A commuter fell through the gap between a train and the platform on the London Underground before being trapped and crushed to death, an investigation has found. He was unable to free himself from and was trapped for more than a minute before being crushed by the departing train. Train despatch on the Bakerloo line platforms at Waterloo was undertaken by the train operator using a closed-circuit television system to view the side of the train alongside the platform. Passenger levels on the Underground on May 26 2020 were 9% of the equivalent day in 2019, according to data from the Department of Transport (DfT). With only his head and arm above platform level, the passenger was difficult to detect on the despatch monitors, and was not seen by the train operator. He then lay ‘motionless’ for a further minute and a half before being hit by a second train entering the station. The investigation concluded that London Underground was not able to identify or provide detailed assessment of all factors, such as curved platforms, that contributed to risks of accidents at certain Tube stations. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said the man had not been spotted by Tube staff and lay on the tracks at Waterloo for more than a minute before being hit by a second train. The RAIB report said that, due to the man’s position on the tracks, he was ‘difficult’ to detect on despatch monitors and was not seen by train operators. It said: ‘The accident occurred when there were no staff or other members of public nearby to assist the fallen passenger. The RAIB recommended that ongoing evaluation of existing safety measures be undertaken at stations as well as ‘periodic’ risk assessments for individual locations. The accident happened on May 26, 2020, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when no other members of the public were present to help.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand.
Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. So she decided to make her own. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners.