Bomb Squad Rushes to Busy Student Spot After Suspicious Item Found in Garden

People were moved out of their houses in Manchester following the discovery of an "unusual object" in a backyard.

Explosive ordnance disposal crews and specialized medical response teams arrived at Abram Close in Fallowfield following the finding reported at 6:05 PM yesterday.

Military staff also deployed a robot onto the premises where the event occurred, according to one inhabitant.

The street remained blocked for many hours, with a robotic device deployed to inspect the area, according to eyewitnesses.

People living in the neighborhood, favored by students, were moved out of up to 20 surrounding houses.

They were permitted to come back approximately at 11 pm, with multiple nearby streets now open again.

Emergency response teams from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) also reached the location.

A person mentioned that he was heading to his sister's house when officers advised him to stay away from the location.

"Everyone was instructed to return. They forced everyone back," he said. Manchester Evening News .

A local from the "normally calm neighborhood" mentioned the event left him feeling "somewhat uneasy."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police noted: 'We received a call about an unusual object in a front yard on Abram Close just after 6:05 pm.'

'EOC (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) conducted an evaluation, and approximately 20 surrounding homes were notified by police to leave as a safety measure.'

‘The investigation is ongoing.’

On Monday, authorities reported discovering a second unusual object near a different residence as part of their ongoing investigations.

The agency stated that no detentions have occurred yet, although investigations are still underway.

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Trump's NBA Final Attendance Sparks Chaos — Knicks Fans Beg Him Not to Come

Donald Trump will be attending Game 3 of the NBA The finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday – and his presence has already caused heightened security measures in New York.

Trump, invited by Knicks proprietor James Dolan, has referred to himself as a "huge supporter" of the team, which leads their series against the San Antonio Spurs 2-0.

However, not all people are welcoming the President, as some supporters have taken to social media urging him to remain at home, worried that his presence could transform one of the most significant evenings in the Knicks' recent history into a chaotic situation.

Thousands of New York Police Department staff will join hundreds of U.S. Secret Service officials and investigators at the Garden on Monday, as described by law enforcement insiders as a "greater level of security" never before witnessed during an NBA match.

A strict security perimeter is anticipated surrounding all of Madison Square Garden — one of the most active areas in Midtown Manhattan — with full city blocks essentially put into quarantine during the event.

The areas along Seventh and Eighth Avenues near the venue are set to be closed, blocking access to important zones in one of the busiest parts of the city.

No outdoor watch events at MSG will take place either. Thousands of supporters joined open-air viewings for Games 1 and 2, yet these gatherings won't happen again on Monday, as authorities have stated.

No entry for vehicles and no walking passage will be allowed within the protected area, an extensive rule that will impact more than just spectators, but also anyone attempting to move about this section of Manhattan on a Monday night.

Only those with tickets will be permitted close to the structure, and even they will undergo checks similar to aviation security rather than a regular evening at the arena.

No luggage will be allowed within – neither handbags, nor backpacks, nor shopping bags of any dimension.

Supporters have received clear warnings to not bring anything with them or risk being denied entry at the security check.

Security points will begin opening at 6:30 pm, two hours ahead of the planned 8:30 pm start time. Authorities are advising spectators to come early to prevent getting caught in what might be among the longest lines ever seen at Madison Square Garden.

" It's the first president who has ever attended a basketball playoff game," said Rich Esposito, former deputy commissioner of the NYPD, to CBS New York.

The Garden will be filled with 50,000 spectators; now a presidential convoy is arriving, and the roads are closed.

The Penn Station, located just below the venue and recognized as the country's most heavily used railway hub, is set to stay operational — although navigating to and from it within such an extensive security zone will present its own difficulties.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani verified his attendance at Game 3, stating he will be seated "in a significantly different part of the arena" than the president.

Donald Trump will become the first current president to watch an NBA match since Barack Obama attended the 2015 opening game of the season featuring his home team, the Chicago Bulls, against the Cleveland Cavaliers more than ten years back.

