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Top five new cars to buy in 2025 for style, practicality & value for money, according to motoring experts

Collage of a yellow and a light blue electric SUV, and a close-up of the car's climate control panel.

DRIVERS in the market for a seriously stylish set of wheels that won’t break the bank this year are in luck.

A group of eminent motors journalists have shortlisted the best wheels that will ensure the former and the latter.

BMW car interior climate control panel showing temperature settings.
Tiktok
The top five picks were chosen at the European Car of the Year awards[/caption]

It marks the 61st consecutive year that the European Car of the Year awards have revealed the best motors for 2025.

Renault 5 E-Tech – 353 votes

This vehicle simply works everywhere — in stop and start city traffic, on a motorway, and even on a twisty B-road.

The B-mode braking regeneration system, which sticks a bit of juice back into the battery when you coast, is nicely calibrated.

The cabin combines Eighties cool with a Google-powered touchscreen.

A deserved winner.

Yellow Renault 5 E-Tech electric car on display.
Getty
The Renault 5 E-Tech was crowned the European Car of the Year[/caption]

Kia EV3 – 291 votes

Nipping on its heels is this family-friendly and eye-catching SUV.

It tells you exactly how many miles you’ve got left depending on your driving behaviour.

Out on the road, the acceleration is as smooth as you like and the pillow-soft suspension makes life decently comfortable.

Flappy paddles adjust levels of braking regeneration. So if you’re good at anticipating traffic flow, you’ll hardly ever touch the foot brake.

Plus, it boasts reversing cameras – helping you to park like a pro.

Kia EV3 GT-Line electric vehicle.
Getty
The Kia Corp EV3 followed closely behind in second[/caption]

Citroen e-C3 – 215 votes

Squeezing onto the podium is the C3 with chalked up a very respectable score.

The e-C3 starts at £21,990. That gets you a 199-mile battery by the WLTP test, and a big enough motor to keep you swimming in quick traffic.

It looks the part too, with alloys and a two-tone roof.

The main thing is comfort – its suspension laughs at speed bumps and rural pot-holed lanes and deservedly features on the shortlist.

Red Citroen ë-C3 electric SUV.
Reuters
The new electric Citroen e-C3 SUV also featured on the podium[/caption]

Dacia Duster

The Duster has all the minerals most people need: Proper mechanical 4WD, high ground clearance and attack angles, chunky tyres, five drive modes and hill descent control. Its all-round cameras will help you to avoid scrapes with rocks.

It looks chiselled, tough and cool ­— inside and out.

And it’s kinder to the planet with those wheel arches made from 20 per cent recycled plastics.

Dacia Duster driving on a road.
PA
The Dacia Duster received 172 votes[/caption]

Hyundai Inster

The smart-looking EV comes with an adventure-ready roof rack and a set of stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.

Its interior is finished in green with lime accents, and there is an option of Amazonas Green matt paint.

There is also plenty of room for four, with each seat capable of being folded completely flat.

The rear two seats can slide and recline independently to enhance legroom or boot space as needed.

On the dashboard, it features a 10.25-inch digital display as well as Hyundai’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including a 360-degree parking camera and blindspot cameras.

Hyundai INSTER Cross electric city car on a mountain road.
Hyundai
The Hyundai Inster ranked fifth on the shortlist[/caption]

Top seven cars of 2025 (number of votes)

  1. Renault 5 E-Tech – 353
  2. Kia EV3 – 291
  3. Citroen C3 – 215
  4. Dacia Duster – 172
  5. Hyundai Inster – 168
  6. Cupra Terramar – 165
  7. Alfa Romeo Junior – 136

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Small European town loved by kings and celebs has the world’s oldest casino… and you might spot some F1 drivers

A world-famous sporting event is held in a small European town every year, which makes it an ideal place for some celeb spotting.

Located in eastern Belgium, Spa is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters.

Town center of Spa, Belgium.
Alamy
Located in eastern Belgium, Spa is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters[/caption]
Topiary car in a park.
Alamy
The Belgium town is perhaps best well-know for its ties to the Formula One[/caption]

In the 16th century, the Belgian town played a key role in recognising the wellness benefits of water thanks to its many springs.

The springs, which are commonly known as pouhons, can be freely accessed by visitors.

Spa’s golden age was thought to be in the 18th century when Russian king Tsar Peter stayed in Spa in 1717.

After a holiday in the Belgian town, the monarch returned to Russia with the hope of opening a thermal centre in the country.

After his visit, the main fountain in the town was renamed Pouhon Pierre le Grand as a tribute to him.

Meanwhile, Belgian Queen Marie-Henriette described Spa as a “perfect haven” as she lived out her final days in the city.

More recently, Belgian celebrities like tennis player Marlène de Wouters and Miss Belgium from 2008, Alizée Poulicek, both visited the European town.

Spa is also the longest circuit in Formula 1.

And after returning to the calendar in 1983, it quickly became a legendary track, with a race taking place in Spa almost every year.

Spa is reigning champion Verstappen’s home race, so you will find a sea of orange t-shirts supporting him – and lots of other famous drivers too.

Away from the Formula 1, spa is home to the oldest casino in the world.

Built in 1763, Casino de Spa was routinely frequented by European royals and other personalities.

