Multimillion-pound scientific research of a T. rex skeleton will be led by palaeontologists in Portsmouth.

The University of Portsmouth team will be handling the study of Tyrannosaurus rex, Trinity.

The dinosaur owes its name to it consisting of bones from three individuals discovered between 2008 and 2013 in the US.

The Phoebus Foundation bought Trinity for 5.55 million Swiss francs ($6.2m; £5m) at auction last year.

The so-called "Team T. rex" in Portsmouth features anatomist Dr Nizar Ibrahim and his PhD students Megan Jacobs and Stella Angelika Ludwig, along with undergraduate Josephine Pallister and masters student Hamzah Imran.

They will be collecting data on the size and appearance of Trinity's bones, the age of the dinosaurs, and palaeopathologies - ancient evidence of traumatic injuries and disease.

Dr Ibrahim said: "Working on this T. rex is of course something five-year old Nizar would very much approve of and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"For my students, it's obviously an opportunity and experience of a lifetime and I am very happy that they get to use their impressive knowledge of dinosaur anatomy working on this iconic creature."

Many famous dinosaur mounts consist of remains of multiple individuals because most finds are incomplete.

Trinity's skeleton consists of 293 original bones and is approximately 12m (39ft) long and 4m (13ft) at the shoulder.

PhD student Ms Jacobs said: "It's every palaeontologist's dream to work on T. rex. It has to be the most iconic dinosaur going.

"Seeing Trinity for the first time was incredible, just to realise how big these animals actually are."

Trinity will be exhibited in the Aathal Dinosaur Museum in Zürich, Switzerland, until 19 January 2025 - when it is expected to be displayed in several other international museums.

The dinosaur's final destination will be in a permanent exhibition at the Boerentoren in Antwerp.

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The Royal Navy's facility for handling international shipping emergencies has experienced an "unprecedented" increase in reported incidents.

The UK Maritime Trade Organisation control centre at Portsmouth acts as a 999 call centre for ships in distress.

It has seen a near fivefold increase in its calls since Houthi rebels began targeting ships with links to the UK and US in November 2023.

More than 40 ships have been attacked in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) was originally set up in Dubai in 2001 to act as a hub for handling distress calls from international shipping in the Middle East.

It was moved to Portsmouth, Hampshire, in 2014.

The Royal Navy operation now employs a civilian team of 15 watch-keepers and three managers covering calls 24 hours a day from shipping in the southern Red Sea, Bab al Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden.

The civilian handlers take emergency calls from ships' masters from all nationalities, co-ordinate rescue responses and circulate warnings to other shipping.

Lt Cmdr Joanna Black said it dealt with up to seven "very complex" incidents per day.

She said: "We are dealing with missile attacks on merchant shipping, UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] attacks and harassment.

"We also see small boat harassment and possible resurgence of Somali-based piracy and even interference with VHF comms."

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the UKMTO put out 71 warnings and advisories, took part in 40 exercises and drills, handled 27 emergency events such as medical incidents and breakdowns and handled 225,178 emails.

The Red Sea is the fastest sea route between Asia and Europe.

Large shipping firms, including Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk, have diverted vessels to the much longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope and then up the west side of the continent.

Shipping costs have increased after Houthis attacked commercial vessels traveling through the Red Sea following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.

The Iran-backed group said it was targeting ships linked to Israel, the US and the UK in support of Hamas.

The US and the UK responded with air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Darren Longhurst, a watchkeeper who used to serve in the Royal Navy, said: "There's been a couple of hairy moments - obviously you can't physically see it, but when you can hear them in the background when you're talking to the master and everything is going off, the adrenalin starts going then."

Lt Cmdr Black said the team's role was to provide a "clear interface" with ships at sea.

"A lot of the ships masters and security officers we are talking to don't have English as a first language, they are civilians in a very frightening, incredibly stressful situation," she said.

"Our team need to deal with that, much like 999 call operators, to understand and establish the truth and support, reassure and inform those people in distress that help is on its way."

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is much more than just a neighbor of Portland, Maine. The quaint coastal town and its historical cobblestoned streets are home to a booming restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking for a day trip (combine it with a visit to neighboring Kittery to get the most bang for your buck) or for a pit stop on your way north to visit Vacationland, Portsmouth is worth a visit. Here are 15 places to relax and refuel once you get there.

