Latest news with #Sky
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
David Croft absent from Austrian GP as Sky Sports F1 commentator replaced
Sky Sports F1 lead commentator David Croft is absent from the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend with viewers set to hear the voice of Crofty's understudy instead Sky Sports viewers will hear a less familiar voice on commentary at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. That is because, for the second time this year, usual lead broadcaster David Croft will not be in attendance at the Formula 1 race. 'Crofty' is part of the furniture at Sky Sports, having served as lead commentator ever since the broadcaster secured the rights to show F1 in the UK and Ireland in 2012. And for many years, he was ever-present at all races while the presenting and punditry team around him would rotate. But these days the F1 calendar is larger than ever with 24 races per season. And so, in 2024, Croft took the decision to miss three races in the season to recharge and spent more time with his family and has repeated that plan this year. He sat out the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix last season, and chose to skip the same trio of events this term. On each occasion, Harry Benjamin has been called up to fill in and he is behind the microphone again for this weekend's race in Spielberg. Benjamin is less experienced in motorsport broadcasting but has been covering F1 for BBC Radio 5 Live since 2022. The year before, he was hired as the lead presenter for F1's support series including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup. He debuted for Sky's F1 coverage at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix as they put on an alternative, kid-friendly broadcast of that event, in partnership with Formula One Management. Croft was still commentating on the main feed on that occasion, alongside long-time partner Martin Brundle. But it was when Croft opted against a trip to Italy for the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that Benjamin received his first call-up to commentate on Sky's main coverage. He returned for the Austria and Azerbaijan races that year and is set to complete the same trio this term. That means this is Benjamin's second appearance of the year on the Sky feed, having already appeared at the Imola race in May. He is likely to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ins September. Croft said last year of his plans to take some breaks: "I'm not getting any younger. I've given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world." His decision to skip the Austria race means he will be able to spend more than a month at home in the UK since returning from the Canadian Grand Prix. His next appearance will be at Silverstone next weekend and he won't need to get on a plane again until the last week of July when he will head to the Belgian Grand Prix.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Travellers left ‘potentially hazardous' POO at park to fester in 30C heat…the smell was ‘unbearable'
The playing field was blocked off for cleaning 'ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS' Travellers left 'potentially hazardous' POO at park to fester in 30C heat…the smell was 'unbearable' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) "POTENTIALLY hazardous" waste including poo and used bog roll was allegedly left to fester at a park in 30C heat by travellers. Locals living near the Hough Ends Fields in Chorlton, Manchester, have complained of unbearable smells following the encampment. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Caravans parked up at Hough End playing fields in Mauldeth Road in West Manchester - about 200 yards from the GMP Training and Mounted police complex Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 The playing fields were taped off, with used toilet paper and nappies left strewn around Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 The field is used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC and is popular with dog walkers Credit: STEVE ALLEN It comes as a large traveller encampment was evicted from the playing fields last Friday - with the city council then posting signs reading: "Potentially Hazardous Waste Do Not Enter. "Cleaning will be commencing as soon as possible." The authority also taped off a vast area of woodland with the same "do not enter" signs in place. Around 30 caravans had pitched up from June 12 for eight days with residents and dog walkers horrified at the level of filth and muck spread around. The pitches invaded by the Travellers are used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC. One 80-year-old walking her dog Sky told The Sun: "It was disgusting. Dirty toilet paper just blowing about, nappies and sanitary towels. "One pick-up truck just raced onto the field and missed my dog Sky by just inches – they have no respect and don't seem to care. "They left a pile of cuttings from trees and garden waste down the other end and that needed clearing away. "The smell was absolutely horrendous." International business student Conor Gregory, 22, who lives nearby, hails originally from Appleby in Cumbria - which hosts the annual Horse Fair every June. Shops close down and streets patrolled by cops as thousands of travellers gear up for 2nd day of Appleby Horse Fair Conor added: "It has got a lot worse more recently." Shopworker Kyra Crump, 18, said: "The litter and mess and other filth is just appalling. They obviously have no common decency – otherwise they would clear it all up themselves. "If you go out you have to watch where you are walking as there is so much waste on the floor. "People were posting images of just how disgusting it was. "They don't care about the local community at all. One minute they are here and the next they are gone." 9 The city council blocked off the park for cleaning Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Business student Conor Gregory Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Local shop worker Kyra Crump Credit: STEVE ALLEN Games host Connie Harphand, 25, who has a flat overlooking the playing fields, said: "It was a shock waking up one morning and seeing them all there. "My flat mate sent me a video of the antics and we had vans and police cars ever day. "We probably had 30 or so caravans and they were just driving through an entrance they had made for themselves on the main road." A 59-year-old handyman, from Altrincham, who works in the area, but declined to be named, told The Sun: "I've worked around here for 25 years and they have been turning up more in recent years. "Some of the people I work for are very appalled that it's happening so much – they fear it will have an impact on property prices and want the council to keep them out." The city council has confirmed it has blocked access to sections of Hough End Playing Fields, for the clean up and a vast skip stands on the path with all the tapes and warning signs now removed along with the waste. A council spokesperson said the waste was found after a "traveller encampment" was "evicted" from the Fields last Friday (June 20). A statement read: "An encampment of travellers was evicted from Hough End Playing Fields on Friday, June 20. 'The site was assessed and re-secured and an initial clean-up operation to remove a huge quantity of waste was undertaken. "The removal of the remaining waste by our contractor Biffa has started today to ensure that this part of Hough End is re-opened and accessible for residents once again.' The statement from the authority added it will investigate security for the park. The spokesperson continued: 'We continuously review our site security and we will work with the rugby club to see how we can both better secure this site for the future." The council spent millions on a controversial expansion of the Fields' leisure centre that opened in 2022, with campaigners arguing building car parks and artificial sports pitches on the grass was bad for the environment. The Sun has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment. 9 The encampment was evicted earlier this month Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Police at the park during the eviction Credit: STEVE ALLEN
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Travellers left ‘potentially hazardous' POO at park to fester in 30C heat…the smell was ‘unbearable'
"POTENTIALLY hazardous" waste including poo and used bog roll was allegedly left to fester at a park in 30C heat by travellers. Locals living near the Hough Ends Fields in Chorlton, Manchester, have complained of unbearable smells following the encampment. 9 Caravans parked up at Hough End playing fields in Mauldeth Road in West Manchester - about 200 yards from the GMP Training and Mounted police complex Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 The playing fields were taped off, with used toilet paper and nappies left strewn around Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 The field is used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC and is popular with dog walkers Credit: STEVE ALLEN It comes as a large traveller encampment was evicted from the playing fields last Friday - with the city council then posting signs reading: "Potentially Hazardous Waste Do Not Enter. "Cleaning will be commencing as soon as possible." The authority also taped off a vast area of woodland with the same "do not enter" signs in place. Around 30 caravans had pitched up from June 12 for eight days with residents and dog walkers horrified at the level of filth and muck spread around. Read more news The pitches invaded by the Travellers are used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC. One 80-year-old walking her dog Sky told The Sun: "It was disgusting. Dirty toilet paper just blowing about, nappies and sanitary towels. "One pick-up truck just raced onto the field and missed my dog Sky by just inches – they have no respect and don't seem to care. "They left a pile of cuttings from trees and garden waste down the other end and that needed clearing away. Most read in The Sun "The smell was absolutely horrendous." International business student Conor Gregory, 22, who lives nearby, hails originally from Appleby in Cumbria - which hosts the annual Horse Fair every June. Shops close down and streets patrolled by cops as thousands of travellers gear up for 2nd day of Appleby Horse Fair Conor added: "It has got a lot worse more recently." Shopworker Kyra Crump, 18, said: "The litter and mess and other filth is just appalling. They obviously have no common decency – otherwise they would clear it all up themselves. "If you go out you have to watch where you are walking as there is so much waste on the floor. "People were posting images of just how disgusting it was. "They don't care about the local community at all. One minute they are here and the next they are gone." 9 The city council blocked off the park for cleaning Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Business student Conor Gregory Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Local shop worker Kyra Crump Credit: STEVE ALLEN Games host Connie Harphand, 25, who has a flat overlooking the playing fields, said: "It was a shock waking up one morning and seeing them all there. "My flat mate sent me a video of the antics and we had vans and police cars ever day. "We probably had 30 or so caravans and they were just driving through an entrance they had made for themselves on the main road." A 59-year-old handyman, from Altrincham, who works in the area, but declined to be named, told The Sun: "I've worked around here for 25 years and they have been turning up more in recent years. "Some of the people I work for are very appalled that it's happening so much – they fear it will have an impact on property prices and want the council to keep them out." The city council has confirmed it has blocked access to sections of Hough End Playing Fields, for the clean up and a vast skip stands on the path with all the tapes and warning signs now removed along with the waste. A council spokesperson said the waste was found after a "traveller encampment" was "evicted" from the Fields last Friday (June 20). A statement read: "An encampment of travellers was evicted from Hough End Playing Fields on Friday, June 20. 'The site was assessed and re-secured and an initial clean-up operation to remove a huge quantity of waste was undertaken. "The removal of the remaining waste by our contractor Biffa has started today to ensure that this part of Hough End is re-opened and accessible for residents once again.' The statement from the authority added it will investigate security for the park. The spokesperson continued: 'We continuously review our site security and we will work with the rugby club to see how we can both better secure this site for the future ." The council spent millions on a controversial expansion of the Fields' leisure centre that opened in 2022, with campaigners arguing building car parks and artificial sports pitches on the grass was bad for the environment. The Sun has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment. 9 The encampment was evicted earlier this month Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Police at the park during the eviction Credit: STEVE ALLEN 9 Toilet paper, nappies and other toilet waste was left behind Credit: STEVE ALLEN
