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Extra police patrols for England vs Argentina World Cup

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The force is continuing its dedicated operation ahead of England’s semi-final clash against Argentina on July 15, in the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

With growing public excitement, officers are expecting large crowds at public screenings, busy licensed premises, and gatherings in town centres and public spaces across the Thames Valley.

Superintendent Ade Hall, gold commander for the operation, said: “As England prepares to play Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, we are expecting another busy evening across the Thames Valley, with many people gathering to support the national team.

“Most supporters have enjoyed the tournament responsibly and we would like to thank the vast majority of people who have celebrated safely and respectfully.

“However, we have seen incidents linked to alcohol consumption, violence and disorder in and around licensed premises, and we will continue to take robust action where necessary.

“Our officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols, working closely with licensed venues and partner agencies, and using additional neighbourhood policing resources to help prevent problems before they occur.

“We want everyone to enjoy the match safely.”

He also asked people to drink responsibly, plan their journey home, look out for friends and family, and treat fellow supporters, venue staff and emergency workers with respect.

Adding: “We’re not here to stop people enjoying themselves, but we won’t tolerate behaviour that puts others at risk.

“Whether it’s violence, disorder, anti-social behaviour or getting behind the wheel after drinking, if you break the law, we will take action.”

Thames Valley Police said it has seen recurring issues, including alcohol-related disorder, violence at licensed premises and anti-social behaviour throughout the tournament.

The force is also continuing safeguarding efforts for vulnerable people and responding to reports of domestic abuse.

Detective Superintendent Holly Stockwell, Thames Valley Police’s lead for domestic abuse and stalking, said: “Sadly, we have seen some domestic abuse related incidents related to the World Cup, and we have taken robust action to arrest those responsible and safeguard vulnerable victims.

“We know that football is not the cause of domestic violence and there is no excuse to abuse another person.

“The message is clear we will use all powers available to bring offenders to justice and to protect people in our communities.

“Our ongoing message to those who might be victims of abuse is that you are not alone, we are here to support you, so please do report.”





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Man wanted after ‘indecent act’ on bus from Bicester

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Northamptonshire Police has released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with an incident outraging public decency on a bus travelling through the Brackley area.

Brackley lies on the borders with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, about nine miles east-south-east of Banbury, and 19 miles north-north-east of Oxford.

The incident occurred on the 500 bus service operating between Banbury and Bicester between 1pm and 1.40pm on Friday, June 19.

READ MORE: Bicester Motion response to police’s fire investigation

A man was reportedly ‘committing an indecent act’ on the bus, according to the force.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could assist with their enquiries and are urging him, or anyone who recognises him, to get in touch.”

Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the incident is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or make an report on the police’s website, quoting incident number 26000369521 .

Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.





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New buy now pay later rules begin today with key changes

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The changes, which came into force on 15 July, mean lenders must carry out affordability checks before offering buy now pay later (BNPL) products, provide clearer information about repayments and give customers more support if they get into financial difficulty.

Customers will also be able to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they are unhappy with how a regulated provider has handled their agreement.

The FCA said the changes are designed to give consumers greater protection while allowing people to continue using short-term, interest-free credit responsibly.

A spokesperson for the FCA said: “Buy now pay later can be a form of credit, but people deserve to be protected when using it.

“Lenders should check their customers can afford to pay it back.”

The spokesperson said millions of customers will receive clearer information before signing up “and better support if something goes wrong”.

What has changed?

Under the new rules, buy now pay later providers must:

  • carry out proportionate affordability checks
  • provide clear information about repayments before customers sign up
  • explain what happens if payments are missed
  • offer support to customers experiencing financial difficulties
  • direct people to free debt advice where appropriate
  • allow eligible complaints to be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service

The new rules also mean some buy now pay later borrowing may appear on credit reports and could be considered by lenders when people apply for other forms of borrowing.

Could it affect your credit score?

BNPL agreements may now be reported to credit reference agencies.

That means lenders could take them into account when considering applications for loans, credit cards or mortgages.

Dimitar Lazarov, head of Credit Karma UK, said people who repay on time could benefit, but warned those who miss payments should be aware that “it could have an impact on their ability to apply for other products”.

