Major motorway closed after van erupts into flames – sparking more bank holiday travel chaos as 18m drivers hit the road

TRAFFIC has come to a halt on a major motorway after a van caught fire, sparking chaos for bank holiday travellers.
Motorists are being held up on the M11 northbound between Junction 9 for Great Chesterford and Junction 10 for Duxford in Cambridgeshire due to the blaze.
National Highways said Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene.
In a traffic update this afternoon, the highways agency said: "Traffic is being held on the M11 northbound between J9 GreatChesterford and J10 Duxford due to a van fire.
"Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service [is] on scene.
"We'll keep you updated, please expect delays."
18 million Brits are expected to hit the road this Bank Holiday weekend, amid fears of widespread delays.
The RAC has warned of delays on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, when the highest number of trips are expected to be made.
It is projected that each day could see 3.4 million journeys as Brits make a getaway for the long weekend.
The breakdown provider has also shared its best times for motorists to travel, in order to avoid the worst of the getaway rush and congestion.
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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Daily Mail​

24 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

Furious residents who paid £735k for their dream homes on a luxury new-build estate say they have been left with an 'absolute s***show'

Furious homeowners who paid up to £735k for their dream homes on a luxury new-build estate have blasted developers for leaving them living on 'a building site' - years after moving in. The prestigious The Willows development in Darlington, County Durham, promised 'executive living' with detached four and five-bed homes starting from £520,000. Despite construction starting five years ago – and the final home completed in April – swathes of the award-winning 59-home estate remain in a state of disarray. Its affluent residents say what was sold to them in glossy brochures as a prestigious, high-spec lifestyle has instead become a frustrating ordeal, with unfinished roads, open trenches, exposed cabling, and missing street lighting plaguing the estate. They accused developer Story Homes of shifting its focus to other multi-million pound projects having sold the last of its 2,500 sq ft homes. Mike Darrie, 59, paid more than half-a-million pounds to be the first person to move onto the exclusive estate in the sought-after West Darlington area in 2020. He claims to have spent thousands replacing tyres, wheels and an exhaust on his two BMWs, which he says were destroyed by exposed ironworks on unfinished roads. Mr Darrie told MailOnline: 'Every wheel on one car is ruined, and three on the other are damaged, and we try and park very carefully. Homeowners have been left frustated with unfinished roads, open trenches, exposed cabling, and missing street lighting plaguing the estate 'My car's has had three sets of tyres on it. It's only done 30,000 miles. It's about £500 for two tyres. 'I rang Story the other day and they more or less told me to f*** off. They're not just interested. 'It's an absolute s***show, it's horrendous. 'The road is like a four-wheel drive track. I've joked that we'll have a motocross circuit here shortly if things don't change. 'I paid half a million quid for a house - I didn't sign up to get car damage. 'That car was brand new last year and those wheels aren't cheap. And I'm not paying for them. I will take legal action against them.' Pointing to an exposed drain on an unfinished pavement, directly outside his five-bed home, Mr Darrie added: 'It doesn't matter how much the houses are. If it's £100,000 or £500,000 we shouldn't be left living on a building site.' Story Homes promised a collection of vast family homes 'all built to our most prestigious specification' which 'combine exceptionally spacious and modern interiors with external character and traditional features.' Residents have accused developer Story Homes of shifting its focus to other multi-million pound projects having sold the last of its 2,500 sq ft homes While homeowners say their houses have been built to exacting standards - for which they praised Cumbria-based Story - less can be said for the surrounding land. Complaints have been made over holes in pavements, unfinished footpaths and unconnected street lighting that has left some houses in complete darkness at night. Richard Hodson and his wife Karen, both 65, paid £715,000 to secure a five-bed property, thought to be among the most expensive on the estate. They moved from Solihull, in the West Midlands, in February 2022 after falling in love with the home's secluded location. Metal fences lie yards from their front door, preventing access to a footpath to the main road that has yet to be completed. Mr Hodson said: 'We chose probably the most expensive house on the development because of this spot. 'We were all expecting it to be finished in June 2023 and here we are in June 2025, and they're only just getting around to completing it. 'I'm quite a patient person, but I think everyone here is cheesed off now. We've been adversely affected by the raised ironworks in the road. It hasn't done our tyres or our cars any good. Mr Hodson and his wife Karen, both 65, praised Story for the quality of the 'desirable' houses but said they had become frustrated with the lack of progress to complete the development 'We're only just starting to see some progress, and that's largely down to campaigning by people who live here. 'Until everything gets finally finished, we can't properly enjoy it.' The couple praised Story for the quality of the 'desirable' houses but said they had become frustrated with the lack of progress to complete the development. Mr Hodson added: 'Many people are very, very pleased with the quality of the build of their house. 'Story had a lot of goodwill attached to this development, but unfortunately, much of that - if not all of it - has evaporated in the last two years.' In 2022, Story Homes landed an award for the best residential development in Co Durham for its transformation of The Willows. One homeowner said: 'It's almost as if they won the award and then they walked away.' 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Scottish Sun

