Latest news with #Londoners
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
The Piccadilly line's new trains have been delayed
The Piccadilly line's new trains have been a long time coming. Designs for the navy blue tube line's swanky new walk-through, air-conditioned carriages were revealed back in 2021, and since then we at Time Out have been following them closely – from testing phases in Austria to their construction in Yorkshire. 'Late 2025' was initially earmarked as when we could expect to see the Piccadilly's swish new trains come into service. Today (June 20), however, TfL has issued an update: while the trains will begin testing this summer, they won't begin operating until 'the second half of 2026'. TfL says that the process of introducing the carriages to the network has been more complex than expected, partly due to the age of parts of the Piccadilly's infrastructure. Some bits of the line are over 100 years old, and this year it's regularly been closed so that TfL can adapt tunnels and platforms to accommodate the new trains. On top of that, testing how the new trains interact with existing infrastructure and systems has had to be rescheduled. So, it'll still be another year or so before Londoners get to ride sleek new trains on one of the city's busiest tube lines – but the Piccadilly's carriages look like they'll be worth the wait. With walk-through, air-conditioned carriages, the trains will have 10 percent more capacity and boast double doorways, real-time digital displays and on-board CCTV. They'll also be lighter, more energy efficient and a smoother ride for passengers. TfL's chief capital officer Stuart Harvey said: 'This is an ambitious project with new 21st century trains providing engineering challenges in both building and introduction into service on a 20th century railway and it is critical that we ensure that safety comes first and that the trains are in top condition when they begin to service London. 'It will obviously be disappointing for customers that they will have to wait a bit longer for the new trains, and I regret that. But I would like to assure Londoners and visitors to our city that we are working extremely closely with Siemens to ensure that the new trains can be introduced as soon as possible in the second half of next year.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
UK weather: Brits to bask in glorious 33C today as heatwave ‘likely' this weekend after hottest day of year so far
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUN-worshipping Brits are set to bask in glorious weather as highs of 33C are forecast today - with a heatwave predicted this weekend. Londoners face record-breaking temperatures for the second day running after the mercury hit 32C in Heathrow, west London, yesterday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Brits will be flocking to the beach as they look to lap up the sunshine Credit: Alamy 7 Pubs across the country will be packed as revellers look to make the most of the weather Credit: Alamy 7 The Met Office has predicted warm weather across the UK today Credit: MET Office Beaches, parks and pubs across the country will be packed as revellers look to lap up the sunshine and make the most of the warm weather. Temperatures in York are expected to reach as high as 29C, with Gloucester also set to register the same heat today. Some areas on the west and east coast will be slightly cooler at 24C, but people will still be able to soak up the rays. Spectators at sporting events such as Royal Ascot and the Queens Club tennis tournament will be able to top up their tans in the sun. By this afternoon, a number of areas in Britain are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria, according to the Met Office. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days. Thresholds can vary from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office weather forecaster Dan Stroud said: "We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday. "We're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C." The warm weather will spread to the south and east of the country on Saturday, with 32C predicted in London and 31C in Cambridge. Mr Stroud confirmed that Sunday will slightly cooler, but another warm day across the country - with temperatures likely to hit the late to mid 20s. Over the last few days, Brits have flocked to the seaside and rivers so they can take a quick dip to cool off. Others have been spotted sunbathing in parks instead and making the most of their lunch breaks. UK's 5-day forecast Today: Dry with sunny spells once again, although somewhat cloudier than yesterday. Breezy along southern and eastern coasts. Feeling very warm, and locally hot. Tomorrow: Very warm and humid with sunny spells, thundery showers moving north and east through the day, heaviest over northern England. Turning fresher from the west later. Hot in the east. Sunday to Tuesday: A fresher and breezier spell of weather from Sunday and into next week. Whilst showers are possible at times, prolonged dry periods are likely with warm sunny spells at times. It comes as an amber heat health alert has been issued for the whole of England from 12pm on Thursday until 9am on Monday. Officials have warned that soaring June temperatures could mean a "likely rise in deaths in those 65 and over". 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. One Royal Ascot spectator was taken to hospital yesterday, with 42 others given medical attention on site for heat-related illness during the prestigious horse racing event. The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976. Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time - but it will come close. A warning against wildfires has also been issued by the Fire Brigade, as firefighters have responded to more than 500 across England and Wales this year so far. As of yesterday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024. 7 Saturday is set to become even warmer - with a heatwave expected over the weekend Credit: MET Office 7 Brits have been spotted sunbathing in parks Credit: PA 7 Londoners face record-breaking temperatures for the second day running Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
UK weather: Brits to bask in glorious 33C today as heatwave ‘likely' this weekend after hottest day of year so far
SUN-worshipping Brits are set to bask in glorious weather as highs of 33C are forecast today - with a heatwave predicted this weekend. Londoners face 7 Brits will be flocking to the beach as they look to lap up the sunshine Credit: Alamy 7 Pubs across the country will be packed as revellers look to make the most of the weather Credit: Alamy 7 The Met Office has predicted warm weather across the UK today Credit: MET Office Beaches, parks and pubs across the country will be packed as revellers look to lap up the sunshine and make the most of the warm weather. Temperatures in York are expected to reach as high as 29C, with Gloucester also set to register the same heat today. Some areas on the west and east coast will be slightly cooler at 24C, but people will still be able to soak up the rays. Spectators at sporting events such as Royal Ascot and the Queens Club tennis tournament will be able to top up their tans in the sun. Read more News By this afternoon, a number of areas in Britain are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria, according to the Met Office. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days. Thresholds can vary from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office weather forecaster Dan Stroud said: "We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday. Most read in The Sun "We're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C." The warm weather will spread to the south and east of the country on Saturday, with 32C predicted in London and 31C in Cambridge. Mr Stroud confirmed that Sunday will slightly cooler, but another warm day across the country - with temperatures likely to hit the late to mid 20s. Over the last few days, Brits have flocked to the seaside and rivers so they can take a quick dip to cool off. Others have been spotted sunbathing in parks instead and making the most of their lunch breaks. UK's 5-day forecast Today: Dry with sunny spells once again, although somewhat cloudier than yesterday. Breezy along southern and eastern coasts. Feeling very warm, and locally hot. Tomorrow: Very warm and humid with sunny spells, thundery showers moving north and east through the day, heaviest over northern England. Turning fresher from the west later. Hot in the east. Sunday to Tuesday: A fresher and breezier spell of weather from Sunday and into next week. Whilst showers are possible at times, prolonged dry periods are likely with warm sunny spells at times. It comes as an amber heat health alert has been issued for the whole of England from 12pm on Thursday until 9am on Monday. Officials have warned that soaring June temperatures could mean a "likely rise in deaths in those 65 and over". 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. One Royal Ascot spectator was taken to hospital yesterday, with 42 others given medical attention on site for heat-related illness during the prestigious horse racing event. The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976. Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time - but it will come close. A warning against wildfires has also been issued by the Fire Brigade, as firefighters have responded to more than 500 across England and Wales this year so far. As of yesterday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024. 7 Saturday is set to become even warmer - with a heatwave expected over the weekend Credit: MET Office 7 Brits have been spotted sunbathing in parks Credit: PA 7 Londoners face record-breaking temperatures for the second day running Credit: Getty 7 By Friday afternoon a number of areas in Britain are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria Credit: EPA
Metro
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Metro
Wildfire warning issued for London after city reaches 32°C
A wildfire warning has been issued for London with temperatures expected to reach highs of 33°C. The threat of wildfires is set to grow today and tomorrow while temperatures are highest, according to London Fire Brigade. The brigade is urging Londoners to take steps to prevent the risk of wildfires spreading. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: 'With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and the driest spring in over a century, the risk of fires spreading rapidly is high. 'With so many of our open spaces close to homes and livelihoods, it is vital we all play our part to reduce the chance of grass fires breaking out in the first place and to protect our communities from incidents.' Two grass fires broke out in Rainham on Wednesday within just an hour of each other. Often, the most common cause of wildfires is the use of BBQs, particularly disposable ones. Across England and Wales, firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires so far this year. BBQs Position your BBQ outdoors, on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, or trees. Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended. Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ. Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ. After cooking, make sure the BBQ is cool before moving or cleaning. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire. Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies. Smoking Discarded smoking materials pose a huge fire risk. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out. Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows. If you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don't flick your ashes off the balcony. Rubbish Don't leave bottles or glass in woodland or open spaces – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home and recycle them). Leftover rubbish poses a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them. Source: London Fire Brigade Temperatures reached as high as 32°C in Kew, West London, yesterday, and are set to rise even further to 33°C today and over the weekend. The hot weather is expected to peak on Saturday with temperatures of 34°C, below the June record of 35.6°C in 1976. An amber heat-health alert has been issued for all regions in England and is the first amber alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) since September 2023. The amber alert means 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures. More Trending This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. The Met Office has warned that by this afternoon, a number of areas will have passed the heatwave threshold. A heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25°C to 28°C in different parts of the UK. Dan Stroud from the Met Office said: 'We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday, we're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31, 32°C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33°C.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Teen struck by lighting at famed park as freak thunderstorm hit New York City MORE: London's best lidos, ponds and outdoor pools to beat the heatwave MORE: Does drinking alcohol in the sun really get you drunk faster? A doctor shares their verdict
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Serial rapist could face dozens of fresh charges as 24 more women come forward
Zhenhao Zou, 28, was jailed today as detectives take new evidence from 24 women who have come forward in response to a police appeal to trace suspected victims as new charges are considered A PHD student jailed today for drugging and raping 10 women faces fresh charges relating to up to 24 more alleged victims. Zhenhao Zou, 28, was convicted of the harrowing attacks involving two women who have been identified and another eight who had not been found. At the end of his trial in March, Scotland Yard detectives said they fear he could have targeted more than 50 more potential victims at his flats in London and China. Since his conviction, dozens of women have come forward in response to a police appeal to trace suspected victims. Commander Kevin Southworth, the Met's head of public protection, said that Zou "could be one of the most prolific offenders that we've ever seen in this space". Mr Southworth said in April that specialist officers had spoken with all of the women who have come forward as they probe any potential new crimes. They have been working with the Crown Prosecution Service as they build a file of evidence to submit for further consideration by prosecutors in the coming months. Mr Southworth said: 'This is a significant step in our ongoing investigation and I'd like to thank the women who have bravely come forward since our appeal. Our priority remains to offer them the best possible support throughout this immensely difficult time. I would also like to thank Londoners and the wider public who have shared our appeal and helped us raise awareness of this case – helping to reach further women and witnesses who we believe will be crucial to the next phase of our investigation. 'As part of our work to make London safer, officers and staff at the Met are continuing their efforts to tackle violence against women and girls and put victim-survivors at the heart of our response.' Zou kept a trophy box of women's belongings and filmed nine of the attacks, with jurors in the case forced to watch the disturbing footage. At the end of his trial in March, detectives said they feared he could have targeted more than 50 more potential victims. When he was convicted, Judge Rosina Cottage said he is a "dangerous and predatory sexual offender" and warned him he faces a "very long" jail term when he is sentenced on Thursday. After a month-long trial, Zou, who was most recently living in Elephant and Castle, south-east London, was found guilty of raping three women in London and another seven in China between September 2019 and May 2023. He was convicted of 11 counts of rape, with two of the offences relating to one victim. Zou was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offence, namely butanediol. Prosecutors said Zou appears to be "a smart and charming young man" but is in fact "a persistent sexual predator, a voyeur and a rapist". He comes from a wealthy family, and had enough money to afford a Rolex, a wardrobe full of designer clothes, and cosmetic procedures including a hair transplant and facial surgery, while paying thousands a month in rent living in London as an international engineering student. Police found hundreds of hours of disturbing videos and photos that he kept, around half of which are thought to have been filmed in the UK and half in China. Zou, who also used the name Pakho online, befriended fellow Chinese students on WeChat and dating apps, before inviting them for drinks and drugging them at his flats in London or an unknown location in China. The student first moved to Belfast in 2017 to study mechanical engineering at Queen's University before heading to London in 2019 to do a master's degree and then a PhD at UCL. Investigators first charged Zou in January 2024, but waited for more than a year until he had been convicted before making public appeals for further victims to come forward. His crimes began to be uncovered in November 2023, when a woman went to police to allege that she had been attacked by Zou. One of the two victims who has been identified by police told the jury she was raped after Zou pushed her to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and would not let her leave his flat in Elephant and Castle in May 2023. The second, who is now living in China, said she was also raped by Zou, in his student flat near Russell Square in October 2021, when she was unconscious. The case has chilling parallels with Reynhard Sinaga, 41, who was jailed for life in January 2020 at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men. There was also the case of serial killer Stephen Port, who received a whole life term after raping and murdering four men with overdoses of the sedative drug GHB, and drugging and sexually assaulting seven others who survived. If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@ You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.
