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Terror fears across West as grenades blast in Denmark and Brit synagogues put on alert after Israeli invasion of Lebanon
TERROR fears across the West have grown as grenades were exploded in Denmark and synagogues in Britain have been put on high alert.
Fears have intensified following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
Danish police said on Wednesday they were investigating two explosions likely caused by hand grenades near Israel‘s Copenhagen embassy.
They said three young Swedes had been detained for questioning.
Two of the men were apprehended on a train at Copenhagen’s main railway station while the third man was detained elsewhere in the Danish capital shortly after the blasts, Copenhagen Police Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen told reporters.
Two hand grenades were likely to have caused the explosions which had caused some damage to a building around 100 metres from the embassy, he added.
“We can’t say for sure if the embassy has been or not been the target of these explosions We are also investigating if they have acted alone, on request or together with others,” Jespersen said.
He declined to say how the three, aged between 15 and 20 years old, were linked to the incident but said police expected to file preliminary charges against two of them for illegal weapons possession.
This year at least 10 Swedes have been charged in Denmark with attempted murder or weapons possession, stirring alarm and harsh criticism in Denmark over the spread of organised crime.
The Copenhagen explosions happened at around 3.20am local time, the Israeli embassy said.
“We are shocked by what has happened. No one was injured, and no one was present at the embassy when the explosions occurred,” a spokesperson for the embassy said.
It comes as a UK charity is preparing to launch its “largest ever” security operation around the Jewish New Year and high holidays to keep synagogues secure as fears grow of a terrorist attack around the October 7 anniversary when Hamas launched its unprovoked attack on Israel.
The Community Security Trust (CST) has issued a warning that the risk of attacks on Jewish organisations and buildings has risen as the anniversary approaches and following recent events in the Middle East.
Israeli forces assassinated the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and have sent ground troops in to southern Lebanon.
The charity has released a security notice to Britain’s synagogues which said “Hezbollah and Iran have a long record of terrorist attacks against Diaspora Jewish communities”, and urged strict security procedures.
It highlighted the need to be especially alert for “suspicious people and activities” and for people to know “how to lockdown and barricade” in case of an emergency.
The warnings come ahead of some of the holiest days for Jews with the High Holy Days, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Chief Executive of the CST, which provides security for Jewish communal organisations, Mark Gardner, said: “We will be working in partnership with police up and down the country to keep synagogues and communal areas safe, which is our number one priority.“Remember if you see anything suspicious, report it to police and CST immediately.”
Laurence Julius, the vice-chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Jewish Assembly, told The Sun Online: “Like all synagogues in the UK, our synagogue is in regular contact with the CST and local police.
“In view of the current situation additional measures will be in place to protect the security of our community within the synagogue and on entering and leaving.
“Unfortunately visitors who turn up at synagogue without having made prior arrangements to attend will be turned away.”
It comes as…
- Israel ‘preparing to blast Iran’s oil fields’ in revenge
- UK helped fend off 181 Iran missile blitz with Typhoon jets
- Middle East on brick of all-out war as Israel vows retaliation
- At least six people shot dead in ‘terror attack’ in Israeli city Tel Aviv
- Elite IDF paratroopers & commando units launch ground invasion of Lebanon
- Israel vows to ‘crush Hezbollah’ after launching ‘Northern Arrows’ invasion
- Israel declares no-go zone for Lebanese civilians south of the Litani River
- UK Government charters emergency flight out of Lebanon for fleeing Brits
The warning echoes one issued by Israel’s National Security Council which said: “Efforts to carry out attacks against Israeli/Jewish targets abroad are expected to intensify” around October 7.
It comes amid a general rise in antisemitic attacks in Britain, since Hamas launched its assault on Israel.
Nearly 2,000 antisemitic incidents have been reported across the country in the first six months of the year alone.
The CST said this reflects “the ongoing high volume of anti-Jewish hate reported since the Hamas terror attack.”
