, Kata, Ilione Cons: Pollard 3

Bath held off resilient Leicester Tigers to win their first Premiership title in 29 years with a narrow 23-21 victory at Allianz Stadium Twickenham that also completed a 2024-25 treble.

The tense triumph crowns Bath as champions of England for the seventh time in their history but the first since 1996.

They were the trailblazing team in the league this season and went into the final as overwhelming favourites after finishing 11 points clear at the top of the table.

Bath captain Ben Spencer said he "couldn't be prouder" of the team.

"What an effort - we had to dig deep, fair play to Leicester but I think we deserved it after the year we've had," Spencer said.

Jack van Poortvliet gave Leicester an early lead but Thomas du Toit's try and another from Max Ojomoh - created by Finn Russell's show-stopping interception - pushed Bath 13 points ahead.

Solomone Kata pulled back a crucial try for the Tigers but when departing Leicester legend Dan Cole was sent to the sin-bin with 11 minutes to go, Russell slotted a second penalty.

Tigers still had something in the tank and Emeka Ilione's score five minutes from time set up a grandstand finish but Bath held on.

Bath also become the first English team since opponents Leicester in 2001 to seal a treble, after winning the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Challenge Cup earlier this season.

Leicester captain Julian Montoya, who is among a host of players leaving the club this summer, said it was an "honour" to be a Tiger.

"We are disappointed because we wanted that trophy and today we weren't good enough for moments of the game," the Argentina hooker said.

The final was billed as a revival of the rivalry between two giants of English rugby.

The pair won 12 of the first 15 Premiership titles under the league's previous format and finished as the top two in each of 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2000.

Despite their underdog status, Leicester started more than up for the fight, owning possession in the opening minutes, winning two scrums and the first penalty, allowing Handre Pollard to kick to the corner.

Their pack mauled forward from a line-out and an opportunist Van Poortvliet saw a gap to sneak in.

Russell eased Bath nerves with a penalty but neither side could get into their flow in the midst of a stuttering start.

Bath eventually ramped up the pressure, probing Leicester's line from the left then right as their forwards picked up the mantle and Du Toit surged over.

And when Montoya was shown a yellow for a high tackle on Ted Hill his side were forced into defensive mode to see out the half.

Tigers wing Adam Radwan held Miles Reid up over the line as Bath pushed for more but Russell kicked a second penalty from distance to make it 13-7 at half-time.

Will Muir and Ben Spencer jump in celebration at the final whistleImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Bath last won a league title in 1996 but have ended 2024-25 with a treble

Leicester have a host of players departing the club this summer including Pollard, who missed a penalty and then saw a pass intercepted by a surging Russell, who sprinted clear when Tigers were enjoying a spell with the ball.

With Ojomoh keeping pace with the Scot on the break, Russell spun a looping pass for his team-mate to dive under the posts.

Guy Pepper's brilliant strength to shake off two tacklers and touch down in the corner almost stretched Bath's lead further only for the score to be chalked off for a knock-on by Will Muir.

Tigers seemed spurred on by the let-off and Kata pulled them back into it from close range.

There was still time for more twists as, minutes after coming on for his final appearance before retirement, Cole was sent to the bin for a charging tackle on Russell whose subsequent penalty made it 23-14.

Leicester would not lie down though and Ilione wrestled his way through the Bath bodies to set up a thrilling finale that Johann van Graan's side managed to see out.

'The best is still to come'

Premiership glory caps a remarkable transformation for Bath under head of rugby Van Graan, who joined in July 2022 weeks after they finished rock-bottom of the league.

While they have undoubtedly been bolstered by world-class additions to the playing squad, the South African has also changed the culture and instilled belief, while keeping the players on the day-to-day job at hand - "never too high, never too low" being his optimum phrase.

That being said, the drive has been bubbling considerably beneath the surface. The front of Van Graan's notebook has 'Hunger – the best is yet to come' printed on it.

Since finishing runners-up in last season's final by four points to Northampton, Bath have had the best attack and defence through 2024-25, with the most points scored and fewest conceded. They went top of the table in October and stayed there, securing first place with three rounds remaining.

