Latest news with #schoolgirls
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
7 taken away as Hong Kong police ramp up patrols at former Tiananmen vigil site
Hong Kong police officers have taken away at least seven people holding flowers or candles, including two schoolgirls, in Causeway Bay on the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown A source said that police had ramped up patrols in sensitive locations across the city, such as Victoria Park – where candlelight vigils to commemorate the victims of the June 4, 1989, protests in Beijing had been held over the years – in Causeway Bay and the central government's liaison office in Sai Ying Pun, since Monday. 'There are still people who we believe might use this day to do something out there. We must be on guard and monitor the situation holistically,' the source said on Wednesday. More than 100 officers were stationed outside Victoria Park and nearby areas on Wednesday, with barriers erected on East Point Road to prevent cars from entering. Police officers block off East Point Road in Causeway Bay. Photo: Elson Li The Post saw at least three elderly residents and four young women holding white flowers or candles being taken away in Causeway Bay. One elderly woman who had a light on her waist was stopped immediately and pulled aside when she tried to walk through Victoria Park.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Three schoolgirls ‘raped' at same house as teen, 18, and two men, 20 & 24, arrested
THREE MEN have been arrested after three schoolgirls under the age of 16 were raped. An investigation is ongoing after police were called to an address in Ratcoombe Road, Swindon, on May 31. Two men in their 20s and an 18-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of rape. It is understood that the "targeted" attacks all took place at the same property in the same evening. All three men have been bailed as enquires continue, with Swindon CID leading the rape investigation. The victims are being supported by specially trained officers. DS Craig Rathbone of Swindon CID said: 'We are taking this incident incredibly seriously and have already made three arrests in connection with it. 'I appreciate the community concern this incident will cause, however please be assured it is being treated as a targeted incident that occurred within a property in the course of one evening. 'The victims involved are all being supported by specially trained officers and our enquiries are ongoing.' is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Frantic search for two missing schoolgirls, 15, who vanished 2 days ago as anyone who sees them urged to contact police
AN urgent search is underway to help find two missing schoolgirls who vanished two days ago. Amy-Leigh Heward and Hannah Tofik, both 15, were last seen in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, on Sunday night. 2 2 Cops have since launched an appeal to help find the teens, urging anyone who sees them to call 101. Amy-Leigh Heward, 15, is described as white, 5 foot 8, with brown/red straight shoulder length hair. She was last seen wearing grey jeans, a cream zip-up jacket and white Nike trainers. Hannah Tofik, 15, is described as white, 5 foot 6, of slim build with blonde / brown hair. She was last seen in the Dewsbury area wearing a black Adidas jacket with stripes on the arms, white crop top, black leggings and white trainers, and carrying a Nike rucksack. According to West Yorkshire Police: "It is thought they may have travelled to the North Yorkshire area." Anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact local police officers.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Two more girls, 14, arrested after ‘cheeky, happy' boy died in tragic industrial park fire
TWO more schoolgirls have been questioned after a "cheeky and happy" 14-year-old boy died in a horror fire last month. Layton Carr's body was found after the blaze at an industrial park in Gateshead, Co Durham, on May 2. 7 7 7 More than two dozen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident at Fairfield Industrial Estate in the Bill Quay area. A total of 26 kids, aged between 11 and 14, have been detained as part of the investigation before being bailed. The latest suspects questioned were two girls, both aged 14, Northumbria Police has confirmed. A force spokesperson told The Sun: "I can confirm a further two girls, both aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have since been bailed." Layton was originally declared missing before cops confirmed he had perished in the fire. Layton's family previously paid tribute to him in a statement released by police. They said: "Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy. "From the minute he was born it was obvious the character he would turn out to be. Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. "Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. "He was loved by all that met him, and it showed. "He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world. 'Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy.' They added: 'As a family we would like to say a massive thank you to all that helped in finding Layton. 'A massive thank you to the police and all services involved. "We're incredibly grateful for the work that you do every day to bring closure to families like ours.' Police have previously appealed for anyone who was at the industrial park on the night of the fire to get in touch. Detectives have also asked for anyone with video footage relating to the incident to share it with them. Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, said last month: 'Our thoughts remain with Layton's family at this devastating time. 'Our specialist officers will continue to support them in any way we can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time. 'I would remind everyone not to speculate on details of the incident online or in the community – what might seem like a simple post on social media, could disrupt an on-going investigation. 'Circulation of malicious communications is classed as a criminal offence and those who choose to be involved could face prosecution. 'It's also important to note that anyone suspected of a crime must not be named publicly for legal reasons and those who are under 18 have anonymity. Thank you for your continued support and co-operation at this time.' Anyone with information in relation to what has happened, should speak to Northumbria Police directly by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report forms on the Force's website. Those who can't contact the Force online, should call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20250502-1124. 7 7 7 7
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Heavy periods harm exam results and school attendance, study finds
Heavy periods have been linked with lower attendance and poorer GCSE results in girls, according to a new study. More than a third of school girls (36 per cent) who experienced heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding also missed 1.7 additional days of school every year. Symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and severe cramps, were experienced by more than half of participants and associated with achieving lower grades. Researchers from the University of Bristol found these symptoms were linked to 27 per cent lower odds of achieving five passes at GCSE – which is often needed to help students enter the next stage of education. The findings are based on analysis of data from almost 2,700 girls aged 13 to 16 who were taking their GCSEs between 2006 and 2009. The data drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children revealed 36 per cent of the girls experienced prolonged or heavy bleeding and 56 per cent reported menstrual pain. Participants were interviewed four times over three years about their periods and educational attainment data was also collected. The study is out as a preprint but has not yet been published, and is under review at npj Science of Learning. Its findings suggested concerns about leaking, shame, bullying, managing period symptoms while in school and difficulty accessing toilets during lessons, as well as debilitating symptoms, could all be harming girls' attendance and exam results. 'It's an issue that is largely not discussed or is totally ignored,' Gemma Sharp, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Exeter, who supervised the research said. She told the Independent: 'Ensuring period products are easily available would help, as well as allowing pupils to use the toilet during lesson time and exams.' It comes after another study led by the phs hygiene services group alongside the global menstrual justice charity Irise, that found more than two in three students (65 per cent) are unable to access toilets at their school freely at any time. Dr Sharp believes there needs to be a 'serious culture shift' and menstruation shouldn't be 'stigmatised or treated as taboo'. She added: 'I think this starts with education - normalising menstruation and including boys in the conversation too so that it's clear from the off that it's not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. 'For girls who are experiencing problematic symptoms, like heavy bleeding or severe pain, we need them to feel comfortable in disclosing that to adults, and we need the adults to listen and make sure they're getting appropriate health care and support in schools and at home.' Tina Leslie MBE and founder of Freedom4Girls said the 'study shines a spotlight on a hugely overlooked issue'. She added: 'No student should be penalised for a medical issue they can't control. We urgently need schools to provide a full range of free, high-quality menstrual products, including those suitable for heavier flows. But products alone aren't enough. 'We must create environments where menstruation isn't stigmatised—where students feel safe speaking up, accessing bathrooms, and managing their health without shame. We have had many students and adults telling us of missing school days as toilets are locked at lesson times as they are not allowed to go to the toilet which adds to the stress missed education, truancy issues and lowering of attainment levels.'
