Overturned lorry closes M11 motorway between Stansted and Harlow

Drivers are facing long delays after a crash on the M11 in Essex.The motorway has been closed in both directions between Stansted Airport and Harlow after a goods lorry crossed the central reservation and overturned at about 16:30 BST.Emergency services were sent to the scene near junction eight (Stansted/Bishop's Stortford) and said Essex Police said the road was likely to be closed for some time.Adam Pipe, head of roads policing, said "clearly people are going to be missing their flights" and urged people not to walk up and down the hard shoulder.
"There is trapped traffic between junction seven [Harlow Hastingwood] and eight northbound, and junction nine [A11] and eight southbound," he said."Diversions are in place, but it is having an impact on people trying to get to the airport."One plea - members of the public are leaving their vehicles and have started to walk up the hard shoulder of the motorway and we would ask [them] not to do that."We will get to members of the public as quickly as we can, but clearly people are going to be missing their flights at the airport."
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The Sun

an hour ago

• The Sun

Major evacuation as 1,500 passengers ‘trapped on train for 2 hours with no air con' in sweltering heat

HORRIFIED Brits were evacuated after being trapped on a train for two hours with no air con. Weary passengers have slammed Thamelink after their morning service from Bedford to Brighton came to a screeching halt on the hottest day of the year. 4 4 4 The train broke down between Elephant and Castle, and Loughborough - but ticketholders were left waiting in their carriages during the sweltering heat today. There was no air conditioning, and a major evacuation was eventually carried out after several hours. People were led onto the tracks to fend for themselves, and claimed they were given no instruction on where to go next. One passenger fumed on X: "Absolutely disgraceful from Thameslink Bedford to Brighton service train broke down the passengers left sweltering for almost two hours before being taken off in the middle of nowhere with no direction all left to their own." Another ranted: "Stuck on train to Brighton between Elephant & Castle & Loughborough junction past 20 minutes, rammed with people, hottest day of the year why are there no aircon and no windows that can be opened? there is no ventilation. "Medical issues waiting to happen." A third vented: "[Thameslink] you will have hell to pay. We've been stuck on this hot and humid train for over an hour. "The doors were closed because we were told we may be moving. That was 15 minutes ago. It's like an oven in here and we're being slow cooked." A spokesperson for the train operator initially wrote: "Due to a fault on a train between London Blackfriars and Herne Hill, some lines are blocked. We're working to gather more information on this incident." In a separate reply to another passenger, they said: "We are aware of your location (and the lack of working A/C on the train) and are working with response teams to get you moving as soon as possible. "Please do not attempt to self evacuate as the tracks are still live." In a statement to MailOnline, Thameslink confirmed: "Earlier today, a fault on a train near Loughborough Junction brought all services to a halt in the area, three of them outside station platforms. "Without power and air conditioning on such a hot day, we pulled all resources from across Sussex and Kent to get personnel on site to safely evacuate passengers as quickly as possible along the track. "This would have been a difficult and uncomfortable experience for our passengers and we are truly sorry. "With safety our top priority, the safest place was to remain on the trains while we worked our hardest to get help to those on board. "There is engineering work taking place today, which means this is the only route Thameslink trains can take south out of London and severe disruption is expected for the rest of the afternoon. "Anyone travelling south of London is currently advised to use Southern services from Victoria but you should check the latest travel advice at "Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more are also entitled to compensation, with details on our website." A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We were called at 11.46am today to assist around 1,500 railway passengers who are on board two trains which are stranded near Loughborough Junction station. "The power to the railway line has been isolated and crews are currently working alongside staff from Network Rail to lead the passengers from the trains to the station. "Around 25 firefighters are currently in attendance." British Transport Police added: 'Officers were called to Loughborough Junction Railway Station at just before 11am today (21 June) to reports of a train broken down nearby. "Officers assisted Thameslink and Network Rail and all passengers have been evacuated safely.' This comes as an amber heat health alert has been issued for the whole of England until 9am on Monday. The alert - a step up from the yellow heat health alert issued earlier this week - warned that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures. But, the Met Office has also warned of thunderstorms across northern parts of England today. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning is in place from Nottingham up to above Newcastle. It will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday. The Met Office warned there could be "frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds", along with a chance of flooding. Parts of eastern England could climb higher than the 32.2C seen on Thursday and become the hottest day of the year so far. Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: "There are scattered thunderstorms coming through. "Some of the rain could be quite intense, and frequent lightning, hail, gusty winds and some heavy downpours, which we haven't seen for a while. "Some of the ground is quite hard at the moment, and when you get heavy rain hitting hard ground, it can cause surface water issues. "You might find surface water on the roads, drains finding it difficult to cope and a small chance of homes being flooded." It comes after hundreds headed out early this morning to watch the sunrise over Stonehenge in celebration of the summer solstice. Those who marked the year's longest day elsewhere experienced 18C temperatures in Salisbury and Greater London by 5am, according to the Met Office. The weather agency also confirmed that Yeovilton in Somerset and Crosby in Merseyside had the highest recorded overnight figures in England, both reaching 19.7C by 6am. The mercury in Cumbria and Lancashire also reached highs above 19C. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Aidan McGovern, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "At the moment, the temperatures will be highest towards the east, [with] lower temperatures in the west compared with Friday but still high humidity, so it's going to feel oppressive in many places, and [there is] always a chance of some showers developing as the day progresses, particularly towards the west. "Temperatures [will be] peaking at 31 to 33, or 34C, somewhere between London and Midlands and north-east England." 4

