Poplar Stabbing: Men Arrested For Murder

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found stabbed in the back in the street.

The victim, believed to be aged in his early 30s, was found in Poplar in east London shortly after 10pm on Friday and died in hospital a short time later, the Metropolitan Police said.

"Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder," a Scotland Yard spokesman said. "They have been taken to east London police stations."

He said officers believe they know the identity of the dead man, who was found in Simpsons Road at the junction with Poplar High Street, but have yet to formally identify him.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Michael Cope Held For Murder Of Linzi Ashton

Wanted man Michael Cope has been arrested in Manchester on suspicion of murdering his ex-girlfriend Linzi Ashton.

A statement released by Greater Manchester Police, said: "A man has been arrested following the death of Linzi Ashton, who was killed last month in Salford.

"At about 11.55pm on Friday 26 July 2013, police were called to an address on Larch Road in Leigh following a report a wanted man was at the address.

"Armed officers attended and a 28-year-old man handed himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody for questioning".

Police released this CCTV image of Cope at a supermarket in Wigan

Linzi, a mother-of-two, was found dead at her home on Westbourne Road, Winton by relatives shortly before 6pm on Saturday 29 June 2013.

A Home Office post-mortem concluded she died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries.

Cope had a brief "acrimonious" relationship with Miss Ashton, 25, who had two daughters, Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two.

In a statement issued shortly after Miss Ashton's death, her family said: "She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet. She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family.

"Life will never be the same again without her. Our whole family and friends have been devastated by her death. The whole community is in shock."

As part of the manhunt, police searched more than 30 addresses and two men have been charged, one with perverting the course of justice and the other with assisting an offender.

Cope, who is from Salford, had been known to make visits in and around the town centre of Leigh.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Oxford Shooting: Woman In Serious Condition

A woman is in a serious condition in hospital in Oxford after being shot in the early hours of this morning.

Paramedics were called to Crowberry Road, in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford by Thames Valley Police officers at 5.15am today, South Central Ambulance Service said.

The "middle-aged" woman was taken to the city's John Radcliffe Hospital with "serious but not life-threatening" injuries, an ambulance service spokesman said.

A 21-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the shooting, Thames Valley Police said.

Two other men, aged 26 and 40 and also from the city, have been arrested on suspicion of affray. All three are in custody.

The victim, who is in her 40s, is in a stable condition in hospital, a force spokesman said.

South Central Ambulance spokesman James Keating-Wilkes said she was "concious and breathing".

Detective Inspector John Turner, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would like to reassure the local community that incidents such as these are extremely rare.

"Police officers and PCSOs will be undertaking extra patrols in the area to provide a reassurance to the community of Blackbird Leys.

"I would urge anyone with any information about the incident to contact the police immediately."

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Microsoft Introduces UK Child Abuse Warning

Microsoft has introduced the UK's first pop-up facility activated by anyone searching the Internet for child abuse images.

The Bing notification platform is intended to help stop anyone who may be drifting towards finding illegal content on the Internet through search engines.

When a search term is typed into Bing which indicates users are interested in child abuse images, an on-screen notification will be activated.

Warning: the screen that will greet users who search for abuse images

As well as warning users that child abuse images are illegal, the pop-up will link to the Stopitnow.org website which provides counselling for people addicted to looking at abuse images.

In a statement, Microsoft said: "Microsoft remain a strong proponent of proactive action by the technology industry in the fight against child exploitation. 

"The Bing Notification Platform is just one way Microsoft is working to tackle the scourge of online child abuse content.

David Cameron has threatened tough new laws on internet service providers

"In addition, we have teams dedicated globally to abuse reporting on our services and the development of new innovations to combat child exploitation more broadly".

The Bing Notification Platform is triggered by search terms on a list provided by the The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), Microsoft said.

Andy Baker, CEOP's deputy chief executive, welcomed the creation of the device but said it was the first step towards blocking access to the illegal images and videos, and protect children.

He called on the industry to "take ownership" of the problem.

"While the Bing project isn't the whole solution, I hope it goes some way to making those who are curious about searching for indecent images think again," he said.

Research by Experian last December showed that Bing had a 4.99% share of the UK search engine market, which is dominated by Google and its 88.3% market share.

Microsoft's PhotoDNA technology is already widely used by Internet service providers and police to help prevent the proliferation of "some of the worst" illegal images online and to identify and rescue victims.

The move comes after David Cameron this week threatened to impose tough new laws on internet giants if they fail to blacklist key search terms for abuse images by October as part a crackdown on online porn.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

First London 2012 Olympic Venue Opens To Public

By Ian Woods, Senior News Correspondent

The first venue to be built and used in the London Olympics has opened its doors to members of the public.

The Copperbox Arena staged Olympic handball, the modern pentathlon and fencing as well as the Paralympics goalball.

It will now be used by clubs and individuals, as well as hosting London Lions basketball matches, and concerts.

Twelve months ago Roger Littlewood was one of the Olympic gamesmakers, one of the thousands of volunteers who assisted spectators.

But during his job he saw Olympic handball for the first time and decided to take up the sport. 

Now he finds himself sharing the same arena as a member of the London GD Handball Club.

Chinese Paralympians block a shot during the gold medal final last year

He said: "It's quite surreal actually.

"Probably the last handball players who were playing here were professionals during the group stages of the Olympics, so playing on here is a little bit strange, but a lot of fun."

Suzie Ogilvy is also a member of the club, inspired to take up the event by what she saw on TV.

She said: "I quite like fast sports and it's fast paced and it just looked very, very high tempo, so that's the sort of thing that I really enjoy.

"It's absolutely fantastic. I feel quite privileged to be playing here and having that opportunity."

Many of those taking part in netball, badminton and wheelchair basketball were youngsters who are encouraged to play sport at school. 

But sports administrators are also trying to target adults who have been idle for years.

Corinna Gage had drifted out of sport after leaving university, but has now joined Leyton Netball Club.

She said: "Probably just laziness really. I kind of got out of the habit of playing sport.

"I used to be a really keen netball and tennis player, and then just coming to watch that basketball match just got me out of the house really."

Measuring the extent of the Olympic legacy and feel good factor can be imprecise, other than recording the numbers participating.

Tony Wallace is the manager of the Cooperbox Arena and told Sky News: "We run leisure centres across London and we are seeing increased participation in a number of sports.

"Basketball, badminton, volleyball, netball - so we've got real evidence of people coming through our doors, and more school use as well which is great news."

The Copperbox was busy, and crowds were heading to the athletics event in the stadium, but most of the rest of the Olympic Park is still off limits to the public. 

And it will be 2016 before West Ham United kick off their tenancy.

After this weekend's Anniversary Games, the stadium is not due to be used again until the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

And we will have to wait until spring next year for the aquatics centre and the velodrome to be opened for public use. 2014 will also see the first permanent residents moving into the former athletes village.

