Mirror's Daily Digest - top five stories you need to read tonight

Welcome to the Mirror's Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Royal teams and more. This Thursday, we're taking you inside the heart of the newsroom, with coverage on Vladimir Putin's latest attack which "severely damaged" the British Council offices in Kyiv to the Met Office’s 350-mile rain warning.

We’ve also got an exclusive with Coronation Street star Adam Hussain following his last day on the cobbles, as well as a chat with the funeral director who said claims she left a dead child in a baby bouncer 'watching cartoons' were ridiculous. Our Royal team has been following the latest on Prince Harry, who is set to return to the UK in September.

Vladimir Putin 'severely damages' British Council offices in brutal attack

Our World News team has been working around the clock to cover Vladimir Putin's latest brutal attack, after Russian missiles "severely damaged" the British Council offices in Kyiv overnight. Posting regular updates in a live blog, they reported how harrowing footage shows the strike hitting the education and cultural organisation at Zhylyanska Street in the Ukrainian capital, part ofa huge overnight attack that killed 15, including four children.

Russian sources have alleged that a dozen people were in the British Council building at the time. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned last night's "senseless" attack on Kyiv and accused Putin of "killing children and civilians".

Mr Starmer wrote: "My thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv which have damaged the British Council building. Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end."

Read the full story here.

Coronation Street's Adam Hussan shares reason for exit – and decision by bosses

Meanwhile, our Showbiz team spoke exclusively to Coronation Street star Adam Hussain, who emotionally left the cobbles last night to start a new life inIndia. The actor, who starred as Aadi Alahan, joined the soap in April 2020 as Dev and Sunita’s son, but after five years, Adam says he decided to leave to “spread his wings”. And his brave move has clearly proved to be a good one as Adam reveals today he has already bagged himself a role in a new feature film, overseen by award-winning horror director Richard Stanley.

In his only newspaper interview talking about his departure, the actor, 24, tells theMirror: “My life has changed for the better since I joined Corrie and it has been such an honour to be part of the amazing cast.” He added: “But I am going to be 25 in October, and I felt it was the right time to leave. It was my decision, and the producers were so understanding.

“I want to spread my wings a little, go out in the bigworld and see what else I can do. I am really excited as I’ve got a new role in a horror feature film. I can’t say too much yet, but I am looking forward to it.”

Read the full story here.

Funeral director who 'left dead child in bouncer watching cartoons' speaks out

In an exclusive with our News team, a funeral director says claims she left a dead child in a baby bouncer 'watching cartoons' were ridiculous and says she only ever wanted to help grieving mums.

ABBC investigation accused Amie Upton, 38, of leaving a mum ‘screaming’ and "terrified" after seeing her dead child sat in a baby bouncer. She told of being "terrified" after finding Ms Upton "watching" cartoons with her son's body next to her in a baby bouncer in the living room.

Leeds TeachingHospitals Trust confirmed they had barred Amie, who runs Florrie’s Army, from its mortuaries and maternity wards, in spring this year after "several serious concerns". Talking to TheMirror, Amie, from Leeds, dismissed claims against her as “ridiculous” explaining how she began helping grieving mums after losing her own child following a violent attack.

But Amie broke down in tears and said: “I just wanted to help them. I've had the police in my home several times and the fraud squad going through bank accounts and books. I've had the CID do welfare checks and investigations and have found no wrongdoing.”

Read the full story here.

Prince Harry will return to the UK on anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death

In other news, our Royal team has been covering Prince Harry’s return to the UK in September, which will take place on the third anniversary ofQueen Elizabeth’s death. The Duke of Sussex will attend the WellChild Awards on September 8th, to celebrate the achievements and resilience of seriously ill youngsters and their families. The confirmation of the visit has once again raised the question ifPrince Harry will see his estranged fatherKing Charles orPrince William on his rare trip to the UK.

Discussing Harry’s return, GB News' Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker said: "It's the 8th of September, these awards, which is the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death. So I suspect, it's not been confirmed, but I suspect he may make a trip to Windsor Castle to pay respects at the grave of his grandmother at St George's Chapel for a private visit. I'd be highly surprised if he didn't do that."

Read the full story here.

Met Office issues 350-mile rain warning as Hurricane Erin influences weather

Finally, a yellow weather warning has been issued for rain as a 350-mile wall of downpours is expected across the British Isles, reports our News team. TheMet Office has rolled out the warning for Wales from 8am until 4pm today - with Bridgend, Powys, Swansea and Neath all affected. Anotherwarning is set to take hold for England from 10pm on Thursday until midday the following day. The East of England, South East, South West and London are all forecast to be battered with torrential downpours.

Brits are also being warned to brace for flooding in some areas, with potential power cuts also looming on the horizon as heavy rain pelts the country for a full 14 hours. People are being advised to prepare a flood plan and emergency kit with specific items, and to ensure they are aware if their house is at risk of flooding.

Read the full story here.

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