Watch: Girl describes finding rare Mexican axolotl in Wales

A 10-year-old girl from Leicester, Evie, recounts discovering a rare Mexican axolotl during a family trip to Wales, sharing details of the encounter with the BBC. The amphibian, a critically endangered species, was found in the shallows of the River Ogmore in Bridgend, marking the first documented wild sighting in the UK. Experts estimate only 50 to 1,000 axolotls remain globally, making this discovery significant.

Evie’s family decided to cut their holiday short to return the creature to their home, naming it Dippy in honor of its origin. “I think it’s a really nice change to the family,” Evie said, reflecting on the experience. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, noted that Dippy’s capture implied its previous owner had released it due to a “change in circumstances.”

Political Developments

Lord Mandelson was released pending further investigation by the Metropolitan Police, hours after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was taken to a Norfolk police station for questioning on February 19. He spent the day at the station before being freed under investigation. Reports show he was seen leaving Aylsham police station in the evening.

Crowds and media gathered at a London Fashion Week event attended by the King, shortly after the arrest of his brother. Unmarked police vehicles were also spotted arriving at Sandringham Estate, where Andrew has been residing. Jonathan Dimbleby, a BBC Newsnight presenter, remarked that the King will “feel the pain” of the scandal involving his sibling.

Other News Highlights

A jury reviewed footage of a cargo ship colliding with an oil tanker, resulting in an explosion and the death of a crew member. Queen Camilla praised the bravery of John and Amy Hunt, whose family was killed last year, highlighting their contributions to public libraries. Richard Davies and Faye Stevenson-Davies, a couple from 2018, have once again won the lottery after overcoming odds.

The car, famously associated with James Bond, had deteriorated to the point where children used it as a play area. After restoration, it now holds a value of £1 million. Meanwhile, the head of Britain’s overseas spy agency has raised concerns about interconnected security threats. A BBC segment on Thursday was interrupted when news broke about an illegal worker network linked to Kardos Mateen.

King Charles III honored the nation’s war dead by laying a wreath at a central London monument. The monarch also delivered a Christmas message urging global unity in a fractured world. The ice-skating duo, renowned for their 1984 Olympic triumph, have been recognized with an MBE for their service to public libraries.