FOUR streets have been urgently evacuated over fears of bombs found inside a home in a UK seaside town.
A bomb disposal team is currently attending the scene and a person has been arrested in relation to the incident.
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Police arrived at the scene at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 OctoberCredit: UKNIP
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They responded to reports of the discovery of “suspicious items”Credit: UKNIP
The precautionary measure was taken after cops arrived at the scene in Margate, Kent, at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October.
They responded to reports of “suspicious items” found in a flat at an address on Rosedale Road.
A bomb disposal team from The Ministry of Defence (MoD) are attending the scene in Rosedale Road and inspecting items.
Police and fire crews are also present and a cordon has been put in place.
A spokesperson for the force has also confirmed that a person has been arrested in relation to the incident and has been taken into custody.
Homes in Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive have all been evacuated.
One resident, Liam John, 28, told KentOnline: “I think everyone just shocked that there were loads of police and a bomb squad.
“It looks like I’m going to be on the street tonight, so yeah, there’s not much I can do really.”
Another local has described the incident as “all a bit crazy.”
Councillor Jack Packman has urged effected residents to seek help.
Thanet District Council has set up an evacuation point at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where support and assistance is available to those in need.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items.
“The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October, to an address in Rosedale Road.
Dozens of families evacuated from homes and army bomb squad raced to scene after ‘suspicious object’ found under car
“Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat.
“A cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.
“As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive.
“Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.
“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”
A statement form Dane Valley Ward councillors adds that, at this stage, there is no cause for concern.
It reads: ““They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated.
“At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally.
THIS is the shocking moment sneaky jewel thieves distract a driver at a petrol station and steal £2 million from his car boot.
An organised crime group targeted the jewellery salesman as he was travelling from Sussex to Kent last year.
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A gang of thieves targeted a jewellery salesman and started following him in Brighton
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After puncturing the man’s tyre he stops at a petrol station where one of the thieves lies waiting
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They distract the man just before another of the gang steals from his boot
Three of the group have now been jailed after they followed the man to a petrol station in Wrotham, Kent, before puncturing one of his tyres in January 2024.
The victim had been working in Brighton selling jewellery to several businesses and was carrying precious items worth around £2.25 million.
The CCTV footage shows the moment the thieves start following the salesman.
He was tracked by Edgar Ardila-Ruiz, Monica Diaz and Edward Florez-Ortiz and closely tailed his vehicle back to Kent.
When the man stopped at a petrol station in Wrotham, Florez-Ortiz punctured one of his tyres.
The man drove away but was forced to turn back and headed to an air pressure machine after noticing his tyre was flat.
While at the machine, the footage shows Monica Diaz distract the salesman by attempting to engage him in conversation.
Meanwhile, Ardila-Ruiz can be seen at the rear of the car snatching a bag of jewellery from the boot.
The CCTV footage recovered from the garage showed the suspects fleeing in a silver Toyota Corolla.
All three thieves were part of a gang responsible for other offences across the country including areas in London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
Shock moment shoplifters load bag with bottles of booze at Waitrose as helpless security guard stands next to them
Ruiz and Diaz were later arrested on February 11 after attempting to steal from another travelling salesman near Bolton, Lancashire.
The victim had alerted police after he noticed a black BMW was following him.
Local officers ran checks showing Ruiz was wanted for the theft in Wrotham while Diaz was also recognised from the petrol station CCTV.
They both pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court after they were charged with conspiracy to steal, and theft from a motor vehicle.
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While distracted one of the gang steals jewellery worth £2.25 million from the boot of the car
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The boot of the car can be seen opened as the thief flees
Ruiz and Diaz, both of no fixed address, were sentenced to three years and six months in prison.
Florez-Ortiz, from Islington, London, was identified as a third suspect and separately convicted at Chelmsford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to theft and criminal damage.
He was jailed for six years and will undergo future extradition proceedings after he was sentenced to three years for another jewellery theft in Belgium in 2021.
All three will also now be the subject of a financial investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act to claw back any criminal gains they may have made.
Detective Constable Leo Graham said: “Our investigation uncovered a wealth of evidence showing how all three offenders initially followed the victim on foot, before tailing his car.
