Video shows huge plume of smoke rising from Hyde Park - but it's nothing to do with a fire

Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising from Hyde Park today - that being the 20th day of the fourth month of this year. The beginnings of a wildfire? A mass BBQ event? Or a trade show for wood-burning stoves? It was none of those. If you were there the smell might give it away, along with the conical shape of the rollies being passed around, one toke at a time.

Today was 420 - a day reserved for celebrating the inhalation of marijuana, a plant that calms the body and titillates the mind. Lighting up joints in full view of the police, thousands of revellers descended on the Central London Royal Park to take part in the 'unauthorised event' which demands the illegal Class B drug become decriminalised.

Pot smokers unite for the rally every year on April 20, a reference to the term 420 under the American date system. The origins of 420 are said to come from the time - 4.20pm - when students at a school in California would convene for a search to find an abandoned plot of cannabis plants.

READ MORE: Brixton Market trader 'Jeff the Chef' jailed for historic sex attack on girl, 13, after she speaks out 18 years later

On Saturday, some attendees wore bucket hats - a significant bit of headgear in stoner culture - as they were joined by the likes of rapper and TV personality Big Narstie. In an Instagram post to his 567,000 followers, the Lambeth-born 38-year-old said: "We're outside yeah. We're outside. Mad." After trying to take a toke, he realised 'Ah s**t, my zoot's still out', then added: "We're just out."

In a video taken by retired Met Police officer Chris Hobbs, thick smoke could be seen rising from the sheer number of lit joints. In a post on X, Mr Hobbs said: "Cannabis smoke rises from the thousands assembled in Hyde Park." In another post, he showed police officers rushing to help a man on the floor who kept 'lapsing into unconsciousness'.

Rapper Big Narstie joined the cannabis celebration at Hyde Park today (Image: Instagram)

Police eventually issued a Section 35 dispersal order, forcing the remaining weed enthusiasts to leave. As of this afternoon, the force said one person had been arrested on suspicion of carrying a knife and that five community resolution orders for the possession of cannabis had been issued.

'People may be liable for prosecution or arrest'

Before the event, a spokesperson for Royal Parks said: "The Royal Parks has not given permission for this unauthorised assembly in Hyde Park, and it is in breach of The Royal Parks’ regulations. The Metropolitan Police are aware that this unauthorised assembly is due to take place and have advised that people may be liable for prosecution or arrest.

"Enforcement of the law and of park regulations is a matter for the Metropolitan Police. While the park will remain open, we advise visitors to be aware that this event is taking place and to note that both The Royal Parks Shop and boating on the Serpentine Lake will be closed that day.

"We will continue to work closely with the Police to make sure the Royal Parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone."

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Music teacher with stage four cancer set to run London Marathon 2024 with a trombone

An east London music teacher with stage four cancer is set to run the London Marathon while playing the trombone. Nathaniel Dye, 38, from Hainault was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 but he has made it his mission to show people that life does not stop after news like this, he said.

He is a major running enthusiast, running hundreds of miles at a time - even breaking an unofficial Guinness World Record for the longest run with a colostomy bag fitted, he said. Incredibly, Nathaniel actually ran home from the hospital after he was told he had cancer.

He spoke about receiving the news. He said: "You walk out of that room a different person. But I ran home from hospital because running - even when I was really ill - running was just with me. In fact I did my first 100 miler two days before the colonoscopy that would give me a diagnosis."

READ MORE: London Marathon prizes and how much the winners make in 2024

"I've never felt worse after a run, so I may as well do that," Nathaniel added.

Nathaniel said he unofficially has the world record for longest run with a colostomy bag attached - 100 miles from Essex to London (Image: Julian Benjamin)

The addition of the trombone also comes from a place of passion. He said: "It's always been with me the trombone. In fact, when my life became really quite difficult in my mid-twenties I lost my fiance.

"My reaction to basically get a break from reality for a bit was being a backpacker - going around the world, doing some busking with the trombone and playing in cafes and stuff all over the place. So I guess I've kind of just resorted to the trombone when things have got tough."

Nathaniel added: "I call it combining my two great passions really."

Running the London Marathon is Nathaniel's way to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support which has been "a lifeline" for him sometimes with their helpline and free counselling. He has raised over £18,500 on his Just Giving page so far. Donators can choose a track for his trombone playlist during the race, he said.

Donators to Nathaniel's Just Giving page can choose tracks for his trombone playlist in the London Marathon (Image: Nathaniel Dye)

He has also set up his own website bowelcancerbucketlist.com where he posts a blog about his experience with cancer during which he has developed a love for writing. Because of this, he has written articles for lots of publications like Runners World magazine for which he made the cover and wrote a feature.

Adele Roberts is a great source of inspiration for Nathaniel as she set the world record for the fastest time running a marathon with a stoma at last year's London Marathon with a time of 3:30:22. "She's kind of my role model in a way," Nathaniel said and he added he wanted to challenge her to run 100 miles as he did.

Adele Robers is "kind of my role model in a way," Nathaniel said, after she ran the London Marathon with a stoma last year - breaking a world record (Image: John Phillips/Getty Images)

Signs of Nathaniel's cancer first started showing in autumn 2021. He said running was "pretty much an addiction at this point", going 80 miles a week the fastest he ever had. But gradually he was getting slower for no apparent reason.

Symptoms were at first intermittent but gradually became worse and near constant. Nathaniel had to go to the loo a dozen times a day, passing blood, alongside abdominal pain by September 2022, he said. During this time he had visited a GP who had sent him away diagnosing him with simple constipation.

Finally, the doctors started listening to him and by late October he was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer which has spread to his liver, lungs and lymph nodes. On his 37th birthday, he started chemotherapy in mid-December 2022.

"When the worst happens, I don't know if everyone does, but I really sought normality," Nathaniel said, "So I went to work - it was like nothing had happened until I had to go off sick for chemo." He even returned to teach music last term at his school from September to December 2023.

"Running was always with me," Nathaniel said (Image: Julian Benjamin)

Surgery for a bowel obstruction in mid-January 2023 meant Nathaniel was "cut up like a fish" and left with big scars but his ever-positive spirit was undeterred.

He said: "I did start my running comeback whilst I was still in hospital; about four or five days after surgery because I had a little trot around the hospital ward and I got told off by a nurse for running, like 'What on earth are you doing?!'"

Nathaniel had a message he wanted to give to other people facing cancer. He said: "What I'm doing with this marathon is showing that while some people when they get something like this - like a terminal diagnosis - you just assume your life's over but I want to prove that it's not.

"You keep going as long as your body lets you and thankfully at the moment today's a good day."

In the run-up to the marathon, Nathaniel has been doing lots of interviews to spread this message and just after he had been for an interview at ITV he said his phone was stolen straight from his hand by a moped rider as he stood on the pavement messaging his friends.

"Could be worse," the ever-resilient Nathan told MyLondon on his new phone.

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Pixie Lott plays surprise Battersea Power Station gig as she belts out new songs - in photos

Pixie Lott wowed unsuspecting Battersea Power Station shoppers on Thursday (April 18) when she and her band played a surprise pop-up charity gig. The surprise 'Life Lounge' performance was in conjunction with Cancer Research UK helping launch their new 'Plays for Life' playlist - a new initiative alongside their famous Race for Life charity run.

Pixie Lott was heard singing classics like Boys and Girls, All About Tonight plus a sneak peek of her new hits. Cancer Research UK has invited the nation to submit their favourite songs to the 'Plays for Life' playlist to mark the launch of the Race for Life 2024 season.

You can submit a song to the playlist here and you are invited to share the reasons why that particular song gets you moving.

READ MORE: HMV flagship store one of many to host Taylor Swift listening party to celebrate new album launch

Pop Star Pixie Lott said: "So many of the important moments in my life have a particular song linked to them, evoking a memory which takes me straight back. Music is such a powerful tool and I'm excited about adding my track to the Plays for Life playlist and hearing what other songs are being added. Every time I hear Everybody's Talkin' I think of my Nan.

"I love that it is an emotional song, but that it has a positive feel, that's why I thought it would be a great addition to the playlist. Race for Life is such an important event, helping to fund vital life-saving cancer research, so I'm delighted to play a small role in getting the message out there."

The gig was held less than a mile from where the first Race for Life started in 1994. The new Plays for Life scheme is twinned with Race for Life after new research found the majority of British adults who listen to music find it motivates them when they exercise (92 per cent), and that music makes them feel that they have a boost of energy when doing so (91 per cent).

So, the playlist aims to inspire people to sign up for a local Race for Life event and provide some extra motivation for those who may be training for a Race for Life near them this year, with the message that every step taken helps to fund life-saving cancer research.

To sign up to Race for Life 2024, click here. Anyone hoping to sign up for an event this year can get 30% off their entry fee as part of the spring sale until Monday, April 29 by using the code 24SPRING.