The casino was renovated back in 2010 with a new slot-machine room installed.

Other nearby attractions in Spa include Domain of Bérinzenne, a huge state park with walking routes.

Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays in Spa from £73 per night, based on two people sharing a room.

Luxembourg Airport is one of the nearest airports to Spa with direct UK flights.

Direct services operate from London with return fares from £31 per person in January.

Spa is also a 90-minute drive from Brussels, where direct UK flights operate from Manchester and Edinburgh.

Find out more about Belgium's bizarre free attraction

THE WORLD’S best free tourist attraction has been named – and it’s probably not what you’d expect.

Called Luc Vanlaere Harpist, the bizarre attraction is a museum in Bruges, Belgium dedicated to mini harps.

The visitor hotspot, run by harpist and composer Luc Vanlaere, was named the best free attraction in the world.

The study was conducted by Casago a holiday home rental company that based its findings on TripAdvisor reviews.

The firm researches which free tourist spots have the most five-star ratings and found that the Mini Harp Museum holds the top spot with 94.5 per cent of its reviews being five-star.

With more than 2,200 reviews, nearly all of them are 5* with most raving about the amazing free concert.

One previous visitor wrote: “Can’t even describe how cool this experience was, recommend to everyone in Belgium.”

Another person agreed: “This is a hidden gem and an absolute MUST if you are in Bruge!”

Someone simply said it was the “best experience in Bruges”.

Those visiting the museum can expect to see a collection of mini harps as well as a short, intimate harp concert performed by Vanlaere himself.

And there’s a tiny European town that looks like it’s in a fairytale with a medieval castle and a huge summer festival

Meanwhile, these six European holiday hotspots are yet to be discovered by Brits.

Lance Stroll's Aston Martin racing at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Reuters
Spa is also home to one of the longest tracks in the Formula One circuit[/caption]
Park in front of the Casino de Spa in Spa, Belgium.
Alamy
Spa is also a 90-minute drive from Brussels, where direct UK flights operate from Manchester and Edinburgh[/caption]

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The 10 subtle signs you’re testosterone deficient – from dry skin to a short temper and needing 3 coffees a day

TESTOSTERONE is often associated with macho, gym-loving men.

It is the male sex hormone after all.

Illustration of symptoms of testosterone deficiency: low energy, dry skin, anxiety, depression, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.

But it’s responsible for far more than sex drives and sperm production.

Testosterone also plays a major part in bone and muscle mass.

It increases when we’re young, leading to the development of the penis and testes, facial and pubic hair, and a deeper voice.

But from the age of 30 to 40, a man’s testosterone levels naturally decline at a rate of about one per cent a year.

Although this steady drop is unlikely to cause issues, a testosterone deficiency, when a man’s testicles don’t produce enough testosterone, could lead to a number of undesirable side effects later down the line.

This has also been dubbed ‘the Manopause‘, or male menopause.

And according to Dr Jeff Foster, GP and director of health at Manual, it’s more common than we might think.

“There are nearly a million men in the UK currently known to have the condition, and 25 per cent of all men will have low levels at some point in their lives,” he tells Sun Health.

“Testosterone deficiency is like the game Buckaroo.

“The biggest cause is age, lots of other little things can drop our testosterone further.

“For example, some increased body weight and maybe a bit more alcohol can lead you to develop high blood pressure or asthma, both of which can reduce testosterone.

“You add all these little things together and the donkey ‘bucks’ and you have testosterone deficiency.”

Low levels of testosterone are typically associated with a stunted sex drive, but there are actually several other less obvious signs that your levels might be on the low side…

1. You’re relying on coffee

Constantly turning to caffeine to keep your energy levels up? 

“It doesn’t have to be complete exhaustion, but some men find they just start to rely on caffeine to get them through their day,” says Dr Foster.

“They may also fall asleep when they get home from work.”

This could simply be that you’re becoming dependent on caffeine (such as going from having one coffee in the morning to needing at least three every day), he adds, so try reducing your dose to see if you feel better.

If not, book an appointment with your GP.

2. You’re irritable 

Feeling more annoyed than usual, even by little things? 

“It could be a sign to look at your hormonal balance,” Dr Martin Thornton, GP and Bluecrest‘s chief medical officer, says.

Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, adds: “Testosterone affects mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

“Low levels can contribute to sadness, irritability, and low self-esteem.”

But, stress, sleep problems, including sleep apnoea, and thyroid issues could also cause this irritability, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

a person is holding a cup of coffee with a leaf design on it
Getty
If you’re reaching coffee more than usual, you might be testosterone deficient[/caption]

3. Your skin and hair feel dry

It might not be not something you associate with testosterone deficiency, but Dr Foster says that men may develop dry, flaky skin and/or coarse or dry hair.  

“Some men who are more prone to having eczema can also find this flares up,” he adds.

However, the expert says that in the winter, we all tend to get worsening skin dryness due to the cold weather and use of heating systems, so in isolation it may not be a worry. 

4. Your hair is thinning 

Noticed that you’re losing your hair?

“Testosterone is essential for maintaining hair follicles, so reduced levels may cause hair thinning or loss, particularly on the body,” Kiran says.

However, if you’re not experiencing any other symptoms of testosterone deficiency, then male pattern baldness might be to blame.

