In comparison, a similar suitcase from Samsonite will set you back a whopping £295.
HOW TO BAG A BARGAIN
When hunting for a deal, it is important to shop around to make sure you are not being overcharged.
There are plenty of comparison websites that will check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.
Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.
For example, Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
Price Spy also logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets.
Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
How to save money at Tesco
EVERY little helps when it comes to saving money at Tesco.
The Sun’s Head of Consumer Tara Evans explains how you can save money at the UK’s biggest supermarket.
Clubcard points
Tesco first launched it’s loyalty scheme back in 1995. You get one point for every £1 you spend in store. If you spend points in store then 100 points is worth £1. You can spend your points via its reward partners and get triple and even sometimes quadruple the value.
Extend Clubcard points
You can find lost Clubvcard points and find the last two years of unused vouchers by logging into the Tesco Clubcard site.
Clubcard prices
If you don’t have a Clubcard then you will miss out on its cheaper Clubcard prices. However, don’t forget to check prices before you shop because it might not be cheaper than elsewhere, especially on big value items like washing powder and loo roll.
Yellow stickers
Shops do vary the time they reduce groceries with yellow stickers but Tesco tends to be between 7pm and 9pm.
Save money if you shop online
If you get your Tesco food shop delivered then it might be worth buying a delivery saver pass to help cut the cost of delivery fees.
If you live near a Tesco then you can get click and collect slots of as little as 25p, so it might be cheaper than getting your food delivered.
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on ‘Bring him back’ – Antony needs another chance at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, says club legend
EDWIN VAN DER SAR wants Man Utd flop Antony to be given another chance at Manchester United next season under Ruben Amorim.
The £86million signing from Ajax started brightly at Old Trafford before his form dropped off a cliff and he became a scapegoat for manager Erik Ten Hag’s underwhelming stint in charge.
Antony returns to Manchester United after his successful loan stint at Real BetisEdwin van der Sar wants Antony to be given another chance at Man Utd
In his second season, he lost his place in the Man Utd side before being shipped out on loan to Real Betis where he starred in LaLiga and in a run to the Conference League final before being beaten by Chelsea.
Betis bosses wanted to make the move permanent after he scored eight goals and got five assists under Manuel Pellegrini.
That included playing a starring role against Real Madrid, with club legend Joaquin even joking that he would provide the car for Antony’s kidnapping if need be to allow him to stay in Seville for another year.
Antony also made it clear he would love to stay at Betis, insisting, “I love the club, the city, everything. The sunshine, the people, the food: it reminds me of Brazil.
“And most importantly, I’ve found myself. I wasn’t playing much [at United]. I needed to be happy in myself.”
Unfortunately for all involved, that move wasn’t able to be made permanent given the transfer fee that Man Utd would demand for their expensive asset, which led to Antony saying a tearful goodbye to the Beticos.
“From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy faded, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game.
“That’s when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. From the first step into this club, I felt something different.”
Now the Brazilian’s next step remains unclear, with rumours circling that Antony could be rescued from his Man Utd nightmare by ex-boss Erik Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen.
But former United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar thinks that the winger has done enough to earn a second chance at the Red Devils.
“Luckily, I’m not in a position anymore to dictate at a club which kind of players have to come, but they’re on the right track by signing a more experienced striker, maybe with another one on the way.
“The two players they signed in the winter break were good, so they should be fine if they give faith to the manager.
“Maybe [Alejandro] Garnacho’s going to go, I would say bring Antony back, but I’m not sure if that’s realistic.”
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on ‘I just wanted to cry’ – Alvaro Morata reveals ‘self-destructive’ spell and considered faking injury to skip tournament
ALVARO MORATA contemplated faking an injury to avoid playing at Euro 2024.
Spanish captain Alvaro Morata has revealed that he considered faking an injury to avoid participating at last year’s European ChampionshipMorata captained Spain to their Euro 2024 triumph
The revelations are made in a new tell-all documentary called Morata: They Don’t Know Who I Am, which details the psychological difficulties he has faced.
He named Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League quarter-final in April 2024 as a particular low point.
