Missing Jayden: More Time To Question Man

Police have been given more time to question a man who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of a teenager who went missing earlier this month.

Jayden Parkinson, from Oxford, was last seen leaving Didcot Parkway train station at 4.27pm on December 3 - and did not return home that evening as planned.

Officers from Thames Valley Police were given a further 12 hours to question a 22-year-old man in connection with her disappearance.

A 17-year-old boy has also been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Police said the 22-year-old, who is from  Reading, Berkshire, is in a relationship with Jayden.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Murray told a news conference the man was "part of our enquiries to prove or disprove whether Jayden has come to harm".

Appeal: Superintendent Christian Bunt (L) and Det Ch Supt Andy Murray (R)

He revealed information had come to light to focus the search for the teenager in certain areas, including a wide, rural area between the village of Upton and Didcot.

Mr Murray said teams had been deployed to search a path or track leading from Upton in the general direction of Didcot, partly following a disused railway line.

He said: "We do not know where Jayden is at the moment, but as time progresses it is obvious that we are becoming increasingly concerned about her welfare."

He added officers remained "focused on the hope that she is still out there".

Jayden is described as slim, with shoulder-length dark brown hair and brown eyes.

She was living with her mother in Didcot until November this year, when she found herself homeless.

The teenager relocated to an Oxford service called One Foot Forward, which offers assisted and supported accommodation for young people.

Inspector Chris Simpson, leading the search, said: "She has little access to money and she has not been in phone contact which is out of character for her.

"She could be in Oxford or Reading areas with friends and if this is the case we would urge her or them to get in contact.

"Jayden is not in any trouble but we need to get in touch with her to ensure she is safe and well."

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 and quote URN 542 10/12, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Boy, 11, Sexually Assaulted On Country Lane

An 11-year-old boy was sexually assaulted as he walked along a country lane in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, police have said.

Thames Valley Police said the attack by a man believed to be in his 40s happened at around 4.40pm on Friday.

The schoolboy was walking along Bacombe Lane, close to a bridleway, when the man approached him.

He was sexually assaulted before being able to run away.

Detective Inspector Ben Gasson said: "I am appealing for anyone who saw a man matching the description or anyone seen acting suspiciously in this area to contact police.

"The victim was not hurt during the incident but has understandably been left shaken.

"Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and are investigated thoroughly however if anyone has any concerns they can call their local neighbourhood team via our non-emergency number 101."

Neighbourhood patrols are taking place in the area and inquiries are ongoing.

The offender is described as a white man aged approximately 40, with stubble on his face.

He was wearing a grey and black diamond-patterned hooded top, dark blue jeans and black shoes.

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Belfast Bomb: Attackers 'Stoop To New Low'

A bomb attack in Belfast city centre is a "new low" for dissident republicans opposed to the peace process, the Northern Ireland Secretary has said.

Theresa Villiers described the blast in the bustling Cathedral Quarter as a "despicable attack that could have put lives at risk and injured many people".

"It's particularly callous to carry out this sort of attack at a time when people are starting their festive celebrations or maybe finishing their Christmas shopping," she told Sky News.

"An attack at this time of year is stooping to a new low."

The attack was described as 'an attempt to kill or injure innocent people'

Christmas partygoers were evacuated when the device exploded just before 7pm on Friday evening, although there were no reports of any injuries.

A bomb threat was made to a newspaper but the device was left at a different location to the one named in the call.

Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: "This was an attack on the people of Belfast going about their normal lives on a busy night for socialising in the city.

"Those who carried out this attack have nothing to offer except disruption and destruction."

The security threat level in Northern Ireland remains at severe

Stormont's Justice Minister David Ford said the blast was an "attempt to kill or injure innocent people".

"The people carrying out these attacks have set out no reason and explained no cause for their acts of senseless violence," he said.

"Their only aim seems to be to injure and disrupt. They ignore the strength of public support for normality and peace, especially at this Christmas season."

First Minister Peter Robinson said the bomb was "the work of a mindless minority who are intent on taking the heart out of the city", while his deputy, Martin McGuinness, said the attackers had shown "complete disregard for life".

Hundreds of people were evacuated. Pic: Mark Ashbridge

Security measures have been ramped up in Belfast on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

The threat level remains at severe and police urged local residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour.

The blast comes less than three weeks after a bus driver was forced by masked dissidents to drive a car bomb to a shopping centre that faces a police station.

The 60kg (132lb) device only partially exploded and no-one was injured.

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Iran Claims 'MI6 Spy' On Trial After Capture

Iran says it has arrested a "spy" accused of working for the British secret intelligence service.

A court official said the man had confessed to his alleged crimes and was on trial.

He was detained in the town of Kerman in southeast Iran after authorities spent months tracking him down, the semi-official ISNA news agency said.

The suspect is accused of meeting four British intelligence operatives and giving them information.

Dadkhoda Salari, head of the Kerman revolutionary court, said: "Through the efforts of Iranian security forces, an MI6 spy has been arrested.

"He has met British intelligence officers in person 11 times, both inside the country and abroad, and provided them with intelligence."

It has not been suggested the alleged spy is a Briton, and Tehran has a history of announcing the arrest of people it claims are spying without releasing more details.

But the news is potentially embarrassing at a time when diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran had been improving after a two-year freeze.

On Friday, Iran's new envoy to Britain, Hassan Habibollah-Zadeh, held talks in London on his first visit since his appointment in November.

And a British diplomat, non-resident charge d'affaires Ajay Sharma, said he had "detailed and constructive discussions" about the UK's relationship with Iran during talks earlier this month.

He visited the site of the UK's embassy in the Iranian capital to assess the damage caused when it was ransacked by a mob in 2011, an incident which prompted the Government to pull its staff out of the country.

The thaw in relations between Tehran and the international community has also seen a deal reached over its nuclear programme.

Responding to the reported arrest a Foreign Office spokesman said: "We don't comment on intelligence matters."

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Double Murder Probe Launched As Bodies Found

A double murder inquiry has been launched following the deaths of a man and a woman in a house in Belfast.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the incident in the Ravenhill area in the south east of the city is thought to be domestic-related.

Police believe the suspect may have been in a relationship with one of the victims.

They said the person they are looking for does not pose a threat to the wider public.

More follows...

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A&E Winter Crisis: Patients Wait 12 Hours

Hundreds of patients are being forced to wait more than four hours to be seen by accident and emergency departments as the winter crisis begins.

It is the first time since April that emergency departments have struggled to hit their four-hour targets as admissions to A&E hit the highest level since data started being collected in November 2010.

According to NHS England figures, 3,678 patients across the country were forced to wait between four and 12 hours for treatment.

Five patients were not seen for more than 12 hours last week – the busiest week of the year with 415,000 people visiting A&E departments.

Waiting times were worst in major A&E wards where just 92.2% of patients were seen within four hours.

The NHS emergency care system is 'creaking at the seams'

Dame Barbara Hakin, chief operating officer for NHS England, said: "Every year we see a dip in the figures for December, with week-on-week variations, which is why we fully assess how local systems are coping with winter pressures over a longer period.

"We knew this winter would be difficult but it is important to stress the NHS continues to deliver a good service, with 94.8% of people going to hospital for urgent care this week treated, admitted or discharged within four hours."

The figures will only intensify fears of a serious A&E crisis this winter after warnings that hospitals would be pushed to breaking point.

Last month Downing Street confirmed that Prime Minister David Cameron has been personally involved in overseeing the NHS response to the winter pressure on A&E departments.

Labour's Andy Burnham has called for a debate in Parliament

It came as the head of NHS England, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, announced that scores of A&E departments would be downgraded in the biggest shake-up of NHS emergency services in 40 years.

Under his radical plan, a two-tier emergency health care system would exist with "emergency centres" assessing patients and starting treatment and "major emergency centres" providing specialist care such as for strokes or heart attacks.

Sir Bruce said that A&E was "creaking at the seams" and that while it was not broken it was struggling.

As the latest figures were released, Labour's shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "Patients are waiting hours on end to be seen in England's A&E. And yet David Cameron and his ministers deny that A&E is in crisis.

