Economy

A football club's appeal to get its ball back after a rival side appeared to use it in a kit launch has gone viral.

League Two team Fleetwood Town shared a picture on social media of midfielder Mark Helm posing in the club's new strip with his foot resting on a ball, on which had been handwritten "BAFC".

Barrow AFC's post in response asking "can we have our ball back please?" attracted more than 56,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

A Fleetwood Town spokesman said the club would not comment on the post, but "maybe one day the ball will return".

Fleetwood initially responded to Barrow saying: "That could be anyone's ball."

Others have suggested the ball belonged to League One side Burton Albion, which 22-year-old Helm joined Fleetwood from in July 2024.

Fleetwood shared the kit launch photo with the caption "perfection".

Barrow finished 16th in the League Two table in the season that has just ended, one point and two places behind Fleetwood.

Ethan Thatcher, media manager at Barrow, said the post was "light-hearted content" for the fans.

"As football clubs on social media, we have a duty to entertain our supporters," he said.

An unarmed man shot dead by police during a drugs raid was killed lawfully, a jury has ruled.

Former soldier Sean Fitzgerald, 31, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after appearing at a door of a property in Coventry on 4 January 2019. An officer said he thought he was holding a gun but it turned out to be a mobile phone.

An inquest jury identified three failures in the police operation, including the level of intelligence and inadequate prior surveillance of premises.

After the verdict, his family said in a statement they were "incredibly disappointed" but welcomed the jury's findings over the police's "planning, preparation and implementation".

Liam Fitzgerald, Sean's brother, held his head in his hands as the jury announced its conclusion.

Speaking afterwards, Sean's niece Callie Fitzgerald said listening to graphic details of her uncle's final moments had been "distressing" and "something that no family should have to endure".

"We've missed Sean every day for the last six years. We now have a lifetime of missing him to go," she said.

West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt said he noted the points raised by the inquest jury and would ensure they were "fully considered" in future operations.

He added armed policing was "complex and challenging" and said the force's firearms officers were given "continuous rigorous training" for the "vital and demanding role".

'Thought I was going to be shot'

Six years after Mr Fitzgerald's death, the inquest jury was asked to consider two possible conclusions, of lawful or unlawful killing, by the officer who fired the fatal shot.

That officer, known as Officer K, as well as a number of others, have had their anonymity protected during proceedings, which began on 7 April.

The events that led to the fatal shooting began in 2017, when Warwickshire Police started investigating an organised crime gang it believed was dealing Class A drugs in the Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry areas.

As the gang's activities escalated, the investigation was handed over to the West Midlands' Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).

ROCU received intelligence claiming lead gang members were expected to be at a property in Burnaby Road for a regular meeting on the day of the shooting.

Within hours, a search warrant and firearms assistance was agreed for a raid on the house.

The jury was told there was limited information about the layout of the house, but that members of the gang had access to weapons.

During the inquest, Officer K described to jurors how he had been in the property's garden when he saw a man holding what he thought was a gun.

"I thought he was about to shoot us," Officer K said. "I fired one shot at the male to stop his actions.

"I honestly thought he was holding a gun in his left hand and was positioning himself to fire… so I shot him before he could shoot me.

Mr Fitzgerald died after exiting the property at about 18:20 GMT.

Bodycam footage showed him falling to the floor shouting: "My chest, my chest."

It was later found that the object in his hand was a mobile phone, and no firearms or Class A drugs were found at the property.

Liam Fitzgerald admitted during the inquest his brother had minor involvements with the police over the years and said, although he "wasn't a saint… he didn't have a bad bone in his body".

"He'd had a tough time, losing his mum and then our dad when he was still… relatively young," he told the court.

Mr Fitzgerald described how his younger brother had joined the Army in 2009 and won the title of "best recruit" during his two years of service.

Scott Moore, who was in the house during the raid, told coroner Sir John Saunders he had heard a chainsaw being used to gain access to the front door.

The whole incident lasted two or three seconds, he said.

Jurors deliberated for five and a half days at Warwick Justice Centre before they reached their conclusion.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its almost four-year investigation into the incident, which concluded in December 2023, found sufficient evidence to indicate Officer K "may have breached the police professional standards".

Director Derrick Campbell said West Midlands Police had been directed to hold a misconduct hearing, which would be progressed on the conclusion of the inquest.