Telegraph

2 hours ago

• Telegraph

HS2 staff ordered to come to office more

HS2 has ordered staff back into the office three days a week as it comes under fire over yet more delays and spiralling costs. The beleaguered high speed railway line has told employees they must come into work more often, saying the change will aid 'faster decision-making'. The Transport Secretary last week branded the project an 'appalling mess' as she revealed its completion has been pushed back beyond 2033. HS2 has lagged behind other parts of the public sector on working from home even as its costs have spiralled out of control to an estimated £66 billion. Right up until last month it still only required employees to attend work - either at an office or on site - for a minimum of two days a week. Staff were finally informed on May 1 that they would now have to come in for at least three days, matching the standard set across Whitehall. A spokesman for HS2 said: 'We recently increased our office and site working requirements to a minimum of three days a week. This is in line with many other parts of the public sector and we believe it supports collaboration, communication and faster decision-making. 'We recognise the continued benefits that hybrid working policies bring to employees such as promoting work life balance and enhancing employee wellbeing.' The company insisted that compliance with attendance requirements is 'closely monitored' using swipe card data. Staff who refuse to return to the office for the new three day minimum standard without a reasonable excuse could face disciplinary action. HS2 has been blighted by repeated delays and soaring costs, despite the scope of the project being repeatedly scaled back by ministers. It was originally meant to run on one main line from London to Birmingham, before splitting into separate branches destined for Manchester and Leeds. When it was first announced by Gordon Brown in 2009, the rail line had an estimated price tag of £37.5 billion and was due to open in 2026. Amid alarm over the rising costs and delays, Rishi Sunak significantly curtailed the project in 2023, meaning that it will now only run as far as Birmingham. There have also been doubts over whether the London terminus will be Euston as planned, or if it will be moved to Old Oak Common to save money. The surging costs of the project have largely been blamed on the need to tunnel under the Chilterns, an area of outstanding national beauty. It has also been blighted by green regulations, including the requirement to build a £100 million bat tunnel, which has been criticised by Sir Keir Starmer. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, told the Commons last week that HS2 was 'an appalling mess' but 'it is one we will sort out'. Announcing the delay beyond 2033, she said: 'We need to set targets which we can confidently deliver, that the public can trust and that will take time. 'But rest assured, where there are inefficiencies we will root them out. Where further ministerial interventions are needed, I will make them without fear or favour. HS2 will finally start delivering on our watch.'