Take a look at some of the photos of the gig below:

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Man in 40s 'slashed' in daytime attack on Brixton's Coldharbour Lane as police arrest person

A man in his 40s has been 'slashed' in an attack on Brixton's Coldharbour Lane as Metropolitan Police has made an arrest. A crime scene remains in place after Police rushed to the scene of the incident at around 1.58pm this afternoon (April 27).

The man was taken to hospital where his injuries have been assessed as non-life-threatening. Police are appealing for information following the incident.

A London Ambulance spokesperson told MyLondon: “We were called at 1.48 pm today (17 April) to reports of an incident on Coldharbour Lane, SW9. We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew and a paramedic in a fast response car. We treated a patient at the scene before taking them to a major trauma centre.”

READ MORE: Police rush to home after 'gunshot heard' as officers comb area

A Met Police spokesperson told Your Local Guardian: “Around 13.58hrs on Wednesday 17 April police were called to Cold Harbour Lane, SW9 to reports of a man with a slash injury. The man in his 40s was taken to hospital and his injuries have been assessed as non-life threatening.

“A crime scene remains in place and one person has been arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm. We urge anyone who may have any information on this incident or was in the area and may have seen or heard anything to call police on 101 quoting CAD3726/17APR24 “Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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Amazon launches massive Tommee Tippee baby sale with up to 60% off

For nearly 60 years, Tommee Tippee has specialised in designing products to make baby care easier. It has, since its launch, become a leading brand on the market, and Amazon has just slashed the price of several of its bestsellers.

One of them is the very popular Perfect Prep Day & Night Baby Bottle Maker Machine. It's now £99.97, down from £135 - saving you a big £35 - and comes white, black as well as grey.

The machine helps to prepare a fresh formula feed at the right temperature in just two minutes. It also features an antibacterial filter to remove impurities and bacteria, meaning you can use tap water.

READ MORE: ' I found an airfryer cheaper than Ninja, Tefal, and Amazon in a massive sale'

"Great machine, makes a bottle without the effort especially for night feeds" (Image: Amazon)

So as not to be caught short when the filter stops working, you can also get the £19.80 Tommee Tippee Replacement Filters from Amazon. The bottle maker has a 4.6 rating from across 3,307 reviews.

A shopper wrote: "This machine took the stress away from bottle making, it made our lives so much easier. I can’t express how much we loved and relied on this machine, it’s so so helpful and reliable."

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"So easy to use, simple steps, makes a bottle within minutes and is right temperature to feed baby straight away, no waiting round like you would for a kettle," another added, while a third commented: "This is a lifesaver, this is absolutely one of the best baby devices ever! Kills germs in the baby powder or the bottle with the initial burst of hot water and then measures out exactly to the right temperature the amount of water selected."

Although a great product overall according to the reviews, some customers weren't as convinced of its usefulness: "Not a fan of this product, rarely use it after the first couple of weeks. I find that you have to shake the powder too vigorously from the initial shot to make sure there are no lumps, this then inevitably gives a bottle full of air bubbles."

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Alternatively, there's the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced, available from John Lewis. It's on the pricier side, at £249.99, but mixes, heats, and dispenses formula and water to the perfect consistency in just seconds, it claims.

It has a 4.6 rating based on over 21,000 reviews. "I love it and wish I'd had it with my first child, so convenient and easy to use - would highly recommend for any mom," said a buyer.

You can get the £99.97 Perfect Prep Day & Night Baby Bottle Maker Machine here and the £19.80 Tommee Tippee Replacement Filters here. Shop the £249.99 Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced at John Lewis.

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Tragic weekend in London sees man stabbed to death and 3 dead in horror crash

A tragic weekend of incidents in London has seen a 22-year-old man stabbed to death and three die in a crash. A separate stabbing saw a man knifed near to a railway station in Bromley, after he was chased off a train.

In the first of the three incidents, police swarmed Surrey Street in Croydon at 6pm on Friday (April 12) after a man was knifed in Fellmongers Yard nearby. Rijkaard Salu Siafa, 22, died at the scene despite the best efforts of members of the public who tried to save him. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Police are now asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward and speak to police.

READ MORE: Three men in 20s killed in midnight horror crash at Staples Corner retail park

Rijkaard Salu Siafa, 22, was stabbed to death in Croydon (Image: MPS)

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Rijkaard's family and friends who are coming to terms with his death following this shocking incident. This loss has ripped an irreparable hole in their family and I would ask their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

"I would also like to thank those members of the public who rushed help Rijkaard in the immediate aftermath. If you saw events unfold but have yet to contact police, then I would ask you do so immediately."

