Child Dies in Dog Attack, Police Confirm Police confirmed the death of a child after a suspected dog attack in Dormanstown, Redcar. Officers with weapons were called to the scene at approximately 13:30 BST due to concerns about a child’s safety. Upon arrival, the child was found deceased, and authorities believe the cause of death was a dog bite. Cleveland Police reported that one dog was destroyed on the street, while another at the residence was seized during the incident. The BBC has sought details from the police about the child’s age and the breeds of the dogs involved. Meanwhile, the North East Ambulance Service deployed three crews to the location, with one individual taken to the hospital for further care. “This is a distressing and tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s family,” said Emily Harrison, district commander for Redcar and Cleveland. “I encourage anyone with concerns or information to speak to an officer.” Officers remain at the address as an investigation into the attack continues. The police have not yet disclosed the child’s age or the specific dog breeds, but they are actively gathering information. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram for more updates.

My Daughter, 14, Was Groomed After Meeting Man on Roblox Victim’s Mother Exposes Online Predation A parent whose 14-year-old daughter fell victim to online grooming by a man she met on Roblox criticized the platform for insufficient measures to shield children. The incident began in September 2024 when Carlo Tritta, then 18, initiated contact with the teenager. By the time he was 19, he had manipulated her into sharing explicit photos, according to the mother from Greater Manchester. Grooming Tactics and Emotional Impact The mother recounted how her daughter’s conversations with Tritta started as casual chats, but gradually became more intimate. Tritta persuaded her to switch to private messaging apps, offering gifts and a secret phone. “He claimed to love her, sending her takeaways and a phone to her home,” the mother said. The relationship turned sinister as messages grew increasingly disturbing. When the mother discovered a message on her daughter’s phone, she was overwhelmed. “She was crying, begging me not to look at her phone,” she recalled. “At that moment, I knew something was wrong.” The daughter had been trapped in a cycle of control, with Tritta managing her social media passwords and monitoring her interactions. “He knew who she rode the bus with, who her friends were, and what she did after school,” the mother explained. “She felt isolated and helpless.” “I was just shocked, bewildered, really angry. Not at my daughter, but at the situation I saw unfolding. It was my child, and I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing,” she added. The teenager had become so affected by the abuse that she experienced suicidal thoughts and sleeplessness. Tritta’s actions escalated when he breached his bail conditions, traveling over 200 miles from Hampshire to her home. He disabled the doorbell camera and entered the house, discussing nightmares with her while she and her mother prepared for Christmas. Tritta was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for distributing indecent images, engaging in sexual communications, and causing a child to view sexual content. He also admitted to intimidating a witness and damaging property. During the trial, he targeted the victim, who was aged 13-15, and sent her cards urging her not to support the prosecution. Additionally, he reported her family to authorities. Roblox’s Safety Measures and Parental Concerns Roblox, a global gaming platform hosting over 40 million user-created games, stated it was “saddened to hear of this troubling case” and committed to improving safeguards. The company requires age checks for users to ensure communication occurs within similar age groups. “Our policies strictly prohibit child exploitation and include systems to block image sharing and limit chat for younger users,” a spokesperson said. Despite these measures, the mother argued that the platform remains vulnerable to adult predators. “It’s a kids’ game, but adults are using it to groom children,” she said. “Social media needs to take more responsibility. It should be for kids, not a tool for abuse.” Her goal is to raise awareness among other parents about the risks their children face on such platforms.

