Weather: Flood Warnings As Tidal Surges Hit

Some roads are now under water and rivers have burst their banks as parts of the UK are deluged by further flooding.

At least eight severe flood warnings, which indicate a risk to life, were in place for England and Wales as heavy rain and strong winds, combined with exceptionally high tides, struck western parts.

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Among the areas affected were the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Gloucestershire, and Wales as the latest violent storm swept in from the Atlantic.

In North Wales, five people were rescued from a flood-hit caravan park in Gwynedd.

A lifeboat crew along with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the coastguard evacuated them from the site in Pwllheli.

And four people were rescued from a farm in Llanbedr, near Barmouth.

People were rescued from a flooded farm in North Wales. Pic: RNLI

Two of the severe warnings were for the South West, with three in Wales and three in the Midlands.

Around 130 flood warnings (meaning flooding is expected) and 230 less serious alerts were also in place, affecting every region of England and Wales.

There were high tides later on the North West coastline bringing further threats to communities in and around those areas, including in Chester, where sand bags were laid.

Also inland, the risk was that rivers - already swollen from weeks of rain -  would rise still further and burst their banks.

Eight severe flood warnings have been issued

And for counties such as Dorset and Gloucestershire that were affected earlier in the day by floods, the evening high tide means further potential problems.

Meanwhile, the Thames Flood Barrier in London has been closed due to a high flow of water over Teddington Weir combined with a spring tide.

Flooding in Lynmouth, north Devon

It is has also been announced that December 2013 was the wettest month in Scotland since records began in 1910.

In Christchurch, Dorset, the River Stour burst its banks. Sky's Stephen Douglas at the scene said: "A number of homes have been evacuated so people are listening to the warnings hoping it doesn't get any worse than this."

In Burrowbridge, Somerset, the River Parrett burst its banks as did the River Severn in Minsterworth, Gloucestershire.

This was the scene in Kingsbridge, Devon. Pic: norsphoto/Twitter

Some roads in Gloucestershire were "impassable" due to flooding, including in Tewkesbury.

In Cornwall, there has been flooding in areas including Penzance, Newquay, Looe and Polperro and there have been road closures. In Devon, towns including Kingsbridge and Salcombe were affected.

But the situation in the two most southwesterly counties has been slightly better than was anticipated, according to the RNLI.

There are around 130 flood warnings for England and Wales

Spokesman Tom Mansell said: "There has been flooding in places like Looe, Kingsbridge and Salcombe but it is not as bad as we had been expecting."

He added a man in Cornwall had a "very lucky escape" when his car was swept away as he wave-watched.

"People think they are in a strong metal box but moving water on tarmac becomes very buoyant," he said.

One man in Penzance was evacuated from his home after it was "severely affected" by floods.

In the South East, Yalding in Kent was deluged again overnight but not on the same scale as over Christmas, according to reports.

The unsettled conditions in the UK are expected to remain for the next few days, forecasters say.

The scene in the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire

Sky's weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "The area most at risk today will be the southwest of England where the second high tide today will be during this evening's rush hour.

"Tonight the winds will ease, but rain is expected across southern parts of England and Wales by the morning. This rain will spread north on Saturday. On Sunday more rain will spread across all parts of the UK and next week remains unsettled with further downpours."

There are also suggestions that there may be snow across northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland on Saturday.

Flooding in Salcombe, Devon. Pic: RNLI

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 38 flood warnings for Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway, Skye and Lochaber, Tayside and West Central Scotland.

Belfast avoided the serious flooding that had been feared after a tidal surge came and went without breaching defences.

But in Coleraine, in Co Londonderry, there were reports of flooding after the River Bann broke its banks.

Floods in Newport, South Wales

On the east coast of the region, towns and villages such as Cushendall, Carnlough, Newcastle and Portaferry took a battering.

In the Irish Republic, forecasters have issued a "status orange" weather warning, with gusts of up to 80mph hitting Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

High tides, strong winds and rainfall have caused flooding in parts of Cork, Galway, Salthill, Waterford, Tralee, Clare and Mayo, while the River Shannon has burst its banks in Limerick.

There are flood warnings and alerts across the UK

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who has chaired another emergency meeting in London, said: "The Environment Agency and local authorities have teams on the ground monitoring the situation as it emerges.

"With a number of severe flood warnings still in place I urge everyone to follow the advice from the Environment Agency and police and to take every precaution."

A search for a 27-year-old man who was swept out to sea while celebrating the new year on the beach with friends near Porthleven, in Cornwall, was called off on Thursday after a body was found.

A train passes through the coast at Saltcoats in Scotland

That came after a woman, thought to be on holiday with her family, died in the surf in north Devon.

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Libya: Briton 'Found Dead With Gun Wounds'

A British man has been found dead in western Libya, with reports suggesting he had suffered gunshot wounds.

The Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the tragic death of a British national in Libya. We stand ready to provide consular assistance."

A woman from New Zealand was found dead alongside the Briton, according to a Libyan security source.

The pair are said to have been found near the Mellitah oil and gas complex, about 60 miles west of Libyan capital Tripoli.

The complex is co-owned by Italian company Eni

Sky News Foreign Affairs correspondent Lisa Holland said: "There are reports that these two people were teachers which begs the question 'what were they doing in this area'.

"What we don't know at the moment is whether they were connected with the oil and gas complex."

She added that the deaths, along with the unrelated death of an American teacher a month ago, show "Libya is a very unstable, insecure place at the moment without a coherent police or army".

After the US teacher was shot dead in the eastern city of Benghazi, the Foreign Office said further attacks against Westerners were likely.

The Mellitah facility is co-owned by Italy's Eni and Libya's state-owned National Oil Corp (NOC).

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Nick Griffin: BNP Leader Declared Bankrupt

Nick Griffin, chairman of the British National Party, has said his bankruptcy will not prevent him from "being or standing as an MEP".

He insisted he would continue as a member of the European Parliament and run for re-election in May.

"This order will not prevent me fighting for the interests of the British people or leading the British National Party to a fresh round of electoral victories. It's of no political significance whatsoever," he said in a statement on the BNP website.

The MEP revealed he had been declared bankrupt on Twitter - and said he would use the experience to produce a leaflet on how to deal with debt.

He tweeted: "A note for all: Being bankrupt does NOT prevent me being or standing as an MEP. It does free me from financial worries. A good day!

"Party funds are not affected in any way. Our campaign in May will be our most professional yet & I will be lead candidate in the North West.

