March 10, 2024

Princess Kate Radiates in First Official Photo Since Surgery

The world caught a glimpse of the radiant Princess of Wales, Kate, in the first official photograph released since her abdominal surgery in January. The image, captured by the Prince of Wales in Windsor earlier this week, features Kate surrounded by her beloved children.

In the heartwarming portrait, Kate sits with a serene smile, her arms enveloping her younger children, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte. The eldest child, Prince George, stands behind his mother, embracing her in a tender hug. The candid moment reflects the strength and resilience of the royal family during challenging times.

Accompanying the photo on her official Instagram account, Kate expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

The 42-year-old future queen underwent a planned operation at the London Clinic on January 16. After a 13-day stay, she returned home, and Kensington Palace assured the public that she was “making good progress.”

Kate’s absence from public appearances since her Christmas Day walk with other members of the Royal Family raised curiosity. However, an unauthorised paparazzi photo published by US celebrity news site TMZ on March 4 provided a glimpse of her during this recovery period.

The Princess of Wales remains a symbol of grace and resilience, and her family’s unwavering support continues to uplift her spirits during her healing journey

A man has been re-arrested after further incidents of postboxes being repainted across Dartford.

Since January 31, postboxes have been repainted in “acts of criminal damage” – with the majority of the incidents in the Temple Hill area.

Originally, many of these postboxes were repainted in a block gold colour but in recent weeks the postboxes have been flaunting more interesting designs.

Kent Police previously arrested a man on February 13 in connection with the initial post box painting incidents.

The arrest was made when police were on patrol in Oldfield Place, Dartford, noticed a man fitting the description of a suspect.

Officers said that he had been released on bail until May 4 while enquiries continue.

A spokesperson for Kent Police provided an update today stating that “a man in his 30’s has been re-arrested on suspicion of further offences and remains under investigation”.

A variety of patterns have been seen on the postboxes – on February 4, a postbox on Farnol Road was seen sporting a black and white pattern that looks a little like cow print.

Then on February 19, residents awoke to find some boxes painted pink with gold splotches, just like Mr Blobby.

Mr Blobby is a character originally featured on the British Saturday night variety show Noel’s House Party, broadcast on BBC One during the 90s.

Two of the Mr Blobby postboxes were seen in Temple Hill at the corner of Trevithick Drive and Wellcome Avenue and on Joyce Green Lane.

The next day on February 20 a post box on St Vincents Road was spotted painted in purple, gold and red with ‘Creme Egg’ written on it.

On February 27, the postbox with the Union Jack pattern was sighted in Trevithick Drive.

Most recently a drumstick style postbox was seen yesterday (March 8) in the Temple Hill area.

Royal Mail says it is in the process of restoring the postboxes to their original red painting.

Eleven National Highways Road Closures Expected in Dartford This March

Drivers around Dartford can expect 11 National Highways road closures this March.

Motorists could face hold-ups lasting between 10 and 30 minutes.

National Highways maintain motorways and major A-roads, so smaller road shutdowns are not on their schedule.

Here is the list of closures – with some already in place and some upcoming.

• A282, from 11pm March 1 to 5.30am March 28, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A282 northbound, Dartford Crossing West Tunnel, Tunnel closure for maintenance works, diversion via National Highways network.

• A2, from 8pm March 6 to 6am March 30, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A2 both directions Bexleyheath to Pepperhill, carriageway closures for surface works.

• A2, from 8pm March 7 to 6am March 8, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A2 eastbound, Pepperhill, slip road and lane closure for barrier repairs.

• A282, from 10pm March 9 to 5am March 10, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A282 northbound, Dartford Crossing West Tunnel, Tunnel closure for maintenance works, diversion via National Highways network.

• A282, from 10pm March 10 to 5am March 11, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A282 northbound, Dartford Crossing East Tunnel, Tunnel closure for maintenance works, diversion via National Highways network.

• A2, from 8pm March 11 to 6am March 16, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A2 westbound, Bean to Darenth, Lane closure for vegetation works.

• A13, from 10pm March 12 to 5am March 13, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A13 eastbound, junction 30 M25 entry slip road, slip road closure for Emergency technology works, diversion via National Highways roads.

