The News - Wednesday, 13 August 2025

BBC News

Police get new guidance on releasing suspects' ethnicity

Police forces will be encouraged to release a suspect's details in high-profile and sensitive investigations.

The deadly cancers left behind by 50 years of success

Half of people with cancer survive but lack of progress for some forms of disease is worrying experts.

The UK car industry is at a crunch point - can it be saved?

Tariffs, Brexit, pandemic havoc... All of this caused short-term disruption - but the impact concealed a deeper problem for the UK automotive industry

Zelensky rules out ceding Donbas region as Russians make fresh advance

The Ukrainian leader was speaking ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Thirteen children died after falling from windows in six years

Calls for landlords to prioritise faulty window repairs to avoid "entirely preventable" deaths.

Inside Australia's billion-dollar bid to take on China's rare earth dominance

Recent moves by Beijing have got businesses worried - and Australia is looking to offer an alternative.

National Guard troops appear in Washington DC as mayor rejects 'authoritarian push'

Armoured vehicles were spotted at urban centres and tourist sites around the US capital on Tuesday evening.

AI can make us UK's biggest firm, Rolls-Royce says

Tufan Erginbilgic says business deals to supply nuclear power for artificial intelligence could boost its fortunes

Government expands police use of facial recognition vans

The Home Office says the technology helps locate suspects but civil liberties groups warn of heightened surveillance.

Call for free bus passes to help under-22s into work

A pilot scheme for free travel at any time of day would help them get to work and education, a report says.

Israel bombards Gaza City as UK and allies demand action against 'unfolding famine'

The countries demanded "immediate, permanent and concrete steps" to facilitate the entry of aid to Gaza.

The Papers: Migrants arrive at 'record speed' and 'Fresh inheritance tax grab'

The migrant crisis dominated the papers on Wednesday, as small boat migrant numbers hit 50,000 under Labour.

I didn't go to uni - now I work as a celebrity photographer

The BBC speaks to four young people who say skipping university does not have to mean missing out on success.

Crime in DC: What do the figures say and how safe do people feel?

National Guard troops have been seen reporting for duty in Washington DC as President Trump takes over the city’s police force.

Why are Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska and when will it happen?

Trump says he will meet with the Russian leader in the "great state of Alaska".

Driving theory test to include CPR first aid questions

Experts hope to boost cardiac arrest survival rates, with 2.4 million people sitting the test each year.

South Korea's former first lady arrested for corruption

Kim Keon Hee, 52, denies all the charges against her, telling reporters she is a "person of no importance".

US says UK human rights have worsened in past year

The report criticises restrictions on freedom of expression after the Southport attacks and abortion buffer zones.

AI start-up Perplexity makes surprise bid for Google Chrome

One technology industry investor called the $34.5bn offer a "stunt" that is much lower than Chrome's true value.

Putin reaffirms 'friendship' with North Korea ahead of Trump talks

Kim Jong Un provides Moscow with artillery, missiles - and as a BBC investigation shows, labourers working in 'slave-like' condition.

Teens arrested for Brad Pitt burglary targeted other stars, say LA police

The suspects, including two boys, raided the houses of other actors and athletes, police say.

UFC to host first-ever fight event at the White House

The fight is set to be part of a series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

In maps: The war-ravaged Ukrainian territories at the heart of the Trump-Putin summit

Kyiv has rejected ceding territory seized by Russia to secure a ceasefire.

Manchester Arena bomb plotter charged with attack on prison guards

Hashem Abedi is facing five charges including three of attempted murder.

Claire's falls into administration with 2,150 jobs at risk

Claire's has appointed administrators in the UK and Ireland, but its shops will stay open as it considers a possible sale.

Three children in court accused of man's murder

Alexander Cashford, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene in Leysdown-on-Sea in Kent, police said.

Porn site traffic plummets as UK age verification rules enforced

Data suggests leading adult site Pornhub lost more than one million visitors in two weeks.

Students face nervous overnight wait for A-level, T-level and BTec grades

Admissions experts say a record number of 18-year-olds could get into their first choice of university.

Lammy admits fishing without licence on Vance trip

The foreign secretary has written to the Environment Agency to tell them about the error, and has now bought a licence.

Gaza talks to focus on releasing hostages all in one go, Netanyahu hints

Mediators say a deal can be pushed through in the weeks before Israel's planned expansion of the war.

London chess prodigy, 10, becomes youngest female international master

Bodhana Sivanandan, from Harrow, also became the youngest female player to beat a grandmaster.