Morata, 32, said: “You start to feel many things in your body and you don’t know why or how.
“Your legs hurt. Your chest closes up. You can’t breathe. I was afraid of going to sleep and not waking up. I was afraid of everything.”
After fumbling a one-on-one with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel early in the second leg in Germany, Morata claims he was unable to focus on the game because he kept mentally reliving the opportunity.
He said: “I was not able to follow the ball.
“We were not losing the game, but in your head, you had blown the chance to reach a Champions League final withAtletico.
“When the game was over, I stayed a long time alone in the dressing room. I just wanted to cry. From there, it all began.“
In the documentary, Morata claims that he “had a very bad time” during his challenging time as a Chelsea player from 2017 to 2019.
And he claims the problems escalated after the former Real Madrid academy graduate joined city rivals Atletico.
Morata said: “I had many horrible, self-destructive thoughts.
“It passed through my head to fake an injury, so I would not have to go [to the Euros].”
Morata informed Spain’s doctor, Oscar Celada, on the phone that he was unable to attend the tournament.
Celada arranged for Morata to talk to former international team-mate Andres Iniesta, who battled depression during his playing career when his close friend and team-mate Dani Jarque passed away in 2009.
Morata was assisted by Iniesta in seeing that he could overcome his issues by contributing well to Spain at the Euros in Germany.
In the documentary, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also claims that he gave Morata something to strive for by telling him that “the team needed him.”
The programme shows some of Morata’s sessions with his psychiatrist, Pilar de Castro-Manglano, in between Euros matches.
De Castro-Manglano said: “Alvaro is currently undergoing repair.
Morata seeked the assistance of former teammate Andres Iniesta on his mental strugglesThe loaned out Milan striker is still in a ‘process of repair’ but is ‘learning to manage’ after leaving Atletico
“It’s like a ligament had broken, and you have to learn to walk again, to deal with the difficulties of life in a healthy way. Learning to manage life is difficult, even more in elite people who live in the public eye.”
Throughout his lengthy international career, the enigmatic striker, currently applying his trade at Galatasaray, has frequently been lambasted for his performances by media and fans.
Morata said: “Is it worth playing for Spain if everywhere I go with my family, there are unpleasant incidents, with people insulting you and mocking you?
“If you go to stadiums, wearing the Spain jersey, and fans whistle you and abuse you. It’s not worth it.
“There are many Spain fans who support me, but also many others who don’t want me here. But if I retire from international football, they will win.”
Since making his international debut in 2014, Morata has scored 37 goals in 86 games for Spain.
Most recently, he missed the decisive penalty kick as Spain lost to Portugal in a shootout in the Nations League final.
He made a suggestion about leaving the international game after the final whistle.
He said: “I feel sorry for my teammates, but that’s part of life.
“I thank the coach for his words. The penalty? I took it badly, I could have done better, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
Speaking on his possible retirement, Morata added: “I’m only thinking about what happened today, but it’s possible I won’t be back in September.”
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on BBC Radio host drops F word live on air as he struggles with cramp – as fans threaten to call Ofcom
BBC Radio host Ian Skye dropped the F word live on-air as he struggled a with cramp today, prompting fans to threaten Ofcom complaints.
Ian, who hosts the mid-morning show on BBCRadio Derby, was caught off guard when a painful cramp caused him to swear live on air, mistakenly thinking he was off the microphone.
BBCBBC Radio host Ian Skye dropped the F word live on-air today[/caption]
The awkward moment came just one day after he and his team had completed a course aimed at improving their broadcasting skills.
During the broadcast, listeners overheard Ian suddenly cry out, “Ow, f***ing hell,” before the program quickly resumed with his co-hosts chatting following a song.
In a lighthearted response, Ian’s co-host joked about the timing, saying: “I don’t think they suggested suddenly getting unbearably agonising cramp and shouting really loud on the radio.”
Ian replied with a hesitant laugh: “No, that’s probably not what I should have come in and done today.”
