Second suspected sabotage in France as power cut hits Nice
A second power outage in two days his hit the French Riviera region after a fire at a substation in Nice overnight, which authorities said was caused by a malicious act.At least 45,000 homes were affected after the blaze broke out at around 02:00 local time (01:00 BST) on Sunday, a day after nearby Cannes suffered a massive blackout that was blamed on suspected sabotage.Police in Nice say "tire tracks" were found and the door to the substation, in the west of the city, was "broken", according to local media reports.Nice Airport, the tramway network, and neighbouring towns of Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer, were impacted before power was restored later in the morning.
Nice's mayor Christian Estrosi said on X that he "strongly denounced" the "malicious acts that affect our country". The city's deputy mayor, Gaël Nofri, said the substation fire was "probably of criminal origin". It came a day after Cannes suffered a major blackout during the international film festival. Officials said it may have been caused by an arson attack on a substation. Around 160,000 homes in the city and surrounding areas lost power.Several screenings were interrupted by the power cut in the morning, before festival organisers were able to switch to private generators.At the moment, no link has been established between the two incidents. Estrosi said authorities would reinforce the security network around the Nice's electric sites. An investigation into "organised arson" has been opened.Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli was quoted by AFP news agency as saying investigations were underway, in particular "to clarify the damage and the manner in which the act was committed".
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BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
'Skinny jabs' too easy to order online, GP warns
A GP has called for tighter checks to prevent so-called "skinny jabs" being sold online to people who do not meet the criteria for Ali Ilyas, from Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, said patients had admitted using weight-loss drugs such as such as Wegovy and Mounjaro without qualifying for to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC), online pharmacies should verify people are suitable for the injections through an "appropriate consultation" or by accessing medical during two test purchases, the BBC was able to obtain drugs simply by falsifying the applicant's weight and supplying photographs. Dr Ilyas said: "It's happening a lot, people going on to these online providers and getting their way around by filling out simple online forms without any actual consultation."On average we probably get 15 to 20 requests every day for the weight loss injections. "We can point them to the relevant weight loss services but they still might not be able to get the injections." Dr Ilyas said it was the responsibility of the prescriber or provider "to make sure that they are doing the right thing"."People should be aware that if they are getting something like this without any appropriate consultation it might lead them to serious harm," he added. Official guidelines Guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence state weight-loss injections should only be offered to an adult who is obese with a BMI of at least 35 and a pre-existing weight-related health February 2025, the GPC introduced new rules which said online pharmacies should not rely solely on an online questionnaire and should independently verify the person's weight, height and/or body mass two online pharmacies, MedExpress and Juniper, prescribed drugs within days after the BBC's reporter filled in an online questionnaire and provided details of their medical history and GP, with no in-person or virtual said "a deviation from protocols was identified which does not reflect our usual practice and we will be taking the appropriate action"."Juniper is committed to providing safe and responsible access to prescription-only weight loss medications in strict accordance with all applicable guidelines," the company said in a statement."All patients are assessed by qualified prescribers with expertise in this treatment area to ensure the appropriateness and safety of every medication that is supplied. "We take our responsibility for patient safety extremely seriously and are looking into this matter with the utmost urgency."MedExpress was contacted for comment. Weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).This is an intestinal hormone which is released after eating, and typically makes people feel drugs are available on the NHS in England, Wales and Scotland, but must be prescribed by a weight management service. However, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are getting prescriptions privately through online pharmacies. Rebecca Quarmby, 32, from Goole, began ordering Mounjaro from an online pharmacy four months ago, before the rules were tightened. She said she wanted to lose a stone in weight after giving birth. "I've always struggled losing weight," she said. "I was flicking through TikTok and Mounjaro was constantly popping up. "I've got friends who are on it and I just thought I'm going to try it. "It was a very easy process – all I had to do was fill out a simple questionnaire about my weight. "I did lie about my weight just to meet the threshold so that I could definitely be eligible for it. "All they wanted was two pictures, but that was it and I got the pen within 24 hours." Side effects Ms Quarmby said she was thinking of coming off the drug after suffering hair loss, which she believes could be linked to the medication. "To begin with I was very tired and, as weeks went past, I also started to see symptoms like hair loss. I brush my hair and it comes out in small clumps."Hair loss is listed as a "common" side effect in the drug's patient information