"I am now turning the experience to the benefit of hard-up constituents by producing a booklet on dealing with debt. No surrender!"

A listing at the Insolvency Service showed he was declared bankrupt at Welshpool and Newtown County Court on Thursday.

He had offered to pay 42p in the pound over five years to all his creditors. This was rejected by the petitioning creditor.

The politician will be automatically discharged from bankruptcy in one year, on January 2, 2015, in accordance with the Insolvency Act.

He was elected to represent the North West region of England in 2009.

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Robert Cerqua Charged With Murder Of Twin

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his identical twin brother in a fight on New Year's Eve.

Robert Cerqua, 31, is accused of inflicting serious injuries on his brother Christopher at the home they shared in Hythe, Hampshire, on Tuesday.

Police were called to the address in Langdown Road, Hythe, at 9pm.

Christopher Cerqua was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he died later.

Robert Cerqua was remanded in custody when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Trevor Vidler, chairman of the magistrates' panel, asked him if he understood the charge, to which he replied "Yes".

Mr Vidler told him: "You are being sent for trial to the Crown Court and that first hearing will be on Monday.

"You will attend for that preliminary hearing and remain in custody until that date and time. Go with the officers, please."

He is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Monday.

The murder inquiry is being led by detectives from the Hampshire Major Investigation Team.

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Murdered Artist's Family Join Police Appeal

The family of an artist who was found murdered while house sitting in the West Sussex village of Bosham have made an emotional appeal for help in finding her killer.

Valerie Graves' son, Tim Wood, sitting alongside his sister Jemima Harrison at a news conference, said: "This is devastating for the family and has come as a complete shock.

"We would appeal to anyone who has any information about this, no matter how trivial, to contact police to help as catch whoever has done this horrible act."

Ms Graves, 55, who had been looking after the detached home with three members of her family while the owners were abroad over Christmas, was found with significant head and facial injuries on Monday.

Det Supt Nick May said police would be "very interested" to hear about anyone who may have come home in different clothes or blood-stained clothes.

"Or was anyone asked to wash clothing or asked to dispose of clothing in unusual circumstances late on Sunday, December 29, or up until Monday, December 30?," he went on.

The house where Ms Graves was found dead on Monday

Police are investigating a possible break-in, he said. Officers are looking at whether the attack could have involved someone in her life now or someone she knew in the past.

Det Supt Nick May repeated an earlier appeal for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area from late afternoon on Sunday, December 29 to around 9am on Monday, December 30.

He said Ms Graves went to bed about 10pm on Sunday and was found at about 10am the following morning, in a bedroom at the rear of the house.

Police patrols have been boosted in the area.

Mr Wood said his mother, who had moved back to Sussex from Scotland to look after her mother, had spent a happy Christmas with her family including two young grandchildren.

Ms Graves' family said earlier: "Val was a much-loved daughter, sister, mum and nan, who will be sorely missed by the whole family.

"Val was a free spirit who enjoyed her life and was a talented artist, about to embark on a new path involving ceramics.

"She was an eternal student who was always hungry for a new challenge."

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Jailed Terrorists Refuse To Change Beliefs

By Mark White, Home Affairs Correspondent

Almost three-quarters of those jailed for Islamist terror offences in the UK have rejected efforts to steer them away from extremism, Sky News has been told.

Sources said 110 of the country's 150 terrorist offenders, who are currently in prison or on parole, are resisting rehabilitation.

Analysts have told Sky News the security services will be faced with an increasing challenge trying to monitor those who retain extreme views once released.

The Government's counter-terrorism strategy, Contest, is aimed at encouraging extremists to re-examine their beliefs and choose a path of non-violence.

But experts say tackling the terrorist mindset is extremely challenging.

Many terrorism-related inmates are housed at Belmarsh prison

Dr Usama Hasan is a senior researcher in Islamic studies at the counter-extremist think tank, the Quilliam Foundation.

He said: "It shows the extent of the challenge that, 12 years after the 9/11 attacks in the US, you've still got the majority of these people not wanting to deal with any examination or discussion of their hardline ideas."

Whitehall sources have told Sky News that every single senior jihadist jailed in the UK in recent years has refused to engage with the anti-extremism programme.

They include the likes of Abdullah Ahmed Ali, who led a terror cell which planned to blow up airliners with liquid bombs.

It has been claimed the plot could have been more deadly than the 9/11 attacks. Ali and his fellow plotters were arrested and jailed in 2009.

Dr Hasan said it was not surprising that every senior terrorist figure had rejected overtures by prison authorities.

The Government is trying to get inmates to re-examine their beliefs

"If you look at their background and ideology, it is hardline jihadists' ideology which is the same as that of al Qaeda. 

"It is very fanatical, it's narrow minded, it's entrenched. It is absolutely certain that it is the correct world view and anybody who opposes it is its enemy and is the enemy of God.

"It's very difficult to change that view amongst such individuals."

Of the 150 people convicted of terrorist related offences in recent years, 40 have agreed to participate in the Government's anti-extremism programme.

The 40 are drawn from the ranks of those who were jailed for lesser offences - so-called foot soldiers.

Raffaello Pantucci, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said reaching such offenders remained extremely challenging for the authorities.

He said: "I think individuals who have pursued a path of radical extremist ideas are very difficult to persuade away from those ideas.

"I think trying to persuade them when they're within the context of a prison is understandably even harder.

"The news that around three-quarters of these individuals are not responding to Government attempts to reach out to them with deradicalisation programmes is certainly negative, but is not entirely surprising."

Around 30 terrorist offenders are already back out on Britain's streets on probation - some continue to hold extremist beliefs.

Mr Pantucci said that monitoring growing numbers of these offenders will prove increasingly challenging for the authorities. 

"It poses a difficulty for the security services because you are seeing a lot of people coming back out of prison who don't necessarily seem to have rejected the beliefs that they had before," he said.

"These are individuals that the security services have to watch out for and they need to be aware of these people and watching someone requires a substantial amount of resources."

He added, though, that it wasn't necessarily the case that all those coming out of prison still retaining some radical beliefs, would pose a threat to national security.

"We've certainly seen, historically, that people have rejected these ideas for a variety of reasons, sometimes because they've reached a decision they simply want to move on to another stage in their lives," he said.

Dr Hasan said the authorities still had plenty of time to reach the senior convicted jihadists as they are serving much longer prison sentences.

But he said a more robust approach might eventually be needed to try to influence their thinking.

Experts acknowledge there is only so much the authorities can do to persuade inmates to address their offending behaviour.

Even if they continue to hold on to their extremist beliefs, once they've served their sentence - like everyone else - they will be eligible for release.

Official sources have said they are encouraged that 40 terrorist offenders have agreed to participate in efforts to put them on a path away from violent extremism.

Although officials are hopeful other inmates will follow suit, there is a real risk significant numbers of convicted terrorists will re-join society in the future with the same beliefs that got them jailed in the first place.

In response to the revelations, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson told Sky News: "Challenging the extremist ideologies of individual prisoners can be a long and complex process.

"There is no one size fits all solution.

"Such interventions are a process - not an event.

"That is why we have a range of robust interventions to address these dangerous beliefs and to manage offenders effectively while they are in prison."

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Nigella Lawson: Court Case Was 'Mortifying'

Nigella Lawson has said that having her private life put on display in court was "mortifying".

Speaking for the first time since her former assistants were found not guilty of fraud, the TV cook said her only desire when she gave evidence in December was to protect her children.

Ms Lawson was asked about a difficult 2013, which saw her split from husband Charles Saatchi before details of the couple's private life were laid bare during the trial of sisters Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo.

She told ABC's Good Morning America: "I have to be honest, to have not only your private life but distortions of your private life put on display is mortifying, but there are people going through an awful lot worse and to dwell on it would be self-pity, and I don't want to do that."

Ms Lawson appeared with her fellow judges from TV show The Taste

Asked about her memories of testifying in court, she said: "I can't really remember exactly because you're so focused on answering the questions to the best of your ability that actually you don't have enormous awareness of yourself ... maybe that's a good thing.

"My only desire really was to protect my children as much as possible, which alas I couldn't do, but that's what I wanted to do.

Joking, she added: "And actually since then I've eaten a lot of chocolate, had a very good Christmas and I'm into the New Year."

Francesca (L) and Elisabetta Grillo (R) were found not guilty of fraud

The 53-year-old said she had felt like she was on trial at Isleworth Crown Court, where she admitted using cocaine in the past but said the idea that she was a drug addict was "absolutely ridiculous".

She repeated her criticism of the court system and the experience of witnesses, which she described as "deeply disturbing" after the trial.

She said: "It's one of the niceties of the English legal system that you're not allowed any counsel if you're a witness, but maybe it'll change, maybe that's good."

Ms Lawson was appearing on the US morning show to promote her TV show The Taste with fellow judges Anthony Bourdain, Ludo Lefebvre and Marcus Samuelsson.

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Rail Overcrowding: First Class May Be Axed

Rail Fare Rises Revealed By Route

Updated: 2:21am UK, Thursday 02 January 2014

The rise in rail fares depends on the route passengers are taking. Here are some examples.

ROUTE                                   JAN 2013   JAN 2014     PERCENTAGE

RISE

Leeds-Wakefield                    £964           £992             2.9%

Basingstoke-London              £3,952        £4,076          3.13%

Ramsgate-London                  £4,864        £5,012          3.04%

Folkestone Central -London   £4,836         £4,984          3.06%

Bedford-London                     £4,172         £4,300          3.07%

Sevenoaks-London                £3,112         £3,208          3.08%

Cheltenham Spa-London        £9,184        £9,468          3.09%

Deal-London                            £4,864          £5,012         3.04%

Woking-London                       £2,896         £2,980         2.9%

West Malling-London             £3,876         £3,996         3.1%

Guildford-London                    £3,224         £3,320         2.98%

Dover Priory-London             £4,864          £5,012          3.04%

Ludlow-Hereford                    £1,992         £2,032          2%

Morpeth-Newcastle               £1,008         £1,040           3.17%

Milton Keynes-London           £4,620          £4,772           3.29%

Tunbridge Wells- London      £4,132          £4,260           3.1%

Aylesbury-London                  £3,632          £3,732           2.75%

Hastings-London                   £4,304          £4,432           2.97%

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Jobless Youngsters 'Have Nothing To Live For'

More than 750,000 young people in the UK may feel they have nothing to live for, according to a survey by the Prince's Trust.

The study found that long-term unemployed youngsters are facing "devastating" symptoms of mental illness and often self-harm - and almost a third have contemplated suicide.

Jobless 16 to 25-year-olds are also twice as likely as their peers to have been prescribed anti-depressants, with 40% of those who were out of work saying they faced symptoms of mental illness.

Out of more than 2,000 people who took part in the charity's survey, those unemployed for more than a year were more likely to say they had no one to confide in.

The study found that 9% agreed with the statement: "I have nothing to live for", and in its report the Trust pointed out that if 9% of all young people felt the same, there would be 751,230 across the country feeling that way.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, said: "Unemployment is proven to cause devastating, long-lasting mental health problems among young people.

"Thousands wake up every day believing that life isn't worth living, after struggling for years in the dole queue.

"More than 440,000 young people are facing long-term unemployment, and it is these young people that urgently need our help.

"If we fail to act, there is a real danger that these young people will become hopeless, as well as jobless."

Danielle Stevens told Sunrise she "went down a suicidal path"

In December, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that UK unemployment fell by 99,000 to 2.39 million in the three months to October - the lowest level since 2009.

But the Prince's Trust Macquarie Youth Index found that 16-25 year-olds were not necessarily feeling the benefits of the economic recovery.

Around 280 of those surveyed were not in employment, education or training, 166 had been unemployed for more than six months and 135 had been jobless for a year or more.

Prince's Trust ambassador Danielle Stevens was diagnosed with depression and attempted suicide after being kicked out of college in her teens.

She told Sky News' Sunrise programme: "I felt like I had no reason to be here. I didn't feel like it was worth living. I had no job, no education at the time."

Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, commented: "This research proves that unemployment is a public health issue.

"It is one that must be tackled urgently and it is essential that youth unemployment is added to the public health agenda.

"Unemployed young people are struggling in many aspects of their lives, from their mental health and wellbeing to their relationships and their qualifications and we must act quickly to end this."

The Prince's Trust has called for urgent support from the Government, health agencies and employers to help fund its work with long-term unemployed young people battling mental health issues.

The youth charity said it would support 58,000 disadvantaged young people this year.

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Weather: More Torrential Rain On The Way

Fresh warnings of severe weather and widespread flooding have been issued for the UK, as the Government called an emergency meeting over the conditions.

Floods and strong winds have hit households across the country, with roads closed, train services disrupted and hundreds of homes without electricity.

Authorities are urging people to be extra vigilant as the country prepares for more vicious weather, severe gales and torrential rain.