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

This cozy, waterfront bistro uses locally sourced produce and meat, and menu items feature house-made condiments and preserves. A James Beard Award semi-finalist, chef Evan Mallett purchases whole animals to butcher in-house, and recently opened Stock + Spice next door, selling Black Trumpet spices and blends.

This coffee shop has been in business for over twenty years in Portsmouth and has a loyal following. Enjoy the shop’s Middle Eastern vibe with Turkish coffee, cookies, and music piped from overhead.

You’ll be transported to the Mediterranean when you dine at Cava, where the Old-World atmosphere and wine list complement the menu of traditional tapas like patatas bravas and char-grilled baby octopus.

Ceres Bakery, while named for the street of its original location, also honors the Roman goddess of agriculture. Bakers turn the fruits of Ceres’ harvest into breads, cookies, and pastries, and also offer daily selections of soup, salads, and sandwiches.

This small, intimate restaurant is led by Julie Cutting, one of the few female chefs in town. Try the liver pate to start and don’t miss the fan favorite espresso-stout braised short ribs.

Head down a small alley to find this cheery brewery’s tasting room, which serves unusual beer styles with a focus on gruit, the name for brews that feature a bevy of botanicals in place of hops. The food menu is equally eclectic, with pub fare like spicy pickled eggs and alligator jambalaya.

This new French bakery already has visitors raving about the authentic croissants, macarons, and crepes. Enjoy savory selections on house-made baguettes or crepes, as well as a wine list and charcuterie plate specials offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.

The restaurant downstairs is thoroughly classic Italian, comforting in its familiarity. The more casual Upstairs at Massimo’s offers small plates, charcuterie, and a small selection of entrees.

Sample hackleback caviar, wagyu gyoza, and half a dozen sushi rolls at this new Japanese spot in the boutique Hotel Thaxter. The food is worth the visit but the craft cocktails and midcentury interior design lend themselves just as well to a happy hour meetup.

This cozy wine bar offers the charm of a neighborhood restaurant and the innovative cuisine of an urban hotspot. Guests can dine a la carte off the dinner menu or enjoy a four course tasting experience from executive chef Jeremy Glover.

Stop into Street for a taste of global fare without having to dust off your passport. This casual eatery offers small plates of street food from around the world, like pozole, sticky rice bowls, and Korean fried chicken.

Head down to the waterfront for fresh local seafood with a view at Surf. Styles of cuisine run the gamut, but they all showcase Seacoast-caught seafood where possible. Pop into Surf Sushi Bar next door for even more fresh fish.

From Matt Louis — also the chef/owner at local favorite, Moxy’s — this raw bar offers a bounty of New England oysters, as well as some from Canada and Washington. Don’t miss the house-made charcuterie or Happy Hour, Tuesday-Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., when select oysters are $2 a pop.

The Wilder kicks comfort cuisine up a notch with staples of truffle and duck fat cheddar popcorn and kimchi aioli potatoes. The rotating craft cocktail list features unexpected ingredients like African bird’s eye chili and plum-infused Japanese whiskey, and the late-night eats menu is available until midnight, a rarity in town.

This jaunty cantina’s owners take pride in serving locally grown and organic produce where possible, and even make their own tortillas using local heirloom corn. And you can thank chef/owner David Vargas’s wife Erika — a farmer and native Granite Stater — for the inspiration for the thoughtful vegan offerings.

This cozy, waterfront bistro uses locally sourced produce and meat, and menu items feature house-made condiments and preserves. A James Beard Award semi-finalist, chef Evan Mallett purchases whole animals to butcher in-house, and recently opened Stock + Spice next door, selling Black Trumpet spices and blends.

This coffee shop has been in business for over twenty years in Portsmouth and has a loyal following. Enjoy the shop’s Middle Eastern vibe with Turkish coffee, cookies, and music piped from overhead.

You’ll be transported to the Mediterranean when you dine at Cava, where the Old-World atmosphere and wine list complement the menu of traditional tapas like patatas bravas and char-grilled baby octopus.

Ceres Bakery, while named for the street of its original location, also honors the Roman goddess of agriculture. Bakers turn the fruits of Ceres’ harvest into breads, cookies, and pastries, and also offer daily selections of soup, salads, and sandwiches.