leaflet. The most common include feeling sick, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation and diarrhoea while, in rare cases, serious side effects can include acute pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions. During the BBC's test purchases, both MedExpress and Juniper provided warnings about the potential side effects from taking the drugs. In a statement, Roz Gittins, the GPC's chief pharmacy officer, said that, since February, weight-management drugs had been on the list of high-risk medicines requiring extra safeguards before being prescribed. "We expect the pharmacy team to always verify the information the person provides before the medicine is supplied, to ensure that it is suitable for them. "We continue to follow up on all concerns raised with us, and during our inspections, checking that GPhC-registered pharmacies are meeting our standards. "We will also continue to work closely with other regulators and take action when needed to protect the public."Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Three people are arrested after huge inferno rips through Dunelm and Pets At Home stores
Three people have been arrested after a huge inferno ripped through Dunelm and Pets At Home stores. The flames broke out inside the Dunelm branch at St James Retail Park in Northampton at around 3pm yesterday. Dramatic pictures show the towering inferno, visible from miles above the town, which then spread to neighbouring Pets at Home after the suspected arson attack. Staff and animals had to be quickly evacuated - but luckily no casualties were reported and all animals were rescued from the pet shop safely. A huge emergency response saw 11 fire crews and appliances, along with two aerial teams, tackle the major fire, with road closures also in place. They remained overnight, only able to bring it under control nearly 20 hours later at 10.20am today. Other buildings also suffered smoke damage. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in police custody. Northamptonshire Police is now appealing for information and witnesses - especially a man said to have spotted people starting a fire in the Dunelm toilets. Staff and animals had to be quickly evacuated - but luckily no casualties were reported and all animals were rescued from the pet shop safely Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was supported by crews from Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Fire station commander Rich Walding dubbed it a 'very protracted incident' needing a 'large-scale response', the BBC reports. He advised people to avoid the area 'for the time being'. A fire service spokesperson added today, the Mirror reports: 'At this time, the smoke from the fire continues to blow toward the town centre and we would still advise people in the local area to keep windows and doors shut. 'The retail park will remain closed until further notice. Thank you to the public for their support while we continue to deal with this incident.' A section of Towcester Road, off which the fire happened, is expected to remain closed in both directions until 5am tomorrow. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Tuff said: 'At the present time, we believe this fire to have been started deliberately and throughout the day, have made a number of fast-paced enquiries which has led to these three arrests. 'However, I now want to appeal to the public for any information which could help our investigation. 'If you were in, or near, the Dunelm store this afternoon and saw anything suspicious, please contact us. 'I am particularly interested in speaking to a man who allegedly saw people setting fires in the Dunelm toilets a short time before the incident was reported. 'This incident has not only caused significant damage and disruption but will have had a very serious effect on the wellbeing of the local people who work in Dunelm and the surrounding stores. 'Therefore if anyone knows anything, I would please urge you to come forward. A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'Although there are still small pockets of fire, the blaze is now contained, and fire crews expect to be damping down as the day progresses.' They continued: 'The first call came in just before 3pm with reports that the Dunelm store off Towcester Road was on fire.' Witnesses or anyone with information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or use the force's online portal. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the charity's website. People are asked to quote incident number 280.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Multiple bridges collapse across Russia as saboteurs target Putin's rail network
Two bridges have collapsed, causing trains to derail, in separate incidents within Russia, which Vladimir Putin 's officials have blamed on "interference", a likely reference to Ukrainian saboteurs. At least seven people were killed and 30 suffered injuries after a bridge collapsed and a train derailed in Russia 's Bryansk region that borders Ukraine, the authorities there said. A second bridge collapsed hours later, causing a similar derailment, according to a local governor. And a prominent Ukrainian partisan group claimed responsibility for an attack on relay systems in occupied Donetsk oblast that stopped movement on a new Russian rail line. Meanwhile, hundreds of towns were under evacuation orders in Ukraine 's northeastern Sumy region, where Russian forces are focusing their attacks, as Ukrainian officials warned Moscow could be preparing a new offensive there. Ukrainian officials this week warned of a potential new Russian offensive in the northeast. A State Border Guard Service spokesperson said on Thursday that Russia had amassed 'sufficient forces' in the neighbouring Kursk region to launch an incursion, the Kyiv Independent reported. Bryansk bridge collapse was 'sabotage', Russian military blogger says The Bryansk bridge collapse was 'sabotage', according to prominent Russian military blogger Semyon Pegov, who uses the name War Gonzo. The report could not be independently verified. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Tara Cobham1 June 2025 08:34 Among seven killed was locomotive driver, Russia's state news agencies report Among the seven killed in Bryansk was the locomotive driver, Russia's state news agencies reported, citing medics. Social media pictures and videos showed passengers trying to help others climb out of the Bryansk train's damaged carriages in the dark and firefighters looking for ways to reach passengers. Tara Cobham1 June 2025 08:10 Some 180 emergency services staff involved in search and rescue mission in Bryansk Some 180 personnel were involved in efforts to find and rescue victims in the Bryansk incident, according to Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations. It said on Telegram that the operation continued throughout the night. Tara Cobham1 June 2025 07:54 Bridge collapse in Russia's Bryansk caused by explosion, governor says The collapse of the bridge in Russia's Bryansk region was the result of an explosion, the region's acting governor said on Sunday, according to Russia's Interfax agency. "The bridge was blown up while the Klimovo-Moscow train was passing through with 388 passengers on board," Interfax quoted Alexander Bogomaz as telling Russia's public broadcaster. 1 June 2025 07:30 Locomotive driver injured in Kursk derailment The collapse in the Kursk region occurred early on Sunday while a freight train was crossing the bridge, Alexander Khinshtein, acting governor of the region, and Russian Railways said on Telegram. "Part of the train fell onto a road underneath the bridge," Khinshtein said. He added that the locomotive caught fire, which was quickly extinguished. One of the drivers sustained leg injuries, and he and the team operating the train were taken to a local hospital, Khinshtein added. Tara Cobham1 June 2025 07:18 Recap: Two bridges collapse in different Russian border regions, causing train derailments Two bridges collapsed in different Russian regions bordering Ukraine overnight, derailing trains and killing at least seven people and injuring dozens, Russian authorities said early on Sunday. There was no immediate confirmation that the incidents were related, but a Ukrainian partisan group has claimed responsibility for a third incident overnight targeting signalling on a new Russian rail line in occupied Donetsk. Both Kursk and Bryansk, the regions where the two bridges collapsed, have been subject to frequent attacks by Ukraine during the war that Russia started with its full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Seven people were killed and 69 injured when a highway bridge collapsed onto railway tracks, derailing an approaching train in the Bryansk region late on Saturday, Russian emergency ministry and regional officials said. Russia's Railways initially posted on the Telegram messaging app that the Bryansk bridge collapse was the result of an "illegal interference in the operation of transport", but the post was later removed. Prominent Russian military blogger Semyon Pegov, who uses the name War Gonzo, called the Bryansk collapse "sabotage." Bryansk governor Alexander Bogomaz said on Telegram that 47 people were hospitalised. Three children were among those injured with one in serious condition, he said. The collapse in the Kursk region occurred early on Sunday while a freight train was crossing the bridge, Alexander Khinshtein, acting governor of the region, and Russian Railways said on Telegram. "Part of the train fell onto a road underneath the bridge," Khinshtein said. He added that the locomotive caught fire, which was quickly extinguished. One of the drivers sustained leg injuries, and he and the team operating the train were taken to a local hospital, Khinshtein added. He posted a photo of derailed carriages on a damaged bridge over a road. Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, Russia's upper chamber of parliament, said on the Telegram messaging app that the incident in Bryansk shows that "Ukraine has long lost the attributes of a state and has turned into a terrorist enclave." Russia's Baza Telegram channel, which often publishes information from sources in the security services and law enforcement, reported, without providing evidence, that according to preliminary information, the Bryansk bridge had been blown up. Adam Withnall1 June 2025 06:56 Second Russian bridge collapses as freight train passes over We're getting more detail on the second bridge collapse in Russia's Kursk region – hours after a similar incident in Bryansk. The Kursk bridge collapsed while a freight train was passing over it, the acting governor of the Russian region bordering Ukraine said on the Telegram messaging app. Unlike with the Bryansk incident Russia isn't reporting any deaths in Kursk, but its governor Alexander Khinshtein said one of the freight train's drivers was injured. Adam Withnall1 June 2025 06:38 Saboteurs claim responsibility for disrupting railway in Donetsk A pro-Ukraine partisan group has reportedly claimed responsibility for sabotaging a railway in Donetsk Oblast, which disrupted Russian logistics. The Atesh partisan group issued the statement on Telegram this morning while two bridges collapsed, causing two trains to derail in Russia's border regions. The group said it destroyed a relay box on the new Volnovakha-Mariupol railway, which resulted in the disruption of the railway signalling and traffic control system, The Kyiv Independent reported. The Volnovakha-Mariupol railway, recently built by Russian forces, was used by Vladimir Putin's troops to deliver fuel, equipment, and ammunition directly to the frontline. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar1 June 2025 06:21 In pics: Russia's renewed offensive in Sumy Oblast Alisha Rahaman Sarkar1 June 2025 05:21