He then acknowledged the slip-up, saying: “Can I just say, if before that amazing song from Kate Bush, and I say if. You’d have had to be deaf if you didn’t hear a rude word.”
He went on to offer a heartfelt apology: “I really profusely apologise. You know when something happens and it’s just instinct. My very, very calm producer said ‘you’re still on the radio, Ian.'”
TV critic Scott Bryan highlighted the moment on social media with the comment: “We now cross over to BBC Radio Derby.”
The clip quickly sparked reactions online.
One listener wrote: “Known Ian for 30 yeas. He is a good guy. This is a moment and it has passed. Why we still feel the need to pretend to be shocked in a 24/7 unedited world is beyond me. Plus, it is possibly one of the most entertaining things on BBC derby in years!”
Others shared their amusement, with one saying: “I honestly think this is my moment of the year,” and another adding, “I have laughed so hard at this so many times, thank you for posting it, thank you so much.”
Many praised Ian’s quick recovery: “Perfectly managed. Swore, made a joke. Didn’t make a big deal of it. Really well handled.”
However, not everyone was amused.
Some expressed concern, with one listener remarking: “Tens of people in the Derby and the Derby area will have heard a swearword, and you’re laughing.”
Another commented: “Did not apologise straight away, made a joke instead. Ofcom warning.”
Ian has been a radio presenter for more than 13 years, with experience at stations including Radio Wyvern in Worcester, as well as others in Kent, Newcastle, and Teesside.
It was at Radio Wyvern where he adopted his professional name.
His real surname is Wickens – but his managers suggested it wouldn’t fit well in jingles.
Inspired by the Isle of Skye, he chose the name Ian Skye.
At the time, Maryam explained: “Hey everyone, yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery.
“I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0.. including the fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers held up to one.
“When we got to 1 I turned finger around as a joke and did not realise that this would be caught on camera. It was a private joke with the team and I’m so sorry it went out on air!”
BBCMaryam Moshiri flashed her middle finger to viewers live on air[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialMathys Tel is set to make his Tottenham loan permanent[/caption]
AlamyTel, 20, helped Spurs win the Europa League[/caption]
The initial deal possessed a £45m option to buy.
Following further negotiations, Bild claim that Tottenham have knocked that fee down to around £30m, with a deal imminent.
Tel made 20 appearances in all competitions following his mid-season switch, scoring three times.
The French youth international played five times on Spurs’ run to Europa League glory, including in both legs of the semi-finals.
Tel, who turned 20 in April, arrived at Tottenham having already gained a wealth of experience in Germany.
The highly-rated starlet played 83 times for Bayern Munich, scoring 16 goals.
Having initially not been sure about a move to Spurs, Tel was convinced to make the switch by former boss Postecoglou.
While the Aussie has since been axed, new manager Thomas Frank is said to also be keen on keeping Tel – with the promising forward to become the Dane’s first Spurs signing.
The Frenchman indicated earlier this month that he would like to join Manchester United.
But with ex-Bees boss Frank now at Spurs, the North Londoners have entered the race.
On Friday it emerged that initial talks had taken place between Brentford and Tottenham, who paid around £10m to recruit Frank and his coaching staff, over a separate deal for Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old scored 20 Premier League goals last season – nine more than Spurs’ top scorer Brennan Johnson.
Also on Tottenham’s radar are Bees forward Yoane Wissa and Bournemouth‘s Antoine Semenyo.
GettyThomas Frank is keen to reunite with Bryan Mbeumo at Tottenham[/caption]
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Bobby Brazier has ‘become a Hare Krishna’ and ‘seeks solace’ in the daily spiritual rituals after mum Jade’s death
BOBBY Brazier has ‘become a Hare Krishna’ and is ‘seeking solace’ in daily spiritual rituals following the death of his mum, Jade Goody.
Strictly finalist Bobby, 22, has become a regular at the Hare Krishna temple in Soho, where he takes part in communal prayers, chants mantras and helps prepare meals.
InstagramBobby Brazier has “become a Hare Krishna” and is “seeking solace” in daily spiritual rituals following the death of his mum, Jade Goody[/caption]
SplashLast year, Bobby joined in cha-cha-chanting at a Hare Krishna gathering on Oxford Street[/caption]
Friends say Bobby’s interest in spirituality has grown over the past year and is helping him process the lasting impact of losing his mum to cervical cancer in 2009, when he was just five.
A volunteer at the temple told MailOnline: “He’s here every Saturday without fail. He joins our kitchen session, learns the prayers – this isn’t a gimmick.”
A family friend added: “Bobby had a difficult life. His mum dying left a mark on him, as it would. Hare Krishna is somewhere he seeks solace. It might seem strange, but for him, it works.”
Last year, The Sun published images of Bobby joining in cha-cha-chanting at a Hare Krishna gathering on Oxford Street, where he was even seen handing out leaflets.
Bobby – whose dad is TV star Jeff Brazier – said of the movement: “I’ve had the blessing of meeting some incredible devotees who have really taken me under the wing and been really merciful upon me.
“And they are just the most beautiful, happy, content, smart, intelligent people.”
After Jade’s death, Bobby and younger brother Freddy, 20, were raised away from the spotlight.
At 16, Bobby was scouted by a modelling agent during a trip to a local coffee shop and quickly signed to a major agency.
He later walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger and joined EastEnders as Freddie Slater.
In 2023, he won the National Television Award for Rising Star and finished as a finalist on Strictly the same year.
And he appeared in the Paramount+ drama Curfew last year.
Bobby is also set to inherit £250,000 from Jade’s estate when he turns 25.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “Everything was agreed before Jade passed away – there have been payments for agreed education or healthcare, but no other withdrawals until the boys turn 25.
“Even years after she passed, Jade has been able to provide for them, which is what she always wanted.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
A telly insider revealed: “Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show.
“The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet.
“The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.”
PA:Press AssociationBobby and his brother Freddy are pictured with the late Jade Goody in 2006[/caption]
RexBobby’s dad is TV star Jeff Brazier[/caption]
BBCThe Sun on Sunday revealed he’s leaving EastEnders after four years[/caption]
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on People are only just realising what the triangle symbols on laundry labels are – and their minds are blown
YOU might look at the label on your clothes before washing to see which temperature is recommended.
But are you able to identify the other symbols?
RedditPeople are only just realising what the triangle symbols on laundry labels are – and their minds are blown[/caption]
The laundry care symbols on labels include several small images: a tub filled with water, a circle inside a square, and an iron, for example.
They provide instructions and guidelines on everything from the best washing temperature to ironing and drying.
Put it simply, the UK washing symbols help you decide if your clothing is safe to wash in your washing machine, which setting, and what temperature you should use.
But it’s not something we are ever taught, instead, learning the meanings from others.
Someone on Reddit was baffled by the list of laundry care symbols on their label.
There was a 40 degrees washing symbol, a triangle with lines in, a tumble dryer, iron, the letter F in a circle and a square with two lines in.
In fact, the triangle refers to bleaching.
And people are only just realising there is a bleaching symbol.
One wrote: “I didn’t know about the triangle. I thought it had something to do with the clothes hanger.”
Another person referred to the triangle as a “food pyramid”.
Washing symbols
The symbol looks like a bucket or tub filled with water – except for the ‘Do not wring’ symbol.
According to Ariel, If the garment is machine washable, you’ll either see dots or numbers inside the bucket symbol, representing the recommended maximum temperature: one dot means 30 °C (meaning that you have to wash your clothing in cold water), two dots 40 °C (warm water), and four dots 60 °C.
ArielAriel Care Label[/caption]
If there is a line drawn under the bucket, it means that your piece of clothing should be washed on a synthetic cycle. Two lines means a gentle or wool wash cycle.
If you find the hand wash symbol on your garment’s fabric care label, wash the item by hand at 40 °C or lower, or use your washing machine’s hand wash program.
Bleaching symbols
Before reaching for your bottle of bleach to make your white clothes sparkle, it’s worth taking a look at your garment’s fabric care label to see if the clothing can handle the harsh chemical.