Their 1996 Premiership win came at the end of a dynasty era and fans will hope finally ending the long wait for another title will kick-start another long period of success.

No fairytale for Tigers' cast of leavers

Dan Cole is shown a yellow cardImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

England and Leicester stalwart Dan Cole was shown a yellow card as his Tigers farewell ended on the sidelines not on the pitch

While Leicester managed to take their ensemble of departing stars to Twickenham for their "last dance", the final was mostly played to Bath's tune.

There was no fairytale sign-off for the two most capped men in English history, with scrum-half Ben Youngs and Cole retiring as runners-up.

Captain Montoya did not get the winning swansong he wanted, while two-time World Cup winning South African fly-half Pollard finishes his high-profile three years with Tigers without a piece of silverware.

For Tigers boss Michael Cheika, his one-year flyby stint at the helm of Tigers finishes empty-handed.

As the only head coach to win a top-flight competition in both hemispheres – having guided Leinster to Heineken Cup success in 2009 before then taking Waratahs to the Super Rugby crown in 2014 – his sole aim this season was to restore Tigers to trophy-winning ways.

Getting Tigers to the Grand Final and within one win of a record-extending 12th Premiership title, having finished a disappointing eighth in the table 12 months earlier, will still be seen as success of sorts for a club that demands to maintain its place among England's elite.

He now hands over to rookie head coach Geoff Parling, a Premiership-winning former Tigers player who inherits a side that now says goodbye to some iconic talents but has nonetheless regained much of its pomp in the past 12 months.

Additional reporting by Andrew Aloia.

Bath: De Glanville; Cokanasiga, Ojomoh, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Obano, Dunn, Du Toit; Roux, Ewels, Hill, Pepper, Reid.

Replacements: Annett, Van Wyk, Stuart, Molony, Bayliss, Carr-Smith, Donoghue, Barbeary.

Leicester: Steward; Radwan, Kata, Woodward, Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (c), Heyes; Henderson, Chessum, Liebenberg, Reffell, Cracknell.

Replacements: Clare, Cronin, Cole, Rogerson, Ilione, Youngs, Volavola, Perese.

Sin bin: Montoya (28 mins), Cole (69 mins)

Referee: Karl Dickson

‘Take down the temperature’: Democrats and Republicans call for calm after Minnesota shootings

Political leaders from across the spectrum and around the country called for calm after one Minnesota lawmaker was killed and another was seriously injured in apparent politically motivated shootings on Saturday.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and state law enforcement officials said Saturday that former state Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in a pair of shootings that the governor labeled as “politically motivated assassinations.”

The violence in Minnesota is only the latest incident of apparent politically fueled attacks in America in recent weeks, which include a pair of Israeli embassy staffers being gunned down in Washington earlier this month.

In response to Saturday’s shootings, state lawmakers from both parties have issued a call for calm and an end to further violence.

California’s Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher issued a rare joint statement Saturday afternoon, saying “we stand together in condemning it in the strongest possible terms.”

“As leaders on both sides of the aisle, we call on everyone to take down the temperature, respect differences of opinion and work toward peace in our society,” their statement read.

They were followed by the leaders of the California state Senate, Democratic Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, who said there is “no cause, no grievance, no election justifies the use of fear or force against our fellow human beings.”

Minnesota’s entire congressional delegation, including Democratic Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar as well as Republican Rep. Tom Emmer, the House GOP whip, put out a joint statement condemning the attack.

“Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence,” they said.

Saturday’s shooting deeply rattled politicians from both parties, who have seen an increase in threats and violence directed toward them over the last several years — particularly since the pandemic and the riot at Capitol Hill in Washington in 2021.

It is particularly acute for state elected officials. Members of Congress have long said they do not have adequate security resources as they face an increasingly threatening environment, and Capitol police have regularly warned about elevated risks for lawmakers. But that’s especially true for state lawmakers, many of whom only do the job part time with little to no official security provided by their jobs.