He added the IOPC would "carefully review" whether any additional evidence heard during the inquest impacted its previous decision making, which included that evidence did not meet the threshold for a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service over criminal charges.

A Devon not-for-profit organisation is asking people to stop fly-tipping after a recent rise in the amount of unwanted items being left outside its shop.

Among items dumped outside the Sea Adora charity shop in Exmouth was a "dirty and smelly" mattress on Monday.

Manager Magi Goodwin said she had reported the mattress as fly-tipping to East Devon District Council (EDDC), but was given no time-frame on when it would be removed.

"Obviously it looks awful left outside my shop but, I cannot move it – plus it is dirty and smells," Ms Goodwin said.

She said: "We have recently had items such as old dirty carpets left outside the shop covered in paint.

"We have also had general black bags of rubbish left outside which I did pay to have removed by a rubbish removal company."

She said they were always grateful for genuine donations and asked for these to be bought in at times when the shop was open.

Sea Adora raises money for a number of local charities.

The EDDC website describes fly-tipping as a serious crime and said it always looked to catch and prosecute those committing it.

It said those with genuine donations should check their items could be accepted by a charity and not just left outside a shop.

"Our advice is to take large items to a waste and recycling centre, or arrange for a licensed waste carrier to dispose of waste safely and legally," EDDC added.

The council said fly-tipping incidents could be reported on its website, and those convicted of the offence could face up to two years imprisonment and up to a £50,000 fine.

Hundreds of tradespeople have gathered to start work on a building for a homeless youth club, as part of the BBC programme DIY SOS.

The group of volunteers has eight days to transform a field In Beverley, East Yorkshire, into a new home for the Cherry Tree Youth Club, which has been without a permanent venue since the Covid pandemic.

Jo Ramsey, the manager of the club, told the BBC: "I still can't believe it. All these people have come together, it's surreal and fantastic."

Planning permission for the project, off Burden Road, was granted by East Riding of Yorkshire Council on Monday.

Cherry Tree engages with around 90 young people a week.

When complete, the single-storey building will feature a large communal area, toilets, a kitchen, meeting room and storage area. The plans also include an outdoor gym and cycle path.

The volunteers have given their time or materials for free.

DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles said: "It's extraordinary, all these people turn up, we give them the plans and within an hour everyone knows what they're doing. It's a magical thing.

"We've set up a small factory in this field to make this happen. There must be 100 vans, catering tents, offices, it's like a circus that rolls into town."

The majority of people working on the site are from the Hull and East Yorkshire area, but Knowles said tradespeople from as far away as Devon and Sheffield were involved.

Emma Hulme, from Cheshire, owns a business called Builder Girl. She said: "I saw a shout-out about the job and thought it would be great.

"We drove over yesterday – the lads slept in the vans and we're ready for action today."

The Cherry Tree Youth Club was launched in 2016, but since the pandemic young people have been meeting in a gazebo in a park, while officials tried to find a permanent home.

Knowles said the struggles faced by the group had resonated with him. He recalled watching a video taken in the park showing youth workers handing out pizza to children in the rain.

He said: "It took me back to the place where I grew up and I knew I had to get involved.

"Some will say Beverley is posh, what are you doing there? There are two sides of the track, we're on the other side and there's an opportunity to direct young people in the right direction.

"If we can turn one kid's life around, give them something to eat or give them an ear to listen then it's worth doing the whole build.

"The fact it [the building] will look after hundreds, possibly thousands, of kids in the coming years makes it extra special."

The finished building is due to be unveiled on 22 May, with DIY SOS due to broadcast the story later this year.

Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Soundslatest episode of Look North here.

The appearance of a solitary bottlenose dolphin in a harbour has led conservation experts to warn people not to get too close.

The animal has appeared in Lyme Regis Harbour, Dorset, and sparked the initiative Operation Seabird.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Dorset Police and Dorset Wildlife Trust have joined forces to remind people dolphins, whales and porpoises are protected by law.

They said while dolphin sightings had led to excitement among residents and visitors, they were urged to keep their distance.

Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation, said: "The arrival of a dolphin in a small coastal community like Lyme Regis can be a source of wonder and pride.

"But it's vital to remember dolphins are vulnerable and unpredictable wild animals, protected by law.

"We all have a responsibility to respect their space, keep a safe distance, and understand how our actions can unintentionally cause harm or even constitute a criminal offence."

