Latest news with #KingsCollegeHospital
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Police find at least NINE suspicious devices after shooting gas mask-clad plumber as he wielded chainsaw
Police have found at least nine suspicious devices at the scene where they shot a gas mask-clad plumber as he wielded a chainsaw. Sean O'Meara, 36, was targeted by officers during an arrest on suspicion of assault at his parents' home in the village of Hollingbourne, Kent, on Monday evening. Kent Police believed the suspect, who was also wearing body armour, was holding an improvised firearm or improvised explosive device (IED). After he refused to leave the property opposite The Park Gate Inn when police were first called at around 7.15pm, armed officers were deployed, who shot at around 9pm. Officers called on an explosive ordnance disposal team to the scene outside the country pub - but they are not treating this as a terror incident. The suspect, as of Saturday, remains in hospital with 'life-changing' injuries, in an induced coma, following the chainsaw 'falling on him'. Shocking pictures of the scene near Maidstone show heavy protective clothing and a robot used by the bomb squad to deal with the terrifying incident. Parts of the nearby A20 were closed across several days as the bomb squad searched the area but the road has now fully re-opened. Two baton rounds were reportedly fired at O'Meara but failed to subdue him - before an officer discharged a conventional firearm. It was confirmed on Thursday officers had found 'at least four' suspicious devices in the area. O'Meara's half-brother, Liam, said he is currently being treated at King's College Hospital in London. He claimed his brother has 'mental health problems', adding he believes police used unreasonable force and officers could have instead shot him in the leg or tasered him. He told The Telegraph: 'When he was shot, most of the damage was when he dropped the chainsaw and it fell on him. 'The bullet's gone straight in and out so it hasn't caused many problems.' But he believes his brother now could possibly lose the ability to use his arm. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. 'We have been advised by Kent Police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault', the IOPC said. 'He refused to come out of the house so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. 'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). 'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. 'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. 'The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. 'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).' A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the pub across from the property following the incident. Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area. Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, West Divisional Commander for Kent Police, said: 'This has been a complex investigation and we appreciate that the intermittent closure of the A20 caused disruption to many. 'We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst we conducted these vital searches.' He previously said: 'At this current time, there is nothing to suggest a wider threat to the Hollingbourne community, but we have found at least four suspicious devices at the scene and it is important that the area is made safe.' A Kent Police spokesperson said on Friday: 'Intermittent road closures on the A20 will continue throughout the day on Friday, July 11, whilst ongoing enquiries continue in Hollingbourne. 'This is following a police shooting which took place on Monday, July 7, 2025. 'Given the nature of the enquires that are currently taking place parts of the A20 will be required to be closed for short periods of time. 'The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are attending the scene to carry out further searches of the area. 'Motorists are advised to find alternative routes until further notice, and we would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.' It followed a brief statement from the force on Wednesday afternoon, saying cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
At least ‘4 suspicious devices' found where chainsaw-wielding plumber in gas mask was shot by cops
BOMB disposal cops discovered at least four 'suspicious' devices at the scene where a chainsaw-wielding plumber was shot by officers. Sean O'Meara - who was also wearing a gas mask and body armour - is understood to be in a coma. 5 5 5 He faced off with armed officers outside his parents' home in Hollingbourne, Kent, on Monday evening. Officers had been sent to the property on Ashford Road, opposite the Park Inn pub, to arrest the 36-year-old on suspicion of assault. Initially, unarmed cops had attended the property, near Leeds Castle, at around 7.15pm in relation to an "outstanding warrant" but he refused to come out, the force said. Body-worn camera footage reportedly shows O'Meara wielding a chainsaw and what was at first feared to be a homemade firearm or improvised explosive device. A bomb squad and terror cops were at the scene, but Kent Police said the incident "was not related to any terrorism offences". O'Meara is understood to have suffered 'life-changing injuries' after dropping the chainsaw on his arm, having been shot by an officer. He is now reported to be in an induced coma at King's College Hospital. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was sent to the scene in the aftermath. Kent Police have since confirmed the recovery of multiple suspicious devices from the area. Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, West Divisional Commander for Kent Police, said: "At this current time, there is nothing to suggest a wider threat to the Hollingbourne community, but we have found at least four suspicious devices at the scene and it is important that the area is made safe." Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a probe into the shooting. Half-brother Liam O'Meara told The Telegraph he believes officers used unnecessary force and said O'Meara has "mental health problems". A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault. "He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed. "We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device). "He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge. "Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm. "A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD)." Kent Police said in a statement: "On Monday 7 July 2025, Kent Police officers attended a property in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone to conduct an arrest for an outstanding warrant. "This was not related to any terrorism offences. Following initial attendance, officers were further supported by additional units including firearms patrols. "During the incident a man in his 30s was shot by officers and was subsequently taken to hospital where he remains. "Officers remain at the scene and have been supported by an EOD team who made the area safe. "As with all police shootings, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Kent Police will assist the IOPC with its independent investigation as appropriate." 5 5
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I put funny turns & tinnitus down to worrying about my RAF son – but they were red flags for incurable cancer, says dad
