Market turmoil from escalating Middle East tensions has led lenders to withdraw mortgage deals. The Bank of England warns inflation could rise, prompting up to three base-rate increases this year, lifting repayments for millions and heightening unemployment risks.

Iran threatened action against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, prompting evacuations and sparking fears crude could hit $200 a barrel. The warning followed an incident at a major gas field. Analysts say global energy security and prices face heightened risk.

Officials have declared a national incident over a meningitis outbreak, described as the worst in a generation. Cases have spread beyond Kent to London and France. Two students have died and a baby is in intensive care. Public health teams are tracing contacts and urging vaccination.

Officials launch urgent contact tracing after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury linked to a nightclub over three nights. Thousands who attended are urged to seek medical advice and antibiotics. A university and three schools are affected; two deaths have been confirmed.