Melania Trump: ‘I never had a relationship with Epstein’ The First Lady, Melania Trump, refuted links to Jeffrey Epstein, addressing journalists at the White House that all claims associating them “should conclude today.” Her remarks came as part of an unexpected statement, where she urged congressional investigations into the victims of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking network. “Any allegations connecting me to Epstein must stop immediately,” she asserted. Artemis II Crew and Mission Highlights As the US prepares for its first crewed lunar mission in five decades, the Artemis II crew is currently on the third day of their orbital journey beyond the Moon’s far side. The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft recently shared updates via video call, offering glimpses into their experiences and sending messages to loved ones. NASA engineers have introduced a novel “universal waste management system” for the 10-day mission, dubbed the space loo. This innovation aims to streamline waste disposal during the journey. Training for the mission took place at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, initiated shortly after the crew was officially named in 2023. Jeremy Hansen, Canada’s inaugural astronaut to venture into deep space, is part of this historic mission. The BBC’s Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle, interviewed the crew prior to their expected Saturday splashdown. The team also set a new benchmark for Earth distance traveled by a spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Political and Social Context Large demonstrations against the Trump administration unfolded in multiple U.S. cities, coinciding with the third round of “No Kings” rallies. Meanwhile, the airport faced prolonged delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA staff working without compensation. Conservatives at the annual CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed views on the current economic climate. In Alabama, a farmer remained steadfast in his support for President Trump despite mounting financial challenges. Economic and Fuel Trends Gasoline prices in the U.S. have surged past $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by ongoing tensions with Iran. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue highlighted this trend while engaging with local residents and visitors ahead of the Artemis II launch. Behind the Mission From suit fittings to final system checks, the Artemis II crew meticulously prepared for liftoff. The mission’s success hinges on advancements like the newly designed spacesuits, which safeguard astronauts during launch, landing, and emergency situations. As the most powerful rocket ever built roared to life from Florida, Rebecca Morelle observed the event from just three miles away, capturing the historic moment. The White House renovation project, symbolized by the “A Throne Fit for a King” installation at the National Mall, sparked discussions about its implications. This artwork serves as a commentary on the administration’s approach to presidential decor and infrastructure.

Mal Melania Trump says rumour linking her to Epstein ‘need to stop’ Mal Melania Trump has refuted links to Jeffrey Epstein, stating that any allegations connecting the two should cease immediately. During a White House press session, she asserted that the claims were “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.” The first lady’s remarks marked an unexpected move, as her office had not previously signaled an intention to address Epstein in a public statement. Call for congressional hearings She also urged lawmakers to hold hearings for survivors of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking, emphasizing the importance of sworn testimony. “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said, adding that their accounts “should be permanently entered into the congressional record.” “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims,” she stated. “I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.” Mal Melania clarified that she had only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000, denying that he introduced her to Donald Trump. The White House did not disclose the topic beforehand, leaving the timing of her comments unclear. Rebuttal of email correspondence She referenced a 2002 email to “G,” believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell, calling it “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply.” The message included a compliment on a photograph of “JE” from New York Magazine and expressed anticipation for a trip to Palm Beach. “cannot wait” to go to Palm Beach. Mal Melania highlighted the magazine article, which featured quotes from then-President Donald Trump praising Epstein. “He’s a lot of fun to be with,” Trump said, adding, “It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them on the younger side.” “No doubt about it – Jeffrey enjoys his social life,” he was quoted as saying. California Democrat Robert Garcia echoed Melania’s stance, stating that “we agree with Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing” and encouraging the House Oversight Committee to act swiftly. The first lady’s intervention is expected to revive discussions about the justice department’s handling of the Epstein case and the release of its files. Mal Melania’s statement underscores ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s network, though Trump had acknowledged knowing him but later claimed to have expelled him from his Mar-a-Lago club for being a “creep.” Despite frequent mentions in Epstein’s documents, no evidence of misconduct against Trump was found.

