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Children, Vaccinations and Chickenpox: Understanding the Role of the MMR Jab

Many parents assume that the MMR jab protects children against chickenpox, but this is a common misconception. While childhood vaccinations play a vital role in protecting children from serious illnesses, the MMR vaccine does not prevent chickenpox.

The MMR jab protects against measles, mumps and rubella—three highly contagious viral diseases that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, death. In the UK, children are routinely offered the first MMR dose at around 12 months old, with a second dose before starting school.

Chickenpox, medically known as varicella, is caused by a different virus altogether—the varicella-zoster virus. Although chickenpox is often mild, it can lead to complications such as skin infections, dehydration, pneumonia and, in rare cases, serious illness requiring hospital treatment. Babies, pregnant women and children with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Unlike many countries, the UK does not currently offer the chickenpox vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. The NHS has historically argued that widespread vaccination could increase cases of shingles in adults. However, this position has been under ongoing review, with growing evidence from countries such as the United States showing that routine chickenpox vaccination significantly reduces severe cases and hospitalisations.

Parents who wish to protect their children against chickenpox can still access the varicella vaccine privately, usually given in two doses. Many paediatricians support vaccination, especially for children who have close contact with vulnerable individuals.

Health experts stress that vaccination decisions should be based on accurate information. While the MMR jab is essential for preventing measles, mumps and rubella, it does not offer protection against chickenpox. Understanding the difference allows parents to make informed choices about their children’s health.

As childhood infections continue to circulate, medical professionals continue to emphasise one key message: vaccinations save lives, reduce complications, and protect the wider community. Parents are encouraged to speak with their GP or health visitor to ensure their child receives the most appropriate protection available.

Attached is a news article regarding children having the MMR chickenpox vaccine 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgexe201n81o.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Anthony Joshua Pays Emotional Tribute to Friends Killed in Tragic Car Crash

British boxing star Anthony Joshua has been left heartbroken after a tragic car accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members. After being discharged from a Lagos hospital where he was treated for injuries, Joshua made a poignant public tribute to those he lost.  

On Monday, December 29, 2025, Joshua was involved in a serious collision on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the SUV he was travelling in hit a stationary truck. While Joshua survived with minor injuries, two of his companions, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and longtime personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed in the crash. Authorities in Nigeria confirmed the tragic deaths and released Joshua from hospital care on Wednesday.  

Following his release, Joshua — accompanied by his mother — visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay his respects as the bodies of his fallen friends were prepared for repatriation to the United Kingdom. In a solemn moment, he honoured their memory, demonstrating his deep grief and the strong bond he shared with them.  

Those who died were more than just members of Joshua’s training camp. Ghani had worked with Joshua as his strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade, and Ayodele was a trusted friend and trainer, part of the inner circle that supported him both inside and outside the ring. Their sudden loss has reverberated through the boxing community.  

Tributes From the Boxing World

Messages of sympathy have poured in from across the sport. Promoter Eddie Hearn shared his condolences on social media, writing:

“Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.”

He added prayers and strength for the families of the deceased and for Joshua in this difficult time.  

Fellow heavyweights, including Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, also publicly offered their sympathies, recognising the tragic impact of the loss and extending support to Joshua and the families affected.  

A Personal and Professional Loss

The crash comes just weeks after Joshua’s impressive knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami — a high point in his career that now all but contrasts with this devastating personal loss. For Joshua, the two men who died were not just colleagues: they were friends and loyal members of his support team.  

As Joshua begins his recovery and honours the legacy of his late friends, the boxing world continues to rally around him — while also mourning the lives of Ghami and Ayodele, whose contributions to the sport and to Joshua’s career will not be forgotten.  

Attached is a news article regarding Joshua paying tribute to his friends 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/c4gvd53dqy6o

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Indonesia’s Tobacco Crisis: Children Growing Up Addicted to Cigarettes

Indonesia is facing one of the world’s most alarming child smoking crises, with millions of children exposed to tobacco from an early age in a country where cigarettes are cheap, widely advertised, and deeply embedded in daily life.

Unlike most nations, Indonesia has not ratified the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and its relatively weak regulations have allowed tobacco companies to market aggressively — often in ways that appeal directly to young people.