“This can be caused by genetic factors and is not always linked to testosterone, while nutritional deficiencies like a lack of vitamins such as biotin, zinc or iron can also be to blame,” says Kiran. 

5. Your joints hurt 

“Men with low testosterone often report joint pain, feeling like it takes days longer to recover from exercise, and their niggling injuries just don’t get better,” says Dr Foster.

But he adds that it’s important to be realistic as your joints may be hurting due to age.

“Even if you treat testosterone, it won’t make you 20 years younger, and everyone finds it takes longer to heal and recover as we get older,” he says.

Flaccid cactus in a terracotta pot.
Low libido and erectile dysfunction can indicate testosterone deficiency

6. You’re getting man boobs

If you’re seeing a build-up of fatty tissue around your pectoral area, it could be more than just ‘middle aged spread’, according to Dr Thornton. It could signal low testosterone. 

But, he adds: “Other causes of this can be raised oestrogen levels, which can be caused by obesity.

“Some medicines, especially those for blood pressure and depression, can also create a build-up of fatty tissue in these areas.”

Make an appointment with your GP if one breast is enlarged, the growth is happening quickly, if it’s painful, or if there are other unusual symptoms.

7. Your sleep is a mess

Having low testosterone and feeling more tired should mean better sleep, right?

Not necessarily. Dr Foster explains that as our metabolism often also slows, it can cause more fretful and broken sleep.

“Men often report waking up still feeling tired and not refreshed,” he says.

But, it may not necessarily be testosterone that’s causing this. 

“An overactive thyroid can also cause disturbed sleep, and so can many additional life stresses,” he adds.

Either way, if your slumber troubles persist, speak to your GP.

8. You’re gaining weight and losing muscle

Feeling weaker and noticing fat building up around your stomach are other potential warning signs.

“Testosterone deficiency can lead to increased fat, particularly around the abdomen, and a noticeable decline in muscle strength and tone,” says Kiran.

But, weight gain and muscle loss could also indicate an underactive thyroid, as well as lifestyle factors such as a poor diet, lack of exercise and high stress levels.

“Malnutrition can also play a part in this, as well as chronic illnesses like kidney disease or cancer,” adds Kiran.

How to get your testosterone levels checked

Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, says: “If you think your testosterone is low, keep an eye out for persistent symptoms and if you’re concerned, book a GP appointment to discuss them at your earliest convenience.”

She adds that a blood test might not be your GP’s first action, but it’s worth asking to arrange a blood test.

This can measure testosterone levels, as well as other markers like thyroid function, blood sugar, or cholesterol to rule out alternative causes.

“If a deficiency is confirmed, you’ll likely be referred to an endocrinologist or urologist for further evaluation,” the expert adds.

“Treatment options include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), delivered via injections, gels, or patches.

“Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, exercise, and stress management, are often recommended too.”

9. You keep getting ill

Catching every bug going?

Many things could explain why you keep getting ill – from a lack of sleep to stress and underlying conditions, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder, which can cause poor immune function,

But it could also be caused by low testosterone. 

“Testosterone supports immune function and tissue repair, so a deficiency can result in more frequent colds and infections,” says  Kiran.

10. You want less sex

Although it’s less subtle and more commonly known, low testosterone can cause big issues in the bedroom.

“Low testosterone can reduce nitric oxide, dopamine, and oxytocin production; these are key elements for triggering sexual arousal and maintaining an erection,” says Kiran. 

However, she explains that low libido and erectile dysfunction can also indicate things such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

“Poor circulation or heart issues can manifest as erectile dysfunction,” she adds.

“With diabetes, high blood sugar can damage nerves and impair blood flow, also leading to erectile dysfunction. 

“Meanwhile, psychological factors like stress, anxiety and depression are common causes of low libido and erectile problems too.”

Illustration of four exercises to help treat erectile dysfunction.

Read More »

Supercomputer reveals when Erling Haaland will BEAT Alan Shearer’s Premier League goals record after mega contract

A SUPERCOMPUTER has revealed when Erling Haaland will BEAT Alan Shearer’s Premier League goals record.

The Norweigan hitman committed his future to Manchester City by signing a mega-money TEN-YEAR deal.

Erling Haaland applauding after a Manchester City match.
Reuters
Erling Haaland could break Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record[/caption]
Alan Shearer, Amazon Prime Video pundit, at a UEFA Champions League match.
Getty
The Newcastle legend scored 260 goals in England’s top-flight[/caption]

Haaland, 24, will earn an astonishing £260million during the length of the contract.

His wages have jumped from £375,000-per-week to £500,000-per week, making him the ninth highest-paid player in the world.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker has been prolific since his move to the Premier League in 2022.

He has already scored 79 goals in the competition in just 87 appearances.

Haaland is boasting a ratio of 0.9 goals per game and a supercomputer has predicted when he will break Shearer’s record.

The Newcastle legend scored 260 times in the Prem during his career and it will not be that long until Haaland beats it.

Should he continue his current scoring rate, then he will match Shearer in his 287th match.

If he avoids injury and does not pick up suspensions, then this would be the 31st league game of the 2029/30 season.

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It would also have to be done with Man City avoiding relegation as part of the punishment if found guilty of the current lingering charges.