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said the Met was working closely with Jewish community leaders to provide “advice, reassurance and a visible presence”.
“Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a concerning increase in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat from extremism or terrorism,” the spokesperson said.
The growing fears come against a backdrop of soaring tensions in the Middle East as Iran attacked Israel with missiles.
Israel, which is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, promised to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider war.
The first footage of Israeli soldiers inside Lebanon has emerged as troops look to eliminate Hezbollah posts in the south.
Today, the first plane evacuating Brits has left Beirut as civilians scramble to flee the warzone in Lebanon.
The Middle East now appears a step closer to all-out war as Israel has deployed more troops into Lebanon today.
Israel’s military confirmed infantry and armoured units were joining ground operations in southern Lebanon.
The focus of the operation is clearing out Hezbollah terror sites to halt rocket attacks which have driven 60,000 from homes in Northern Israel in the last 11 months, Israeli sources said.
It claimed actions there would remain “limited and localised”.
But the addition of infantry and armoured troops could suggest the operation has moved beyond limited commando raids.
I was sitting eating a pizza – moments later I was running for my life
by Nick Parker, Foreign Editor, in northern Israel
I’D just ordered a coffee in a roadside cafe on my way back from Israel’s northern war zone when the alert flashed up on my phone.
It read: “Iran is preparing an imminent ballistic missile attack against Israel. Please take cover as soon as possible.”
I was sitting in a pizza restaurant in a much-rocketed area north of the coastal port of Haifa when the warning pinged in my pocket.
Moments later I saw other diners picking up their phones as warnings reached them but was impressed by their stoicism as they carried on munching on their margaritas.
These were people who have endured daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah for nearly a year but even they began to shuffle in their seats as more warnings appeared on their mobile security apps.
This was clearly something much bigger than the daily Hezbollah barrage from the north.
And moments later we were jammed in the door as it was confirmed that more than a hundred Iranian ballistic missiles flying at 14 times the speed of sound were on their way.
This was confirmed to be only the first of several waves of attacks heading out way.
We ran across the road into a concrete shelter where English speakers told me to expect to be stuck there for some time as I tapped out my story using the glow of my laptop screen.
Then moments later the first booms split the air high above as Iron Dome interceptors engaged the incoming rockets.
I – probably very foolishly – took a sneak peek into the sky outside and watched trails of red rockets racing up to meet the missiles in a spectacular but potentially deadly firework display.
But scary spectaculars like this have become a way of life for the people of northern Israel – who clearly trust the boffins whose rocket wizardry had saved their lives yet again.
It remained unclear whether Iran’s terror masters had inflicted death or destruction as they attempted to decimate their hated enemy.
And this may be just the first of many terrifying tests for the people of Israel, their enemies and the millions caught in the crossfire as the threat of a catastrophic war looms.
Hezbollah’s media boss Mohammad Afif warned the group was “only in the first round” of fighting, however.
The terror group has been firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas since the October 7 atrocity last year.
But tensions have boiled over in recent weeks – with Israeli airstrikes into Lebanon killing more than 1,000 people.
The IDF has warned civilians in more than 50 villages in south Lebanon to evacuate.
NYPD, Mayor Adams to detail heightened security plans for High Holy Days, Oct. 7 anniversary
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Dramatic moment lorry crashes through safety barrier and plunges 60ft from M6 bridge on to embankment below
THIS is the dramatic moment a lorry plunged 60ft off a bridge on the M6 onto the embankment below.
Dashcam footage showed the vehicle crash through the barrier on the motorway’s northbound carriageway at Thelwall Viaduct, Warrington in the heavy rain.
The shocking video then showed the lorry falling almost 20m to the embankment below.
Police said it was “remarkable” no one was seriously hurt and confirmed the lorry’s driver, a 56-year-old man, is not believed to have suffered any life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
He was taken to hospital following the incident and is set to be discharged with suspected minor injuries.
