Latest news with #Spice
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Tragic homeless crisis gripping UK city as hard-up rough sleepers fend off Spice addicts & fake beggars in £120 trainers
HUDDLED outside a luxury department store, a homeless man puffs on a suspicious-looking cigarette while young families hurry past. It's an increasingly common sight on the streets of the northern city - the epicentre of a 53 per cent rise in homelessness in the North East over the past year. 15 15 15 15 Concerned locals claim the heart of Newcastle -upon-Tyne, once a bustling shopping hotspot, has been 'taken over' by beggars high on Spice. Rough sleepers now camp outside department store Fenwick, famed for its luxurious designer brands, while vagrants on pavements sell friendship bracelets or sit before signs, one of which reads: "I am very hungry. God bless you." While many homeless people have fallen on genuine hard times, locals claim a growing number are fraudsters, or so-called 'professional beggars', who have homes to go to at the end of the day. Others are said to be more aggressive, attacking members of the public while high on drugs. This week the Government announced it is scrapping the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act by spring next year, meaning rough sleeping will no longer be a crime - a decision welcomed by homeless charities across the UK. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called the act "cruel and outdated" and insisted Labour will instead target organised begging by gangs. On a busy midweek morning, among shoppers and workers grabbing a coffee, we count up to 10 homeless people on the main high street in Newcastle, a stretch less than a quarter of a mile. In an underground car park right in the city centre, a stone's throw from Marks & Spencer, Five Guys, TK Maxx and Flannels, we find a discarded heroin spoon next to a drain. It sits beside a water bottle, and contains residue which appears to be the class A drug. Nicole Harry, 40, a retail worker from Gateshead tells us: "I wouldn't bring my children into Newcastle after dark because of the homeless issue. Mayor calls for 'purge' of homeless people via sick method then doubles down on shock statement despite backlash "I often offer to buy beggars food from Greggs but if they refuse I don't give them money, as you don't know who is genuine. "I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street. "It's a tough issue because you want to help those who need it, but you know some are on drugs or are just after cash. "You can understand why they're on drugs, I think a lot of people would in their situation. Sometimes you can tell they have taken something. "My son will often chat to them and give them his lunch and many keep to themselves." Violence 15 Caroline, who didn't want to give her surname, has lived on the streets for four months after escaping an abusive relationship. The 40-year-old says narcotics are rife amongst the homeless community with many turning to zombie drug spice and heroin for comfort. "Spice, heroin and alcohol are the main offenders," she explains, while curled up in her sleeping bag. "It's getting really bad, a lot of people take them and now everyone thinks all homeless people are on drugs, so no one wants to help us. "They become extremely violent because they're on drugs. I've seen one of them run up to a stranger and punch them in the face. I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street Nicole Harry, retail worker "It's a volatile environment. They always come up to me and ask if I have drugs. Any money they get, they waste getting high. "I have seen people sitting with a crack pipe, they don't care. "I don't feel safe as a woman on the streets. I have taken so much abuse off strangers, I have been spat on, and people have hurled abuse at me. "I'm homeless because I left an abusive relationships and I can't get a home. I don't take drugs, I'm just trying to get some help." According to charity Shelter, the North East had the largest annual increase in homelessness in the country in 2024. The number rocketed from 1,500 to 2,300 in the space of just one year. Within the region, the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains the highest number of homeless people - an estimated 335 - followed by Sunderland (309) and Durham (306). Drug poisoning 15 15 The North East has also experienced its largest number of drug-poisoning deaths for 11 years. In 2024, 174 died per million, compared to an average of 91 in England. Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families, a food bank in the region, says a "perfect storm" of conditions have led to the sharp rise in homelessness. She tells us: "We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase. We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families "We started getting other charities contacting us because the normal food boxes we provide were no good to people who haven't got a home. "People were taking the boxes and throwing away the pasta and sauce because it was no use to them. "The homeless obviously have no access to cooking facilities, so they'd discard anything that needed a microwave or oven. "We decided to distribute a rough sleeper's pack containing foods that do not need to be cooked. "We gave out 2,000 of these last year. They are essentially survival packs. What people need to survive in extreme circumstances are carbs and sugar. "The packs contain crisps, chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, pepperoni, noodles and mints. Often the homeless have access to hot water, but nothing more." Juliet adds: "A perfect storm has created the huge rise in homelessness. I am not surprised there was a 53 per cent rise last year. "There is a shortage of housing in this region. If you aren't in the council housing system and you have to go to a private landlord, there can be competition. You are unlikely to be chosen over someone who has a job. "I also think more relationships are breaking down. When I was at school, it was quite rare for someone to get divorced, but now that's very commonplace. 15 15 15 "When a couple separate, another home needs to be found for one partner, and sometimes that partner can end up sleeping rough. "Mental health is a big issue for all sorts of reasons, which also contributes. "There's not enough support available and it's a vicious circle. "Once you're homeless, it's very difficult to find a job and get out of that situation." Back in Newcastle another local, who didn't want to be named, says there are begging 'turf wars' plaguing the streets. "It's a massive issue, there are loads where I live in the city centre and they leave needles on the floor after shooting up," they tell us. "They all congregate at certain times when they have been moved on from somewhere else. "There are one or two genuine homeless people but the rest are drug addicts who have taken over. "There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette. There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette Local resident "I have lived here for 40 years and it never goes away." Brian Naylor, 70, a retired construction worker from Newcastle says some beggars can be intimidating. "There are more beggars in the city centre but they're not necessarily homeless. They just want money," he says. "They get right in your face asking for money, it can be intimidating for people. "There are some beggars who are really hostile. It's hard to know who is genuine." Tom Wilkinson, 18, a sports student at Northumbria University adds: "People can be intimidated by them begging, it just depends on if they are intoxicated. "I've seen homeless people on the high street but it's a problem across the country. It's really sad. "It doesn't bother me but there should be more help for the homeless in Newcastle." Dott, 61, a support worker who didn't want to give her surname, says she too has noticed a recent increase in the number of rough sleepers in the city. "There are a lot of homeless on the high street. They often hang around outside of Greggs and it can put people off going in those shops," she says. "You can tell that some of them are on drugs. It must be really hard for those who have hit hard times and are genuinely on the streets." Property crisis 15 15 Christopher Clark, 54, a fundraiser from Newcastle says a lack of available housing is a significant factor contributing to the growing number of homeless. "I spotted some homeless people on the high street today and did think to myself there had been an increase," he admits. "I can understand why they turn to drugs, a lot of them are in pain and have experienced trauma. "We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration. "We don't have enough homes for the country and now we are housing other people. Homelessness help HERE is some useful information if you are homeless or know someone who is experiencing homelessness. FIRST CONTACT If you or someone you know is sleeping rough you can use the alert Streelink service to help connect them with outreach services: FOOD You can find free food stations via: The Pavement - for food and soup runs: Homeless Link - for day centres: The Trussell Trust - for food banks: Food Cycle - for food services - HOUSING Councils have a duty to help people who are homeless or facing homelessness. Contact the Housing Options team from the council you have a local connection to and see if they can offer: Emergency accommodation - a place in a shelter or a hostel Longer-term accommodation including independent or social housing Visit: During times of severe cold or heat, local councils have special accommodation known as Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Find out more here: For advice, support or legal services related to housing visit or call 0808 800 4444. You can also contact Crisis: For housing advice, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or visit: DAY CENTRES Day centres can help by providing internet access, free or cheap food, shower and laundry facilities, safe storage for belongings, phone charging and clothes, toiletries or sleeping bags. They can also help with services for benefits or immigration advice; health support; finding work; educational or social activities; hostel, night shelter or outreach referrals. Centres can be found through Homeless Link: BENEFITS Normally you can claim Universal Credit if you are sleeping on the streets or staying in a hostel. If you are in a hostel, you can claim Housing Benefit to help with rent. You do not need a fixed address or a bank account. USEFUL CONTACTS Crisis - visit: or call 0300 636 1967. Shelter - visit: or call 0808 800 4444. Centrepoint (for people aged 16-25) - visit: or call 0808 800 0661. St Mungo's (Bath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Christchurch, Leicester, Oxford, Poole and Reading) - visit: or call 020 3856 6000. Depaul UK (for young people) - visit: or call 0207 939 1220. Citizen's Advice (legal advice) - visit: or call 0345 404 0506. The Samaritans (health and wellbeing) - or call 116 123. "There is a property crisis. I spoke to two brothers in Newcastle who were homeless and they said there was a systematic issue because they wanted to be housed together but were separated. "One of them was put in housing and he turned to drink because he was taken away from his brother. "We need to have a housing first policy where they are put in homes and then they can work on their addiction." 'City Safe' project 15 Inspector Karen Madge of Newcastle city centre's Neighbourhood Policing Team says neighbourhood officers are working tirelessly to ensure Newcastle city centre is a safe place to visit, work and live for everyone. "The City Safe project, launched last year, brings together Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and business improvement district NE1 to work in tandem to prevent crime, reduce anti-social behaviour," she tells us. "The project will provide increased access to support services for vulnerable people. "Working collaboratively with partners allows us to share intelligence and really get to the route of any issues. By identifying these issues early on, we can help prevent further incidents from happening. "Should anyone find themselves homeless or struggling with drug and alcohol misuse, our officers, support workers and those who can assist with housing issues, will work together. "We're committed to being there when the public need us." A Newcastle City Council spokesperson says while the city has a strong record of preventing homelessness, the combination of poverty, the rising cost of living, housing scarcity, increasing housing demand and limited supply presents a significant challenge for its housing system. "Our anti-poverty strategy sets out our commitment to make the prevention of homelessness everybody's responsibility through the identification of the triggers to homelessness including households struggling with income and debt," they tell us. "We aim to make sure that nobody is evicted into homelessness because they cannot afford to pay their rent. "Where people are homeless, we commission a range of options for accommodation with additional support to try and ensure that any experience of homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring. "This includes a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to support physical health and substance issues (and access to mental health support) for people who might be homeless or in temporary accommodation. "This team includes GP support, drug and alcohol workers and mental health social workers. "We want all of our residents to have a chance to live in a place that meets their needs and we offer a range of outreach support services to assist with this." 15 15
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Gen Xer Skipped College As Teen—30 Years On Has Life-Changing Realization
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man who never went to college after finishing school has now enrolled in his first-ever course at the age of 50. David Spice lives in Massachusetts, and upon graduating high school in 1993, decided not to go down the college path, wanting first to "enjoy life and explore the world on my own terms," he explained to Newsweek. Moving across the country and living in different states, Spice says he may have considered college a few years later, but "life threw me a surprise—I became the father of twins." Spice became their full-time parent, and his priorities "shifted immediately" to give his children a stable upbringing, and so he built a career at a grocery store, where he remained working for decades. "Today, my twins are 26 years old, independent, and thriving in their own careers. With their futures on track, I've finally found the space to think about my own." And, after being placed on medical leave from work for major surgery due to arthritis, a bone spur and a bone chip, for which he is still recovering, "this period of forced downtime gave me the opportunity to reassess my path." He took to Reddit via his account u/kidspice on May 27, where he showed off his new student ID, alongside photos of the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) campus, and wrote: "I'm a first time college student at 50 yrs old!" A man who never attended college shows off his student ID after enrolling for the first time aged 50. A man who never attended college shows off his student ID after enrolling for the first time aged 50. Reddit u/kidspice He wrote in the post that now seems "like the perfect time in my life" to take the plunge—in part because he is eligible to attend community college for free. Public community college is free for all students in Massachusetts with a high school diploma or equivalent, via the MassEducate program. Students can enrol on either a full-time or part-time basis, as long as they take least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate, according to the Massachusetts government website. Spice, who also receives a stipend from the program, has signed up to a course in computer systems engineering technology, as well as a summer boot camp—and added in the post he had been "smiling all day" since arriving at the campus and picking up his ID. Reddit users were hugely supportive, awarding the post more than 137,000 upvotes, as one commenter wrote: "Way to go, man!!!! It's never too late!! This is awesome!!! You will rock it!!! Very proud of you!!!!" Another, who identified themselves as teaching at a college in the UK, said: "I only teach adults, such as you. Our oldest ever student, 89. You are never too old for college, you are never too old to learn. Well done you!" One playfully joked: "I hope you guys understand your solemn responsibility as adult students to sit in the front row and ask too many questions." And one offered their congratulations and