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Daily Record
27 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Abandoned baby found in holdall in car park traces parents on ITV Long Lost Family
ITV Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace will focus on the 'Baby in Pink' Sarah Meyers, its youngest ever searcher. Sarah Meyer will be remembered by many as the 'baby in Pink'. The 24-year-old was abandoned by her mother when she was a newborn baby and hit the headlines after being found in a holdall sitting in a multi-story carpark when she was just an hour old, wrapped up in pink towel and a white shawl. Sarah is now the youngest person to search for a relative on ITV Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. Dubbed 'Baby in Pink' by the press at the time, Sarah's discovery was a huge national news story and led to a nationwide search for the mother of the tot. Sarah even appeared on This Morning with a police sergeant, as cops went to desperate measures to locate her family. Then host of the ITV show, Judy Finnegan, told viewers at the time: 'This little sprog was abandoned in a multi-story carpark. She was barely an hour old, weighing just 7lbs.' However all efforts led to dead ends despite many public appeals and Sarah's birth mum didn't come forward. She was adopted at the age of three months old by mum and dad Jo and Pierre, who already had another adopted daughter, Jess. Viewers of the Long Lost Family spin off will see the emotional journey everyone ends up on when Sarah attempts to find out the truth behind her birth story. The programme, hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, attempts to help foundlings, which means people who were abandoned by their birth family as babies, sometimes in unusual places including a phone box, a cardboard box or church steps. The upcoming instalment will reveal that Sarah's umbilical cord had been cut when she was found, but not clamped, meaning it could have been a home birth. Baby Sarah was then sent to hospital where she was under the care of a host of nurses who took her under their wing. Sarah says: 'On the news, I was the Baby in Pink because I was in the pink towel wrapped in the blanket. 'I was named Caroline after the nurse who looked after me and Pembrooke after my car park. It's like a little secret identity of mine. Now my middle name is Caroline." Sarah, who still owns the town and holdall she was found in, opens up about her close relationship with her own family and says that she and sister Jess were always told they were adopted, as writes the Mirror. She went on: 'I want my birth parents to know that they shouldn't feel any remorse because I've had a wonderful life. But I'd like an explanation because it is something that is missing, to know where I come from. Why was I abandoned?' Sarah goes back to the car park she was found in as part of the episode and is left wondering who would leave a baby in such a busy area. She said: 'I was an evening baby and 30 minutes to an hour old. So I was literally fresh out of the womb.' She also gets a letter from a police evidence box, which was sent to investigating officers 10 days after she was discovered in the car park. The letter gives no clues, and is typed and unstamped. It reads: 'Please look after my little girl. I love her so much, but just can't cope with another baby. Thank you to all the police officers involved, hospital staff, and the members of the public for their help. Thank you.' As part of the episode, Sarah is reintroduced to Police Sergeant Wendy Whiting, the first on the scene when she was found and someone who stayed with her case for the duration of its development. Wendy reveals when the baby was found, the person who discovered her thought she'd found a bomb at first. Wendy says: 'I remember the radio message coming out and thinking, 'Did I just hear that right?' An abandoned baby, no clothes on, we were concerned.' The ITV research team are helped by Sarah's young age and are able to access documents quickly compared to more historical investigations. They soon establish who her birth parents are and find out that her mum was in her late teens when Sarah was born, and already had a child. However, Sarah's birth mum is not as easy to track down, and doesn't respond to an approach by researchers. Sarah, who now lives in Northern Ireland with her partner Shannon and has a cybersecurity degree, says: 'It's good to hear that she's at least alive and is out there. It leaves the door open for her to come and meet me if she wants to. I'll never close that door. I respect that it's such a big thing for her. I understand that she might not be ready. I want her to see that I've lived a good life and that I'm not angry with her.' There is good news also as Sarah's birth father, who has a partner and a daughter, reveals he never knew of her existence but is keen to get to know her. He stays anonymous to protect the birth mum's identity but is overcome with emotion as he says: 'It's very upsetting to know that my daughter was just left there in that situation. Anything could have happened to her.' Sarah's birth dad then wonders if his late mum would have seen her baby granddaughter and not known, as she'd worked at the hospital unit where Sarah was taken to. As Long Lost Family fans are accustomed to, there's then an emotional reunion and exchanging of photos as Sarah meets her father and they note their similar physical attributes, and common interests. He says: 'My daughters can get to know each other and we can all be a family together.' Sarah adds: 'I've been waiting a long time, I just didn't think it would be possible. He was as I imagined and more, beyond what I expected. I can't wait to get to know him more. The past is in the past and the adventure is only beginning.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
South Wales Guardian
27 minutes ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Carlos Alcaraz regains his Queen's crown after beating Jiri Lehecka in final
The Spanish top seed replicated his debut triumph on the grass courts of west London in 2023 with a 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2 victory. It was an 18th-straight match win for Alcaraz – in his fifth consecutive final – following his title successes in Rome and at the French Open. VAMOS KING CARLOS!! 🏆❤️🔥 The incredible @carlosalcaraz wins the #HSBCChampionships title @QueensTennis | @atptour — LTA (@the_LTA) June 22, 2025 World number 30 Lehecka had knocked out home hope Jack Draper on Saturday to become the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl won the title in 1990. The 23-year-old played his part in a high-quality final with some huge serves and powerful groundstrokes, forcing the match to a decider via a tie-break. But Alcaraz, the defending Wimbledon champion, did not face a single break point and slammed down 18 aces on his way to a 21st career title, proving he will be the man to beat at SW19 again with a stylish win in two hours and eight minutes. 'It's really special, this trophy and this tournament. I'm happy to lift this trophy once again,' he said. 'Jiri, you had an incredible week and it's a nightmare to play against you. Great week, great job and keep it up for Wimbledon. 'It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations and just wanted to play good tennis and to get used to the grass.' Alcaraz got a first look at a break point at 2-2, but he barely saw the 138mph ace that snuffed it out. At 4-5 the 22-year-old was in a spot of bother, serving at 0-30, but with a quick squeeze of the accelerator he reeled off eight of the next 10 points to hold and then grab the crucial break. Alcaraz had dropped just 10 points on serve before the second-set tie-break but he suddenly dropped his guard, with an untimely double fault and a pair of Lehecka aces taking the match the distance. But Lehecka dipped in the third with Alcaraz breaking for 3-1, and before long a flashing forehand brought up two championship points, the world number two taking the first and roaring with delight at a second Queen's title.