Shaun Lawson, the chief executive of Lea Valley Regional Park which will run the Velo Park as well as the hockey and tennis centres, said: "It's always been planned to open the park in stages.

"There's a lot of transformation work to be done to to transform the park from its Olympic to Legacy mode.

"And there's still a lot of work to be done in the north of the park where the velodrome is around access to make sure the road system is in place.

"So by next March it will be ready and open and we're very excited by that."

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Equitable Life Victims 'May Get No Payouts'

More than 200,000 victims of the collapse of Equitable Life may miss out on compensation payments because of failings in a government scheme, a scathing report by MPs has warned.

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee accused the Treasury of adopting an "arbitrary" target of March 2014 to close the compensation scheme.

The Westminster spending watchdog urged the Treasury to take urgent action to track down as many former policyholders of the failed insurer as possible before the deadline passes.

"It is completely unacceptable that more than 10 years after the collapse of Equitable Life so many victims still have not received the compensation they are entitled to," Committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge said.

"Hundreds of thousands of conscientious savers are losing out because of the Treasury's failure to get a grip on the payment scheme."

Mrs Hodge also said she was "stunned" to learn that the Treasury destroyed details and addresses of 353,000 policyholders on data protection grounds.

After a decade-long battle by Equitable savers, the Treasury announced shortly after the coalition Government took office in 2010 that it would compensate up to 1.5 million policyholders.

Mrs Hodge slammed the compensation scheme

Chancellor George Osborne capped total payments at £1.5bn in his spending review later that year.

But the report found that the Government "failed to learn the lessons" from previous schemes, such as those for former miners and Icelandic trawlermen.

The Treasury focused on an arbitrary deadline of June 2011 for making the first payments, at the expense of planning properly for how the scheme would be administered, said the report.

A "lack of good planning" led to "unacceptable delays" in payments, with only £168m paid out by March 2012, rather than the expected £500m.

By the end of March this year, some £577m had been paid out to 407,000 policyholders, with a further 664,200 payments totalling £370m due to be made by the time the scheme winds up in March 2014.

But the Treasury estimates that it may not be able to trace some 17%-20% of policyholders - between 200,000 and 236,000 people eligible for payments - by that date.

And ministers are not planning to publicise the closure of the scheme until September, which provides little time for applications to be submitted by these savers, many of whom are elderly.

Urging ministers and the government agency National Savings & Investment (NS&I) to bring forward the publicity campaign, the cross-party committee said it was "concerned" that some policyholders will miss out.

"With less than a year to go before the scheme closes in March 2014, the Treasury still has 664,200 payments worth £370m left to make," Mrs Hodge said.

"Unless the Treasury and its administrator, NS&I, get their act together there is a real risk that large numbers of policyholders will miss out."

A Treasury source said: "While Labour did absolutely nothing about the Equitable Life scandal for a decade, this Government has allocated up to £1.5bn to help people who suffered a great injustice, with tens of thousands of policyholders receiving around £700m in payments since 2011.

"We make no apology for starting to get payments out the door a year after the Coalition was formed.

"We do not agree that the Government has failed to get a grip on the planning or delivery of this important work.

"We continue to monitor the progress of the Equitable Life Payment Scheme very closely and are working hard to maximise the numbers of people who will eventually receive payments.

"Instead of scaremongering, the Labour chairman of this committee should explain why her party shamefully did absolutely nothing about this scandal for a decade."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daniel Pelka Jury Told To Avoid Emotion

By Lisa Dowd, Midlands Correspondent

A judge has told a jury they must decide whether a mother and stepfather are "jointly and criminally responsible" for the death of four-year-old Daniel Pelka.

Mrs Justice Cox reminded jurors at Birmingham Crown Court that Magdelena Luczak and Mariusz Krezolek are accused of "strangling him, beating him, forcing him to consume salt, holding him under water and confining him in a box room".

In the eighth week of the trial, she said there was "no dispute" that Daniel "died as a result of a significant traumatic injury to his head ... resulting in brain damage which rendered him unconscious and killed him".

But the judge said jurors must decide whether the couple were both "jointly and criminally responsible for his death".

Summing up the case, she told the jury that both defendants deny responsibility for the fatal blow and taking part in a "campaign of cruelty" against Daniel, and that "each points the finger of blame at each other".

Magdelena Luczak and Mariusz Krezolek deny murder

She said Krezolek claimed Luczak was the "violent, controlling and aggressive" one because she could not cope with her son's behaviour.

He claims he "reluctantly" punished the boy because Luczak said it was the job of "the man of the house", the judge said.

She said Luczak argued it was Krezolek who "slapped Daniel twice on Daniel's head" before he died.

She admits she was present, but denies being "jointly responsible", the judge said.

Mrs Justice Cox told the jury that Luczak, in her evidence, claimed she had intervened to stop the assault but was "subjected to violence" by Krezolek.

The judge told jurors to consider the case "calmly and objectively" and "not let emotion or sympathy for Daniel cloud your approach to the evidence in this case".

She said the prosecution must make the jury "sure of guilt" and if they were not sure "the verdict must be not guilty".

Luczak and Krezolek admit cruelty but deny Daniel's murder and causing or allowing his death in Coventry in March last year.

The judge is due to continue summing up the case next week.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Norman Bettison Faces Lawrence Probe

Sir Norman Bettison is to be investigated over claims he tried to influence the way a witness gave evidence at the public inquiry following the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said police systems may have been misused and that it would investigate whether commissioning a report on the witness to the Macpherson Inquiry was racially motivated.

The witness was not a member of the Lawrence family.

Part of the investigation into Sir Norman, a former chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, will involve whether or not racism played any part in the decision-making.

IPCC deputy chairwoman Deborah Glass said there was "an indication of misuse of police information systems and unlawful processing of the witness's (sensitive) personal data by all involved".

She added: "This matter therefore requires investigation.

"It does not form part of Operation Herne and is clearly separate from it.

"Given the considerable public interest in this matter and the potential damage to public confidence in allegations of inappropriate surveillance or intelligence-gathering, I have decided this should be independently investigated by the IPCC.

"The investigation should also consider whether the tasking was motivated or influenced by racial discrimination. "

The IPCC also said that former undercover officer Peter Francis, who has claimed Metropolitan Police officers were told to look for information to smear the Lawrence family, has yet to respond to the watchdog's request to speak to him.

He has already refused to speak to Chief Constable Mick Creedon, who is leading Operation Herne, a police investigation into the activities of officers from Scotland Yard's Special Demonstration Squad.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stuart Hall Has Prison Sentence Doubled

Disgraced former broadcaster Stuart Hall's 15-month jail sentence for sex offences has been doubled to 30 months by Court of Appeal judges.