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Travellers left ‘potentially hazardous' POO at park to fester in 30C heat…the smell was ‘unbearable'
"POTENTIALLY hazardous" waste including poo and used bog roll was allegedly left to fester at a park in 30C heat by travellers. Locals living near the Hough Ends Fields in Chorlton, Manchester, have complained of unbearable smells following the encampment. 9 9 9 It comes as a large traveller encampment was evicted from the playing fields last Friday - with the city council then posting signs reading: "Potentially Hazardous Waste Do Not Enter. "Cleaning will be commencing as soon as possible." The authority also taped off a vast area of woodland with the same "do not enter" signs in place. Around 30 caravans had pitched up from June 12 for eight days with residents and dog walkers horrified at the level of filth and muck spread around. The pitches invaded by the Travellers are used by rugby union team Broughton Park FC. One 80-year-old walking her dog Sky told The Sun: "It was disgusting. Dirty toilet paper just blowing about, nappies and sanitary towels. "One pick-up truck just raced onto the field and missed my dog Sky by just inches – they have no respect and don't seem to care. "They left a pile of cuttings from trees and garden waste down the other end and that needed clearing away. "The smell was absolutely horrendous." International business student Conor Gregory, 22, who lives nearby, hails originally from Appleby in Cumbria - which hosts the annual Horse Fair every June. Shops close down and streets patrolled by cops as thousands of travellers gear up for 2nd day of Appleby Horse Fair Conor added: "It has got a lot worse more recently." Shopworker Kyra Crump, 18, said: "The litter and mess and other filth is just appalling. They obviously have no common decency – otherwise they would clear it all up themselves. "If you go out you have to watch where you are walking as there is so much waste on the floor. "People were posting images of just how disgusting it was. "They don't care about the local community at all. One minute they are here and the next they are gone." 9 9 9 Games host Connie Harphand, 25, who has a flat overlooking the playing fields, said: "It was a shock waking up one morning and seeing them all there. "My flat mate sent me a video of the antics and we had vans and police cars ever day. "We probably had 30 or so caravans and they were just driving through an entrance they had made for themselves on the main road." A 59-year-old handyman, from Altrincham, who works in the area, but declined to be named, told The Sun: "I've worked around here for 25 years and they have been turning up more in recent years. "Some of the people I work for are very appalled that it's happening so much – they fear it will have an impact on property prices and want the council to keep them out." The city council has confirmed it has blocked access to sections of Hough End Playing Fields, for the clean up and a vast skip stands on the path with all the tapes and warning signs now removed along with the waste. A council spokesperson said the waste was found after a "traveller encampment" was "evicted" from the Fields last Friday (June 20). A statement read: "An encampment of travellers was evicted from Hough End Playing Fields on Friday, June 20. 'The site was assessed and re-secured and an initial clean-up operation to remove a huge quantity of waste was undertaken. "The removal of the remaining waste by our contractor Biffa has started today to ensure that this part of Hough End is re-opened and accessible for residents once again.' The statement from the authority added it will investigate security for the park. The spokesperson continued: 'We continuously review our site security and we will work with the rugby club to see how we can both better secure this site for the future." The council spent millions on a controversial expansion of the Fields' leisure centre that opened in 2022, with campaigners arguing building car parks and artificial sports pitches on the grass was bad for the environment. The Sun has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment. 9 9 9
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dodgy Facebook crook tried to sell me shady £80 Fire Stick… then threatened to come to my HOUSE
AS I sit and scroll through my phone, I'm being bombarded with shady adverts on Facebook offering dodgy devices with 80,000 premium channels and movies. And it didn't take long for Facebook crooks to reach out to me offering their illicit services - but this time, the criminals are going one terrifying step further. 4 Some illegal streaming devices look just like Sky, as seen here Credit: Facebook 4 You can easily find crooks selling illegal Fire Sticks on Facebook Credit: Facebook In the message, they not only offered "24,000 channels" including Sky Sports as well as movies and series in "HD quality" - they also offered to deliver to my address and install. It might seem like great customer service, but it could put you at risk of "physical harm", experts warned me, with unscrupulous characters turning up at your door. Not only that, Brits in possession of an illegal Fire Stick could receive a £1,000 fine, while those caught selling Firesticks could face jail time. Some Kieron Sharp , chairman at the anti-piracy organisation FACT, told The Sun: "It's alarming that criminals can openly advertise illegal streaming services and turn up at people's homes to install them. "Letting them in puts you at risk — not just physically, but digitally too." Fire Stick maker Amazon has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle illegal streaming on its devices. The gadget's open tech is meant to give people more freedom to download apps outside Amazon's own app store, but it's also susceptible to abuse by illegal streaming operators. An Amazon spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices." It's become a major problem for broadcasters and sports bodies, estimated to cost them billions every year, and they're increasingly frustrated about the lack of action from tech companies. IPTV Crackdown Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky, said firms want to see faster action from big tech platforms. "We know they have the technology and the capability, now we need to see action," he told The Sun. 