With Haaland’s contract not set to expire until 2034, he could be well ahead of the record by that time.

Alan Shearer of Newcastle United celebrating a goal.
AFP
Shearer took 441 matches to hit the total[/caption]
Erling Haaland in Manchester City uniform celebrating.
PA
Haaland could break the record in 154 fewer appearances[/caption]

Shearer took 441 matches to reach the total of 260 goals in the Prem.

This means that the Norweigian ace could do the same in 154 fewer appearances.

Despite only being the ninth best-paid player in the world, Haaland does now top the lot in the Prem.

He has surpassed the £400,000-per-week deal that team-mate Kevin De Bruyne is on.

He is also compensated better than the likes of Mohamed Salah and Casemiro, who both earn £350,000-per-week.

His new deal will see him earn an astonishing £71k every day and nearly £3k per hour.

Illustration of Erling Haaland's new contract, detailing the total worth and breakdown of salary per year, month, week, day, hour, minute, and second.

Read More »

Machete brawls in street, locals too scared to go out & kid knifed next to cops… the bloody spree gripping crime hotspot

MACHETE brawls in the street and drug gangs stalking kids on the school run – this is the darkest side of life in crime-hit Woolwich.

Residents and business owners claim they are used to seeing such bold acts of chilling violence and live in fear of savage criminals threatening an area only 20 minutes away from the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

Welcome to Woolwich sign; We are open for business.
Darren Fletcher
Locals in Woolwich, South East London, fear for their community following a number of stabbings and other crimes in the area[/caption]
Photo of Kelyan Bokassa.
PA
Kelyan Bokassa, 14, was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich on 17th January[/caption]
Police at a crime scene near a bus at night.
LNP
Police officers at the scene in Woolwich after the recent stabbing on a bus[/caption]

In wake of the tragic fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa on a bus in broad daylight on January 7, residents say they refuse to step outside at night, terrified of being mugged, threatened or worse.

According to the latest police figures, the borough of Greenwich – of which Woolwich is a part – saw 144 stabbings in the last 12 months, marking a 5.6 per cent rise on the year before.

Community leaders, police and the council are working hard to stem the violence, but despite these efforts, locals fear their community has lost its way and witness incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour almost every day.

Maya*, 27, works as a tattoo artist in a shop on Hare Street in the town centre and has lived in Woolwich her whole life.

She revealed that her own brother lost his life in a shooting at 23.

“It’s continuous – Woolwich is actually getting worse, and it’s getting younger too,” she tells us.

“Every other day there’s something on this road alone and that’s just this part of town – there’s fighting, stabbing. It’s worrying, and everyone here feels it.

“But it’s so common now, that it’s almost a fleeting feeling.

“You almost can’t mourn for too long because there’ll be another one tomorrow.

“Everyone here wants to get out – it’s not somewhere you’d settle or raise a kid.”

Machete brawls

Mature Patel, who runs a convenience store on Thomas Street, revealed he has witnessed numerous stabbings outside his shop – with three happening on the same day.

“We had multiple stabbings outside here, one was across the road and one just down there – three stabbings in the space of an hour on the same road,” he told The Sun.

“The third stabbing happened right in front of the police. They were guarding a boy because they knew people were coming for him. They still came up to him, stabbed him and ran off.

“When you see things like that you start to lose hope. If they’ve got enough in them to do it in front of a police officer, then there’s nothing else to deter them from doing these things.

“I’ve had a few outside on the main road. It scares a lot of elderly people who come into the area as well. There’s a lot of people that live here that don’t like to come into the town centre.”

A grieving mother holds a photo of her deceased son.
Peter Jordan
Mary Bokassa holds a picture of her son, Kelyan[/caption]
Mature Patel standing outside a shop.
Darren Fletcher
Mature Patel, a local shop owner, has witnessed brawls on the road outside his business[/caption]
Photo of Daejaun Campbell.
Daejaun Campbell, 15, was fatally stabbed in Woolwich in September
PA
Construction workers outside the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse.
Darren Fletcher
Millions are being ploughed into Woolwich to regenerate the area[/caption]

On Thursday it was revealed that a 15-year old and a 16-year old have been arrested and charged in relation to Kelyan’s murder.

Only a few months before the tragedy, in September, Daejuan Campbell was also stabbed to death.

After the attack on Eglinton Road, he hauntingly cried out: “I’m 15, don’t let me die”.

But these violent attacks are sadly far from isolated incidents in the South East London suburb.

Schoolkids targeted

Only a day before Keylan’s death, an 18-year-old was stabbed near Shooter’s Hill College – though thankfully survived.

Just outside of the town centre, we spoke with Rita Southgate, 37, who has a 16-year-old son attending the same college.

She fears he may become yet another young boy sucked into the violent subculture plaguing the area.

She also revealed that he was targeted by a group of boys while walking home from school, who came up to him offering the chance to “earn some extra money.”

There’s certain roads I don’t like my son to walk down on his own – certain houses you know to avoid

Rita Southgate

“There’s certain roads I don’t like my son to walk down on his own – certain houses you know to avoid,” she said.

“He was in his school uniform, walking down that road, and he was approached by a group of boys that asked him if he wanted to earn some extra money. 

“Thankfully he came straight home and told us but that is literally how easy it is for children to be approached.”