More than 270 weather warnings and alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency, affecting every region of England and Wales.

Its floods manager Wendy Brooks told Sky News that it would be issusing some "severe flood warnings" later, which means there "couid be risk to people's lives and property".

The flood risk will extend along the UK coastline from north-west England, through Wales and south-west and southern England. Areas particularly at risk include the Isles of Scilly, the north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and the coastline of Wales.

The Thames Barrier in London had been closed to protect people and property along the river, the agency said.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also issued several flood warnings, with some 14 throughout Tayside.

Bad weather has been lashing Britain for a number of weeks

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson chaired an urgent meeting in response to flooding that has wreaked havoc.

"We had a range of ministers from right across government attending, who will be working very closely with local councils, power companies, utilities and transport companies, making sure that all those organisations are absolutely prepared for the bad weather that is coming," he said.

"I would appeal to everyone to keep in very close touch with the warnings that are being put out on a regular basis by the Environment Agency, to pay heed to them, as these floods and the coast will be dangerous."

Dozens of flood warnings have been put in place, mostly in the South East and South West, with strong winds of up to 60 to 70mph, heavy downpours and more flooding forecast over the coming days.

Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "There is further heavy rain coming in this evening from the west and spreading eastwards. It is going to be quite heavy at times.

Just under 300 flood alerts and warnings are in place in England and Wales

"It is not anything too unusual for the time of year. It is just that we are having so much rain coming in, in a short space of time, falling on the already saturated ground.

"Therefore, we are going to see the risk of further flooding in many areas, and the winds are going to be strong tomorrow with gusts up to 60 to 70mph along exposed western coasts. This could cause some damage as well, some travel disruption is likely too.

"It is going to remain stormy for the rest of the week, even into the start of next week as well."

A search for a 27-year-old man who was swept out to sea while celebrating the new year on the beach with friends at Loe Bar, near Porthleven, in Cornwall, was called off on Thursday after a body was found

That came after a woman, thought to be on holiday wither her family, died in the surf in north Devon.

The coastguard is also searching for a man who is believed to have fallen into the River Stour, near Iford Bridge in Christchurch, Dorset.

Some 300 homes in the south and east of England had no power last night

And emergency services across the country are searching for several people who have not been seen since New Year's Eve.

Pete Fox, head of strategy at the Environment Agency, said: "We are expecting flooding along the west and south coasts of England and Wales, due to a combination of strong winds, large waves and high tides, from the early hours of Friday and into the weekend.

"Coastal paths and promenades could be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of being swept out to sea. People are warned to stay away from the shoreline.

"The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground making sure that flood defences are in good working order, monitoring sea levels and preparing to issue flood alerts and warnings.

A Cornwall police spokesman said: "There are people who enjoy swimming in all weathers as well as those who may under-estimate the danger a rough sea can pose.

"During the current bad weather, we would appeal to everyone to use common sense and not put themselves in unnecessary danger."

Meanwhile, in Liphook, Hampshire, 300 homes lost power after lines were brought down in the stormy weather.

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Hartlepool Murder: Teen Held Over Boxer Death

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

A murder inquiry has been launched after a man died at a New Year's Eve party in Hartlepool.

Mark Denton, a 31-year-old amateur boxer, was taken to hospital after suffering what the police have described as serious injuries at a house in the town.

A 17-year-old was arrested and is being questioned in connection with the incident, Cleveland Police said.

Officers were called to the house in in Hutton Avenue at 10.20pm.

Mr Denton was found at a semi-derelict property in the affluent street, a few doors away from the house lived in by Lord Mandelson when he was the local MP.

Bobby Gill, a friend of Mr Denton, told Sky News he had gone to the house with another man to attend a party.

He said: "He was a good lad, he was no angel but no one deserves this do they on New Year's Eve?"

A post-mortem examination will be carried out today to establish the cause of death.

Officers have cordoned off the address and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101.

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Cornwall: New Year Paddler Swept Away By Sea

A major search is under way for a person who was swept out to sea after going for a New Year's Eve paddle with friends.

They were in the sea at Loe Bar, near Porthleven, Cornwall when the missing person, who has not been named, was swept off their feet by a large wave.   

One of the group alerted Falmouth Coastguard, which mobilised rescue teams from Penzance, Porthleven, Mullion and Porthoustock, and RNLI lifeboats from Penlee and Lizard.

A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose also helped in the search in atrocious conditions.

Phil Mathias, Falmouth Coastguard watch manager, said: "The weather for searching has been particularly challenging and as the night has gone on, conditions have deteriorated."

The search was suspended at 4.30am, but resumed at first light with fresh search teams.  

Meanwhile, a woman has drowned after being swept out to sea off the north Devon coast.

A coastguard helicopter and lifeboat crews were sent to find the unnamed woman, who was pulled from the water at around 1pm on Tuesday.

"She was airlifted to North Devon District Hospital where attempts to revive her were sadly unsuccessful," a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said.

The woman, thought to be a holidaymaker visiting Croyde Bay, was swept out in rough waves near Braunton.

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New Year: 'Multi-Sensory' Fireworks For London

Revellers in London have been treated to the world's first "multi-sensory" fireworks display as people around the world welcomed in the New Year.

More than 250,000 people lined the Thames for the display, which saw peach snow and orange-scented bubbles descend on a section of the crowd.

Fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle

In Scotland, about 80,000 were in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party.

There was music from the Pet Shop Boys as well as traditional Scottish sounds at an outdoor dance event.

But those venturing outside to welcome in 2014 were contending with some horrible weather - with the Met Office issuing more than 100 flood alerts.

Thousands enjoyed the celebrations in London

Spectators in London said the show was the best ever.

Harriet Dudley, from Brighton, said: "This was the best ever show and I'm so glad I came to watch - I feel so emotional. It was, like, four-dimensional."

Referring to London's show, Mayor Boris Johnson said: "There is no better way to celebrate the highs of 2013 and the start of an exciting new year than by seeing one of the world's most dazzling firework displays, now augmented in more ways than one.

Dubai's fireworks display is billed as the largest ever

"Watched by millions around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people from the banks of the Thames, it highlights our capital's fantastic community spirit and its premier position on the global stage."

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames were given packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes and LED wristbands.

They also had seven kinds of fruit-flavoured sweets that linked to the tastes and smells of the multi-sensory display.

Peach snow and orange-flavoured bubbles descended in London

The UK celebrations were among displays from around the world including the largest ever fireworks display in Dubai.

The six-minute extravaganza included 500,000 fireworks from 400 firing locations, all synchronised by 100 computers from stations across the city.