"This dangerous complacency can't go on. That is why, in the absence of leadership from the Government, Labour has called a debate in Parliament on A&E services next Wednesday."

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Nigella Lawson's Ex-PA: 'She Lied In Court'

Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi have been accused of lying under oath by one of the sisters accused of fraudulently spending £685,000 on the former couple's credit cards.

Giving evidence in court, Elisabetta Grillo, who was one of the TV cook's personal assistants, also claimed other members of her employer's so-called "Team Cupcake" had lied in court.

Last week, Ms Lawson admitted taking cocaine but said she had only used the drug after she found out her late husband John Diamond had terminal cancer, and in July 2010 during her troubled marriage to Mr Saatchi.

However, Grillo told Isleworth Crown Court that although she had never seen Ms Lawson taking drugs, there were signs of regular use.

Jurors heard she found a packet of white powder in the home Ms Lawson shared with Mr Diamond, as well as rolled-up banknotes and credit cards with white powder on them.

As details of some of her alleged spending were revealed, Grillo claimed Ms Lawson allowed her to buy a bed from Ikea and sign up for a fashion course because she was a "very generous" person.

She was given permission to use a credit card during a weekend in Paris because "it was my birthday" and bought Calvin Klein underwear while shopping for Ms Lawson's daughter "because we are the same size", the court heard.

"Nobody told me I could not take money," she said, adding that Ms Lawson allowed her to withdraw extra cash for herself if she worked beyond her hours.

Grillo, 41, claimed Mr Saatchi gave her £200 to bump up sales of his book.

She denied she was better dressed than any other household staff and said she bought clothes at discount stores and online.

She told jurors she was "not a shoes person" and had just 10 pairs, including some inexpensive ones from H&M, Zara and Primark.

"I was allowed to buy clothes for myself ... I worked hard," she said. "I was part of the family for 14 years."

Grillo and her sister Francesca, 35, deny committing fraud by using a company credit card for personal gain.

The trial, now in its third week, continues.

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Migrants Told 'Speak English Or No Benefits'

Migrants who cannot speak English well enough to get a job face being denied benefits under a new tougher test, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said.

The upgraded test for migrants who want to claim income-related benefits will be rolled out across Jobcentres this week.

Those applying will have to answer more individually tailored questions, provide more detailed answers and submit more evidence before they can claim.

For the first time migrants will be quizzed about whether their English language skills will be a barrier to them finding employment and about what efforts they had made to find work before coming to the UK.

Officials will have 200 questions to choose from when assessing claimants - 100 more than previously.

Iain Duncan Smith said: "It is vitally important that we have strict rules in place to protect the integrity of our benefits system.

"The British public are rightly concerned that migrants should contribute to this country and not be drawn here by the attractiveness of our benefits system.

"And we are taking action to ensure that that is the case.

"The roll-out of the new habitual residence test is the first in a series of measures to ensure that we have a fair system: one which provides support for genuine workers and jobseekers, but does not allow people to come to our country and take advantage.

"It is a crucial part of our long-term plan to secure Britain's economy."

Iain Duncan Smith says the public is 'rightly concerned' about immigration

Britain is already in a legal battle with the European Commission which says that it unlawful to test immigrants before they can claim benefits.

It comes amid concerns over an influx of Romanians and Bulgarians next month when they will be entitled to come to the UK for work and will be able to claim benefits like other EU citizens.

The Prime Minister was accused of "hysteria" and turning Britain into the "nasty country" last month when he announced new measures that would bar EU migrants from claiming out-of-work benefits, such as jobseeker's allowance, for their first three months in the UK.

Labour's shadow welfare minister Chris Bryant said: "For generations, people have come to this country and worked hard to contribute to Britain, but the principle of contribution is an important one, and the controls on immigration must be fair to those who live here.

"That is why Labour called for stronger restrictions on benefits for new arrivals from the EU, including proposals eight months ago to strengthen the habitual residence test to make it clear that people should not be able to claim benefits when they first arrive.

"At the time, the Government dismissed those proposals, but eight months later they have changed their minds and keep re-announcing their proposals.

"Yet the Government are still doing nothing to tackle the serious problem of low-skilled migrant workers being exploited, undercutting local workers and responsible businesses too.

"That is bad for everyone, yet they are doing nothing about it."

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Escalator Warning For Festive Rail Travellers

More than 400 people had an accident on an escalator at the 17 busiest train stations managed by Network Rail this year - but the number of people hurt is down by at least 20%.

The main causes remain the same - trying to carry heavy luggage, wearing high heels, and being under the influence of alcohol.

To reduce the number of incidents this Christmas, a video and poster campaign has been launched by Network Rail to raise awareness of the dangers.

Alcohol was one of the main causes of accidents last year

Accidents caught on CCTV at major stations including Birmingham, Paddington, Leeds and Edinburgh have been uploaded to YouTube to highlight the dangers.

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's managing director of network operations, said: "Stations are increasingly busy places but the majority of slips and falls we see could still be avoided.

"We often see people struggling with several pieces of luggage on escalators when the lift would be easier for them.

Taking a little extra care could make for an uneventful escalator ride

"It might sound obvious, but simply holding the handrail can be the difference between an uneventful escalator ride and a bump and bruise - or worse.

"We hope the new campaign will act as a friendly reminder to take a little extra care when you're travelling during this busy festive period."

Ian Prosser, director of railway safety at the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), said: "This is a timely reminder that a seasonal mix of alcohol, presents, luggage and in some cases high heels can leave rail users more prone to injuries over the festive period."

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Missing Jayden: Man Arrested In Hunt For Teen

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 17-year-old girl who has been missing for 10 days.

Jayden Parkinson, from Oxford, was last seen in the Iffley Road area of the city around mid-afternoon on December 3 and did not return home that evening as planned.

A 22-year-old from Reading, Berkshire, has been detained in connection with her disappearance and is currently in police custody.

Detectives are now believed to be searching for a body.

Superintendent Christian Bunt, from Thames Valley Police, said: "At this stage we are continuing to ask the public for their help in tracing Jayden's whereabouts since last Tuesday.

"I appeal to anyone who has any information, however significant it may be, to contact police immediately."

Jayden is described as white, of slim build with shoulder length dark brown hair and brown eyes.

During a public appeal on Wednesday, Inspector Chris Simpson, leading the search, said officers were "becoming increasingly concerned" for the teenager's welfare.

"She has little access to money and she has not been in phone contact which is out of character for her," he said.

"She could be in Oxford or Reading areas with friends and if this is the case we would urge her or them to get in contact.

"Jayden is not in any trouble but we need to get in touch with her to ensure she is safe and well."

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 and quote URN 542 10/12, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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MPs' Pay: Politicians To Get 11% Pay Rise

MPs are to get an 11% pay rise, taking annual salaries to £74,000, but will lose out on pensions.

In a move the parliamentary watchdog insists will not cost taxpayers "a penny more", MPs will get a "one-off" pay rise but see cuts to pensions, a tightening of business costs and expenses, and an end to golden goodbyes.

The pay increase will come into effect from May 2015, but from then on increases to annual salaries will be in line with average earnings.

The reforms contained in the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) report put the watchdog, which was set up in the wake of the expenses scandal, on a collision course with politicians.

Sir Ian Kennedy remains determined to carry through reforms

Ipsa's chairman, Sir Ian Kennedy, said: "For the first time, MPs' pay and pensions will be set independently, and away from political deals cooked up in Westminster.

"We are sweeping away the out-of-date and overly generous benefits, and introducing a one-off uplift in pay. Crucially, thereafter MPs' pay will be linked to everyone else's.

"We have designed these reforms so they do not cost the taxpayer a penny more. When taken with the tens of millions we have saved by reforming the business cost and expenses regime, we have saved the taxpayer over £35m with the changes we have introduced since 2010."

David Cameron threatened on Wednesday he was "ruling nothing out" if Ipsa did not rethink the hike, suggesting he could scrap the watchdog - or at least curtail its ability to set MPs' pay.

He said it was "unacceptable" for MPs to accept such a rise at a time when public sector pay rises are capped at 1%.