As a result, Indonesia has one of the highest rates of child smokers globally. Children as young as five have been documented smoking, while many teenagers report becoming addicted before reaching secondary school.

Cheap Cigarettes and Early Addiction

One of the main drivers of child smoking in Indonesia is affordability. Individual cigarettes are commonly sold singly rather than in packs, making them accessible to children with just a few coins. For families living on low incomes, cigarettes are often cheaper than basic food items.

Kretek cigarettes — clove-flavoured and uniquely Indonesian — are especially popular. Often perceived as traditional or less harmful, they are widely consumed by both adults and children despite containing high levels of tar and nicotine.

Health experts warn that early exposure dramatically increases the risk of lifelong addiction, as well as serious illnesses including heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions.

Advertising Targets the Young

Tobacco advertising remains widespread across Indonesia. Billboards, shopfronts, music festivals, sports sponsorships, and social media campaigns regularly promote smoking as a symbol of masculinity, success, and independence.

Although some restrictions exist, advertisements are still commonly placed near schools and residential areas. Critics argue that these campaigns normalise smoking for children, portraying it as a rite of passage rather than a dangerous habit.

Public health advocates say the imagery is particularly damaging in a country where over half of adult men smoke, making cigarettes a visible part of everyday family life.

Poverty, Peer Pressure, and Parental Influence

In many Indonesian households, smoking is culturally accepted, and children often grow up watching parents, relatives, and community leaders smoke openly. This normalisation, combined with peer pressure, makes it difficult for young people to resist.

For families living in poverty, tobacco spending can also deepen hardship. Studies have shown that low-income households may spend a significant portion of their earnings on cigarettes, diverting money away from nutrition, education, and healthcare.

Children in these environments are not only more likely to smoke but also more likely to suffer from second-hand smoke exposure, which increases the risk of asthma, infections, and developmental problems.

Health Consequences and a Strained System

Indonesia’s healthcare system is already under strain from tobacco-related illnesses. Doctors warn that rising child smoking rates will fuel a future public health emergency, with younger generations facing chronic disease earlier in life.

Paediatricians report seeing children with nicotine dependence, breathing problems, and reduced physical stamina — conditions rarely associated with childhood in many other countries.

Public health groups say prevention is far cheaper than treatment, but meaningful reform has been slow.

Calls for Reform

Local and international organisations are urging the Indonesian government to introduce tougher tobacco controls, including higher taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, plain packaging, and a ban on single cigarette sales.

There have been some positive steps, such as smoke-free zones in certain cities and increased public awareness campaigns. However, campaigners argue these measures are not enough to counter the influence of a powerful tobacco industry.

Without stronger regulation, they warn, Indonesia risks losing another generation to addiction.

A Childhood at Risk

For many Indonesian children, smoking is not a distant adult choice but an everyday reality shaped by environment, economics, and culture. Health experts stress that protecting children from tobacco is not just a medical issue, but a moral and social responsibility.

As global attention grows, the question remains whether Indonesia will act decisively — or continue to allow its youngest citizens to grow up in the shadow of cigarettes.

Attached is a news article regarding children smoking in Indonesia 

https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/30/health/chain-smoking-children-tobacco-indonesia

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Digital ID for Babies: Convenience, Security and Growing Concerns

The idea of issuing digital identification (ID) to babies is gaining attention around the world as governments look to modernise public services and improve security. From registering births to accessing healthcare and benefits, digital IDs for infants are being presented as a way to streamline systems from the very start of life. However, the proposal has also sparked debate about privacy, data protection and long-term consequences.

Digital ID for babies typically involves assigning a unique digital identity at birth, often linked to biometric data, parental information and official records such as birth certificates. Supporters argue that this could simplify access to healthcare, vaccinations, education and social services, reducing paperwork and administrative errors. In countries with large populations or limited infrastructure, digital IDs could help ensure that every child is formally recognised by the state, preventing children from “falling through the cracks”.

Health services are often cited as a key benefit. A digital ID could allow doctors and hospitals to access a child’s medical history quickly and accurately, improving care and reducing risks such as missed vaccinations or incorrect records. In emergency situations, instant identification could be lifesaving. Governments also say digital IDs could help prevent fraud in child benefit systems by ensuring payments go to the correct families.

