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Attempted murder probe after boy, 3, ended up in crocodile enclosure in Cambridgeshire
A boy has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after he ended up in a crocodile enclosure, while a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Officers were called to Johnson's of Old Hurst, Huntingdon, at 1.24pm to reports of a "distressing" incident involving a three-year-old child.

The toddler has been taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries, and is in "critical but stable" condition, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

A 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police added.

Detectives from the force's Major Crime Unit are investigating.

"At this stage, we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances," said Detective Inspector Verity McCann.

"We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

"Officers are supporting the boy's family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them."

The zoo at Johnson's is home to more than 100 animals, including crocodiles, Bengal tigers, African lions and sloth bears, according to its website.

A blog post on the zoo's website says the crocodiles were initially kept to help dispose of waste meat from the butchery, but they went on to be the start of a zoo.

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Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon, said: "I am aware of the incident at Johnson's of Old Hurst, and have been liaising with senior officers, who are treating this as a critical incident.

"This is now a live criminal investigation, and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.

"The police will provide an update with further information in due course.

"My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time."

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: "Our thoughts are with the victim and their family, but, as this is a live police investigation, we cannot comment any further."

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The 14 points which make up deal to end war
Donald Trump has signed a deal aimed at ending the war with Iran.

The White House made the announcement on Wednesday night, and Iran's foreign minister confirmed his side too had signed the document.

Iran latest: Follow live updates

It was done remotely, with Mr Trump providing his signature from France, where he's been for the G7 summit. It's not clear whether a signing ceremony planned in Switzerland this Friday is still going ahead.

So what has been agreed between the US president's negotiating team and Iran? Here are the 14 points of the "memorandum of understanding" (MOU):

1. The first paragraph refers to the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon", which Israel, conducting operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah, has partially occupied and has continued to strike.

2. In this point, the US and Iran agree to "respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs".

3. This point states that the two countries will "commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in (a) maximum 60 days, extendable with mutual consent".

4. The fourth paragraph states that, following the signing of the MOU, the US will begin the removal of its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, fully ending it within 30 days. The US will also agree to remove its forces from the "proximity" of Iran within 30 days of a final deal. An unnamed senior US official has stated that their "force posture" in the region will return to its pre-conflict level.

5. Iran, in this paragraph, pledges to allow the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which needs to be de-mined, with "no charge". The US official added that the Gulf states will work towards a "broader agreement" on free passage through the strait.

6. The US, in the sixth point, undertakes to "develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300bn (£225bn) for the reconstruction and economic development" of Iran, though the US official stressed that no American money would go to the Islamic Republic.

7. In the seventh point, the US pledges to stop all sanctions against Iran, including United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, when a final deal is agreed. It states that the two countries "acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination".

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8. Crucially, Iran "reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons" in point eight. It also agrees to dispose of its stockpile of enriched uranium through a "mutually-agreed" mechanism under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This was described by the US official as a "major, major win" for the country.

9. This point states that the two countries will "maintain the status quo" pending a final deal with regard to Iran's nuclear programme and posture of the US, which would not deploy any further military resources in the region.

10. The US, according to point 10, will "issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation".

11. The US, according to this paragraph, will unfreeze some funds and assets of the Islamic Republic upon the successful implementation of the MOU.

12. In this point, the two countries agree to establish a "mechanism" to "monitor the successful implementation... and future compliance" of the MOU.

13. The US and Iran pledge to "start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs" upon signing the MOU.

14. And the last point states that the "final deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC resolution".


Amber heat health alert issued for parts of England as new heatwave looms
An amber heat health alert has been issued for parts of England from this afternoon, the UK Health Security Agency has announced.

The alert, which covers London, the South East, the South West, and the East of England, is in place until 8pm on Tuesday.

A separate yellow heat health alert is also in place for the West Midlands and East Midlands, covering the same period.

It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat health alerts to parts of the UK earlier this week.

Heatwave conditions are being forecast as temperatures rise, with some areas in the UK set to be hotter than Barbados this weekend.

See the weather forecast where you are

An amber heat health alert means there is likely to be increased demand on all health and social care services by vulnerable populations.

It also portends an "increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions".

The UKHSA website highlights another risk: water‑related incidents, including cold‑water shock and drowning.

Explainer: What is cold water shock?

Last month's heatwave saw at least 15 people die in water-related incidents across the UK, including nine children.

Ways to stay safe in the hot weather

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

"We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice."

Listing simple steps to stay safe in the hot weather, Dr Sousa advised staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day.

The UKHSA advises people to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms facing the sun, and by avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are at their highest.

It also urges those venturing outside to cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and to seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly. It also directs anyone doing a physical activity in the hot weather to plan to do it during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening.

May saw a record-breaking heatwave across the UK, with wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies, however, the coming heatwave is likely to feel even hotter.

With "humid and muggy" conditions forecast, the Met Office says the south of England could see highs of 32C on Sunday - and even higher temperatures on Monday.

Commenting on the newly issued amber alert, Sky News meteorologist Christopher England said: "It's worth remembering that these are not heat warnings directed at the general public - which the Met Office issues in severe conditions - but are more in the way of advisories for health and social care services, which may be significantly impacted, both through direct health impacts and requirements, and indirectly through issues with power and staff availability."

These alerts warn of potential issues, including internal temperatures in care settings like hospitals and care homes exceeding the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment.

Further potential issues include the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services; and increased demand for power exceeding capacity.

Humidity 'quite a bit higher' than last heatwave

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick described how this week's heatwave will differ from last month's.