Spectators said the show was better than last year's

Later, there will be a celebration parade in London which features music from around the globe.

It leaves from the Ritz Hotel at noon before winding through Piccadilly, Pall Mall and Trafalgar Square and ending in Parliament Square.

Fireworks in Moscow

About half a million people are expected to attend.

Those attending the event may have to contend with a miserable start to the year, weather-wise, with rain and strong winds predicted.

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Migrant Numbers 'Should Be Decided By People'

By David Bowden, Senior News Correspondent

Britain should hold a referendum to decide how many EU migrants should be allowed to come to the UK, a leading MP has told Sky News.

The call was made by Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, as restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians arriving to find jobs were lifted.

Speaking to Sky News from Luton Airport, which is one of a number of airports where flights from Bucharest and Sofia will land, Mr Vaz said: "This is an issue that does need to be put to the British people, so we don't get this kind of drama and people rushing around thinking hundreds of thousands of people are going to arrive at Luton on the first day.

"We do need to look at this sensibly.

"It needs to be part of negotiations for a reformed EU, because freedom of movement is very important.

"It's one of the cornerstones of the EU and we need to have a proper discussion, and that means at the end of the day the British people have to make that decision."

Many people arriving on a flight from Romania on Wednesday morning already worked in the UK, but one of those coming to the country for the first time was Victor Spiresau.

The 30-year-old who said he hoped to earn more in the UK, but was not planning on settling.

Damian Draghici says Britain is 'playing a political game'

He initially planned to wash cars, but wanted to find work in the building industry.

Mr Spiresau, who has left his wife behind in their small village, said: "I don't come to rob your country. I come to work and then go home.

"I don't want to stay here. I want to renovate my home and to make a good life in Romania because it's much easier to live in Romania because it's not expensive."

Also on the flight was Silviu Todea, who was returning to London after visiting Romania over the holidays.

He said he believed the majority of his fellow Romanians would want to work.

Mr Todea, 27, who has a job in marketing in the capital, said: "Everyone has their own opinions especially with their past experiences with other nations, but I think it won't be so bad."

Meanwhile, an adviser to the Romanian Prime Minister told Sky News that job seekers from his country will not 'invade' Britain, despite the ending of curbs.

Senator Damian Draghici, who is from a Roma family, accused those warning there would be a tide of Romanians and Bulgarians taking advantage of relaxed work restrictions of covering up failed policies at home.

He told Sky News: "I believe it's more of a political game or a way to blow things out of proportion, I don't think Romanians are going to invade England."

The outspoken politician added: "They are the voices of political extremists trying to cover up for unsatisfied public policies."

Mihai Fertig says he is not expecting a rush for seats

The UK imposed the seven-year restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria after they joined the EU in 2007, only allowing citizens a visa if they were self-employed, had a job offer, or were given a specialist role.

But from January 1, Romanians and Bulgarians are entitled to come to the UK for work and will be able to claim benefits like other EU citizens.

It has prompted fears of an influx of immigrants and David Cameron moved to counter concerns with a series of measures including banning migrants from claiming benefits for three months and making foreigners pay for NHS treatment.

Mr Draghici also had a message for Mr Cameron, wishing him a Happy New Year and issuing an invite to him. He told Sky News: "Why don't you come over?"

The Conservative leader of Westminster Council, Philippa Roe, has claimed the arrival of Bulgarians and Romanians would add to the burden on council taxpayers.

She said central London had a problem with Roma "causing a massive amount of disruption and low-level crime".

But in Bucharest's Berceni market, as stallholders prepared for the last shoppers of 2013, there was no real interest from anyone Sky News spoke to in spending 2014 working in the UK.

One man working on a fruit stall said: "My country is more beautiful, so not for the moment, but it's a nice idea."

A woman market trader said: " I make my money here, I have my relatives and my friends here, I feel at home here, I would never go."

A middle-aged man said: "Myself, I'd never consider it, I'm happy here. If somebody wants to work then then they'll find it anywhere, you don't need to go to Britain."

Mihai Fertig is the chief operating officer of the Romanian arm of the biggest coaching group in Europe.

He already runs three services a week to the UK, but he's not expecting a rush for seats to London.

He said: "No not really, we aren't enthusiastic. I think the main part of the people who want to work abroad are already there.

"We expect, because of the opening of the market, that the bookings will increase maybe 10%."

Most people in Romania do not understand what all the fuss is about in the UK, and most doubt the predictions that tens of thousands will flock to Britain seeking work.

They are more concerned with the so called "brain drain" of young qualified Romanians, especially doctors and nurses, that have already left to work in other countries since their homeland joined the EU seven years ago.

Analysts in Romania estimate there are between three and four million Romanians already working abroad, a small proportion of around 250,000 in the UK.

A University College London report in November found that immigrants had contributed £25bn to the UK economy between 2000 and 2011 - significantly more than they had claimed in handouts.

They were also, it said, 45 percent less likely to receive benefits than British people.

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Stag Attack: Academic Kate Stone 'Critical'

A woman who was seriously injured when she was gored by a stag remains in a critical condition in hospital, according to a colleague.

Dr Kate Stone, 44, was injured by the animal near Fort William in the Highlands in the early hours of Monday, December 30.

She was treated by paramedics before being taken to Fort William's Belford hospital, and later transferred by air to the Southern General in Glasgow.

A statement released by a colleague at Dr Stone's print firm Novalia confirms she is in a critical but stable condition, and "doctors expect to operate in the next few days to repair damage to her trachea".

It continued: "Her sister and friends are with her and have received messages of support from her many friends around the world.

Dr Stone had been to a ceilidh on the night she was injured

"Our love and support goes to Kate and we wish her all the best for the speediest possible recovery."

Dr Stone was standing with a group of friends outside a private residence in Lochailort when the incident happened.

She had been on a short break in the Highlands, staying at the Mo-Dhachaidh B&B in Lochailort.

The Press and Journal newspaper reported that the animal appeared to single out Dr Stone, who at 6ft was the tallest of the group.

Her friends had initially thought she had just been knocked over in the attack.

Dr Stone studied at Cambridge for a PhD in physics and microelectronics and is now a research engineer at the university's institute of manufacturing.

Gary Burton, who owns the B&B where Dr Stone was staying, said: "I think what happened was that the stag panicked. It was trapped in a fenced garden having got through a gate.

"I don't think there was anywhere else to go and it charged out of the gate.