“None of us who run for public office sign up for this,” Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a Democrat, said in a statement following the shooting. “We sign up to serve our communities, to debate policy, and to work on behalf of our constituents – not to have our lives and our families threatened by political extremists.”

Following the shooting, Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2024, urged Minnesotans to not attend protests planned in the state for Saturday — meant to serve as a countermeasure to President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington— “out of an abundance of caution.”

In a separate statement, he said political violence must end. “We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint,” he said. “We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate.”

That call was swiftly echoed by many of Walz’s gubernatorial colleagues across the country.

“These attacks are not just assaults on individuals, they are attacks on our communities, and the very foundation of our democracy,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Democrat and Republican and the chair and vice chair of the National Governors Association. “Now more than ever, we must come together as one nation to ensure that our public square remains a place of debate, not danger."

© Scott Applewhite/AP

'It's heavy on the heart': Israelis survey damage in city hit by Iranian missile

Anadolu via Getty Images Damage homes and vehicles in Rishon LeZion, Israel, following an Iranian ballistic missile strike (14 June 2025)Anadolu via Getty Images
Two people were killed when a missile hit Rishon LeZion early on Saturday

As sirens rang out across Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning, Ifat Benhaim and her family ran into their basement.

"We closed the door, and suddenly there was such a big boom," she says. "I thought all the house fell on us."

When they emerged minutes later, they found their windows shattered and layers of dust and debris strewn across the front room.

On their quiet suburban street in Rishon LeZion, just south of Tel Aviv, the roofs of several homes had caved in. Glass littered the road. At least 30 cars were badly damaged, with smashed windows and huge dents.

The Iranian missile struck shortly after 05:00 local time (03:00 BST).

It came amid six waves of Iranian attacks overnight - launched in response to large-scale Israeli air strikes on Iran - that sent millions of people running for shelter.

Two were killed in Rishon LeZion, with one named by Israeli media as 73-year-old Israel Aloni. Around 19 others were injured.

Ifat Benhaim in her ruined home.
Ifat Benhaim and her husband Zion had lived in their home for 29 years

Ambulances and rescue crews arrived shortly after the missile struck. Sniffer dogs were used to search among the smashed concrete and warped metal for any unexploded ordnance.

Now, Ifat, her husband Zion, and six younger relatives are packing up what they can from the home they've lived in for 29 years - and trying to decide where they'll stay over the coming days.

One of their neighbours, who did not want to be named, said she had chosen to stay with her daughter that night - just in case. It may have saved her life.

Another local, 48-year-old Sally Ilan, clutched some crockery she managed to salvage from the ruins of her parents' home.

"It was the first house to be built in the neighbourhood," she says, gesturing behind her. "My father was so eager to build it."

"Forty years of memories are gone... It's heavy on the heart."

Sally Ilan stands in front of her childhood home in Rishon LeZion, Israel
Sally Ilan's childhood home was destroyed by the missile impact and explosion

A total of three people were killed across the country in the overnight strikes - two here in Rishon LeZion, one in the nearby city of Ramat Gan. About 76 were injured.

But the destruction - even in these worst-hit areas - is limited compared to what has been seen in Iran.

Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" began early Friday with the assassination of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. It has since broadened out, striking Iran's nuclear facilities, missile sites, air defences, military bases, an airport and other infrastructure.

Iran's UN envoy said on Friday night that 78 people had been killed at that point. On Saturday, an Iranian health ministry official said around 800 people had been injured.

Iranian state television reported that 60 people - including 29 children - had been killed in an Israeli strike on a block of flats in the capital, Tehran.

In Rishon LeZion, not far from the worst-hit homes, someone had written a question into a layer of dust on a car windscreen: "Until when?"

This conflict may be less than 48 hours old - but it's a question much of the world is now asking.

Museum's plea after couple break crystal-covered chair

Watch: Visitors sit on and break artwork chair in Italian museum

An Italian museum has called on patrons to "respect art" after a couple was filmed breaking a chair covered in hundreds of glittering crystals.