'I will deliver' I was approached by an account on Facebook called "Firestick updating", which randomly added me with an open profile and very clear intentions. "SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE!!!" a post on their page unashamedly reads, alongside a photo of boxes and boxes of Fire Sticks. Another image shows a rip-off of the Sky Glass interface. It continues: "£60 for year subscription. "£80 for loaded stick no shipping charges." Within minutes of accepting their friend request, I received a private message. They bragged: "I've worldwide 24,000 channels with all sports channels 80,000 daily basis updated movies and series in HD quality. 4 One seller assured me the cops can't trace the device 4 The crook also offered to hand-deliver the illegal streaming stick "You'll have everything Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple T,V Disney+, full Sky package all sports channels ppv events all Irish UK USA TV channels, movies and series on demand. When I asked if it was traceable, they responded, "No mate, not at all". What shocked me even more was that the person offered to come to my house and install it there and then. Although I didn't share my address, just my rough location, I felt quite intimidated by the offer. They wrote: "I will deliver it and set it up for you." Curiously, researching the matter on Facebook seemed to make Meta's algorithm think I was interested in illegal streaming, and loads of very obvious ads started to appear. While it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey City of London Police Illegal streaming operations usually have ties to gangs, and the money they get from it funds other serious forms of criminal activity. So the idea of having a stranger who might have dodgy links turning up at my front door was quite scary, and more so considering vulnerable people who might allow them into their homes. Jake Moore, from security firm ESET, said: "Devices sounding too good to be true and sold by someone you don't know coming to your house should be the first alarm bell, but these devices have been known to ship with viruses and other dodgy programs onboard." STRANGER DANGER The risks of illegal streaming to your online life can also be pretty devastating. Fraud is the biggest consequence. We've heard from users who chanced it and had their bank account instantly accessed. A 46-year-old Brit - who has asked to remain anonymous - was Sky Sports . But shortly after entering his bank details a surge of transactions were attempted on his account totalling several thousand pounds. "A couple of friends had already done it and they had no issues," he revealed to The Sun. "It all seemed quite secure, so I didn't even think at the time. "After that, the payment was taken but there were all sorts of transactions on my bank account for quite a large amount of money which were on various times and various dates for different amounts. "It's scary really, they attempted thousands." Meta's website says the company removes "millions of violating posts and accounts every day on Facebook and Instagram", which can range from serious crime like terrorism, to sexual content not allowed on the platforms. " Most of this happens automatically, with technology working behind the scenes to remove violating content – often before anyone sees it ," the company claims. When reaching out to Meta about the influx of illegal streaming ads on my Facebook profile, the examples I showed were quickly taken down. But many more blatantly illegal streaming services have simply replaced them, many featuring Meta's new WhatsApp button so you can chat to sellers immediately. Meta told The Sun that reviewing ads from millions of advertisers globally against its advertising standards is essential, but not without challenges. These devices can expose your Wi-Fi network, steal personal data, spread scams, and infect your devices with malware and viruses. We urge consumers to think twice Kieron Sharp FACT The company emphasised that it doesn't allow fraudulent activity and works closely with law enforcement to support investigations and keep scammers off its platforms. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, told us: "Illegal streaming is a significant challenge for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose consumers to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware. "The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against these criminal operations by utilising our full suite of enforcement options, including pursuing criminal prosecutions and serving 'cease and desist' notices to offenders." While it might seem like a tempting offer, Brits be warned - criminals behind the computer screens are not just looking to infiltrate your digital life but your home life too. WHAT'S AMAZON DOING ABOUT IT? Amazon has previously been criticised by Sky for not doing enough to tackle piracy. The tech giant told The Sun that bad actors are abusing and misusing the developer features that are part of the open-source operating system running on Fire TV devices. Though manufactured by Amazon, these devices are jailbroken which not only violates the company's policies on intellectual property rights, but also compromises the security of customers, it added. A spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices. Individuals and criminal groups have been convicted in connection with the resale of devices preloaded with piracy-enabling apps, and we will continue to work with authorities and industry partners to stop these sales." Image credit: AP