"This is a one-in-a-million event which has shocked the whole community. We are at one with nature in Lochailort, and we have deer all around us.

"We are all hoping and praying that Kate pulls through."

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NHS: Migrants To Be Charged For A&E Care

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky Political Reporter

Visitors and migrants who use NHS accident and emergency services in England are to be charged, ministers have announced.

The move is part of an extension of the NHS charging strategy intended to deter so-called "health tourists" while trying to recoup up to £500m a year.

Critics have accused the Government of trying to grab headlines rather than helping the NHS.

Ministers say no-one will be turned away in an emergency, but there will be a bill to pay afterwards for those from overseas.

Health Minister Lord Howe said: "Having a universal health service free at the point of use rightly makes us the envy of the world, but we must make sure the system is fair to the hard-working British taxpayers who fund it.

"We know that we need to make changes across the NHS to better identify and charge visitors and migrants. Introducing charging at primary care is the first step to achieving this.

"We are already looking at taking action and next year we will set out our detailed plans to clamp down on the abuse of our NHS."

Doctors' leaders warned the proposed changes could cost more to administer than they would actually raise for the NHS while deterring some people desperately in need of treatment from seeking care.

Dr Mark Porter, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) council, said: "This could mean the system of administering the new charging system will end up actually costing more to run than it collects in revenue."

The announcement has been timed less than 48 hours before restrictions on migrants from Bulgaria and Romania end.

A major influx of immigrants could put additional strain on the NHS and other public services.

Labour argue ministers are putting spin before substance.

Lord Hunt said: "Labour is in favour of improving the recovery of costs from people with no entitlement to NHS treatment. Rather than more grand-standing, the Government needs to deliver practical, thought-through changes to make that happen.

"Instead this out-of-touch government is left asking doctors and nurses to act as surrogate immigration officials."

Also under the proposed changes, migrants and overseas visitors will have to pay for primary care services such as minor surgery carried out by GPs, while prescription charges will be extended.

There will also be higher charges for services which are subsidised for patients entitled to free NHS treatment, such as optical and dental care.

But consultations with GPs and nurses will remain free of charge, to ensure initial access remains to prevent public health risks such as TB, HIV and sexually-transmitted infections.

Details of the scheme are still being worked out and ministers won't have a full plan until March.

But the Government will be hoping its crackdown down on health tourism will resonate home and abroad.

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CBI: Firms Must Boost Pay After Long Squeeze

The director general of the CBI has called on businesses to improve pay levels as the Labour leader Ed Miliband charts what he sees as the "biggest cost-of-living crisis in a generation".

In his New Year message, Mr Miliband signalled his determination to keep up the pressure on the Government over the squeeze on living standards, despite growing signs the economy is finally beginning to pick up strength.

He sought to counter the increasing optimism of the Conservatives about the state of the economy by accusing them of ignoring the fact that many people were still no better off.

He said: "People are thinking they have made the sacrifices - and the Government keeps telling them that everything is fixed. But it does not seem fixed to them. Surely we can do better than this as a country.

"The Tories want to change the conversation from the cost of living crisis. They will talk about anything else. Inherent in their vision is not a solution to the cost of living crisis, but the problem."

Ed Miliband says living costs must be fair for all famlies

He said the party would use the coming year to show how it would make "big changes" to the economy to enable the country to "earn and grow our way to a higher standard of living for people.

"People do not want the earth. They would much prefer some very specific promises, specific things about what a government will do - whether it's freezing energy bills, taking action on pay day lenders, or tackling issues around childcare which lots of working parents face.

"All of this is adding up to a programme for how we can change things. It's clearly costed, it's credible and it's real."

John Cridland wants the spoils of recovery to filter to all workers

Families have been facing a squeeze on living standards as levels of pay increases fail to match the speed of rising prices.

As Mr Miliband outlined his attack on the Government, the CBI's John Cridland said firms face a challenge to make sure economic growth filters through to the workforce as economic recovery takes root.

In his own New Year message he said that businessmen and women have a "spring in their step" compared with a year ago and firms "must support employees in every part of the country to move up the career ladder, while also giving a helping hand to young people taking their first tentative steps into the world of work".

Mr Cridland said: "As the financial situation of many firms begins to turn a corner, one of the biggest challenges facing businesses is to deliver growth that will mean better pay and more opportunities for all their employees after a prolonged squeeze."

He said it was positive news that jobs were being created, adding it was shaping up to be a full-time recovery with the majority of new jobs being permanent.

For the first time since the start of the recession, 2014 will see most firms increasing the size of their workforce, boosting their graduate intake and the number of apprentices they take on, he predicted.

"The good news is that wages will pick up in the year ahead as growth beds down and productivity improves.

"But there are still far too many people stuck in minimum wage jobs without routes to progression, and that's a serious challenge that businesses and the Government must address."

Mr Cridland spoke of the importance of skills, calling for a Ucas-equivalent vocational system to help raise awareness and parity of esteem for alternative routes to higher skills.

"If 2013 was the year that business trust took a hammering on a range of issues from corporate taxation to energy prices, then 2014 must be the year that business leaders take action to rebuild that trust," he said.

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Crime Statistics Revamped To Boost Transparency

Police in England and Wales are to change the way crime statistics are recorded to show the public the reasons why many are not solved.

Policing minister Damian Green said the new system, to be phased in from the start of the new year, should bring greater transparency to the way crimes are dealt with.

However Labour expressed concern that the Government was simply trying to disguise the impact of its policing cuts on the crime figures.

Currently around 70% of crimes are recorded as "undetected", with no indication as to why they did not lead to criminal charges.

But under the new framework, there will be a series of category headings indicating why no action was taken.

They will include "prosecution prevented" on the grounds that a suspect has been identified but is below the age of criminality or is too ill to stand trial.

Other headings will include "evidential difficulties", such as a key witness is unable or unwilling to give evidence, and "prosecution not in the public interest".

Mr Green said: "Recording offences as 'undetected' leaves victims feeling neglected and police investigations misunderstood - it does not properly reflect police work and that is why we are scrapping it.

"By introducing new categories, the police will be able to demonstrate the hard work they do and increase public transparency in policing."

For Labour, shadow crime and security minister Diana Johnson said that while greater transparency in the crime statistics was welcome, it could not disguise the fact that fewer cases were being solved under the current Government.

"No amount of changing the statistics can get away from the fact that fewer prosecutions are taking place for domestic violence, child sex abuse and rape on this Government's watch despite more crime being recorded for these most serious crimes," she said.