At the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge said Hall "got away with it" for decades and had "lived a lie for more than half of his life".

Attorney General Dominic Grieve had earlier told the packed courtroom: "The total sentence of 15 months' imprisonment ... failed adequately to reflect the gravity of the totality of the offences, and the public concern about offences of this nature.

Dominic Grieve argued Hall's sentence did not reflect public concern

"Some of the sentences should have been made to run consecutively, so that the total sentence passed reflected the culpability of the offender, the harm caused and to deter others."

After the verdict, Mr Grieve said: "I asked the court to consider the multiple offending by Stuart Hall over a prolonged period of time which involved numerous victims.

"I also asked that the court take into account the breaches of trust in this case - Hall carried out some of these offences in places where the victims were entitled to feel safe, he used his celebrity status to invite them to attend the BBC, and he also displayed an element of planning and premeditation".

Hall, 83, who appeared in court via video link, was convicted of sexually assaulting several girls the youngest of whom was nine. The former It's A Knockout presenter was sentenced to 15-months in June.

Hall's QC Crispin Aylett had argued there was "nothing wrong" with the sentence imposed. He told the court: "If the object was to see this man punished, disgraced and financially ruined then all of that has been more than achieved."

The former broadcaster was jailed in June for sexual assault

The former broadcaster, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, admitted 14 counts of indecent assault between 1967 and 1987.

Hall directly exploited his role as a popular BBC presenter to target four of his victims, while he assaulted another four on the pretence of giving elocution lessons to them at his home.

Before entering his guilty plea in April, he had made a public pronouncement on the steps of a court, describing all the claims against him as "cruel, pernicious and spurious".

Hall was arrested and subsequently charged on December 5 last year with indecently assaulting three young girls.

More women came forward as a result of publicity and he was rearrested before he later admitted sexual offences relating to 13 victims.

Judge Russell told Hall: "Several of these cases reveal an abuse of the trust placed in you by the parents of these children but all of them reveal an abuse of power by you because your status gave you an influence and standing which you abused."

The judge said Hall would have received 20 months after a trial but he reduced the sentence to reflect his guilty pleas.

At Hall's original sentencing, Mr Aylett said that 27 years had passed since the last offence and the presenter had led an "unblemished" life over those years.

The length of the jail term was immediately criticised as "unduly lenient" by shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry.

Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party, also added to calls for the sentence to be referred.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sasha Marsden: Barman Guilty Of Teen's Murder

By Frazer Maude, Sky News Reporter

A barman has been found guilty of killing teenager Sasha Marsden, whose partially burned body was found in a Blackpool alleyway.

David Minto, described by police as "cold, callous and evil", sexually assaulted the youngster before stabbing her 58 times with a kitchen knife.

She suffered such serious injuries that her body, which was found wrapped in carpet underlay and bin liners, had to be identified using DNA from her toothbrush.

Sasha was just 16 years old and had been studying childcare at a local college.

However, her plan to take up a part-time cleaning job in a Blackpool hotel to earn some extra money ultimately cost her her life. 

Minto, who worked at the Grafton House Hotel, owned by his girlfriend and her mother, first met Sasha through a mutual acquaintance on a night out.

The 23-year-old contacted her on Facebook, where his online name was David "Demon" Minto, and used the promise of part-time work to lure her to her death.

He told Sasha to come to the hotel on a day when he knew it would be empty.

After sexually assaulting and stabbing her, mainly in the face and neck, he tried to destroy the evidence by setting her body on fire.

The prosecution at the trial in Preston said she was found with several defensive wounds, showing she tried to fight for her life.

Minto claimed he had consensual sex with the teenager and said her blood was on his clothes because she had a nose bleed.

He claimed she left the hotel alive but the jury refused to believe him and found him guilty of murder.

Sasha's mother Jayne Marsden said:  "For his sexual gratification he's robbed us of saying goodbye to her. But he's also robbed us of her 18th birthday, her 21st birthday and her future. He's just robbed us of everything. I can never forgive him. Never."

Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "After our dealings with Minto, I would describe him as cold, callous, and evil.

"He's put Sasha's family through a real ordeal by pleading not guilty and taking this to trial.

"But the family have been brave and very dignified, appearing in court every day to hear the terrible evidence about what happened to their daughter."

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

HS2 Challenges Rejected By Court Of Appeal

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

Campaigners have vowed to fight on after the Court of Appeal rejected their latest challenges to the Government's HS2 high-speed rail project.

Objectors including 15 councils and residents' associations along the route had wanted judges to order further assessment of the entire scheme.

But their plea was dismissed on all grounds - although they were granted the right of a final appeal to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land.

The Department for Transport said the ruling would allow them to press on with the project.

High Speed Rail minister Simon Burns said: "This is the second time in four months a court has rejected attempts to derail HS2.

"I urge opponents not to waste any more taxpayers' money on expensive litigation and instead work with us on making HS2 the very best it can be."

However, campaigners declared they would battle on to ensure the Government does not "duck its environmental responsibilities".

Hilary Wharf, director of the HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA), said: "We are confident that our position is a strong one and we are pleased that the Court has allowed our appeal to the Supreme Court.

Lord Mandelson has raised doubts about HS2

"It's concerning however that we have to go to the highest court in the land to make the Government give the environment the respect it deserves."

The scheme is the country's largest infrastructure project for a generation and the largest single rail project since the 19th century.

The proposed route would run from London to Birmingham before splitting into lines that run through Manchester and Leeds.

The estimated cost of the scheme has recently risen from £33bn to £42bn, although critics put the figure at closer to £60bn.

They also argue it will cause environmental damage, the loss of homes and disruption to many communities.

Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Mandelson and ex-transport secretary Alistair Darling are among those to have cast doubt on it in recent weeks.

But on Tuesday, David Cameron reiterated its importance to securing Britain's position in his much-trumpeted "global race".

David Elwin QC, appearing for the HS2AA, argued that the scheme needed a strategic environment assessment (SEA) before it could proceed.

He claimed the Government had broken a European directive requiring an SEA and called for the High Court's ruling in March to be overruled.

Nine areas of legal challenge were brought to the High Court but the only one to succeed related to the property compensation consultation, which is now being re-run.

Despite the latest failure, campaigners drew comfort from a split in the three-judge panel on whether an SEA should have been carried out.

Lord Dyson, the Master of the Rolls, and Lord justice Richards, backed the Government but Lord Justice Sullivan disagreed.

Councillor Martin Tett, chairman of the 51m alliance and leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, expressed disappointment at the latest ruling.

He said: "This is another example of the Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd riding roughshod over public opinion, ploughing ahead regardless of what local communities want and ignoring the environmental merits of the alternatives.

"We have evidence that our alternative to HS2 would provide all of the capacity required, far more quickly, at a fraction of the cost and would be less damaging to the environment."

