8 people were arrested and seven weapons seized after violent incidents in Southend. Videos showed individuals with large knives near Adventure Island theme park. Two people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police implemented a Section 60 dispersal order, allowing stop and search in key areas. Southend City Council leader Daniel Cowan condemned the violence, emphasizing such behavior is unwelcome. MP David Burton-Sampson and MP Bayo Alaba expressed concern over the incidents. The police are investigating to identify more suspects.

Following the Israeli air strike that killed Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Israelis are increasingly worried about the fate of hostages held in Gaza. Haniyeh's death has raised concerns about escalating violence and jeopardizing hostage negotiations. "We woke up today with a sense of fear in our hearts," said Haifa resident Anat Noy. Hamas has warned of severe regional consequences. Months of mediation for a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled, with both sides blaming each other. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged swift action to secure the hostages' return. The conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Southport to thank emergency services after a fatal knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class left three children dead and ten others injured. He praised first responders for their bravery, saying their actions saved lives. Sir Keir laid a floral tribute at the scene on Hart Street and assured emergency personnel of the nation's gratitude. Despite some hostile onlookers, he emphasized the importance of their work in such tragic circumstances. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's chief officer noted the crews' resilience, with all firefighters returning to work the following day.

Brwa Shorsh, a 24-year-old Kurdish migrant, has been found guilty of attempted murder for pushing 61-year-old Tadeusz Potoczek onto the tracks at Oxford Circus Underground station in London. The incident occurred on 3 February when Shorsh, feeling aggrieved by perceived disrespect from Potoczek, shoved him onto the tracks. Potoczek narrowly avoided touching the live rail and was rescued by another passenger. The train driver testified that Potoczek would have been killed if he had been on the tracks a few seconds later. Shorsh, who had been homeless since 2020, will be sentenced on 26 September.

An image of French President Emmanuel Macron and Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera has caused a stir. The photo shows Oudea-Castera kissing Macron near his neck during the Olympics' opening ceremony. The gesture has led to mixed reactions on social media, with some finding it inappropriate. One user commented, “I find this photo indecent, it’s not worthy of a president and a minister.” Others defended the kiss, suggesting it was a cultural norm. Oudea-Castera, known for previous controversies, has faced criticism and support alike since the photo went viral.

Clashes between police and protesters outside a mosque in Southport have left 39 officers injured. The unrest follows Monday's fatal stabbing of three children - Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 - in a dance class. A police van was set on fire and fireworks were thrown in the violence, reportedly involving English Defence League supporters. A 17-year-old is in custody, sparking speculation and tensions. Authorities have condemned the violence and are investigating the incidents.

Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Mohsen Rezaie, former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, warned that "Israel will face consequences" for the strike. The Guard, a powerful force loyal to Iran's supreme leader, has pledged to avenge Haniyeh's killing. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation. The Revolutionary Guard's response is anticipated, as it operates independently of Iran's conventional military.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike in Tehran, Iran, early Wednesday, with both Iran and Hamas accuse Israel for the assassination. The strike occurred shortly after Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iran's new president. Israel, which has vowed to target Hamas leaders following the group's October 7 attack on southern Israel, has not commented. The killing may escalate regional tensions, potentially triggering retaliation from Iran or Hezbollah and jeopardizing ongoing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza.

Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed in an Israeli airstrike at his Tehran residence. Hamas has vowed to retaliate, with senior official Musa Abu Marzuk calling the attack a "cowardly act" and stating "Ismail Haniyeh's assassination will not go unanswered". The group is planning its response, raising concerns of escalating tensions and potential conflict. Haniyeh's death marks a significant blow to Hamas, and the situation remains volatile. International attention is focused on potential developments and the implications of Haniyeh's killing. An investigation into the attack is underway.

Israel carried out a rare airstrike on Beirut, killing a top Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shukur, accused of planning the deadly Golan Heights rocket attack that killed 12. The strike also killed a woman and two children, wounding dozens. Shukur, a US-designated terrorist, was blamed for the 1983 Marine bombing and other attacks on Israeli civilians. Hezbollah hasn't confirmed his death. The escalation in hostilities with the Lebanese militant group marks a significant development in the region's tense conflict. The Israeli official spoke anonymously, citing unauthorized disclosure of details.