She said: "It's a bit different to the last heatwave, because last time the humidity wasn't as high, whereas this time the humidity is quite a bit higher.

"It's just going to make it feel that bit muggier and that bit more humid during the day and overnight as well, so it just means it's going to be more uncomfortable, the heat itself."

She added: "Because the humidity is so high, there's a chance that this could potentially spark off some thunderstorms.

"It's always tricky with thunderstorms, because they could pop up pretty much anywhere, particularly across central, southern, south-east parts of England.

"But wherever they do hit, it's probably going to be quite an intense, heavy downpour for a time with some rumbles of thunder, some sparks of lightning, but exactly where they'll be is a tricky one to forecast at the moment."

The AA has advised drivers to check tyres, oil and coolant levels, pack water for passengers and pets, and avoid driving during the hottest part of the day - especially if using an older car.

What is the heatwave criteria?

For a heatwave to be declared, temperatures must exceed a daily maximum for three days in a row.

That max temperature varies from area to area:

• For Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of western Wales and northern England, and Cornwall and Devon, temperatures must exceed 25C;
• In areas like Hull, Cardiff and Bournemouth, that threshold is 26C;
• Some of the Home Counties and part of the Midlands declare a heatwave when it's 27C;
• And London, Surrey, Cambridge and Oxford have the highest thresholds at 28C.


Scottish 'mafia boss' can be extradited to Spain, Dutch court rules
A Scottish 'mafia boss' can be extradited to Spain, a court in Amsterdam ruled.

Amsterdam judges granted Spain's request to extradite Steven Lyons during a hearing on Thursday.

As the alleged head of the infamous Lyon crime clan based in Scotland, he is accused of running a global criminal empire.

The gang is said to be involved in money laundering, shifting millions through shell companies and drug trafficking.

Lyons was initially captured in Bali on March 28, where Indonesian authorities paraded him in an orange prison suit and handcuffs and branded him a "mafia fugitive".

He was then deported from Indonesia under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Spanish authorities.

Since Spain has no extradition treaty with Indonesia, he was sent to the Netherlands as part of the process.

During a previous extradition hearing, Dutch lawyers acting for Lyons told the hearing his removal to Spain should be blocked as his human rights were violated during his arrest.

His solicitor said: "This is in reality a secretive extradition, basically kidnapping of my client."

Sky News' Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies, who was following events in court on Thursday, said judges "roundly rejected" that accusation.

He added that, since there was no appeal process, this was a "massive, significant moment" for "Spanish authorities trying to get their man".

Spanish police told Sky News that Lyons' imminent arrival on Spanish soil will be the "cherry on top" after a three-year investigation.

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In a written ruling, the International Legal Assistance Division of the District Court of Amsterdam said it had "authorised the surrender of the requested person to Spain".

It found "no evidence of a general risk that suspects in criminal procedures will not receive a fair trial in Spain," adding that it was for the Spanish courts to assess whether Lyons' right to a fair trial had been infringed.

Lyons detention follows a huge cross-border operation involving Spain's Guardia Civil, Police Scotland, Europol and authorities in several other countries.

Police raids linked to the investigation have already swept through Spain, Scotland and other parts of Europe, with officers seizing high-end watches, cash, electronic devices and crypto wallets.


Explosions and sustained gunfire reported at Niger airport
Soldiers have been searching for militants around the main airport and military airbase in Niger's capital Niamey.

It comes after sustained gunfire ​and explosions were reported on Thursday morning.

A security source described it as an apparent attack on the facility.

Security forces are understood to have since blocked off the area, with only sporadic ​firing reported as of midday, possibly linked to the army's operations.

There was no immediate claim of ​responsibility for the attack. A Niger government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Housed in the same complex, the civilian terminal and the military airbase are situated ​opposite one another.

It's the second attack on Diori Hamani International Airport this year, with the Islamic State affiliate in the region ⁠claiming responsibility for an attack in January, which had targeted Niger's drone assets.

At the time, the group said it had "delivered a direct blow" to the country's counterinsurgency operations.

Niger, led by a military junta since a 2023 coup, has struggled to contain deadly jihadi violence that has battered parts of Africa's Sahel region, including neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali that are also run by military juntas.

Attacks from jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State ‌have killed thousands and displaced millions across the three countries.

Explosions at dawn

The first explosions were heard at around 6am local time on Thursday, and sporadic gunfire was still audible nearly two hours later, a Reuters witness said.

Assailants arrived at the airport in ⁠two white vehicles, a second security source in Niger said.

A third ​security source said a group of attackers was hiding in a ​customs building near the airport.

At least four security officers were killed ​in the fighting, as well as several of the assailants, a fourth security source said.

An Associated Press journalist said soldiers were searching people on the road to the airport in the aftermath of the gunfire.

The 'symbolism' of the airport makes it a key target

The airport is a strategic hub, which as well as hosting a Nigerian air force base, is also the headquarters of the Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali joint military force.

The military has increased airport security following the January attack, but jihadis in Niger and the wider region continue to pose serious threats, according to analysts.

"The symbolism of the airport as headquarters for AES will drive intent by militants to target it," said Beverly Ochieng, a senior security analyst at Control Risks, referring to the regional Alliance of Sahel States.

On ⁠Wednesday, militants launched coordinated attacks on Banibangou and Inates military bases located in the western Tillaberi region, according to security sources.

One security source put the death ⁠toll in Banibangou at 10 with more than 40 ​injured, and said that the military had abandoned its base in Inates.

It was not ​immediately clear how the attacks may have been linked to the explosions and fighting in Niamey.


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