A new survey by Expatriate Consultancy has named the most dangerous city in Europe, and it may be closer than you think.
The survey aims to help those looking to move abroad and is based on the data from Numbeo's crime index.
The index, which is published twice a year, focuses on increases in crime across certain areas as well as issues such as theft, robberies and assault.
Taking into account a range of factors, each city across the world is then given a crime index value, with a figure of 20 or less meaning a low rate of crime.
Image: Unsplash
According to the survey, the most dangerous city in Europe is Bradford, which also makes it the 26th most dangerous city in the world.
Bradford in West Yorkshire came up trumps with a whopping crime index score of 71.24, closely followed by the city of Coventry in the West Midlands which scored 68.35.
Both cities are seen to have relatively high crime rates compared to others across the UK.
Statistics show that the overall rate for Bradford in 2021 was 146 crimes per 1,000 people, the most common being sexual offences and violence. Coventry's rate was 102 crimes per 1,000 people in the same year.
Image: Getty
But the credibility of the survey has been questioned, seeing as other UK cities show much higher crime rates such as Birmingham which had a rate of nearly 137 crimes per 1,000 people in 2021.
Chief superintendent Rob McCoubrey, Bradford's District Commander told Express.co.uk: "West Yorkshire Police do not recognise this data and do not accept how any methodology can provide a credible comparison across continents, countries, and cities."
"Bradford is a safe place to live, work and visit. Like any city where deprivation and poverty exist there are of course challenges."
Tributes have been pouring in after it was announced that the founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s has sadly died.
Shabir Hussain opened the first Akbar’s restaurant over in Bradford all the way back in 1995, before later expanding to several other major Northern cities including Leeds , Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Manchester.
The restaurant founder’s death was announced by the company on social media this morning.
The statement sharing the sad news of his passing at the age of 56 on the official Akbar’s Instagram account reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group.
“Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement of his death, Akbar’s said all its restaurants – including the one in Manchester city centre – would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as a result while staff pay their respects.
“All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm,” the official statement concluded.
Since the news was publicly shared this morning, dozens of people have taken to the comments of the official Instagram post to pay tribute, share their condolences, and offer their support – with one reading: “A truly kind and generous man, and a very very sad loss indeed,” and another reading: “Heartbreaking to hear this beautiful gentleman is no more, but his legacy is forever.”
Another person wrote in tribute: “A huge loss. What an incredible legacy [he is] leaving behind.”
“So sad to hear this. Thank you for creating the finest lamb chops and curries,” another tribute reads, while someone else added: “So many good memories at Akbar’s, and always had a good laugh with brother Shabir. Will truly be missed.”
David Hockney launches drawing competition for Bradford City of Culture 2025
Clementine Hall
A nationwide drawing competition backed by artist David Hockney has been unveiled as part of UK City of Culture 2025.
The event is just one of many that will take place in Bradford over the course of 2025, including the acclaimed Turner Prize and an outdoor event helmed by Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo.
And it doesn't stop there, to celebrate literature there will be a series of tributes to the Brontë sisters who were born in Thornton, Yorkshire.
A number of music events will also be held, including a brass band celebration of Bradford and its South Asian community.
It starts here. We are Bradford. We are the UK City of Culture 2025. Check out the first part of our programme now ?
David Hockney, widely thought of as Britain's greatest living artist, was born in Bradford in 1937. He is inviting people of all ages across the country to take part in his project to "reflect our everyday lives".
Dynamo, the world famous magician, will perform his new show Rise, which is based on the story of his grandfather teaching him magic tricks in the city.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “The UK is invited to Bradford in 2025. Not only will audiences want to be celebrating everything that makes Bradford great, but it’ll also be a part of the change for this vibrant city and district.”
Image: Bradford City of Culture
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “This celebration of talent born and bred in the city will help to get more people of all ages and backgrounds involved in cultural events, creating good jobs and opportunities for young people.”
Bradford City of Culture 2025 will kick off in January and aims to bring the cultural wonders of Yorkshire to the UK public whilst bringing much needed funding to the city.
Clementine Hall -
19th August 2022 