The safety measures highlight the increased risk situation surrounding the president, who endured two attempted assassinations throughout the 2024 election and was reportedly targeted for a third incident at last month's White House Correspondents' Dinner.

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Three Years Before Murder: Killer of 'Weapons-Obsessed' Henry Nowak Wields Gun in Garden

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A video showing the "gun-loving" murderer of Henry Nowak holding a firearm in his backyard has come to light, revealing this occurred three years prior to the killing.

Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, is captured on camera wielding what is thought to be an air gun, along with another individual seen carrying an air rifle.

The video, shot in Southampton close to where Mr Nowak was killed, was captured by a neighbor following the sudden noise of 'loud gunfire' on October 18, 2022.

It happened less than three years prior to Digwa murdering Mr Nowak, who was 18, when the student was returning home after a night out in December 2025.

He pierced him six times using a big ritual knife, afterwards deceiving officers on-site by claiming that Mr. Nowak had made racist remarks and assaulted him physically.

Heart-wrenching body camera video showing police responding to the event has sparked public anger following its disclosure.

Mr. Nowak is heard pleading with the officers to summon an ambulance as he says, "I can't breathe" and "I've been stabbed"—to which one police officer responded, "I don't think you have, mate."

Digwa's falsehoods led to Mr. Nowak being taken into custody by officers and informed of his rights while he was critically injured on the pavement. The Hampshire Constabulary has expressed regret over detaining the young man.

After Digwa received a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 21 years this week, inquiries into the murderer's fascination with arms have surfaced, as the Sikh community distanced itself from his family.

At trial, Nicholas Lobbenberg QC stated that Digwa was "proficient with arms, has been trained in their use, keeps them nearby at night, and looks up information about weapons online."

Digwa and his family belong to the Nihang Sikh community—a warrior group known for their expertise in handling swords, daggers, and various arms—but these tools are intended solely for defensive purposes.

And this newly released video indicates that Digwa wasn't only focused on ritualistic arms.

The previous neighbor of the family came to check out what was happening upon hearing gunfire, and subsequently recorded Digwa along with another individual holding weapons in their backyard.

The neighbor stated, "We heard gunfire, so we went out to check and found them firing weapons at a wooden target."

We submitted a complaint to the authorities, yet they informed us they were unable to take action since no similar complaints had been received from other neighbors.

Occasionally, we'd be subjected to much yelling and disputes, yet generally speaking, they maintained a peaceful presence as neighbors.

I rarely noticed him arriving or leaving, but I often saw him in the garden.

The Hampshire police could not locate any record of the event but found an air rifle during a raid at the residence where Digwa resided with his family, after Henry's killing.

Certain air guns may be lawfully possessed in the United Kingdom, although stronger models necessitate obtaining a permit from the authorities.

Gurpreet, Digwa's elder sibling who is 27 years old, along with the boys' father Mogha Singh, aged 52, face charges related to firearms after an assortment of weapons was reportedly found at their residence following Mr. Nowak's passing.

Kiran Kaur, Digwa's mother aged 53, will face sentencing on July 17 for helping an offender by removing and attempting to conceal the murder weapon.

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James May Forced to Rebuild "Dangerous" Steep Steps at Historic Cottage

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James May is dealing with a 'life-threatening' injury caused by the high garden stairs at his £1 million rural home.

The former Top Gear Star, aged 63, lives in a lovely Grade II protected cottage located in the beautiful village of Ansty, Wiltshire, along with his longtime partner, art critic Sarah Frater.

However, the pair is required to redo their garden due to concerns that their raised steps are "especially hazardous" and located in a "tenuous" spot with a major fall risk.

The architects of their 18th-century cottage informed them that failing to decrease the slope could result in a "serious, possibly fatal injury" should they fall.

They have received approval from Wiltshire Council to add a handrail along with broader and deeper stairs to address the 'safety hazard'.

In proposals sent to the council at the end of last month, the architect hired by the television host suggested decreasing the slope of the stairs, commonly utilized for entry into the garden, from 52 percent to 33 percent.

May has been in a relationship with his partner since 2000, and they purchased their second property for £770,000 in 2015.

Also known as Deer Cottage, this designated structure was transformed from two separate worker’s homes into one residence in 1992.

It is located near his pub, The Royal Oak, which he purchased in 2020 following years of visits with his spouse.

A planning official stated that the 'modest' improvements to the ten garden stairs located behind the property's greenhouse are categorized as 'minor household changes,' which will not require any modifications to the structure of the designated historic building.

The wealthy and ancient village of Ansty, home to approximately 100 residents, lacks retail stores, postal services, and cash machines.

And the previous host of The Grand Tour has acknowledged that residing in the rural area is "still an unusual experience for someone from the city like me."

He stated, "I appreciate that South Wiltshire, where our cottage and my pub are located, remains truly countryside."

I enjoy the landscape and the hilly terrain (though not when I'm cycling). There are deer in our forests and sheep in the fields across from us to chat with.

I have become significantly more attuned to the seasons since spending time there. I appreciate the sound of tractors moving about during the harvest, and I'm familiar with several of the operators.

May has mainly resided in Hammersmith, western London, since 2000. He invested five years into restoring his £3 million home, which was finished in 2021.

However, last year he had to replace a brick awning after his architects alerted him that loose bricks might drop onto pedestrians.

He purchased that property in 2000 at a cost of £325,000 and another partially ruined business building in 2015 for £310,000, with both being torn down to make way for construction.

The design and access statement stated: "Although many efforts have been made to fix the current canopy, it has continued to fail, and the danger posed by falling bricks remains a threat to people beneath."

Following conversations with engineers and metalworkers, it has been determined that this design is expected to keep failing; hence, suggest a modification.

In 2019, May demolished the two properties, which included a small industrial woodworking shop, and constructed a two-story residence instead.

He subsequently relocated all his high-end vehicles and motorcycles near the location within a protected zone.

He owns numerous motorcycles and up to ten automobiles, such as a rare Ferrari 458 Speciale, a Porsche 911, and a 1989 Mini Cooper.

Throughout the restoration, he prevented a contentious conflict with his neighbors by consistently involving them in the decision-making.

A person once remarked: "I could not ask for a finer neighbor than James. He is wonderful and has included everyone at each stage of the process."

James May has been reached out for a response.

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Deadly Tick-Borne Disease Surges in Popular Celebrity Destination, Health Officials Warn

A single instance of a uncommon illness transmitted by ticks has been identified in an individual, marking just the fourth occurrence ever documented.

A California A resident recently tested positive for the bacterium Rickettsia lanei early this year, representing the third human case in the state and the fourth globally since the organism was initially discovered eight years ago.

In 2018, Rickettsia lanei was initially discovered in Sonoma County, California, within rabbit ticks.

The bacteria can cause severe life-threatening symptoms including symptoms like fever, gangrene—which refers to the death of bodily tissues—coma, and cerebral edema.

It belongs to the same family as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other illnesses classified under spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR).

No confirmed mortality rate exists for Rickettsia lanei due to its rarity and recent discovery; however, the fatality rate for the comparable Rocky Mountain spotted fever ranges from five to ten percent.

The hare tick is recognized for being linked to the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is primarily responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Nevertheless, a paper In 2018, a new strain of spotted fever group rickettsia was identified in California.

Although it resembles Rickettsia rickettsii, it belongs to a distinct lineage that is separately supported from known strains.

Authorities verified the latest case of SF Gate but did not provide any information about the patient beyond stating that the individual was diagnosed in California this year.

Situated in northern California, Sonoma County is famous for its abundant vineyards. The area has a population of almost 500,000 residents and attracts roughly 10 million visitors annually.

Although scientists had been aware of Rickettsia lanei since 2018, its ability to affect humans remained unknown until 2023, when a man sought treatment at a California hospital due to feverish signs and muscle pain.

According to a 2024 case report At that point, physicians conducted tests on the patient for various illnesses, yet his health rapidly worsened. He was taken to the intensive care unit, where his oxygen levels dropped, he had seizures, and his blood turned acidic.

