Latest News in London, UK

The bombed London church that was reborn in the USA

St Mary Aldermanbury, a historic church in London, was relocated to the US Midwest after being destroyed during the Blitz. The church, originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, was dismantled in 1965 and reconstructed in Fulton, Missouri, to commemorate Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain speech. The ambitious project, endorsed by prominent figures including John F. Kennedy, aimed to preserve a piece of British history.

'We are losing a generation of young people to drug gangs'

Somali families in north London face a crisis as children become targets for drug gangs in the county lines trade. Community leaders like Sadia Ali highlight the exploitation of young people, who are often groomed and coerced into transporting drugs, leading to serious risks of violence and abuse. The charity Minority Matters aims to combat this issue through education and community support.

Book swap to return to some Tube stations

Transport for London will restore its Book Swaps scheme at 15 surface-level Tube stations next month after addressing fire safety concerns. The London Fire Brigade had previously suspended the program due to risks posed by combustible materials. New fire-proof cabinets will be introduced to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

'No water for five days, I want compensation'

Families in southeast London demand full compensation from Thames Water after a broken mains pipe left them without water for five days. Residents report underpayment and inadequate responses from the utility company, which acknowledges shortcomings in its compensation scheme. Thames Water, facing significant debts, has offered £30 for every 12 hours without water, but many feel this is insufficient.

Mayor must help boys avoid misogyny epidemic - London Assembly

The London Assembly urges Mayor Sadiq Khan to promote positive male role models to combat online misogyny affecting boys. The recommendation follows a report highlighting the influence of harmful content on social media and the need for preventative education to address violence against women and girls. A Parent Toolkit is proposed to help families discuss healthy relationships.

Pilot's 1930 Australia flight to be celebrated

The 95th anniversary of Amy Johnson's historic solo flight to Australia will be commemorated at Croydon Airport, where she departed in 1930. A biplane flypast and various events aim to inspire future aviation enthusiasts and highlight women's contributions to aviation. Johnson faced significant challenges during her journey, including navigating uncharted territories with limited resources.

London substation fire under control, says brigade

A fire originating from an electricity substation engulfed a block of flats in Maida Vale, north-west London, early Tuesday morning. The London Fire Brigade reported that around 80 residents were safely evacuated, with no injuries recorded. Firefighters battled the blaze, which was described as technically complex, for several hours.

Man accused of double murder admits killing one man

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, admitted to manslaughter but denies the murder of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, whose remains were found in suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The prosecution rejected his plea, and Mosquera will face trial starting Wednesday.

Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection

A 29-year-old doctor from Bristol regained her eyesight after a metagenomics test identified a rare bacterial infection that had caused her eye inflammation for five years. The innovative analysis, not typically available to patients, diagnosed leptospirosis, allowing successful treatment with antibiotics. Professor Carlos Pavesio called the case a breakthrough in diagnosing chronic infections.

Help us identify old film reels, London Zoo urges

London Zoo seeks volunteers to help identify content from hundreds of film reels found in its archive. The Zoological Society of London hopes to uncover historical footage ahead of its 200th anniversary next year. Some reels show signs of vinegar syndrome, prompting a swift action to preserve their contents.