violent

Sky drops riveting first-look at ‘violent’ prequel to five-star crime drama

A new trailer has been released for an upcoming crime drama on Sky that fans won’t want to miss

Sky has unveiled the thrilling first trailer for an upcoming prequel series to one of their best shows.

Gomorrah – The Origins will be released in early 2026 and revealing the startling story of how Pietro Savastano, originally portrayed by Fortunato Cerlino, became one of the most notorious crime bosses in Naples.

The original Italian crime drama aired between 2014-2021 and was one of Sky’s biggest international shows, becoming a worldwide hit after airing in 190 countries.

Now, rising star Luca Lubrano steps into Pietro’s shoes in a six-part origin story kicking off in 1977.

Sky says the gripping new drama will tell “the story of how it all began — how a very young Pietro Savastano will enter a criminal world set against the backdrop of a city in transformation: poor, rough-edged, hooked on cigarette smuggling and about to enter a new era of heroin use.”

Also joining the cast are Francesco Pellegrino as reluctant gangster Angelo ‘A Sirena’, Flavio Furno as charismatic convict ‘O Paisano’, Tullia Venezia as musician Imma, who goes on to become Pietro’s wife, and Fabiola Balestriere as young mother Annalisa Magliocca before she became the notorious female drug lord Scianel.

Supporting cast includes Antonio Buono, Ciro Burzo, Luigi Cardone, Antonio Del Duca, Mattia Francesco Cozzolino, Junior Rancel Rodriguez Arcia, and Antonio Incalza.

The first trailer revealed a fun and fast-paced thriller that will nevertheless delve into Naples’ darker underbelly as fans follow the rise of one of the most iconic characters in international drama.

Based on the bestselling novel by Roberto Saviano, it’s a must-watch for fans of the original series and is also bound to attract newcomers to the franchise who will immediately want to binge all five seasons of the flagship hit.

An official synopsis for Gomorrah – The Origins from Sky reads: “Pietro is a tough city kid who grew up in the poorest parts of Secondigliano.

“He and his friends survive any way they can, riding their mopeds around town and committing petty theft.

“But he has a big dream: to become like Angelo ‘A Sirena, the neighbourhood’s ‘king’. When he manages to get in the graces of the young boss, he finds himself caught in a power game far beyond him.

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“He ends up wondering whether this dark, violent criminal life is really what he wants or if his love for Imma can save him from such a fate.”

The original series overwhelmingly received five-star reviews from fans and, with writers Leonardo Fasoli, Maddalena Ravagli and author Saviano back on board for the prequel, it’s expected to reach similar soaring heights.

One fan raved about the original Gomorrah: “I absolutely adore this show. It’s raw, realistic, and unflinchingly brutal.

“As someone hailing from the North of Italy, I was already familiar with the Camorra, but this series opened my eyes to just how merciless it can be.

“The actors deliver outstanding performances, the script is flawlessly executed, and the storyline is gripping.”

Gomorrah – The Origins premiere in early 2026 on Sky and streaming service NOW.

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Emmerdale ‘kills off’ character without warning as unexpected villager turns violent

Emmerdale may have aired a brutal and unexpected death on Thursday night, as one teen committed a violent act in self-defence as the County Lines plot escalated

Another death could be looming on Emmerdale, months on from multiple characters facing grim demises.

Thursday’s episode hinted a character had been killed off without warning, while another villager could face a grim fate too. A character was attacked with a glass bottle, and left lifeless and bleeding in dramatic scenes.

There was also concern for missing teenager Dylan Penders who had not been seen since another run-in with villain Ray Walters. As for the possible death victim, newcomer Callum was attacked in self-defence by teenager April Windsor.

She was left shaken when she saw Callum slumped on the bed after she hit him, with blood pouring from his head. He looked dead if not seriously injured, while fans will have to tune in on Friday to find out his fate.

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He had just forced himself on April, attempting to rape her after she tried to flee the room they were in. She’d been sent there by Ray and evil Celia, who are heading up a dangerous drugs scheme which April and Dylan have been drugged into.

Convincing April and Dylan they are in serious debt, Ray and Celia have made it clear that they expect 16-year-old April to have sex with their clients to pay the money back, and to keep their clients returning. The grim storyline has also seen the pair getting closer to other villagers linked to April to put on the pressure.

April is terrified, and reluctantly agreed to meet with client Callum knowing he was paying Ray and Celia to sleep with her. As the episode went on, a scared April decided she didn’t want to go through with it.

Callum turned on her though, claiming he didn’t care what she did or didn’t want and he was “gonna do it anyway”. He then warned her there was no escape as he’d locked them both in.

As he began to undress the teenager, April freaked out and pushed him away only for him to grab her. As she managed to get him off, she picked up the vodka bottle and slammed it over his head.

Callum landed on the bed lifeless, with blood pouring out from his head. April gasped as she watched on terrified, but has she killed him? If she has, how will Celia and Ray react?

It comes as Mark Charnock, who plays April’s father Marlon Dingle, teased a massive twist is on the way. He said something that happens in a special episode with April and Marlon left him “thrown”.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



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Contributor: Left and right have united in favor of puerile, violent rhetoric

In recent weeks, American politics have stopped resembling a democracy and started looking more like a Manson family group chat, with a flag emoji right next to the “pile of poo” emoji in our bio.

First it was the Young Republicans (you know, the nerds who used to wear ill-fitting sports jackets and drone on about budgets) who were caught on Telegram saying things such as “I love Hitler,” calling Black people “watermelon people,” and joking about gas chambers and rape. Hilarious, right?

Then came Paul Ingrassia, Trump’s now-aborted nominee to head the Office of Special Counsel, who texted that he has “a Nazi streak” and that Martin Luther King Jr. Day belongs in “the seventh circle of hell.

But the moral rot isn’t exclusive to Republicans. Not to be outdone, Democrat Jay Jones (who is currently running for attorney general in Virginia) was caught with texts from 2022 saying another Virginia lawmaker should get “two bullets to the head,” and that he wished the man’s children would “die in their mother’s arms.”

Charming.

Meanwhile, in Maine’s race for the U.S. Senate, old posts on Reddit reveal that Democrat Graham Platner — oysterman, veteran and self-described communist — said that if people “expect to fight fascism without a good semi-automatic rifle, they ought to do some reading of history.”

Did I mention that he called police officers “bastards,” broadly criticized rural white folks and had a tattoo on his chest that resembled Nazi imagery?

What we are witnessing is a trend: Bipartisan moral collapse. Finally, something the two parties can agree on!

Keep in mind, these are not randos typing away in their parents’ basements. These are ambitious young politicos. Candidates. Operatives. The ones who are supposed to know better.

So what’s going on? I have a few theories.

One: Nothing has really changed. Political insiders have always done and said stupid, racist and cruel things — the difference is that privacy doesn’t exist anymore. Every joke is public, and every opinion is archived.

It might be hard for older generations to understand, but this theory says these people are merely guilty of using the kind of dark-web humor that’s supposed to stay on, well, the dark web. What happened to them is the equivalent of thinking you’re with friends at a karaoke bar, when you’re actually on C-SPAN.

For those of us trying to discern the difference, the problem is that the line between joking and confession has gotten so blurry that we can’t tell who’s trolling and who’s armed.

Two: Blame Trump. He destroyed norms and mainstreamed vulgarity and violent rhetoric. And since he’s been the dominant political force for a decade, it’s only logical that his style would trickle down and corrupt a whole generation of politically engaged Americans (Republicans who want to be like him and Democrats who want to fight fire with fire).

