notorious

Certain animals keep disappearing under suspicious circumstances in the UK’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’

A moorland in North Wales has earned the grim nickname “Wales’ Bermuda Triangle” after gaining notoriety for a string of mysterious bird disappearances. Ruabon Moor, located to the west of Wrexham, is regarded as one of the most notorious bird of prey persecution hotspots in the UK, according to the RSPB.

In late August 2025, a satellite-tagged female Hen Harrier vanished without trace on the moor. Data from late August revealed that the young bird had departed the Peak District National Park, coming to rest on Ruabon Moor on August 28.

By the night of August 31, satellite tag data confirmed that the bird was no longer alive.

A search was subsequently carried out and the tag was recovered, but the bird’s body was nowhere to be found. North Wales Police sent the tag away for forensic examination.

Results confirmed that the satellite tag’s harness had been deliberately severed using a sharp instrument, such as a knife. Despite extensive searches, the body has never been recovered.

The Hen Harrier is a rare and vulnerable, red-listed species in Wales and across the UK, with its recovery being directly undermined by illegal persecution.

Mark Thomas, RSPB’s UK Head of Investigations, said: “Sadly, this incident is a textbook example of Hen Harrier persecution and really shows the massive impact these crimes are having on this species. In this case a healthy young bird fledged from a safe area in the Peak District National Park and sadly chose to settle in ‘Wales’ Bermuda Triangle’ – the most notorious bird of prey persecution hotspot in the country.

“This three-month-old bird survived for just three days in the area before it vanished in highly suspicious circumstances. Based on years of evidence and intelligence, we suspect the criminal shot the harrier, cut the harness off the Hen Harrier’s body, discarded the tag and disposed of the body.”

Craig Best, General Manager for the National Trust in the Peak District, said: “We are devastated to learn of the fate of this magnificent bird that started its life on moorland in our care in the Peak District. Hen Harriers are an important species in the ecosystem of moorland habitats.

“We work hard to make sure these birds have good nesting and feeding grounds. Funding from our supporters helps us to restore the landscapes they need to give them the best chance of survival. If persecution is allowed to continue, we stand to lose a very important species that is crucial to the health of these landscapes and it can’t continue.”

Sgt Peter Evans, of North Wales Police Rural Crime Team, said: “In September 2025, North Wales Police received a report concerning the disappearance of a Hen Harrier on Ruabon Moor. Working in partnership with the RSPB and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the harness was recovered and the investigation to date is inconclusive. Despite this, we can confirm that the harness had been intentionally severed, and the circumstances surrounding the bird’s disappearance are being treated as suspicious.

“Hen Harriers are a rare and protected species in Wales, making incidents of this nature particularly concerning. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant. If you witness any suspicious activity involving birds of prey, please report it to North Wales Police or the RSPB.”

Members of the public are encouraged to flag any suspected bird of prey persecution by ringing the police on 101 and submitting a report to the RSPB. This can be done through the RSPB’s online reporting form at www.rspb.org.uk/report-crimes or by phoning the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.

Reports made via the RSPB’s reporting form and Raptor Crime Hotline can be submitted anonymously.

Good Morning Britain star Richard Madeley is to head inside one of the world’s most controversial prison’s for an eye-opening Channel 5 documentary

Richard Madeley is switching the comfort of the Good Morning Britain sofa for the grey walls of prison for a new documentary. The presenter will also head over to Channel 5 for the documentary as he takes on a huge new project.

The feature-length documentary titled Richard Madeley On Murder Row has been commissioned and is set to air later this year. The programme will offer up a rare peek inside one of the world’s most controversial prisons.

The 69-year-old star will head to Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). The vast maximum security prison has become the cornerstone of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s war on gangs.

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Richard will be given access to the full site. It’s said the rare offer “took months to negotiate”, with the presenter also taking in how life really is inside the detention centre.

The GMB presenter will speak to inmates at the facility as they live under the strict regime. And he will also chat with guards who set the harsh rules to try to keep the felons under control.

Away from the institute, Richard will visit the tough urban areas that surround it and are home o a number of violent gangs. He will find out exactly what the effects of the CECOT being on their doorstep has had.

Speaking of the opportunity, Richard said: “‘I was genuinely thrilled to be asked to front this film for 5. It’s not every day you’re given the chance to step inside a place as extraordinary and talked about as CECOT.”

He went on: “What struck me straight away was the sheer scale of it, and the stories behind it. In meeting the people who run the prison and those living inside it, what unfolds is a fascinating and often surprising look at justice, security, and the human realities behind the headlines. It’s been a remarkable experience.”

Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning 5, said: “This access to CECOT was a tantalising prospect. Richard is, at heart, a first-class popular journalist and we were thrilled to get the chance for him to serve some time there. I think viewers will be very surprised by the results.”

And Andy Dunn, Senior Executive Producer, ITN Productions, added: “Gaining access to CECOT, the most secretive and notorious prison in the world, took months of negotiation. It was really important for Richard to experience the extreme conditions there first hand, and he takes us on a compelling and unique journey as he considers the effectiveness and ethics of such a harsh regime.”

Last year, it was revealed Donald Trump had sent 250 gang members to what has been labelled the “world’s worst prison”. The maximum security mega-prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador has seen hundreds of immigrants being sent from the US by the Trump administration.

Tens of thousands of prisoners have been locked up on bare metal bunks in the prison. They often don’t have a mattress and conditions have been described as inhumane. Cells have two toilets and a basin which are open with no privacy while there are no windows and they are watched by guards from holes in the mesh ceiling.

The conditions are unlike anything seen in the UK system as the inmates take their cramped space on the metal bunks.

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