Crime & Safety
One dead after UK infection outbreak: All we know so far
Yesterday (Thursday, May 15), it was confirmed that a trio of meningococcal infection (meningitis) cases have been discovered in young people in Reading this week.
This was according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which added that one of the three has since died from the infection, who had been studying at Oxfordshire’s Henley College.
A statement said: “Sadly, one of the individuals has died and our thoughts and condolences are with their friends and family.”
The other two cases currently remain in the hospital, receiving treatment at this time.
Here is everything we know about the situation so far:
Oxfordshire college student dead
As mentioned, the outbreak has seen three young people contract meningitis, with one of these cases turning fatal.
Henley College has since confirmed that one of its students died earlier this week following the UKHSA statement.
A spokesperson for the local educational institution said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency.
“Out of respect for the family, we will not be providing further details at this time.”
The statement was issued in response to questions about the meningitis reports, but did not expressly confirm the cause of the student’s death.
READ MORE: Young person dies after meningitis outbreak as two being treated
What is being done about the outbreak?
People who have come into close contact with the three meningitis cases are being offered antibiotics “as a precaution”, and information about meningitis symptoms has been passed to students and parents at “all affected schools”.
UKHSA said young people should check that they are up to date with their vaccinations.
The agency said its specialists are working closely with the local authority and NHS partners in Reading following the discovery of the three cases.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Early symptoms of meningitis, such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu.
The key difference is that someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.
Early recognition of meningitis and sepsis symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include a fever, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, confusion and delirium.
Also mentioned is a dislike of bright lights, fits, severe sleepiness, losing consciousness, and a very bad headache, but the latter alone is not a reason to get medical help.
READ MORE: New statement after Oxfordshire student dies from meningitis outbreak
How high is the threat level?
UKHSA said the risk to the wider public “remains low” and added that one of the cases has been confirmed as Meningitis B, while test results for the other cases have not yet come through.
Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.
“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases.
“Meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread, and large outbreaks, as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.
“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases.
“Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and the risk to the wider public remains low.
“Anyone can get meningitis, and around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year.
“It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.
“They can appear in any order and may not all be present, so seek rapid medical attention if there is ever any concern.”
What has the council said?
Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died, and with the other two young people who are currently receiving treatment.”
He said the council is “working closely” with UKHSA and NHS partners in the wake of “these three cases of meningitis B infection”.
Mr Pearce continued: “It is completely understandable that parents, young people and the community may be feeling anxious at this time.
“We want to reassure residents that the risk to the wider public remains low. Meningitis B does not spread easily.
“Parents, carers and young people who want to know more can visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
“It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can appear in any order and may not all be present.
“Someone with meningitis or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly.
“Residents should call 999 or go to their nearest A&E immediately if they suspect they or someone they care for has meningitis or sepsis.
“If they are unsure, residents can seek advice through NHS 111 online or by calling NHS 111.”
READ MORE: Three meningitis cases in the area, death reported at college – live updates
Oxfordshire reaction
Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo said on Friday morning: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the students affected.
“I’m also urging everyone in the area to re-familiarise themselves with the symptoms and signs of meningitis.”
Nearby Wheatley Pharmacy added: “Due to increased local interest around Meningitis B vaccination, we currently have Meningitis B vaccine in stock at Wheatley Pharmacy.”
The Hollywood actor is known for starring in gritty action films like Guy Ritchie’s 1998 classic Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as 2000’s Snatch.
He has also found global success with action movies like The Transporter series, Crank, The Expendables franchise, and in the Fast & Furious saga as Deckard Shaw.
Now, the 58-year-old is reportedly planning to quit the US and start a new life on the south coast, according to our sister paper in Southampton, the Daily Echo.
READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter selling £3.95m Oxfordshire mansion with swimming pool
The palatial home between Lymington and the Beaulieu River will boast stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
Mr Statham is said to have paid £20m for the waterside site, with the house itself expected to cost about £5m.
Initial design work was carried out by Ben Pentreath, who also designed the Cotswolds estate of DJ Calvin Harris and his wife, BBC Radio One’s Vick Hope. Others involved in the project include Nicholas Umney, who turned it into a minimalist modern home in line with the actor’s tastes.
The property comes complete with a large treehouse, a huge gym, and a private beach, which is said to be about 1,200ft long.
READ MORE: Major American TV star makes surprise appearance at Oxford University
Other people living in the area include Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler and billionaire businessman and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who both own beachside homes.
This move comes after Mr Statham and his fiancée, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, were spotted taking a festive stay at Estelle Manor near North Leigh in West Oxfordshire last Christmas.
The couple, who have been together since 2010 and got engaged in 2016, share a son and a daughter.
Back in December on Instagram, Mr Statham posted a selection of black and white snaps from the family’s Oxfordshire getaway.
READ MORE: National UK restaurant chain to close 23 sites after administration
A report in the Daily Mail said: “Rosie and Jack splashed out on a festive family break at the Estelle Manor, where they enjoyed country walks, archery and target shooting.
“The couple looked in good spirits as they enjoyed a sunny winter walk around the 85-acre estate and beamed for selfies together.”
Estelle Manor is known for lavish staycations, with the spot named among the 50 best hotels in the world, being Oxfordshire’s only entry on the list published this year.