• A13, from 10pm March 13 to 5am March 14, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A13 eastbound, M25, junction 30 to junction A126, lane closure for electrical works.

• A282, from 10pm March 16 to 5am March 17, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A282 northbound, Dartford Crossing West Tunnel, Tunnel closure for maintenance works, diversion via National Highways network.

• A282, from 10pm March 17 to 5am March 18, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A282 northbound, Dartford Crossing East Tunnel, Tunnel closure for maintenance works, diversion via National Highways network.

• A2, from 8pm March 18 to 6am March 20, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A2 eastbound, Bean, diversion and lane closures for construction works.

Six Local Businesses Fined for Employing Illegal Workers

A Turkish restaurant is among six local businesses which have been fined thousands for employing illegal workers.

According to the Government’s quarterly round-up six local businesses have had penalties issued for use of illegal workers.

Turkish restaurant Smoque, run by Mezze Dining 2 LTD, on Ringers Road in Bromley, has been fined £30,000.

East Hill Groceries, on East Hill in Dartford, was fined £10,000.

Not Only Thursday Ltd, a catering business based on Lansbury Crescent in Dartford, has been fined £15,000.

Robierfiz Ltd, a freight business based at Talisman Square in Sydenham, was also fined £15,000.

Josephine Stewart, of Tressillian Road in Brockley, and Emeka Pertus Ukwubiwe, of Chestnut Rise in Plumstead, were each fined £15,000 and £10,000.

he Home Office releases the data into the public record four times per year, and the latest data relates to the period of October to December 2022.

According to the Government, there can be severe penalties for employing individuals who do not have the right to work.

Gov.uk says: “You can be sent to jail for 5 years and pay an unlimited fine if you’re found guilty of employing someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.”

This includes, for example, if you had any reason to believe that:

They did not have leave (permission) to enter or remain in the UK

Their leave had expired

They were not allowed to do certain types of work

Their papers were incorrect or false

Martin Lewis Reveals Golden Rule for Easy Pension Saving

Saving for your pension can be easier said than done. Often many are concerned with budgeting, bills and the cost of the living crisis seeing putting money into your pension easily forgotten about.

However, Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has urged everyone to follow his simple ‘golden rule’ to make saving for your pension easy.

Lewis shared the advice on the ITV show This Morning talking to hosts Siân Welby and Dermot O’Leary.

One viewer called Tanya, rang into the ITV show to ask Lewis “Am I paying enough into my pension?”, prompting the Money Saving Expert to share his ‘golden rule’.

Martin Lewis shares his golden rule to make sure you’re putting enough into your pension

Lewis shared candidly that “nobody ever puts enough in their pension” but urged people to listen to his “scariest pants rule of thumb.”

Explaining the rule, Lewis shares that you take your age when you start putting money into your pension.

For example, taking host Welby’s age of 37, Lewis halves it to 18.5, adding that the rule means you would need to put in 18.5% of your earnings, including anything your company has put in, into your pension if you were to start your pension at 37.

That means if you are 40 years old, you should put 20% of your annual income into your pension to make sure you have enough.

However, Lewis adds that “nobody does that”, telling listeners not to worry and that the earlier you start putting away, the better.

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Lewis also shared how you could easily track down past pensions from previous employers.

Explaining how there is a pension tracer on Gov.UK that tells you who the pension from your previous employer should be with and who to contact.

He added that he has discussed old pensions previously and heard how some people who got in touch have found over £100,000 in pensions.

Sharing: “If you’ve worked in multiple places and you’re not sure whether you had a pension or not, it’s absolutely worth doing that, I mean you could be sitting on a pension gold mine without realizing it.”

Egypt’s Mediation Effort in Gaza: Ceasefire & Aid Ahead of Ramadan

Gaza: File Image

In a critical effort to quell the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Egyptian officials have initiated direct communication with senior representatives from both Hamas and Israel. These diplomatic exchanges aim to restart negotiations for a ceasefire during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin either tomorrow or Tuesday.