Wildfire menaces major Greek city as heatwave grips Europe

Heatwave blanketing southern Europe are sparking blazes from Portugal to the Balkans with a major fire in Greece.

I had knife pulled on me in migrant camp, says shadow home secretary

Chris Philp says the incident took place as he was talking to people near Dunkirk, France.

The UK car industry is at a tipping point - can it be saved?

Tariffs, Brexit, pandemic havoc... All of this caused short-term disruption - but the impact concealed a deeper problem for the UK automotive industry

I cleared my £13,000 debt with TikTok earnings

Roxanne Freeman says now she makes up to £5,000 a month by posting reviews of dresses.

What challenges will new guidance on ethnicity pose for police?

As forces are told they can share some suspects' ethnicity and nationality, officers warn of possible pitfalls.

Migrant hotel resident charged with sexual assault

Essex Police says it is not looking for any other suspects in relation to the alleged offences.

More than 140 people report crimes to Al Fayed investigation

Police shared the number in an update sent to victims of the late Harrods owner's predatory behaviour

Average mortgage rates below 5% for first time since Truss budget

Average two-year mortgage rates have fallen to 4.99%, the lowest point since September 2022.

Survival rates for most deadly cancers making little progress, experts warn

Half of people with cancer survive but lack of progress for some forms of disease is worrying experts.

Trial of Labour MP Tulip Siddiq begins in Bangladesh

The ex-minister denies the allegations of corruption against her, relating to a plot of land in Dhaka.

Thirteen children died after falling from windows in six years

Calls for landlords to prioritise faulty window repairs to avoid "entirely preventable" deaths.

Bournemouth Echo

Woman hospitalised following XL pocket bully attack requiring 22 stitches

A WOMAN has said her life has been “absolute hell” after she was attacked by an XL pocket bully in last month.

Thug headbutted and stamped on elderly man before ‘revelling’ in attack

A thug headbutted and stamped on an elderly man before ‘revelling’ in the attack, a court heard.

Residents call for rethink on AFC Bournemouth’s east stand's 'painful' expansion

A gated community bordering AFC Bournemouth’s stadium has criticised the club’s lack of consultation over its ‘painful’ plans to expand.

Council 'disappointed' as direct coach service to London only partially reinstated

At the beginning of July, National Express made changes to its timetables which meant that buses would take longer to get to central London from Ringwood, as stops including Heathrow and Southampton were added to the 035 route.

Safeguard Force says members 'have no unspent convictions to our knowledge'

A new volunteer patrol group in Bournemouth has completed its first operation, with its founder stressing that all members are vetted and have no unspent criminal convictions.

First Hampshire Marathon was a landmark event with Bournemouth winners

The race ignited the public's imagination, drawing huge crowds and a sense of shared excitement. 

Faces of the 1910s in Bournemouth

Stepping back in time through photographs from the 1910s is a journey into a world teetering on the edge of profound change. The images offer a poignant glimpse into a bygone era, capturing the innocence of a pre-war society alongside the stark realities of an industrializing world. We see families gathered on front porches, their Sunday best a testament to the era's formal customs. Children, often barefoot and dusty, pose with solemn expressions, their faces a mosaic of youthful hope and the hardships of the time.

Christchurch bakery given permission to sell alcohol despite objections

A BAKERY in Christchurch has been granted a new premise licence despite objection from residents.

'Wonderful' Dorset ape rescue centre named one of the UK's best days out

Monkey World in Dorset has been named as one of the UK's best days out for the summer holidays, according to The Telegraph

Fire union warn of stretched resources during 'nationally significant' drought

Dorset fire service warns of strain as drought fuels wildfire risk

Wildlife boosted by £13m recovery plan to protect rare species

Initiatives such as predator fencing and shingle nesting habitats have ensured favourable conditions for these birds.

Man in 20s charged with driving offences after crash

A man aged in his 20s from Poole has been charged with driving offences following a crash.

Woman must pay £1,000 after trespassing on railway

A WOMAN has been ordered to pay £1000 after obstructing and trespassing a railway.

Kids experience 'magical moment' at Glastonbury performance

Two kids from Poole experienced a 'magical moment' after being invited up to the stage on The Script's set at Glastonbury Extravaganza.

Charity gets thousands to help formerly homeless people

Hope Housing in Bournemouth receives £6,000 from BCP Food & Energy Fund to support formerly homeless people with food, clothing, and cost of living aid until 2026.

Preview of Vaudeville show performed to WI members

Christchurch Central WI previewed their Vaudeville 2025 show, supported Dental Health Matters, and raised funds at Druitt Hall. New members welcome.