However, Sir Ian remained determined to proceed with reforms, telling Sky News: "I was not appointed to this job to be popular, I was appointed to chair an independent body and independent bodies have to sometimes say no to people even if they happen to be party leaders."

Both Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, and Nick Clegg, his Liberal Democrat counterpart, have said the rise cannot be justified amid a cost-of-living crisis. Mr Miliband called for cross-party talks to put an end to the planned increase.

David Cameron has called the pay rise 'unacceptable'

Speaking on his Call Clegg LBC radio station ahead of the release of the report, Mr Clegg said that any increase in MPs' pay must go with the "grain of public consent".

He said: "I think at a time when this Government is saying to millions in the public sector, 'you cannot have a pay rise more than 1%' I think it really would be very difficult - to put it mildly - to explain why MPs should be treated differently."

However, Sir Ian has stressed that 43% of the public supports the reform package, saying that Ipsa had carried out significant polling before making the recommendations. The polls also found that 45% felt the package was too generous.

The Ipsa changes will see:

:: A one-off 9.26% pay rise to come into effect in May 2015 - when added to the previously announced pay rise, MPs will get in 2014, it represents an 11% increase from today's salary of £66,396.

:: MPs' pay increases linked to average earnings from 2015-16.

:: End of final salary pension scheme and an increase in MPs' pensions contributions.

:: Scrapping golden goodbyes, where MPs can get a year's salary even if they lose their seat, in favour of a £14,850 payment.

:: Scrapping £15 after 7.30pm dinner allowance.

:: End of tea and biscuits allowance.

:: No payment for hotels if the House rises before 1am.

:: No payment for taxis if the House rises before 11pm.

:: End of expenses claims for TV licences and home contents insurance.

The watchdog was set up to stop MPs voting through their own pay increases.

Critics have said that while voting against the pay increase seemed to be good PR for MPs, they would effectively be endorsing the continuation of a pension and expenses system that the public has already found wanting.

The former Labour cabinet minister Jack Straw said at the weekend that there was never a good time to increase an MP's pay but that it was important to help attract "people from modest backgrounds" to politics.

There will be a statutory review of the proposals before they come into effect in 2015 and Mr Cameron has indicated that he is not willing to take any action before then.

Following the report's release he again encouraged Ipsa to "think again", saying the watchdog had not made a "final recommendation".

Mr Miliband said: "I want to be clear with the public, I don't think it's right that MPs should get this pay rise at a time when nurses, teachers, people in the private sector are going through a pay squeeze and facing incredibly difficult economic circumstances. I think it will just undermine trust in politics further.

"I'm determined that this pay rise does not go ahead if there's a Labour government."

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Golden Globes Nominations Revealed

Golden Globes Nominations List

Updated: 2:43pm UK, Thursday 12 December 2013

:: Best Motion Picture - Drama

12 Years A Slave; Captain Phillips; Gravity; Philomena; Rush

:: Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

American Hustle; Her; Inside Llewyn Davis; Nebraska; The Wolf Of Wall Street

:: Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years A Slave; Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom; Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips; Matthew McConaughey,  Dallas Buyers Club; Robert Redford, All Is Lost

:: Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama

Cate Blanchett,  Blue Jasmine; Sandra Bullock, Gravity; Judi Dench, Philomena; Emma Thompson, Saving Mr Banks; Kate Winslet, Labor Day

:: Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy

Christian Bale,  American Hustle; Bruce Dern, Nebraska; Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street; Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis; Joaquin Phoenix, Her

:: Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy

Amy Adams, American Hustle; Julie Delpy, Before Midnight; Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Enough Said; Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

:: Best Supporting Actor

Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips; Daniel Bruhl, Rush; Bradley Cooper, American Hustle; Michael Fassbender, 12 Years A Slave; Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

:: Best Supporting Actress

Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine; Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle;  Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years A Slave; Julia Roberts, August: Osage County; June Squibb, Nebraska

:: Best Director

Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity; Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips; Steve McQueen, 12 Years A Slave; Alexander Payne, Nebraska; David O Russell, American Hustle

:: Best TV Series - Drama

Breaking Bad; Downton Abbey; The Good Wife; House of Cards; Masters of Sex.

:: Best TV Series - Comedy

The Big Bang Theory; Brooklyn 99; Girls; Modern Family; Parks and Recreation

:: Best TV Movie or Mini-Series

American Horror Story: Coven; Behind the Candelabra; Dancing on the Edge; Top of the Lake; The White Queen

:: Best Foreign Language Film

Blue is the Warmest Color; The Great Beauty; The Hunt; The Past; The Wind Rises

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Judge Rebukes Cameron For Nigella Comments

The judge in the Nigella Lawson court case has rebuked David Cameron for comments he made saying he was on Team Nigella.

Jurors at Isleworth Crown Court have been told to disregard the comments made by the Prime Minister in an interview for The Spectator in which he said he was a "massive fan" of the television chef.

Judge Robin Johnson told jurors they should disregard Mr Cameron's comments and said: "It is of regret when people in public office comment about a person who is involved in a trial which is in progress."

The trial of Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo, who are accused of abusing their positions by spending £685,000 on credit cards belonging to Ms Lawson and her former husband Charles Saatchi, is now in its third week.

The Grillo sister are accused of defrauding Ms Lawson and Mr Saatchi

It has lifted the lid on the lifestyles of both Ms Lawson and Mr Saatchi and their acrimonious separation, with both giving evidence about Ms Lawson's drug use.

Mr Cameron's intervention in the case came in an interview in which he was asked whether he was a member of Team Nigella, the name her supporters have adopted. He replied: "I am. I'm a massive fan."

He added: "I've had the great pleasure of meeting her a couple of times and she always strikes me as a very funny and warm person, but I'm also an amateur cook and I like her recipes.

"Nancy (Mr Cameron's nine-year-old daughter) and I sometimes watch a bit of Nigella on telly. Not in court, I hasten to add."

Charles Saatchi arrives at Isleworth Crown Court to give evidence

The judge told jurors: "It is inconceivable that some of your number may not have seen these comments.

"The defendants feel aggrieved as the comments, although they do not specifically deal with matters in the trial, are favourable to Ms Lawson.

"The fact they they may feel aggrieved is not without justification.

"You will realise that what public figures may feel about this case or a witness in this case can have no bearing on the issues that you have to decide."

Last week, 53-year-old Ms Lawson admitted taking cocaine with ex-husband John Diamond when he found out he had terminal cancer, and on another occasion in July 2010 during her troubled marriage to Mr Saatchi.

She spoke of suffering "intimate terrorism" at the hands of her multi-millionaire ex-husband, describing him as a "brilliant, but brutal man".

Ms Lawson also accused him of "peddling" stories about her alleged drug habit, including that he was checking her nose for cocaine when he was photographed gripping her throat outside Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, central London, in June.

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Boots Pulls Baby Medicine Over Plastic Fears

Boots has recalled several batches of cold and cough medicines for small children after it identified a possible fault during manufacturing.

The retail giant issued a precautionary recall last month asking patients to return some medicines purchased since September 2013.

But it has now extended the scope of the original recall to include further batches, and is asking people to return all batches of specific paracetamol, gripe mixture and cough and cold medicines.

The recall comes after a possible fault was identified in the manufacturing process of the tamper seals which could result in small pieces of plastic getting into the liquid medicines.

Boots has said there is no evidence anyone has suffered from the fault

There is no evidence of people suffering problems as a result of the fault, Boots has said.

Adam Burgess, head of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) Defective Medicines Reporting Centre, said the move was precautionary.

He said: "This is a precautionary recall by Boots and there is a low risk of plastic being found in bottles.

"There is currently no evidence that people have had any problems with these medicines.

"People should check their medicine cupboards at home and return these products to Boots."

Boots is offering customers a refund if they return the medicines.

A statement from Boots said: "In November 2013, we discovered a potential manufacturing fault with the tamper seal on some Boots Pharmaceuticals liquid medicines, which might result in small pieces of plastic being found in the medicine.

"Following further in-depth investigations, we have found that this issue may have affected other products produced on the individual production line so we have taken the precautionary action of asking customers to return several other items. 