Footage released by the Palazzo Maffei, in Verona, shows a man and woman taking pictures of each other while pretending to sit on the so-called "Van Gogh" chair.

The man then appears to slip and fall onto the chair, crushing it underneath him.

Officials say the couple fled the museum before staff noticed what happened.

They have since notified police about the pair, who have not been identified.

"Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences," says museum director Vanessa Carlon.

"Of course it was an accident, but these two people left without speaking to us - that isn't an accident," she adds. "This is a nightmare for any museum".

Palazzo Maffei A picture of the chair with two broken legs and main seatPalazzo Maffei
Two legs and the chair's main seat were broken during the incident

The BBC understands this incident happened in April. Palazzo Maffei released the footage on 12 June.

The chair was built by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and is bejewelled with Swarovski crystals made from polished, machine-cut glass. It is named after Vincent van Gogh as a tribute to the Dutch artist's painting of a simple chair.

Bolla's piece is somewhat priceless, in that the museum declined to provide an estimate of its value when asked by the BBC.

Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian based at the Palazzo Maffei, says that - while it looks sturdy - its frame is mostly hollow and kept together with foil.

"On the chair was a note warning people not to touch, and of course it is placed on a pedestal, so it's quite clear it's not a real chair," says Ms Menegazzo.

Two legs and the main seat were broken, but Ms Menegazzo says "a great job" has been done to restore the piece and it is now back in place.

The Palazzo Maffei opened in 2020 and has 650 pieces on display, including paintings by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art.

Ms Carlon says the majority of visitors are considerate, and she hopes this release of CCTV footage won't become a "negative episode".

Instead, she wants to highlight that "anyone should enter art places, or museums or churches, wherever art is displayed, in a more respectful way".

"Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile," she adds.

PM announces national inquiry into grooming gangs

Reuters Keir Starmer looking to the side of the camera, wearing a navy suitReuters

The prime minister has announced there will be a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.

Sir Keir Starmer said he had accepted the recommendations of an audit by Baroness Louise Casey into the data and evidence on the nature and scale of group-based child sexual abuse.

Baroness Casey has recommended a national inquiry is required, he said.

For months, Sir Keir has faced criticism for not being willing to set one up.

At the start of the year, the government dismissed calls for a national inquiry, arguing it had already been examined in a seven-year inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay.

But speaking to reporters on his way to the G7 summit, which begins in Canada tomorrow, the prime minister said: "I've never said we should not look again at any issue."

He added that Baroness Casey had originally thought a new inquiry was not necessary, but she had changed her mind having looked into it in recent months.

"She's come to the view there should be a national inquiry on the basis of what she's seen," Sir Keir said.

"I've read every single word of her report, and I'm going to accept her recommendation.

"I think that's the right thing to do, on the basis of what she has put in her audit.

"I asked her to do that job, to double-check on this.

"She's done that job for me, and having read her report… I shall now implement her recommendation."

He added that it "will take a bit of time" to set up the inquiry, but added that "it will be statutory under the Inquiries Act."

This means it will be able to compel witnesses to provide evidence.

Baroness Casey's review, which began in January, was due to take three months and had been delayed.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "Keir Starmer doesn't know what he thinks unless an official report has told him so.

"Just like he dismissed concerns about the winter fuel payment and then had to U-turn.

"I've been repeatedly calling for a full national inquiry since January.

"It's about time he recognised he made a mistake and apologise for six wasted months."

11 festivals you can still get tickets for this summer

Getty Images Glastonbury ticket appGetty Images
It might be too late to make it to Glastonbury this year but there are many other musical festivals with tickets still available

Festival season is well and truly under way - last weekend Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter gave Primavera Sound in Barcelona one of the most popular line-ups of the summer, and Glastonbury is less then two weeks away.

But if you missed out on tickets to either of those, here's a selection of other festivals you can still get tickets for.