Once physicians eventually recognized the condition as an SFR illness, they administered the strong drug doxycycline.

He fell into a coma, experienced significant kidney damage, and suffered from gangrene in both hands.

He needed 22 days to regain his health and leave the hospital.

In 2026, scientists discovered *Rickettsia lanei* in ticks located within Contra Costa County, an area where the individual had been playing golf before becoming infected.

Anne Kjemtrup, a researcher and veterinary professional at the California Department of Public Health, stated to SF Gate: "This is a significant tick-borne disease carrier that individuals should know about."

And Janet Foley, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, stated to the source: "It is the most hazardous, deadly vector-transmitted illness ... across the entire American continent."

Rickettsia lanei infection is uncommon, yet approximately 7,000 individuals contract SFR-related illnesses annually in the United States.

Additionally, 5,000 individuals have contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

As per information provided by the CDC, the cluster of illnesses categorized under SFR is predominantly found in the central and southern regions of the United States, such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, along with Arizona.

Between 2019 and 2023, five states represented more than half of all reported spotted fever cases, namely Alabama, Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

In 2023, which is the most recent data available, North Carolina reported the highest number of SFR cases, with a rate of 21.13 incidents per 1 million individuals. This was closely trailed by Arkansas, which recorded a rate of 20.86 per 1 million residents.

Kentucky ranked third with 20.77 cases for every 1 million residents; Missouri came in fourth, reporting 18.08 cases per 1 million individuals, while Alabama placed fifth with a rate of 15.66 cases per 1 million people.

In 2023, California reported 0.31 instances of spotted fever illnesses for every 1 million residents.

As per the CDC, instances of SFR are more commonly documented among males compared to females, with individuals above the age of 40 representing the largest group of recorded cases.

Nevertheless, kids below the age of 10 account for the largest number of recorded fatalities caused by this set of illnesses.

Signs of SFR may involve temperature elevation, body pains, head discomfort, and a skin eruption on the extremities.

The antibiotic doxycycline is frequently employed for managing SFR. Even a slight delay in starting therapy can significantly raise the chances of serious complications and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential.

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**"In Pictures: Haw Par Mansion & the Lost Tiger Balm Garden"**

The Tiger Balm Garden was a large park next to the striking Haw Par Mansion. Although the garden was torn down in 2004, the mansion is currently being developed into Hong Kong's first "cultural villa."

Constructed during the 1930s by Aw Boon Haw, the founder of the Tiger Balm business, Hong Kong's Tiger Balm Garden located in Tai Hang aimed to showcase Chinese culture alongside his popular pain-relief balm. It featured a large park with a white pagoda and vibrant sculptures around a striking villa. Although the garden was torn down in 2004 to make way for residential buildings, the Haw Par Mansion remained standing and was later transformed into a music school, opening in 2019.

It shut down once more after three years, yet it is currently undergoing renovation to become Hong Kong's initial "cultural villa." Spearheaded by the Foundation for Art and Culture, this independently funded, nonprofit initiative aims to reinvent the Grade 1 heritage landmark—renamed Villa Haw Par—as a hub for creative interaction, community involvement, and cultural conversations.

The change will be introduced in stages starting from September, leading to areas for research, exhibitions, and interactive experiences along with a tea house and a film program that honors Hong Kong's cultural heritage.

Are you curious about the most significant issues and developments happening globally? Find your answers here with SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform featuring carefully selected content, including explanations, frequently asked questions, analysis, and visual graphics, presented by our acclaimed team.

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The article was first published on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top-tier news outlet covering developments in China and Asia.

© 2026. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stephen A. Smith Pleads with Trump Not to Attend NBA Finals at MSG

Currently among the busiest locations worldwide, Manhattan will face a surge of people on Monday when the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Besides the streets and subways being filled with basketball enthusiasts, who will gather in bars and community viewing events for the match, the president also... Donald Trump his large security team as well.

And so it has been every time when the United Nations The General Assembly meets, and New York residents deal with an ongoing traffic crisis.

