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A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a mixed-use building in Brixton closed the Underground station. Approximately 70 firefighters responded to the blaze, which has since been largely extinguished without reported injuries. Surrounding buildings were evacuated as residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Tennis courts from the London 2012 Olympics will be converted into padel courts, angering local tennis players. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority claims the change is necessary to adapt to evolving sports interests, despite the Lawn Tennis Association arguing that the existing tennis facilities are still heavily used. A petition against the decision has garnered over 1,500 signatures.
The Metropolitan Police plans to implement a device that enhances the visibility of bruises on dark skin to aid in prosecuting violent offenders. A pilot program showed that charges were filed in 45% of cases where the technology was used, highlighting its potential impact on conviction rates. Sistah Space, a charity supporting affected women, acknowledged the innovation but expressed concerns about community involvement in its development.
Actress Genevieve Chenneour left London after experiencing anxiety and trauma from a phone theft incident where she was threatened with violence. Following the theft, an 18-year-old was sentenced to 22 months in jail for assault and theft. Chenneour's fears have forced her to change her living arrangements and seek therapy.
A life-like Superman figure was spotted levitating from the peak of London's Shard, creating a striking visual above the city. The unusual display has drawn attention from onlookers and social media, highlighting the intersection of pop culture and urban landscapes.
A seven-year-old girl named Leonna Ruka died after a tree fell on her while she was visiting Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea. Her family expressed profound grief, describing her as "a light in our lives," and thanked the community for their support during this tragic time. A six-year-old cousin remains critically ill in the hospital, while three other children suffered minor injuries.
The Metropolitan Police confiscated Israel Vidal's wheelchair for 19 days after he used an electric attachment, leaving him without mobility. Despite assurances from hospital staff that the attachment could be detached, the police refused to return his wheelchair until public pressure mounted. Campaigners are now urging the government to revise outdated laws regarding electric attachments for wheelchairs.
The Natural History Museum showcased a newly reclassified dinosaur species, comparable in size to a labrador. This addition highlights ongoing research in paleontology and the museum's commitment to expanding its collection.
Two Metropolitan Police officers were dismissed for gross misconduct after strip-searching 15-year-old Child Q in her school, an incident that raised serious concerns about race and police treatment of black youth. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the incident damaged their relationship with black communities, despite a panel finding that race was not a factor in Child Q's treatment. Community protests followed the release of details from a safeguarding report, prompting calls for changes in policing practices.
A BBC investigation reveals concerns about shared ownership housing schemes, with complaints over costs and transparency. Florence Eshalomi MP emphasizes the need for clarity on how government investments will address these issues, as many buyers, like Lee, label the scheme a "gimmick" due to unexpected costs and difficulties in selling.