Several other famous faces have been spotted at the hotel in recent years, including Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson, while Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague is a regular visitor.
According to HM Revenue and Customs, a record 737,891 people submitted Self Assessment returns in April alone – with more than 86,000 filing on Easter Monday.
Accountants say many taxpayers are trying to avoid the annual “January scramble” that leaves millions stressed every year.
Record numbers of taxpayers are filing their Self Assessment returns early this year as HMRC urges millions not to leave everything until January.
New figures from HM Revenue and Customs show:
- 298,905 people filed between 6 and 12 April
- 86,270 submitted returns on Easter Monday alone
- A record 737,891 filed during April 2026
More than 12 million taxpayers are expected to submit a return before the 31 January 2027 deadline.
HMRC says filing early can help people:
- Budget more effectively
- Avoid deadline stress
- Reduce mistakes
- Receive refunds sooner
- Avoid fines and interest charges
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “For thousands of people, filing early and staying on top of their finances has become the norm.
“It takes the pressure off in January and means they can spend their time focusing on their business and doing things they love.”
Accountant says millions repeat the same January mistake
Accountant and host of @thepracticeownerspodcast Rachel Harris said many taxpayers fall into the same cycle every year by filing in January and then ignoring their finances for the next 12 months.
She said: “HMRC absolutely hate it when people do this, and so many of you do it.
“Once they file their tax return in January, they close the tab, don’t look at their numbers again, while simultaneously promising themselves they’ll do it differently next year.
“And I know it’s not because you’re lazy or bad with money. It’s because tax has become set up as a once-a-year scramble.”
Harris said upcoming Making Tax Digital changes are designed to break that cycle.
“Instead of one stressful moment, it’s about staying lightly connected to your finances throughout the year – little check-ins, clearer numbers, and no big January shock.”
Why filing early could save money
Many taxpayers only discover how much tax they owe after completing their return.
Experts say filing early gives households more time to:
- Save gradually
- Plan for payments
- Avoid financial shocks in January
Taxpayers owed money back from HMRC may also receive refunds faster if they file early.
HMRC says people can check refunds directly through the HMRC app once returns are processed.
First-time filers warned not to wait
Anyone filing a tax return for the first time must:
- Register with HMRC
- Receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Wait for separate online access codes
Experts warn the process can take weeks during busy periods.
HMRC fines are now more expensive
The warning comes after an estimated 1.1 million taxpayers missed the filing deadline last year.
Late filers automatically face:
- A £100 penalty, even if only one day late
Additional penalties include:
- £10 daily fines after three months
- A further 5% charge after six months
- Another 5% penalty after 12 months
Late payment charges have also increased.
Since April 2025, HMRC interest rates are now:
- Bank of England base rate plus 4%
With the base rate currently at 4.25%, overdue tax bills can now attract interest of 8.25%.
Major HMRC tax changes have begun
HMRC is also preparing millions for upcoming Making Tax Digital changes.
From April 2026:
- Sole traders and landlords earning above £50,000 must submit quarterly digital updates
From April 2027:
- The threshold falls to £30,000
Taxpayers will still need to submit annual Self Assessment returns alongside quarterly reporting.
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HMRC scam warning
HMRC also warned taxpayers to watch out for scams during tax return season.
Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC using:
- Fake texts
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Refund messages
Officials warned people never to click unexpected link, share HMRC login details, or hand over personal information without verifying requests.
From May 29, beauty fans will be able to shop the cult-favourite makeup brand in 36 Boots stores across the UK and online, marking the first time P.Louise products have ever been available on the high street.
Founded by makeup artist and social media sensation Paige Louise Williams, P.Louise has become one of the UK’s biggest beauty success stories thanks to its bold aesthetic, sell-out launches and record-breaking TikTok Shop LIVE events.
And Boots isn’t holding back for the launch.
The retailer is rolling out a series of “first-ever” experiences, including a fully branded pink castle storefront at its Covent Garden location, immersive shop-in-shop spaces and even a sparkly P.Louise articulated lorry travelling across the UK.
In another first for Boots, Paige and the P.Louise team will personally train Boots Beauty Specialists ahead of launch day, giving staff insider knowledge on products, techniques and application tips.
The range launching at Boots includes more than 200 products across makeup and skincare, featuring fan favourites like Rumour Base, Cheek of It Liquid Blush and Spoilt for Choice Cream Bronzer.
Recommended reading:
Boots will also stock six exclusive products created especially for the retailer, including the P.Louise x Boots Bad B*tch Crystal Energy Lip Duo, The Brow Balm and The Sky’s The Limit Drinking Cup.
For online shoppers, the full collection will be available on Boots.com, with selected products also available for rapid delivery through Uber Eats from 31 stores nationwide.
Speaking about the launch, Paige said she had previously turned down retail opportunities because she wanted something “bigger and better” for the P.Louise community.
She said: “Together with Boots we’ve been able to build something that feels nothing like traditional retail – with masterclasses and immersive shop-in-shop spaces.”
Customers can also sign up to a waitlist now for early access and the chance to win prizes, including the opportunity to meet Paige in person.
The launch marks another major move in Boots’ beauty expansion, with the retailer continuing to invest heavily in viral and trending beauty brands across the UK.
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