Kent

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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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.

“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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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.

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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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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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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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.

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.

The Sun paid a visit to the hidden UK island last year where you can only visit by kayak.

It was said that local fisherman spotted human ghosts calling out to them to come and save them.

Historians have often been left open-mouthed as they continue to uncover skulls, ribs and jawbones on the island.

Previous footage shows dozens of human remains scaled in barnacles and littering the sludgy banks.

What looks like it could come straight out of a horror film, the truth behind the creepy area was revealed back in 2017.

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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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. 

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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.

Book it: downhall.co.uk

The Netherwood Hotel in The Lake District for £15

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.

Book it: netherwood-hotel.co.uk

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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?.

Book it: community-sauna.co.uk

Ocean Spa at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis for £25

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.

Book it: butlins.com

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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.

Book it: travelzoo.com

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

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.

Book it: bannatyne.co.uk

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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.

Book it: everyonespa.com

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. 

Book it: thespafivelakes.com

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. 

Book it: champneys.com

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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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.”

Kent Police 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.

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.”

It comes after a thief was filmed casually walking away with a £150,000 violin after stealing it from a musician in a pub.

The Met Police said the instrument was stolen from a pub in Islington, North London.

Cops have asked for any witnesses to come forward and help trace the suspect, releasing CCTV images of a man who was in the pub.

The 30-year-old owner of the violin is a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra.

It was taken from The Marquess Tavern on February 18.

In a statement, police said: “It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless.”

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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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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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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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While many pubs are struggling to survive during the cost-of-living crisis, those operating at UK airports are reporting that business is on the up and up.

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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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.”

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 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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 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.”

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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 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.”

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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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  Spandau Ballet star Steve Norman has popped into The Red Lion ahead of a gig in Leipzig, Germany, with his new band, The Sleevz.

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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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.”

17:00   

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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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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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.”

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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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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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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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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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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.”

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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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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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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A MAN and a woman have been arrested following the death of a three-month-old baby.

Cops have confirmed an investigation is ongoing after the newborn died at a home near Canterbury, Kent, on Sunday morning.

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Emergency services were scrambled to an address on Athelstan Road, in Thanington, at around midday.

Six police cars and four ambulances are understood to have been called to the property.

The two suspects, both in their 30s, were both taken into custody and have since been released on bail.

Kent Police told KentOnline that the pair were arrested in connection with the death.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.”

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SUPERMARKET chain Iceland is closing two stores starting in days as shoppers share their devastation.

The frozen food specialist is shutting a location in Margate on the Kent coast on June 21.

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Meanwhile, a further branch will close for good in Inverness, Scotland, on July 12.

The retailer said in a statement that staff at both sites have been offered roles at surrounding stores “where possible”.

But news of the closures has still been met with heartbreak from locals and shoppers.

One, posting on Facebook about the Margate closure, said: “Margate is losing everything bit by bit.”

Another added: “Can the town centre get any worse with empty buildings.”

Commenting on the Inverness branch shutting, one shopper said: “Very sad to hear this news.”

Another chipped in: “I’m so gutted.”

The closure of the Inverness branch means there will no longer be any Iceland stores in the Scottish city.

The nearest Iceland store will be in Aberdeen while there is a Food Warehouse, run by Iceland, in Inverness’s Telford Street.

It’s not the first store closure made by Iceland in the past few months.

It pulled down the shutters permanently on its site in Welling at the start of the year.

A site in Borehamwood and another in Exeter permanently shut around the same time.

The latest closures means Iceland has shut more than 20 stores since the start of 2023.

It’s worth bearing in mind retailers often shut branches in underperforming areas and open them where they think they’ll get more footfall and sales.

For example, it’s not all bad new for Iceland as in 2024 it announced plans to open more of its Food Warehouse format stores across the UK.

Food Warehouse stores, run by the Iceland Foods Group, are generally larger than Iceland shops and usually found in retail parks.

OTHER RETAIL CLOSURES

The retail sector has struggled in recent years due to the onset of online shopping and lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.

Higher inflation since 2022 has also hit shoppers’ budgets while businesses have struggled with higher wage, tax and energy costs.

The Centre for Retail Research has described the sector as going through a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crash.

Figures from the Centre also show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.

This was the highest number of stores affected in a calendar year since the Centre started collecting this data in 2007.

On top of these more than 7,500 stores, over 11,000 independent shops closed in 2024.

This is in addition to almost 7,800 independent stores that closed in 2023.

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HOBBYCRAFT will shut nine stores in days with huge closing down sales launched.

Sites across Bristol, Dunstable, Borehamwood and Basildon are all set to close on June 21, The Sun can reveal.

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A further two sites in Essex and one in Gloucestershire are also set to close, with a site in Kent closing earlier this year.