"Whilst we're still not currently aware of any customer incidences, nor have we found any in our customer care database, we have taken the decision to ask customers to return these products to our stores for a full refund.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to offer our reassurances that these actions are taken as a precaution only."

The affected medicines include:

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Chesty Cough Relief 100mg/5ml Oral Solution, PL 00014/0554

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Dry Cough Relief Oral Solution, PL 00014/0550

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Mucus Cough Relief 100mg/5ml Oral Solution, PL 00014/0554

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 6 years Plus 250mg/5ml Oral Solution 200ml, PL 00014/0619

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 6 Years Plus 250mg/5ml Suspension 100ml PL 00014/0619

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Ibuprofen 3 Months plus 100mg/5ml Oral suspension Strawberry flavour, PL 00014/0652

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Tickly Cough Relief Oral Solution PL 00014/0550

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 3 Months Plus 120mg/5ml Suspension 100ml PL 00014/0638

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 3 Months Plus 120mg/5ml Suspension 200ml PL 00014/0660

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Cough Syrup 3 Months Plus PL 00014/0500

:: Boots Pharmaceuticals Gripe Mixture 1 Month Plus PL 00014/5236

:: Anyone with questions can contact their local Boots store or the Boots customer care on 0800 915 0004.

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Fault Fear Grounds 16 Out Of 36 Air Ambulances

Sixteen of the 36 air ambulances in the UK have been grounded as a result of a suspected fault.

Bond Air Services said it has suspended flying of its EC135 helicopters across the UK.

There are 20 EC135s used as air ambulances and another 20 used as police helicopters in the UK.

The helicopter is the same model as the one that crashed on to a pub roof in Glasgow nearly two weeks ago killing nine people.

The company said it made the decision after a problem with another of its EC135s on Wednesday.

Sources have told Sky News that the decision did not follow a recommendation from the manufacturer but was one taken by the company itself.

It is understood to be a problem with a fuel gauge.

A statement put out by Bond Air Services on Thursday said: "During normal operations yesterday, one of our EC135 fleet has experienced an indication defect that requires further technical investigation.

"Therefore as a precautionary measure we have temporarily suspended service operations whilst we undertake detailed diagnosis. We commenced investigations overnight, are continuing this morning and are in close liaison with Eurocopter regarding this investigation."

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Fog Causes Heathrow Flight Cancellations

Heavy fog in southern and eastern England has disrupted flights and created hazardous driving conditions for commuters.

Heathrow Airport cancelled 52 incoming and outgoing flights on Wednesday morning.

The Met Office had warned of visibility of less than 50 metres on some of the region's roads.

A murky view over Westminster and the Houses of Parliament

Sky News' Harriet Hadfield, in west London, said there were reports of "almost no visibility" during the rush hour on motorways such as the M25.

London's City Airport also experienced disruption to inbound and outbound flights, with eight out of 10 flights cancelled or delayed.

By late morning, sunshine began to break through the London fog

Among the services axed were British Airways flights to Zurich, Glasgow and Dusseldorf.

Gatwick operated normally but there were delays and cancellations at Southampton Airport, with no aircraft able to land.

The flight problems follow last Saturday's major disruption at all airports after difficulties at the headquarters of air traffic control company Nats.

The Met Office issued a 'yellow' fog warning

Ferry services were also affected by the fog, with delays to Wightlink Ferries - which operates routes between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Customers are being advised to check company websites to get the latest information before travelling.

The statue of Nelson Mandela in thick fog from Westminster Bridge

The fog, which extended to the East Midlands and East Anglia, was thinning in most places by late morning with sunshine breaking through in parts of Kent, Suffolk and London.

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Damien Hirst Works Of Art Stolen From Gallery

Two signed Damien Hirst works of art worth more than £30,000 have been stolen from a gallery in London, Scotland Yard has said.

The pieces were stolen from the Exhibitionist Gallery in Notting Hill in the early hours of Monday morning.

Police say a suspect forced open the front doors of the gallery and drove the items away in a dark-coloured hatchback-type vehicle towards Ladbroke Grove.

The stolen pieces feature the artist's recognisable multi-coloured dots and are signed.

The larger of the two is called Pyronin Y. It was created in 2005 and is worth £15,000.

The second work is entitled Oleoylsarcosine and was created in 2008. It is worth £18,000.

Hirst first came to fame with his formaldehyde shark

"It appears the suspect has specifically targeted the two pieces," said Detective Sergeant Jon Lightfoot, from Kensington and Chelsea Borough.

"The items would have been visible in the back of the car and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward."

Hirst was awarded the Turner Prize in 1995.

His more recent works include Verity, a 66ft bronze-plated statue of a pregnant, naked woman wielding a sword, unveiled on Ilfracombe harbour in north Devon last October.

The artist rose to fame first as part of a group known as the Young British Artists and is probably best known for a series of works in which he preserved animals in formaldehyde, including a shark and a sheep.

Pyronin Y is 103cm x 116cm and valued at £15,000

His solo show at Tate Modern last year was the most popular in the gallery's history, with around 463,000 visitors queuing to see exhibits including a diamond-encrusted human skull called For The Love Of God.

Hirst's commercial success is not always matched by critical acclaim and he has been criticised by other artists, including fellow Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry who described Hirst's work as "hackneyed" and "tatty".

The potter, known for his cross-dressing, said the "phenomenally successful" Hirst was playing "a good game".

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit at Notting Hill Police Station on 020 8246 0230 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Sian Green Sues Over New York Taxi Accident

A British tourist who lost part of her leg when a taxi jumped a kerb and hit her in New York has launched a $27.5m (£16.7m) damages claim against the city.

Sian Green filed a notice of claim in November over the incident, which happened at the Rockefeller Center. 

The 24-year-old's lawyer Daniel Marchese said other parties could also face lawsuits.

Ms Green's city claim says the taxi driver's yellow cab licence should have been suspended before the August 20 accident because he had prior driving violations.

New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission has claimed a computer problem, which has since been fixed, was to blame.

Doctors had to amputate the lower part of Ms Green's left leg after she was hit while sightseeing with a friend.

Ms Green was "dismayed" that the taxi driver would not be facing charges

She spent four weeks in a New York hospital following her accident, also sustaining cuts to her right leg.

Immediately after the crash, quick-thinking plumber David Justino used his belt as a tourniquet, tying it around Ms Green's leg, earning praise from medics.

He was also recognised by US celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, who had been filming scenes for his television show nearby and rushed to help.

In November, Ms Green was "incredibly dismayed" to learn that cabbie Mohammed Fasyal Himon, who has said the accident was not his fault, would not be facing criminal charges.

The city's Law Department said it would review her damages claim.

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Lloyds Fined £28m For Sales Incentive Scheme

Lloyds Banking Group has been fined £28m for "serious failings" which rewarded sales staff with 'grand in your hand' bonuses, even when products they sold consumers were deemed unsuitable.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the penalty was the biggest it had imposed against a retail banking operation, which took in behaviour at Lloyds TSB, Bank of Scotland (BoS) and Halifax between 2010 and March 2012 - a period when it became clear that Lloyds was particularly exposed to the separate payment protection insurance mis-selling scandal.

The regulator said the bonus schemes at the heart of its inquiry put pressure on sales staff to hit targets relating to investment products such as stocks and share Isas and insurance protection products.

In one instance, an adviser was found to have sold insurance products to himself, his wife and a colleague to prevent himself being demoted.

The FCA said the bonus schemes had worrying "higher risk" features, which offered the potential of an automatic promotion and pay rise or salary cuts of up to 50% if targets were not met.

Lloyds Banking Group is run by Antonio Horta-Osorio

Lloyds TSB also offered a so-called "champagne bonus" that could see an adviser land a windfall worth 35% of their monthly salary, while Halifax and BoS paid one-off monthly prizes, such as a "grand in your hand."

The investigation found that 70% of advisers at Lloyds TSB and 30% at Halifax still received their monthly bonus, even though a high proportion of their sales were found - by the firms themselves - to be unsuitable or potentially unsuitable.