“They waited patiently for the perfect opportunity to prey upon him and a later examination of his car led to the recovery of a metal item which had been inserted into the tyre by Florez-Ortiz.
“Ardila-Ruiz and Diaz were thankfully caught just weeks later, after following another salesman hundreds of miles away from Kent.
“These sentences are welcome, as it is clear they were part of a bigger network of organised criminality targeting victims throughout the country.”
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Edgar Ardila-Ruiz, Monica Diaz and Edward Florez-Ortiz were all jailed following the heistCredit: Kent Police
HUMAN remains potentially containing contagious diseases are slowly being revealed on a creepy UK island.
While there are some spooky islands in the UK, this haunting isle was a former burial site and is off-limits to the public.
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Human remains are being revealed on a creepy UK island that potentially contain contagious diseasesCredit: BBC
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Deadman’s Island lies on the River Medway estuary of Kent
Deadman’s Island is a small island in the River Medway estuary of Kent and has long been the subject of gruesome tales.
More than 200 years ago, the island was used as a burial ground for convicts who died aboard prison ships, known as hulks, anchored nearby in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many succumbed to horrendous conditions with regular outbreaks of disease sweeping through the ships.
Hundreds were buried in unmarked wooden coffins, six feet under the mud.
Trevor Mason, who runs Deadman’s Island social media page, told the BBC: “Unfortunately in many cases sailors were sick, and in some cases they died, so while the boats were moored here those who succumbed to those contagious diseases were buried.”
“The sailors who would have been living on board those ships must have been in horrendous conditions – not being able to come off the ship to go [on] land and see their families etc, and the risk of catching a disease from their fellow sailor.”
He added that an archaeologist revealed some of the remains may still contain contagious diseases.
For many years the grim finds remained invisible to the human eye.
But now, changing sea levels and erosion are bringing the human remains to the surface.
It’s not uncommon for them to be washed out into the Thames Estuary or discovered on the Kent coastline.
Floods hit Wales as vid shows cars submerged underwater – amid yellow warning
In 2016 the remains of more than 200 humans were found on the island, believed to belong to men and boys who had died on board the floating jails.
The uninhabited mudbank is owned by Natural England, who lease it to two people.
Visitors are banned from the island, though camera crews are sometimes permitted.
Human bones are littered among the shells, while coffins that were once six feet under have risen to the surface, threatening to expose their contents.
As well as a graveyard of bones, the protected wetland also serves as an important breeding and nesting site for birds.
WITH the kids back in school and life just that bit calmer, could it be time for an indulgent parent pamper? On a budget, of course.
While a day spent lounging by the pool sipping a glass of prosecco might sound pricey, there’s some brilliant deals out there if you know where to look – with prices starting at just £9.50 and perks including two-course meals and extra treatments.
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Champneys Spa resorts across the UK have some decent deals in the autumnCredit: Champneys Spa
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After a busy summer, parents have earned a much-needed break, so now is the time to indulge in a little ‘me time’Credit: Getty
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Ocean Spa at Butlin’s Bognor Regis is a surprise hit with guestsCredit: Butlin’s
This is the season for spa deals with some gorgeous retreats offering packages with big discounts for a post-summer chill.
If you have a particular spa in mind, it’s always worth signing up to the newsletters of the spa you’d like to visit; you’ll get alerts about last minute deals, special offers, discounts and cheap off-peak slots.
Offer websites such as Groupon often have cheap spa day deals, but check out the reviews first, as it can be a mixed bag.
While the kids are at school, you can also book in for a light afternoon slot or an evening chill – which gives you access to the facilities for a fraction of the price.
This means that from less than £10 per person a day, you can book yourself a bargain and unwind in some stunning spa resorts across the UK.
Choose from a grand stately home with an outdoor pool, a cool Hackney hideaway or a truly tranquil spot in the Kent countryside, loved by celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Fern McCann.
This is our pick of the best UK spa days that you can book now for under £85 per person (prices correct at time of publishing):
Eden Spa at Down Hall in Essex for £20
This elegant stately home in Essex is set over a 110 acre estate and is a famous wedding venue as well as having two beautiful spas.