Intentionally approaching, or recklessly disturbing a dolphin can result in up to six months in prison as well as an unlimited fine.

'Act responsibly'

Ms Churchill-Bissett added: "By giving these animals space, observing them from a distance and acting responsibly, we help ensure their health and survival, so they remain a part of our coast now and for generations to come."

Guidance for someone who encounters a dolphin while on the water includes slowing down to a speed below six knots, staying at least 100m (328ft) away, not chasing or encircling the animal and never trying to swim with, touch or feed them.

"Sometimes dolphins may choose to approach you, in this situation you should maintain a steady speed and direction and let the animals leave when they choose," it adds.

Anyone who witnesses a dolphin being disturbed is asked to contact the MMO, which is hosting a talk on marine wildlife disturbance on Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00 BST in the Fishing College, The Cobb.

Inspectors have identified "serious and significant concerns" about the quality of care provided by NHS Highland's Care at Home Service in Sutherland.

The Care Inspectorate said improvements were needed or it would recommend the cancellation of the service's registration.

Care at Home offers support to people who find it difficult to manage daily routines.

NHS Highland said it would work with staff to put actions in place as soon as possible.

Inspectors acknowledged that it was a "difficult and distressing time" for staff at the Sutherland service, but added that their first priority was always the health and wellbeing of care users.

The Care Inspectorate's improvement notice called for "safe and compassionate care and treatment" by a deadline of 25 May.

Improvements required

The regulator stressed that this included support with medication, help with skin health and mobility assistance.

Inspectors also said that service users needed to be kept safe and healthy by ensuring that medication was "handled and administered correctly".

Steps to ensure effective governance is in place to monitor the quality of care were also requested.

The Care Inspectorate said that "failure to demonstrate compliance" with the improvements could lead to the service's registration being cancelled.

A spokesperson for NHS Highland said the health board would work closely with staff to put actions in place as soon as possible.

NHS Highland said it planned to issue a further statement this week once it had spoken to service users.

A full inspection by the Care Inspectorate is expected at a later date.

The retiring owners of a Guernsey fish and chip shop have shared their sadness at having to close.

Andy and Kim Ashplant on Saturday announced plans to retire and close Beeton's fish and chip shop in St Peter Port after nearly 25 years.

Mrs Ashplant said the rising cost of electricity, gas and cod had made it difficult to keep the fish and chip shop competitive.

"You don't want to outprice yourselves because a fish and chip supper is something special which people have," she said.

The business in its current form will remain open until 28 June, but Mrs Ashplant said she hoped it could be rented or bought and kept as a chippy.

Reflecting on recent years, Mrs Ashplant said rising costs had been tough.

"We've had to put our prices up," she said.

"The gas has gone up, and then you hear the electric has gone up, and then it goes up again, and then there's no cod, so the cod goes up.

"It's a cycle all the time, to be perfectly honest."

Mrs Ashplant said what happens next for Beaton's was the "big question".

"We'd like someone to take it on, obviously it's only just been announced, so we haven't got that far yet," she said.

"We'll see what happens but hopefully somebody will rent it from us, run it as a chip shop but it could also be that somebody may want to buy it as we own the building and everything.

"It's a 'watch this space' for all of us."

Mr and Mrs Ashplant took over the business from Mr Ashplant's father in 2000, after the shop had sat empty for a year.

She estimated millions of pieces of fish and tonnes of potatoes had been cooked at the chippy since they took it on.

'Emotional weekend'

Mrs Ashplant said she had experienced mixed emotions since the couple announced they were moving on.

"I thought that I'd be jubilant and skipping around but actually, I feel quite sad, which I didn't think I would feel," she said.

"I feel really quite bad because some of them [customers] have been coming here for years.

"For some of them it's their routine and they've been doing it for 20 years.

"I don't know what Andy and I will be like, but Andy's cried anyway, it's been an emotional weekend."

Families had to be evacuated from a block of flats after lengthy inaction from its owner caused it to become a fire risk, a senior firefighter said.

The emergency intervention at Redstone House, Harlow, led to those affected being placed in temporary accommodation since 7 May.

Dan Wastell, from the Essex fire service, said the building was no longer tenable because his safety concerns were "so significant".

The BBC has been unable to contact Dunlap Property Solutions, which owns the property.

It was first asked to make immediate fire safety improvements in early 2024, according to Mr Wastell.

He said: "There were significant issues within the building, which meant should a fire occur, there was potential for increased fire spread."