Charity welcomes decision to introduce grief education in schools

Grief education to be introduced in UK schools, supporting bereaved children. Mosaic charity welcomes move; part of updated RSE guidance.

One in three students consider dropping out due to costs

One in three UK students consider dropping out due to financial pressures, NatWest Student Living Index finds, with rising rent, food costs and scams causing concern.

Young javelin star from Dorset wins UK title

Alderholt's Mila Desborough wins UK Under-15 Javelin title at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, setting records and ranking seventh all-time in her age group.

'Fix historic clock to restore town pride'

All we asking from the huge three town budget is to have our historic town hall clock repaired and the flag reinstalled.

Hundreds gather for 'most successful event to date'

Hundreds attended the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum Summer Auto Jumble, with rare bikes, vintage parts, Iconic Auctioneers, and DocBike road safety.

Hospital stroke team is UK's top recruiter for vital study

University Hospitals Dorset leads UK recruitment for the PhEAST stroke trial, studying pharyngeal electrical stimulation to treat post-stroke dysphagia.

Poole artist creates work inspired by Lighthouse residency

Poole artist Laura S Elizabeth unveils new works inspired by her Lighthouse residency, blending drawing, sculpture, and digital art with local landscapes.

Specsavers Poole reopens its doors after £500k expansion

Specsavers Poole has opened its expanded store following a £500,000 project.

Poole lifeboat crew rescue two paddleboarders from the sea

Poole Lifeboat rescued two girls on paddleboards swept by a strong tide near Royal Motor Yacht Club. RNLI urges paddleboard safety in Poole Harbour.

RSPCA issues warning after 'horrific' spike in cat attacks

RSPCA reports 30% rise in weapon attacks on cats, with airgun and catapult assaults increasing across the UK. Charity urges vigilance and police action.

Halloween event with 'spooky setting' to return to country park

Experience Halloween at Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset, with a spooky illuminated trail, haunted attractions, food stalls and family fun this October half-term.

Urgent appeal to save 400 Dorset hens from slaughter

British Hen Welfare Trust appeals for Dorset adopters to save 400 ex-commercial hens from slaughter. Register by August 29 for Beaminster rehoming event.

Aldi reveals quietest shopping times during summer holidays

Aldi reveals the quietest times to shop in Dorset this summer, plus tips to save money, Super Six offers, and voucher giveaways during school holidays.

New survey reveals Dorset firms sitting on large sums of cash

Dorset SMEs are holding record cash reserves due to economic uncertainty, Azets Barometer Spring 2025 survey reveals. SMEs urge UK government for tax clarity and AI incentives.

Beauty Salon of the Year contender says it is "a dream come true"

The founder of a beauty business said it is a “dream come true” to be shortlisted in the Daily Echo’s Beauty Salon of the Year competition.  

Second most popular place Brits plan to visit in 2025 is in Dorset

The Jurassic Coast ranks among the UK's top staycation destinations, second only to Edinburgh Castle, says Sykes Holiday Cottages' 2025 Staycation Index.

Film festival celebrating cult classics returns to Christchurch

Grindfest 2025 returns to Christchurch's Regent Cinema, celebrating 35mm genre cinema with cult classics, rare film prints, and UK horror discussions.

Dorset Police introduce named officers for every neighbourhood

Dorset Police assigns named neighbourhood officers to boost visible policing, tackle antisocial behaviour, and address shoplifting in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.

'Intoxicated' 999 caller warned of 'time-wasting' following incident

An 'intoxicated' 999 caller was warned about wasting emergency service's time following an incident at Bournemouth Pier.

Former fire officer with previous sexual offences caught sexually assaulting child

A FORMER fire officer with previous sexual offences was caught sexually assaulting a child, a court heard.

Pensioner admits to ‘watching person during private act’ without consent

A PENSIONER has admitted to watching a person during a private act without their consent.

In The Dock: Man banned from all betting clubs after wrecking gambling machines

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

'Unforgettable' wine festival returns for second year

Dorset Wine Festival is due to be held at the Royal Bath Hotel for its second year.

Fire services from across country praised for 'incredible effort'

Teams from 14 different fire services across England have worked tirelessly control a major heath fire which burnt an area the size of 70 football pitches.

A-level Results Day 2025 freebies and discounts at Nando's, Bill's and more

The likes of Nando's, Frankie & Benny's and Bill's will all be offering various food deals on A-level Results Day 2025

Woman charged with murder and preventing a lawful burial

Police were called to Edgehill Road in the Winton area of Bournemouth.