The Wet Spa is tucked away in the garden of the house and has a private, fenced area with relaxation beds, positioned under a Grand Fir tree.
Inside the English spa hidden in the countryside with a serene private outdoor pool away from everyone
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Eden Spa at Down Hall is good for celebrity spottingCredit: Down Hall
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to book into the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.
Celebrities like Fern McCann and Vicky Pattison have also been spotted enjoying the facilities.
Two hours access to the Wet Spa on Monday to Thursday costs £30, or you can take advantage of a one-hour Twilight session at 6.15pm each night for only £20.
Cheap spa deals in the Lake District are not easy to come by, which makes this even more of a bargain.
The boutique spa has a sleek thermal suite with hot and cold therapies and plunge pools, a salt room, ice fountain shower and a steam room with the uplifting scents of lemongrass, citrus, and cinnamon.
You can book into the day spa and use the thermal suite for 60 minutes for only £15 or 90 minutes for £20. Ideal if you’ve been out in the lakes boating, kayaking or hiking.
Netherwood Hotel & Spa is an affordable spa in the Lake District and ideal for relaxing after a hike in the hillsCredit: Netherwood Hotel & spa
Hackney Wick Community Sauna in London for £9.50
This simple spa is a not-for-profit Community Sauna, is to make sauna and cold plunge affordable and accessible to everyone in London, even those on a lower income.
Set in a charming back garden in East London’s Hackney Wick, this micro spa feels like a hidden oasis.
There are six wood-fired saunas and a choice of trendy ice plunge pools inside old whisky barrels.
It’s fantastic value, with 90 minute sessions starting at only £12 off-peak, or if you’re an early riser, you can go to a one-hour morning drop-in for just £9.50.
Groups can also hire the 22-person sauna for the exclusive use, so why not get all the school mums together for a luxury afternoon and still have money left for a cheeky vino before school pick up?.
If you didn’t already know, family-favourite Butlin’s at Bognor Regis has its own spa and – true to the brand – it’s great value too.
The catch here is that you already need access to the resort as an overnight guest or as a day guest (day passes start at £19 for adults and £1 for kids on selected days).
But, this boutique spa is fantastic for parents who have the opportunity to slip away for a few hours and have a much-needed pamper. Time to make the case to bring granny and grandad along with you?
A two-hour Spa Experience here starts at £25 per person and includes a Hydrospa, outdoor hot tub, sauna, relaxation pods, a crystal steam room and an outside sun terrace. You can also book individual treatments, but they are booked separately.
If you are visiting with teens, children aged 13+ -17 year olds are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for older kids to have some quality time with mum or dad, while siblings go wild in the playground.
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s is a way for parents to escape and unwindCredit: Butlin’s
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The newly opened Porchester Spa is historic and very affordable for its central London locationCredit: The Secret App
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds for £39 with a two-course lunch
Deal club Travelzoo often have fantastic spa deals, so if you want to make a lovely spa visit a regular trip, it could be worth signing up to the club (membership is £30 for the year and you will have access to holiday, entertainment and transport deals too).
Right now, Travelzoo Members can save 38% at six Daniel Thwaites spas across the country.
The Simple Ritual spa package offer includes three hours of spa access and a two-course lunch to recharge. Members pay just £39 per person. It’s £63 for regular guests.
As well as the stunning Leeds location, you can access the deal at five other locations across the country, including Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, Kettering Park, Northamptonshire, the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith and Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.
Crutherland House Spa in East Kilbride, Scotland with a glass of prosecco, £25
Crutherland House & Spa is a beautiful country house in East Kilbride, surrounded by peaceful gardens. The tranquil setting is a perfect antidote to the busy city of Glasgow, which is close by.
The spa offers a full day experience, but if time and money are tight, book into the twilight spa experience in the evening for just £25 per person.
This deal is excellent value and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, ideal for mums who don’t have masses of spare time but do need a little R&R after the school holidays.
The spa has a huge pool with relaxation loungers, a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Plus, those visiting during Twilight sessions also get 20% of individual treatments (these are priced separately).
Also available at other Macdonald Properties across Scotland and also at Boatley Park in Hampshire. Book it: Crutherland House
Bannatyne Health Clubs, £34.50 with a 20-minute treatment
Bannatyne Health Clubs are offering a September Spa Saver that is aimed at frazzled parents who have finally packed the kids back to school.
Until the end of October, you can book packages that involve a full day use of the club facilities, including the gym and fitness classes, swimming pools, jacuzzi baths, sauna and steam room, plus relaxation rooms in some locations.
Plus, you get a 20-minute treatment as part of the deal. Choose from a 20-minute Swedish Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage or a Tailored Facial Express.
The Spa Saver (£34.50) is on until the 30th September and the Refresh Express Spa Day is an on-going offer for £39.50.
The Spa at Potters is excellent value and there are some great deals in the autumnCredit: SpaSeekers
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Book into a spa day at Bannatyne Spa in BelfastCredit: Bannatyne
Porchester Spa in London for £30
This one has been an internet hit, and for good reason.
After an £800,000 refurbishment, London’s oldest Spa, The Porchester Spa, has reopened in an iconic Grade 2* listed building, beautifully returned to its 1920s splendour.
Despite being in the centre of London, the spa offers affordable prices and excellent package deals from £30 per person.
Inside the spa, visitors you can get a look at the traditional baths and original art-deco features. The spa has two steam rooms, Turkish baths (Tepidarium, Caldarium and Laconium), a sauna, a plunge pool and relaxation lounge.
You can also book in for a range of spa treatments here too, but these are priced separately here
If you are staying all day, there is a Café on site providing hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
Top tip: Remember to bring 20p coins to use the lockers.
The Spa at Potters, Five Lakes Hertfordshire, £75 for the whole day with a 50-minute treatment and afternoon tea.
If you have a whole day to devote to some ‘me time’, the Blossom Spa Day deal with luxury holiday park, Potters, is worthy of a mention.
You can book a whole day here, using facilities such as an expansive pool and hot tub, outdoor sun terrace, relaxation rooms, sauna and steam chambers.
Even better, this deal includes a 50-minute luxury facial and afternoon tea, which is excellent value for money.
Set in a serene location, surrounded by rolling hills, this is the ideal way to spend the afternoon with friends or as a peaceful solo adventure.
Champneys Springs in Leicestershire for £59 with a 20-minute treatment and a glass of bubbly
Luxury spa chain Champneys are also running a choice of spa-tember deals.
The beautiful resorts, which are located in country houses and stately homes around the UK, are loved by celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and even Brad Pitt!
Full spa days here, which have stunning indoor and outdoor pools, zen-like relaxation rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, hydropools, cold plunge pools and ice fountains, start from £120 per person.
However, slip in for a bargain session but booking a Twilight Spa Evening from £59 per person, with a complimentary 20-minute treatment.
As part of the deal, you also get a welcome glass of bubbly, plus flips flops and a tote bag to take home with you.
Available at most Champney’s locations, including Eastwell Manor in Kent and Forest Mere in Hampshire, but prices do vary depending on the individual spa.
THIS is the shocking moment a brazen thief appears to nick a Poppy Appeal charity box from a shop counter.
Footage shows the “scumbag” being served at the till before he seemingly swipes the collection pot in a split-second theft.
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The man is first shown moving the charity boxCredit: Kent Police
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He then brazenly lifts up the poppy-shaped boxCredit: Kent Police
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The alleged crook appears to stuff it under his jacketCredit: Kent Police
In CCTV taken inside the Kent shop, the man is first shown re-positioning the charity box.
His eyes remain fixated on the money pot as he appears to detach it from its chains.
Seconds later, he lifts up the poppy-shaped box and looks to stuff it under his Nike jacket before calmly picking up a magazine.
Reacting to the outrageous footage online, some blasted the alleged crook’s actions as “vile”.
One fumed: “Scumbag. No matter how tough things are, never steal from those who need it more than you.
Another blasted: “It’s disgusting that charity boxes now need chains just to keep them safe.”
A third continued: “Absolute vile creature – hope karma bites.”
KentPolice confirmed a probe had been launched following the alleged theft.
In a statement, the force urged anyone with information or who recognised the suspect to come forward.
Locals residents suggested that the yob might be known in the community.
The Poppy Appeal provides funds for more than 90,000 veterans from all conflicts and their families.
Figures released by the Royal British Legion show the 2023 appeal raised £49.2million — up from the £42million in 2022.
Moment brazen thief steals hairdresser’s £1,300 phone in plain sight – would you have spotted him?
Speaking on the huge figure raised, Poppy Appeal director Lucy Inskip hailed the “generosity of the general public”.
She said: “We are delighted to have raised £49.2million for the Armed Forces community.
“This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated Poppy Appeal organisers, volunteers, partner organisations, and the generosity of the general public.
“The money raised will go towards the RBL’s vital work ensuring those who have served and sacrificed in the British Armed Forces get the support they need, whenever they need it.”
A TWO-year-old boy was killed as his parents walked him back from the beach, an inquest heard.
Sonny Macdonald was in his pushchair, just minutes away from home, when a car crashed into the family at around 8.15pm on August 16.
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Little Sonny Macdonald was tragically killed after a car struck him in his pushchairCredit: UKNIP
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The tot’s parents were also seriously injured in the horrorCredit: UKNIP
Tragedy struck as the vehicle lost control and smashed through a metal barrier in Gorrell Tank car park, Whitstable, Kent.
Sonny was pronounced dead at the scene, while his parents were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
An inquest into the two-year-old’s death was opened at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Friday.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn said: “His mother and father witnessed his death, which occurred at approximately 8.24pm.
“[They] were walking back from Whitstable beach from the harbour with Sonny, who was in a pushchair.”
She said the car turned into Cromwell Road, “lost control” and “drove into the family”, as reported by Kent Online.
“The vehicle continued through a metal barrier down onto a car park below, around a six-foot drop, taking Sonny with it,” the coroner added.
Due to an ongoing police investigation, the inquest was adjourned.
Kent Police arrested a man in his 20s at the scene of the horror, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has been bailed while investigations are ongoing.
Floral tributes and cuddly toys were left at the scene in wake of the tragedy.
Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield said at the time: “I was shocked and very saddened to hear about the horrific incident in Whitstable, and I cannot begin to imagine what the family of the little boy who lost his life must be going through.
“My thoughts are with them and all caught up in this awful tragedy.
”Thank you to our excellent emergency services and all who were there to help, I hope the Police are able to carry out their investigations swiftly and provide some answers about what happened.
“I would urge anyone who may have been nearby to contact Kent Police in case you may have picked up important evidence on your dashcam, or witnessed something that may turn out to be significant.”
Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, should call 01622 798538 or email [email protected], quoting reference BN/AL/058/25.
Relevant CCTV and dashcam footage can be uploaded via the online portal.
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Kent Police arrested a man in his 20s at the sceneCredit: UKNIP
IT’S 3am at The Red Lion pub in Gatwick Airport and British Gas field engineer Sam Singleton is in a French maid’s outfit, waving a feather duster and clutching a pint of Guinness.
His 17-strong stag group is having the typical pre-flight drinks that have become a rite of passage for Brits jetting off abroad.
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The bustling pub is full of punters enjoying a spot of refreshment before they board their flightsCredit: Paul Edwards
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Sam’s frilly costume signals the start of his stag celebration at 03:00Credit: Paul Edwards
And it’s not just plentiful food offerings and the sociable atmosphere that are bringing in travellers in droves — terminal pubs remain one of the only places where it is socially acceptable to have a pint at 5am.
Sam, 34, from Crawley, West Sussex, says: “I’m dressed like this because I’m getting married in four weeks to my beautiful fiancee, Erin.
“We’ve had a few drinks and a really good laugh. I couldn’t imagine starting a stag in any other way, to be honest.”
The Sun on Sunday spent 24 hours at JD Wetherspoon’s The Red Lion in Gatwick’s North Terminal to see why Britain’s airside bars are hitting new heights.
This is what we found . . .
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Spoons staff prepare The Red Lion for the day’s rushCredit: Paul Edwards
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Birthday girl Nicole Briggs, centre, with pals at the pub before their flightCredit: Paul Edwards
Nicole Briggs, 29, from Essex, is heading to the Greek island of Mykonos to celebrate her birthday, wearing a pink cowboy hat and matching sash.
Her pal Danielle Grimes, 30, also from Essex, tells us: “Having drinks at this time is just the law of the airport. It’s the only way to do it.”
On the other side of the pub, siblings Alicia, Adan, 17, and Heart Evanelio, 20, from Medway, Kent, are tucking into an early-morning breakfast before they fly to Basel, Switzerland, with 20 family members.
Alicia, 27, says: “We come here because the food is always good. It’s affordable, comfortable, welcoming and the staff are fantastic.”
Wetherspoons Pubs at Gatwick Airport: A Traveler’s Haven
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Three stag party revellers at the pub start as they mean to go onCredit: Paul Edwards
Another stag party has arrived. Robert, James, Jay, Jimmy and John are in their 30s and from different parts of the UK, but they are all flying to Benidorm.
Robert says: “There will be 28 altogether and we’ve had a fantastic day and night already.”
Jay adds: “We came to Wetherspoons because it’s better value and you know exactly what you are getting.”
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David Green, left, and Sam Peters toast a newly forged friendshipCredit: Paul Edwards
Actor David Green, 58, from Brighton, and Sam Peters, 52, from Croydon, South London, clink pint glasses, having only just met.
Sam says: “The Red Lion is very different to the average pub where people are scared to strike up a conversation with strangers. No-one bats an eyelid here.”
07:00
Factory worker Jay Law, 34, and Sasha Cross, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are going to Malta for the weekend.
They eat eggs Benedict and drink coffee with Guinness and a bourbon. Jay says: “It is the rule at airports — have a proper drink with your brew.”
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Broker Lorna Stevens, 42, and special educational needs worker Amanda Sargent, 38, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, met in their local pub 20 years ago.
They are drinking pink gin and tonic before flying to Marrakech, and Amanda says: “We always take a photo of ourselves at The Red Lion — the start of the holiday, the obligatory picture.”
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Team leader Megan Gardner loves the job she’s done at the pub for the past seven yearsCredit: Paul Edwards
Team leader and mum- of-two Megan Gardner, 23, from Crawley, West Sussex, does four seven-hour shifts a week at The Red Lion.
She says: “I haven’t a bad word to say about working here — that’s why I’ve been here seven years.”
10:00
Tasha Clements, 28, from Horsham, West Sussex, has been a bar worker at The Red Lion for two years.
She says: “Every day someone makes the same joke — ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere!’. And it is.”
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Jhonny Da Corte has been the pub’s kitchen chief leader for five years. He is overseeing 13 people today.
Venezuelan Jhonny, 30, from West London, says: “We go through around 20,000 eggs per week.
“Our most popular dish in the morning will be our traditional breakfast and, at lunch, burgers take over as the top sellers.”
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Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet, right, enjoys a pre-flight pint with his pal JayCredit: Paul Edwards
Over a pint of Doom Bar, he opens up about his ambition to reunite the band.
Steve, 65, says: “It would be great, before one of us pops our clogs, to be in a room together at the very least — and maybe, who knows, do a last farewell tour.”
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Dad Zesh Sadique, 46, and his wife Sadia are en route to Bodrum, Turkey, for four days with their children, Zidane, eight, and Arya, three.
Tucking into fish and chips, Sadia, 37, from London, says: “We came here because there is a great range of food. We’ll be back.”
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Electrician John Penny, 38, and his wife Lucy, who live near Crowborough, East Sussex, are celebrating their first child-free holiday in 12 years.
They’re off to sunny Palma, Majorca, and John is celebrating with a pint, while community helper Lucy, 35, is content with a Pepsi.
She says: “We always come here with the kids, too. You order on an app, so it’s easy.”
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Beccie Simms, 47, and her nine-year-old neurodivergent twins Poppy and Ethan are having pizza and chips before flying to Crete.
Maternity ward worker Beccie, from Surrey, says: “This suits the twins. It is relaxed and has a great choice of food. The twins are very picky!”
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Alice Richardson, Millie Parker, Poppy Davinport and Hannah Wilson drink to their Majorca holCredit: Paul Edwards
Portsmouth students Poppy Davinport, Hannah Wilson and Alice Richardson, all 21, together with Millie Parker, 20, are heading to Majorca.