A GRANDAD-of-two put his "funny turns" and tinnitus down to worrying about his son, who was in the RAF - but they turned out to be signs of incurable cancer. Chris Shade originally went to his doctor in 2017 as he was suffering from tinnitus and hearing a constant, high-pitched noise that 'drove him up the wall'. 10 10 He was also experiencing 'funny turns', could smell burning and was sometimes struggling to speak, but he put it down to his concern for his son, Craig, who was in Afghanistan with the RAF. However, his GP urgently referred the dad-of-two to Maidstone hospital for a brain scan to further investigate his symptoms. It was there that medics found a 'massive' grade two tumour on Chris' right frontal lobe. He was told he had a rare type of cancer known as oligodendroglioma, and that it was terminal. The 58-year-old said: 'Never in my life did I think I was going to have a brain tumour. I did not even have any headaches. 'I took the diagnosis on the chin and said, 'So what happens next?'. I thought, 'Bring it on, I am ready for the fight.' 'In some ways, I have to thank God for the tinnitus, as if I had not gone to the GP about my hearing, we would never have found it.' In March 2017, Chris underwent emergency surgery at King's College Hospital in London to remove the tumour, which was the first of many operations. His daughter Emma Welsh said: 'I cannot tell you what a worrying, distressing time this was. "By some miracle, the amazing doctors were able to remove it, and Dad was home before we knew it. Simple hand test that could reveal if you have a hidden brain tumour 'It was all such a shock, I do not think any of us had time to take it in.' However, two weeks later, Chris was admitted back into the hospital as a serious infection had set in, which led to two more brain surgeries to remove part of his skull replace the bone with a titanium plate. His wife of 40 years, Tina Shade, said: 'It was touch and go at that point. Every surgery, we did not know if he was going to make it.' Emma added: 'We nearly lost him. The stress and upset again are hard to describe, but we had to stay hopeful and strong for Dad.' 10 10 At the end of 2020, Chris, of Garner Drive, East Malling, was then given the 'devastating' news that another tumour had started to grow and underwent further surgery to remove it. Six months after the operation, the former instrument coordinator at Somerfield Hospital, in Maidstone, was told a third tumour had been found. His doctors decided not to put Chris through further surgery as it was growing slowly, and monitored his condition, telling him to go and make memories with his family. Instead, Chris underwent 10 months of treatment, including six weeks of radiotherapy and months of chemotherapy, to shrink the tumour, which finished earlier this year. He said: 'I have had some dark days, but I know there are people who are facing something worse than me. Although it does not make my pain any easier. 'The treatments are to extend my life; they cannot cure me. The doctors say it is like putting the tumours to sleep, and because it has worked, we know what to hit it with each time. 'I do not know how long I have. I could have one year, five years, or 15 years. I have had every scan and treatment they can offer me. Symptoms of oligodendroglioma OLIGODENDROGLIOMA is a type of brain tumour that develops from the brain's glial cells. It's a primary brain tumour, which means it starts in the brain as opposed to spreading there. Oligodendrogliomas are rare - about 3 out of every 100 primary brain tumours diagnosed in England between 1995 and 2017 were oligodendrogliomas, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK). They're more common in adults, particularly in people aged 30-50, and are slightly more common in men than in women. Oligodendrogliomas may cause any of the symptoms common among brain tumours, particularly: Seizures Altered sensations, like strange smells or hallucinations relating to sense of smell Muscular weakness, particularly down one side of the body, and loss of control of bodily movements If the tumour is located in the frontal lobe, it can cause gradual changes in mood and personality, and weakness or numbness in the muscles of one side of the body. If it is located in the temporal lobe, this may cause problems with speech, coordination and memory. Source: The Brain Tumour Charity, CRUK 'I have the fight in me. There are a lot of people who might not get the time to fight it like I have, so I have to while I can. 'I hope my story gives people hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can fight this.' Tina added: 'I am really proud of him for what he has gone through and that he is still here. We have had dark days, but we always try to stay positive and laugh. 'It has been life-changing. Now, we are focusing on making memories and using the time we have been given.' 10 10 Lifelong dream During his battle, his family started a GoFundMe page to help raise money to pay for Chris to experience his lifelong dream of flying in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill. They raised more than £3,000. However, due to his surgeries they had to postpone the flight for several years. He also needed to lose five and a half stone gained during treatments to go up in the plane. However, last month, Chris, who has been helped by Brain Tumour Support and Tonbridge-based charity Babons Cancer Support, was able to fly in a WWII plane. The former part-time firefighter has now thanked everyone who donated. He said: 'It was an amazing day, I cannot express it. It was a bucket list experience. 'I am so grateful to all the people who donated and came along on the day. Everyone was so generous.' 10 10 10
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Two people recued at sea at Camber Sands
Two people who got into difficulty swimming at an East Sussex beach have been rescued. HM Coastguard said it received multiple 999 calls just after 14:00 BST of the people in difficulty in the water in Camber Sands. One person was taken by air ambulance to London's Kings College Hospital in a "serious condition", according to South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).The other was driven to Conquest Hospital in St Leonards-on-Sea for further medical treatment, it continued. The incident came as the South East baked in hot weather, with temperatures ranging from 23C in some coastal areas to higher than 33C further inland.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Patient death at London hospital linked to cyber attack on NHS
The death of a patient has been linked to a cyber-attack on the NHS last year. Cyber criminals attacked two major NHS trusts causing more than 1,000 cancer treatment delays, 2,000 outpatient appointments to be cancelled and more than 1,000 operations postponed. King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said on Wednesday; a patient died during the cyber attack as a result of a long wait time for blood test results. 'One patient sadly died unexpectedly during the cyber-attack. As is standard practice when this happens, we undertook a detailed review of their care,' the trust said in a statement. 'The patient safety incident investigation identified a number of contributing factors that led to the patient's death. 'This included a long wait for a blood test result due to the cyber-attack impacting pathology services at the time. 'We have met with the patient's family, and shared the findings of the safety investigation with them.'