Construction on phase one of the route between London and Birmingham is due to start in 2017.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

River Wear: Girl Died Trying To Save Friend

One of the two teenage friends who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Wear was trying to save the other, police have said.

Tonibeth Purvis, 15, jumped into the water to save Chloe Fowler, 14, who had entered the river near Fatfield, Washington, Tyne and Wear, to "keep cool" in the heat.

Tributes from friends at the scene

Superintendent Alan Veitch, of Northumbria Police, said: "Chloe went in first, Tonibeth and others went in to help her. Tonibeth got into difficulties and so have the others."

He said Chloe, from Shiney Row, near Sunderland, got into the river of her own free will.

A lot of children jumped in after "to effect a rescue", he said, adding that the survivors had been left traumatised by the tragedy and were receiving counselling.

He said the victims' families were also "completely distraught" and were being supported.

"This is an absolute tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with the families of the two girls," he added.

Chloe's family said in a statement: "Chloe was a beautiful, kind and caring girl and we as a family are devastated by what has happened.

"We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us look for the girls. We would ask that we are given some time and privacy to grieve."

An off-duty policeman and a member of the public also tried to save the girls after they were spotted in the water at around 3pm on Tuesday.

A boy who also tried to help was pulled to safety by the police officer, before around 100 emergency service personnel joined the search and rescue effort.

A family leaves a bunch of flowers by the river

Fire crews joined police specialists including a helicopter, as well as a coastguard team, in the search.

The girls' bodies were recovered by police dive teams last night and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Paul Cronin, 63, who lives nearby, saw one of the men who had attempted a rescue.

He told Sky Tyne and Wear: "There's a fella, come running up the park in his boxer shorts, screaming, 'can you swim?'

"He dived in from the other side and tried to rescue her, got into difficulties himself. I ran down to the river to the point where he came out ... heard some screaming a little further down."

Tributes were also paid to the two teenagers by friends, with Tonibeth, from Barmston, Washington, being hailed a "hero" in one card left with flowers at the scene.

Joss Richards, 13, in the same school class as Tonibeth, said she was "absolutely lovely", while Aimee Bell, 13, described Chloe as a "fantastic girl".

Rescue teams searched for the girls into the evening

The headteachers of the schools the girls attended also paid tribute.

Oxclose Community Academy head Tony Cunningham, where Chloe was a pupil, said everyone at the school was "devastated".

He added: "Chloe was a popular pupil who had many friends in school. She was determined to succeed in everything she set her mind to and she will be sadly missed by staff and pupils alike."

Tonibeth had moved to Washington School this year, where headteacher John Hallworth said: "She had settled into school life here very well and had already made a good and close group of friends.

"Her teachers and pastoral staff speak of a quiet and caring young lady who had a most promising future and who was looking forward to achieving a broad suite of qualifications.

"Tonibeth was a lovely girl and a valued member of our school community. There is a very palpable sense of loss at school this morning."

On Twitter, friends expressed their shock at the death of the two teenagers.

One user, @shannon97xxxxxx wrote: "cant get over whats happened, rip toni beth and chloe fowlerx."

Another, @laurenlsmithx, said: "Rest in peace Toni-Beth Purvis and Chloe Fowler, rest in peace angels, you will both be such a big miss."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby Arrives At Kate's Parents' House

Snappers Get Royal Baby Shot

Updated: 7:09am UK, Wednesday 24 July 2013

By Jason Farrell, Sky News Correspondent

For the past few weeks, photographers have been jealously guarding their spots in front of the Lindo Wing, waiting for the Duke and Duchess to leave with their baby in tow.

Sky's Jason Farrell spent a day with the assembled snappers as they prepared to get the crucial shot.

More than 100 stepladders crack, squeak and scrape as men with super-size cameras climb into place to get "the shot".

A woman tries to push in from the back between the metal stilts with her iPhone poised for an amateur snap.

"Woah! Madam, please, this is a press area," one snapper says. If one ladder were to go, they'd topple like dominoes.

A Royal press man says: "Five more minutes, maybe a bit longer."

"No problem," replies a snapper. "We've been here three weeks."

The ladders have been stacking up since July 1 as photographers negotiated their position. From the two-steps at the front to the 10-step-highs at the back they have created a theatre of ladders and lenses.

Their stage is the doorstep of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's hospital. The event - a new arrival to the portfolio of Royal celebrity.

Perched on top of one ladder is Getty Images Royal Photographer Chris Jackson.

"I'm up high because its the best chance of getting the baby's face." He said: "With William he was all bundled up and no one got it."

Mr Jackson spots my copy of the Metro and points out the picture of Kate on the front page is one of his, but thoughts turn to the shot he's waiting to take.

"This is such a significant moment because on those steps, for the first time, we're going to see the next generation of the Royal Family and our future king."

Two places in front of him, under a cap, is veteran Royal photographer Arthur Edwards. He's been taking pictures of the Royals from the days when Prince Charles was still looking for a bride.

Back then it was well known that his job was to find out who Charles would marry. Indeed, when the Prince tied to knot with Diana he sent a telegram to Mr Edwards asking him if he was now redundant.

"I just want them to look my way and to get a picture of all three of them, especially the baby's face," he says.

"We want to know what he looks like. And I hope everyone shows respect and the pack doesn't start shouting. If they do, William will just leave."

He tells me that in his entire career he has never seen one story create the size of interest demonstrated by the 150-metre-long press pen holding media from across the globe.

"It's partly down to Kate. She's thrown herself into the job. Her wedding was seen by billions around the world. They're such a handsome couple."

He added: "Then we had the jubilee and the Olympics. People who maybe weren't decided about the Royals changed their mind when the Queen did what she did at the Olympic opening ceremony. You know, she played along with the joke."

Royal Photographer Mark Stuart says he's here for the occasion: "This isn't going to be a financially rewarding shot because there will be 100 photographers with the same picture.

"You might get £180 for a front page. But it is an historic moment and you have to be here."

When the couple finally step out, proud parents and child creeping into the light, crowds cheer and shutters burst into action like the flutter of a swarm of insects passing through the street.

The pictures reach the world almost instantly. There's no need to even download them onto a laptop these days; a 4G device on the side of the cameras can send the images automatically to a press desk and in less than a minute they can be digitally fired around the world.

Where will they end up? "On the front page of lots of magazines and newspapers hopefully," says Mr Jackson.

For Mr Edwards its always the front page of The Sun: "I got a lovely one of the couple looking into each others eyes," he says.

The weeks of waiting has been rewarded with about a minute of Royal face time - and yes even the baby's face was visible, just.

Then it's back inside into a car seat and he's gone.