The Independent

3 hours ago

• The Independent

15 best things to do in London with the kids this summer

London is a city so packed with superlative attractions and activities that deciding what to do and where to go next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Such feelings are amplified if you're constricted by time, money or when travelling with children. While the UK capital is home to some of the world's most respected museums, historical sights, award-winning shows and restaurants and all-round vibes, selecting something to keep children of all ages entertained is another matter. Thankfully, we've done the work for you to ensure you have the best trip this summer. Forget Madame Tussauds: we've selected some of London 's most weird, wonderful and awe-inspiring experiences to ensure both you and your little ones are entertained and inspired by everything this marvellous city has to offer, whatever your budget – and whatever the weather. Best things to do in London 1. Ride the world's longest and tallest slide Whizz down The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world's tallest (76 metres) and longest (178 metres) slide. Designed by artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller and architect Cecil Balmond to mark the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, this iconic landmark is located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. Composed of 12 twists and turns, including a tight corkscrew known as the bettfeder ('bedspring' in German), it climaxes with a thrilling 50 metre straight run to the ground. Expect to reach speeds of up to 24km on a journey that takes 40 seconds from beginning to end. Visitors can either take the lift to the viewing platform or tackle the 455 steps. There's also a glass floor to peer through, for those brave enough. 2. Visit a city farm London's 12 city farms are educational and fun green spaces aimed at serving the local community, and home to a plethora of creatures, from the curious to the cuddly. Mudchute Park and Farm covers 32 acres in the Isle of Dogs, making it one of the largest inner city farms in Europe. It's home to over 100 animals and fowl, including llamas. In south London, Vauxhall City Farm is London's oldest, and resident to alpacas, ferrets, goats and more. Visitors can also enjoy animal experiences, including being a farmer for the day, or simply just enjoy petting their furriest residents. Vauxhall City Farm also has a riding school, which is currently closed for renovation until September 2025. Other city farms can be found in Hackney, Spitalfields, Kentish Town, Stepney and Crystal Palace. 3. Watch a film on the UK's biggest cinema screen Towering at an impressive 20 metres by 26 metres, the BFI Imax cinema in Waterloo is the UK's biggest cinema. A 12,000-watt digital surround system makes a visit here the ultimate immersive experience for film lovers, with the sheer scale of this film experience certain to widen young eyes. Films showing this summer include The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman in 2D and 3D. From £14 4. Splash out If the heat is getting a bit much (and even if it's not), head to Royal Victoria Dock's Summer Splash. This free, family-friendly experience features lifeguard-supervised swimming, a shallow section for children, sandy play areas, relaxing deckchairs, exciting activities for kids and a vibrant evening programme. Take a load off in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up the views of this vast stretch of open water, framed by the city's skyline. From 25 July to 17 August, free 5. Discover London's world class museums London is blessed with some of the world's most illustrious museums, many of which offer a whole host of activities and experiences to engage young minds, particularly during school holidays, from zine-making to sculpture, collage to finger painting. While some are entirely devoted to children and young people, such as Bethnal Green's Young V&A and Stratford's Discover Children's Story Centre, there are plenty of things on offer at practically all museums to entertain young people and children. From an earthquake simulator at the Natural History Museum, to a now permanent computer games exhibit at the Science Museum, museums are a great – and often free – way to inspire children. Bowling around the cavernous space at the Tate Modern never gets old, either. Many of London's museums are free to enter, but if you want to skip queues or fancy booking an audio tour for when you visit, it's worth checking out Viator's selection of museum tickets and passes. 6. Take a stroll through a treetop canopy Situated 18 metres above the ground, Kew Gardens' Treetop Walkway is a great way to get closer to its world-renowned collection of flora and fauna. Climb 118 steps to discover a complex ecosystem teeming with birds, insects, lichen and fungi that live in the trees' uppermost branches. At ground level, sculptures carved from tree trunks illustrate microscopic elements of trees to explain how they grow. There's also a Children's Garden, which is a fun and interactive space for little ones to climb, run, jump and explore, complete with trampolines, stepping stones, periscopes, hammocks and a living bamboo tunnel. 7. Jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon The magical world of Harry Potter continues to resonate with children of all ages – and there's plenty to explore in London for Muggles and magical folk alike. The big hitter is undoubtedly the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Here, fans can see sets, props and costumes from the hit film franchise and step inside film locations such as Dumbledore's office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Buses travel regularly to the site from the centre of London, while trains take 20 minutes from Euston to Watford Junction, with regular shuttle buses. And if that's too pricey, head to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station where you can cosplay as your favourite character and bag a fun selfie. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter tickets from £56; free to visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station 8. Get lost in the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze Whatever your age, getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze is an experience you won't forget in a hurry. Commissioned around 1700 by William III, it covers a third of an acre and is known for its confusing twists, turns and dead ends. On average, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre. As it's a multicursal maze – meaning a visitor needs to make decisions about which route to take next, rather than simply following a single path – it's great for stimulating the grey matter and getting kids off their phones as they attempt to conquer this puzzle. Children under four go free, tickets for those aged 5-15 start from £13.60, including entrance to the palace, maze and Magic Garden 9. Take a street art tour Score points with teenagers on a tour of London's best street art. Hear the stories behind some of the city's most fascinating artworks, from giant murals to tiny hidden sculptures, on a tour that takes in artwork by Roa, Shepard Fairey, Invader, Stik and Vhils. There's also the option to add on a workshop, where participants can try their hand at creating their own artwork in the purpose-built studio. Art lovers on a budget should head to Leake Street Arches where eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo station now form a public gallery of street art and graffiti for everyone to enjoy. 10. Get building Lego builders assemble! Kensington Gardens' Serpentine and the Lego Group are hosting Play Pavilion, a new interactive play commission situated alongside Serpentine South. This public art project showcases the power of play through a communal Lego installation, brick-building challenges, talks, tournaments, giveaways and a curated range of guests. From 11 June to 10 August 2025. Free play: no need to book – just turn up. Click here for a full list of events taking place 11. Discover dinosaurs Despite dinosaurs going extinct 64 million years ago, they continue to have a hold on the young imagination. Kids will love these 16 life-size sculptures of dinos past and their fellow extinct creatures which have been residing in Crystal Palace Park in south London since the 19th century. The models have their own unique history and were first unveiled in 1854. They have since undergone extensive refurbishment several times since then. They can be found in the south section of Crystal Palace Park, near the Penge entrance. Check out the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs website before your visit for downloadable information sheets and even an audio guide. Free 12. Take a ride above the city A trip on the IFS Cable Car over the Thames is always a good idea, whatever your age, although sunset on a clear day brings megawatt views of iconic city sights such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Millennium Dome, the Gherkin and the Thames Barrier. The 1km line runs between Greenwich and Royal Victoria Dock and forms part of Transport for London's network, meaning you can simply tap on and off with your payment card. Consider the London transport box well and truly ticked by bagging the front seat of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for your onward journey to feel like you're in charge of your very own train. A one-way ticket costs £6 13. Shake your tail feathers Notting Hill Carnival is a stalwart of London's summer season and 2025 is no exception. As Europe's biggest street party, it's a celebration of Caribbean culture and the diversity and vibrancy of this remarkable city. As well as some top-class music, food and drink, Sunday is family day, with a host of family-friendly activities, events and the children's parade. Dress up to get down. Sunday 24 August, free 14. See stars Budding astronomers will adore a visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Get cosy in a reclining chair and prepare to be transported to distant galaxies, around our solar system, and close to the sun – and even witness the birth of a star. A combination of real images from space and CGI combine for an awe-inspiring experience. There are different shows every day, plus a special show for children aged seven and below during school holidays and on weekends. 15. Hit the West End London's West End is home to some of the world's slickest theatrical productions, plenty of which are created with children in mind. Award-winning shows that are certain to enthral include playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian and artist Tim Minchin's musical of the classic Roald Dahl novel Matilda, the timeless spectacle of The Lion King, which continues to wow with dazzling sets and puppetry, and Wicked, the hit production that inspired the Tony award-winning film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.