Mum to a 16-year-old, Emily, 40, also said that she was terrified in the light of the two recent stabbings – so much so that she declined to give her full name or have her photo taken.

Police officers walking past a man and child in Woolwich.
Darren Fletcher
Police patrol on Powis Street, in the centre of Woolwich[/caption]
Woman in brown fur coat and beige fur hat.
Darren Fletcher
Lesley Baxter, a local housing officer, wants to see police do more to tackle gangs[/caption]

“Of course it worries me. There’s an element of risk, you want to safeguard every situation that your kids are going into because you know what’s going on out there isn’t correct,” she said.

“This borough in particular has a crisis. And it’s been going on for a long time. 

“There’s no element of village anymore either. It used to be a community effort to raise your kids – you knew there were people looking out. 

“I feel like there’s a lot of work between parents, schools, and the police that needs to be done – on prevention rather than cure.”

Leanne Thomas, 36, who runs a local pub, also worries about crime and has started a petition for the council to run a school bus to help kids avoid the dangers out on the streets.

“Groups of children come here and bump into the wrong crowd. You lose count of the number of fights that have happened on the street in the last six months,” she said.

“There needs to be a lot more police presence. It’s a free for all.”

Woolwich high street shops and businesses.
Darren Fletcher
Woolwich has seen a rise in stabbings[/caption]
Woolwich Market entrance.
Darren Fletcher
Residents say the area is getting worse[/caption]

Community terror

Other people in the town centre said that they do all they can to avoid coming into the area, especially at night.

Many know friends and family who have been victims of muggings and anti-social behaviour.

Gang warfare

  • Wildbatch Based around the Barnfield Estate, south of Woolwich town centre, Wildbatch are bitter rivals with the WoolyO gang.
  • WoolyO The largest gang in the area, WoolyO is based around Woolwich Dockyard.
  • TG Thought to be allied with the Wildbatch set, TG are based around the Plumstead Common area.
  • GS28 Largely based around the Thamesmead estate, built in the 1960s, they are reportedly allied with WoolyO.
  • SRoad Found on the other side of Woolwich Common, the SRoad gang are based around Shooters Hill Road
  • 04TM The housing estates of Cheery Orchard and Springfield Grove were once home to a group called the Cherry Boys, but are now believed to be the territory of a set called 04TM.

Lesley Baxter, a local housing officer, is one of those people who find the town threatening and believes that more needs to be doing more to tackle local gangs.

“I think it’s a dangerous area now – I only come here when I have work,” she said.

“My husband’s friend was in the park and there were boys that were picking on the elderly. 

“In my day you had police on the streets all the time – but it’s not like that any more.”

Lesley also revealed that a close colleague of hers works in a nearby estate, and spoke about the devastating impact recent incidents have had on the community.

“She’s distraught. The kids around there are distraught,” she added.

“Everybody’s frightened – I’m scared.”

A mother and son stand together outdoors.
Darren Fletcher
Janette Guy, pictured with her son John, thinks the area has changed for the worst[/caption]
Portrait of a young man wearing a black coat and scarf.
Darren Fletcher
Student Timofei Osadcenco has a friend who was robbed on the bus[/caption]

Janette Guy, 53, has lived in Woolwich for decades and has an 18-year-old son who attends a nearby college that recently has seen a number of incidents. 

“I’ve lived here 24 years, and it’s changed a lot – more homeless people, a lot of people hurting people. I kept my son off college for the week, because he found it quite hard to handle.

“I’ve heard a few shootings and that but have been lucky to avoid anything so far, but it needs a lot more work – and a lot more police.”

Timofei Osadcenco, 18, is a student living in the town centre and expressed a similar sentiment.

“One of my friends got robbed on the bus – they took his phone and his wallet.

“The recent stabbing also happened on a bus I use.

“I don’t really feel safe at night. There’s always groups of people drinking, smoking weed.” he added.

There’s a lot of anti-social behaviour on the street, and you never know who you’re going to run into

Artjom Hatsaturjants

“One day, I was sitting over there, and I saw a couple get robbed. A guy ran to them and just nicked their phone and ran away. And that was at 2pm, in broad daylight.”

Artjom Hatsaturjants, 42, has lived in the area for a decade and is also concerned about anti-social behaviour in the town.

“Crime worries me – when my wife comes home late, I’ll pick her up,” he said.

“There’s a lot of anti-social behaviour on the street and you never know who you’re going to run into.”

Crime hotspot

Aside from the high-profile stabbings that have made the news, numerous other brawls and fights involving knives, and sometimes even guns, have happened in Woolwich in the last year.

In September, a man was taken to hospital after a shooting in the middle of the night, only a five minute walk away from the high street.

In June of this year, another man in his 20s was shot on Ogilby Street, also only round the corner from the station.

And in May, a mass brawl on Thomas Street saw three people get stabbed.

Tom Pickering works for XLP, a youth charity that does extensive work around Woolwich and the wider borough of Greenwich.

They have seen first hand how young teens become sucked into a life of crime and violence.