They are drinking Proseccos, gin and tonics and apple juices. Millie says: “The plan is to get tanned, drink and eat lots of paella.”
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Londoners Olivia Moris-Brown, 19, who works for M&S, and her partner Jason Pham, a 20-year-old insurance broker, are off to Pisa in Italy to celebrate their sixth anniversary.
Tucking into chips and curry sauce, a spicy Korean chicken bowl and fish and chips, Jason says: “We love Spoons, we are fans. The food is always banging.”
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Tthe Ojukwus visit the pub before jetting to Majorca for their anniversaryCredit: Paul Edwards
Guinness-drinking Leon Ojukwu, 43, from East London, and his wife Abbie, 40, are primary school teachers.
They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary in Majorca with kids Esme, eight, and Zac, five. Abbie, who has had a Prosecco, says: “We always come here before a flight.
“Everyone has a smile on their face, the drinks come quickly and you don’t need to dress up.”
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Ian Gordon, 62, is waiting for the Inverness flight, heading home to Lhanbryde, Moray, after a work trip.
Tucking into a ham and mushroom pizza, the salmon fisherman says: “The Guinness is good at Wetherspoons.
“I just came back from Iceland — you’re paying at least double for a pint there.”
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Nicola, in hat, is off to Portugal with nine mates for her 40thCredit: Paul Edwards
Wearing a sparkly hat, facilities manager Nicola Sandhu is heading to Vilamoura, Portugal, with nine friends for her 40th.
Nicola, from Bexleyheath, Kent, says: “We’ve got wines, Prosecco and lemon spritzes, nachos, fish and chips and an ultimate burger to set our trip off on the right note.”
21:00
Five pint-sipping friends from Selsey, West Sussex, are en route to party capital Prague in the Czech Republic.
Yet NHS service manager Mike Brooks, chef Ryan O’Hara, builder Riley Evans, all 25, carpenter Jenson Holden, 20, and carer Will Jenkinson, 26, insist they are “going to see the local sights”.
Riley says: “We will be in bed by 10pm, reading our Kindles.”
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Bella Caesar, left, and Millie Horner enjoy a pre-flight drinkCredit: Paul Edwards
Teaching assistant Millie Horner and HR worker Bella Caesar, both 21, from Hedge End, Hampshire, are eating chicken strips and are on their third round of vodka lemonade and rum and Coke.
They got here early for their Ibiza flight and Millie says: “It’s a debrief before the main event begins.”
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It’s all been too much for one travellerCredit: Paul Edwards
The passengers have all gone, and now The Red Lion worker Holly Taplin, 19, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is mopping up after a long shift.
She says: “I am a bar associate, which means I host, clean, serve, make drinks — the whole lot.”
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Bar worker Holly Taplin gets the place tidy againCredit: Paul Edwards
Ollie Wilcox, 29, from Crawley, West Sussex, is a shift manager at the pub.
He says: “We stay open until the last flight goes, then we get ready for the morning shift.
“Passengers start coming through at 2am, and by 4am, the pub’s chock-a-block — there is a queue all the way down to WHSmith.”
RESIDENTS in a historic city have been left fuming after a granite cobbled street was ripped up and repaired with a blob of tarmac.
Emergency repair work to fix a water leak in Canterbury, Kent, resulted in the ripping up of granite setts, locals say.
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Residents are less than happy with the move across the cityCredit: SWNS
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Burgate Street in Canterbury, Kent was repaired with a blob of tarmacCredit: SWNS
One section in Burgate Street has now been replaced with black asphalt – which has been described as a mess by disgruntled residents.
Clive Bowley, 73, from the Canterbury Society says he heard about the unappealing repairs last week after complaints from other locals.
The resident, who works as an architect restoring historic buildings, says it is becoming a pattern in the town with other traditional streets also seeing tarmac patches.
He said: “It was brought to our attention by people complaining. I just thought ‘oh not again.’ It was depressing.
“The problem is that service engineers have to go in to do necessary work and they don’t reinstate the ground properly afterwards.
“There is just a great big patch replaced by tarmac. It is a bit of a mess really. They have done a botched job.”