revealed they did the same thing aged 35, declaring "it's the best decision you'll ever make." A photograph of the college campus, taken on the day he picked up his college ID. A photograph of the college campus, taken on the day he picked up his college ID. Reddit u/kidspice Spice told Newsweek the experience so far has been "incredible," explaining: "Considering the physical demands of my job and my current physical limitations, this opportunity feels like a lifeline. It's exactly the kind of support I believe public programs should offer: the chance to improve oneself and open new doors. "My advisor worked closely with me to create a fall semester schedule that will allow me to continue working full-time once I'm medically cleared." Looking to the future, Spice said his aim is to work in IT, "Perhaps in a help desk role, as a field services rep, or ideally, in a remote position. I want to work smarter, not harder, and move into a career that's better aligned with my skills and physical health." He acknowledged that he is "nervous," as "it's been a long time since I was in a classroom. But I'm also genuinely excited." "With a lifetime of work and life experience behind me, I'm ready to take this next step—and grateful for the opportunity to do so." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details, and they could appear on our website.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Wild New Development in Case of 17-Year-Old Who Mysteriously Vanished for Six Weeks
When 17-year-old Deante James went missing from his family home in North London, his mother quickly realized something was wrong. The teen, who enjoyed exercising and school, began behaving differently during the weeks leading up to his disappearance. Soon, it was discovered James was smoking what he thought was marijuana. Instead, it was a lab-made drug resembling weed that caused severe side effects. K2— or Spice— emerged during the early 2000s as a cheap street drug targeting naive teens and young adults. Although it's hard to pinpoint how many deaths the drug has caused since it hit the streets, the number is estimated to be dozens around the world and even more cases of severe side effects, usually in young adults, according to CNN. For James, his side effects began with hallucinations and hearing voices. His mother even took him to the hospital where doctors diagnosed him with a drug-induced psychosis. When they returned home, James ran away with no phone or money, according to the Daily Record. That was on March 31. Three days after he went missing, local transit police stopped him for fare evasion. He gave the cops a fake name, but officials eventually let him go, not realizing he was a missing person, according to PEOPLE. 'Once his identity was confirmed, he was dearrested and allowed to leave,' the British Transport Police told PEOPLE. 'Although the teenager was reported missing to the Met Police prior to being arrested, no 'missing marker was found when officers searched for his name on the police database.' James' mom, Vandana Bhogowoth, ran a missing persons' campaign for her son soon after he ran away. Now, in a new development, the teenager was found, and she believes her campaign was key to him finally being found safe and alive six weeks later on May 17. 'The publicity made the police take the case more seriously,' she told Magzter. 'I'm really thankful to everyone, also my local MP and the Missing People charity, who pushed the police to take it seriously and get him found,' Bhogowoth continued. 'I think highlighting it did push them. Everyone collectively helped – thank you. I'm so grateful.' Now, his family says he's back to normal. 'He's recovering and he's going to get back to his absolute best self, so I'm really happy, positive and extremely grateful to everyone,' his mother said. 'He's looking forward to getting his life back on track and following his dreams.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Boy, 17, Found Alive After He Fled Home for 6 Weeks When He Accidentally Smoked Synthetic Pot: Reports
A 17-year-old boy has finally been found more than six weeks after he fled his United Kingdom home Deante James experienced hallucinations and started hearing voices after he smoked a joint that he didn't realize was laced with a synthetic drug that can cause psychosis Now he's "absolutely fine," his mom saysA 17-year-old boy who was missing for more than six weeks after leaving his home has finally been found safe, according to reports. Deante James first disappeared on Monday, March 31, from his family home in Enfield, England, after smoking what he thought was marijuana but was laced with Spice — a synthetic cannabinoid that can cause psychosis. He was found alive on Saturday, May 17, after his family and officials conducted a weekslong search, his family tells Mirror, the Daily Record and Irish Sunday People. When contacted by PEOPLE, the Metropolitan Police declined to provide further information in deference to the family's privacy. 'I'm so happy and relieved, thank God we've found him. When I got the call from the police to say he'd been found I was over the moon – I couldn't stop crying,' the teen's 36-year-old mom, Vandana Bhogowoth, told the Mirror. She credits the outlet's missing persons campaign for helping in the recovery of her son. 'Thanks so much for everything the Mirror has done. It pushed the police to realize who he was even though his name had been entered onto the system incorrectly,' she told the Mirror. 