Rhyl Journal
28 minutes ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
How to prevent and report Japanese knotweed amid fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land – and its on the rise across the UK with more than one million incidents reported over the last two years. Now, experts are warning of another element that could add to the issue blighting areas. Fly-tipping often involves rubble, soil and plant cuttings which is then dumped and left to rot. If Japanese Knotweed is either fly-tipped or unknowingly part of dumped soil within the waste – then there's a problem. 'Fly-tipping and Japanese knotweed is a big problem in the UK,' reports. 'Because it leads to the spread of this invasive species. 'If plant material is present in the fly-tipped waste, it can quickly establish itself in the new location, creating a new infestation. 'Japanese knotweed is an extremely resilient plant. Furthermore, it can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. 'It spreads by producing new shoots from its wide root system, which can extend up to 7m from the main stem. 'This means that if Japanese knotweed is brought to a new area, it can quickly colonize the entire site, out-competing native vegetation and causing some environmental damage.' The fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed can also occur when commercial site owners are unwilling to pay for the treatment of knotweed on their land. By excavating and fly tipping the contaminated area, they promote the spread of knotweed root fragments and rhizomes which regrow after lying dormant for 20 years. Just last month, the invasive plant was said to be in "super growth" across the UK due to the dry and warmer conditions. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: 'Japanese knotweed has now become widespread in a range of habitats, particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, where it can cause serious problems by displacing native flora and with the potential to cause structural damage. 'It spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means or as a result of human activity.' Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. Professional advice and support is required. Recommended reading: Japanese knotweed in 'super growth' across UK expert warns Is Himalayan balsam illegal in the UK? What a fine could be What to do if you see Himalayan balsam? Advice for gardeners If you suspect the act of fly-tipping of Japanese knotweed you should contact the Environmental Agency by email (enquiries@ or via their 24-hour freephone number (0800 80 70 60). It is a criminal offence to fly tip any material containing Japanese knotweed, and doing so is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Chelsea 'open talks to sign PSG star' amid doubts over Nicolas Jackson's future after his 'stupid' red card at the Club World Cup
Chelsea have opened talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, according to a report. Kolo Muani joined the French side from Eintracht Frankfurt for £76million in 2023 but struggled for regular playing time. The 26-year-old moved to Juventus on loan in January and has thrived in Italy with 10 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions. Juventus are said to be keen on keeping the forward, who scored a brace in their 5-1 win over Al -Ain in the Club World Cup. However, they face competition from Chelsea, who have entered negotiations to sign Kolo Muani, according to L'Equipe. Enzo Maresca 's side have already strengthened their attack this summer with the £30m arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich. The Blues' interest in Kolo Muani comes amid doubts over Nicolas Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge. Jackson has led the line for Chelsea over the last past seasons, scoring 30 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions. However, he has drawn criticism from fans and pundits for his lack of efficiency in front of goal as well as his poor discipline, having been sent off in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the Club World Cup. Just a month ago, Jackson's Premier League season ended prematurely when he was sent off for a similar challenge against Newcastle on May 11 and handed a three-match ban. And Obi Mikel, who was working as a pundit for DAZN did not hold back when he was asked about the latest incident. '(It was) Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake,' said Obi Mikel won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea. 'I don't know what was going through his head. You come into the game, you are 2-1 down at that point. Your team needs you. And he does that. 'He did it in a league game at Newcastle. Again, a very important game which we needed to win to qualify for the Champions League. He did that, he got a red card. And now he's done this. You can't keep making mistakes.' But it was when host Ke lySomers suggested that Jackson's frustration may have boiled over from frustration at losing his place to Delap that Obi Mikel really lost his cool. 'I don't care what his frustration is,' Obi Mikel reacted angrily. 'It's a football club. It's a massive football club and it's about competition. If you're p***ed off that Delap's coming to the football club and he's going to be the competition with you... you have to embrace it if you are a big player. 'Because the only way you are going to win trophies if is if you are compete against each other.' It was at this point that Somers was forced to say sorry to viewers for her guest's language. 'Lots of emotion in the studio, so apologies for any language used there,' she said, holding out both hands in a calming gesture towards Obi Mikel. After the match, Jackson took to social media to apologise for his actions. Writing on Instagram, he said: 'I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card... and honestly, I'm so angry at myself. 'I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility.
Middle East Eye
28 minutes ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
US orders Lebanon evacuation amid regional tensions
The United States has ordered non-essential staff and families of diplomats to leave Lebanon, citing security concerns after Washington carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. A statement posted by the US embassy in Beirut said the decision was made due to 'the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region'. 'On June 22, 2025, the US Department of State ordered the departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Lebanon,' the embassy said. The US State Department has already classified Lebanon under its highest travel warning — 'do not travel' — urging American citizens to avoid the country entirely.