Three of the four northbound motorway lanes were closed after the incident between junction 20 and 21 at 6.50pm on Monday, but they were all reopened by Tuesday afternoon.
The road was able to operate again after repair work was carried out to the barrier and police worked with recovery agents to move the lorry from the embankment.
The Thelwall Viaduct carries the M6 over the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal to the east of Warrington.
At its peak, it reaches a height of 28m above the water.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service used water to cool the lorry and stopped a leak of around 1,000 litres of fuel from the vehicle.
Fire crews used rescue equipment to lower themselves to the driver, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.
The emergency response included a rescue boat from Warrington, a helicopter from Lymm and five fire engines.
Pictures from the sight showed the police recovery vehicle taking away the lorry which had become completely crumpled in the crash.
Inspector Anton Sullivan said: “This was a major operation right from the outset, utilising a muti-agency approach with colleagues from NWAS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, National Highways’ Regional Control Centre, and other departments all working together.
“It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed.
“This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.
“The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.
“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.
“We want to thank members of the public for their patience with the delays that have inevitably occurred as a result of the incident.”
After the crash, one lane remained open with a reduced speed limit as police have advised motorists to avoid the area.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said after the crash yesterday: “Firefighters were called to reports of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that had left the carriageway of the M6 northbound between Junction 20 and 21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct.
“On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment.
“Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.
“Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
“While the carriageway was fully closed, lanes one and two have been re-opened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency.”
An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and anyone within information can contact Cheshire Police on 101, or through the Cheshire Police website, quoting IML-1929945.
Wrecked homes, trolling hell & ‘toxic’ builder JAILED for fraud – scandals of DIY SOS after Nick Knowles’ ‘munter’ jibe
IT’S the heartwarming home makeover show where families get their dream home – but DIY SOS hasn’t come without a few controversies, too.
Over the years, the BBC show has faced some explosive complaints and scandals, with the most recent regarding presenter Nick Knowles.
A 33-year-old charity worker has claimed the Strictly star said women in the North East were “munters” and ogled her breasts while filming DIY SOS.
The young woman has said she was interviewed by Nick in 2018 for an episode of the show about a home renovation for a family with a disabled child.
She claims he turned up late after boozing the night before — and later kipped in a van.
Nick was said to have been hungover, looked worse for wear and stank of stale booze and cigarettes after partying at North Shields Fish Quay.
When the then 26-year-old dropped her microphone down her blouse, the star allegedly said: “It’s a shame that’s not a camera.”
And while recounting his big night out, she claims he branded the women of North Shields “munters”, and said she was the “first good-looking woman he had seen” while in the North East.
The mum of one said: “I was mortified. He humiliated me in a very personal way in front of the whole crew. It was offensive. He was in his late 50s. He was being so inappropriate and I felt belittled.
“I had been looking forward to meeting him and he ruined the whole experience for me.”
Over 32 series since 1999, Nick and the family favourite show have largely transformed the lives of countless ordinary Brits for the better.
But along the way, there have been the odd hammer blows, as we reveal…
‘£30k of destruction’
Last year, a family claimed the DIY SOS team wrecked their home and begged the BBC not to air the episode. It fell on deaf ears as it was broadcast in June 2022.
Peter Chapman said the Beeb ignored his plea not to televise their renovation after the fix-it team made their lives “hell” – leaving them wanting to quit the UK.
The full-time carer to wife Sarah, daughter Suzanne and autistic brother Steve, became embroiled in a bitter row over allegations DIY SOS carried out an error-strewn renovation project at their bungalow in February 2020.
Peter was left seeking compensation from the broadcasters, claiming the show’s tradespeople caused £30,000 of destruction to the home in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.
The refurbishment initially appeared to have gone smoothly, but Peter said issues began to emerge soon after they moved back in.
He added errors carried out by Nick Knowles and his crew included wall bars on the loo for wheelchair-using Sarah and Suzanne coming off on the first day.