ArielAriel Care Label[/caption]
Bleach is represented with a triangle – an empty triangle means you can safely use bleach on your piece of clothing when necessary.
Diagonal lines inside the triangle refer to the use of non-chlorine bleach; however, in the case when the triangle is crossed out by two lines, you shouldn’t use bleach at all.
Drying symbols
To stop clothes from shrinking or becoming misshapen when drying, there are several helpful symbols on the fabric care label, which tell you the best way to dry clothes, and not damage the fabric.
ArielAriel Care Label[/caption]
A square with a circle inside means that the item can be safely tumble dried, while the number of dots inside the tumble dryer symbol indicates what temperature setting to use: one dot stands for low heat, two dots for medium, and three for high heat setting.
Iron symbols
The little iron shows you if you can or can’t press the item, if so what temperature is best.
Dry cleaning symbols
Some clothes are better off being handled by a professional; that’s when dry cleaning comes into the picture.
Laundry tips
Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips.
How often should you be remaking your bed?
When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better.
Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets!
You want to be washing your sheets once a week – or every 10 days if you don’t suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn’t look dirty.
Using an effective detergent like smol’s will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle – that’s better for the planet and your energy bills!
What temperature do smol recommend then?
For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It’s gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties.
What’s the difference between bio and non-bio detergent?
Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It’s best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively.
Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn’t contain enzymes, it’s still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process.
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on I saw arrogant Mick Philpott carry out sick plot to emerge as the ‘hero’ before torching home & burning kids alive
WHEN Mick Philpott burned his six children to death in a family home, horrified parents struggled to comprehend what kind of monster could commit such a sickening crime.
Now, a Sun investigation has uncovered new evidence of his botched game plan to play the ‘hero’ by rescuing his kids from the flames, and how he desperately tried to deflect the blame as his doomed plot unravelled.
HandoutThe scene after the fire at Victory Road, Allenton, in 2012[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationMick Philpott and wife Mairead speak to the media after the fire[/caption]
Philpott’s six children who died
Speaking for the first time in our brand new series, Scene of the Crime, the killer’s traumatised neighbours shine fresh light on what really happened before and after that tragic night 13 years ago.
On the day before he set the Derby property alight on May 11, 2012, one recalls spotting him carefully setting up two ladders beneath the upstairs windows in a brazen bid to later pull the kids to safety.
Haunted by the memory of the children’s blackened bodies, she emotionally tells how they “paid the price of their father’s “arrogance and stupidity“.
Meanwhile, another resident on Victory Road reveals how she and her partner were called ‘child murderers’ in the street after cops held her and her partner for 72 hours – as shameless Philpott scrambled to pin the blame on THEM for his crimes.
The furious locals paint a grotesque picture of the convicted mass killer, who we recently revealed was left “battered and bruised” in a brutal jail beating.
In extraordinary detail, they tell how he acted with impunity, seeing himself saw himself as “God’s gift”, and paraded up and down the street often dressed in little more than a pair of turquoise speedos.
Dinner lady Pearl Turner was in her garden when she spotted her next-door neighbour, Philpott, setting up the ladders at the back of his home.
Pearl, who lived next door to the family for several years, claimed that he’d planned to climb them once he’d set the house ablaze, and help pull his kids to safety.
The dad – who had previously appeared on the Jeremy Kyle Show – had concocted the arson scheme to pin on former mistress Lisa Willis who he was due to face in court over access to his four kids with her.
But in a tragic turn of events, he had forgotten to unlock their bedroom windows, leaving them trapped inside the burning building.
The fire claimed the lives of Duwayne, 13, Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five. Only Duwayne, the eldest, managed to escape the house alive, before he too died from his injuries in hospital days later.
Both Philpott and his wife Mairead, who supported his plan, were eventually arrested on May 29 2012, initially for murder, although charges were later changed to manslaughter.
Haunting memories
Thirteen years on, Pearl is still traumatised by the memory of seeing the five children’s charred bodies laid out in a row in the street outside her home as firefighters tried in vain to save them.