But his image is already being replicated millions of times around the world, and those stepladders and those fluttering insects will never be far away for the rest of his life.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shrien Dewani To Be Extradited Over Murder

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

A judge has ruled that honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani must be extradited to South Africa, even though he is mentally ill and a real suicide risk.

Mr Dewani's lawyers had argued he should be allowed to continue medical treatment in the UK for another six months before being sent to face a Cape Town court.

His family said they would try to challenge the extradition in an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Speaking outside the court, Ami Denborg, Anni Dewani's sister, said it was "one step in the right direction" and that her family hoped he would be sent to South Africa "very soon".

She said the legal process was still a big strain on her family.

"We've been struggling every day. Look at my mum, look at my dad - you can see on their faces," Ms Denborg told reporters.

Shrien Dewani denies plotting to kills his wife

She added: "We don't want to forget Anni in this. For us, this is still all about Anni.

"It's all about finding out what happened to her and we will fight this battle to the end."

Anni Dewani, 28, was shot dead on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010 while the couple were on honeymoon.

The South African authorities say her husband arranged the murder, paying others to hijack their car, throw him out and shoot her before abandoning the vehicle.

Dewani, who has depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, strongly denies the claims.

While he remains moderately depressed, he is improving and will eventually recover, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

His lawyers had expressed concerns that his recovery would suffer a setback if returned to South Africa.

Shrien Dewani (left) pictured earlier this month

They have also argued he would be a high suicide risk and his human rights could be breached because of the risk of violent and sexual assaults in jail, and of contracting HIV.

"Shrien Dewani remains unfit to be extradited or to face trial," said his lawyers following the decision.

"Shrien remains committed to returning to South Africa when his health would permit a full trial and when appropriate protections are in place for his health and safety."

Despite the extradition, a trial could still be some way off as Dewani may not be mentally fit enough to enter a plea for some time.  fit enought o

District Judge Riddle said he should still be sent to South Africa and that it could actually benefit his health.

"The evidence is that Mr Dewani will receive the care he needs in South Africa," said the judge.

Xolile Mngeni was a hit man hired by Mr Dewani, claim prosecutors

"There remains a real risk of suicide, but also confidence that in South Africa, as here, there are systems in place to try to minimise the risk.

"It is far from certain that he will recover more quickly if he remains here," he added.

Newlywed Mrs Dewani was shot when a taxi in which the couple were travelling was hijacked in the Gugulethu township.

Mr Dewani and driver Zola Tongo were ejected from the car before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed.

She was found dead in the back of the abandoned vehicle with a bullet wound to her neck.

Last year, South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting Mrs Dewani.

Prosecutors claimed he was a hitman hired by Shrien Dewani to kill his new wife, something that Dewani has consistently denied.

Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the crime, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also pleaded guilty and was handed a 25-year sentence.

South African authorities said they were "very excited" about the extradition.

"He (Dewani) will face a fair trial. Any health concerns will be also be taken care of appropriately," said Bulelwa Makeke, from the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fire Deaths: Man Guilty Of Killing Four Siblings

The family of four siblings killed in a house fire have welcomed the conviction of a man found guilty of starting a fire in a wardrobe.

Four-year-old twins Holly and Ella Smith and their two-year-old brother Jordan were asleep as the blaze took hold in Freckleton, Lancashire, while elder brother Reece, 19, was overcome by fumes as he went upstairs to try to rescue them.

All four died from the effects of smoke inhalation following the blaze on January 7 last year.

Dyson Allen, 19, was convicted of four counts of manslaughter by a jury at Preston Crown Court today. He was cleared of their murders.

The conviction was welcomed by mother Michelle Smith, Reece's father Martin Goulding and the rest of the family,

A statement read outside court said: "We are pleased that Dyson Allen has been convicted of the manslaughter of our beautiful children Reece, Holly, Ella and Jordan.

"We'll never know the reason why our children were taken from us but even knowing the answer won't bring them back.

"He had the chance to explain his actions to the police and the court but he lied from the very beginning."

The aftermath of the house fire that left four siblings dead

They thanked the emergency services and police adding: "Finally though, we would like to pay tribute to Reece who paid the ultimate price for trying to rescue his brother and sisters and for that we will be eternally grateful and proud."

In court members of the victims' family shouted "yes" in tears as the jury foreman returned each guilty verdict on the manslaughter counts.

The defendant held his hands over his eyes in shock and then wept as he leaned  forward.

Mr Justice Males told the court: "There must be no doubt that it is inevitable there will be a substantial prison sentence."

Allen was the only other person who was upstairs at the dormer bungalow when the fire broke out, said the Crown.

A birthday party was being held for the children's mother, Michelle Smith, at the address on the night of the fire.

An expert concluded the fire started in hanging clothes

The fatal fire began inside a wardrobe in the bedroom shared by the three young children and their mother.

Allen was a regular visitor  to the house and spent most of the night of January 7 in the second upstairs bedroom, according to those who were in the house, said prosecutor Neil Flewitt QC.

Ms Smith, 37, said she said remembered the lights going off and then the defendant jumped down the stairs and shouted "Fire" before he ran through the kitchen and out of the back door.

Ms Smith told police that smoke alarms had been had taken down by Reece in the days before the fire because one or both of them kept making beeping noises.

The court heard the recollection of most of the witnesses who attended the party was "affected to some extent by drink and in some cases by drugs in the form of cannabis".

It could be established though that the first 999 call to report a fire was made at 11.20pm by a neighbour.

The ruins of the bedroom in which the siblings died

And that some time after 10.45pm one of the family friends, who was sober, went up to the bedroom where Allen was.

He said the defendant appeared "drunk and stoned" after Allen had earlier told him was going to make a mix for a cannabis "bong". When he returned downstairs there was a loud bang shortly after and all the lights in the house went off.

In a witness statement given to police in the early hours of January 8 Allen claimed had discovered the fire and raised the alarm but never admitted his involvement.

He said he told Reece there was a fire and to "get those kids out".

The court heard that Reece was heard kicking at the door to the children's bedroom as others escaped from the property.

Mr Flewitt told the jury that several "extremely detailed investigations" had taken place into the cause of the fire and the unanimous view of the experts was that it was started deliberately.

The upper floor of the dormer bungalow was badly damaged by the fire

One expert concluded the fire started in the hanging clothes in the wardrobe,and the most likely source of ignition was a naked flame.

The fire was detected because of an electrical fault that caused the house electrics to trip out, he continued.

The electrical fault occurred when the fire spread from the wardrobe to a lighting unit fitted to the ceiling of the room, the jury was told.

By that time the fire would have already reached its maximum, said Mr Flewitt.

Forensic evidence showed the three children in the bedroom were likely to have been "incapacitated very quickly" but that Ella and Jordan made attempts to escape.