Other issues included a leaking roof, which had buckets catching water, cracks in the patio decking, making it unsafe for Sarah to use her wheelchair and a ramp that was too steep for her wheelchair – issues he said could have proved fatal.
He also blamed the programme for laying a driveway that sank and had to be re-laid, cracks in some of the bungalow’s walls, a lack of insulation in two ceilings and installing a slippery hard floor in the lounge when he wanted to keep carpet.
Peter claimed to have refused an offer of £15,000 from the BBC, saying it would not come close to covering the cost of the repairs.
‘Left staring at a wall’
Another family unhappy with their home makeover was disabled father Stuart Philp, and his blind, elderly mum, Lyn.
The father and son, from Torquay, had dreams of a rear extension, meaning Lin could give up her flat and move in with them, and they’d also have a view out over the Moors.
But, due to the council denying the DIY SOS team the planning permission at the last minute, Stuart was instead forced to stare at a blank wall all day, instead of a window.
Meanwhile, having moved in with the family, Lin was allegedly left with a room so small that she could not even squeeze a chair into it, and Stuart’s daughter Lauren’s bedroom was smaller than before too.
Stuart told Devon Live: “Mum was much happier where she was before. She had friends and she had more space.”
Another mistake was that Lin’s room was painted bright pink, despite her saying she didn’t like the colour before the decorating started.
However, she didn’t know the room was pink until someone told her, due to the fact she was blind.
‘Toxic’ carpenter jailed
In July 2020, DIY SOS carpenter Ian Lewis McCormack was jailed for two and a half years after running a “toxic” Facebook furniture fraud empire, conning people out of £200,000.
In July 2016, McCormack and Steven Watson set up their “car crash of a business,” advertising furniture on Facebook Marketplace at bargain prices.
As orders came flooding in, the two men struggled to keep up with the demand for furniture, but still took deposits for sofas that were either never delivered or left in an unsafe space.
When customers asked for refunds, McCormack would often become aggressive, and he once even left a disabled child without a bed, despite his “charity work” volunteering as a carpenter on DIY SOS.
McCormack continued to ignore complaints, and even ignored a cease and desist letter from the police, which led to his conviction.
During McCormack’s sentencing, Judge Tremberg condemned his and Watson’s “shoddy” business model.
He told McCormack: “You fobbed off your disgruntled customers with excuses, lies and sometimes unpleasant communication.
“You continued to take money from new customers. You even moved to trade under a different name when public regard for your business became toxic.
“Each of you was a director and each of you acted in breach of a position of trust. You courted huge numbers of victims together with indirect victims in the form of your responsible competition.
“This was an unsophisticated and chaotic exercise.”
Bizarre trolling saga
Colin and Jackie Hutchison appeared on DIY SOS in 2022, with their then-19-year-old son Jordan, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
It was meant to be a heartwarming moment for the family, as they had their house renovated to accommodate their son’s needs.
But when it was eventually aired, two and a half years after it was recorded, the couple were trolled online.
The pair even quit social media and changed their phone number, due to bizarre false rumours circulating online.
Jackie told the Birmingham Mail: “There was a rumour going round we sold our house and moved to Dubai.
“I’m just thankful that it is going on air and people can see that we are very much still loving every second of our life in our home and we will never, ever be selling our house.”
Ad storm
Nick found himself in hot water in 2021, after breaching BBC rules by filming a Shreddies ad.
Beeb bosses were upset that the TV star drew on his DIY SOS profile to play a builder in the cereal ad and he was dropped from a special of the show, replaced with Rhod Gilbert.
At the time, Nick was said to be in “utter turmoil” over fears he faced the sack.
However, in May 2022, he reassured fans he’d be back on their screens.
Speaking on This Morning about his absence, Nick said: “It was a bit odd but I knew that it was only for the one show.
“It was basically a misunderstanding – we sorted it all out – but it meant that I couldn’t do that one show.”
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The West should not allow its friends drag it into global catastrophe
War
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