Now 78 and retired, she was still living next door to where the tragedy unfolded when The Sun revisited the scene of the killings.
Breaking her silence on the horrific fire, she says: “I’ll never get the sight of them lying there out of my head.”
She shared heartbreaking details about the night of the fire but also offered insight into the extraordinary lengths Philpott had gone to in order to ensure he emerged as a hero.
She added: “I was in my garden the day before the fire and Philpott came home with two sets of ladders.
“He initially placed them against my wall at the back, then moved them off and positioned them very carefully underneath the two upstairs windows at the rear of his house. They were the children’s bedrooms.
Roland LeonNew homes were built on the street after the Philpott home was demolished in September 2013[/caption]
Philpott and Mairead appearing on This Morning in 2006RexHandoutThe landing of the house in Derby after the fire where six children died[/caption]
“As soon as I saw those two ladders leaning up against our wall, I knew the crafty sod was up to something, but never in a million years would I have worked out the evil plan he had in mind.
“I knew he hadn’t brought the ladders home to do any DIY or a spot of house maintenance because he was useless and lazy. I’d never seen any ladders at his property before.
“As soon as I became aware their house was on fire, it became clear to me what his purpose with the ladders had been. He’d planned to use them to climb up to their windows and rescue them so he could play the hero.
“But he forgot the bedroom windows had locks on them and in the panic and chaos of the fire, with smoke everywhere, those poor children weren’t able to open the windows and died.
“They paid the price of their father’s arrogance and stupidity. It was all such a needless, tragic waste.
“They were lovely, polite kids. They always waved at me when they saw me. If I was in the garden, they’d wave from their bedroom windows.
“On the day of the fire, I told the police about my suspicions over the ladders, but it took them weeks to arrest him. I’ve never really understood why. It was obvious to me what he’d done.”
‘We were called child murderers’
One of those arrested, a 41-year-old woman named Vicky, also told The Sun – in another first interview – how Philpott tried to frame her and her partner for the fire that left six children dead.
Vicky, then aged 28, revealed how officers arrested her and her late partner Adam, then 38, who died last year, and took them to Ripley police station and held them for questioning for 72 hours.
Through tears, Vicky said: “We had been friends with Mick, Mairead and Lisa (Philpott’s former live-in mistress) for some time and Mick used that friendship to try and save his own skin.
“When the police spoke to him on the day of the fire he told them me and Adam had started it.
“As soon as they told me Mick had accused us of starting the fire, I knew it had to have been Mick himself who had done it. Why else would he have tried to put it on us?
“Even so, it took us three days to convince the cops we were innocent before they let us go, but when we got back people still believed we’d done it.
“We were getting called child murderers in the street and on social media. It was absolute hell for us. It went on for months and months. I am still traumatised by it.
“Poor Adam is dead now but it was the same for him until the day he died. You just never get over it.
“The abuse only stopped when Philpott and the other two went to court and the details came out, but for me and Adam, the damage was already done.
“And those poor, poor children. Nothing could bring them back.
“Philpott was an obnoxious, self-centred b*****d who thought he was God’s gift to everything. He killed his own children then tried to frame me and Adam – his friends – for it. That tells you what kind of man he is.
“I hope he is never released from jail. He is a monster and should die in there.”
PA:Press AssociationThe bathroom at the house after the fire that killed six children[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationThe charred shell of the house was boarded up in 2013, with flowers and teddy bears left outside in tribute to the children who died[/caption]
Vicky said she remains close friends with Lisa, and is “in touch” with her.
“Lisa has long since moved away from Derby and I would never tell anyone where she is now,” she said.
Vicky also revealed that Mairead, who was released early from jail in 2023, has since changed her name and is living with a new partner.
“She is a monster too and should never have been let out early. Why should she be allowed to start a new life as if nothing happened?”
‘Hope he never gets out’
Speaking to those living in Victory Road now, it is notable how many locals’ lives were interwoven with the Philpotts.
Neighbour Martin’s son was in a relationship with Philpott’s daughter from his first marriage at the time of the tragedy.
He said his son, then 18, had been one of the first to try and enter the burning building and rescue the children.
