Driver dies after crash with HGV parked in Garstang layby
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The Guardian
20 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Family in fear after Tommy Robinson shares video of black man with white granddaughters
A family say their lives have been ruined after a video of a black man and his brother playing in the park with his white granddaughters was shared by Tommy Robinson and weaponised by the far right. Olajuwon Ayeni, a musician from Redcar, North Yorkshire, has been racially abused and falsely labelled a paedophile in the week since the family video was stolen from the TikTok account of his wife, Natalie, who he married five years ago, and shared by extremists online. On Tuesday, the couple's local MP, Anna Turley, was forced to write a letter providing a reference of good character for Ayeni when he was suspended by his management after the online disinformation. 'I'm devastated to receive the email from my management,' Ayeni said. 'Music is my life. My social media will be damaged, my career will be tarnished … but I am determined to show the truth and hopefully clear it up.' He and Natalie say they have been living in fear since being threatened in the street after Robinson shared the video with his 1.4 million followers. The far-right activist wrote on his X account: 'Wtf is even going on here? Where are the parents?!' Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has not removed the video despite numerous replies debunking it and calling for him to delete it. Ayeni and his wife have been scared to leave their house because of threats. 'We haven't gone outside at home, we just can't,' Natalie said. 'Just after it started to go viral, someone in the local pub recognised Olajuwon immediately; we couldn't believe how quick it had spread. We were walking home from shops just streets from our house, and two lads passed us, spun round and said 'I hope you're not them off that video or we're coming back to slash you up'. It's just horrendous. 'Someone was shouting 'paedophile' outside the house the other night, so I rang the police again but they say there's little they can do. It feels a matter of time before something bad happens. We tried to go out yesterday and had to come home.' The impact on Ayeni has been particularly severe. 'I feel I have to sleep with one eye open,' he said. 'I feel unsafe, scared and sad, as mine and my brother's lives have been threatened. Someone said they will seek revenge and I'll never walk again, all for just being in the park with the kids I love on a family day out. It's been twisted by haters and wicked people.' Natalie said: 'The distress this is causing is unreal, it's ruined our lives and there we were, getting on with things, looking after the girls minding our own business and now we are scared to do anything. It's made me quite poorly to be honest and the shares, views and vile comments just keep going. I've had to stop looking. 'We just want people to know the truth,' Natalie added. 'We're a normal family who went to the park with our grandchildren. The lies and racism have turned our lives upside down and continue to do so daily.' Despite reporting threats to police, the family said they had received only limited support. Officers have told them that while personal threats are criminal, sharing the video does not constitute a crime. Cleveland police said they were offering the family all available support and advice. The Redcar and Cleveland local policing superintendent, Emily Harrison, added: 'Cleveland police would also urge social media users to refrain from further sharing either the video or any incorrect information about the people featured.'
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Paul Weller sues former accountants after being dropped over Gaza statements
Musician Paul Weller is suing his former accountants after they stopped working with the singer after public statements alleging Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, according to a legal letter. The former frontman of The Jam has filed a discrimination claim against Harris and Trotter after the firm ended their professional relationship after more than 30 years. In a pre-action letter seen by the PA news agency, lawyers for Weller say the singer-songwriter was told in March that the accountants and tax advisers would no longer work with the 67-year-old or his companies. According to the letter, a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm included: 'It's well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide. 'Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.' Lawyers for Weller claim that by ending their services, the firm unlawfully discriminated against the singer's protected philosophical beliefs including that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state. Weller said: 'I've always spoken out against injustice, whether it's apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What's happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe. 'I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out. 'Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship – it's complicity. 'I'm taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.' Weller will donate any damages he receives to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, the legal letter also states. Cormac McDonough, a lawyer at Hodge Jones and Allen, representing Weller, said that his case 'reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights'. Mr McDonough added: 'Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Why did Casey-Louise die? Heartbreaking photos show girl, 13, cradling her baby sister - amid mystery over her tragic final hours as teen arrested over 'her rape and murder' is bailed
The teenage boy suspected of the rape and murder of 13-year-old Casey-Louise Horrocks is back home behaving 'like he doesn't have a care in the world,' according to neighbours. The schoolgirl was found by paramedics 'unresponsive' last Monday night. She died later in hospital. West Yorkshire Police arrested the boy, who lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on suspicion of Casey-Louise's rape and murder and the alleged rape of another local girl, aged 16. He was released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries on Friday, August 15. A neighbour said: 'I saw him come home on Friday lunchtime and he can't have spent more than 15 minutes in the house before he was heading out again. 'He left through the gate and jogged away, probably off to meet his mates. 'He is acting like he doesn't have a care in the world.' Another local said: 'He is well known in the area and you would think he would be keeping a low profile under the circumstances. 'I mean, a young lass has died and I think he should show a bit more respect. Maybe stop in and not go out so much.' Today new photographs of Casey-Louise, including one of her cradling what is believed to be her baby sister, Mia, were posted by friends and relatives on a tribute site online. A link to the site, posted on Facebook by Anthony Barton Funeral Directors, encouraged people to share memories, poems and pictures of the 'bright, caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her.' Among those leaving their 'thoughts' was Casey-Louise's 'best mate', named Cole, who wrote: 'RIP Casey you'll be missed so much. Can't believe you left us so early your (sic) flying with the angels now, fly high love you lots my thunder buddie in the sky.' Her Auntie Dani added that she missed her 'so much,' saying: 'Forever 13. Love you so much bubba xxxx.' While Paula Mills wrote: 'Fly high with the angels beautiful girl. I hope there's an amazing afterlife waiting for you where all your hopes and dreams come true. #foreveryoung#forever13.' While another contributor added: 'You've left a massive hole in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Sweet dreams Casey, you'll be sadly missed xx.' In a statement, Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester, where Casey-Louise was a pupil, said they were 'heartbroken' at the death of the 'big-hearted' youngster. 'We are heartbroken by the loss of Casey‑Louise, a one-of-a-kind young person who brought spirit and warmth wherever she went,' the statement said. 'Casey was bright, full of character, always full of life, and never afraid to be herself. Those lucky enough to know her saw what a big heart she had. 'She was funny, sweet, had a smile that could brighten anyone's day and will be deeply missed by our school community. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected our community and as we come to terms with this loss, our thoughts are with Casey-Louise's family, loved ones and all those impacted at this incredibly difficult time.' Pupils will be offered emotional support when they return in September, the statement added. Casey-Louise was found unresponsive by emergency services just after 11.30pm last Monday, August 11. She was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day. A postmortem was inconclusive and it is understood police are awaiting the results of toxiocology tests and a second autopsy to try and establish her cause of death. Originally from Manchester, Casey-Louise was in local authority care when she died. She had been living in Liverpool and was just visiting Huddersfield at the time of her death. Friend Tina Cooper also set up an online fundraiser for the youngster's funeral. So far more than £2,000 has been donated. She said: 'Casey was a vibrant happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her. 'Our hearts go out to Casey's family. No one should have to bury their child. Let's help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.' Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, previously said: 'A post-mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries. 'Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl's death. Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.' The news of Casey-Louise's death has sent shockwaves through the town. Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal said: 'This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends. I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.'