Despite these potential advantages, critics warn that assigning a digital identity at birth raises serious ethical and privacy concerns. Babies cannot consent, yet their personal data could be stored for life. Campaigners fear that sensitive information might be misused, hacked or shared across government agencies without proper safeguards. Once created, a digital footprint may be difficult — or impossible — to erase.

There are also concerns about surveillance and state control. Civil liberties groups argue that lifelong digital IDs could normalise constant monitoring, with data collected in childhood potentially influencing future access to services, employment or travel. In authoritarian settings, critics warn that such systems could be used to track families or suppress dissent.

Data security is another major issue. Large databases containing children’s information are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Any breach could expose millions of records, with long-lasting consequences for identity theft and fraud.

As governments continue to explore digital ID systems for babies, experts stress the importance of strict data protection laws, transparency and independent oversight. Many argue that participation should be voluntary, with clear limits on how data can be used and shared.

The debate highlights a wider question facing digital societies: how to balance innovation and efficiency with the fundamental rights to privacy and autonomy. As technology moves further into the most personal areas of life, decisions made today could shape how future generations experience identity, citizenship and freedom.

Attached is a news article regarding digital ID for babies 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15409993/amp/Newborn-babies-given-Digital-ID-deeply-sinister-expansion-controversial-Labour-policy.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Tragedy in the Alps: Deadly Fire at Swiss Ski Resort

Crans-Montana, Switzerland — A devastating fire tore through a crowded bar at a luxury ski resort in the Swiss Alps in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026, killing dozens and injuring many more, authorities have confirmed.  

The blaze erupted at about 1:30 a.m. local time (00:30 GMT) in Le Constellation, a popular bar in Crans-Montana — a glamorous Alpine resort known for skiing, nightlife and international visitors. At the time, more than 100 people were inside celebrating the arrival of 2026.  

Casualties and Emergency Response

• Deaths: Officials have said several dozen people are presumed dead, though precise figures haven’t been finalized.  

• Injuries: Around 100 people have been injured, many seriously with severe burns, according to local reports.  

• Victims: Some of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s international appeal.  

Emergency services dispatched a significant response, including helicopters, ambulances, police, firefighters and rescue crews. Hospitals in the French-speaking region of Valais are reported to be overwhelmed, with intensive care units filled and patients being moved to other facilities.  

A reception center and helpline has been established to assist relatives trying to locate loved ones.  

What Happened? Explosion or Fire

Early media reports described an explosion inside the bar that triggered the fire, but Swiss authorities are currently treating the incident primarily as a fire of undetermined origin.  

Police have not ruled out possible causes, and speculation — including pyrotechnics or fireworks — has surfaced in local media, but nothing has been confirmed.  

Safety Measures and Investigation

Swiss police have:

• Cordoned off the area around the bar.  

• Declared a no-fly zone over the resort to aid rescue operations.  

• Indicated there is no evidence of terrorism or targeted attack.  

An official investigation is underway, and authorities are working to identify victims and notify families.  

Community and International Impact

Crans-Montana, situated about 40 km north of the Matterhorn, is a major Alpine tourism hub attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, ski industry, and international travel sector, overshadowing what should have been festive New Year celebrations.  

Officials, including the president of the canton of Valais, expressed profound sorrow and urged caution as rescue and recovery efforts continue.  

What’s Next

With the investigation ongoing and casualty figures still emerging, authorities are expected to provide updated information later today. Families of victims are being supported through hotlines, and additional medical resources are being mobilised across Switzerland.

Attached is a News article regarding Switzerland ski resort fire 

https://news.sky.com/story/what-we-know-about-deadly-new-years-fire-at-swiss-ski-resort-13489204

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Trump Hosts Lavish Auction Party Featuring $2.75 Million Painting of Jesus

Donald Trump has hosted a high-profile auction party at one of his private estates, drawing wealthy donors, political allies and art collectors for the sale of a controversial painting of Jesus valued at $2.75 million.