Three (and this is the scary one): Maybe the culture really has changed, and these violent and racist comments are revelatory of changing hearts and worldviews. Maybe younger generations have radicalized, and violence is increasingly viewed as a necessary tool for political change. Maybe their words are sincere.

Indeed, several recent surveys have demonstrated that members of Gen Z are more open to the use of political violence than previous generations.

According to a survey conducted by the group FIRE, only 1 in 3 college students now say it is unacceptable to use violence to stop a speaker. And according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, “53 percent of those aged 18-34 – approve of one or more forms of hostile activism to bring about change.” This includes “threatening or committing violence, and damaging public or private property.”

Of course, it’s possible (and probably likely) that some combination of these theories has conspired to create this trend. And it comes on the heels of other trends, too, including the loss of trust in institutions that began somewhere around the Nixon administration and never reversed.

Put it all together, and we’ve arrived at a point where we don’t believe in democracy, we don’t believe in leaders, and we barely believe in each other. And once you lose trust, all that’s left is anger, memes and a primal will to power.

Worse, we’ve become numb. Every new scandal shocks us for approximately 15 minutes. Then we scroll to another cat video and get used to it.

Remember the Charlie Kirk assassination? You know, the gruesome murder that freaked us all out and led to a national discussion about political violence and violent rhetoric? Yeah, that was just last month. Feels like it was back in the Eisenhower administration.

We’re basically frogs in a pot of boiling political sewage. And the scariest part? We’re starting to call it room temperature.

Matt K. Lewis is the author of “Filthy Rich Politicians” and “Too Dumb to Fail.”

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Maccabi Tel Aviv v Hapoel Tel Aviv called off by police after ‘violent riots’

Hapoel Tel Aviv criticised the derby cancellation, accusing Israeli police of “preparing for a war, not a sporting event”, including during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated match.

“The shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport,” Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement on X, external.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, except to confirm the match was cancelled.

The decision by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has sparked widespread criticism.

The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the ban and exploring what additional resources might be required to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely.

Villa told their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the game, saying they understood that some “may have concerns”.

On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it supported the ban and classified the fixture as “high risk” based on intelligence and previous incidents.

That included “violent clashes and hate-crime offences” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.

There have been protests at various sporting events over the war in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and Italy in recent football World Cup qualifiers.

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Vera’s Brenda Blethyn looks completely different in ‘shocking’ film with ‘violent’ twist

Brenda Blethyn stars in the upcoming drama film Dragonfly, which has been described as “shocking” and “violent” by critics

The latest trailer for Brenda Blethyn‘s “shocking” drama Dragonfly has just dropped and it’s already proving a massive hit with audiences after scoring 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film also features Andrea Riseborough and Jason Watkins, with the storyline centring around Coleen (Riseborough) who becomes horrified by the treatment her elderly neighbour Elsie (Blethyn) is enduring, prompting her to volunteer her assistance without charge.

Nevertheless, the synopsis suggests that Colleen’s motives might not be quite what they seem. As suspicions mount, a devastating incident triggers a brutal chain of events that could irreversibly transform both women’s existence.

The trailer opens with Elsie recognising that looking after someone is “a lot of hard work” after Colleen volunteers her assistance. Colleen insists that it’s what neighbours are “supposed to do”, but the trailer swiftly shifts into darker territory as Elsie looks petrified by a telephone ringing in her house, and Colleen’s true intentions come under scrutiny from Elsie’s son (Watkins).

“I’ve been hurting all my life, Elsie, to be honest,” Colleen confesses, as we witness her menacingly observing Elsie through a glass panel in her front door, reports Chronicle Live.

Following its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, Dragonfly currently boasts a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. In our critique, we called the film “a powerful and compelling drama that explores those that society shuns, building to an ending you won’t forget”.

The Hollywood Reporter penned: “Is this tonal swerve a little gimmicky? Probably, and the film will not be to everyone’s taste. But it is a skillfully rendered exercise in terror.”

ScreenAnarchy remarked: “While cinema in general still tends to romanticise loneliness, Dragonfly shows it for what it is: a routine series of everyday, excruciating experiences that always build up to something that tends to be horrific, more often than not.”

The Guardian lauded it as “a stark, fierce, wonderfully acted film”, while Culture Mix observed: “Dragonfly isn’t just a ‘slow burn’ psychological drama.

“This well-acted movie about two lonely people and home caregiving takes an extreme turn in the last 20 minutes to a shocking ending that’s sure to be divisive.”

Last year, Blethyn spoke candidly about securing the role in the film after wrapping up Vera, reminiscing at the British Film Institute: “I was home, I hadn’t even unpacked my bag, and my agent called me and said, ‘Oh, you’ve been offered a film.’ I said, ‘I don’t want to do a film. I haven’t unpacked yet.'”.

“She said, ‘Oh, it is with Andrea Riseborough.’ I said, ‘Oh, is it?’ And she said, ‘And it starts next week because somebody had dropped out and it’s written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams.'”.

“I said, ‘Oh, well, I better have a little read of it just to… but no, I’m not doing it, but I’ll have a read of it.’ And I liked it, so I did it.”

Dragonfly premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. A cinema release date is yet to be announced

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Morocco arrests hundreds of protesters as rallies turn violent | Protests News

Moroccan authorities have arrested more than 400 people during violent protests demanding reforms in the public health and education sectors, the Ministry of Interior says.

A fifth night of youth protests was under way on Wednesday in cities across the North African country, but authorities said the fourth night had turned more violent than before. They reported 263 members of the security forces and 23 civilians were injured as demonstrators torched cars and ransacked shops.

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The demonstrations have been organised online by a loosely formed, anonymous youth group calling itself GenZ 212, using platforms including TikTok, Instagram and the gaming application Discord.

On Tuesday night, young men brandished knives and threw Molotov cocktails and stones, an Interior Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. He said 409 people were taken into police custody.

MOROCCO-PROTESTS/
Members of the security forces detain a man as they prevent a protest demanding reforms in education and healthcare from taking place in Rabat [Ahmed El Jechtimi/Reuters]

Administrative buildings, banks and shops were looted or vandalised in the Souss region cities of Ait Amira, Inezgane, Agadir and Tiznit as well as the eastern city of Oujda, he said.

Videos circulating on social media and verified by Al Jazeera showed damaged ATM machines and a bank building that appeared to have been looted with broken glass scattered across the ground.

In posts discussing the protests, the GenZ 212 group said it rejected violence and was committed to continuing peaceful protests. It said it had no argument with security forces, only with the government.

The Interior Ministry statement said 142 vehicles belonging to the security forces and 20 private cars had been set on fire.

Peaceful protests over economic and social conditions have been recurrent in Morocco, but this week’s demonstrations are the most violent since at least 2016 and 2017 when protesters clashed with security forces in the Rif region in the north.

The Interior Ministry will uphold the right to protest in accordance with legal procedures and will respond with “restraint and self-control, avoiding provocation”, the spokesperson said.

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EastEnders spoilers: Ben returns, Joel turns violent towards Vicki and Sukeve ‘reunite’

Just one week after Max Branning’s return – another legend will be returning as Ben Mitchell makes his surprise return to the soap for Jonno Highway’s funeral

If the return of Max Branning wasn’t enough, EastEnders are giving us yet another legendary return next week, as its time for Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) to return.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Ben, along with Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) would be making a return for Jonno Highway’s funeral. But of course, with Callum’s recent fling with Johnny – there’s sure to be drama.

The Mitchells gather for the occasion at the start of the week, in which Callum tells Johnny it’s best to stay away to avoid suspicion. The pair then kiss, but Ben’s mum Kathy Beale secretly spots them. Phil, Kathy, Billy, Honey, Ian and Harvey collectively confront Callum, but things take a turn when he hits them with some home truths and tells Johnny he’s serious about the relationship – and asks him to the funeral.