The new framework will come into force in Humberside on January 1 and will be rolled out across the rest of England and Wales from April.

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Weather: More Rain And Strong Wind On The Way

Further rain and strong winds have been sweeping the UK - just as engineers restored power to homes hit by poor weather over Christmas.

The last households cut off from electricity by the Christmas storms have now had power restored, the Energy Networks Association says.

Tens of thousands of homes across the south east of England, north Wales and Cumbria have been without electricity over the last week because of damage caused by the storms.

The latest storm is now moving across the UK from west to east.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings. Northern England could see gusts of 50mph to 60mph inland, and up to 80mph over coasts and hills.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has more than 20 flood warnings in force, while the Environment Agency (EA) has almost a dozen for England.

And the unsettled weather looks set to continue into the New Year after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for rain on New Year's Day.

Some 1,300 properties have been flooded during the recent storms in England.

Meanwhile, energy companies have been criticised for their slow reaction to storm damage.

The executive of one of the UK's biggest power distributors has admitted its efforts to restore power to thousands of people should have been better.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of the UK Power Networks, said the company it was not prepared for the storm and too many staff were on holiday.

A Christmas bauble lies in a puddle in Yalding, Kent

The company, which owns electricity lines and cables in London, the south east and east of England, said it will increase payments for 48 to 60-hour outages from £27 to £75 for those affected on Christmas Day.

Additional payments will be made to customers who have been without electricity for longer than that time - up to a maximum of £432.

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Migrant Controls: Call To Extend Restrictions

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky Political Reporter

Ninety senior Conservative activists have joined calls for the Prime Minister to extend controls on Bulgarians and Romanians entering the UK.

In an open letter, Conservative Grassroots, a network of party members, wants David Cameron to a use clause in EU law because of "exceptional economic circumstances".

They are the latest to call for prolonging the restrictions rather than scrapping them as planned on New Year's Day.

The letter argues that full access to the UK labour market would prompt a "wave of mass immigration" and called for an "emergency" recall of Parliament.

James Joshua, director of Conservative Grassroots, said: "In just a couple of days Britain faces a wave of mass immigration from Bulgaria and Romania at the end of the seven-year moratorium put in place by the last Labour government.

"Some estimates have suggested that more than 300,000 Romanians and Bulgarians will travel to the UK.

"This will put huge pressure on public services at a time when the country is struggling under a mountain of debt with on-going acute challenges within the economy."

The PM has been under substantial pressure to be tough on immigration

The UK, like every other EU country, imposed the seven-year restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria after they joined in 2007 - only allowing citizens a visa if they were self-employed, had a job offer, or were given a specialist role.

The Prime Minister has said, in the past, that he is unable to act to extend the transitional controls.

Mr Cameron has been under substantial pressure in recent months to be tough on immigration ahead of European elections next year.

Backbench Tory MP Nigel Mills' amendment to the Immigration Bill would extend transitional arrangements on the two countries joining the European Union's freedom of movement rules by a further four years to 2018.

Conservative support behind the amendment has been building and now stands at more than 50 MPs.

The Government has said it will be "business as usual" on January 1 at the UK border and it remains unclear if additional staff or measures are being put in place at airports and ferry ports in the event significant numbers arrive.

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Anti-Smoking Campaign: New Ad Targets Addicts

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

Smokers are being targeted by a new TV advertising campaign which aims to scare them into giving up.

Graphic images of polluted blood flowing through the body of a smoker and damaging cells in his brain are used to reinforce the message that smoking increases the risk of dementia and strokes.

The campaign, funded by Public Health England, was launched by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

"We know about the serious effect smoking has on the heart and lungs but smokers need to be aware of how much potential damage is being done to the brain and other vital organs through toxins in cigarettes entering the blood," she said.

"Smoking is the major cause of premature death, with one in two smokers dying prematurely from smoking related diseases, and it is extremely worrying that people still underestimate the health harms associated with it."

Government figures show more than one in five adults in the UK admits to smoking, at an estimated cost to the economy of £5bn per year in health costs, sick leave and lost productivity.

More than one in five adults in the UK admit to smoking

The TV advert, to be shown in England from tomorrow, along with a billboard advertising showing clotted blood dripping from a cigarette, has been welcomed by Joe Korner from The Stroke Association.

"It is well known that smoking harms our health but the link between smoking and stroke is less well known," he said.

"Stroke is a major cause of death and adult disability in the UK and you are twice as likely to have a stroke if you smoke. The more you smoke, the more your risk increases."

Smokers outside the Sant' Angelo restaurant in Wetherby in West Yorkshire who watched a preview of the advert said it encouraged them to consider giving up, or smoking less.

Jo Maltby, 40, has smoked for 20 years and says she tried to give up many times before.

"That probably would give me a bit more of an inclination to (give up) because I have children," she said.

"Obviously the more damage I do to myself the less chance they've got of me being around."

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Fresh Misery As Another Storm Heads For UK

Fears of fresh flooding have been raised as another band of persistent rain and strong winds heads towards the UK.

The latest storm pushing in from the Atlantic will arrive in the West on Sunday evening, before spreading northeastwards overnight and potentially causing disruption on Monday morning.

It comes as the chief executive of one of the UK's biggest power distributors admitted its efforts to restore power to thousands of people should have been better.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of the UK Power Networks, said the company was not prepared for the storm and too many staff were on holiday.

Flood alerts remain in place in Odda's Chapel in Deerhurst, Gloucestershire

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning over fears of severe gales with gusts up to 80mph affecting Wales, and southwestern and southern England.

That is likely to add to the misery of thousands who have been left without power and suffered flooding in their homes over the Christmas period.

The Energy Networks Association said the number of homes still without power was now around 1,500.

A Christmas bauble lies in a puddle in Yalding, Kent

UK Power Networks, which owns power lines and cables in London, the South East and East of England, said it will increase payments for 48 to 60-hour outages from £27 to £75 for those affected on Christmas Day as a "gesture of goodwill".

Additional payments will be made to customers who have been without electricity for longer than that time - up to a maximum of £432.

Mr Scarsella said: "We could not have avoided the damage caused by the storm but we could have responded to it better.

"A lot of our employees had gone away for holidays so it meant we had a level of depletion in our resources - and that caused problems with getting people's power restored.

Floodwaters have still not receeded in Apperley, Gloucestershire

"It's difficult to justify saying the company has performed well when customers have been without power for five days, but once we had an idea of how bad it was we were able to mobilise as many engineers and office staff as possible."