The exclusive event, described by attendees as a blend of political networking and luxury art exhibition, centred on a large oil painting depicting Jesus Christ in a contemporary, stylised form. The artwork was displayed prominently in a chandelier-lit ballroom, flanked by American flags and gold décor synonymous with Trump’s personal brand.

According to sources close to the event, Trump personally welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of faith, culture and American values. He reportedly praised the painting as “beautiful,” “powerful,” and “very special,” telling attendees it represented both spiritual strength and artistic freedom.

The auction attracted immediate attention due to its steep price tag and the religious subject matter. Some guests viewed the painting as a bold statement of faith, while critics questioned whether the event blurred the lines between religion, politics and personal branding.

Art experts noted that while paintings of Jesus have historically commanded high prices, the valuation appeared to be driven as much by the host’s celebrity status and political symbolism as by the artwork itself. “This isn’t just about art,” said one analyst. “It’s about influence, identity and spectacle.”

Proceeds from the auction were reportedly earmarked for a combination of charitable causes and political fundraising, though specific details were not publicly disclosed. Trump allies described the evening as a success, citing strong interest from bidders and enthusiastic support from attendees.

The event quickly sparked debate online, with supporters praising Trump for openly embracing Christian imagery, while opponents accused him of exploiting religious symbols for financial and political gain.

As Trump continues to position himself at the centre of both political and cultural conversations, the $2.75 million Jesus painting auction has become another example of his ability to generate attention — blending faith, wealth and controversy in a single evening.

Attached is a news article regarding trump hosting a auction New Year’s Eve party 2.75 million Jesus painting 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DS86q-CCcrf/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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When Cleanliness Was a Luxury: Hygiene in Victorian Britain

In 1906, at the tail end of the Victorian and Edwardian era, personal hygiene in Britain bore little resemblance to modern standards. For many working-class families, something as simple as having a bath was considered a rare luxury rather than a routine necessity.

Most homes in industrial towns and cities lacked indoor plumbing. Running water, if available at all, was often limited to a single cold tap shared between several households or located in a communal yard. Heating water meant hauling buckets from a pump or standpipe and warming them over a coal fire—an exhausting task that discouraged frequent washing.

As a result, full-body bathing was usually done once a week, if that. Sunday night was commonly known as “bath night,” when the same tub of water would be used by multiple family members, starting with the youngest and ending with the eldest. Privacy was minimal, and cleanliness was often compromised by necessity rather than neglect.

Public bathhouses, introduced in the mid-19th century to improve urban hygiene, offered some relief. For a small fee, working people could access warm baths and washhouses, but these facilities were overcrowded and not always conveniently located. Rural areas, in particular, lagged far behind in sanitation.

Daily hygiene routines focused more on appearance than health. A quick wash of the face, hands, and neck using a bowl and cloth was considered sufficient for most people. Toothbrushes were uncommon, with many relying on salt, charcoal, or even soot to clean their teeth—if they cleaned them at all.

The consequences of poor hygiene were severe. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis, and skin infections spread rapidly in cramped living conditions. Lice, fleas, and bedbugs were widespread, especially among the poor. Children were particularly vulnerable, with high infant mortality rates linked to unsanitary environments.

However, by 1906 attitudes were slowly beginning to change. Advances in medical knowledge, public health campaigns, and the growing understanding of germs began to influence behaviour. Local councils invested in clean water supplies, sewage systems, and public sanitation. Soap became cheaper and more widely available, helping to promote better personal cleanliness.

While the Victorians valued respectability and moral cleanliness, physical hygiene often depended on wealth, access, and infrastructure. For millions, a warm bath was not a daily habit but a hard-won indulgence—one that symbolised both comfort and social status in an era marked by inequality and industrial hardship.

Attached is a news article regarding hygiene in the Victorian times 

https://www.wealddown.co.uk/museum-news/victorian-deep-clean/amp/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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The Short Life of a Looked-After Child: The Tragic Case of Nonita Grabovskyte

In May 2022, at the age of 16, Nonita Grabovskyte became a looked-after child under the corporate parenting responsibilities of the London Borough of Barnet — a role akin to that of a parent but carried out by the council on behalf of the state.  