READ MORE: EastEnders confirms ‘huge U-turn’ in Stacey Slater exit story next weekREAD MORE: EastEnders fans ‘rumble sinister reason’ for Jasmine’s arrival – and it’s not for Zoe

The Mitchells then tell Callum he needs to reveal all to Lexi and Ben after the funeral, but Callum gets the shock of his life when Ben turns up to the funeral unannounced.

Johnny and Stuart work hard to keep the truth under wraps during the funeral, but things get too much for Callum back at The Vic when Callum reasons he must tell Ben after Johnny tells him to keep quiet. But will he tell Ben and if so, how will he react?

As we know, Ben was sent to prison in the US, but next week, it will be revealed that he was transferred to a UK prison for turning informant on his cellmate and granted release for the funeral. It was said Ben’s return was only for a short stint, but could it end up being longer in the future?

Across the other side of the Square, Joel Marshall’s storyline takes the darkest turn yet – as he turns violent towards his stepmother Vicki Fowler.

An incident at school started by Joel and Tommy, raises debate in Walford as parents and their teens discuss the ramifications of the event, and the impact of harmful content online.

Kat, Alife, Ross and Vicki attempt to police Joel and Tommy on their misogynistic views, but things take a horrific turn and escalate when Joel hits Vicki…

Elsewhere, Priya, Ravi, Avani and Nugget reluctantly move back into No.41, sale as Suki attempts to build bridges with her family, and later meets Eve for a drink. To Suki’s shock, Eve reveals that she wants to adopt a baby with Suki.

Priya then spies Suki looking up information about adoption, and the family pass judgement – but will they go through with it?

As we know, Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki, is currently taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. The actress has revealed she isn’t leaving the soap, but working on a “reduced schedule” while she takes part in the competition.

There’s fear for Kojo as he collapses yet again, as Harry realises he is still working for Ravi and Okie. Harry’s forced to turn to his dad Teddy for help as he attempts to catch Ravi and Okie out…

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Madagascar imposes curfew after violent protests against water, power cuts | Protests News

Police fire rubber bullets and tear gas as hundreds protest chronic power outages in the island country.

Authorities in Madagascar have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, following protests against frequent power outages and water shortages that turned violent.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Thursday to voice their anger over persistent power cuts, which often leave homes and businesses without electricity for over 12 hours. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to quash the demonstrations.

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The protesters barricaded roads with rocks and burning tyres. By Thursday afternoon, there were reported incidents of looting at various retailers, appliance stores and banks across the 1.4-million-strong capital.

Several stations for the country’s new cable car system were also set on fire.

Local media reported on Thursday that three homes of politicians known to be close to President Andry Rajoelina were also attacked by protesters.

Authorities banned the demonstration on Wednesday, citing the risk of public disorder, and police patrolled the capital in large numbers from early Thursday.

MADAGASCAR-PROTESTS/
Protesters walk during a demonstration to denounce frequent power outages and water shortages in Antananarivo, Madagascar [Zo Andrianjafy/Reuters]

“There are, unfortunately, individuals taking advantage of the situation to destroy other people’s property,” General Angelo Ravelonarivo, who heads a joint security body that includes the police and the military, said in a statement he read on privately owned Real TV late on Thursday.

To protect “the population and their belongings,” the security forces decided to impose a curfew from 7pm to 5am (16:00-02:00 GMT) “until public order is restored,” the statement said.

Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is mired in poverty, and some people blame the government of Rajoelina, who was reelected in 2023, for not improving conditions.

Some 75 percent of the country’s estimated 30 million population lived below the poverty line in 2022, according to the World Bank.

“Water and electricity are basic human needs.” “Let us speak out.” “Malagasy people, wake up.” These were some of the messages displayed on the protesters’ placards.

It was unclear how many people were injured during the rallies or whether there were any fatalities.

The protest movement, dominated mostly by the youth, started gaining traction a few days ago on social media platforms, mainly Facebook.

In the country’s provinces, unrest was also reported at the offices of the national water and electricity company, which is seen by protesters as the root of the country’s problems.

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Fast and Furious guns tied to second violent crime

In the second violent crime in this country connected with the ATF’s failed Fast and Furious program, two Arizona undercover police officers were allegedly assaulted last year when they attempted to stop two men in a stolen vehicle with two of the program’s weapons in a confrontation south of Phoenix.

The officers, members of an elite Arizona Department of Public Safety law enforcement unit, said the driver rammed their cars and threatened them with the firearms, and then fled into the Arizona desert. The driver was caught and arrested, and two firearms –- a Beretta pistol and AK-47 semiautomatic assault rifle — were found in the stolen Ford truck, the police said.

The suspect, Angel Hernandez-Diaz, 48, believed to be a Mexican national, was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, driving the stolen vehicle and illegal possession of the weapons. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in Pinal County, Ariz., next month.

Also arrested in the incident was the passenger, Rosario Zavala, 30, of Mexico, who was charged with possession of narcotics and the stolen vehicle.

The encounter came five months after the Fast and Furious program began, in which ATF agents allowed the illegal purchase of weapons to try to track the firearms to Mexican drug cartels. And it occurred nine months before the fatal slaying in December of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, killed in a separate assault in which two Fast and Furious firearms were discovered at the scene south of Tucson.

Sources said this is the first case so far of Fast and Furious weapons found at the scene of another violent crime other than Terry’s. Officials at ATF headquarters and the Justice Department are sifting through records to see whether there are more. About 2,000 weapons were allowed to be illegally purchased in the Phoenix area, and the vast majority were lost track of by ATF agents.

“There is bound to be a lot of them,” said one source close to case.

The new incident outside Phoenix, in the suburb of Maricopa, is the crime that the Justice Department alluded to last week in a report to congressional investigators reviewing Fast and Furious. They did not, however, provide any details. The Justice Department originally told Congress there were 11 sites in the U.S. with Fast and Furious guns, but last week revised the number to two identified so far.

Information about the crime surfaced Thursday after officials at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at Washington headquarters contacted Arizona law enforcement officials, and they agreed to discuss it.

The weapons found in the vehicle were the 9-millimeter Beretta, hidden under the front console, and the AK-47 in the back seat. Authorities in Arizona said they were told both weapons were illegally purchased under the Fast and Furious program that began in November 2009. Also in the truck were four boxes of ammunition for the AK-47, a box of 23 9-mm bullets for the Beretta, and four cases of Bud Light beer.

According to police reports, indictments and Officer Carrick Cook, the truck was stopped on the night of March 4, 2010, when the undercover unit realized the vehicle was stolen. Rather than exit, the driver revved the car and repeatedly rammed the two unmarked police vehicles.

Inside the truck, the driver removed the Beretta from his waistband, flashed it at the officers, and then bolted from the truck. He then turned in a crouched position as though he was pointing another weapon. At that point, Officer Mike Ruiz fired several times because “he felt his life was in danger and that of the other officer.”

Ruiz missed, and Hernandez-Diaz surrendered.

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Our seaside town is UK’s drunk capital where violent kids booze from 13 & McDonald’s workers are scared to step outside

ON ‘P***head Corner’, a group of worse-for-wear locals tuck into cans of cheap beer while commuters hurry past on their way to work.

Charity shops, boarded up stores and nail salons dominate the high street, while drug deals take place in broad daylight and drunks brazenly swig from bottles of spirits. 

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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South Shields has suffered neglect and povertyCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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It is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the countryCredit: North News and Pictures
South Shields beach with an orange lighthouse.