The impacted stores are part of at least nine Hobbycraft stores that have been earmarked for closure this year.

News of the closures has come as a blow to locals in the area, with Bristol residents describing it as a “shame”.

While another said the store would be missed and they needed to find another “rainy day activity”.

A Kent local said: “Oh noooooo it’s the only one I go to regularly as the rest are too far away!”.

Another resident said they would “need therapy” following news of the closure.

Closing down sales have also been launched across the stores, with up to 70% off on some items.

It comes as new owner Modella Capital is launching an overhaul after buying Hobbycraft in August last year.

Modella also agreed to purchase WHSmith’s high street business earlier this year.

The move is set to impact between 72 and 126 jobs.

It is said the shake-up will help secure the future of 99 stores and around 1,800 jobs across the arts and crafts business.

You can check out the full list of stores earmarked for closure below.

• Canterbury, Kent – closed 
• Basildon, Essex – June 21
• Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – June 21
• Bristol, Imperial Retail Park – June 21
• Dunstable, Bedfordshire – June 21 
• Epping Forest, Essex – June 21
• Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex – June 21
• Cirencester, Gloucestershire  -June 21
• Bagshot, Surrey – June 21

OTHER STORE CLOSURES

Hobbycraft is not the only retailer facing hard times.

Up to 11 Original Factory Shops stores are to set to close this month, including sites across Worcestershire, Durham and Cumbria.

Meanwhile, another five stores across Nairn, Market Drayton, Troon, Blairgowrie and Castle Douglas have been put up for sale.

It comes as part of a major restructuring carried out by new owner Modella Capital with a number of loss-making stores having to close as result.

You can see the full list of store closures here:

• Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26
• Perth – June 28
• Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28
• Arbroath, Angus – June 28
• Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28
• Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28
• Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28
• Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28
• Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28
• Staveley, Cumbria – July 12
• Middlewich – TBC

The following stores are also up for sale:

• Nairn
• Market Drayton
• Troon
• Blairgowrie
• Castle Douglas

It comes after pivate equity firm Modella bought The Original Factory Shop back in February and has since launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 TOFS stores.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for TOFS.

Companies often use CVAs to prevent insolvency, which could otherwise result in store closures or the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different strategies such as negotiating reduced rent rates with landlords.

LOVE ISLANDER Jack Fincham and former Towie star Chloe Brockett are back together – after splitting for the sixth time.

The reality couple broke up in April following a string of heated rows, with Jack moving out of their shared home.

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But I can now reveal they were spotted shopping at Swanley Market in Kent.

A source said: “Chloe and Jack have been on and off for months but have finally put their differences aside to give their relationship another chance.

“They really want to make it work so have been enjoying some low-key dates as they gradually build the trust.

“They have realised they have something special so want to put their time and energy into making it work.”

Earlier this week they sparked rumours of a reunion when they shared snaps on their respective Instagrams from the same East London market.

Jack posed outside the Birdcage pub at Bethnal Green’s Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday.

Then Chloe posted from the same spot with a huge bouquet of flowers.

Just last month Jack had told The Sun that he still loves Chloe.

He shared: “I don’t know what will happen between us.

“I still love her. I doubt it’s over for good.”

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With the prospect of weather playing a part, Hampshire won the toss and asked Surrey to bat first.

Dom Sibley cracked James Fuller over the ropes as Surrey put on 18 from the opening two overs of seam but South African spinner Bjorn Fortuin, making his debut in place of Liam Dawson, tempted Sibley into sweeping straight to John Turner for 13 in the third.

Jason Roy began to warm up as the hosts reached 43-1 at the end of the six-over powerplay but Currie tempted Ollie Pope into stepping across his stumps and trying to scoop, only to nick straight into the hands of keeper Albert and depart for 11. Pope has now made 25 runs across three games opening the batting and left his side 51-2 from eight overs.

Roy was joined by skipper Sam Curran but his side were 64-2 at the midway point as the Hawks bowlers slowed their progress – limiting the hosts to just 10 boundaries and four sixes across the 20 overs.

The pressure told as Roy tried to take Turner over the mid-wicket boundary, only to find Joe Weatherley just inside the rope and depart for 37 to leave his side 67-3 in the 12th over – though Roy finished as his side’s leading scorer for the third straight game.

Laurie Evans and Curran struggled to get to grips with the Hawks attack and Surrey were 91-3 with five overs remaining, though both cut loose in Turner’s final over, with Curran launching back-to-back sixes to make it 21 runs from five balls before miscuing the final ball into the sky for Vince to catch and send Curran packing for 34 from 25 balls.

Tom Curran picked out Weatherley with a skier to deep square off Wood (2-27) and Ollie Sykes was caught by Currie for one three balls later while Weatherley picked up his third catch to dismiss Chris Jordan for eight off Currie (2-17) to end the 19th over.