The delicate talks involve Egypt’s engagement with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling Gaza, as well as the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Acting under a mandate from the Egyptian presidency, these mediators strive to bridge the gap between the divergent positions held by the two sides. However, specific details regarding the content of these discussions remain undisclosed.

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have jointly taken up the task of brokering a deal for a temporary truce during Ramadan. In exchange, they seek the release of Israeli hostages who were captured during the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, an event that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.

Despite the absence of Israeli representatives in the latest round of talks held in Cairo this week, Israel’s Mossad has asserted that efforts to secure a deal are still ongoing. However, hopes for a successful resolution before Ramadan’s commencement appear to be fading.

As the deadly fighting persists, Gaza faces a dire humanitarian crisis. To alleviate the suffering of its besieged population, a Spanish charity ship named Open Arms is preparing to set sail from the Mediterranean island-nation of Cyprus. This voyage marks the first shipment along a maritime corridor connecting Cyprus, the closest European Union country, to Gaza.

The non-governmental organization Open Arms plans to transport a barge laden with 200 tonnes of food. Their partner, the US charity World Central Kitchen, will then unload this vital aid on the shores of Gaza. Despite logistical challenges, the ship remains docked in Larnaca, Cyprus, awaiting departure within the next few hours, according to Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

While the UN continues to issue warnings about the looming famine, food aid efforts persist. Airdrops by US, Jordanian, and other planes provide some relief, but the United Nations’ aid coordinator for the area emphasises that land-based supply routes remain the most effective means of assisting Gaza’s 2.4 million people.

In a devastating incident early this morning at 3:48 am, emergency services rushed to respond to a fire engulfing a residential property on Preston Road in Brighton. The situation quickly escalated, prompting road closures in the vicinity, diverting buses and traffic to ensure public safety.
Tragically, a 50-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene as firefighters from Preston Circus, Roedean, Newhaven, Bexhill, Lewes, and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service battled the flames in the three-story building’s basement flat.
Photo – Sussex News Amidst the chaos, a 36-year-old woman from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Sussex Police spokesperson issued a statement, urging the public’s cooperation: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire inside a property in Preston Road, Brighton. A road closure is in place from Ditchling Rise to the junction of Stanford Avenue. Please seek alternative routes while services work in the area.”
Enquiries to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are ongoing, with Sussex Police appealing for any information related to the incident. Individuals can make reports through the online reporting form or by calling 101, quoting Operation Tunnel.
Photo – Sussex News East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service provided additional details about their response to the incident. “We were called to a fire in a basement flat of a three-story building in Preston Road, Brighton at 3.48 on Sunday morning (March 10). Crews used breathing apparatus, an electric saw, and forcible entry to access the property. Despite the efforts, one fatality was reported, and a female was taken into the care of the ambulance service.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and a thorough fire investigation is set to take place.
Read more on www.Sussex.News

Man Arrested and Hospitalised Following Incident in Abbey Wood

A man has been arrested and taken to hospital after an incident in Abbey Wood.

Paramedics were called to Eynsham Drive today at 10.28am alongside police.

Officers attempted to stop a man, but he fled on foot and was chased by officers.

A taser was discharged and the man was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences including a breach of bail conditions and going equipped.

London Ambulance Service sent an ambulance crew and an incident response officer to the scene.

They treated one patient and took a man to hospital for further treatment.

Officers say this was for a pre-existing hand injury and he was later discharged.

He was taken into police custody where he remains

Officers have confirmed he was not in possession of a knife.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “On Sunday, 10 March at approximately 10:25hrs officers attempted to stop a male in Eynsham Drive, SE2.

“The male made off and was chased on foot by officers.

“The male stated he had a knife; Taser was discharged and the male was arrested for numerous offences including breach of bail conditions and going equipped. He was not in possession of a knife.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment to a pre-existing hand injury before being discharged into police custody where he remains.

“Enquiries continue.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.38am today (10 March) to reports of a stabbing in Eynsham Drive, SE2.

“We sent an ambulance crew and an incident response officer to the scene.

“We treated one patient and took him to hospital.”

