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Prison guard’s forbidden romance with inmate upends her life
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London arrest linked to Churchill statue vandalism and Palestine Action support
A 38-year-old man in London was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage after defacing Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square and was later arrested on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, potentially the first such arrest since a High Court ruled the government’s ban on the group unlawful; the Home Office has permission to appeal. The graffiti branded Churchill a “Zionist war criminal” and included calls like “Free Palestine,” with responsibility claimed by the group Free the Filton 24. The statue has been vandalised before during protests and other campaigns.
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Met Police Probe Into Prince Andrew Protection Team Over Epstein Island Claims
London’s Metropolitan Police say they are conducting initial inquiries into allegations about Prince Andrew’s close-protection officers after a former RaSP member claimed the protection team may have turned a blind eye during visits to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St James. The force says no wrongdoing has been identified yet and aims to establish the facts, with the possibility of the IOPC taking over if concerns emerge. The report also notes Andrew’s denial of wrongdoing and a prior settlement with Virginia Giuffre, while other UK forces review Epstein-related allegations and the NPCC coordinates a national response to the large volume of documents.
Court upholds Met Police Freemason membership disclosure policy
The High Court has dismissed a challenge to the Metropolitan Police's internal policy requiring staff to declare Freemason membership, ruling the measure lawful, proportionate and non-discriminatory as it protects public trust. The disclosure is internal, with only a small number of staff having access to the list, and about 400 declarations have been made so far, despite objections from Freemason groups and rights advocates.
Police arrest two at Birmingham anti-Zionist event amid social media probe
Two people were arrested in Birmingham as police probed an Anti-Zionist Movement launch event. A 35-year-old woman was stopped en route and arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, and a 42-year-old man was detained after a threat reported outside the venue. Officers are examining organisers’ plans and a social-media post advertising the event and liaising with the local Jewish community as the investigation continues.
Palestine Action members cleared of aggravated burglary in Elbit raid, with charges unresolved on others
Six British pro-Palestinian activists linked to Palestine Action were acquitted of aggravated burglary over a 2024 raid on Elbit Systems UK’s Bristol facility, while verdicts on violent disorder and criminal damage were not reached, leaving the possibility of retrials on those counts. Prosecutors argued the group intended violence, but the defence contended the tools were used to disarm weapons to prevent harm. The case has drawn attention to UK responses to pro-Palestine protests and the broader political debate surrounding the activists' tactics.
Decade-long damp traps Hackney family in defective new-build
A Hackney couple who spent about £350,000 on a Brooklime House new-build have endured more than a decade of damp, mould and water ingress blamed on a structural fault. Repairs by Hackney Council, the freeholder, have often worsened conditions, leaving holes in walls and cold living spaces. The family, along with other residents, has sought help from MPs and the Housing Ombudsman, with the watchdog noting prior service failings, and the couple pursuing legal avenues as they remain effectively trapped in an uninhabitable home.
Newquay cliff collapse prompts rescue of five people and two dogs
A cliff at Newquay’s King Edward Crescent collapsed around 14:55 GMT, trapping five people and two dogs who were rescued by coastguard teams and Devon & Cornwall Police. The footpath was closed and residents were urged to avoid the area as yellow weather warnings, floods and saturated ground raise safety concerns in the region.
Missing partner of Mick Jagger’s granddaughter last seen in Boscastle, Cornwall
The partner of Sir Mick Jagger’s granddaughter has been reported missing in Cornwall. Alexander Key, 37, was last seen in Boscastle at 14:20 GMT on Friday. Police described him as having a medium build with peroxide blonde hair and bright clothing and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Key has two children with Assisi Jackson, Jade Jagger’s daughter, and the police appeal was shared on social media by Jackson."
Hurley accuses Daily Mail publisher of covert monitoring in high-stakes privacy case
Elizabeth Hurley testified in a UK High Court privacy case accusing Associated Newspapers Ltd, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, of covert information gathering including landline tapping and secretly recording conversations, and placing microphones on her home windowsill; she is part of a seven-claimant group alleging unlawful information gathering, alongside figures like Elton John and Prince Harry, while ANL denies wrongdoing and argues sources were legitimate; the court is weighing how the information was obtained and whether any claims are time-barred as the trial continues.
Russell Brand granted bail amid new rape and sexual assault charges
British actor Russell Brand was granted bail after facing two additional sexual offence charges—one rape and one sexual assault—allegedly committed in London in 2009. He appeared via videolink from the US at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a six-minute hearing and will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on 17 February. The five earlier charges dating from 1999-2005 remain pending, with a trial scheduled to begin later this year. The investigation followed reporting by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4's Dispatches in 2023.
High Court privacy case continues as Harry and Hurley attend second day
At London's High Court, seven claimants including Prince Harry and Elizabeth Hurley accuse Associated Newspapers of privacy breaches and unlawful information gathering by the Daily Mail group. On day two of the hearings, Hurley returns to court and Harry arrives as his lawyers lay out alleged patterns of intrusive reporting, paid private investigators, and blagging across 2001–2010; ANL denies the allegations and Harry is due to give evidence later in the week.