Roy put down a sharp chance at second slip off the opening ball of the reply from Dan Worrall, giving Albert another life, but the Surrey bowlers kept the Hawks in check until the rain began to fall

The final over of the powerplay, Sam Curran’s first, cost 16 runs amid some errant fielding and saw the Hawks reach 50-0.

With 10 wickets in hand, Hawks were well ahead of the DLS rate of 48 when they were eventually called off after 8.2 overs with the score 63-0.

Vince finished unbeaten on 33 from 28 deliveries with Albert on 28 from 22 at the other end as the Hawks picked up just their second T20 win over Surrey in the past 11 meetings.

A COASTAL town was treated to free chips with a twist – the chippy was powered by an electric car.

In the aptly named Kent town of Deal, National Fish and Chip Day was celebrated with 300 portions of chips given away, as well as a limited run of battered fish.

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But it wasn’t your ordinary chip shop, with the chippy being powered by two electric cars and fronted by TikTok’s ‘Chip Shop Diva’, Destiny Harold.

The Dacia Spring, which its makers say is the cheapest electric vehicle currently on the market, was the power behind the frying, in partnership with local chippy, The Blue Mermaid Fish Bar.

It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found fish and chips is the most popular treat on a British holiday, as well as cream tea and hot doughnuts.

Others to feature in the top 20 list include Mr Whippy ice cream, Cornish pasties and mussels.

Quintessentially British foods, such as fish finger sandwiches, strawberries and cream and a pie and mash also featured in the ranking.

A spokesperson for car brand Dacia said: “It was fun treating passers-by today and showing the power of our electric car, Spring, using its vehicle to load technology, which allows you to power external devices off the car’s battery.

“It’s no surprise we have a national day dedicated to the iconic meal that is fish and chips and the study shows just how much we love it and associate it with holidays by the seaside.

“Playing on the phrase ‘cheap as chips’ in line with our affordable car and being in the appropriately named Deal, was a great way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day.”

The research also found 41% of adults describe such foods as nostalgic, while 45% feel satisfied after eating them.

When ordering a classic fish and chips, cod (48%) and haddock (19%) were the most popular choices, but 69% simply order a portion of chips.

It also emerged 44% believe fish and chips is the ‘food of the people’ and 39% said class doesn’t impact how people eat it.

While 46% feel there is something nostalgic about eating the British staple with a wooden fork, which 33% typically do, although 38% opt to eat it by hand.

Food psychologist, James Cornish, said: “There are few things that unite the British public quite like fish and chips.

“Golden, salty, comforting, and steeped in history, this timeless dish is more than a meal – it’s a national treasure.

“Loved across generations, social classes, and regions, it’s one of those rare things that truly brings us together.

“There’s a certain kind of magic in fish and chips – a simple meal that somehow carries the weight of memory, comfort, and delight.

“Maybe it’s because we don’t expect too much from humble food, but our delight is excelled through the delivering of more than we expected.”

A BRITISH businessman has been accused of spying and plotting to smuggle sensitive military technology to China.

The FBI claim investigators intercepted phone calls in which John Miller, 63, called Chinese leader Xi Jinping as “The Boss”.

The 63-year-old from Kent is also alleged to have tried to buy military hardware in the US for the People’s Liberation Army.

This included missile launchers, air defence radars and Black Hornet “microdrones” that can fly within feet of enemy soldiers and enter buildings to spy on troop positions.

Other equipment he attempted to purchase included a hand-held device approved by America’s National Security Agency for the secure communication of classified material.

Mr Miller also suggested smuggling a device by glueing it inside a food blender so it could then be “sent via DHL or Fedex to Hong Kong, according to US court papers.

The FBI said Mr Miller calling Xi “The Boss” showed his “awareness that he was acting at the direction and control of the [Chinese] government”.

He was arrested on April 24 after he was caught in a sting when the ‘arms dealers’ he was negotiating with turned out to be undercover FBI agents.

Mr Miller was on a business trip to Belgrade, Serbia, at the time and is still being held last night facing extradition to the US.

He is accused of conspiring with US-based Chinese national, Cui Guanghai, 43, and if convicted, both men face up to 40 years in prison.

Neighbours at his five-bedroom £1.5million home in Tunbridge Wells described him a “respectable family man”, according to the Mail on Sunday.

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A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn’t be happier to see it back.

Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge.

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The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return.

Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics.

The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: “Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe.

“We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.”

News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery.

Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children.

One customer wrote: “So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We’ve really missed it.”

Another added: “Ashford just hasn’t been the same without it. It’s not just the food, it’s the memories that come with it.”

Wimpy, once a major player on the UK’s fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management.

The Ashford branch’s relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years.

The new owners say they’re committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience.

Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting.

Staff say they’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.

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