'It's great news and he's now getting the help he needs." James' troubles began when he smoked the synthetic drug earlier this spring. The driven teen, who enjoys working out, changed after the Spice hit his system, Irish Sunday People reported. He began hearing voices and hallucinating and was hospitalized. Doctors told his concerned family that he had signs of psychosis, according to the report. When he returned home, he fled without money or his phone. Three days after he left his Enfield home, James was stopped by the British Transport Police "on suspicion of fare evasion" and arrested after providing false details, officials confirm to PEOPLE. He was then let go because authorities did not know he was a missing person. "Once his identity was confirmed, he was dearrested and allowed to leave," the British Transport Police tells PEOPLE via email. "Although the teenager was reported missing to the Met Police prior to being arrested, no 'missing' marker was found when officers searched for his name on the police database." While James' mom is happy that her son is now safe, she is upset that the miscommunication endangered her son. In the weeks that he was missing, she feared that he had been kidnapped or was dead, the Daily Record reported. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Now home, the teen is 'absolutely fine,' she said. 'He's recovering and he's going to get back to his absolute best self, so I'm really happy, positive and extremely grateful to everyone,' Bhogowoth told the outlet. 'He's looking forward to getting his life back on track and following his dreams.' His family is excited to celebrate James' upcoming birthday. 'We're going to spoil him,' she told the Daily Record. Read the original article on People
Metro
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Mel B and Eddie Murphy's child Angel, 18, is now living as a trans man
The child of Spice Girl Melanie 'Mel B' Brown and Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy has changed his pronouns on social media and is living as a trans man. Angel Brown, 18, is the only child from Mel, 50, and Eddie's brief yet high profile 2006 relationship. Born in 2007 – after they had split up – Angel was the subject of a public paternity dispute between the Spice Girl and the Norbit actor. Including Angel, the Nutty Professor star, 64, has 10 children with five different women. They are Eric, Bria, Christian, Myles, Shayne, Zola Ivy, Bella Zahara, Izzy Oona, and Max. Meanwhile Mel shares Phoenix Brown with ex-husband Jimmy Gulzar, and Madison Brown Belafonte with her other ex-Stephen Belafonte. Following the resolution of their paternity dispute, Mel and Eddie agreed upon a support settlement in 2009 – and Eddie now shares a warm relationship with both Mel and Angel. Weeks after his 18th birthday, Angel has updated his pronouns on Instagram – to support from both his famous mum and dad. Visible on the autobiographical section of his Instagram profile, Angel's pronoun now reads 'him' next to his name and profile picture. Of the milestone, a source told MailOnline: 'It's a decision Angel made and Mel has been understanding, likewise Eddie. 'There was no big event to mark it. Angel just wanted it to be known what pronouns are now suitable.' Last month, former Scary Spice Mel posted a loving message in celebration of Angel's 18th birthday to her own Instagram, sharing a selection of pics throughout his life. 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY ANGEL !!!' the America's Got Talent judge captioned the post. 'I cannot believe youre [sic] 18 You are so special and so bright and so talented!! I couldnt be prouder of watching you grow and become the person you are but youll forever be my babyyyy 'I hop [sic] you keep chasing yor [sic] dreams and be kind to everyone around you like you always have been my Angel 'Love you always ❤️❤️❤️' she signed off. Weeks later, she celebrated her own 50th, and was pictured with Angel and fiancé Rory McPhee at her side. Earlier this year, Mel spoke out about how co-parenting with her famous ex had 'flourished' in recent months. Reflecting on how her PTSD and experiences with coercive control impacted her co-parenting relationship with Eddie, Mel told US Weekly: 'I think being in the kind of [situation] that I was in, it was hard for me to step out and have that relationship flourish. I managed to do it bit by bit.' With Mel now settled down in Leeds with hairdresser Rory, 36, Angel now divides his time between England and his dad's Beverly Hills home. 'Angel is coming over [to Murphy's house]. They spend time together. They go on holiday together. He has [10] kids and he's a proper father,' Mel said. Mel went on to speak about Angel's interest in 'art and Japanese culture' noting to the publication that he keeps 'very much to himself'. More Trending She added: 'He went to Japan last year with his girlfriend and just embraced the whole Japanese vibe,' the TV personality says. '[Angel] speaks fluent Japanese and he knows exactly what he wants to do and where he wants to go.' In her 2018 memoir Brutally Honest, Mel described the Shrek star as 'the love of my life,' writing: 'He's a genuinely decent man.' He may have initially questioned Angel as his own offspring, but Eddie has very much come around since – posing for a Christmas card in 2018 with all 10 of his children, with Angel front and centre. Metro has contacted representatives for Mel B and Eddie Murphy for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Mel B's huge 50th birthday celebrations incomplete without two Spice Girls MORE: Major Spice Girls tour 'given green light by Victoria' – but there's an annoying twist MORE: Netflix's Spice Girls TV show 'recruits Bafta-winning comedy writer'