Portrait of a smiling man wearing a black sweatshirt.
supplied
Tom Pickering is from the charity XLP and spoke about the ways in which gangs attempt to groom teenagers[/caption]
XLP mobile youth center bus.
Supplied
The charity use their mobile help centre to reach out to teens in areas around Woolwich[/caption]
Woolwich street scene with shops and pedestrians.
Darren Fletcher
Many locals continue to avoid the town centre at night[/caption]

“At the heart of it, we all crave belonging. And for young people, gangs can feel like a place to belong when everything positive has been stripped away,” he told The Sun.

“Gangs offer an illusion of power, money and protection. But it’s a trap that steals lives.”

Tom also revealed how gangs use the promise of favours to rope teenagers in, leaving them without any option but to commit to the lifestyle.

“They’re spotting what young people need and pretending to offer something that will help that young person.

“They may find someone who’s hungry and go, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll get you chicken and chips today.’

“But then they’ll approach another time and say, right I did that for you – now you owe me. And you get stuck in the cycle of power and debt to the game.”

In a statement, Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Greenwich Council’s Cabinet member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said that “resident safety is our priority and everyone in our borough should be safe and feel safe”.

He added: “As a council we work in partnership with the police, schools, young people and a variety of locally trusted-grassroots organisations on a range of work all year round to tackle the root causes of violence.

“We’ll continue to listen and work with families, young people and the community to prevent future tragedies.”

*Name has been changed

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Cars that are LOSING their value the most including Nissan EV… while popular Dacia among those depreciating the slowest

Collage of three electric cars: a light green Nissan Leaf, a white SUV, and a silver sports car.

A CAR expert has picked out which motors have depreciated the most over the past three years, as well as those that have retained their value the best.

Fresh data from Auto Express, exclusively shared with Sun Motors, indicates that owners of a widely popular, affordable Nissan EV might face significant losses when it comes time to sell.

Blue Porsche Cayman GT4 driving on a road.
Right Light Media
The Porsche Cayman is the car that’s depreciated the slowest over the last 36 months[/caption]
A silver Lotus Eletre electric car on display.
Getty
Among EVs, the Lotus Eletre SUV boasts a percentage of 62.50% of its value after three years[/caption]
White Dacia Duster driving on a city street.
The hugely popular Dacia Duster has also made the list of cars capable of retaining their value
Getty

But it’s great news for those who are lucky enough to have a Porsche 718 Cayman on their driveway, as the much-loved lightweight sports car is the slowest depreciating car, according to the statistics.

The stylish German set of wheels has held 69.64% of its value over three years at £89,350, while the Land Rover Defender 110 is the next slowest depreciating at 68.79%.

And the EV that has held its value the best is the Lotus Eletre SUV, boasting a percentage of 62.50% after 36 months.

The Tesla X and Vauxhall Grandland Electric close in behind on 61.72% and 61.24% respectively.

However, cars depreciating the fastest are a handful of older EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf.

In terms of petrol-powered cars, the Maserati Levante – while stunning – is losing some serious value, holding just 29.13% of its price in the same time period.

However, Auto Express experts say that making the right choices with your wheels can lead to little fear of depreciation.

Their numbers, based on the On The Road price (OTR) of the model, are predicted over a three-year period with 36,000 miles on the clock.

Their analysis shows that the average car on the UK market loses 47.7% of its value over that time.

Naturally, some do a lot worse, while some do significantly better.

The top ten slowest depreciating cars are able to hold around two-thirds of their value, which includes the Cayman.

Slowest depreciating ICE cars

  1. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 – (2016-) £89,350
  2. Land Rover Defender 110 – (2019-) £59,575
  3. Mercedes Benz G Class – (2024-) £132,225
  4. Porsche 911 Coupe – (2019-) £101,050
  5. Bentley Continental Flying Spur – (2019-) £116,625
  6. Toyota Land Cruiser (2024-) – £47,950
  7. Land Rover Discovery Sport – (2023-) £33,675
  8. Dacia Duster – (2024-) £11,875
  9. Mercedes Benz V Class – (2024-) £47,800
  10. Porsche Macan – (2019-) £35,100

Steve Walker, Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, said: “It’s no surprise that the Porsche Cayman GT4 comes out on top as 2025’s best single model for retained value.

“A high-performance Porsche with strictly limited supply, such cars tend to change hands for a premium in the months immediately after the launch so nearly 70 per cent of the new value retained over three years is predictable.

“The popularity of this petrol Cayman among enthusiasts is only enhanced by the fact that the new Cayman, due to be revealed this year, will be electric.”

But low-budget car owners shouldn’t be dismayed, as the highly popular Dacia Duster also made the list of cars that are depreciating slowly.

Indeed, the small SUV – voted Auto Express’ Car of the Year – has an OTR of £18,745 and a part-exchange value after three years of £11,875 – meaning it retained 63.35% of its original value.

Walker added: “Perhaps the bigger surprise at the top of the depreciation tree is the new Dacia Duster.

“The car’s arrived on the UK market offering conspicuously excellent value for money and with the brand’s no-nonsense image boosting desirability, values are propped up extremely well – particularly for the lower spec versions.”

What’s more, despite their reputation for depreciation, a number of EVs have lost less than 40% of their value.

That includes the Lotus Eletre, the Vauxhall Grandland Electric and the VW ID.Buzz.

