
Foreign Office issues warning to Brits after explosion in this holiday hotspot
The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to Brits after an explosion in the early hours of Saturday morning
Foreign Office issues Greece warning
The Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for Greece following an explosion in Thessaloniki early on Saturday morning. UK tourists planning to visit the EU nation have been cautioned by the Foreign Office: "There has been an explosion in Thessaloniki in the early morning of 3 May. If you're in the area you should take care and follow the advice of the local authorities."
A 38-year-old woman was reportedly carrying the explosive device, intending to place it outside a bank around 5am on Saturday in Thessaloniki, a city in northern Greece.
The blast resulted in damage to several storefronts and vehicles, according to police reports. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
"It appears that she was carrying an explosive device and planned to plant it at a bank's ATM," a senior police official informed Reuters news agency.
Authorities suspect the woman intended to position the device near an ATM.
The 38-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed, had previously served a prison sentence for bank robbery, a police spokesperson told Greece's Skai TV, reports Birmingham Live.
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Some reports suggest she could be connected to a left-wing activist currently incarcerated for involvement in armed robberies and violent attacks.
The explosion took place outside a bank branch in a residential area of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. Video footage showed significant damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.
The woman sustained grave injuries to her hand and was immediately taken to the hospital.
Sadly, she passed away from her injuries.
Greece has a history of criminal gangs associated with bombings and violent activities.
The country's record of anarchist group activities can be traced back to the 1970s.
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Despite this, Greece continues to be a favourite destination for British holidaymakers, with popular spots such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos and more.

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South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Hollyoaks star calls on late mother's friends not to attend stepfather's funeral
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Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Hollyoaks star calls on late mother's friends not to attend stepfather's funeral
Andrew Searle and Dawn Kerr, who were both aged in their 60s, were found dead in their home in the south of France in the early afternoon of February 6. Mrs Kerr was found lying dead in front of her house partly undressed and with a significant head injury while Mr Searle was found hanged inside the property, which is in the hamlet of Les Pesquies in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron. Police launched an investigation to establish whether the couple died as a result of a murder-suicide, or if a third party was involved. Prosecutor Fabrice Belargent previously said that 'the analysis carried out does not so far show any evidence that a third party was involved'. In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday Mr Kerr said it would be 'inappropriate' for his mother's memory to be 'associated with a service honouring the man who, based on all available evidence, may have been responsible for her death'. He called on the funeral arrangements for the pair to be kept separate and for photographs showing the couple together not to be shared. The full statement, which is signed by Kerr and his sister Amanda Kerr, reads: 'In the absence of any evidence suggesting third-party involvement in the tragic death of our mother, Dawn Kerr, the prevailing hypothesis remains that of a murder-suicide. A post shared by Callum Kerr (@callum_kerr_1) 'Our mother was killed by multiple blows to the head, and Andrew was found deceased by hanging. 'His injuries are consistent with self-hanging, and no defensive wounds were found on his body. 'There is also no evidence of any third-party's involvement at this stage. 'While the official investigation is still ongoing, we cannot ignore the circumstances as they stand. 'For this reason, we must respectfully but firmly request that our mother not be included in any way in the funeral arrangements being made for Andrew. 'Please do not share photographs of them together. 'Please do not attend Andrew's service if you were a friend of our mother. 'It would be inappropriate for her memory to be associated with a service honouring the man who, based on all available evidence, may have been responsible for her death. 'We ask for understanding, privacy and respect as we continue to grieve and seek justice for our mum.' Callum Kerr played Pc George Kiss in the popular Channel 4 soap opera, and appeared in Netflix's Virgin River. According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Searle was a retired fraud investigator specialising in financial crime prevention who worked at companies including Standard Life and Barclays. A statement issued by French prosecutors in February said: 'The two deceased persons, a man and a woman, were the owners of the house in which their bodies were discovered. 'They were British expatriates, retired, and had been living in Aveyron for five years. 'The first victim, Ms Kerr, has a significant head injury. 'A box containing jewellery was found near to her, but no item or weapon which could have caused the injuries were located. 'Mr Searle, who was found hanged… did not show any visible defensive injuries.'


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
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