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A MAN has been charged with terrorism offences after a string of alleged arson and bomb hoaxes.

Ilyas Akhtar is accused of preparing acts of terrorism, possessing information useful to terrorists, carrying out two arson attacks, and causing a bomb hoax.

The 20-year-old of Cress Road, was charged on Friday after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

The incidents unfolded in Slough, Berkshire, last month.

A terrifying blaze broke out at Salt Hill Activity Centre on May 31.

And another inferno was sparked at the popular Slough Ice Arena on Montem Lane on May 14.

Meanwhile, the bomb hoax charge relates to a scare at the Asda supermarket on Telford Drive on May 9.

Akhtar remains in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Detective Superintendent Andy Penrith, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We understand that these charges for terrorism offences will be concerning to our communities in Slough.

“I want to reassure all our residents that Thames Valley Police is working closely with our communities and partners in Slough as well as our colleagues in counter-terrorism.”

He added that patrols would be increased in the area and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers or police community support officers.

“Due to the ongoing court proceedings, our officers and staff won’t be able to provide any further details on this specific case, but we will be there to listen and support our communities,” he added.

This comes after an unrelated bomb scare sparked fear at an Asda shop earlier today.

A spokesperson for the chain told The Sun that the store in Bootle, Merseyside, was closed for around an hour at 11am this morning.

It has now reopened as usual, Asda said.

The store descended into mayhem this morning, with some customers left “crying and screaming”.

Shoppers and staff were forced to evacuate after rumours of a “bomb threat”.

But police confirmed it was a false alarm – and it was just a man with a charging cable.

Posts online said: “Apparently someone is in there with some sort of explosive” while others claimed it was a “machete”.

Another said on X: “A bomb scare at the Bootle Asda is one way to start me Friday.”

A Facebook post read: “Just been evacuated from Asda Bootle, everyone [is] running out screaming [and] crying.

“Have to say one of the scariest things that’s ever happened to me.

“They’re saying [there is] a bomb in there. Everyone stay away from Asda Bootle.”

Merseyside Police said: “We were called just after 10am today, Friday 6 June, to a report of suspicious behaviour at Asda on Strand Road in Bootle.

“It was reported that a man was holding an item which turned out to be a charging cable.

“Officers attended and enquiries established it was a false call with good intent. Officers have now left the scene.”

ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending their 17-year trophy drought – with Thomas Frank the front-runner to take over.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made the call based on the dismal Premier League campaign where a record 22 defeats saw the club finish 17th.

PA

Thomas Frank is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham[/caption]

Reuters

Daniel Levy made the decision based on their horrific league campaign[/caption]

Getty

Brentford boss Frank could be in charge as early as next week[/caption]

Postecoglou was axed two years to the day since he was announced as Spurs chief back in 2023 – and just over a fortnight on from winning the Europa League in Bilbao.

The North Londoners are expected to make a decision on the Aussie’s successor next week and though there is yet to be any contact with Brentford, their boss Frank is the favourite for the role.

Spurs said the decision to axe Postecoglou was one of the “toughest” the board has had to make in a statement, which contained no comment from Levy.

The statement read: “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.

“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

“However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place.

“Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.

“This culminated in our worst-ever Premier League finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.

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“Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.

“This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.

“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”

The statement went on to wish Postecoglou all the best for the future and that he will always be welcome back in N17.

It also claimed an appointment of a new head coach will be announced “in due course”.

Frank, who has worked wonders at Brentford, is in the box seat, though Marco Silva of Fulham is also in the frame.

There was interest in Simone Inzaghi before he joined Al-Hilal as well as FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner, who has said he is “99 per cent” sure he is staying with Crystal Palace.

Spurs have been talking with managers for some time, with Fabio Paratici – expected to return in some capacity when his 30-month ban for malpractice at Juventus ends at the end of this month – understood to be having an influence.

Firing Postecoglou and hiring Frank could prove a costly business, with the former’s compensation in the millions and the latter’s release clause believed to be around £10million.

Postecoglou also walks away with £2m in a bonus for landing the Europa League – the club’s first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.

He becomes the 13th permanent manager to be sacked by Levy during his 25-year reign in charge of Spurs, during which the club have won just two trophies.

Postecoglou said in a statement: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

“Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

“We have also laid foundations that meant this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

“I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”

'It was heartbreaking to witness. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.'

She's got everyone laughing.

Clare makes her presence felt as star Gemma drops new spoilers in an exclusive sit-down with Metro.

Hugo Ekitike, a top transfer target for Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, can be a ‘frustrating’ player Thierry Henry has warned.

The three Premier League giants are all in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, with Arsenal’s need for a prolific goalscorer well-documented.

Chelsea have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town but would be interested in adding another striker to their roster, which could well spell the end for Nicolas Jackson’s time at Stamford Bridge.

As for Liverpool, it has long been clear that Darwin Nunez is not in Arne Slot’s plans with the Uruguayan likely to leave Anfield.

Ekitike is a name on all of their radars following an explosive season at Eintracht Frankfurt where he recorded 34 goal contributions in 48 games across all competitions.