Surrey Street Market reopened in time for Saturday, although a police cordon remained in place to section off the area closest to Fellmongers Yard. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6022/12Apr. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Three men in 20s killed in midnight crash

Three people died in the collision at Staples Corner on Sunday evening (Image: @999London on X)

Three men aged in their 20s also died after a crash in North London. The incident took place at Staples Corner retail park in Barnet on Sunday (April 14).

There were five passengers in the car and two remain in hospital. Police were initially called to the scene shortly before 11.30pm. It is not believed that any other vehicle was involved in the incident. Officers attended along with London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

Inspector William McDonald, one of the officers responsible for policing Barnet, said: "Emergency services responded last night to what seems to have been a terrible accident.

"An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families will be supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences."

No arrests have been made at this point in connection with the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken with police is asked to call 101, reference 7502/14april.

Read the full story here.

Man stabbed after being chased off train

Police set up a cordon near Bickley station

A man was stabbed in South London after being chased off a train. The victim was reportedly chased off the train at Bickley train station in Bromley before running to nearby Oldfield Road, according to a witness at the scene, just before 3pm on Sunday, April 14.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH). One of the men was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. The second man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs.

The victim was rushed to hospital with stab injuries. The severity of his wounds is not yet known. An air ambulance landed at the scene, with police and paramedics rushing to the area. Police have set up a cordon in the residential neighbourhood in Bromley. British Transport Police is leading the investigation into the incident.

Read the full story here.

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EastEnders pulled off air in latest BBC schedule shake-up with hour-long Lucy Beale special planned

EastEnders will be taken off air on Thursday (April 18) with an episode of Garden Rescue scheduled to broadcast in its place. However, fans of the BBC soap will not miss out on any drama as the show will still air as normal on Monday and Tuesday, with an extended hour-long episode airing on Wednesday (April 17).

Although, it's not currently known if the shake-up to BBC One's scheduling is to accommodate a 60-minute EastEnders special, or if it will air as two separate episodes broadcast consecutively.

However, the latest spoilers from Walford tease the Beale's gearing up for the 10-year anniversary of Lucy's death on Wednesday. As soap fans will know, Lucy was killed by her younger brother Bobby Beale by accident on April 18, 2014, and next week her family gathers to remember the character.

READ MORE: EastEnders quiz: How much do you remember about the night Keanu Taylor was killed by Linda Carter?

It's nearly been a decade since Lucy Beale was killed in EastEnders (Image: BBC)

It will be Cindy Beale's first anniversary spent with family since her daughter's death, after her return to Walford last year. In forthcoming episodes, Peter and Ian bring family and friends together to remember Lucy, but Cindy struggles as she misremembers things and is reminded how much of Lucy's life she missed while she was away.

She flees the gathering and seeks out her ex-husband George Knight in the Boxing Den. But George is also experiencing his own grief after his adoptive mum Gloria died on Thursday following a heart attack.

George's turmoil continues

The ex-pro boxer faces even more turmoil at the hands of his adoptive father Eddie. George fails to get hold of his estranged son Junior to relay the news of Gloria's before he gets a call from Eddie in prison.

Eddie asks his adoptive son George to meet to discuss his wife Gloria, but a vicious showdown ensues as the pair exchange harsh words. Eddie bans George from attending Gloria's funeral, and a despairing George deals with this news by heading back to the underground boxing club.

George visits Eddie in prison during next week's EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

He's stopped by pal Phil Mitchell, who begs George not to fight. George doesn't listen and ends up being knocked out. After sleeping it off at Phil's place, he wakes up battered and bruised.

When he returns home, Elaine Peacock is horrified to see the state of George along with his shocked daughters Anna and Gina, but George lies and tells him he was jumped.

Later, George tries to make some headway against Eddie, but a knockback sends him spiralling again.

Nadine (Jazzy Phoenix) tells Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) she's expecting a baby in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Elaine decides not intervene when George storms off, but Cindy is deeply worried and confronts Phil to find out where he’s going.

Phil and Cindy arrive at the boxing club to find the bouncers refusing George's entry. Cindy takes him to the Boxing Den to talk.

Also during the episode, Jay is struggling to process the news that Nadine is pregnant and he decides to tell his loved ones. There are also devastating scenes for Yolande Trueman, as she's sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton.

EastEnders continues on Monday, April 15, at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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