Furthermore, spectators present for Game 3 at the Garden can also anticipate extended security queues when entering the venue.

Consequently, ESPN commentator, born-and-bred New Yorker, and die-hard Knicks supporter Stephen A. Smith is urging Trump to cancel his intention to go to Game 3.

He'll be attending Game 3 of the finals, and I don't want him there," Smith stated during his SiriusXM broadcast on Thursday. "This isn’t about politics, policies, or anything along those lines. It’s entirely about him causing disruption while also adding to the turmoil that will take place at Madison Square Garden. If it were Barack Obama Coming to the Garden, I would tell them, "Stay home." Remain at the White House .

You haven’t got a clue what Monday will bring in New York City," Smith went on. "Subway systems won’t get any busier than they’ll be. Avoid driving through Midtown; it'll turn into one big traffic jam. Something completely insane is heading everyone’s way this Monday. You really don’t realize. I've covered sports for more than three decades, and I’m saying right now—on Monday during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden—I anticipate experiencing something I’ve never encountered throughout my whole sports reporting career.

Another chance exists that Trump's involvement attracts demonstrators near MSG.

This is why I don’t want the president present," Smith said. "I don’t want folks distracted by political issues and policies, and I certainly don’t want him causing traffic jams and turning entry into an absolute nightmare at the venue. That’s not something I want.

On Thursday, Trump announced his intentions, which had been the subject of speculation ever since the Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

They make an excellent team, and I'm pleased for [Knicks owner James Dolan] since Jim has truly worked very hard to build such a squad," Trump said to journalists in the Oval Office. "The answer is yes, he has extended an invitation to me, and I will be attending.

Trump then proposed that he might attend Games 3 and 4 at the Garden.

'Maybe I'll do both.'

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also anticipated to be present at the match, although earlier he informed TMZ that he will not be seated near Trump. Normally, Mamdani can often be found in the uppermost rows of the arena when he attends games at the Garden.

It is anticipated that security measures will be strengthened before Game 3, possibly leading to extended queues for spectators entering the venue.

New York secured a 1-0 advantage in the series after staging a remarkable victory against the Spurs in San Antonio on Wednesday evening. The second game is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 pm Eastern Time.

Before Game 1, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his approval of Trump's presence at the Garden on Monday.

Long before he entered politics, he was a huge Knicks supporter," Silver remarked about Trump. "I have been part of the league for many years. I attended numerous Knicks matches with him back in the day.

He was present for several of our draft events when they were held at Madison Square Garden, and he even made an appearance in one of our 'I Love This Game' commercials during my time overseeing NBA entertainment.

Mamadani has been savoring the Knicks' success just like everyone else. As New Yorkers have flooded the streets during their current 12-game playoff victory stretch, the mayor humorously extended an invitation to Spurs center Victor Wembanyama for a Monday meeting in the city.

I am happy to invite @Wemby to our second Commission on Government Efficiency meeting on Wednesday, June 10th from 5 to 8 pm, during which we will seek the public's views on ways the government can operate more effectively," Mamdani stated. "I would really like you to join us for the entire duration!

The hearing is set to conclude exactly when Game 3 of the finals begins at Madison Square Garden.

Mamdani would likely be pleased to have the 7-foot-5-inch defending Defensive Player of the Year present at the meeting, yet his comment was clearly a joke that many NBA supporters failed to understand.

Wemby isn't a Knicks player, nor a New York resident, and certainly not an American," an angry follower posted on X. "What's going on here.

"Hey, isn't that a game day?" someone else questioned.

A particularly confused supporter proposed that Mamdani bring in someone from the local squad instead: "Why Wemby? Why not a Knicks player?"

Certainly, many Knicks supporters enjoyed joining in the excitement before the first game of the Finals.

Wemby, when the New York City mayor invites you to an event, you never decline," one fan said to the Western Conference Finals MVP. "Be there on June 10th from 5 to 8 p.m.

An alternative recommendation for Mamdani was to extend it until 9 p.m. to ensure all participants have time to express their ideas, with an addition saying, "Wemby would value this."

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