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The coastline boasts stunning stretches of golden sandsCredit: Getty
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. Chloe Mycock. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Chloe Mycock told The Sun alcoholism is a major issue hereCredit: North News and Pictures

Yet this scene of deprivation is just yards from the picturesque seafront of South Shields, with a stunning stretch of golden sands and a recently regenerated promenade.

This weekend 60,000 athletes will cross the finish line of the Great North Run, running a mile along the coastline at Sandhaven Beach, after competing the gruelling race from Newcastle

But beyond the funfair, restaurants and elegant Victorian park close to sands, the rundown streets tell a story of years of neglect and residents speak of a dark underbelly of crime, alcoholism and drug taking. 

Steven Smith was once a successful painter and decorator but is now a self-confessed alcoholic desperately trying to get sober. 

We speak to him at the town’s transport interchange, dubbed “P***head Corner” due to its popularity among drinkers.

The 42-year-old said: “Having the Great North Run is all well and good but the crime rate is diabolical.

“I got beat up just last night. It was for no reason at all. I was walking through the row of shops in the centre and I ended up in hospital. I woke up there. 

“There were three lads and they jumped me for nothing. They were probably trying to steal from me but it knocked me out.

“I’m walking and talking and that’s the main thing, but it’s not nice. They did it because they are a***holes, and it didn’t surprise me to be honest. 

“South Shields is getting worse for it. The town was given some money a while ago but it hasn’t been spent wisely.

We live in UK ‘gang capital’ where anywhere beginning with ‘P’ is no-go zone

“I don’t take drugs but I’m an alcoholic trying to ween myself off.

“The other day I walked around the corner and saw someone smoking a crack pipe in front of kids.”

Steven believes the town’s younger population are at risk of falling into the same trap.

The other day I walked around the corner and saw someone smoking a crack pipe in front of kids

Steven Smith

He added: “I had some kids ask me last week to go in the shop for them to buy drink. They couldn’t have been older than 13 or 14.

“I told them I wasn’t going to do it. I don’t want to encourage anyone to drink. It ruins lives.”

Addiction crisis

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. group waiting for the pub to open .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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South Shields has problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugsCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. Steven Smith .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Steven Smith was once a successful painter and decorator but is now a self-confessed alcoholic desperately trying to get soberCredit: North News and Pictures
Aerial view of the River Tyne near South Shields, England.

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The run finishes at the picturesque coastlineCredit: Alamy

Damning data from the Office of National Statistics speaks of an alcohol crisis engulfing the town and the surrounding area. 

Across 2022 to 2023, 777 per 100,000 people in South Tyneside were admitted to hospital for an alcohol-related reason. The figure was sky high compared to the rate of 475 across England as a whole. 

During the same time period, 62 per 100,000 under 18s were admitted as a result of consuming booze, while the England rate stood at just 26.

The number of people suffering from alcoholic liver disease in South Tyneside was also nearly double the national rate. There were 304 per 100,000 in the region, compared to 156 in England.

By mid-morning, groups of men and women eagerly waited outside the town’s pubs ahead of opening time. 

Meanwhile, a gaunt couple were handed a package by a furtive-looking man before rushing from the bustle of the interchange. 

People are always on drugs giving you abuse when you walk past. Even if you have a child with you, they do it all the time.

Ex-McDonald’s worker Chloe Mycock

Ex-McDonald’s worker Chloe Mycock used to dread taking breaks during shifts at the nearby fast food restaurant due to unsavoury characters loitering outside.

Chloe, now 21, said: “Alcoholism is a major issue. People are always on drugs giving you abuse when you walk past.

“Even if you have a child with you, they do it all the time. Groups of kids go through the bus station on bikes and they will harass you without a care.

“One hundred per cent it makes me wary of going outside on my own.

“I used to work at McDonald’s and I would come and sit outside on my breaks to get some fresh air. But there would be crowds of people outside and it made me feel unsafe.

“This was during the day so I definitely would not feel safe coming out at night-time.

“I think a lot of these people come from certain parts on the outskirts of the town and they congregate together in the centre.”

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. inebriated group on 'Piss Head Corner' .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Pictured is an inebriated group on ‘P*** Head Corner’Credit: NNP
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. Dave Binding, .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Dave Binding said A&E must be like a conveyer belt for South Shields staffCredit: North News and Pictures

Retired police officer Dave Binding, 81, added: “The place is dirty, although it is the same as anywhere else these days.

“People used to come home after work, get changed, and go for a night out.

“But now they might have a quick drink and then go home and stay there, perhaps due to fear of walking the streets.

“There are places around here that are no-go areas, which common sense dictates you stay away from.

People used to come home after work, get changed, and go for a night out. But now they might have a quick drink and then go home and stay there, perhaps due to fear of walking the streets

Retired police officer Dave Binding

“But I ask, what more can you do? We have a country that we deserve now, not one that we want.

“I’m seeing the problem happen more often with drinks in South Shields. I feel sorry for the staff at A&E because it must be like a conveyer belt.

“They must tell each other ‘I saw him yesterday’ but what more can they do?

“This place suffers from the same rash – the same nail bars, the same barbers and second-hand shops.”

Child poverty

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Down one local street terraced houses are in dire need of attentionCredit: NNP
Brick building with boarded-up windows.

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Boarded up flats on one estate tell a sad storyCredit: NNP
Crowd at a race finish line.

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The Great North Run brings thousands of spectatorsCredit: Alamy

A recent BBC study ranked a third of the neighbourhoods in South Tyneside among the most deprived in the country.

The child poverty crisis was deemed so severe the council recently announced a four-point plan in a desperate bid to reduce levels.

In 2020 to 2021, around 39 per cent of children in the South Tyneside area were living in poverty according to council data.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators will flock to the town to watch the competitors finish the 42nd Great North Run, which was founded in 1981, when just 12K took part. 

The event was masterminded by former Olympic medallist Brendan Foster who wanted to create a fun run in his home region. Mo Farah dubbed the 2013 race his favourite ever, despite not winning, due to the tremendous support from the sidelines. 

One woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: “The Great North Run is great for the area but people only ever see the nicer part of South Shields at the coast when it’s on TV.

“I don’t think the people who come here for the run will to rush to return.

“People used to come to this area to live but now they try and get out because there’s nothing here.

“Kids these days hang around on their bikes outside of McDonald’s and people don’t feel safe.

I don’t venture out in the town when it’s dark because people are up to no good on their bikes

Anonymous

“Child poverty is definitely an issue in the town. A lot of the younger generation don’t go on to higher education.

“If they’re not lucky enough to grow up in a nicer area, they often get stuck in a poverty cycle.

“There aren’t many jobs and people have to travel elsewhere.

“The foodbank in nearby Hebburn gets really busy.

“I don’t venture out in the town when it’s dark because people are up to no good on their bikes.”

Intoxicated groups

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. inebriated group .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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An inebriated group gather under a Visit South Tyneside signCredit: North News and Pictures
Three people sitting on steps outside a brick building.

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The area has a high rate of addictionCredit: NNP
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. Anti drug lighting and narcotic support posters in the public toilets .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Anti drug lighting and narcotic support posters in the public toiletsCredit: North News and Pictures

Sarah Wytcherley, a 40-year-old warehouse worker, said: “Crowds of intoxicated people gather in the town all of the time.

“They sit outside the bus interchange and that’s not what people want to see when they’re visiting the town for the first time.

“It has always been a problem with Shields as far as I’m aware. It doesn’t look very nice.”

One worker at the interchange believes police have been making an effort to move on the hoards of drunks.

He said: “It has been bad. It is has gone downhill as a whole. You see them spiced out of their heads and it puts fear into people.

“There was an incident not long ago where a kid on a bike hurt a disabled guy. It doesn’t look good for town at all.”