Further inspections found there was not a "suitable and sufficient" fire alarm system, so a waking watch – or a patrolling officer – was imposed as an interim solution.

However, Mr Wastell said "there were concerns about the validity" of the arrangement, and the service decided to evacuate the building.

"We know there's young children within the building," he continued.

"As such, any decision to undertake the issue of a prohibition notice is very much a last resort.

"The [fire safety] concerns are so significant that it's now untenable for those persons to live within that building."

Redstone House was the second property in Harlow to be served a prohibition notice in the past 11 months.

In June 2024, the fire service deemed there was a "threat to life" at Joseph Rank House and instructed people to leave 44 flats.

Both incidents reawakened a debate about the suitability of housing people in converted office blocks, made easier by permitted development rules.

Chris Vince, the Labour MP for Harlow, recently told the BBC: "There is absolutely a concern something like this could happen again."

Two hospice volunteers are set to be honoured at a Buckingham Palace garden party celebrating the work of charities and community groups.

Patricia Allen and Lesley Gould will attend the King's garden party on Tuesday after being invited to recognise their work with Gravesend-based charity ellenor.

The pair, from Gravesend, said they were excited to have the chance to meet the King and Queen at the event after being invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent at the end of last year.

Ms Allen, 89, who volunteers as a host at the charity's hospice site, said: "I think I get more from the hospice than I give. My job is to put them at ease and I hope that I'm successful."

She added: "If I get the chance to meet the King and I'm not flabbergasted then I will say how honoured I am to meet him."

As part of her work, Ms Allen's role includes greeting people and providing them with information at the hospice in Gravesend.

"Incredible and exciting"

In 2016, she was also honoured with the Order of Mercy, an award from the League of Mercy foundation, which was originally set up by Queen Victoria in 1899 to recruit volunteers to help in hospitals.

She added that, despite heading towards her 90th birthday in November, she has no plans of stopping her volunteering work.

Ms Gould, the hospice's chaplain, works to provide holistic support for people using the services at the hospice and it's at-home services.

She said: "My job is to offer spiritual care and to respect each patient's values and beliefs and just be there for their journey."

She added that the invite to the garden party was "so incredible and exciting" and that she would be taking some of the patients at ellenor with her "in spirit".

The tradition of churches opening up their doors to offer drinks and snacks during the Isle of Man TT represents "the spirit" of the event, organisers have said.

The institution of "TT Teas" sees churches around the island open up their halls and gardens for spectators to enjoy tea, cake and pies during the races.

Fiona Collier, from the Union Mills Methodist Church, which has been offering the service for about 70 years, said visitors have told her the kindness on show was "what the TT stands for".

She said the the 40-strong team wanted bikers to have "the best time ever and go home with a full a nice full belly, and warm and fuzzy feeling about our island".

Preparation for the festival began eight weeks ahead of practice week to ensure items on the menu would be ready in time.

That included the peeling of 66lb (30kg) of potatoes and 20lb (9kg) of carrots for the pies, and the making of 24lb (11kg) of crumble.

The spread on offer, which includes sandwiches, scones and a range of baked goods, "has all been made with love" which was "the secret ingredient I think", Ms Collier said.

Generations of families volunteer to help year after year, and stay on site at the church, which offers a vantage point at the third mile of the course, for long hours if racing is delayed.

Ms Collier said the team often runs on "cakes, adrenaline and lack of sleep" but "we love it, wouldn't miss it".

"Providing for our TT visitors is part of our community as a church," she said.

"We're going to keep going as long as people keep coming."

Just along the road from the event's start line on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas, volunteers at St Andrew's United Reform Church have been serving their TT Teas for about 25 years.

Sandie Newson from the team said their outdoor space was often "packed" with fans, with long queues forming for a cup of tea and a corned beef sandwich.

"In the first week or so, we've sold about 1,000 baps," she said.

Ms Newson said: "Visitors say wonderful things to us like 'we love the Isle of Man, it's the best place to come ever'."

"And they keep coming back from as far away as Germany, Switzerland, Florida, Denmark, you name it we have them in."

She said the fortnight was "very special" because it was the "only fundraising we do all year", which "keeps the church going".

"It is an enormous effort over the fortnight with so many hands at the pump [but] we're great TT lovers, we love the atmosphere and we love having everyone here, it's such a buzz," she added.