Sentencing was adjourned until September 27 for the preparation of psychiatric reports.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby Name: Odds In Favour Of Tradition

Thousands of punters are banking on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge picking a traditional name for their newborn son.

George is the favourite at odds of 9/4, according to Sky Bet, with James also in the running at 11/4.

Alexander, Louis and Henry are also among the top choices for those placing bets at the bookmaker.

Punters willing to take a long shot can get odds of 66/1 on Daniel, or 50/1 for Andrew - after the baby's great uncle.

The baby could have Philip as a middle name

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to follow tradition however, with most Royal infants having names that are passed down through the generations.

Charles Kidd, the editor of Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage, predicted that William and Kate would select a conventional first name for their son.

Charles is another possibility

"I do think that Prince William is quite a traditionalist - that's my feeling," Mr Kidd said.

"The fact that he chose to use the Royal dukedom (of Cambridge) and has followed Royal precedent, I wouldn't be surprised if they use a name that is already familiar in the Royal Family - something that has Royal associations."

The Royal parents may like grandfather Michael to share a name with baby

Midway through her pregnancy, Kate revealed she and William had a shortlist of names and that her friends were giving her ideas.

"We have a shortlist for both (boy and girl) but it's very difficult. My friends keep texting me names," she told a well-wisher.

And new uncle Harry may get a namecheck too

David Beckham has also had his say, jokingly suggesting to Sky News recently that David would be a good choice.

The baby, who will eventually be king, will be styled HRH Prince (forename) of Cambridge, with - when a surname is needed - Mountbatten-Windsor as his family name.

Royal babies also usually have a number of middle names. The Prince of Wales has four names, as does William.

Charles, Philip and Michael are in the frame as possible middle names in honour of the Royal grandparent and great-grandparent and the baby's maternal grandfather.

Francis is another name considered to be a possible middle name because it has strong ties with the Duchess's family.

William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was given the female version, Frances, as her middle name.

And then, of course, there is Henry - Prince Harry's real name.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby Memorabilia Boost For UK Firms

By David Crabtree, Sky Correspondent

The Royal birth is generating a mass of souvenirs and memorabilia - providing a huge sales boost for British companies.

Pottery companies are on standby for the Duke and Duchess's baby to be named.

At Royal Crown Derby they are poised to produce several pieces priced from around £50 up to £16,500, which is a gilded, hand-painted table centrepiece.

Simon Willis, the sales and marketing director, said: "Obviously not knowing what the name is before time means we can only do so much work before we start producing the pieces.

"We at least know it is a boy so we are doing the blue range. The name will be in gold. We can print all the other colours and hold the name until the last minute.

"Fingers crossed, it would be nice to know by Friday and we can prepare over the weekend and get into production next week."

He said there was now a worldwide demand in the collectables.

Royal Crown Derby says it had workers in 20 minutes after the announcement

"We knew this was coming because we had nine months warning which was similar I suppose in many ways to the Royal wedding.

"The difficulty here has been is it a boy? Is it a girl? There is a great deal of international interest, which means exports for us and good news for the UK.

"So when they talk about the massive amount of business that is going to be done in relation to the Royal baby, a lot of that will be exported."

He added: "It is amazing that the Russians, for example, are taking an interest in this.

"And other parts of Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan - other countries we have probably never even heard of - are really taking an interest in this, which is fantastic for us.

"We have had three very good years with a Diamond Jubilee, a Royal wedding and now a Royal baby.

Dr Laura Cohen, chief executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, highlighted how foreign collectors, especially from countries such as America and Japan, prize items from the UK.

She said: "This will be a welcome boost for UK tableware and giftware manufacturers, generating significant sales for many companies in the UK and overseas.

The Royal couple's wedding was also a bumper time for memorabilia firms

"UK manufacturers are uniquely placed to commence manufacturing as soon as the baby's name is announced and so respond rapidly to orders.

"Many customers value the 'Made in England' back stamp on cherished family items such as these marking Royal occasions."

Memorabilia to mark the Royal birth will be led by the official range produced by the Royal Collection Trust.

In recent years, the organisation has produced high-quality bone china items to mark historic moments for the monarchy.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: "Royal Collection Trust has produced a number of commemorative china ranges to celebrate Royal anniversaries and events, most recently for the Royal wedding, the Diamond Jubilee, and the anniversary of the coronation in 2013."

Burleigh Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent is also waiting for the all-important name of the Royal baby.

They had two prototype mugs ready, one pink and one blue. Work is now starting on the blue mug.

"We are so excited about this baby," said the firm. "Being a part of it in the manufacturing world is wonderful."

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crete Stabbing: 18 Britons Held After Killing

Dozens of Britons were involved in a brawl that resulted in a teenage British tourist being stabbed to death on the Greek island of Crete, police have said.

According to a police statement the fight broke out among a group who were holidaying in the popular party resort of Malia.

The Briton suspected of the stabbing has been arrested, along with 17 others thought to have been involved in the fighting.

Police have said they are still searching for 12 other Brits.

The 19-year-old victim was found outside a closed bar on a pedestrian street at 3am local time in the town, which is renowned for its nightlife.

He had been stabbed in the chest.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Malia, Greece on July 23.

"We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family."

Malia is one of the top five destinations for hundreds of thousands of young British tourists who travel to Greece every year.

Tourism accounts for nearly a fifth of the economy in Greece, which is visited by about 16 million people a year.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby: Kate's Parents Visit New Prince

The Duchess of Cambridge's parents are visiting the future king at St Mary's Hospital in London.

Carole and Michael Middleton arrived by London black cab as they poised briefly for a picture at the entrance to the Lindo Wing.

The Middletons smiled but gave no comment as the world's media asked how they were and what was the name of the latest royal addition.

Meanwhile, Kate and her newborn son, whose name has not yet been revealed, were not expected to leave hospital until later tonight or tomorrow morning.

The Duchess gave birth yesterday afternoon as the world waits for the first glimpse of the new baby boy.

Crowds are gathered outside the hospital in anticipation of the departure while TV crews and photographers from around the globe have their cameras at the ready to capture pictures of the third in line to the throne.

The name of the Royal couple's new addition has not been revealed

Signs that they could be leaving sometime later in the day came as it was reported her stylist Alice Cook Tucker had arrived at the hospital carrying a baby car seat.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge issued a statement thanking the hospital where their baby boy was born for the "tremendous care" they received.

The Royal couple said: "We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received.

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time."

A Kensington Palace spokesman added: "Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning."

The Royal baby boy was born at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz (3.798kg).

Kate's hair stylist Alice Cook Tucker (R) arrives with her assistant

Prince William was at his wife's bedside during her labour. The Duchess spent the night in hospital, as did her husband.

When the new family of three do leave, is is not yet known how the first-time parents will negotiate putting their newborn into a car seat, as required by law.

