BBC News Briefing

10 July, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. Witnesses have spoken to the BBC about the "frightening" speed of a wildfire in Spain. We bring you what you need to know about a murder investigation that has been launched following the death of a former UK politician. And finally, why not have a go at our quiz of the week?

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Witnesses describe fleeing 'unbelievably quick' Spain wildfire

A fire burns across a hillside in pain. Lots of orange flames and black smoke can be seen. In the foreground some small white buildings and the cabs of lorries can be seen.

Officials said it appeared that an electricity pole fell in woodland and sparked a blaze. Credit: Reuters

The devastation caused by a wildfire that has killed at least 12 people in Spain has been likened to "a bomb" falling on the municipality, the local mayor has said. Emergency workers have been battling to contain the blaze in the Los Gallardos area of Almería since it started on Thursday. Lucinda Curtois was in Bédar, close to where the fire broke out, on holiday with her family when they spotted smoke. "Within 15 minutes there was a tiny bit of haze, to black smoke, to flames," she told the BBC. "It was really frightening and unbelievably quick." The family evacuated to a hotel about half an hour away, but said some friends who had set off walking were currently missing. Twenty-three people are unaccounted for.

Eyewitness reports

Ex-MP found dead at home

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former Conservative minister Ann Widdicombe was found dead in her home on Thursday. Police said the 78-year-old, who in recent years became a spokesperson for Reform UK, had suffered serious injuries.

What we know so far

GET UP TO SPEED

A number of people stand along a road next to a beach. Many of them are taking photos of a large wave.

East Asia braces for destructive typhoon

At least 15 people have been killed by landslides in the Philippines, triggered by rains from the deadly storm.

Read more >

A number of people stand behind microphones. They appear sad and are holding photos of a man

Man fatally shot by ICE 'was not intended target'

Immigration agents were looking for a different person when they shot the man after stopping his vehicle, officials said.

What happened >

A Ryanair plane is shown flying through a blue sky. The plan is white, with a dark blue tail and underside and says 'Ryanair' down its side in dark blue.

Man 'nearly sucked out of window mid-air on plane'

The man's wife held onto his legs for around five minutes to stop him from being sucked out, hospital officials said.

What we know >

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has long, curly, brown hair and is covered in blue patterned tattoos. He is wearing a grass skirt and rocks can be seen behind him.

Disney's 'dismal' live-action Moana panned by critics

One critic called the film "a waste of everyone's time and talent", although others have been more complimentary.

What reviews said >

NEWS FROM THE UK

South Africa: Police said they have arrested a man in connection with the triple murder of a woman and her two children in the UK.

Royals: King Charles has met his grandchildren Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie for the first time in four years, during a visit by Harry and Meghan.

Cold case: How an undercover police sting solved a 1984 murder and sent to prison two brothers who attacked men they believed to be gay.

AT THE SCENE

Beijing, China

Will China dominate world's robotaxi market?

A black people carrier van is driving along a road. Blurred trees can be seen behind it, suggesting it is moving at speed. The vehicle is black but has white patterning on it, a QR code and turquoise writing in Chinese and underneath that the word 'Robotaxi' and a blue circle

Robotaxis are being tested in several Chinese cities.

China is the world's largest producer of electric vehicles, and this is giving its companies developing self-driving cars a big head start. Autonomous vehicles rely on many of the same batteries, sensors, chips and onboard computers as electric cars and because these supply chains already exist, firms can develop technology faster and at a lower cost. So, is China about to turn robotaxis into another sector it dominates globally?

Suranjana Tewari, Asia business correspondent

In Beijing's Yizhuang district, driverless vehicles have become a common sight. Robotaxis weave through traffic alongside ordinary cars, while autonomous delivery vans glide along the inside lane as they carry packages to collection points. The district has become one of China's testing grounds for autonomous driving, with different companies operating commercial robotaxi services within designated a