A further 229 advisers at Lloyds TSB received a bonus even when all of their assessed sales were deemed unsuitable or potentially unsuitable; and 30 advisers received a bonus in the same circumstances on more the one occasion.

Tracey McDermott, the FCA's director of enforcement and financial crime, said the fine was increased as Lloyds ignored repeated industry warnings from regulators over incentive schemes.

She added: "The findings do not make pleasant reading.

"Financial incentive schemes are an important indicator of what management values and a key influence on the culture of the organisation, so they must be designed with the customer at the heart.

"The review of incentive schemes that we published last year makes it quite clear that this is something to which we expect all firms to adhere. 

"Customers have a right to expect better from our leading financial institutions and we expect firms to put customers first - but firms will never be able to do this if they incentivise their staff to do the opposite.

"Both Lloyds TSB and Bank of Scotland have made substantial changes, and the reviews of sales and the redress now being made should right many of these wrongs," she concluded.

Lloyds Banking Group - which has since split the TSB operation into a separate brand - responded to the penalty by apologising.

Its statement said: "The Group has already commenced a review to address potential customer impacts that may have occurred as a result of these failings.

"We are already contacting customers, and will continue to contact potentially affected customers over the coming months. Customers do not need to take any action at this stage to be included in the review and they will be contacted in due course.

"The Group recognises that its oversight of these particular schemes during the period in question was inadequate and apologises to its customers for the impact that they may have had.

"We are determined to ensure that any customer impacts are dealt with quickly and fully."

It concluded: "The cost of the enforcement and the review is not expected to have a material impact on the Group."

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Dog Attack: Arrest After Leeds Mother Dies

Police have arrested a 33-year-old man after his two American pit bulls mauled a mother-of-four to death.

Emma Bennett died on Tuesday evening after suffering serious bite injuries in an incident at a house in Dawlish Avenue in the Osmondthorpe district of Leeds.

It was reported that the attack, on Monday afternoon, happened while the 27-year-old was suffering an epileptic fit.

The man arrested was held on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Detective Superintendent Simon Beldon, who is leading the investigation, said: "Early indications are that the two dogs seized from the address are American pit bull terriers although tests are still ongoing to establish their exact make up.

"Dogs of this type are subject to restrictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act and our enquiries are focused on this aspect.

"We are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the incident or the dogs involved in it to contact the investigation team."

Ms Bennett's neighbour, Chris Roebuck, said he was surprised the dogs were vicious enough to carry out the attack.

"I've seen one of them, which I have stroked and it seemed soft, really soft," he said.

"It wanted to lick you at all times - that's the big dog - but I never saw the other dog."

Mr Roebuck said the dogs "seemed calm" and only ever barked occasionally.

Earlier, police said the injured woman had been taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment.

Officers responded to reports that a woman was "in distress" at the address in Dawlish Avenue.

The force added: "One dog which got loose from the property was contained by officers in Back Dawlish Road and recovered. Another was safely removed from the address a short time later."

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Bolton House Fire Deaths 'Suspicious' Say Police

Police and the fire service are investigating after three people died in a house fire.

Two bodies were recovered from the semi-detached property in the Heaton area of Bolton, Greater Manchester, while a woman was taken to hospital but died a short time later from burns.

Next-door neighbour Maria Taylor, 48, said she was woken by the sound of fire engines and then heard smashing glass as firefighters broke in to gain access to the property.

She said: "There were some flames inititally and then a lot of smoke coming from the kitchen area. It was going up the stairwell, up to the landing.

The property was cordoned off as investigators conducted examinations.

"An ambulance then arrived and a body was brought out. They were doing CPR on the person in the garden at the front."

She said she knew the couple who lived there as Mona and Hassan and thought they had two children who were away at university.

"They were a lovely, lovely family," she said: "They have lived here for about 10 years. I don't know them well but we would always say hello to each other and exchange pleasantries.

"I think they were Iranian. They have been trying to sell their house for quite a while - I think they wanted to downsize after the children left home."

Another neighbour said he believed an elderly relative had been staying with the couple.

A neighbour said she saw smoke coming from the kitchen area of the house

Bolton Mayor Colin Shaw, who lives in Albert Road West, said: "I am absolutely shocked. We only live down a few doors down the road.

"At about 3.15am the police came and told me what had happened. I understood there was one fatality at the time, so I'm shocked it's now three."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are trying to establish the cause of the blaze which began early this morning.

A spokesman for GMP said: "Just before 2.20am, police were called by the fire service following a blaze at a house on Albert Road West, Heaton, Bolton.

"A woman was taken to hospital but died a short time later of burns. 

"Following a search of the house, a further two bodies were discovered. 

"The flames have since been extinguished.

"A joint investigation has now been launched between police and fire to establish how the fire started and to identify the bodies."

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Northumberland Wins Dark Sky Park Protection

A swathe of Northumberland's night sky has been granted special protection in a move set to boost tourism from stargazing visitors in the remote part of England.

In recognition of the quality of its spectacular cosmic vista, around 580 square miles of the North East countryside has secured dark sky status, making it the largest such area in Europe.

The US-based International Dark Skies Association (IDA) has granted Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status to the combined areas of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, between Hadrian's Wall and the Scottish border.

The special designation means the spread of light pollution will be halted, with people encouraged to fit more sophisticated outdoor lighting to homes.

The night sky needs protecting says impressionist and stargazer Jon Culshaw

The new zone - which will be called the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park - is the first of its kind in England and one of the largest in the world, joining the likes of Death Valley and Big Bend Dark Sky Parks in America.

Gold tier designation is the highest accolade that the IDA can bestow.

It is set to prove popular among astronomers seeking to escape the glare of the city.

The bid for protected status has taken two years, and has been spearheaded by Northumberland National Park Authority, Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society.

TV impressionist Jon Culshaw, an amateur astronomer, said: "It's a sad thought that such genuinely dark sky sites are becoming increasingly rare.

"We must value them, preserve them and ensure they can be enjoyed by as many visitors as possible who may take in the majesty of a spectacularly non-light polluted night sky."

The area of English countryside joins the likes of Death Valley in the US

Elisabeth Rowark, chair of the Northumberland Dark Skies Working Group and director of the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: "We do not want to turn off the lights, but rather encourage better lighting using the latest technology."

Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal for England, said: "It is important to ensure that there will be somewhere in England where young people can fully enjoy a cosmic panorama."

Councillor John Riddle, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "This move will reclaim the night and protect this rich legacy for future generations."

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Spot-Fixing Claims: Footballer Among Six Held

Blackburn Rovers striker DJ Campbell has been arrested as part of a football spot-fixing investigation, his club has confirmed.

The 32-year-old is one of six people detained in an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), after it acted on information passed on by the Sun on Sunday newspaper.

In a statement, Blackburn Rovers FC said: "Following reports in today's national media, Blackburn Rovers can confirm that striker DJ Campbell has been arrested.

The claims were made in the Sun on Sunday

"The club will be making no further comment on what is now an ongoing legal matter."

The six in custody were arrested in connection with a second probe into football spot-fixing following claims that a player rigged a football league game for cash.

The Sun on Sunday reported that an undercover investigator met ex-Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje, who allegedly said he could arrange a yellow card booking in the Football League, in exchange for tens of thousands of pounds.

The former Premier League player and Nigerian international also allegedly told how he punched an opponent in the groin during a game earlier this year to get sent off in exchange for a £70,000 payout.

He further claimed he could rig Premier League games, and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Another player, Oldham Athletic's Cristian Montano, also allegedly told how he attempted to get booked during a match against Wolves, in return for cash.

Ex-Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje is filmed by an undercover reporter

The ex-West Ham player said: "From minute one I was hacking people down.

"People running past me and I would go clip.

"I run against one player and barged him."

Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey, said: "We treat any allegations of criminal activity in our competitions with the utmost seriousness.

"Given that there is an ongoing police investigation into this matter, we cannot comment further at this time.

"Although, we would encourage anyone with any evidence to report it to the police.

The National Crime Agency is investigating separate fixing claims

"We will be giving our full assistance to the police during their investigation."

The NCA said an active investigation is now under way.

A spokesman said: "The NCA can confirm that the Sun on Sunday has passed material from its own investigation to the National Crime Agency.

"An active NCA investigation is now under way and we are working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission. Six people are in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers. We cannot comment further at this stage."

In a statement, Portsmouth Football Club said: "If these serious allegations are true, then we are extremely shocked and saddened by them, as match-fixing of any type goes to the heart of the integrity of the game.

"The player in question no longer plays for the club and we have not been contacted by the authorities, but of course we would cooperate fully with any inquiry."

The new probe comes after the NCA announced at the end of last month that it had launched a separate investigation into "a suspected international illegal betting syndicate".

Gambling on the matches is thought to have taken place on Asian-based betting services and so far investigators to do not believe British betting markets are involved.

That inquiry was launched after an undercover investigation by the Daily Telegraph newspaper, which recorded one alleged fixer offering to rig two games.

It is understood to involve clubs in the English Football Conference, the level below the Football League.

On Thursday, the NCA revealed that two footballers from Brighton-based Conference South team Whitehawk FC had been charged over match-fixing allegations.

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun, both 22 and from the Croydon area of south London, were charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law.

The two men have been bailed to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on December 11.

They are the third and fourth people charged to date in connection with the NCA investigation into the alleged international illegal betting syndicate.

Chann Sankaran, 33, from Hastings, East Sussex, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, from Singapore, were charged on November 28 with plotting to defraud bookmakers.

Both were remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on December 13.

Sky News sports presenter Charlie Thomas said the two NCA investigations were being carried out separately.

He added: "This is a situation that football has been fearing and had hoped it had nothing to do with football at all, but now it appears it is encroaching on the league as well as the non-league."

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Woolwich: 'I Am A Soldier And This Is A War'

One of the men accused of murdering off-duty soldier Lee Rigby has told the Old Bailey he is a "soldier" fighting a war.

Michael Adebolajo also spoke of his "love" for al Qaeda, telling the court he considers members of the terrorist group to be his "brothers".

Mr Adebolajo, 28, began giving evidence at the Old Bailey, dressed in black and surrounded by five security guards.

The soldier's relatives sat feet away as the defendant spoke to the court.

Fusilier Rigby's mother and widow left the court in tears as Mr Adebolajo described how he and co-defendant Michael Adebowale killed the victim.

He said he could see that Drummer Rigby was still moving after he hit him with a car and that after striking at his head he used another knife to try and decapitate him.

He and Mr Adebowale, 22, are accused of murdering Fusilier Rigby by running him down with a car and then hacking him to death with a meat cleaver and knives near Woolwich Barracks in south east London on May 22.

Asked directly for his defence to the charge of murder, Adebolajo told the jury: "I am a soldier. I am a soldier of Allah and I understand that some people might not recognise this because we do not wear fatigues and we don't go to the Brecon Beacons to train.

"But we are still soldiers."

He told his counsel David Gottlieb that he considered al Qaeda to be "Mujahideen".

He said: "I love them, they're my brothers. I have never met them. I consider them my brothers in Islam."

The jury has previously seen video of police interviewing Mr Adebolajo

Mr Adebolajo said he had been raised as a Christian by his parents, but grew frustrated with family visits to church and converted to Islam in his first year at the University of Greenwich.

He said that he held former Prime Minister Tony Blair responsible for the death of one of his childhood friends who had become a soldier but was killed by an IED blast in Iraq.

Mr Adebolajo told the court that he took the name Mujahid, meaning fighter, in 2002 or 2003.

He told the court that the 2003 invasion of Iraq - particularly the "shock and awe" bombing campaign launched by the US - had been a big influence on him.

He said: "Growing up I never did think of killing a man. This is not the type of thing that the average child thinks of and I was no different.

"When a soldier joins the Army he perhaps has in his head an understanding that he will kill a man at some stage. When I became a mujahid I was aware that perhaps I might end up killing a soldier."

Mr Adebolajo told the jury that he used to attend demonstrations organised by Anjem Choudary's al Muhajiroun "in the hope it might make a difference".

He said that at one demonstration he was arrested and sent to prison for 51 days for assaulting a police officer.

In 2010 he tried to travel to Somalia but was captured in Kenya and brought back to the UK.

He told the jury that before Fusilier Rigby was killed, he and Mr Adebowale prayed to Allah that they would attack a soldier and not a civilian.

Mr Adebolajo said he handed a letter to an eyewitness in Woolwich to make it clear that the events happened "for one reason and one reason only - that's foreign policy".

He said: "The life of this one soldier might save the lives of many, many people, not just from Muslim lands but from this country."

He said he asked people at the scene at Woolwich Barracks to film him to "make it clear to everybody why the soldier lost his life" and "how this can be avoided in the future".

Mr Adebolajo and his co-defendant Mr Adebowale deny murdering Fusilier Rigby, attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder.

The trial continues.

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Teenager Stabbed In School By Fellow Pupil

A 15-year-old is in hospital after allegedly being stabbed at school by a fellow pupil, police say.

Officers were called to Eggbuckland Community College in Plymouth, Devon, this morning and the boy was taken to Derriford Hospital with a back injury.

It is not thought to be life threatening.

Police arrested a 14-year-old boy, also a student at the school, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The stabbing took place this morning at Eggbuckland College

Superintendent Chris Singer, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the suspect had been taken into police custody.

"We are investigating the circumstances of this incident and would like to reassure people that there is no danger to anyone else," Supt Singer said.

"The alleged weapon that was used has been seized and the suspect has been arrested."

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'Slaves' Rescued In Bristol Police Raids

Three men, believed to be victims of slavery, have been "rescued" by police following a series of raids in the Bristol area.

Police officers raided three travellers' sites, a business unit, a house in South Gloucestershire and a house in Bristol.

Two people have been arrested on slavery offences and five others on suspicion of offences including money laundering and handling stolen goods.

A significant quantity of cash was found at one of the addresses.

Three male victims, one aged in his 30s, one in his 40s and one in his 50s, have been taken to a place of safety and are being offered support.

Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation into forced labour and human trafficking five weeks ago following intelligence built up by CID.

Head of CID, Chief Superintendent Julian Moss, said: "This is an ongoing and dynamic inquiry; our primary aim is to safeguard and protect vulnerable victims.

"We know from talking with other police forces and charities such as Unseen that victims in such cases are often forced to live and work in poor and unsanitary conditions, sometimes with little or no pay.

"Some of those affected will not view themselves as victims and, even if they do, may have been unable to speak to the police or any other authorities for a variety of reasons."

South Gloucestershire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, the National Crime Agency and specialist charities, such as anti-trafficking organisation Unseen and the Red Cross have all been involved in the operation.

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UKIP Politician In 'Send Them Back' Video

UKIP has again become embroiled in controversy after one of its politicians was caught on camera saying immigrants should be sent home.

Victoria Ayling, 54, who defected from the Conservatives in March, made the comments in a 20-minute video seen by The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

She talks about restricting the numbers of foreigners entering Britain, and then between takes, adds: "I just want to send the lot back, but I can't say that."

Mrs Ayling - a Lincolnshire County councillor and deputy leader of the local UKIP party - then jokes that the inflammatory remark may one day come back to haunt her.

"(It could be used for) some future get back at me. Bribery, blackmail - we need the blackmail music don't we."

Mrs Ayling hit the headlines earlier this year when she confronted David Cameron during the Tory conference and told him she was leaving the party.

It is the latest in a string of controversies for UKIP after MEP Godfrey Bloom sparked fury when he referred to "Bongo Bongo Land" and then resigned from the party for calling female activists "sluts".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage described Mrs Ayling's comments as "slightly odd".

He told The Mail on Sunday: "I have met her two or three times and I have discussed policy at length before accepting her into the party.

"I had no reason to believe she held views that were extreme or inconsistent with ours. While this comment looks odd and unpleasant there may be a context here that is slightly different to the way it appears."

Godfrey Bloom resigned from UKIP after his 'sluts' comment

Mrs Ayling's husband, Rob, from whom she has since divorced, helped shoot the footage in 2008 to promote her political career.