Nonita’s entry into care followed a harrowing episode of mental ill-health. A member of the public intervened to prevent her from attempting suicide on a bridge, prompting her referral to children’s services and subsequent hospitalisation. From that point, Barnet Council assumed statutory responsibility for her welfare and safety under the duties owed to children in care.  

A Child with Promise and Vulnerability

Nonita was a highly vulnerable young person. She was autistic, neurodivergent, and had a documented history of mental health struggles, including disordered eating, self-harm, and multiple hospital admissions. She also disclosed that she had been sexually abused in early childhood. Despite these challenges, she was academically capable, achieving six good GCSEs, and was passionate about animals, creativity, and expressing herself through artwork and crafts.  

Nonita dreamed of working with animals — she aspired to become a vet — and made and sold creative items like bracelets online. Her interests also included Hello Kitty, My Little Pony, and Disney films. These details paint a picture of a bright, imaginative young person whose potential friends and family remember fondly.  

Corporate Parenting and Supported Accommodation

As her corporate parent, Barnet Council was responsible for ensuring that Nonita’s care, education, health and welfare needs were met, and that she was kept safe.  

In May 2023 — one year after entering care — she was placed in supported accommodation at The Singhing Tree in Harrow. This type of setting is designed for older teenagers approaching independence but, at the time, lacked statutory regulation and did not provide day-to-day care.  

Unregulated and insufficiently monitored, the accommodation was in close proximity to a railway line — significant given Nonita had explicitly told professionals on multiple occasions that she intended to end her life by jumping in front of a train. Yet staff at The Singhing Tree were reportedly never provided with her full care plan, despite a legal requirement for such information to travel with a child into placement.  

Transitions Without Support

Throughout 2023, Nonita’s circumstances deteriorated as critical support structures were withdrawn or failed to materialise:

• Education: Although she secured a college place to study animal management, this offer was withdrawn once the college learned of the intensive support she required.  

• Therapeutic support: Her relationship with a trusted art therapist ended in late October 2023.  

• Mental health services: In December 2023, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) discharged her to the care of her general practitioner, leaving her without specialist support at a critical time.  

• Adult services: A referral was made too late to adult social care to ensure continuity of support.  

• Education, health and care planning: She had no formal Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) despite clear evidence of need. 

The coroner at the inquest found that these discontinuities and a lack of coordinated transition planning contributed significantly to her distress and increasing isolation as she approached adulthood.  

Death and Inquest Findings

On 28 December 2023, just two weeks after her 18th birthday, Nonita died after being struck by a train in North-West London. The coroner concluded that she took her own life — a tragedy that, in his view, was fueled by systemic failures in her care and support.  

The inquest, held in May 2025, found a severe absence of coordinated arrangements between children’s services, mental health providers, education, and supported accommodation — highlighting how these gaps more than minimally contributed to her death.  

Scrutiny and Wider Debate

Nonita’s case has become a focal point in wider debates about the care system for older teenagers, especially those with complex needs. A Sky News documentary and local council controversies have drawn attention to how looked-after children like Nonita can fall through the cracks between services intended to protect them.  

Opposition councillors in Barnet have criticised the council’s handling and transparency about her death, calling for reforms to ensure corporate parents are kept informed and held accountable when a child in care experiences serious harm or dies.  

A Legacy and Call for Change

Nonita’s story is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in care — particularly those transitioning into adulthood. It raises fundamental questions about how corporate parents discharge their legal and moral duties to protect, support, and nurture young people who have already faced significant adversity.

Advocates and children’s rights organisations argue that the care system must improve coordination between services and ensure that vulnerable teenagers are not left without the support they desperately need during the most crucial phases of their lives.  

Attached is a news article regarding The Short Life of a Looked-After Child: The Tragic Case of Nonita Grabovskyte

https://gcnchambers.co.uk/a-girl-called-nonita-sky-news-airs-documentary-on-young-care-leavers-and-nonita-grabovsyktes-inquest/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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New York on High Alert as Fictional ‘Super Virus’ Sparks Contagion Crisis

New York City has been plunged into a state of emergency in a fictional scenario after a rapidly spreading “super virus” overwhelms hospitals and forces authorities to impose unprecedented containment measures.