Man Jailed for Grooming Girl Met on Roblox A 19-year-old man, Carlo Tritta, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for sexually grooming a 14-year-old girl he met on the online gaming platform Roblox. The court heard how Tritta, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, manipulated the teenager into sharing explicit content and engaging in sexual activities. His actions led to a significant emotional toll on the victim and her family, according to prosecutors. Case Details The abuse was uncovered in August 2025 when the girl’s mother discovered a message on her daughter’s phone. Tritta and the victim had connected through a game on Roblox 11 months earlier, with the teenager initially claiming to be 15 years old. She later confessed to being 14 in December 2024. During their online interactions, Tritta shifted conversations to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat, where he cultivated a romantic relationship with her. “The young girl thought she was in a loving relationship, but it was based on coercion, control, and abuse,” said Det Supt Rod Kenny from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. “The offender’s primary goal was to obtain indecent images of her as a child.” Tritta admitted to creating indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communication, and compelling the girl to watch a sexual act. He also faced charges of intimidating witnesses and causing damage after twice traveling over 200 miles to her home. The court noted that Tritta broke a doorbell camera and entered the premises to confront the victim, despite being on police bail with strict conditions. Impact on Family The girl described feeling “trapped and upset,” with fear of going downstairs at night due to Tritta’s presence. Her mother stated the family had been “constantly on edge,” transforming their home into an unsafe environment. The victim now undergoes therapy to manage the stress and anxiety caused by the ordeal. “His actions, driven by sexual gratification, have left the young victim and her family in fear,” said Karina Lyon of the Crown Prosecution Service. “Tritta is not only a sexual predator but also demonstrated troubling behavior by violating court orders and attempting to influence witnesses.” Roblox’s Role Roblox, a global gaming platform with over 40 million user-generated experiences, emphasized its safety measures in response to the case. A spokesperson noted the platform introduced new age verification systems in January to restrict communication between users of different age groups. These checks aim to prevent unsupervised interactions that could lead to exploitation. However, the case highlights ongoing challenges in safeguarding young users. Tritta’s conduct included sending takeaway food and a secret phone to the girl’s home, further entrenching his control. During an interview, he acknowledged his knowledge of the girl’s age only after being under investigation. His attempts to undermine the prosecution extended to reporting the victim’s family to social services and falsely accusing her mother of having drugs in the house. Following the sentencing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Kieran Rankin stated that Tritta’s behavior had “a significant negative effect” on the victim and her family. The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with online interactions, particularly when users are unaware of the legal implications of their actions.

The War Inside the Mind Ali’s mind is haunted by the echoes of conflict. A door slamming or a spoon clattering on a plate can send him into a sudden panic. The truce has not eased his mental burden. “Prior to the war, I had no worries,” he reflects. “Now, even the quietest noise triggers a violent reaction in my brain.” At just 15, Ali understands how the cacophony of US and Israeli airstrikes has infiltrated his psyche. The sound of explosions, the reverberations of blasts, and the hum of fighter jets overhead set off an involuntary startle response. “These noises leave a lasting mark,” he says. “They can severely affect the mind, lingering long after the battle has ended.” A Generation in Turmoil Over 20% of Iran’s population, nearly 20.4 million children under 14, now live in a world transformed by conflict. Ali’s experience mirrors a psychological condition known as hyperarousal, often an early sign of post-traumatic stress disorder. He observes his parents’ reactions, seeking comfort in familiar routines but finding none. His father has lost his job, while his mother remains perpetually anxious. “Whenever jets pass above, she becomes overwhelmed with fear,” he explains. “I, too, am afraid. I’ve lost contact with my friends. I should be studying, preparing for a future of independence, not living in constant dread of bombs and endless worries.” Voice from the Ground At a human rights center in Tehran, Aysha – a name used to protect her identity – guides a distraught mother over the phone. “Try the methods I shared to create a calm space for him,” she advises. “Engage him with play, and if that fails, bring him here.” Aysha notes that the center is flooded with calls and visits from worried parents. “We see disrupted sleep, nightmares, difficulty focusing, and even outbursts of aggression,” she says. “Raising a child is already a challenge, but when the child might be killed in protests or war, it feels like a cruel fate.” Children as Frontline Soldiers The Iranian regime has actively enlisted minors in its military campaigns. Under security laws, children under 15 can be recruited, violating international standards. Parents are urged to send their sons to checkpoints as part of the Basij volunteer militia, a state-backed group. A regime official once told families: “Do you want your son to grow into a man? Let him feel heroic on the battlefield, commanding the fight. Mothers and fathers, take your children to the roadblocks at night. These children will become warriors.” For 11-year-old Alireza Jafari, this call to duty meant tragedy. He was killed by a drone strike while assisting his father at a checkpoint in Tehran on 29 March. His mother, Sadaf Monfared, recalled that the boy expressed a desire to “become a martyr” before his death. Amnesty International has condemned the recruitment of children as a “grave violation of international humanitarian law,” labeling it a war crime. The war has not only reshaped the lives of Iranian youth but also forced them into roles they were never meant to assume. With schools closed and streets monitored by militias, families retreat into homes, waiting for the ceasefire to last. The trauma of war, however, will not fade with the silence of bombs.

