Body found in Wales' Menai Strait after soldier, 25, reported missing
Stephen Hughes, 25, of the Royal Welsh regiment, vanished from the Bethel area at around 8.30pm on August 12. Shortly after 11:30pm on the same day, his body was recovered from the Menai Strait, near Bethel in Gwynedd. His disappearance prompted appeals for information across a number of online platforms, including a group focused on locating missing veterans, service personnel, and emergency workers.
North Wales Police confirmed the tragic discovery with chief inspector Jon Aspinall stating: "My thoughts are with Stephen's family who are being supported by officers. The coroner has been updated and there are thought to be no suspicious circumstances."
In a brief tribute a former colleague wrote: "RIP Steve. You were one of the kindest most genuine and caring blokes I've met. You will be sorely missed. Until the final RV brother."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
Is the issue of violence against women being used as as a political tool?
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments. Jon (MetroTalk, Thu) discusses the protests in Epping against the use of a hotel to house asylum seekers. He says they are based on concerns for the safety of women and girls and criticises government minister Jess Phillips for not voicing the same concerns. However, many of those claiming to protest in the name of women's safety – or supporting those who do – have defended Andrew Tate, who has been criticised for his misogynistic views. This raises serious doubts about their true motives. It appears that the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) is being co-opted as a political tool — a convenient cover for broader protests targeting asylum seekers and refugees. This tactic mirrors strategies seen in other parts of Europe. It's likely that the next step will be claiming to protect LGBTQ people from asylum seekers, despite the fact that many of these same individuals support policies that harm the LGBTQ community in the UK. Ultimately, it seems they are willing to exploit any marginalised group to advance their political agenda against asylum seekers and refugees. Alfiaz, London Some people seem to be seeing asylum seekers everywhere. No wonder they keep screaming, 'We're being invaded.' First, former Reform MP Rupert Lowe mistook charity rowers off Great Yarmouth for 'illegal immigrants'. Then residents in a Welsh village thought Scouts from Scotland must be migrants because of their accents. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Now caravan park operator Haven has had to issue a statement saying its facilities aren't being used to house asylum seekers. Apparently, it was sparked by social media posts claiming that 'coaches of men' had been turning up to some caravan parks. The UK is more than 94,000 square miles. At the end of March, there were nearly 110,000 asylum seekers – so barely one per square mile. The overall 68million UK population means there are more than 700 of us per square mile. It's unlikely you are going to see an asylum seeker today. Even if you do, please be nice – not racist. Peter Packham, Chair, Leeds for Europe How dare James Murray-Smith (MetroTalk, Thu) describe a tax on selling your home being considered by chancellor Rachel Reeves as a tax on 'unearned' wealth. Maybe he inherited his property unearned but the rest of us worked hard, often forgoing things, in order to get on the so-called property ladder. So no, it is not 'unearned', which implies undeserving. As to it being 'unavailable to those who do not own their own homes', so what? Is it the seller or home-owners' fault others don't own their homes? It's thinking like this that makes me despair! So much for getting to own your own home as so many of our young are struggling to do. Agatha, Surrey Some estate agents have warned that house-sellers will simply pass the cost of this tax on to buyers. They're wrong. The price of a house isn't controlled by what the owner wants – it is controlled by what the market is willing to pay. Otherwise, owners would sell for however much money they fancied. This tax – which is only being considered for homes above £500,000 – would mean people selling their houses will just end up with less money. Which is fine – they'll still have at least £450,000, which is enough for a deposit and plenty to spare. JWA Caley, St Pancras Rupert Fast's letter (MetroTalk, Thu) should be read by Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves. Britain is indeed, as he says, 'living beyond its means'. This fact has lead to UK gilt yields – the price the market demands for government loans – hitting the highs last seen during Liz Truss's tenure. More Trending This, therefore, supports Mr Fast and means that Britain has to pay more to service growing debt. That of course means Jo and Joe Public paying through taxes. Fares, food, broadband and council taxes have all risen more than inflation. The government must reduce spending and reduce debt. Fast. Graham Reid, Stockport MORE: How to win £3,000,000 house in West Sussex MORE: 'Ozempic vagina' is here and women are paying £2,000 to reverse it MORE: Inside the rise of 'Reta' – the controversial new weight loss jab 3 times stronger than Ozempic
Leader Live
13 hours ago
- Leader Live
Police conduct speed checks on popular roads in Wrexham
The Acton Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted speed checks on Jeffrey's Road (30 mph) and Smithy Lane (20 mph) on Wednesday (August 20). North Wales Police confirmed that all motorists were driving within the speed limit, but stated that further checks will take place and encouraged motorists to adhere to the limit in order to avoid fines. MOST READ: 'Keep away from area' - Updates as fire crews tackle Wrexham blaze A look back at Joey Jones 'Life of Celebration' service at The Racecourse North Wales haulage business taken over in major acquisition A spokesperson said: "All drivers complied with the speed limit. "We will be utilising our speed gun more frequently in the coming weeks at random locations and random times. "Please ensure you adhere to the speed limits to avoid receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice which could mean you have to pay a fine of £100, and have 3 points added to your licence."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Unshaven Huw Edwards spotted still wearing wedding ring despite 'marriage breakdown' reports
Huw Edwards, former BBC news presenter, is still wearing his wedding ring although his wife Vicky reportedly launched divorce proceedings in October 2024 Former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has been spotted in public with his wedding ring still firmly on his finger, despite reports that his marriage to wife Vicky Flind has broken down. The disgraced broadcaster, 64, was photographed in Swansea earlier this week, marking his birthday with miniature bottles of prosecco. He was wearing his wedding band in the images. Edwards and Vicky Flind were married for three decades and share five children. However, it was reported in October 2024 that Flind had filed for divorce. Reports at the time suggested he had moved out of the family home and that their long marriage had come to an end. However, his wedding band was clearly visible in the photos taken in Wales, where he could be seen clutching three small bottles of fizz and a baseball cap while heading to his car. The sighting comes during his ongoing public fall from grace. Although he was once one of the most respected faces on British television, Edwards has largely vanished from the public eye since pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. He was sentenced in February to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, after admitting to possessing seven Category A images – the most serious – alongside dozens of Category B and C images. Though Edwards avoided an immediate prison term, his sentencing made clear how close he came to jail. The court handed down a suspended sentence after hearing of his major depressive disorder and the considerable risks he would face in custody. Alongside the suspended sentence, Edwards was ordered to complete a 40-day Sex Offender Treatment Programme and attend 25 rehabilitation sessions to address both his mental health and alcohol use. He also lost his career over the incident, and Edwards resigned from the BBC in April 2024, a year after he last appeared on air to announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, the Welsh journalist has kept an extremely low profile, only being seen a handful of times. Earlier this year, he was photographed vaping in public, with onlookers describing him as "a shadow of his former, super-confident self". Flind, who is a TV producer, has not publicly commented on the current state of their relationship. She was previously praised for standing by Edwards during his mental health struggles and his wife's comment about his mental health problems at the time.