Isle of Wight Festival

Getty Images for Live Nation Justin Timberlake performs onstage during his The Forget Tomorrow world tour at Rogers Arena on April 29, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Getty Images for Live Nation
Justin Timberlake will visit Isle of Wight this month

Dates: 19 June to 22 June

Location: Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight

Line-up includes: Sting, Stereophonics, Justin Timberlake

Price: Weekend tickets are £289.95, day tickets are £125.00 each

Since it first began in 1968, this festival has drawn the biggest names in music to Isle of Wight.

Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Jay-Z have all played the event which requires visitors to catch a ferry to reach the site.

John Giddings who revived the festival after a break in 2002 said he relied on "gut feeling" when booking headline acts.

Bludfest

YungBlud performing on stage surrounded by jets of flame
YungBlud wants to make live music and festivals more affortable

Dates: 21 June

Location: The National Bowl, Milton Keynes

Line-up includes: Yungblud, Chase Atlantic, blackbear, Denzel Curry

Price: From £73.25

The National Bowl in Milton Keynes has been home to some huge touring artists over the decades: Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, Eminem, Oasis, Foo Fighters and... Yungblud.

Last year the rock star hosted his own festival at the venue with the aim of selling tickets at affordable prices.

In the end 30,000 people attended, with each paying £50 for a ticket.

Bludfest returns in June with a slightly high entry price, which the Lovesick Lullaby singer puts down to the increasing size of the festival.

Reading & Leeds Festival

Getty Images for The Recording Academy Chappell Roan performs onstage at the 67th annual GRAMMY Awards  on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Chappell Roan is bringing her Pink Pony Club to Reading & Leeds

Dates: 21 August to 24 August

Location: Richfield Avenue, Reading / Bramham Park, Leeds

Line-up includes: Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon and Travis Scott

Price: From £325 for weekend tickets, £125 for day tickets

Chappell Roan fans, rejoice! You still have a chance to witness one of the self-proclaimed "Powerpuff Girls" of pop in action.

She is one of the headliners of the festival which takes places across two different cities in one weekend.

During the weekend you can also catch AJ Tracey, Enter Shikari, Lola Young and Becky Hill.

As with all festivals, check ahead on the weather - last year three stages were closed and tents were filmed taking off after Storm Lilian hit.

Mad Cool

Billboard via Getty Images Olivia Rodrigo performs at the Olivia Rodrigo GUTS World Tour at the Kia Forum on August 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Billboard via Getty Images
Olivia Rodrigo headlines Mad Cool which is a mix of pop, rock and indie music

Dates: 10 July to 13 July

Location: Madrid, Spain

Line-up includes: Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Benson Boone

Price: €237 (£200.91) for weekend tickets, €109 (£92.31) for a day ticket

If you want to combine a music festival with a sunshine holiday then this could be your best bet.

The Spanish event features a mix of pop, rock and indie music.

Despite being far from home there's plenty of UK bands playing, such as Devon band Muse who are replacing headliners Kings of Leon, who had to drop out after an injury.

TRNSMT

Getty Images Music fans watch The Courteeners perform on day two of the TRNSMT Festival 2024 at Glasgow Green on July 13, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. Getty Images
TRNSMT brings live music to the heart of Glasgow

Dates: 11 July to 13 July

Location: Glasgow Green, Scotland

Line-up includes: 50 Cent, Wet Leg, Biffy Clyro, Fontaines D.C, Snow Patrol, Gracie Abrams

Price: £254.90 for weekend tickets, £92.50 for a day ticket

Set on the banks of the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow, this is quite a varied festival.

Where else could you see 50 Cent on the same stage as The Script and Wet Leg?

Remember you can't camp at TRNSMT, so an accommodation booking is needed if you're planning on attending the full weekend.

Y Not Festival

Getty Images Maxim of The Prodigy performs at O2 Academy Brixton on December 19, 2024 in London, England. Getty Images
The Prodigy headline on the first night of Y Not Festival

Dates: 31 July to 3 August

Location: Pikehall, Derbyshire

Line-up includes: The Prodigy, Courteeners, Madness, The Wombats

Price: £169.50 for weekend tickets

This even was originally named The Big Gin Festival when it was first hosted in 2005, due to being near Biggin in the Peak District.

It started when founder Ralph Broadbent wanted to host a party in his parents' Derbyshire garden while they were away.

One of the most unique parts of the festival is the annual paint fight which takes place on the Sunday at noon.

Moo-La-La Festival

Getty Images Host Owain Wyn Evans and Ian "H" Watkins attend the 2024 BAFTA Cymru awards at the International Convention Centre WalesGetty Images
Steps star Ian "H" Watkins and BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans are hosting Moo-La-La Festival alongside Claire Sweeney

Dates: 2 August

Location: Cowbridge, Wales

Line-up includes: Tribute artists

Price: £18.04 for general admission tickets

Previously named Cowchella, the festival rebranded after a complaint from US giant Coachella.

Steps star Ian "H" Watkins is hosting the event alongside actress Claire Sweeney and BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans.

The event is made up of tribute artists for chart toppers such as Abba, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Vengaboys.

Big Smoke Festival

Getty Images Skepta performs live on the stage during the Pohoda Festival 2024 at Airport TrencinGetty Images
The line-up of Big Smoke Festival has been curated by Skepta himself

Dates: 9 August to 10 August

Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, London

Line-up includes: Skepta, Central Cee, JME and Frisco

Price: Weekend tickets from £100.80

Big Smoke Festival is part of South Facing's summer of open-air concerts in London.

Skepta has curated this multi-genre music event which sees him headline on both days.

On the Sunday he is stepping behind the decks and playing tracks from his Más Tiempo label.

We Out Here

Getty Images Michael Kiwanuka performs during Cross The Tracks 2025 at Brockwell ParkGetty Images
Michael Kiwanuka is among the varied musicians at We Out Here

Dates: 14 August to 17 August

Location: Wimborne St Giles, Dorset

Line-up includes: Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222, Noname

Price: Weekend tickets from £294.50, day tickets are £93.50

According to their website, festival founder Giles Peterson wanted to join "the musical dots between soul, hip hop, house, afro, electronica, jazz and beyond".

The weekend features 15 stages nestled in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

It's not just music either, there's a wellness retreat where visitors can sit in hot tubs and paddle board.

Creamfields

AFP French DJ, composer and producer David Guetta, performs on stage during the 34th edition of the Eurockeennes de Belfort music festival in Sermamagny, eastern France on July 7, 2024.AFP
David Guetta is topping the bill at the dance music festival

Dates: 21 - 24 August

Location: Daresbury, Cheshire

Line-up includes: David Guetta, Chase & Status, Martin Garrix, ANYMA

Price: £310 for four-day camping tickets, £137.50 for day tickets

The multi-stage dance music festival has run since 1998.

This year organisers have introduced a new woodland stage and "downtown" area, where visitors can play inflatable five-a-side football, basketball, and mini golf.

If the bass and lasers get too much there are also new wellness facilities such as saunas, hot tubs and hot showers.

Radio 2 in the Park

Getty Images Sophie Ellis-Bextor is performing in stage wearing a reflective purple coat.Getty Images
Stars often played on the station are heading to Radio 2 in the Park

Dates: 5 - 7 September

Location: Hylands Park, Chelmsford

Line-up includes: Def Leppard, Anastacia, Soul II Soul, Sophie Ellis Bextor

Price: From £68.00

Although Saturday is sold out (sorry Bryan Adams fans) you can still get tickets for Sunday's event.

There's also a pre-party on Friday and you're invited!

Tickets are cheaper on the Sunday, at £35, and all its your chance to dance with Scott Mills, Venon Kay, DJ Spoony, Michelle Vissage and Rylan on the decks.

Qualifier Maria stuns Keys to reach Queen's final

Qualifier Maria stuns Keys to reach Queen's final

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Qualifier Maria makes history in Queen's win over Keys

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German qualifier Tatjana Maria says it is a "dream come true" to reach the Queen's final after she stunned Australian Open champion Madison Keys in straight sets.

The 37-year-old became the oldest woman to reach a WTA 500 final with a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory over the American second seed.