Photos show several repairs across the city centre, which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Clive, who has lived in Canterbury for over 40 years, says that if these streets aren’t restored soon then the historic feel will be ruined.
Clive said: “It is all about civic pride really. If things are botched up then it looks a mess and seems like people don’t care. It gradually will look more and more scruffy as time goes on.
“Burgate is one of the streets that leads down into the heart of a historic area. So, all that end of town is a conservation area and is of special heritage interest.
“If they are not put right in due course the town will gradually become a pit of all sorts of patches.”
Keir Starmer says councils must prove they are making potholes repairs or lose funding
Clive claims that he has complained to Kent County Council about the tarmac, and that they have claimed it will be fixed soon.
However, he says that many locals believe the unique road materials are now in landfill- and they feel that repairs will be impossible.
He said: “The council said that they would press the water company to do it properly. But similar things have happened around the town that were never fixed- so we are a little skeptical.
“The other concern is that they have dug up all these specialist materials and we don’t know what has happened to them. If the granite setts are thrown away, then we won’t be able to get more because they are unique.
“Every material used is unique, so you can’t just go to the builders’ merchants and buy more. My skeptical nature suggests that they probably dumped them.”
The water mains repairs were completed by South East Water, who insist that this quick fix is only temporary, and say that they will begin restoration next week.
Nick Bell, of South East Water, said: “We’re sorry to customers in the Canterbury area who have been left upset at the current appearance of the interim surface laid following urgent repairs to the burst water main in Burgate.
“This is not the finished reinstatement, but our priority was to backfill the excavation quickly to allow the road to be reopened, rather than prolonging the road closure.
“We have ordered the necessary materials to complete the permanent reinstatement, which involves re-setting the granite cobbles to their original condition.
“We will be carrying out this work from Thursday, 28 August, and we’ll work as quickly as possible to minimise the impact locally and restore the road to its original condition.”
A spokesman for Kent County Council said that the emergency works were to fix a leak, with the need to reopen the road as quickly as possible.
But the authority says the company is obliged to reinstate the road to its original surface within six months.
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Several repairs have been done across the cityCredit: SWNS
A MAN was “chased and attacked” by three teens before he was murdered on a beach, a court heard today.
Alexander Cashford, 49, suffered multiple injuries during the horror in Isle of Sheppey, Kent, on Sunday night.
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Alexander Cashford suffered multiple injuries in the horrorCredit: PA
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He was allegedly murdered by three teens in KentCredit: Peter Jordan
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A 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15, have been charged with murder by joint enterprise.
The trio, who legally cannot be named, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today as their families watched from the public gallery.
The court was told the attack allegedly involved a glass bottle and rocks being thrown.
Alexander’s cause of death is currently inconclusive as he seems to have suffered a “medical episode such as a cardiac arrest”
The prosecutor said this “could have been brought on by being chased and attacked”.
Alexander was discovered with bruising to his “lower ribs and stomach” along with an injury to his head.
Some locals who witnesses the “violent assault” tried to provide CPR, the court was told.
The girl and two boys, who are believed to have been on holiday at the time, spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
No pleas were entered but a provisional trial date was set for January 13 next year.
The teens were remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a hearing on November 6.
A 12-year-old girl, arrested on August 12 in Basildon in connection with the alleged attack, has been bailed.
It comes after court documents revealed Alexander pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious harm or distress on March 17 this year.
He followed a woman home from work and approached her front door in the early hours of the morning.
The stalker returned seven minutes later and posted a letter and chocolate bar through her door.
Alexander was handed a one-month curfew and was fitted with a tag, which was due to remain on until September 16.
He was also hit with a restraining order blocking contact with the victim and was told to stay away from her street and the Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham.
Police were scrambled to the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown-on-Sea shortly after 7pm on Sunday following reports of an “altercation”.
Witnesses in Leysdown-on-Sea claimed the man was “hit with stones and rocks” before he died.
Anthony West, site manager at Jimmy G’s Amusements, said the teens were then arrested in the arcade near the seafront.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to come forward.
Anyone with information has been asked to call Kent Police on 01622 690690 quoting 10-1384.
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The horror unfolded on Sunday nightCredit: Peter Jordan