Fatal Shooting in Catford Sparks Murder Investigation

No arrests have been made after a man was fatally shot in Catford during the early hours of this morning.

Officers are now appealing for the public’s help as they are “hopeful there will have been a number of witnesses who they would appeal to come forward.”

Police were first called at around 4.30am on March 10 to Catford Broadway after reports of a shooting.

Officers have described this area as a “busy part of south London”.

Police attended alongside paramedics and found a man – believed to be in his 30s – with a gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and police are in the process of informing his family.

No arrests have been made at this stage and police are appealing for anyone with further information to come forward.

Police have said that the incident may cause “great concern in the community” and have reassured locals that they have assigned “significant resources to this investigation” and that police on patrol in the area.

Officers are now working to establish the circumstances around the incident and a cordon remains in place whilst this work is carried out.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD1160/10Mar. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry responsible for policing in South East Area said: “My sympathies and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of this young man who has lost his life in very tragic circumstances.

“The incident took place in a busy part of south London and I’m hopeful there will have been a number of witnesses who I would appeal to come forward.

“I know such a shocking incident will cause great concern in the community and want to reassure residents that we have assigned significant resources to this investigation.

“We also have officers patrolling the local area and I would urge those with concerns to talk to them. They are there to support you.”

READ MORE: Live updates as major road closed in Catford due to fatal shooting

The A21 Rushey Green had been closed due to a police incident since early this morning (March 10) whilst forensics work on the scene.

AA Maps reported the closure first occurred at 5.24am on March 10, citing a “police incident”.

The incident was located at the A205 South Circular at the Catford Gyratory intersection, near Lewisham Town Hall.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot in Lewisham.

“Police were called at around 04.30hrs to Catford Broadway SE6 to reports of a shooting.

“Officers attended the scene along with LAS and discovered a man – believed to be in his 30s – with a gunshot wound. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“We are in the process of informing next of kin.

“Detectives are carrying out extensive fast time enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident and a significant cordon remains in place at the scene.

“There has been no arrest at this time.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD1160/10Mar.”

Vet Warns Pet Owners: Five Household Items That Could Harm Your Pups

A vet has issued a warning to pet owners over five household items that could be harmful to pups – including one surprising item that could be fatal.

Some essential oils, cigarettes and various plants are among some of the things you could have lying around the house and not even realise that they could cause harm to your furry friend.

A team of experts is raising awareness of these hidden household dangers during Pet Poison Prevention Month.

The crucial reminder for owners comes from the experts at TrustedHousesitters.

The advice follows research which reported that over 57% of British households are at risk of pet poisoning, according to Improve International Veterinary Practice.

What household items are toxic to cats and dogs?

The experts at Trustedhousesitters have rounded up the five household items that have hidden dangers to pets.

1. Essential oils

While essential oils are popular for their therapeutic properties, certain oils, such as tea tree oil, pennyroyal oil, and eucalyptus oil, can be toxic to pets if ingested, applied to their skin, or simply inhaled.

They may experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea among other nasty consequences.

2. Cigarettes or nicotine

Nicotine poisoning is a real concern as one out of every eight people in the UK smoke.

You may not know that cats and dogs are vulnerable to the particles and toxins in cigarettes.

Be on the lookout for discarded cigarettes while out and about too, as ingesting any remains can be just as harmful as inhaling smoke, and could lead to your pet vomiting or even having seizures.

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3. Spare change

Keep your change in your wallet! Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc which can be toxic to pets if ingested (as little as 1-2 coins).

Ingesting them could lead to zinc toxicity, and symptoms such as diarrhoea, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression.

4. Toxic plants

While we know some plants can be toxic, some lesser-known varieties can be harmful to your pets such as:

Sago palm: a plant that contains toxins that can cause liver failure

Daffodils: Springtime sees more daffodils in gardens and open spaces, so be careful not to let your pet close to them. They contain a toxic chemical called lycorine, which can cause tissue irritation to the mouth and be fatal if ingested in a large enough amount

Lilies: Toxic to cats, they contain crystals of calcium oxalates, which can cause kidney failure and even risk to life if ingested or even sniffed

Day: March 10, 2024