The mother-of-two arrived at Queen's on a nine-match losing streak but has beaten three top-20 players on her way to the final.

She raised her arms in the air after securing victory and rushed over to celebrate with her husband and eldest daughter Charlotte, while youngest daughter Cecilia slept on in her pram.

Maria wrote "OMG finals" with a smiley face on the camera lens after her triumph, before telling the crowd: "I cannot believe it, it's a dream come true.

"It's amazing to play in front of you all, such a special place.

"I could not wish for a better tournament to be in the final and I'm so proud."

She will face either Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen or American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in the final, which will crown a women's champion for the first time in 52 years.

Maria took two maternity breaks from the WTA Tour and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022, just one year after the birth of her youngest daughter.

Her message after shocking former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals was to "never give up".

She delivered that same motto again on Saturday after making relatively light work of world number eight Keys.

"You always have to keep going. You never can stop, [it] doesn't matter how it goes," she said.

"I've had my ups and downs but I always keep going.

"I love to play tennis, I love the sport and we live for these special moments - that's why it's amazing."

Keys, one of the in-form players on the WTA Tour, has won three grass-court titles on British soil but was left frustrated by Maria's slice-heavy style.

Maria immediately put Keys' huge serve under pressure, finding the breakthrough in the fourth game before securing the opening set in confident style.

Left somewhat stunned and shouting to her box, where husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo had some words of encouragement, Keys seemed devoid of answers.

But the pair could barely be separated in a tight second set, both saving break points before Maria sent it to a tie-break.

Keys was once again left exasperated as she made a series of unforced errors, with an overcooked forehand gifting Maria four match points.

She saved the first but another error, with Keys missing a swipe at the net, handed Maria a place in her first final of the year.

Maria's two daughters often sit courtside to watch her matches, with the German saying their presence makes her victory even more special.

"I love to be here with my family, my team. It makes it so special that we live this dream together," she added.

Tatjana MariaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Tatjana Maria's best run at a Grand Slam was reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022

Related topics

I made Sleep Token's masks on my mum's kitchen table

BBC A young man with glasses and dark, curly hair sits in the corner of an artist's studio. Behind him are shelves lined with materials and pots of paint and adhesives. Next to him is a workbench, where an in-progress mask resembling a deer's skull rests on top of a mannequin's head.BBC
Sleep Token slid into Lani Hernandez-David's DMs

Like thousands of other music fans, Lani Hernandez-David will be watching Sleep Token at Download Festival this weekend.

But unlike the rest, the 22-year-old can lay a claim to playing a role in the headline act's meteoric rise.

The rockers have recently had their first number one album and have developed a huge following with breakout viral hits - all while remaining anonymous behind custom-designed masks.

And Lani is the one who's been creating them for the band since 2023.

Lani, who works out of a small studio in south London, has been into making masks and costumes since he was about 11.

His first latex creation still sits on his workbench.

Fuelled by his interest in cosplay, he says he refined his skills by watching YouTube tutorials and eventually began posting his own creations online.

Sleep Token's drummer spotted them, and dropped Lani a DM asking if he'd like to work for the band.

"I thought it was a scam at first," he says.

But rock fan Lani said he noticed the profile's blue verification tick, and recalled that he'd actually been to see Sleep Token at a festival months earlier.

Then the penny dropped.

"Oh, this is that band I saw," he says.

Getty Images The lead singer of Sleep Token sings a note on-stage as pink steam - illuminated by coloured stage lights - swirls around behind him. He's wearing a black, hooded cape with an ornate white and gold shoulder decoration on his left side. Under his hood, a white mask, painted with a red, geometric design, is visible. His mouth is uncovered by the mask, highlighted by jagged red edges.Getty Images
Sleep Token's lead singer goes by the name Vessel

Lani met the band, who provided him with ideas for designs, and he started the nerve-wracking task of creating them.

"I'd never made masks for a touring band before, " he says.

Sleep Token debuted his creations at their sold-out Wembley show in 2023, a moment Lani says he won't forget.

