Latest News in London, UK

Watch Man pursued after being seen running on Heathrow taxiway

A man accessed the taxiway at Heathrow Airport, prompting a pursuit by airport staff and police. The incident highlights security vulnerabilities at one of the world's busiest airports.

Brit Awards to leave London for Manchester after 48 years

The Brit Awards will take place in Manchester for the first time since their inception in 1977, with the ceremony scheduled for February 28, 2026. This move, part of a two-year agreement, marks a significant shift as the awards have historically been held in London. BPI CEO Dr. Jo Twist emphasized the importance of connecting with fans across the UK, highlighting Manchester's rich musical heritage.

Swift decline highlighted at Hampton Court Palace

Swifts, known as the "symbol of summer skies," face a dramatic decline, which will be showcased at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds created a garden to raise awareness about these birds, which rely on healthy insect populations and suitable nesting sites.

Child Q violated in strip-search, hearing told

A 15-year-old girl, known as Child Q, faced a humiliating strip search by police at her school while menstruating, wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis. The misconduct hearing for the involved Metropolitan Police officers revealed the search was conducted without an appropriate adult and was deemed disproportionate and degrading. No cannabis was found during the search.

Pupils told to stay indoors after buzzard nests in playground

A primary school in east London has ordered students to stay indoors due to a buzzard nesting in its playground. The bird, named Brenda by the children, has reportedly swooped on local residents, prompting safety measures from Havering Council, which suggested hiring a falconry expert.

Tube drug use falls for first time in three years

Drug use incidents on the London Underground dropped to 470 in 2024-25, the first decline in three years. The British Transport Police noted a reduction from 589 incidents the previous year, with Hammersmith station recording the highest number at seven. Transport for London remains committed to reducing crime and enhancing safety across its network.

Top Met officer sacked for a second time over drugs test refusal

Senior officer Cdr Julian Bennett was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police for a second time after a misconduct hearing found he grossly mismanaged a drugs test refusal. The disciplinary process, which lasted nearly five years, drew criticism for its inefficiency, prompting calls for faster hearings. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist emphasized the need for expedited procedures to prevent similar delays in the future.

Services resume on Glasgow to London train line

Train services between Glasgow and London resumed after a tree fell on overhead lines, causing significant disruptions. Network Rail completed repairs, but delays may continue until 19:00 for some routes. Passengers were advised to check travel plans due to ongoing issues with the signalling system.

Grosvenor Square to be turned into wildlife haven

Grosvenor Square in London will undergo a major transformation, featuring the planting of 80,000 bulbs, 44 trees, and 70,000 plants to create wildlife habitats. Funded by Grosvenor, the project aims to reconnect communities with nature and will honor the square's original 1720s design. The revamped square is slated to open in summer 2026.

Teenagers jailed over fireworks attack on man, 76

Two teenagers received prison sentences for a fireworks attack that killed 76-year-old Robert Price in Dagenham, east London. Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, was sentenced to six years, while a 16-year-old received two years and eight months for their roles in the planned assault. The court heard how Price had been subjected to a prolonged campaign of harassment before the fatal incident.