Nicole Wootton-Cane

LIVE – Updated at 16:27 The UK is experiencing its hottest day of the year so far as temperatures soared to 38.1C in Kew Gardens.

Thursday was the UK's hottest day of the year so far, with a provisional temperature of 38.1C recorded in Kew Gardens, surpassing the previous high of 38C on 28 June.

The Reform UK leader triggered the contest after deciding to stand down amidst massive scrutiny over his financial affairs

LIVE – Updated at 20:00 Polls close shortly in the Clacton by-election as Nigel Farage attempts to retain his seat in a highly unusual contest.

West Midlands Fire Service say the ‘extensive grass fire' has spread to homes in Stourbridge

West Midlands Fire Service say the ‘extensive grass fire’ has spread to homes in Stourbridge

LIVE – Updated at 05:26 Counting is underway in the Clacton by-election, but Nigel Farage has said he will not attend the result declaration to be “humiliated by nobodies”.

Police federation chiefs condemned the government's decision not to block the killers as ‘outrageous'

Police federation chiefs condemned the government’s decision not to block the killers as ‘outrageous’

LIVE – Updated at 08:56 Firefighters work to tackle the blaze that tore through homes in the West Midlands, where a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital.