Latest news with #TheSunLiveBlog
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Enough is enough!' chant raging anti-tourist protesters as thousands flood the streets in Canary Islands
THOUSANDS have flooded the streets of the popular Canary Islands in Spain's third wave of protests against overtourism this year. Locals across the Advertisement 9 Thousands in the Canaries protested on Sunday Credit: Alamy 9 Protesters gather in front of the Sagrada Familia under the slogan - 'The Canary Islands have a limit' Credit: Getty 9 Protesters hold up the slogan - 'They want to take over my neighbourhood and make my grandma leave' Credit: Alamy 9 Thousands of people are known to attend these protests, often held in dozens of cities across Spain In Santa Cruz alone, Tenerife's capital, around 7,000 people are estimated to be on the streets by Spanish security forces. In Gran Canaria, around 3,000 people are estimated to be present. The organisers, a group named "The Canary Islands have a limit", say the turnout has been "very high". Advertisement Read more on Spain While no incidents have been reported since the marches began at 11am, police remain on the scene. Campaigners claim that despite previous protests, no changes have been made by the government. The slogan of the march has been: "The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended." Other banners read: "The Canary Islands have a limit and so does our patience" and "Enough is enough!" Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog Exclusive Thousands of anti-tourist protesters flood Spanish hols hotspots & call on mob to super glue holiday rental locks Locals are calling for three key measures: Tourist moratorium: A freeze on new hotel and holiday rental licences, especially in overcrowded areas, to ease pressure on resources and protect rural and coastal land. Ecotax: A tourist tax to fund public services and offset the environmental impact of mass tourism. Holiday rental regulation: Stricter controls on platforms like Airbnb and real estate speculation to keep housing affordable for residents. It comes as According to the Canarian Trade Union Federation, the wealth generated by tourism should be distributed more fairly to improve the labour and wage rights of more than 170,000 tourism workers in the Canaries. Advertisement They also demand fairer distribution of tourism revenue to improve life for Canarians - boosting public services like healthcare, affordable housing and transport to fix the current road collapses. 9 Protesters in the streets Credit: Alamy 9 Protesters with the slogan - 'The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended' 9 Spain's widespread anti-tourism protests began in April 2024 Advertisement "The Canary Islands have a limit" movement argues the Canaries' current economic model is "based on touristification, speculation, inequality and infinite growth in a very limited land". The campaigners said that despite the "massive demonstrations", authorities have ignored their demands with "regressive" regulations, only "deepening the social, economic and environmental crisis". The movement has issued ten key demands, including halting destructive developments, imposing a tourist tax, enforcing a moratorium on new tourist projects, protecting natural areas and stopping sea pollution, among others. The campaigners they will continue protests throughout the summer and are planning boycotts and sit-ins. Advertisement 9 Up to 50,000 people are believed to have protested in Tenerife in April 2024 9 What is overtourism? Overtourism refers to the phenomenon where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism Some solutions include: Safeguarding historical and heritage sites Promoting off-peak travel Tourism caps and regulations Promoting lesser-known destinations
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Metal detectorists who tried to flog rare Anglo-Saxon coins worth £766k to undercover cop are forced to repay £100,000
A METAL detectorist who was jailed for trying to sell Anglo-Saxon coins to an undercover cop has been ordered to repay £103,000. Roger Pilling, 77, thought he was flogging the find to an expert working for a wealthy American buyer. Advertisement 3 Roger Pilling, 75, who along with Craig Best, 46, were convicted of conspiring to sell criminal property worth £766,000 Credit: PA 3 The coins were believed to have been buried by a Viking and were never declared as Treasure Credit: PA 3 Forty-four coins were recovered in the following sting operation but two - that Pilling claimed he had broken - were never found Credit: PA Instead the man from Loveclough, Lancashire, has three months to repay the money or he could face another 12-month prison sentence. He was convicted with a second man of conspiring to sell 44 ninth century coins worth £766,000 and jailed for five years and two months at Durham Crown Court in May 2023. The coins, which were never declared as treasure, were believed to have been buried by a Viking and included two extremely rare examples of two-headed coins, showing Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia. Pilling and his co-defendant Craig Best, 48, previously of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, tried to sell the coins to a real American collector, who contacted UK experts about how such rare pieces were available for sale, and police were called in. Advertisement Read more News Forty-four coins were recovered in the following sting operation but two - that Pilling claimed he had broken - were never found. On April 24, Pilling was ordered to repay £103,000 after a confiscation order was granted at Teeside Crown Court. He has three months to make the payment or he could face another 12-month prison sentence. Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division, said: "Roger Pilling intended to sell these rare and important coins for his own gain. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog "He knew that these coins were stolen treasure and instead of choosing to report a crime, he chose to try and profit from it. "The CPS worked with the police to value his criminal benefit from the attempted selling of these rare Anglo-Saxon coins, which should have been given to the Crown. RARE £1 COIN "The Confiscation Order set by the Judge reflects all the assets available to the defendants. "We will always work to ensure that crime does not pay, and criminals cannot benefit from their ill-gotten gains." Advertisement The coins were estimated to have been made between 874 CE and 879 CE. The sentencing judge found that the 44 coins were part of a larger, undeclared find known as the Herefordshire or Leominster Hoard, which was discovered in 2015 and is worth millions of pounds, but which was also not declared. , then 46, and Roger Pilling hatching a plot to flog the 44 ninth-century coins , which are believed to have been buried by a Viking. In 2023, Best and Pilling were jailed after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property. Advertisement The coin enthusiasts were also found guilty of possession of criminal property following a trial. Durham Crown Court was told the coins were likely part of a larger, undeclared find known as the Herefordshire or Leominster Hoard. Sentencing, Judge James Adkin said: "Had they left this country, they would have been likely to be lost to this nation for ever." Jurors heard how an undercover police sting was set up in 2019 when Best tried to sell the coins to an American collector, who then alerted the UK authorities. Advertisement He was arrested with three coins at a Durham hotel after he travelled to meet what he believed was a wealthy US buyer. Pilling, who according to the judge acquired the collection from the "black market", was arrested at his home in Loveclough, Lancashire. They included two extremely rare examples of two-headed coins, showing Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia. Experts say the discovery fills a historical gap from the time - revealing Ceolwulf was an ally or peer, rather than the 'puppet' of the Vikings he was previously believed to be. Advertisement The coins are believed to have been found in Leominster, Herefordshire, in 2015 as part of a multi-million pound hoard. Under the "Treasure" has a number of definitions but key requirements are that it's up to 200-years-old and over 10 per cent of its weight is precious metal. Advertisement If a reward is paid for a find it is normally shared equally between the finder and landowner.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Shocking moment Brit tourists in Thailand's ‘Sin City' fight locals in horror road rage brawl before cops make arrests
THIS is the shocking moment British tourists in Thailand's "Sin City" are caught fighting locals in a horrific road rage brawl. Cops were called to reports of the two holidaymakers brawling with locals outside a convenience store in the depraved 'Sin City' Pattaya on April 27. Advertisement 3 Two British tourists were fined over a fight with locals outside a convenience store in Thailand Credit: ViralPress 3 The holidaymakers reportedly downed cans of beer before hiring a Thai hooker to return with them to their hotel Credit: ViralPress 3 Police detained the parties involved at the Pattaya City Police Station Credit: ViralPress The While driving, they reportedly clipped a food delivery rider, 44, before hurling a bag of rubbish at his two-wheeler, sparking a road rage fight in front of the 7-Eleven store. The Brits squared off against the Thai rider as the woman in a skimpy mini dress intervened. When the men began exchanging blows, other locals joined the fray, forcing the tourists to retreat into the supermarket. Advertisement Read more on World Footage shows police arriving at the scene as terrified staff fled the shop. One of the British men screamed for his phone. He was later seen pleading for police to 'take him' as he pointed to one of the Thai men. Police detained the parties involved at the Pattaya City Police Station and fined the two British tourists. A police spokesman said: "The police were able to control the situation in time before taking the two foreigners and those involved to Pattaya City Police Station to proceed with legal action. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog "The foreigners admitted their guilt in the fight and paid the rider 15,000 baht in compensation before going their separate ways." Former fishing village Pattaya became popular with American troops on 'rest and relaxation' breaks in the 1950s and 1960s when the US had military bases in Thailand while fighting Communism in Vietnam and Cambodia. Shock vid shows moment swaggering tourist gets FLATTENED by bouncer with one punch after squaring up outside Thai bar Rural families are said to have even dressed their sons as women to cash in on the gold rush. The handful of bars in the coastal town quickly grew and it is now the world's biggest sex holiday destination, with round-the-clock prostitution and drugs - a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah rife with crime and debauchery. Advertisement Government chiefs have attempted to clean up the city but regular violence, depravity and claims of corruption continue to blight its reputation. This comes just days after He lifted 33-year-old waitress May so high that she hit her head on the air con unit, resulting in the tourist getting kicked out the bar and CCTV shows May laughed at the drunken encounter with the shirtless tourist before running to the back of the shop, presumably to avoid another encounter. Advertisement But the holidaymaker soon turned his attention to another woman, a manager, whom he tried to kiss and embrace. The manager recalled: "I told him to return to his hotel. I said he should stop because he was too drunk and return tomorrow. "I grabbed his hand and walked him out of my bar. He pushed me away and walked back inside.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Look inside world's most luxurious floating LABORATORY that can handle posh polar expeditions in style