No such legislation existed when Prince Charles and Princess Diana left the hospital in 1982 after the birth of Prince William.

The Prince of Wales today said he was "thrilled and very excited" about the birth of his first grandchild.

He and the Duchess of Cornwall were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire.

Villager after villager offered Charles and Camilla their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe, which was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.

Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.

One member of the crowd, Alec Dale, said to him as he passed: "We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too."

To this, the Prince replied: "Yes. But just a little bit."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not find out if their baby was going to be a boy or girl prior to the birth, meaning they are believed to have considered a stock of names for a future monarch of either sex.

George, James, Alexander, Louis and Henry are currently among the favourites at the bookmakers.

The Queen will be informed of the baby's name before it is announced, which may even be weeks away.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were said to be "delighted at the news".

William's uncle and brother of the late Princess Diana also described his joy at the new Royal baby.

Earl Spencer said: "We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news.

• Related Stories
• Royal Baby Boy: Live Updates On New Prince

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

PC Keith Blakelock: Man Charged With Murder

A 44-year-old man will appear in court on Wednesday charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock during riots in Tottenham, London, in 1985.

Nicholas Jacobs, 44, was charged with the officer's murder on Tuesday.

PC Blakelock was stabbed dozens of times while trying to protect firefighters as they tackled a blaze at a supermarket during the heigh of the unrest.

Police officers on the Broadwater Farm estate following the 1985 riots

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service London, said: "Following a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have decided that Nicholas Jacobs should be charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock during the disorder at Broadwater Farm in October 1985.

"This decision was taken in accordance with the code for crown prosecutors. We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute.

"We have also concluded that no further action should be taken against five other individuals suspected of taking part in the death of PC Blakelock as there is insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution.

More follows...

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby Will Take A Place In History

By Alastair Bruce, Sky News Royal Commentator

For the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and for all of us, the wait is nearly over and, for the first time ever, the United Kingdom awaits the birth of a child that will take its guaranteed place in the order of succession to the throne as a future sovereign.

Hitherto, the gender of the baby was significant. A baby princess would have raised a muffled hooray because the subsequent birth of a prince would have displaced her claim in his favour. Not any more.

The Succession to the Crown Act, which was passed through Parliament in the closing months of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last year, ended this ancient practice of favouring men over women.

Interestingly, this legislation, which is to be passed by all 16 nations over which the British monarch is head of state, is not retrospective.

This means that the order of succession that existed before October 2012 remains unaltered. It only affects those born after the Act.

The sex of the baby will be announced on an easel at Buckingham Palace

So, the Queen's sons Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their children still take precedence over their elder sister, Princess Anne.

This detail, which will test the concentration of most royal genealogists trying to plot the order of succession in the future, presumably saves the Crown from claims to the throne from the descendants of people like Queen Victoria's eldest child, who was female and also called Victoria.

She was parcelled off to marry the future king of Prussia and became mother of the infamous Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

Queen Victoria was last to see birth of great grandchild to inherit throne

Arguably, his heirs might have claimed to be Britain's rightful monarch.

Not for the Duke of Cambridge then the anguish of Henry VIII, who feared the end of his insecure new Tudor dynasty when successive wives only bore him princesses.

Instead, Prince William knows that the child his wife delivers will be welcomed by a nation that rightly shapes the monarchy through Parliament to meet the needs of a changing world.

But tradition will play out in the manner of the royal birth's announcement.

Despite the thicket of journalists that camp opposite the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London's Paddington, the weight, gender and time of birth of this future monarch will be communicated through a "Notice of Birth".

This document stands ready for the key details to be filled in before a member of the royal household will convey it to the Privy Purse Door of Buckingham Palace.

Waiting there will be a frame. Once securely framed a footman will place it on an easel by the railings for the world to know.

At the same time the Army will bring out the saluting guns to fire a salute.

This child will not be born a boy or girl, as would be the case for any other birth, but either a prince or princess. This is a royal difference and was only enabled recently.

The Queen stepped in to change the rule established by George V in 1917, which restricted princely rank and the prefix of Royal Highness to the grandchildren of a sovereign and no further.

Because the Duke of Cambridge is in the direct line, the Queen has decided that his children will be given the title of prince or princess.

The title of the child will therefore be His (or Her) Royal Highness Prince (or Princess) [first name] of Cambridge.

There has only been one occasion before when a monarch has lived to see the great grandchild who would ultimately inherit the throne.

This was when the future Edward VIII was born during the reign of Queen Victoria.

This nation marks its passing history through the reigns of kings and queens.

One day, that story may be identified through the reign of this coming baby.

No wonder there is such interest and perhaps this makes it the more understandable that the palace has taken trouble to remind us that this is a very private moment for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby: Charles Knows 'Absolutely Nothing'

The Prince of Wales has told Sky News he knows "absolutely nothing" about news on the birth of the newest member of the Royal Family.

Prince Charles was questioned as he arrived at the National Railway Museum in York by steam train at the start of a two-day visit to Yorkshire.

As he stepped off the Royal Carriage through clouds of steam to cheers from the crowd, Sky News asked him: "What news of the baby, sir?"

He replied: "Absolutely nothing at the moment..."

Excitement is building at a private hospital in London after the Duchess of Cambridge was taken there with William at her side.

Kensington Palace has confirmed she is in the early stages of labour, after being admitted early this morning.

Prince Charles spoke to other well-wishers who had turned out to welcome him.

Among them was Alex Dickinson and her sons, Thomas, seven, and Freddie, five, who had travelled from nearby Church Fenton.

Ms Dickinson wished him well with the birth of his first grandchild as her children gave him a picture of a giraffe for the baby.

"He said 'Thank you very much'," she said. "Freddie said he thought the baby was coming in six hours and Charles said 'Yes, it may well be'."

Thomas said: "He didn't say anything about if it was a boy or a girl."

Earlier, Prime Minister David Cameron sent his "best wishes" to the couple, saying: "It is an exciting occasion and the whole country is excited with them, so everyone's hoping for the best."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the whole family on this enormously special day."

Broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted: "Keep Calm ... and Carry On. #Kate".

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby: Hospital Frenzy Testing Patients

By Kat Higgins, Sky News Online, St Mary's Hospital

Keeping a busy hospital running normally when a Royal birth is happening was never going to be easy.

There are road closures, diversions and a 6ft-deep press pen running the length of the road outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

Calling it a crush is an understatement.

Mothers with pushchairs as well as patients on crutches and in wheelchairs have been battling against a sea of cameras, photographers' ladders and reporters from around the world.

Passers-by take photos of the media

While many passers-by are stopping to take photos to mark the historic occasion for themselves, some are not so keen to be part of the media frenzy.

One woman who was visiting her son, who has had a bone marrow transplant, told Sky News the crowds were "ridiculous".