Opening date revealed for Weymouth Primark store

An official opening date has been revealed for the new Primark store in Weymouth

RECAP: Woman accused of murder appears in court

A WOMAN accused of murder is set to appear in court after a man's body was found.

Meet the bird-loving lady who founded a hidden gem rescue centre

Just outside of Wareham Forest is a hidden gem rescue centre for injured bird.

Dog walker denies ‘holding man underwater’ after 'fight' at marina

Nigel Hockley appeared in court accused of pushing a man underwater At Lymington Marina

Sandbanks hotel chain moves to dispel rumours it will become an asylum hotel

A hotel chain has moved to dispel rumours it is set to become an asylum hotel.

Woman who couldn't eat for 10 years died from surgery complication

Tia-Mae McCarthy died from died from a complication linked to a childhood surgical procedure, an inquest has heard.

Two injured in crash involving motorbike and car

Two people have suffered injuries following a car crash near Dorchester yesterday evening

Warning as increasing number of residents fall for 'Hi Mum/Dad' fraud

A warning has been issued as an increasing number of residents are falling for "Hi Mum/Dad" fraud

Massive homes development planned at 'gateway to town'

ANOTHER attempt is being made to redevelop a former builders’ merchant site in Dorchester – giving the area ‘the gateway’ it needs, according to architects behind the latest plans.

High street retailer Claire's files for administration with 281 stores at risk

Claire's Accessories is a high street retailer that has filed for administration, which means that 281 of its UK stores are at risk of closure

Cyclist 'racially abusive' towards motorist after collision

Police are hunting for a cyclist who became racially abusive to a motorist after a crash in Bournemouth.

'He ruined my life': Man sexually assaulted teen girl near Bournemouth beach

A man who sexually assaulted a young woman next to Bournemouth beach has avoided jail.

Fire service extinguishes deliberate heath fire started ten days ago

FIREFIGHTERS have now left the heath fire started over ten days ago and believed to be ‘deliberate’.

Work to battle heath fire 'far from over'

Firefighters battling the fire at Holt Heath have said that their work is 'far from over'.

Man jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds of alcohol from store

A man from Bournemouth has been jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol from a Co-op.

'Murder' victim named as woman accused of murder and preventing burial

A 'MURDER' victim has been named as a woman is set to appear in court accused of his death and preventing his burial.

Man in possession of knife arrested after causing several vehicles damage

A 27-year-old man has been arrested after reportedly being seen with a knife in Christchurch.

"I was forced to live with my ex for a year - it was actually quite fun"

A woman "forced" to live with her ex-boyfriend for a year after they got stuck in their tenancy says they had "fun" - despite him coming home from nights out at 7am.   

New Milton to honour bombing victims in remembrance ceremony

The Act of Remembrance is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, at 11am, at the Memorial Clock on Station Road, New Milton.

Formula 1

See the drivers face Grill the Grid’s ‘What the track?!’ challenge

It’s time for the second edition of this year’s Grill the Grid – and for this round the drivers are facing the ultimate test of circuit knowledge.

Inside the F1 driver’s bubble – The Race Engineer

In a new series of features, Formula 1.com is delving into the F1 driver bubble to gain a greater understanding of the lives of those who work closely with the stars of Grand Prix racing. In this piece, Aston Martin Head of Performance Optimisation Ben Michell explains how the key relationship between driver and race engineer works...

All you need to know about Tom Holland and his love of F1

Tom Holland swaps webs for wheels, from waving the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix, grinning in a Williams at Silverstone, and cheering Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris like Britain’s biggest Formula 1 superfan.

Hamilton insists Ferrari have ‘every ingredient needed’ to win titles

Lewis Hamilton has taken a moment to reflect on his time at Ferrari so far, admitting it feels like his “most intense” season in F1 to date – but one that leaves him with no doubt the legendary team possess all they need to win titles again.

Name the driver from their first & last F1 races

We'll give you their first and last Grand Prix appearances – and all you have to do is name the driver.

Windows Central

Gears of War: Reloaded PC System Requirements — Is Your Setup Ready for the Return of Delta Squad?

Here are the Gears of War: Reloaded PC system requirements that you'll need to meet in order to dive back in with Marcus and Delta Squad.

Blizzard Entertainment’s Story and Franchise Development Team Unionizes — Workers Organize To “Make Our Workplace Better and Safer”

The Blizzard Entertainment Story and Franchise Development team has unionized under Microsoft, adding to the existing unions at other Blizzard teams.