INCREDIBLE plans for the world's most luxurious floating laboratory-superyacht have been revealed. The fancy 90-metre-long concept was unveiled by Italian firm Bassan&Benedetti - and is designed for scientific research as well as extravagant travel. Advertisement 8 Plans have been unveiled for an incredible explorer yacht Credit: Cover Images 8 Concept of inside the impressive yacht which boasts breathtaking living spaces Credit: Cover Images 8 It has a beach club spanning 110 square metres Credit: Cover Images 8 It combines style and substance - showing off the latest cutting-edge technology with first-class guest facilities. The yacht's website boasts that it can handle the world's "most challenging sea conditions". The standout attraction - a fully equipped wet and dry laboratory for four scientists - can support 18-person expeditions. Altrove's whopping 4,990 gross tonnage is packed with exciting features for its crew of indulgent sailors - including a helideck which can transform into a party deck. Advertisement READ MORE WORLD NEWS This "gala helideck" can also be turned into an outdoor cinema, or fine dining gala venue. The pad can hold an Airbus H135, 130, 125 or a Bell 407 helicopter. The This top Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog Deep Sea Dreamer: The World's Most Luxurious Submarine Superyacht Aside from that, there are eight decadent cabins with capacity for 22 other guests. These eight can be converted into four 60-square-metre VIP suites. Altrove also has an extraordinary double saloon with dining for 30 guests, and two breathtaking observation lounges boasting 360-degree views. Wellness facilities for the sailing globetrotters include a gym, spa and massage room. Advertisement And the comprehensive ship also hosts aquatic features such as a 35-square-metre swimming pool and two Jacuzzis. There is also a beach club area spanning 110 square metres which features fold-down balconies, a transom opening and a multi-level swim platform providing direct water access. 8 The glamorous interior comes with a gym, massage room and spa Credit: Cover Images 8 It is a whopping 90 metres long Credit: Cover Images Advertisement The ship also hosts smaller vehicles - including Limo and RIB tenders, two submarines and Jet Skis held in a waterside garage. Its unique design is punctuated by a reverse bow and angular exterior lines, which the firm said conveyed "resilience and strength". Propulsion and performance details have not been released yet. The vessel is available for construction, with interest open to shipyards. Advertisement Other key specifications include a massive 15-metre beam and a draft of 4.5 metres. The Italian firm said om their website that the They said of their unique ship: "Engineered for adventure, she ensures comfort and safety even in the most challenging sea conditions. "With the capability to venture into the world's most remote and uncharted locations, it opens up new horizons for exploration." Advertisement 8 It features a helipad which can transform into a part deck Credit: Cover Images 8 The ship was designed by Italian firm Bassan&Benedetti Credit: Cover Images
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Moment ‘aggressive' XL Bully is tasered after it was ‘set on cops by owner' during arrest for ‘carrying machete'
THIS is the moment cops tasered an "aggressive" XL Bully after it lunged at officers trying to arrest its owner. Police were called to a park in Manchester on Friday evening to reports of males carrying machetes. Advertisement 5 Footage shows the dog off its lead during the arrest Credit: Supplied 5 The hound lunges at officers Credit: Supplied 5 The dog was tasered by cops and later died at the scene Credit: Supplied Shocking arrest footage shows the dog lunging and barking at cops while they arrested its owner, dressed in a tracksuit with his hood up. Cops said the male released the hound in 'an attempt to evade arrest' in Levenshulme before the chaos began. The clip shows the XL Bully - described by GMP as 'aggressive' - being tasered after police claimed they had attempted to humanely control and retain the animal. The hound later died at the scene. Advertisement Read More in UK News Two 16-year-olds have since been charged with robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. The older brother of one of the teens arrested blasted GMP. He said: 'Me and my whole family are traumatised, our dog has been killed in cold blood and all she was trying to do was protect her owner. 'She was just barking at the police as most dogs would have been in that situation. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog 'The whole street came out and witnessed the whole thing, and the whole street is with us and says what they did is disguising." He said the family were "devastated", claiming the animal was registered, insured and muzzled. Baby girl airlifted to hospital after being bitten by XL Bully in vicious attack with two arrested He claimed the dog managed to remove its own muzzle and collar during the altercation. The case has been referred to the Professional Standards Directorate, who are investigating the matter. Advertisement A GMP spokesman said: 'Shortly after 6pm on April 25 we were called to reports of men with machetes at Nutsford Vale Park. "As officers arrived at the location, it's believed that one of the men released a large dog, believed to be an XL Bully, in an attempt to evade police. "The dog was aggressive, and several tactics were utilised in an attempt to safely restrain the dog. 'To mitigate the danger posed to the public and officers at the scene, the dog was tasered. Sadly, it has since passed away. Advertisement 5 Shocking footage was shared on social media Credit: Supplied "A 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery, and another 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article. "They remain in police custody.' An updated statement added: 'We have charged two 16-year-old males, who cannot be named for legal reasons, with robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. Advertisement 'They have been charged and remanded into custody to appear at Manchester magistrates today. 'These charges relate to an incident which took place at Nutsford Vale Park on Friday April 25.' Since February 1 last year, it's been a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption. It's also against the law to take the dog out in public without a lead or a muzzle. Advertisement The new rules were introduced due to a significant rise in reported attacks with multiple fatalities over the past few years. GMP has seized and euthanised 112 XL bullies in the last 12 months. 5 The dog following cops around as chaos ensued Credit: Supplied
