Coastal town and unitary authority in Essex, England
Two teenagers are in hospital after a small articulated loading vehicle was taken under unauthorised control and collided with people in Chalkwell Park, Southend. An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy remain in custody as investigations continue; the injured girl is in a critical condition.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
Crews have responded to a significant explosion at farmland along Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. Residents report a mushroom cloud, shaking homes, and road closures as emergency services declare a major incident. Updated advisories remain in effect as fire crews battle the blaze.
The UK’s partial solar eclipse is drawing crowds and triggering a frantic hunt for certified eclipse glasses. Retailers report sell-outs and long queues as shoppers scramble to view the event safely. Experts warn against looking at the Sun directly, urging indirect viewing methods.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.