Amazon to Discontinue Support for Early Kindle Models, Sparking Frustration Amazon has announced it will stop providing updates for Kindles from 2012 and earlier starting May 20, 2026. The decision has upset many users, who feel it forces them to abandon devices that still function well. In a communication from the tech company, users were acknowledged as loyal customers, yet informed that devices launched in or before 2012 would cease to get updates beginning May 20. This change implies that users of older Kindles, including initial models like the Kindle Touch and select Kindle Fire tablets, will lose access to downloading new content. User Reactions to the Policy Shift Some customers have expressed anger over the move, with one X user stating, “I’ve owned my Kindle Touch since 2013, and it functions well. I purchased a book on it just months ago, and now it’s considered obsolete.” Another user remarked, “A Kindle is a text-based device! Why would updates be necessary?” These comments highlight the confusion and disappointment surrounding the decision. Amazon emphasized that the affected models have received support for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years. However, the company argued that technology has evolved significantly, making further support impractical. The affected devices include: [List of models as per original]. Despite the end of updates, users can still access previously downloaded e-books. Their accounts and Kindle Library will remain available through the mobile and desktop applications. Additionally, Amazon warned that a factory reset on these devices would render them inoperable, leaving users with limited options. Analyst Perspectives and Environmental Impact Paolo Pescatore, a tech industry analyst, noted that while the decision might inconvenience users of still-functional models, it’s justified from a security and support standpoint. He explained, “The challenge is that these devices were built for a different era and are not equipped to run newer, more data-hungry services and features.” Yet, he also pointed out that older devices losing connectivity to modern services could “turn a once seamless device into a far more limited offline tool.” Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, criticized the practice of phasing out older models while promoting newer ones. He stated, “This has happened before, but it hardly justifies rendering millions of still-working devices obsolete.” According to some estimates, the policy could lead to 2 million devices being discarded, generating over 624 tons of e-waste. Vallauri highlighted the contradiction between the benefits of newer hardware and the abrupt end of support for existing ones. Kay Aaronricks, 46, shared her surprise at the announcement. “It does show how much of a part that Kindle plays in my life,” she said, adding it had allowed her to “take all of my books with me” while working and traveling. “I love paper books like anyone does, but the Kindle is more practical,” Kay noted. She also raised concerns about advertisements on discounted newer models, questioning how they might disrupt the reading experience. Additional reporting by James Kelly. Sign up for the BBC’s Tech Decoded newsletter to follow global tech developments. Outside the UK? Subscribe here.

Jo Malone Hopes ‘Sense Will Prevail’ in Lawsuit Over Her Name Estée Lauder, the renowned beauty company, has initiated legal action against Jo Malone and Zara’s UK division, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract. The dispute centers on the use of Malone’s name in a collaboration between Zara and her new brand, Jo Loves, which began in 2019. Malone, the creator of the original Jo Malone London fragrance line, expressed her hope that ‘common sense will prevail’ in the High Court proceedings. Malone established Jo Loves in 2011, expanding her product range to include candles and toiletries alongside perfumes. She founded the original Jo Malone London brand in the early 1990s, which gained acclaim for its nature-inspired scents. In 1999, Estée Lauder acquired the brand, including the rights to Malone’s name, and she remained as creative director until 2006. A non-compete clause in the deal barred her from launching new fragrance or skincare lines until 2011. “I can’t stop being a person,” Malone stated in an Instagram video. She questioned the timing of Estée Lauder’s lawsuit, noting that the collaboration with Zara had been ongoing for seven years without prior objections. “If it was wrong now, it would have been wrong from day one, and no one raised a concern,” she added. Estée Lauder argues that the use of Malone’s name on packaging for the Zara collaboration violates the terms of their 1999 agreement. The company claims she agreed to limit her commercial use of the name, particularly in fragrance marketing, as part of the deal. Despite selling the brand for “undisclosed millions,” Malone has maintained her creative identity and expressed regret over the non-compete clause. Malone emphasized her commitment to defending her position in court if required, but she reiterated her belief that a resolution could be found without legal confrontation. “My integrity means a lot to me,” she said. The BBC sought a response from Estée Lauder, which was not immediately provided, while Zara chose not to comment on the matter.