At one point, she says: "We must basically repatriate those that shouldn't be here. That's not quite policy yet. Maybe I should soften it a bit." She then added: "OK. Send them back."

Her ex-husband is then heard to mutter: "National Front."

She replies: "Multiculturalism is dead, I'm allowed to say that, but maybe Britishness is waving the National Front flag a bit."

Mrs Ayling told the paper she stood by her comments. She said they had been taken out of context because she was only referring to illegal immigrants.

"It is nothing different from what the Home Secretary is advocating now any way. And the blackmail music is from a Monty Python sketch. I don't think there is anything there that can be seen as offensive or politically incorrect," she said.

In an official statement, a UKIP spokesperson said: "These comments were made five years ago when Ms Ayling was a Conservative candidate. Off the cuff remarks have been deliberately miscontrued.

"We believe, and she assures us, that these comments refer to the status of illegal entrants to the UK.

"We cannot comment on material made while she was a Conservative candidate but we believe her to be a good councillor and upstanding citizen and will support her through this."

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Poverty Report: Hard Work Is Not Paying Off

For the first time, there are more people in working families living below the poverty line (6.7 million) than in workless and retired families combined (6.3 million), a report has found.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that almost 13 million Britons are now living in poverty, having suffered a "sustained" and "unprecedented" fall in their living standards.

The social policy research charity found people remaining in poverty despite moving in and out of work, with some facing "very severe hardship".

At the same time the study finds that the support on offer to people who fall on hard times is "increasingly threadbare".

The report found that job insecurity is common for millions of people, with one in six of the workforce claiming Jobseekers' Allowance at some point in the last two years.

There have also been big shifts in terms of which groups are experiencing poverty: the largest group in poverty are working age adults without dependent children - 4.7 million people are in this situation, the highest on record. Pensioner poverty is at its lowest level for 30 years.

Not all of the findings are negative. There has been an improvement in the labour market with falling unemployment and underemployment, and, over the longer term, improvements in health and education outcomes.

Young adult unemployment has peaked at 21%, and unemployment among the whole population has begun to fall.

The number of people underemployed - ether unemployed, economically inactive and wanting work or working part time but wanting a full time job - fell by 100,000 over the last year.

One of the author's of the report, Dr Peter Kenway, told Sky News: "People are hard hit everywhere. It remains the case that young adults are on low incomes, but more than half of people who are low paid are above the age of 30.

"This is not a phenomenon of people who are at the start of their working lives. We've got people who are really hard-pressed and unable to progress."

Julia Unwin, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's chief executive, added: "This research shows millions of people are moving in and out of work but rarely out of poverty.

"Hard work is not working. We have a labour market that lacks pay and protection, with jobs offering precious little security and paltry wages that are insufficient to make ends meet."

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Air Traffic Control: 'Business As Usual'

Major airports have reported they are back to "business as usual" after an air traffic control centre glitch caused chaos across the UK and Ireland.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed on Saturday after problems with a telephone system arose at the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, in the early hours.

Thousands of people endured hours of frustration as flights were affected across the country, including the major airports of Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.

The problem was resolved at about 7.30pm on Saturday, Nats said, more than 12 hours after first being reported.

It was feared there could be knock-on effects but other than a handful of cancellations at Heathrow, there were no further problems.

Passengers bedded down at Heathrow Airport

The issue arose when Nats' night-time operating system, which combines sectors of airspace for when it is less busy, did not properly switch over to the daytime system, causing a communication problem with the centre's internal telephones.

They stressed that safety was not at risk at any time.

Heathrow was the worst affected, with 228 cancellations on Saturday, representing 15% of its usual daily total of 1,300 flights going in and out of the airport.

Nats' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire

A spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said: "On Sunday we have 18 cancellations - 11 arrivals and seven departures - and that's mostly due to crew displacement.

"Apart from that we are pretty much running as normal."

She explained crew displacement is when crew are not where they are meant to be, due to Saturday's cancelled and delayed flights.

A Stansted Airport spokesman said they had experienced no problems on Sunday, while a Gatwick Airport spokeswoman said: "We've been back to business as usual from this morning."

Flight misery at Heathrow's Terminal 5

Nats said on Sunday that all operations were running as normal.

In a statement issued last night, they apologised for the disruption, saying: "The reduction in capacity has had a disproportionate effect on southern England because it is extremely complex and busy airspace and we sincerely regret inconvenience to our airline customers and their passengers.

"To be clear, this is a very complex and sophisticated system with more than a million lines of software. This is not simply internal telephones, it is the system that controllers use to speak to other ATC agencies both in the UK and Europe and is the biggest system of its kind in Europe.

"This has been a major challenge for our engineering team and for the manufacturer, who has worked closely with us to ensure this complex problem was resolved as quickly as possible while maintaining a safe service."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

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Football Spot-Fixing Claims: Three In Custody

Three people are in custody and being questioned by police in connection over football spot-fixing allegations.

The  National Crime Agency, which is working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission, confirmed it had launched its investigation after being contacted by the Sun on Sunday.

As part of its investigation, the Sun on Sunday recorded footage that appears to show players allegedly arranging spot-fixing.

Ex-Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje allegedly claimed he could arrange a yellow card booking in the Football League, in exchange for tens of thousands of pounds.

The former Premier League player and Nigerian international also allegedly told how he punched an opponent in the groin during a game earlier this year to get sent off in exchange for a £70,000 payout.

The Sun on Sunday

And he claimed he could rig Premier League games, and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Another player, Cristian Montano, for Oldham Athletic appears to explain in the video how he attempted to get booked during a match against Wolves, in return for cash.

The ex-West Ham player said: "From minute one I was hacking people down.

"People running past me and I would go clip.

"I run against one player and barged him."

Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey, said: "We treat any allegations of criminal activity in our competitions with the utmost seriousness.

"Given that there is an ongoing police investigation into this matter, we cannot comment further at this time.

"Although, we would encourage anyone with any evidence to report it to the police.

"We will be giving our full assistance to the police during their investigation."

The NCA said an active investigation is now under way.

The National Crime Agency is investigating separate fixing claims

A spokesman said: "Three people are in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers. We cannot comment further at this stage."

In a statement, Portsmouth Football Club said: "If these serious allegations are true, then we are extremely shocked and saddened by them, as match-fixing of any type goes to the heart of the integrity of the game.

"The player in question no longer plays for the club and we have not been contacted by the authorities, but of course we would cooperate fully with any inquiry."

The new probe comes after the NCA announced at the end of last month that it had launched a separate investigation into "a suspected international illegal betting syndicate".

Gambling on the matches is thought to have taken place on Asian-based betting services and so far investigators to do not believe British betting markets are involved.

That inquiry was launched after an undercover investigation by the Daily Telegraph newspaper, which recorded one alleged fixer offering to rig two games.

It is understood to involve clubs in the English Football Conference, the level below the Football League.

On Thursday, the NCA revealed that two footballers from Brighton-based Conference South team Whitehawk FC had been charged over match-fixing allegations.

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun, both 22 and from the Croydon area of south London, were charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law.

The two men have been bailed to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on December 11.

They are the third and fourth people charged to date in connection with the NCA investigation into the alleged international illegal betting syndicate.

Chann Sankaran, 33, from Hastings, East Sussex, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, from Singapore, were charged on November 28 with plotting to defraud bookmakers.

Both were remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on December 13.

Sky News sports presenter Charlie Thomas said both NCA investigations were being carried out separately.

He added: "This is a situation that football has been fearing and had hoped it had nothing to do with football at all, but now it appears it is encroaching on the league as well as the non-league."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

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Poverty Report: Hard Work Is Not Paying Off

For the first time, there are more people in working families living below the poverty line (6.7 million) than in workless and retired families combined (6.3 million), a report has found.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that almost 13 million Britons are now living in poverty, having suffered a "sustained" and "unprecedented" fall in their living standards.

The social policy research charity found people remaining in poverty despite moving in and out of work, with some facing "very severe hardship".