Martin said: “Before the fire crews arrived, my boy was there trying to get the kids out.
“He saw the ladders at the back of the house and climbed up to try and get in through the window but the heat was so intense it was burning the hairs off his arms. His skin felt like it was on fire.
“He tried and tried to smash the windows but he just couldn’t. It was awful.
“He knew the Philpotts because he’d been going out with one of Mick’s daughters for about a year at the time. We all got to know Mick and his family quite well and we’d sometimes go round for dinner.
“I never really liked him because he was such a loudmouth, but I had to make the effort for the sake of my son and his girlfriend.
Pricilla ColemanPhilpott in the dock at Nottingham Crown Court[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationHe wept in the witness box[/caption]
“To be honest, I thought Mick was a bit of a prat. He’d been on TV and thought of himself as a star. He really believed he was a film star.
“But I never thought for a moment he’d be capable of what he did.
“What happened put such a strain on my son’s relationship with Mick’s daughter that they broke up a year or so later.
“My son was traumatised by the events of that night and he has struggled with his emotions to this day, although very recently he has started to open up a little.
“All of us around here just want to forget about Mick and that horrific day, but it is impossible. I hope he never gets out of prison.”
Elsewhere in Victory Road, a 38-year-old mother told how her son was at school with several of the Philpotts’ children.
She recoils at the mention of Mick Philpott’s name and tells how he “made my skin crawl”.
She said: “I hated him on sight. He was a horrible, horrible man.
“He was friends with my ex-partner and he’d call round here to see him wearing nothing but a pair of tight, turquoise Speedos and a pair of trainers.
“He’d stand at our porch with one leg raised on the windowsill like he was God’s gift, but all I saw was a fame-hungry w****r. He was utterly repulsive.
“I had nieces in their teens at the time and when they were here he’d be leering at them. It was disgusting.
“When they left to go back home, I’d go with them in case he tried to follow them. I just didn’t trust him at all.
“I felt sorry for Mairead because she was completely under his thumb and did whatever he told her to. He treated her miserably.
“Once I told her to stop being such a wet blanket and stand up to him, but she never did. If he told her to jump, she’d say ‘How high?’. It was that kind of relationship.
“When she and Lisa were both pregnant, I remember the three of them walking back from town with loads and loads of bags full of shopping, but he made them carry it all.
Paul Tonge - The SunThe headstones on the graves of the six Philpott children who died[/caption]
Philpott with his mistress Lisa and wife Mairead, and kids, after he launched an appeal to the council to be rehoused to a bigger propertyRex
“He was walking ahead of them, empty-handed, in his stupid Speedos and nothing else.
“It was a weird set-up with the three of them. Between Mairead and Lisa, one of them was always pregnant.
“But even though I knew what an awful man he was, I was surprised he could kill his own children. I hope to God he is never allowed out of jail for what he did.”
Battered and bruised
Last month, The Sun revealed how Philpott was left with bruises and lumps on his head after an inmate battered him with a metal container at tough HMP Wakefield, West Yorks.
A source said: “Philpott was in a bad way after the attack – battered and bruised and with two large and noticeable lumps on the back of his head.
“The other lad pounced on him and whacked him quite a few times from behind.
“It was one bloke on his own – someone quite a bit younger than Philpott and it happened really quickly on the landing.
“There was a huge commotion, an alarm was going off and guards rushed in to help.
“Otherwise it could have been a lot worse for Philpott.
“Philpott was feeling very sorry for himself after the attack – but no-one had much sympathy.
3 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Terrifying moment massive fire rips through 67-storey Dubai Marina skyscraper as 4,000 people flee from high rise
THIS is the chilling moment a huge fire engulfs a 62-storey residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina – home to 3,820 people.
Emergency teams spent six hours battling the overnight blaze until Saturday morning, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Marina DubaiA fire broke out overnight in a 26-storey building in Dubai’s Yas Marina[/caption]
All 3,820 residents living in the 764 apartments were reportedly safely evacuatedDubai Media OfficeAFPExtensive damage is seen after the fire was extinguished[/caption]
All 3,820 residents from 764 apartments were safely evacuated, the Dubai Media Office said in its live updates on X.