In this imagined outbreak, the virus — dubbed NV-25 by health officials — is said to combine extreme transmissibility with severe respiratory symptoms, spreading through airborne particles in crowded spaces such as subways, offices and apartment buildings.

Within days of the first detected cases in Manhattan, emergency rooms across all five boroughs are reportedly operating beyond capacity. Medical staff describe scenes of patients struggling to breathe, while intensive care units quickly run out of ventilators.

City officials in the scenario announce sweeping lockdowns, closing schools, businesses and transport hubs in an attempt to slow the spread. National Guard units are deployed to assist with crowd control, supply distribution and the construction of temporary field hospitals in Central Park and Brooklyn.

Public fear escalates as fictional reports suggest the virus has a short incubation period and a high mutation rate, complicating efforts to develop effective treatments. Pharmacies are stripped bare, and supermarket shelves empty as residents rush to stockpile essentials.

In this imagined narrative, federal agencies race to coordinate a response, with scientists working around the clock to sequence the virus and develop an experimental vaccine. Travel in and out of New York is heavily restricted, raising concerns about economic fallout and nationwide spread.

Experts in the scenario warn that the outbreak highlights vulnerabilities in densely populated cities and underscores the importance of early detection, transparent communication and global cooperation in preventing future pandemics.

While entirely fictional, the story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly contagion can disrupt modern life — and how fragile public health systems can become when faced with a fast-moving biological threat.

Attached is a news article regarding a contagion super virus outbreak in New York 

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Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Driver ‘in his 60s’ shot dead by armed police after crash had ‘pointed handgun at girl’ before running through housing estate

A man in his 60s was shot and killed by armed police in Thetford, Norfolk on Sunday evening after a car crash and subsequent confrontation involving what witnesses described as a handgun.  

At around 8.25pm on 28 December, officers from Norfolk Police were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision on London Road involving a Mercedes van and a Honda Jazz. Shortly after the crash, members of the public reported seeing one of the drivers carrying what appeared to be a handgun.  

According to eyewitness accounts, the man – believed to be in his 60s but not yet formally identified by police – was seen pointing the gun at a teenage girl near the scene before fleeing on foot through a nearby housing estate. One local recalled hearing a woman shout in shock as the suspect brandished the firearm, though formal details about the girl’s involvement or injuries, if any, have not been confirmed.  

Armed response officers were quickly deployed. Police located the suspect close to the A11 bypass, where two shots were fired by officers shortly before 9pm. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.  

A handgun that appears to be a non-police issue firearm was recovered from the scene and is now part of the ongoing investigation. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which oversees incidents involving police shootings, has launched a formal review and is gathering evidence, including body-worn camera footage and 999 call recordings.  

Norfolk Police have confirmed they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the incident. Armed police shootings are rare in the region, and officers involved are now assisting with the independent inquiry overseen by the IOPC.  

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash sustained minor injuries and declined hospital treatment, according to reports. Police have stressed they understand the event will raise concerns locally and have urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward as part of the investigation.  

Key points

• A man in his 60s was shot dead by armed police following a car crash in Thetford, Norfolk

• Incident began after a two-vehicle collision on London Road on Sunday evening

• Witnesses reported the man brandished and pointed a handgun at a girl near the crash scene

• He then ran through a nearby housing estate, prompting an armed police response

• Armed officers confronted the man near the A11 bypass, where shots were fired

• The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency treatment

• A handgun was recovered and is being examined as part of the investigation

• The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry

• Body-worn camera footage and emergency call recordings are being reviewed

• Police say no other suspects are being sought and have appealed for witnesses

Conclusion

The fatal shooting has shocked the local community and prompted a full independent investigation into the actions of armed officers. Police say the incident unfolded rapidly following reports of a man threatening members of the public with a handgun, leaving officers to make a critical decision in the interest of public safety. As the Independent Office for Police Conduct examines the circumstances, including body-worn footage and witness accounts, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the formal inquiry continues.

Attached is a news article regarding a man in his 60s shot dead by armed police after man in his 60s pointed gun at young girl 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15421703/amp/Driver-involved-crash-pointed-handgun-girl.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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