Valued at £60million, the striker has been coached at France youth level by Arsenal legend Henry, who, according to Micah Richards, likes what he sees – but there is a caveat.

‘In terms of Ekitike, I’ve spoken to Thierry Henry about him a lot,’ Manchester City hero Richards told The Rest is Football podcast.

‘He says he’s not [necessarily] a frustrating player, but one minute he looks amazing and the next minute he doesn’t really do the basics very well.

‘But he said if he gets it right and improves then his ceiling could be very, very high.’

Reports suggest Chelsea are leading the race for Ekitike, who turns 23 in June and that actually might be a good thing for Liverpool, as Richards isn’t certain he’s the right fit for the Reds.

He added: ‘It depends on how they want to play. Do they want a striker who can stretch or they do they want a striker who is going to come to feet and interlink play?

‘Ekitike is not bad on the ball but he’s more of a stretch striker than a [Roberto] Firmino coming in deep and linking play.

‘Where does Florian Wirtz fit into that? Where does Dominik Szoboszlai fit into that? Where does Luis Diaz potentially fit into that. If they get Wirtz I think they may be looking for more a player who can drop and Diaz can play a little bit deeper. He played a lot as a No.9 this season.

‘But talent wise he’s definitely got enough to add to this Liverpool side.’

Wirtz seems primed to join Liverpool but only if the Reds meet Bayer Leverkusen’s £120m asking price and it’s possible the attacking midfielder could be deployed as a centre-forward under Slot.

Additionally, Benjamin Sesko appears to be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice with talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig progressing well, all of which could clear the way for Chelsea to sign Ekitike.

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Reverend Geoffrey Baulcomb, 79, pleaded guilty to GBH with intent after using a pair of scissors to carry out a surgical procedure on a man’s penis.

Residents in over 30 homes in Godstone were evacuated after part of the high street collapsed overnight on February 17.

'It's now been a month, I still can't believe it.'

A Manchester United legend has been backed to take over the reins at Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Daniel Levy.

Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years as Spurs won the Europa League, beating Premier League rivals Manchester United in the final.

Spurs’ impressive European run was in stark contract to their domestic form as they stumped to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

Losing 22 of 38 league games ultimately cost Postecoglou his job, with the Australian relieved of his duties two years into taking the job.

Postecoglou, for what it’s worth, was keen to stay at the club, telling fans at the victory parade that ‘season three is always better than season two’.

The 59-year-old, speaking to ABC’s Australian Story while spending time with his family this week, had also insisted the Europa League win must just be the start for Spurs.

‘I didn’t want us to just enjoy the moment,’ he said. ‘I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know, don’t settle for this.

‘We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.’

Regardless, Levy decided to sack Postecoglou, with Tottenham already holding talks with fellow Premier League managers Marco Silva and Thomas Frank.

The Fulham and Brentford bosses have emerged as the bookmakers’ favourites to replace Postecoglou but Joe Cole has tipped Michael Carrick for a return to the club.

Carrick, manager of Championship side Middlesbrough since 2022, spent two years at Tottenham as a player after winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League at Manchester United.

‘At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job,’ ex-England star Cole told Paddy Power prior to Postecoglou’s departure. ‘He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.

‘Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.

‘Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.

‘I’d love to see Glenn Hoddle back in the club in some capacity, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.’

Meanwhile, Danny Murphy – who also played for Tottenham – believes Silva, Frank and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner could all replace Postecoglou should he be dismissed.

‘Should Spurs get rid of Ange Postecoglou, they’ve got Thomas Frank, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner on their doorstep,’ he told talkSPORT BET.

‘They’re all very capable managers, they know the Premier League and they’ve all produced fit, well-organised, adaptable teams at their respective clubs.

‘I think any of those three would thrive in the Spurs job with the players they’d have at their disposal.

‘They may look further afield for a new manager and then who knows where they might go? Ultimately, if they make a change then I feel like it should be someone who is already working well in the Premier League – if they can get them, that is.

‘You can come in from abroad and have success, we’ve seen Arne Slot do it this season. However, I just think it is more practical to have a manager who knows what he’s coming up against straight away.

‘I think one of Frank, Silva or Glasner will end up at Spurs.’

Murphy added: ‘Tottenham have tried so many different types of managers in the past.

‘From experienced winners like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, to more pragmatic coaches like Nuno Espirito Santo, and then the complete opposite in Ange Postecoglou.

‘It’s difficult to nail down what kind of manager they’ll go for next. You of course want a manager with a philosophy, but they also need to be adaptable.

‘You want someone who’s experienced and knows how to win – there are a lot of boxes you want ticked.  

‘In the end, the only one who has actually brought silverware to the club is Ange, so there will be a good section of the fanbase who want the club to stick with him.

‘The irony is, they won the Europa League final by being solid and pragmatic. He obviously knows how to win like that, as do the players, which makes you wonder why he doesn’t do that more often.’

Tottenham will travel to Hong Kong and Korea as part of their pre-season plans before the new Premier League campaign begins on August 16.

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