In a post published this morning, the media office said that the fire was contained and that “the smoke currently visible at the site is due to ongoing cooling operations as part of the firefighting process”.
“Control measures remain in place and the situation is fully managed by the firefighting teams,” it added.
One resident told Khaleej Times: “I was on the 24th floor with my wife when we smelled something burning around 9.45pm.
“We checked our apartment but found nothing. From the balcony, we saw firefighters and people outside.
“A friend called and said he couldn’t enter because of the fire. Security only told us to leave when we called them.”
He said the stairwell was filled with smoke, forcing them to take the lift, “which thankfully worked”.
The blaze broke out in the upper floors of the Tiger Tower – also known as Marina Pinnacle – at around 9.30pm, according to The National.
After fleeing the burning tower, residents gathered in the streets as emergency teams tried to put out the fire, The National reported.
They are reportedly being helped by authorities and the building’s developer to secure temporary housing.
Marina DubaiThe building was engulfed in thick smoke and flames[/caption]
As a result of the fire, there are travel disruptions between Dubai Marina Station and Palm Jumeirah Station.
Dubai’s transport authority wrote on social media: “This is to ensure passenger safety and to facilitate the work of firefighting teams responding to the incident.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
It comes as a huge fire broke out in March after a cargo ship collided with a US oil tanker in the North Sea.
36 crew members from both ships were taken safely to shore, but one sailor was reported missing.
After extensive search efforts for the sailor, they were presumed dead.
The container ship Solong was carrying the highly toxic chemical sodium cyanide.
Footage captured the dramatic scene as both the oil tanker and the cargo ship were engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Dubai Media OfficeThe smoke visible seen the fire was extinguished was due to ‘cooling operations’, said Dubai Media Office[/caption]
InstagramVictoria Beckham and her kids have congratulated David Beckham for his long-awaited knighthood – but Brooklyn has so far remained silent, amid the family feud[/caption]
InstagramRomeo said he was ‘so so proud’ in his tribute[/caption]
InstagramDavid’s youngest son Cruz shared some kind words[/caption]
The footie legend, 50, becomes a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Meaning his Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham – and she “couldn’t be prouder.”
Victoria took to social media on Saturday to share a sweet photo hugging her husband, and planting a kiss on his cheek.
The fashion designer penned a lengthy caption, which read: “You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir @davidbeckham!!! What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you.
“Your dedication to the things that matter most — your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family — has never wavered.
“The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much xxxx”
Victoria wasn’t the only one of the Beckham clan to share their congratulations, with Romeo Beckham also posting on his social media.
He shared a black and white snap from David’s 50th birthday in May, and wrote: “So so proud of you,” followed by heart emojis.
Cruz Beckham also shared some kind words for his dad, and posted a photo of him sitting outdoors gazing at the camera.
David’s youngest son wrote: “I’m so proud dad I love you. Sir David Beckham has a nice ring to it.”
As of yet, David and Victoria’s eldest son, Brooklyn, hasn’t shared a message of congratulations publicly for his father.
But including all his family in his celebratory knighthood statement, David wrote: “Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour.
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.
What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?
Hands
Starting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.
This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.
On his little finger, he has the year he was married.
Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.
The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham‘s Spice Girls nickname.
Arms
Becks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.
The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.
Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.
The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.
Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.
Neck
One of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.
It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.
Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.
This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.
Back
Beckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.
He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.
Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz‘s names inked across his back.
Body
Beckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.
The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.
Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.
“It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”
The sourced said: “Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he’s not responding to those that try to connect.”
However, a source close to Brooklyn denied this and said, “this seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honor being bestowed on Brooklyn’s father.”
David was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics.
SplashThe footie legend, 50, becomes a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list[/caption]
David Dyson - Commissioned by The SunDavid Beckham and sons, Romeo, Cruz and Brooklyn[/caption]
GettyBrooklyn is yet to publicly share a message of congratulations[/caption]
