UK News — Evening Digest — 2026-09-30

Grooming gangs inquiry expanded to Birmingham and Wales

A national independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, chaired by former children's commissioner Anne Longfield, will conduct targeted investigations in Birmingham and Wales. The inquiry has powers to compel witnesses and obtain documents to examine what individuals and agencies did or did not do to protect children from sexual abuse.

• Inquiry chaired by former children's commissioner Anne Longfield
• Will investigate offending in Birmingham and Wales
• Has power to compel witnesses and obtain documents
• Will examine failures by individuals and agencies to protect children

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian

Teens who died in car that entered river named

Three teenagers—Jackson Duke, Luke Etheridge, and Zara Shaw—died after the car they were in entered the River Wear. Their names have been released by authorities.

• Jackson Duke, Luke Etheridge, and Zara Shaw identified as victims.
• Car entered the River Wear.
• No further details provided in the report.

Source: BBC News

Article provides only names and basic circumstance; no details on cause, date, or location beyond river name.