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs..Pictured is Sarah Wytcherley, a 40-year-old warehouse worker .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Sarah Wytcherley said crowds of intoxicated people gather in the town all of the timeCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Graffiti is daubed on an abandoned houseCredit: NNP
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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A boarded up house in one of South Fields’ neighbourhoodsCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Councillors say they are working to tackle inequalitiesCredit: North News and Pictures

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council told The Sun: “The Great North Run showcases the beauty and spirit of our borough.

“But behind the scenes, we’re working every day to make sure that spirit is felt in every neighbourhood – tackling inequality, improving safety, and creating opportunity for all.

“We’ve never shied away from the challenges some of our communities face and we have worked hard to tackle them head on, targeting our support to make things fairer across the borough and redress inequalities.

“We know that issues like child poverty and alcohol-related harm have a real impact on people’s lives, and that’s why we’ve taken bold, proactive steps to address them.

“We’ve launched the North East’s first Child Poverty Strategy, bringing together partners across the region to take coordinated action — from working closely with schools and providing baby boxes to new parents to helping parents with the costs of school uniforms, school meals and holiday activities.

“We’re also refreshing our Alcohol Strategy to confront the borough’s high rates of alcohol-related deaths. This includes improving access to support services, challenging cultural norms around drinking, and tackling health inequalities head-on.

Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. Hydroponics shop with smashed windows .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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The high street is filled with slot casinos, pawnbrokers and vape shopsCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. shop on the high street selling drug paraphenalia .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Charity shops are dotted around the areaCredit: North News and Pictures
Dated: 05/09/2025.South Shields which will be seen by millions this Sunday as the picturesque fininshing location of the iconic Great North Run, but is rated as one of the most deprived areas in the country, with a high street of slot casinos pawnbrokers, vape and charity shops as well as problems with anti social behaviour fueled by drink and drugs. .FAO Alex Bellotti at Sun Online

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Councillors hope the relocation of South Tyneside College into the town centre,will breathe new life into the placeCredit: North News and Pictures

“To tackle long-term challenges, we’re investing in both our places and our people. Our regeneration plans go beyond the seafront — they’re about creating opportunity across the borough.

“The relocation of South Tyneside College into the town centre, backed by millions in external funding, will breathe new life into South Shields.

“Through the Community Regeneration Partnership, we’re also delivering real improvements in Hebburn, Jarrow and beyond. Programmes like South Tyneside Works and regional skills initiatives are helping residents access training and support.

“And by attracting major employers, we’re creating jobs and helping local people step into them.”

Superintendent Lisa Laverick, of Northumbria Police, said: “Alongside our partner organisations, we strive to make South Tyneside as safe as possible a place for people to live, work and visit.

“As a Force, we fully understand the detrimental impact that crime can have on the lives of residents and always aim to tackle these issues head on using a range of tactics.

“We carry out a number of proactive operations during each year, including Project Shield patrols which aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and serious violence incidents while also engaging with our communities to retain and build their trust in us.

“We also run the Safer Transport Northumbria initiative which allows commuters to raise any issues while using public transport with us, while our dedicated Metro Unit regularly patrols the Metro network to identify any criminality and take the appropriate action.

“This has helped us to achieve a 19 per cent fall in the number of recorded ASB incidents in South Tyneside in the past year, and our focus remains on improving this even further.

“Our teams do their utmost to build on our ever-growing intelligence picture so that we can target offenders and get them before the courts to face justice.

“As ever, we rely on the support and assistance of our community so please continue to work with us by providing information on crime or suspicious activity if you become aware of it in your neighbourhood.

“Together, we can keep South Tyneside the welcoming borough it is.”

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Emmerdale hit by HUNDREDS of Ofcom complaints over ‘violent and tasteless’ soap death

EMMERDALE has been hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints regarding a ‘violent and tasteless’ soap death.

Viewers were left heartbroken when killer John Sugden claimed his latest victim.

A man aiming a bow and arrow in a forest.

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Emmerdale has received hundreds of Ofcom complaints following a recent soap deathCredit: ITV
A man lying on the ground, appearing injured.

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Fan favourite Mackenzie Boyd was seemingly killed offCredit: ITV
A man lying on the ground, apparently injured.

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Killer John Sugden seemingly claimed another victimCredit: ITV

The August 21 episode saw Mackenzie Boyd shot in the back with an arrow.

The mechanic had worked out that John had killed Nate Robinson months ago.

Mackenzie fled into the woods, but John prevented his escape by firing an arrow at his back.

A final flashback saw John throw a heavy rock down at a helpless Mackenzie.

Viewers later saw blood stains in John’s van and a body covered by a sheet – seemingly confirming Mackenzie’s death.

The latest data shows Ofcom received 158 complaints following the grisly scenes.

After John’s brutal actions played out, fans soon took to X to complain.

One wrote: “Love emmerdale but this all seemed a bit much with the violence and the crossbow seemed in bad taste what with the recent real life tragedies.”

Another added: “@ofcom complaints incoming and this time you take action.”

A third said: “The writers have really crossed line bow and arrow after crossbow killings not right.”

Emmerdale icon set to quit the Dales days after co-star’s exit was confirmed and shock cheating plot

A fourth chimed in: “Isn’t this a tad violent for early evening.”

While a fifth remarked: “A bit distasteful isn’t it having a serial killer kill someone with a bow and arrow havent you got any compassion for a presenter who lost his entire family by a bow and Arrow in real life.”

It came after the real life murder of three people by crossbow killer Kyle Clifford in July of last year.

 The Sun previously revealed that Lawrence Robb, who played Mackenzie, had filmed devastating murder scenes for his character.

Ofcom complaints in soap

Soap viewers are no strangers to complaining to Ofcom when it comes to harrowing scenes.

Here are some of the most notable recent examples:

  • Vinny’s attack: Emmerdale received hundreds of complaints following Vinny Dingle facing a homophobic attack. Vinny realised that Mike, a man who he met on an online support forum, had a dark ulterior motive for befriending him, which lead to Vinny being attacked Viewers were left horrified by the distressing moment, with a total of 279 contacting Ofcom with their concerns.
  • Mick’s Corrie exit: Corrie’s killer villain Mick Michaelis bowed out earlier this year – but not before seeking revenge on former best mate Kit Green. He beat Kit up, putting him in hospital – with fans complaining over the grim scenes.
  • Tom King’s animal abuse: Emmerdale viewers were furious over harrowing scenes which saw villain Tom King harm his pet dog in an effort to bring his wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) back under his control. He was seen injecting the dog, Piper, with an unknown substance.
  • Martin Fowler’s death: EastEnders viewers were shocked and heartbroken when Martin Fowler died in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode – with many claiming they were ‘calling Ofcom’ after the distressing scenes.

A source said at the time: “The scenes are going to be really harrowing for fans to watch.

“Mackenzie has been in so many scrapes and dangerous positions but this time it looks like he’s bitten off more than he can chew. 

“Viewers will be on the edges of their seats watching what happens.”

Some fans believe Mackenzie may still be alive – as his corpse was not directly shown.

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Still image from Emmerdale showing Mackenzie Boyd and Aaron Dingle talking.

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Mackenzie first appeared on the soap in 2020Credit: ITV

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Black mayors of cities Trump decries as ‘lawless’ tout significant declines in violent crimes

As President Trump declared Washington, D.C., a crime-ridden wasteland in need of federal intervention last week and threatened similar actions in other Black-led cities, several mayors compared notes.

The president’s characterization of their cities contradicts what they began noticing last year: that they were seeing a drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike. In some cases the declines were monumental, due in large part to more youth engagement, gun buyback programs and community partnerships.

Now members of the African American Mayors Assn. are determined to stop Trump from burying accomplishments that they already believed were overlooked. And they’re using the administration’s unprecedented law enforcement takeover in the nation’s capital as an opportunity to disprove his narrative about some of the country’s greatest urban enclaves.

“It gives us an opportunity to say we need to amplify our voices to confront the rhetoric that crime is just running rampant around major U.S. cities. It’s just not true,” said Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Ga., and president of the African American Mayors Assn. “It’s not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever.”

Trump has deployed the first of 800 National Guard members to the nation’s capital, and at his request, the Republican governors of three states pledged hundreds more Saturday. West Virginia said it was sending 300 to 400 Guard troops, South Carolina pledged 200, and Ohio said it would send 150 in the coming days, marking a significant escalation of the federal intervention.

Beyond Washington, the Republican president is setting his sights on other cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland, calling them crime-ridden and “horribly run.” One thing they all have in common: They’re led by Black mayors.

“It was not lost on any member of our organization that the mayors either were Black or perceived to be Democrats,” Johnson said. “And that’s unfortunate. For mayors, we play with whoever’s on the field.”

The federal government’s actions have heightened some of the mayors’ desires to champion the strategies used to help make their cities safer.

Some places are seeing dramatic drops in crime rates

Trump argued that federal law enforcement had to step in after a prominent employee of his White House advisory team known as the Department of Government Efficiency was attacked in an attempted carjacking. He also pointed to homeless encampments, graffiti and potholes as evidence of Washington “getting worse.”

But statistics published by Washington’s Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped there since a post-pandemic-emergency peak in 2023.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson scoffed at Trump’s remarks, hailing the city’s “historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30% and shootings by almost 40% in the last year alone.”

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, where homicides fell 14% from 2023 to 2024, called the federal takeover in District of Columbia a performative “power grab.”

In Baltimore, officials say they have seen historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, and those have been on the decline since 2022, according to the city’s public safety data dashboard. Carjackings were down 20% in 2023, and other major crimes fell in 2024. Only burglaries have climbed slightly.

The lower crime rates are attributed to tackling violence with a “public health” approach, city officials say. In 2021, under Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore created a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan that called for more investment in community violence intervention, more services for crime victims and other initiatives.

Scott accused Trump of exploiting crime as a “wedge issue and dog whistle” rather than caring about curbing violence.

“He has actively undermined efforts that are making a difference saving lives in cities across the country in favor of militarized policing of Black communities,” Scott said via email.

The Democratic mayor pointed out that the Justice Department has slashed more than $1 million in funding this year that would have gone toward community anti-violence measures. He vowed to keep on making headway regardless.

“We will continue to closely work with our regional federal law enforcement agencies, who have been great partners, and will do everything in our power to continue the progress despite the roadblocks this administration attempts to implement,” Scott said.

Oakland officials this month touted significant decreases in crime in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, including a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in all violent crime, according to the midyear report by the Major Cities Chiefs Assn. Officials credited collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services through the city’s Department of Violence Prevention, established in 2017.

“These results show that we’re on the right track,” Mayor Barbara Lee said at a news conference. “We’re going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here.”

After the president gave his assessment of Oakland last week, Lee, a steadfast Trump antagonist during her years in Congress, rejected it as “fearmongering.”

Social justice advocates agree that crime has gone down and say Trump is perpetuating exaggerated perceptions that have long plagued Oakland.

Nicole Lee, executive director of Urban Peace Movement, an Oakland-based organization that focuses on empowering communities of color and young people through initiatives such as leadership training and assistance to victims of gun violence, said much credit for the gains on lower crime rates is due to community groups.

“We really want to acknowledge all of the hard work that our network of community partners and community organizations have been doing over the past couple of years coming out of the pandemic to really create real community safety,” Lee said. “The things we are doing are working.”

She worries that an intervention by military troops would undermine that progress.

“It creates kind of an environment of fear in our community,” she said.

Patrols and youth curfews

In Washington, agents from multiple federal agencies, National Guard members and even the United States Park Police have been seen performing law enforcement duties including patrolling the National Mall and questioning people parked illegally.

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said the National Guard troops will not be armed, but he declined to elaborate on their assignments to safety patrols and beautification efforts.

Savannah’s Johnson said he is all for partnering with the federal government, but troops on city streets is not what he envisioned. Instead, he said, cities need federal assistance for things like multistate investigation and fighting problems such as gun trafficking and cybercrime.

“I’m a former law enforcement officer. There is a different skill set that is used for municipal law enforcement agencies than the military,” Johnson said.

There has also been speculation that federal intervention could entail curfews for young people.

But that would do more harm, Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.

“If you’re a young person, basically you can be cited, criminalized, simply for being outside after certain hours,” she said. “Not only does that not solve anything in regard to violence and crime, it puts young people in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system.”

A game of wait-and-see

For now, Johnson said, the mayors are closely watching their counterpart in Washington, Muriel Bowser, to see how she navigates the unprecedented federal intervention. She has been walking a fine line between critiquing and cooperating since Trump’s takeover, but things ramped up Friday when officials sued to block the administration’s naming its Drug Enforcement Administration chief as an “emergency” head of the police force. The administration soon backed away from that move.

Johnson praised Bowser for carrying on with dignity and grace.

“Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle,” Johnson said. “We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are.”

Tang writes for the Associated Press.

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Peter Andre’s stalker hell saw 26 police swarm venue after ‘violent’ death threat

Popstar Peter Andre has opened up about his terrifying experience of being stalked during a chat with his daughter Princess on her new ITV show, The Princess Diaries

Peter Andre has opened up about his stalker hell
Peter Andre recalled his experiences of getting stalked(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Peter Andre has opened up about a terrifying ordeal where he was targeted by a persistent stalker who sent him numerous death threats during his daughter Princess’ ITV show, The Princess Diaries.

During a deep chat with her dad, the 18-year-old opened up about the “weird messages” she received online – leaving Peter horrified. Princess revealed people would ask to see feet pics, with others asking if she was now legal.

Expressing why he was so worried Peter explained: “I had one stalker, who was a violent stalker that had threatened to kill me on one of the shows. I was touring with Bobby Brown, and on the night of the Sydney show, 26 police officers came and surrounded the building,” he said. It comes after Katie Price worries fans with appearance in family photo after explaining weight loss.

READ MORE: Katie Price shares cryptic post about motherhood amid Princess Andre ‘rift’READ MORE: Katie Price and Princess Andre ‘feud’ deepens: 18th birthday ‘blow out’ and ‘jealousy’

Peter Andre
Peter described the terrifying ordeal to his daughter (Image: ITV)

“They thought the guy was going to come and kill me that night,” Peter explained, leaving his daughter in utter shock. He then revealed he was 19 at the time.

Peter has previously spoken about the terrifying ordeal, shortly after Strictly’s Shirley Ballas‘ stalker, Kyle Shaw, had been sentenced.

Kyle Shaw, 37, pleaded guilty at Liverpool’s Crown Court on February 25, admitting the charges that took place between August 31, 2017, and November 9, 2023.

In his column for OK!, the father-of-five shared his own chilling experience with a stalker, which led to 26 police officers being called to the venue where he was performing in Australia due to the barrage of death threats he had received.

He penned: “I was reading about Shirley Ballas’s stalker avoiding jail. It’s strange – I think some people read these terrible stories and somehow don’t believe they’re real. They’re very real. It happens to a lot of people in the public eye.”

Princess and Peter
Princess and Peter share a close relationship(Image: INSTAGRAM)

He went on to say: “Now, you may not believe me but it happened to me. In 1992 or 93, I was touring with Bobby Brown in Australia.