"When they came out wearing my masks I just pinched myself," he tells BBC Newsbeat.

"I remember thinking: 'That was made on my kitchen table - that's insane'."

Lani, who still has a second job in a costume shop, has since been approached by other bands to make masks for them.

Whenever he's approached, Lani says he will "binge all their music, watch all their interviews".

"You never know what will inspire from the music, the lyrics, back into the mask-making," he says.

"So I try to really involve myself with the artist just so I can get back in the zone."

But Lani says he owes a lot to Sleep Token.

"That was my first one and I've learnt so much from meeting them.

"I've tried to incorporate that knowledge back into mask-making and just improving every time."

The rise of Sleep Token

Music journalist Emma Wilkes says part of Sleep Token's appeal is in their "genre-bending" sound.

They are often described as a metal band but Emma says they also employ elements of "pop, R&B, a little bit of trap as well".

Emma says the band has been on a "meteoric trajectory" since 2023 album Take Me Back to Eden, and viral hits that have propelled them "to a level of success at a speed nobody could have anticipated".

Their latest album Even in Arcadia topped album charts but, more significantly, also generated a top 10 single.

But Sleep Token's success has also generated negativity - especially among some long-time rock music fans.

One scathing review of their most recent album said it was "metal music for Disney adults".

Emma says she's surprised by the level of anger they sometimes attract.

"I can understand if people listen to it and they don't quite understand it," she says.

"It's a bit different, it pulls influences from all over the place.

"If you don't get it fair enough, but the sheer levels of vitriol, especially after this new album has come out, it's quite astounding to me."

Getty Images The lead singer of Slipknot, clad in a red boilersuit, wears a gas mask-style face covering with dreadlocks attached to the top. He's at the front of a large stage, half-kneeling with a microphone clasped between both hands. Behind him, a huge Slipknot logo is bathed in eerie green light.Getty Images
Lani says his dream client would be Slipknot - whose nine members have been performing in masks since their inception

One of the most common criticisms of Sleep Token is that their masks are a gimmick to generate attention.

Lani's not so sure.

"They could make all of the music without the get-up and I think they'd still do well," he says.

"But the lore, the 'gimmick', really helps."

Sleep Token seem to have inspired other masked bands. President - probably the most high-profile recent example - are also set to play at Download this year.

"That's good for people like me," says Lani, who has also worked with President.

"Maybe too many people will do it one day but for now it's great."

Lani says his dream client would be Slipknot, the nu-metal band with nine masked members that provided a prototype for bands like Sleep Token.

But for now he's content.

"I'm doing what I've always wanted to do," he says.

"If you had told 14-year-old me I'd be making masks for bands I'd have told you 'no way'."

Now, he says, he's known as "the guy that does the band masks".

"Five years down the line hopefully I can work for myself and make more crazy silly stuff."

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

Minnesota state lawmaker killed and another injured in targeted shootings

Star Tribune via Getty Images/Minnesota State Senate Melissa Hortman (left) and John Hoffman (right)Star Tribune via Getty Images/Minnesota State Senate

The homes of two Minnesota state lawmakers have been targeted in shootings early on Saturday morning, CBS News, the BBC's US news partner, reported.

They were the homes of State Senator John Hoffman and Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, both from the Democratic-Farmer-Labour (DFL) Party, in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, neighbouring cities near Minneapolis.

It is unclear who was shot in the homes or their condition, CBS reported.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz earlier said "targeted shootings" had taken place.

Brooklyn Park Police Department has issued a shelter-in-place order for a three-mile (4.8 km) radius of Edinburgh Golf Course.

Zach Lindstrom, the mayor of nearby Mounds View, said elected officials had received a "safety alert".

Authorities are warning people in the area not to answer their door for a police officer unless there are two officers together, local outlet Fox 9 reported.

Mayor Lindstrom said on X that he had heard the suspect was someone impersonating an "officer and they haven't been caught".

Walz said on X that authorities are "monitoring the situation closely" and he has activated a State Emergency Operations Center - used for managing disasters or emergencies.

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