Slowest depreciating EV cars - EVs

  1. Lotus Eletre – (2023-) – £56,750
  2. Tesla Model X – (2021-) – £68,500
  3. Vauxhall Grandland Electric – (2024-) – £23,575
  4. Volkswagen ID.Buzz – (2022-) – £41,175
  5. Porsche Macan Electric – (2024-) – £41,500
  6. MINI Aceman – (2024-) – £24,025
  7. MG Cyberster – (2024-) – £34,950
  8. Mercedes Benz G Class Electric – (2024-) – £104,225
  9. Maserati Grecale Electric – (2024-) – £56,425
  10. MINI 3Dr Cooper Electric – (2023-) – £22,100

Fastest depreciating cars across all fuels

  1. Nissan Leaf – (2022-) Electric – £7,900
  2. Vauxhall Mokka-e – (2020-) Electric – £11,900
  3. DS Automobiles DS3 E-TENSE – (2022-) Electric – £11,100
  4. Maserati Levante – (2020-) Petrol Turbo – £41,725
  5. Audi A8 – (2021-) Diesel CRD – £29,000
  6. GWM ORA ORA 03 – (2024-) Electric – £9,675
  7. Vauxhall Corsa-e – (2023-) Electric – £9,900
  8. Audi A6 Saloon – (2019-) Diesel CRD – £26,750
  9. Maserati Ghibli – (2020-) Petrol Turbo – £48,975
  10. Jaguar I-PACE – (2023-) Electric – £21,525

Walker said: “A huge amount has been said about electric car depreciation in recent times but while some EVs have proven to be money pits, there are plenty of others with very strong residuals that match their low fuel and maintenance costs.

“Vauxhall’s new Grandland is the 19th-slowest depreciating car in the UK with the EV version outperforming the petrol, tight pricing, sharp design and an EV range well over 400 miles all contributing to that performance.

“The new MINI Cooper Electric is another strong performer trading on its desirability, while Renault’s Scenic E-Tech is another EV family car well-pitched for style, value and efficiency.”

The good news just keeps on ramping up for Dacia as we head into 2025.

The Duster’s label-mate, the small and affordable Sandero, has been named the best-selling car across Europe for another year.

The little model can be picked up brand new for under £15,000 – which is “good news” for penny-pinching drivers in the UK.

According to recently revealed stats, Dacia sold 309,392 units of the Sandero – making it Europe’s best-selling vehicle across all channels.

It also makes it the best-selling vehicle in the European retail market since 2017.

That means it even outsold the Tesla Model Y, which remains the world’s best-seller.

The Sandero is perhaps best known for the fame it found during the height of Top Gear‘s popularity.

A light green Nissan Leaf electric car parked in front of a building.
Getty
The Nissan Leaf tops Auto Express’ list of fastest depreciating cars across all fuel types[/caption]
Close-up of three white Land Rover Defenders.
Getty
The Land Rover Defender 110 came just behind the Cayman though, sticking to 68.79% of its value[/caption]
Opel Grandland Electric SUV on display.
Getty
The Vauxhall Grandland Electric ranks closely behind the Lotus as value-keeping EV 61.24%[/caption]

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Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4: Kluivert scores hat-trick at dad’s old home as brilliant Cherries move a point off the top 4

JUSTIN KLUIVERT produced a sensational display to TREBLE his legendary father Patrick’s St James’ Park goal tally.

And his hat-trick heroics for Bournemouth sent Newcastle crashing down to earth.  

AFC Bournemouth players celebrating a goal.
Reuters
Bournemouth hammered Newcastle at St James Park[/caption]
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United looking dejected on the field.
Getty
Alexander Isak looks on in frustration[/caption]

All the talk beforehand was about Toon chasing a club-record tenth win and Alexander Isak extending his eight-game scoring run.

But it was Andoni Iraola’s brilliant Bournemouth celebrating as man of the match Kluivert’s that-trick extended their record unbeaten run to 11.

The 25-year-old’s father signed for Newcastle in 2004 and scored just once at home in the top-flight during his lone season.

His boy wonder DOUBLED that tally before half time and then secured the matchball with a sensational strike at the death to move his team to within a point of the Magpies.

And despite their past romance, Bournemouth felt like nothing more than an annoying ex to Eddie Howe as the Cherries burst Toon’s ten fantasy to leave him still chasing a first league win over his old flame.

The visitors flew out of the traps and pinned the hosts in their own half from the off and should have taken the lead on four minutes.

David Brooks curled an inswing cross from the right which forced Martin Dubravka to parry away a Dango Ouattara header.

The ball fell perfectly for the onrushing Antoine Semenyo near the penalty spot, only the Ghanaian forward was left with his head in his hands as he blazed over.

Justin Kluivert scoring a goal during a soccer match.
AFP
Kluivert put the Cherries ahead[/caption]
Justin Kluivert of AFC Bournemouth celebrates a goal with a teammate.
Getty
It was a dream day for the forward[/caption]

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Newcastle vs. Bournemouth match stats graphic.

Newcastle resembled a deer in the headlights as they struggled to get a touch and they failed to heed the warning signs.

And by the sixth minute they were duly punished as Semenyo made amends.

He travelled down the left and passed straight into the path of Justin Kluivert to hit a curling strike into the far corner.

The star’s legendary father, Patrick, of course signed for Newcastle in 2004 and scored 13 times for the Magpies.

This was the first time in 20 years and 155 days since a Kluivert had scored in the Premier League at St James’.

The omens were not looking good for the hosts, this being the third time that Howe’s side had conceded at first at home, and they had yet to come back and secure a win.

Buoyed on by their disgruntled crowd, Newcastle did start to see more of the ball but Bournemouth’s aggressive start showed no signs of slowing down.

They were happy to let the Toon have it, but when they won it back, they were causing all sorts of concerns on the counter, especially down the right as they targeted Lewis Hall and Dan Burn.

Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United scoring a goal.
Getty
Bruno Guimaraes got Newcastle back level[/caption]
Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United celebrates scoring a goal.
PA
The game was back on[/caption]

Tino Livramento managed to cut out one attack as the away team looked a threat every time they attacked, while a strike high and wide from Joelinton was all Newcastle could muster. 

Then, midway through the half, it was all level out of nowhere due to some slack marking at a set-piece.

Anthony Gordon’s outswinging corner was cleared out for another, leading to a change of tactics as Hall took responsibility.

The full-back’s inswinger found the unmarked Bruno Guimaraes to head past Kepa, who only managed to get a hand to it, for his second of the season.

The place was rocking now but Newcastle were still struggling to find a way through, while Bournemouth still looked threatening every time they went forward.

Ouattara headed over from Lewis Cook’s cross before they were rewarded for their bravery in an explosive final few seconds of the half.

Guimaraes was at fault this time as he was caught on the ball 30 yards out after a pass from Burn.

Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth scoring a goal during a Premier League match.
Getty
Kluivert put the visitor’s back in front[/caption]
Two AFC Bournemouth soccer players celebrating a goal.
Rex
His scoring form continued[/caption]

Ouattara stole it and drove forward and instead of shooting he slid in Kluivert to drill home across Dubravka.

There was still time for one last chance as a Hall free-kick was only cleared as far as Sandro Tonali, but the Italian’s vicious shot was excellently pushed away by Kepa.

Howe replaced defender Sven Botman with Fabian Schar at the break but the sub’s sloppy passing gifted David Brooks a long-ranger but Dubravka spared his blushes.

The Toon Army’s anger was mounting when Kluivert tripped Guimaraes and that turned to pure fury Outtara stabbed home – but VAR rescued Newcastle as it spotted the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Still, Bournemouth were proving too quick and strong as Dubravka scrambled to prevent Brooks’ backheel from creeping in. 

It took until the 71st minute for Newcastle to register an effort on target in the second half as Burn headed straight at Kepa.

In the closing stages Isak finally had his opportunity – but his 25-yard free-kick straight into the wall summed up Newcastle’s afternoon.

This day belonged to Bournemouth – in particular Kluivert – and he saved the best until last as he curled home from 25 yards for his second hat-trick of the season.

And things got even better when Kieran Trippier stood off Milos Kerkez and allowed the full-back to drill home a fourth.

Justin Kluivert scoring a goal during a soccer match.
Reuters
Kluivert completes his hat-trick[/caption]
Two Bournemouth soccer players celebrating a goal.
Rex
Kluivert celebrates his hat-trick[/caption]
Milos Kerkez scoring a goal during a soccer match.
PA
Milos Kerkez sealed a 4-1 thumping[/caption]
AFC Bournemouth players celebrating a goal.
Reuters
But Kluivert was the man of the moment[/caption]

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Lidl is selling a £20 gadget that gets rid of condensation instantly and stops you from having wet windows every morning

CONDENSATION is a problem millions of people struggle with at this time of the year.

The internet is filled with hacks and tips for clearing windows, but for a quick fix you might want to head down to Lidl.

Lidl supermarket exterior.
Getty
Lidl is selling a gadget to get rid of condesation on your windows[/caption]
Tower cordless window cleaner.
Lidl
The Tower Cordless Window Cleaner is selling for just £19.99[/caption]

The German supermarket is currently selling a gadget that promises to instantly rid your panes of condensation for £20.

The Tower Cordless Window Cleaner promises to ‘give your windows a gleaming shine’ with its powerful suction that can also be used in showers or on tiles.

And there’s no need to worry about buying batteries as the rechargeable battery gives you 30 minutes of uninterrupted use.

Those hoping to get their hands on one will need to be quick as they’ll only be on shelves for a limited time, and as it is currently priced at £19.99 rather than the RRP of £25.99, it is sure to fly off the shelves.

Those who have forked out for the device are quick to sing its praises according to the reviews where it has amassed almost exclusively five star feedback.

One satisfied customer wrote: “It is excellent quality though nice and light and clears the condensation on my windows and bathroom mirror during this damp winter weather.”

A second agreed, adding: “AWESOME!

“I got this to clear condensation off the inside of windows, and it’s really good.”

“Hoovers up moisture easily,” added another.

The gadget will be arriving in the famous Middle Aisle of the store, which contains new offers each week.

But like all Lidl Middle Aisle deals, they’re only available to buy in-store.

And keen shoppers will have to be quick, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Find your closest Lidl store, here.

Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts

IF you’ve ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you’ll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff.

Aldi’s speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals.

It’s all part of Aldi’s plan to be as efficient as possible – and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers.

Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process.

It also uses “shelf-ready” packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.

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