Investigators say a tenant deliberately triggered a gas explosion after being told his rent would rise by £80. He died in the blast, which destroyed his home and damaged neighbouring properties. Police and fire services concluded he had tampered with gas appliances.

Solar and home battery sales have jumped 62% as households seek protection from rising energy bills. Analysts link the surge to oil and gas price hikes tied to US policy under Trump. Installers report supply bottlenecks, while experts urge faster planning and grants to speed uptake.

Donald Trump mocked Britain’s new aircraft carriers as “toys”, saying the US doesn’t need them. Made amid reports of setbacks to a US mission in the Gulf, the remarks drew UK criticism for belittling allied capability and the importance of joint defence.

A former Conservative ex‑justice minister told a court he used drugs and attended drug‑fuelled parties, saying first‑hand experience informed his policy work. Police reportedly found related items at his home. He denies wrongdoing and the hearing continues.