John Webb, head of consumer affairs at Experian UK and Ireland, said consumers should remember that opening a new BNPL account “may be taken into account on credit reports by lenders when they are considering new borrowing applications such as a loan, credit card or mortgage”.

Why were the rules introduced?

Buy now pay later has become increasingly popular because it allows shoppers to spread payments without paying interest.

However, consumer groups have raised concerns that some people have accumulated several BNPL agreements without fully considering whether they could afford the repayments.

According to the FCA, the market was worth more than £13 billion in 2024.

Its Financial Lives Survey found around 10.9 million UK adults used buy now pay later during the year to May 2024.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, said: “Most payments using BNPL are relatively small.

“The Woolard Review, done by the FCA in 2021, showed that people often didn’t think of it as borrowing either.

“A combination of both things means borrowers don’t consider affordability as carefully as they would for other kinds of debt.

“It means a real risk of stacking these debts until they’re unwieldy. The rules requiring stricter affordability checks are highly sensible.”

She added the extra checks “should help people stop and think about whether they really need the item they’re buying”.


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Where can you get help?

If you’re struggling with buy now pay later repayments, experts recommend contacting your provider as soon as possible rather than taking on more borrowing.

Free debt advice is available from organisations including:

  • StepChange Debt Charity
  • Citizens Advice
  • National Debtline
  • Christians Against Poverty

Vikki Brownridge, chief executive at StepChange Debt Charity, said: “There’s no doubt that BNPL can be a useful form of credit – especially as it’s usually short-term and interest-free – to spread the cost of a bulky expense.

“However, as with any form of credit, regulation is vital to protect customers if something goes wrong, and ensure people aren’t being offered credit where it’s not affordable – something which will trigger debt problems, as we see all too often.

“Consumers can go on using BNPL in the same way as before, but it’s important to be aware of the new protections.

“If you are finding yourself struggling to keep up with payments, rather than taking on more credit or BNPL agreements, we would always advise seeking free and impartial debt advice to help get back on track.”





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The Grand Tour new series release date is confirmed

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The motoring adventure series, originally fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, has been rebooted with a new line-up following the trio’s departure in 2024.

The refreshed show will now be hosted by trainspotter and internet personality Francis Bourgeois, alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, creators of the popular YouTube channel Throttle House.

A release date for the return of The Grand Tour has now been confirmed.

The Grand Tour to return with new hosts as release date confirmed

Amazon said that the new series promises everything fans love about The Grand Tour – “big adventures, questionable car choices, and plenty of laughs”.

Teasing what is coming up in this series, they said that the team will drive the Angolan desert in track cars, explore Malaysia’s vibrant car culture, head to California to test cutting-edge performance cars, as well as challenge fighter pilots and even an entire nation’s legal system.

Bourgeois said: “Since completing the filming of the series, I haven’t stopped replaying every moment in my head.

“It has made me laugh, made my heart race, and my stomach turn… remembering the tent I shared with Thomas and James filled with sulphuric farts whilst Angolan jackals snooped around outside.”

Holland said: “I figured someone would be there to hold our hand the whole time.

“Nope.

“We were on our own in some absolutely wild environments in very, VERY questionable cars.”

A teaser video from Prime Video even revealed that Jeremy Clarkson himself gave the new line-up his blessing.

Reviewing Bourgeois’ CV, Clarkson said: “He’s the train man from the internet,” before stamping it with “approved.”

All six episodes of the new series will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video from September 4.

Why did Clarkson, Hammond and May leave The Grand Tour?

The Grand Tour originally launched in 2016 following Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s exit from Top Gear.

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond were the original hosts of The Grand Tour (Image: PA)

The show initially followed a format similar to Top Gear, including car reviews and timed laps, motoring challenges and races, studio segments, and celebrity guests.

After the conclusion of the third series, the format was changed to focus on producing special motoring films for future series, with individual episodes released at select intervals.

The final episode featuring Clarkson, Hammond, and May as presenters was released in September 2024.


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Clarkson, Hammond and May ended the 22-year-long partnership between the trio.

They chose to leave The Grand Tour because they felt they had exhausted all possibilities in the car-show genre.

They also spoke of the exhausting physical demands of their adventures, their advancing age, and a lack of personal interest in electric cars.

Will you watch the new series of The Grand Tour? Let us know in the comments.





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