"It's not fair, people in here are sick, it's pathetic that the police can't do more," she said.

Jake Pearson, 22, has been in the hospital for nine days and said it has been "very difficult" to get outside to make a phone call or have a cigarette.

He said: "People are not being as considerate as they should be considering there are patients in wheelchairs trying to move around."

The area has been swamped with journalists and Royal fans

Hospital staff have been trying their best to keep the onlookers moving and have opened extra entrances, but many have looked at a loss for what to do as more and more people arrive.

"We're trying as best we can," one security guard said as he diverted a woman pushing a double buggy away from the main entrance.

Mother-of-two Carly, 24, was trying to take her son to an appointment but said she was 20 minutes late after buses in Paddington were diverted.

"We had to have a police escort to the appointment in the end," she said.

Many have been counting down the days for this baby to arrive, but others will be glad the wait is almost over. 

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Body-In-Suitcase Murder: Woman Found In Hendon

A woman's body has been discovered inside a suitcase dumped in woodland in north London, police have said.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the grisly find near a sports ground at Thornfield Avenue, Hendon, on Sunday afternoon.

The suitcase was hidden among trees and the surrounding area has been cordoned off. The woman, who has been described as a young adult, has yet to be identified.

Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt said: "It's officially a murder investigation. Whether that means that police have been able to work out exactly how this woman died and that would point clearly to murder, it's not clear at this stage.

"Clearly the circumstances in which this body has been found would point to a crime. Whether the victim is one of the quarter of a million missing people who go missing every year, it's not clear."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a post-mortem examination would be arranged.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Baby: Duchess Of Cambridge In Labour

Royal staff have been sending extra supplies to the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge is in labour as the world awaits a new heir to the throne.

Kate, who is thought to be more than a week past her due date, was taken through a side entrance of St Mary's Hospital in London just before 6am.

The Duke of Cambridge travelled with her by car from Kensington Palace, where she went into labour naturally after spending the weekend there.

Crowds await the official announcement at Buckingham Palace

She plans to have a normal birth at the hospital's private Lindo wing and the couple's spokesman said: "Things are progressing as normal."

Sky News' Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said it was believed a number of "bits and bobs" had been brought to the Duchess by staff via side entrances at around lunchtime.

It appears officials staged a "dummy run" in preparation for her arrival amid reports of police activity at the hospital last night.

There is a robust police presence at the hospital

Further officially confirmed details are likely to be thin on the ground until the Royal baby is born.

The arrival will be announced in traditional fashion, with a notice on an easel behind the iron railings of Buckingham Palace.

The brief bulletin, on headed Palace notepaper, confirms the sex of the baby but usually gives little else away other than that the baby has been "safely delivered" and perhaps the weight.

The Queen arrives at Buckingham Palace on Monday afternoon

Well-wishers from around the globe have descended on the Palace on the off-chance of catching a glimpse.

There were frantic scenes this afternoon when the Queen arrived after spending the weekend at Windsor Castle - the first real movement at the Palace for several hours.

Larissa Milare, 25, from Sao Paulo in Brazil, said she was keen to witness the announcement in person. "It would be so special," she said. "I don't want to miss this."

Terry Hutt is among the royal fans outside the hospital. Pic: Kat Higgins

Royal fans have also gathered around the hospital, where there is a strong police presence.

Among them is Terry Hutt, 78, from Cambridge, who has been sleeping at the scene for days and is wearing a Union flag suit and tie for the occasion.

The former soldier, who served with the Royal Ordnance Corps, said: "I have lost my voice with all the excitement.

"The health of the baby, and Kate, is the only important element."

Residents from Kate's home village of Bucklebury have spoken of their excitement, with bunting out and pubs that normally shut on a Monday preparing to open when the announcement is made.

The Duchess' former music teacher, Daniel Nicholls, said: "Once the baby is born, Bucklebury will take it in its stride that the future, future King or Queen of England will come from here."

Kate is being tended by a top medical team led by the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex's two children.

Former midwife Clare Byam-Cook told Sky News: "They'll be monitoring her very carefully to check that the baby is doing well."

Kate's due date has never been announced, but it was widely believed to be July 13.

The world's press have been outside St Mary's, in Paddington, for days in anticipation of the birth.

Some 250 reporters and crew are packed into a relatively small stretch of the street opposite the hospital. Their patch shrunk even further earlier when "twitchy" police herded them from the road to the pavement.

The 'Great Kate Wait', as it was dubbed by the press, is reaching an end

Earlier, Prime Minister David Cameron sent his "best wishes" to the couple, saying: "It is an exciting occasion and the whole country is excited with them, so everyone's hoping for the best."

Others voicing their support included the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, who tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the whole family on this enormously special day."

Celebrities including Joan Collins, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole and ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown are among those sharing the nation's excitement.

Prince Charles, who is on a two-day visit to Yorkshire, told Sky News at York's National Railway Museum earlier that he knew "absolutely nothing" about his first grandchild's impending arrival.

At York Minster, members of the public shouted "Congratulations" to Charles, who walked over to one woman, smiling, and said: "Do you know something I don't?"

The '82 scene at St Mary's for William's birth, left, and a shot from today

The news that the Duchess was in labour at the Lindo wing - on what is set to be the hottest day of the year so far - was confirmed in a brief statement from Kensington Palace at 7.30am.

The Duke and his younger brother Prince Harry were born in the same wing and the Prince and Princess of Wales famously posed on the building's steps in 1982 holding baby William.

Baby deliveries at the wing start at £5,000, while consultant fees and other charges can bring the cost of a two-night stay to more than £12,000. Its other current patients include the pregnant sister of adventurer Ben Fogle, Tamara.

William is known to want a daughter, while the Duchess is hoping for a son.

Kate is thought to be more than a week past her due date

Betting on the name of their first-born, which will be third-in-line to the throne, has produced one favourite with a number of bookies - Alexandra. According to Oddschecker.com, George and James are the joint top contenders for a boy.

Whatever name the couple go with, it is likely to set a trend for the next generation of infants.

Recent changes to the rules of succession mean that if it is a girl, she will not be leapfrogged to the throne by a younger brother.

The Queen will be informed of the birth in a phone call from William, according to the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter.

William is at his wife's side

But he said the Royal Family will not visit because it demands an extra level of security. "The last thing they'll want is to disrupt the hospital," he said.

The birth will be a historic first with three heirs in waiting while the sovereign is fit and well, Mr Arbiter added.

Prince William will be on paternity leave from his job as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot for two weeks. It is not known how long Kate intends to put her Royal duties on hold so she can devote her time to the baby.

They are becoming parents more than two years after they were married at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, with the celebrations watched by millions around the world.

Doctors say the Royal Family could have its newest member by midnight - the average length of labour for a first-time mother is 12 hours.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More