The number of homicides in London has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, according to new figures released by the Metropolitan Police. The data shows a year-on-year decline in killings across the capital, marking a significant milestone in long-term violent crime trends.

Police leaders said the reduction reflects sustained efforts in neighbourhood policing, targeted violence reduction initiatives and early intervention programmes. The figures also indicate falls in certain categories, including teenage and domestic homicides, though officers stressed that every loss of life remains a tragedy.

Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the figures point to progress but warned against ...

Potholes across England remain a widespread problem, with new analysis revealing major differences in how effectively local authorities repair and maintain roads. An interactive pothole map shows road conditions across England, rating councils using a traffic light system that highlights where surfaces are improving and where deterioration continues.

The data, published alongside government figures, shows that while some local highway authorities score highly for pothole repair and long-term planning, others struggle with worsening road conditions. Poor surfaces have been linked to rising vehicle repair costs for drivers and increased safety concerns, particularly during winter months.

The Department for Transport says councils in ...

Irish authorities have confirmed that thousands of passports are being recalled after a printing error was identified during routine checks. The issue affects a limited batch of recently issued documents and does not involve personal data inaccuracies, officials said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said affected passport holders are being contacted directly and will be offered free replacements. Travellers have been advised to check official guidance before using their documents, particularly if planning international trips in the coming weeks.

Officials stressed that Ireland’s passport system remains secure and that the recall is a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems at border controls ...

Newly released video and ongoing investigations are adding clarity and controversy to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week. Footage from multiple angles, including cellphone video from the scene, shows the moments leading up to the shooting during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The recordings depict an interaction between Good and federal officers as she sat in her vehicle; at one point she is heard calmly speaking to an officer before shots are fired.

Federal officials, including the Department of ...

A review into recruitment practices at the Metropolitan Police has found that vetting standards were relaxed in order to meet recruitment targets, with serious consequences for public trust and internal safety.

The report concluded that failures in background checks and oversight amounted to a “dereliction of duty”, enabling individuals who should not have passed vetting to join or remain in the force. In some cases, this led to officers with histories of violence or sexual offending being employed, including individuals later identified as serial offenders.

Investigators said pressure to increase officer numbers following earlier staffing reductions contributed to weakened processes, with insufficient ...