At the same time the study finds that the support on offer to people who fall on hard times is "increasingly threadbare".

The report found that job insecurity is common for millions of people, with one in six of the workforce claiming Jobseekers' Allowance at some point in the last two years.

There have also been big shifts in terms of which groups are experiencing poverty: the largest group in poverty are working age adults without dependent children - 4.7 million people are in this situation, the highest on record. Pensioner poverty is at its lowest level for 30 years.

Not all of the findings are negative. There has been an improvement in the labour market with falling unemployment and underemployment, and, over the longer term, improvements in health and education outcomes.

Young adult unemployment has peaked at 21%, and unemployment among the whole population has begun to fall.

The number of people underemployed - ether unemployed, economically inactive and wanting work or working part time but wanting a full time job - fell by 100,000 over the last year.

One of the author's of the report, Dr Peter Kenway, told Sky News: "People are hard hit everywhere. It remains the case that young adults are on low incomes, but more than half of people who are low paid are above the age of 30.

"This is not a phenomenon of people who are at the start of their working lives. We've got people who are really hard-pressed and unable to progress."

Julia Unwin, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's chief executive, added: "This research shows millions of people are moving in and out of work but rarely out of poverty.

"Hard work is not working. We have a labour market that lacks pay and protection, with jobs offering precious little security and paltry wages that are insufficient to make ends meet."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Football Spot-Fixing Claims: Three In Custody

Three people are in custody and being questioned by police in connection over football spot-fixing allegations.

The  National Crime Agency, which is working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission, confirmed it had launched its investigation after being contacted by the Sun on Sunday.

As part of its investigation, the Sun on Sunday recorded footage that appears to show players allegedly arranging spot-fixing.

Ex-Portsmouth defender Sam Sodje allegedly claimed he could arrange a yellow card booking in the Football League, in exchange for tens of thousands of pounds.

The former Premier League player and Nigerian international also allegedly told how he punched an opponent in the groin during a game earlier this year to get sent off in exchange for a £70,000 payout.

The Sun on Sunday

And he claimed he could rig Premier League games, and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Another player, Cristian Montano, for Oldham Athletic appears to explain in the video how he attempted to get booked during a match against Wolves, in return for cash.

The ex-West Ham player said: "From minute one I was hacking people down.

"People running past me and I would go clip.

"I run against one player and barged him."

Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey, said: "We treat any allegations of criminal activity in our competitions with the utmost seriousness.

"Given that there is an ongoing police investigation into this matter, we cannot comment further at this time.

"Although, we would encourage anyone with any evidence to report it to the police.

"We will be giving our full assistance to the police during their investigation."

The NCA said an active investigation is now under way.

The National Crime Agency is investigating separate fixing claims

A spokesman said: "Three people are in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers. We cannot comment further at this stage."

In a statement, Portsmouth Football Club said: "If these serious allegations are true, then we are extremely shocked and saddened by them, as match-fixing of any type goes to the heart of the integrity of the game.

"The player in question no longer plays for the club and we have not been contacted by the authorities, but of course we would cooperate fully with any inquiry."

The new probe comes after the NCA announced at the end of last month that it had launched a separate investigation into "a suspected international illegal betting syndicate".

Gambling on the matches is thought to have taken place on Asian-based betting services and so far investigators to do not believe British betting markets are involved.

That inquiry was launched after an undercover investigation by the Daily Telegraph newspaper, which recorded one alleged fixer offering to rig two games.

It is understood to involve clubs in the English Football Conference, the level below the Football League.

On Thursday, the NCA revealed that two footballers from Brighton-based Conference South team Whitehawk FC had been charged over match-fixing allegations.

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun, both 22 and from the Croydon area of south London, were charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law.

The two men have been bailed to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on December 11.

They are the third and fourth people charged to date in connection with the NCA investigation into the alleged international illegal betting syndicate.

Chann Sankaran, 33, from Hastings, East Sussex, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, from Singapore, were charged on November 28 with plotting to defraud bookmakers.

Both were remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on December 13.

Sky News sports presenter Charlie Thomas said both NCA investigations were being carried out separately.

He added: "This is a situation that football has been fearing and had hoped it had nothing to do with football at all, but now it appears it is encroaching on the league as well as the non-league."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

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Iraq Deaths: UK Troops To Face 11 Inquiries

British troops are facing 11 separate inquiries into their conduct in Iraq following a ruling by the High Court, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

The "semi-inquests" will be held into cases of 11 Iraqi civilians who died in UK custody after the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Each of the hearings will take an average of three months and the total cost to the taxpayer will be £2m, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

They follow an increasing amount of legal scrutiny being turned on the Armed Forces in the wake of the case of Sgt Alexander Blackman, the Royal Marine sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for murdering a wounded Taliban insurgent in Afghanistan.

There have been calls for his sentence to be reduced or quashed over fears he would need special protection in prison because of the danger he will be attacked by Islamists.

One in three people (35%) believes he should serve no jail time at all, according to a poll by the Mail on Sunday.

Another 23% believe he should do five years, 20% are in favour of 10 years, while 22% think he should be imprisoned for more than 10 years.

One in three believes Blackman should serve no jail time, says a poll

Commenting on the poll, Sir Gerald Howarth, a former defence minister and current MP for army garrison town Aldershot, said he agreed the sentence was too harsh.

"The highest standard of discipline must be maintained in the Armed Forces and this man obviously committed an offence," Sir Gerald told the MoS. "But 10 years is too much. Five years would be more appropriate."

But former Lib Dem leader and ex-Royal Marine Lord Ashdown said he was content with the judge's decision.

An order banning the naming of Blackman, 39, was lifted by High Court judges after he was found guilty at a court martial in Bulford, Wiltshire.

Former senior officers and MPs reacted against that decision, amid claims he may need protection from Islamists in prison, the Sunday Telegraph said.

Lord West of Spithead, a former first lord of the Admiralty, said: "This is a man who has put his life on the line many times. I am not sure due account has been taken of this."

Blackman shot the Afghan, who had been seriously injured in an attack by an Apache helicopter, in the chest at close range with a 9mm pistol.

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Air Traffic Control Glitch Delays Continue

Major airports have reported they are back to "business as usual" after an air traffic control centre glitch caused chaos across the UK and Ireland.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed on Saturday after problems with a telephone system arose at the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, in the early hours.

Thousands of people endured hours of frustration as flights were affected across the country, including the major airports of Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.

The problem was resolved at about 7.30pm on Saturday, Nats said, more than 12 hours after first being reported.

It was feared there could be knock-on effects but other than a handful of cancellations at Heathrow, there were no further problems.

Passengers bedded down at Heathrow Airport

The issue arose when Nats' night-time operating system, which combines sectors of airspace for when it is less busy, did not properly switch over to the daytime system, causing a communication problem with the centre's internal telephones.

They stressed that safety was not at risk at any time.

Heathrow was the worst affected, with 228 cancellations on Saturday, representing 15% of its usual daily total of 1,300 flights going in and out of the airport.

Nats' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire

A spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said: "On Sunday we have 18 cancellations - 11 arrivals and seven departures - and that's mostly due to crew displacement.

"Apart from that we are pretty much running as normal."

She explained crew displacement is when crew are not where they are meant to be, due to Saturday's cancelled and delayed flights.

A Stansted Airport spokesman said they had experienced no problems on Sunday, while a Gatwick Airport spokeswoman said: "We've been back to business as usual from this morning."

Flight misery at Heathrow's Terminal 5

Nats said on Sunday that all operations were running as normal.

In a statement issued last night, they apologised for the disruption, saying: "The reduction in capacity has had a disproportionate effect on southern England because it is extremely complex and busy airspace and we sincerely regret inconvenience to our airline customers and their passengers.

"To be clear, this is a very complex and sophisticated system with more than a million lines of software. This is not simply internal telephones, it is the system that controllers use to speak to other ATC agencies both in the UK and Europe and is the biggest system of its kind in Europe.

"This has been a major challenge for our engineering team and for the manufacturer, who has worked closely with us to ensure this complex problem was resolved as quickly as possible while maintaining a safe service."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More