This small, intimate restaurant is led by Julie Cutting, one of the few female chefs in town. Try the liver pate to start and don’t miss the fan favorite espresso-stout braised short ribs.

Head down a small alley to find this cheery brewery’s tasting room, which serves unusual beer styles with a focus on gruit, the name for brews that feature a bevy of botanicals in place of hops. The food menu is equally eclectic, with pub fare like spicy pickled eggs and alligator jambalaya.

This new French bakery already has visitors raving about the authentic croissants, macarons, and crepes. Enjoy savory selections on house-made baguettes or crepes, as well as a wine list and charcuterie plate specials offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.

The restaurant downstairs is thoroughly classic Italian, comforting in its familiarity. The more casual Upstairs at Massimo’s offers small plates, charcuterie, and a small selection of entrees.

Sample hackleback caviar, wagyu gyoza, and half a dozen sushi rolls at this new Japanese spot in the boutique Hotel Thaxter. The food is worth the visit but the craft cocktails and midcentury interior design lend themselves just as well to a happy hour meetup.

This cozy wine bar offers the charm of a neighborhood restaurant and the innovative cuisine of an urban hotspot. Guests can dine a la carte off the dinner menu or enjoy a four course tasting experience from executive chef Jeremy Glover.

Stop into Street for a taste of global fare without having to dust off your passport. This casual eatery offers small plates of street food from around the world, like pozole, sticky rice bowls, and Korean fried chicken.

Head down to the waterfront for fresh local seafood with a view at Surf. Styles of cuisine run the gamut, but they all showcase Seacoast-caught seafood where possible. Pop into Surf Sushi Bar next door for even more fresh fish.

From Matt Louis — also the chef/owner at local favorite, Moxy’s — this raw bar offers a bounty of New England oysters, as well as some from Canada and Washington. Don’t miss the house-made charcuterie or Happy Hour, Tuesday-Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., when select oysters are $2 a pop.

The Wilder kicks comfort cuisine up a notch with staples of truffle and duck fat cheddar popcorn and kimchi aioli potatoes. The rotating craft cocktail list features unexpected ingredients like African bird’s eye chili and plum-infused Japanese whiskey, and the late-night eats menu is available until midnight, a rarity in town.

This jaunty cantina’s owners take pride in serving locally grown and organic produce where possible, and even make their own tortillas using local heirloom corn. And you can thank chef/owner David Vargas’s wife Erika — a farmer and native Granite Stater — for the inspiration for the thoughtful vegan offerings.

By Toby Paine

Local Democracy Reporting Service

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has "serious national security concerns" over a proposed electricity link between England and France.

Aquind Ltd wants to lay cables through Portsmouth, Hampshire, to Normandy.

The MoD submitted a letter to the planning inspectorate after a delay in the project's planning decision was announced in January.

An Aquind spokesperson said the company was "keen" to address the concerns "in good faith".

The verdict now rests with Claire Coutinho, the secretary of state of energy security and net zero.

In its letter, the MoD stressed the need for further collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to address its concerns in a manner consistent with their "sensitive nature".

It asked the government department to clarify the proposed process and allow both the MoD and Aquind to provide feedback, along with a six-week extension to prepare representations.

The MoD expressed reluctance to engage with Aquind recently due to the absence of an agreed process "which affords appropriate protection to MoD's concerns".

It added that it would keep this situation "under review" as it develops its evidence.

Aquind is part-owned by Russian-born former oil executive Victor Fedotov.

In October 2021, the BBC's Panorama programme revealed how some of Mr Fedotov's other companies, which made donations to Conservative MPs, had profited from a pipeline deal in Russia.

In 2023, the government's decision to refuse permission for the 拢1.2bn link was overturned in the High Court.

Aquind spokesperson Ben Iorio said it was disappointing that the "alleged concerns" were not outlined.

He said: "The manner of the MoD's last-minute interference will have negative impacts on all proposed developments and marine users in and around Portsmouth, including renewable energy, interconnectors, fisheries and many others."

He added that the company "remain ready and willing" to address the MoD's planning-related questions.

This article was updated on 26 March 2024 to make it clear Panorama revealed how some of Mr Fedotov's companies had profited from a pipeline deal in Russia, rather than revealing his part ownership of Aquind, which was reported by The Times in 2020.

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