“At one of the concerts in Sydney, there were 26 police at the venue who were present on this particular night because of a series of death threats that had been made to me from someone who’d been stalking me for a long time. One day, I’ll tell the whole story..”

Peter previously demanded action to “eliminate” the crime of stalking following Shirley’s terrifying experience which grabbed headlines.

In an earlier column, the pop star revealed he’d “seen a lot of stories about stalking”, including a disturbing incident involving tennis ace Emma Raducanu.

The 22 year old was compelled to halt a match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships after spotting a man in the crowd who had given her a letter at her hotel the day before.

“It’s really interesting because stalking has been going on for years,” Peter said.

“I remember the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard, focused on the stalking of celebrities. Social media isn’t helping, as it makes it easier to track someone down. But this has been going on for a long time and I hope we find a way to eliminate this sort of thing. My thoughts are with both Shirley and Emma.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.



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Plans to restrict where violent and sexual offenders can go

Restrictions on serious sexual and violent criminals forcing them stay in specific areas are being planned by the government.

Offenders would be limited to a geographical zone, policed by tougher monitoring and enhanced tagging, under legislation being drawn up.

While exclusion zones are already used in licence restrictions as somewhere an offender cannot go, the new system would instead specify the confined area where they are allowed to go. Ministers say this would give victims greater peace of mind.

But there are concerns that the plans would place more pressure on the probation service – something the government says it hopes to alleviate with more staff and a greater use of technology.

Presently, serious sexual and violent offenders can be ordered upon release not to enter the area where their victim lives – but outside of these exclusions, there is a risk the two could encounter one another.

Under the government’s plans, the onus would shift to confining the offender to specific areas tailored to them and developed in consultation with the victim, with the possibility of time in prison for those who breach restrictions.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says this would allow victims to travel free of worry about meeting their attacker.

Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the fresh approach would “give them the peace of mind they deserve and rebuild their lives without fear”.

One domestic abuse victim, named Leanne, told PA news agency she was “ecstatic” about the move.

She said, in her experience, there were “places where I was confronted” even when her abuser had restraining orders in place, and that if “I knew I could go to those places safely, happy days, I’m protected”.

The MoJ says increased tagging of released offenders and a greater reliance on monitoring technology will help ensure the restriction zones are adhered to.

But one probation officer said the new zones would put more pressure on the service when it was already struggling to monitor the number of offenders in the community.

“It’s like they just keep adding to our workload without actually telling us they’re going to be doing that,” they said. “And we just get more stressed and put under pressure. These zones will mean more monitoring and more responsibility for us in probation.”

Last year, the government began releasing thousands of inmates early to ease overcrowding.

While this prevented the UK’s prisons running out of spaces, it was criticised for shifting further pressure on to the probation service and police forces. Meanwhile, some prisoners were released without having monitoring tags fitted.

The MoJ says at least 1,300 new trainee probation officers will be recruited into the service next year to increase its monitoring capacity.

But probation staff have told the BBC it can take between 12 and 24 months to properly train an officer.

Sources say the plans will be attached to the sentencing bill likely to be introduced to Parliament next month.

This bill will probably also seek to reduce the minimum amount of time less serious offenders have to serve to a third of their sentence, as part of efforts to ease prison overcrowding.

These proposals were criticised by victims’ charities and probation staff when announced in May.

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Violent abusers set to be forced to stay inside ‘restriction zones’ under tough new laws

VIOLENT abusers are to be made to stay inside “restriction zones” for the first time under new laws. 

They must remain in certain areas, monitored by GPS tags, with potential jail time for a breach. 

Portrait of Alex Davies-Jones.

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Victims’ minister Alex Davies-Jones said the new laws ‘will strengthen safeguards’Credit: Facebook @Alex Davies-Jones MP

Current laws ban thugs from an area — normally around a victim’s home. 

Campaigners say that restricts victims’ freedoms, as they feel safe only when they stay in their exclusion zones — and not when elsewhere. 

Probation services will enlist victims to draw up a list of locations offenders are allowed to visit. 

The Ministry of Justice move came after lobbying from campaigners. It may be introduced as part of the Sentencing Bill going through Parliament

Victims’ minister Alex Davies-Jones said it “will strengthen safeguards”. 

Announcing the change, Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Alex Davies-Jones said: “Through our Plan for Change, we’re putting victims first. 

“This move will strengthen safeguards for victims.

“I’ve heard firsthand how this innovative approach will give them the peace of mind they deserve and rebuild their lives without fear.”

Diana Parkes CBE and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, who are co-founders of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, said: “For far too long, victims have had to reshape their lives to avoid their offenders.

“Exclusion zones have made victims feel trapped as though they are the ones serving a sentence, with the victim carrying the weight of someone else’s crime

“This announcement from the Ministry of Justice is the much-needed change that has long been called for and is a powerful step forward.

“By placing restrictions on offenders instead, this will now give survivors the freedom they deserve to live, move and heal without fear. “

A distressed woman sits with her head in her hands.

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Violent abusers are to be made to stay inside ‘restriction zones’ for the first time under new lawsCredit: Getty

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Coronation Street bride fights for life on wedding day and violent crime exposed

Coronation Street spoilers reveal a wedding takes a horrifying turn next week on the ITV soap, with the bride in a bad way while there’s also another dark crime exposed

Coronation Street spoilers reveal a wedding takes a horrifying turn next week
Coronation Street spoilers reveal a wedding takes a horrifying turn next week(Image: ITV)

There’s worrying scenes ahead on Coronation Street, including a hospital dash, an outburst, and a possible arrest.

Dev Alahan and Bernie Winter prepare to tie the knot, but disaster strikes. Bernie is left in a bad way, but will she be okay and will she make it down the aisle?

There’s exciting times ahead for Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, and a gesture from the former leads to smiles. One pair’s fling continues, and comes under threat.

There’s more trouble for Theo Silverton and Todd Grimshaw, and soon there’s a possible arrest amid a “violent crime”. Then there’s a new and surprising romance teased as two residents could find love.

One character’s secret could finally be exposed too, while one teen is struggling and there’s a disturbing discovery about a child. Let’s kick things off with the big wedding, as Dev enjoys his stag do, and Bernie’s hen gets underway.

Something at the stag leaves Bernie furious, and soon as the wedding arrives there’s hiccup after hiccup. As her grandchildren fall ill, Bernie is mortified when she forgets her lucky charm locket containing a photo of her late son Paul Foremam.

READ MORE: Coronation Street wedding day interrupted by horror collapse as death ‘sealed’

There's worrying scenes ahead on Coronation Street
There’s worrying scenes ahead on Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

She races home to get it only to disturb a burglar. She seems to be okay though and heads back to the venue, where Debbie Webster has been keeping everyone entertained in her absence.

So much so, there’s cheers when Debbie sings a song for partner Ronnie Bailey and ends up proposing. Kit Green walks his mother Bernie down the aisle meanwhile, but just as she and Dev prepare to say their vows devastation strikes.

Suddenly, Bernie struggles to breathe and collapses in front of her groom Dev. He watches on helpless as Bernie gasps for breath in a bad way, with her stepdaughter Asha Alahan, a paramedic, rushing to her aid.

An ambulance is called as everyone panics, but will Bernie be okay and will the make it to the hospital in time? Soon Asha announces the family need to get to the hospital – has something happened?

Carla's nephew Ryan Connor is on hand
Carla’s nephew Ryan Connor is on hand(Image: ITV)

Also next week, Kit’s son Brody continues to act out. As Kit is upset to hear about how bad his son’s upbringing was with Mick and Lou, he wants to help and spends the day with him at a match.