The company said 169 customers in Kent, 22 in Surrey and 112 in Sussex remained without power as a result of storm damage.

In a statement, regulator Ofgem reminded energy companies they are obliged to get power back on as soon as possible.

It said: "These obligations are backed by strong regulatory incentives put in place by Ofgem on the companies to maintain service levels and restore supplies. These include loss of revenues and awarding compensation payments to customers off supply."

Around 1,300 properties have been flooded during the recent storms in England, the Environment Agency said, while flood defences have protected more than 80,000 properties. Some 71 flood alerts and 14 more serious flood warnings remain in place across the country.

A satellite map showing the storm front moving in. Pic: Met Office

It warned the predicted rainfall meant there is a "continued heightened flood risk" across southern England, especially southwest England where river levels remain high and the ground is already saturated.

A Downing Street spokesman said ministers held a Cobra emergency meeting on Saturday where it was agreed financial assistance will be given to local authorities facing an undue financial burden because of the storms through a process known as the Bellwin scheme.

Flood warnings and alerts in England. Pic: Environment Agency

Sky News weather producer Joanne Robinson said: "Rain will move in on a strengthening wind this evening and tonight.

"Heavy downpours in the West will bring a renewed risk of flooding, especially for Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, South Wales and southwest England.

"There'll be gales, locally severe. The strongest winds look to affect the south and west of Wales and southern coasts of England tonight and early tomorrow, with 70mph to 80mph gusts possible."

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Ferry Fire: Man Arrested Over Suspected Arson

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire alert on a North Sea ferry sparked an emergency evacuation.

Northumbria Police said they had also arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of affray.

Four crew members and two passengers had to be winched off the ferry, which was heading to Amsterdam, after they inhaled smoke when the fire broke out 30 miles off the Humberside coast.

The six people were taken to Scarborough Hospital by RAF helicopter but are not thought to be in a serious condition.

The ferry looped back when it was 30 miles off Flamborough Head

A further 15 passengers and eight crew members were treated by doctors for smoke-related injuries on board the ferry.

The fire broke out in a cabin on the DFDS King Seaways ferry at around 10.45pm on Saturday night but was extinguished "within 15 minutes", according to the company.

RAF helicopters from Leconfield near Hull, and Boulmer, Northumberland were scrambled to the vessel along with two RNLI lifeboats from Bridlington and Filey.

Passengers were reunited with friends and family at Newcastle Ferry Port

The 30,000-tonne ship returned to Newcastle Ferry Port, in North Shields, at around 4am and passengers were kept on board until 9am while police investigated.

Police said earlier that a passenger had been detained by the ship's staff following the incident.

Olivia Elliott, who was in a nightclub on the ferry when the alarm went off, told Sky News she "panicked" not knowing how serious the situation was.

"(It was) scary out there in the middle of the ocean. You've never been in that situation before - you don't know what to do."

This photo of the RAF helicopter was taken by a passenger

She added: "The captain came on the tannoy and said we needed to evacuate to the outer deck because there had been a fire.

"We were outside for about 40 minutes before we were allowed to go back in."

Despite the emergency, she said most people remained calm.

Another passenger, Steven Basford, said: "They sounded the fire alarms, high-pitched alarms, and then made an announcement we would have to evacuate to an outside deck.

"Then, when we started to evacuate to go further up the boat, you could see smoke in the corridors and in the common area and it hit home more then."

Passengers were kept on board until 9am on Sunday while police investigated

Lynn Smith-Davis told Sky News the ship's crew had handled the emergency well but that some passengers had started fighting.

She said: "There was no panic where we were, but then later on when we were inside sitting in the bar and cafe area some people started fighting - fights broke out, which really didn't help the situation."

Were you on board the King Seaways ferry? Email your pictures and video to news@sky.com, text 84501 (costs 25p, network charges vary), or tweet @SkyNews

DFDS Seaways said 946 passengers and 127 crew members were on board the ferry and added that "psychological assistance" would be provided to anyone who needs it.

Police arrived at the Newcastle Ferry Port in the early hours

Spokesman Gert Jakobsen said the company would help people find alternative crossings to Amsterdam.

He added: "The cabin that was burnt is very damaged and there has been some smoke damage to surrounding cabins but the ship's function has not been affected in any way and is safe to travel."

According to the DFDS Seaways website, the 26-year-old vessel has room for over 1,500 passengers and 600 cars and was renovated in 2006.

It offers entertainment including restaurants, bars, a nightclub and a casino.

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Fire Service Teams Trained For Water Rescue

By Adele Robinson, Sky News Correspondent

The number of emergency rescue teams in England and Wales equipped to tackle flooding has more than quadrupled.

Some £2.5m has been spent funding teams, mostly within the Fire Service, until 2017.

The Fire Service is now being described as a "rescue service that occasionally goes to a fire".

Roy Harold, the chief fire officer association's capability lead for flood rescue, says the number of water rescue teams have risen from 40 to 180 and include paramedics, the RNLI, the RSPCA, and the AA.

"In the last floods in 2007 my own county, in Norfolk, had no Fire Service teams able to turn out and assist in a flood," he said.

Some £2.5m has been spent training teams for water rescue operations

"At the beginning of December we had 19 teams available including a dive unit, specialist flood rescue teams ... We've gone through an absolute transformation in what we can do and how we can help."

The government is also spending more money on tackling the risk of flooding than ever before.

A spokesperson from DEFRA said: "We're currently spending over £2.3bn on tackling the risk of flooding. Together with contributions from other partners, this is more money than ever before.

"We have secured a historic six-year settlement on capital spending for flood defences. From 2015 we're spending £370m on building new flood defences, rising to over £400m in 2021."

At a water rescue course in North Wales run by the West Midlands Fire Service, officers are being trained how to help people stuck in swollen rivers.

The government is also spending more to tackle the risk of flooding

Chris Darnley from West Midlands Fire Service says the experience is invaluable.

"Most of our training uses breathing apparatus and stuff and you can press a button and it stops there, fans come on, and it gets rid of the smoke. Here you're at the mercy of the river if something happens," he said.

Meanwhile, a warning is being sent out this winter to the public regarding cold water and flooding hazards.

Terry Robinson, water rescue instructor for the West Midlands Fire Service, says people need to be vigilant.

"Any river is going to be dangerous, when they're swollen there are so many more features that come into play, just normal trees and stuff ... are suddenly out of the water and become a far greater hazard.

"As people are walking their dogs, the paths become submerged that they would normally walk on and there would not usually be there, they think they would be safe in ankle deep water but they're not."

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