Microsoft bans exploitative devs from "selling" Gamerscore on Xbox and bundle spamming the store — gamers rejoice

New rules ban bundle spamming and gamerscore grabs, cleaning up the Microsoft Store.

China’s Giving NVIDIA the Side-Eye — H20 AI GPUs Face Major Trust Issues As Beijing Authorities Urge Avoidance

Just when NVIDIA thought it was in the clear to resume sales of its H20 AI GPUs to China, a new report suggests that Beijing is putting pressure on its major firms to avoid the chips.

I'm Glad Battlefield 6 is Fixing One of the Open Beta's Biggest Problems — It's Good News This Feedback is Getting Addressed Before Launch

Following the conclusion of Battlefield 6's first Open Beta weekend, the developers at DICE have confirmed they're looking into one of its biggest issues.

“The Timeline Is Uncertain” — Steam and PayPal Divorce, and Valve Says It’s All About Money

PayPal abruptly dropped support for certain currencies on Steam in July 2025, and Valve has now added a new disclaimer to the checkout page explaining the situation.

This Xbox Game Pass Sensation is "Absolute Art on Every Level," and Just Got a New Enhanced Edition — Oh, and It's on PS5 Now, Too

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 stood tall as one of the best Xbox games of 2024, and now it's on PS5 — with a free upgrade to the "Enhanced" version available on Xbox and PC.

Russian-Linked Hackers Are Exploiting a WinRAR Flaw — Here’s How to Stay Safe

A critical flaw in WinRAR (CVE-2025-8088) is under active attack by Russian-linked hackers. Update to version 7.13 now as WinRAR won't do it for you

As the Battlefield 6 Open Beta Wraps Up, Players Scatter to Other Games — So I'm Asking: What's Everyone Playing Instead?

As the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 Open Beta gained over 40,000 players, a resurgence of excitement for modern warfare has led to players flocking to other titles.

These 7 PC Game Intros Hook You Instantly with Captivating Cinematics — Grabbing You by the Collar and Sucking You In

Some games have such powerful openings that they suck you in right away. Here are the seven best PC games with the most compelling intros.

My Top Xbox Game Pass Title Recommendations of 2025 — 7 Games Added This Year You Need to Play Today

Dozens of games have come to Xbox Game Pass this year, but these are the top seven you really don't want to miss out on.

New Life Sim Game From PUBG Creator Coming to PS5 — But Not Xbox (Yet)

inZOI, a life sim game has been announced for PS5 with an Xbox version "under consideration"

ROG Xbox Ally Listing Goes Live on Amazon — But Where’s the U.S. Price?

Amazon US have listed the base-model Xbox Ally ahead of Gamescom 2025, hinting at more details to come soon

Is Microsoft Edge Getting a Major Revamp for AI? First Look at New UI That Places Copilot at the Center

Microsoft looks to be working on a new UI for its Edge web browser codenamed Olympia that appears to be built around Copilot. Here's a first look at an early iteration of it.

Perplexity, Worth $18 Billion, Just Offered $34.5 Billion for Chrome (Which Isn’t for Sale)

Perplexity made a $34.5 billion offer for Chrome, far above its own value, but Google has no plans to sell the world’s most-used browser.

Microsoft Lures "Most-Wanted" AI Talent from Meta With Multimillion-Dollar Offers Amid Industry Turbulence — Giving Zuckerberg a Taste of His Own Medicine

According to a leaked internal document, Microsoft has compiled a "most-wanted" list, comprising Meta engineers and researchers. The company has reportedly made multi-million-dollar compensation package offers to get them to switch sides.

8 Registry Tweaks that will Make File Explorer Faster and Easier to Use on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can customize File Explorer with many different Registry tweaks to declutter menus, speed up browsing, and restore classic features.

You Think You Need a Monster PC to Run Local AI, Don’t You? — My Seven-Year-Old Mid-range Laptop Says Otherwise

While most of my local AI work takes place on a fairly well-equipped desktop PC, I was curious to see what mileage I could get from an old laptop I have lying around, and it surprised me.

OpenAI's Sam Altman: GPT-5 Fails to Meet AGI Standards Amid Microsoft's Fading Partnership — "It's Still Missing Something"

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently revealed that GPT-5 didn't meet the coveted AGI threshold because of its inability to continuously learn "as it's deployed from the new things it finds."

Laffgaff

What position did NFL legend Emmitt Smith play?

Running back.

Police Gnome

Did you hear about the police gnome? He works in lawn enforcement.