As this happens, Sally and Tim Metcalfe are shocked to discover that Brody’s younger sister Joanie has old bruises on her arm and they feel duty bound to let social services know. What has happened to Joanie?

Soon Brody is left taking his anger out on Kit’s new flame Sarah Platt, but will he keep pushing his family away? Elsewhere, there’s joyous scenes for Swarla fans, as Carla and Lisa get on with moving into their new home.

Carla’s nephew Ryan Connor is on hand to help pack up their flat ready for their new life a few doors down. But when he describes his new living arrangements and his weird flatmate, both Carla and Lisa feel sorry for him.

There's exciting times ahead for Lisa Swain and Carla Connor
There’s exciting times ahead for Lisa Swain and Carla Connor(Image: ITV)

As Carla and Lisa get on with the move, suddenly Ryan arrives carrying his rucksack with his belongings. Carla’s confused, only for Lisa to tell her partner the good news that she’s asked Ryan to move in with them and he’s said yes.

Carla is thrilled, touched by her partner’s generosity with her and Ryan being so close. With that, Ryan is officially back in the household with the pair and Lisa’s daughter Betsy Swain.

Carla looks emotional as she thanks Lisa, with the pair holding hands and taking in the moment. Lisa realises just how much it means to Carla, as the pair move forward after tough times recently.

Someone who could be left out in the cold next week is Aadi Alahan who is found knocking back booze in Victoria Gardens. Ignoring new flame Lauren Bolton’s calls, she heads out to track Aadi down and he’s clearly in a bad way.

Aadi decides it is time to confess about what really happened at the party. When Dev and Bernie arrive home they are horrified as Aadi decides to come clean to them too – will this lead to his exit from the show?

Aadi decides it is time to confess about what really happened at the party to Lauren
Aadi decides it is time to confess about what really happened at the party to Lauren(Image: ITV)

Also next week Carl Webster and Abi Franklin’s affair is in full swing, as Abi fumes over her husband Kevin Webster’s cancer lie. She heads out for passion with her brother-in-law, while Kevin knows full well he’s losing his wife.

Back at the hotel, Abi is shocked when she sees a message on Carl’s phone from dodgy Fiona and Carl confesses he’s been doing illegal MOTs amongst other dodgy deals at the garage. Back on the Cobbles, Debbie’s revealed to have booked Abi and co a family holiday in Mallorca as a treat.

But how will she react and will she go? She ends up spilling all to Kevin about the MOT scam only to realise he knew. Debbie urges her sister-in-law to think about things before ending her marriage, urging her to stay with Kevin.

But a chat with Carl sees Abi realise Kevin has been lying to her, so will she be tempted to move on with Carl? As the week goes on it’s clear the pair want to be together, continuing to meet up in secret but will they be rumbled?

Carl Webster and Abi Franklin's affair is in full swing
Carl Webster and Abi Franklin’s affair is in full swing(Image: ITV)

Also next week Tracy Barlow sparks suspicions, and it would appear Jenny Connor has the hots for George Shuttleworth who is looking for love after his split from Eileen Grimshaw. Finally next week, Theo and Todd consider moving in together, but Theo remains irritated by Todd’s harmless antics at the stag do.

When Todd spends time with Summer Spellman Theo has enough, and refuses to join them. Things get worse when a moment with drunken Aadi leads to the latter falling and hitting his head, and Theo gets the blame.

As the police reveal there’s been a report of an incident at the precinct and he needs to answer some questions, Theo is led away to the station as seen by Billy Mayhew. But it’s when a comment is made about Theo having been involved in a “violent crime” in the past that Todd is left concerned and begins to investigate – but what will he find out?

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



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Contributor: If Haiti has become more violent, why end Haitians’ temporary protected status in the U.S.?

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced last month that temporary protected status for about 5,000 Haitians would end Sept. 2, five months earlier than planned. The Trump administration has cited flawed and contradictory assessments of conditions in Haiti — which, make no mistake, remains unsafe.

Although a U.S. district court halted the action — at least temporarily — and reinstated the original termination date of Feb. 3, the administration is likely to challenge the ruling. The outcome of such a challenge could hinge on whether the courts receive and believe an accurate representation of current events in Haiti.

The administration asserts that “overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety.” Nothing could be further from the truth. But few outsiders are entering and leaving the country lately, so the truth can be hard to ascertain.

In late April and early May, as a researcher for Human Rights Watch, I traveled to the northern city of Cap-Haïtien. For the first time in the several years I have been working in Haiti, violence kept me from reaching the capital, Port-au-Prince, where the airport remains under a Federal Aviation Administration ban since November when gangs shot Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines passenger jets in flight.

In Cap-Haïtien, I spoke with dozens of people who fled the capital and other towns in recent months. Many shared accounts of killings, injuries from stray bullets and gang rapes by criminal group members.

“We were walking toward school when we saw the bandits shooting at houses, at people, at everything that moved,” a 27-year-old woman, a student from Port-au-Prince, told me. “We started to run back, but that’s when [my sister] Guerline fell face down. She was shot in the back of the head, then I saw [my cousin] Alice shot in the chest.” The student crawled under a car, where she hid for hours. She fled the capital in early January.

This rampant violence is precisely the sort of conditions Congress had in mind when it passed the temporary protected status law in 1990. It recognized a gap in protection for situations in which a person might not be able to establish that they have been targeted for persecution on the basis of their beliefs or identity — the standard for permanent asylum claims — but rather when a person’s life is at real risk because of high levels of generalized violence that make it too dangerous for anyone to be returned to the place.

When an administration grants this designation, it does so for a defined period, which can be extended based on conditions in the recipients’ home country. For instance, protected status for people from Somalia was first designated in 1991 and has been extended repeatedly, most recently through March 17, 2026.

Almost 1.3 million people are internally displaced in Haiti. They flee increasing violence by criminal groups that killed more than 5,600 people in 2024 — 23% more than in 2023. Some analysts say the country has the highest homicide rate in the world. Criminal groups control nearly 90% of the capital and have expanded into other places.

Perversely, the Department of Homeland Security publicly concedes this reality, citing in a Federal Register notification “widespread gang violence” as a reason for terminating temporary protected status. The government argues that a “breakdown in governance” makes Haiti unable to control migration, and so a continued designation to protect people from there would not be in the “national interests” of the United States.

Even judging on that criterion alone, revoking the legal status of Haitians in the U.S. is a bad idea. Sending half a million people into Haiti would be highly destabilizing and counter to U.S. interests — not to mention that their lives would be at risk.

The Trump administration has taken no meaningful action to improve Haiti’s situation. The Kenya-led multinational security support mission, authorized by the U.N. Security Council and initially backed by the United States, has been on the ground for a year. Yet because of severe shortages of personnel, resources and funding, it has failed to provide the support the Haitian police desperately need. In late February, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres recommended steps to strengthen the mission, but the Security Council has yet to act.

The humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate. An estimated 6 million people need humanitarian assistance. Nearly 5.7 million face acute hunger.

On June 26, just one day before Homeland Security’s attempt to end Haitians’ protected status prematurely, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the ongoing crisis in Haiti as “disheartening.” He said that “public order has all but collapsed” as “Haiti descends into chaos.” Two days earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert urging U.S. citizens in the country to “depart as soon as possible.” These are not indications that “country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety,” as Homeland Security claimed on June 27.

The decision to prematurely end temporary protected status is utterly disconnected from reality. The Trump administration itself has warned that Haiti remains dangerous — and if anything has become more so in recent months. The U.S. government should continue to protect Haitians now living in the United States from being thrown into the brutal violence unfolding in their home country.

Nathalye Cotrino is a senior Americas researcher at Human Rights Watch.

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