33 minutes ago

• Scottish Sun

I was KICKED OUT of Dubai and had my £3,000 glam holiday ruined over my face tattoos – despite being allowed in before

Jordan said he was 'terrified' as he was not given his passport back for some time TATT'S NOT FAIR I was KICKED OUT of Dubai and had my £3,000 glam holiday ruined over my face tattoos – despite being allowed in before Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HEAVILY-inked Brit has vowed to never return to Dubai after claiming he got kicked out for plastering his face in tattoos. Jordan Howman, 34, said he had his passport confiscated and was held by airport workers for six hours before being given the boot - ruining his £3,000 holiday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Jordan Howman, 34, says he was kicked out of Dubai because of his face tattoos Credit: SWNS 4 The dad said it ruined his holiday with his partner Theresa Credit: SWNS The plasterer, from Crewe, Cheshire, covered his face in tattoos of geometric cubes and words including "blessed" and "crazy life" almost a decade ago. Jordan said his ink addiction hadn't caused him any issues during his previous two trips to his "favourite country in the world", the UAE. The dad told The Sun: "My missus has been crying her eyes out. "It has absolutely devastated me. I feel like I've been massively discriminated against. Read more about Dubai BOT TAKEOVER World's first AI government minister to join cabinet in Dubai in 2026 'There's no law against face tattoos - there's nothing like that. "I'm a lovely lad, I get on with anyone. It's made me feel absolutely rubbish. I'm not allowed in a country because of the way I look. It's properly, massively affected me. 'It was my favourite country, but this has absolutely ruined it. Now I'll never go again. I've lost all of my money because of a pattern on my face.' Jordan landed at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday for a dream week-long holiday with his fiancée Theresa, 38, and daughter Kaic, 16. But he said as he ventured through passport control he was pulled to one side. After taking Jordan aside, the worker asked if he'd had his passport stamped before taking it from him. Moment hardcore anti tourist mob surround Brit tourists in Majorca chanting 'go home' & telling Brit ex-pats to 'go to hell' 'Then he snatched my passport out of my hand," Jordan said. "There had been nowhere to stamp it - we'd used the electronic gates. It was just an excuse to get the passport out of my hand.' After being held in a waiting room for more than four hours, Jordan was transferred to immigration at around midday, he said. By this time, his family had reached their five-star Anantara hotel. He called his partner and she got a taxi to the airport - but Jordan said airport staff refused to let her go to him and so she got a cab back, costing a total of £250. Jordan said he was "terrified" as he was not given his passport back for some time. 4 The dad has vowed to never return to Dubai Credit: SWNS 4 He said his passport was taken away for hours Credit: SWNS 'A woman came and took me upstairs to immigration, where they said: 'He's not coming in because of his face tattoos - you're not coming in because of the way you look'," he claimed. 'One of the staff behind the desk said a more senior immigration officer made the decision, saying I was not to enter Dubai and that I must leave the country immediately.' At 2.30pm - six hours after arriving - Jordan was put on another Emirates flight heading back to the UK. 'They sent me on a flight back to Manchester," he said. "It was only when I landed that I got my passport back. "Friday morning was the first time I got to see my daughter, over Facetime.' The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai have been approached for comment. Dubai Airports was also contacted for a response.

The Sun

33 minutes ago

• The Sun

I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city

Jenna Stevens Published: Invalid Date, NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London 's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis. It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape. As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar. The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!) The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 18 London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar. This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre. It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 18 18 18 Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage. They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos. After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo? This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 18 The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita. The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 18 Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground. The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 18 It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel. It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city. 18 18 Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout. You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 18 This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays. The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.