Colchester Killer 'Won't Stop Until Caught'

The brutality of the two murders in Colchester suggests that police are hunting the same killer for both crimes, a leading criminologist has told Sky News.

Professor David Wilson told Sky News that both Nahid Almanea and James Attfield were "overkilled" - meaning they were stabbed many more times than was necessary to take their lives - indicating a link.

And he warned the murderer is unlikely to stop killing until they are caught.

He said: "Luckily murder is a very rare event in Britain and usually we discover that there is some kind of relationship in the past between the perpetrator and the victim.

Prof Wilson said Mr Attfield's murder could hold the key to both killings

"So here we've got something really unusual happening in Colchester - we've got two random attacks in a very concentrated geographic area and both victims have been 'overkilled'.

"They've been stabbed numerous times - more times than would be necessary to actually take their life.

"Clearly there is some link between these two, although the police don't want to make that link because it scares people to think there might be somebody of this background at loose in the community."

CCTV footage issued by Essex Police of Nahid Almanea

He said the killer is likely to be a local man with mental health problems who may be known to social services in the area - and even getting help from someone in the community.

He told Sky News: "Murder is an overwhelmingly male phenomenon so I would have thought this is a man we're dealing with and a man who's living locally and possibly being given support locally. 

"Usually when you're dealing with someone who stabs in this overkill way, you're dealing with somebody who's got mental health problems and this person is likely to be known to mental health outreach teams in Essex, perhaps also has a criminal record already.

"This type of person I think will be well known in the area and quite odd - the sort of person people would notice. I imagine the police are already aware of who those kinds of people in Colchester might be.

People living in the area should follow advice from the police to avoid walking alone in isolated areas because the killer is likely to strike again, Prof Wilson said.

The killer probably lives in the local area, Prof Wilson said

He said: "One has to balance scaring people - the police have been quite good at telling people not to go into isolated areas by themselves but yes, this kind of person doesn't stop attacking, this kind of person continues to attack until they are caught."

He added that in most multiple murder cases, the first killing is key to tracking down the murderer.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rooney's Facebook Apology After World Cup Exit

England footballer Wayne Rooney has said sorry to fans for the team's dismal World Cup showing, admitting: "It hasn't worked out."

The striker's Facebook apology came after Costa Rica beat Italy to guarantee an early exit for Roy Hodgson's squad.

The collapse of their World Cup campaign just eight days into the tournament followed 2-1 defeats to both Italy and Uruguay.

It is the first time the national side has failed to make the tournament's knockout stage since 1958.

Rooney, who is back at England's hotel in Rio de Janeiro preparing for a Costa Rica clash that will ultimately count for nothing, told his 21 million Facebook fans he was "absolutely devastated" to be leaving Brazil early.

"Going into each game we had great belief in ourselves but unfortunately it hasn't worked out," the Manchester United star wrote, his disappointment despite scoring his first ever World Cup goal all too evident.

"Sorry to all the fans that travelled and at home that we haven't done better. Gutted."

Rooney slots past Uruguay's Fernando Muslera for his first World Cup goal

Rooney has been criticised by some England supporters who expected more from one of the squad's most experienced players.

But he was backed by many fans on Facebook and by his Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie, who said: "I don't think you can blame him for scoring one goal, working his socks off and missing three chances by inches."

The Netherlands captain added: "He gave his all for his country, like he always does. He's a great player, a great goal scorer, so I don't think it's fair on him to criticise him that much."

Rooney and his England team-mates' celebrations were short-lived

Earlier, FA chairman Greg Dyke said Hodgson would keep his job as England manager until 2016, when the team are due to play their next major tournament.

Drawn against Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino for the Euro 2016 qualifiers which start in September, England have been given a favourable route to the finals in France.

Mr Dyke said Hodgson remained the right man for the task, telling Sky Sports News: "He came to do a four-year cycle.

Hodgson has already said he will not resign as England manager

"People have been asking the question: 'Will he stay?' Well, the answer is yes."

As well as Rooney, other England players have expressed their regret at the team's World Cup failure.

Striker Daniel Sturridge said he felt "sick" and "heartbroken", while captain Steven Gerrard added: "We maybe should have accepted that going for a point (against Uruguay) might have been the best option."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thousands Mark Summer Solstice At Stonehenge

More than 30,000 people have turned out at Stonehenge overnight to see the sun rise on the longest day in the calendar.

The Summer Solstice has a long tradition of attracting people to the monument, off the A303, where latter-day Druids gather to witness the event.

Stonehenge is one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions.

Crowds began gathering at the monument last night

It was built between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, and its original purpose is still debated.

Solstices were an important part of Europe's pre-Christian calendar and many speculate that Stonehenge's orientation offers clues to its creators' pagan traditions.

Wiltshire Police said 25 people were arrested during celebrations, largely for drugs-related offences.

Marking the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge has become a tradition for many

A spokesman said: "We are pleased that the Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge and Avebury have been enjoyable events for the majority of people attending.

"There were 25 arrests at Stonehenge and two at Avebury which were mainly for drug-related offences.

One reveller gets into the spirit of things

"The road system worked well with minimum delays and many people used the public transport as we advised people to do.

"Every year there are new challenges for us at Solstice but it is always a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the event."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Parklife Festival Killing Suspect Arrested

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a festival-goer in a row over an inflatable doll.

Robert Hart, 26, was punched to the ground at the Parklife music event in Heaton Park, Manchester, last Saturday.

It followed an altercation over his girlfriend, Gemma, being repeatedly struck by the inflatable doll.

The pair were in front of the festival's main stage when the incident took place at about 9.15pm.

Mr Hart, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, was knocked unconscious and died later in hospital.

In a tribute to Mr Hart, an avid Manchester City fan, his family said he had "a love of music and a love of life" and was "simply awesome".

Police said the suspect was arrested in Cheshire and taken into custody where he is being questioned.

Detective Inspector Richard Eales said: "Over the last two weeks, we have received a huge amount of support by both the public and the media for the appeal to help find the person responsible.

"We now have a man in custody but that doesn't mean the investigation is at an end. We are continuing to investigate and we are renewing our appeal for information or any relevant footage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 0161 85 69283 or email the incident room with any relevant footage. The email address is: mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Colchester Murder Police Seek 'Running Man'

Police have said they want to speak to a man seen running close to where Saudi student Nahid Almanea was killed.

The white man, aged between 18 and 25, of medium build and with dark hair was spotted to coming out of an alleyway which indirectly links to to the Salary Brook Trail, where the 31-year-old was stabbed.

He was wearing a long sleeved, plain hooded top that is described as London bus red and dark trousers.

Ms Almanea was stabbed 16 times while walking along a path on Tuesday morning.

Nadia Almanea was attacked on her way to university

In a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Worron said police also wanted to hear from anyone who could help identify a man wanted for questioning over an attack on a woman in Peache Road, Colchester, at around 10pm on June 19.

"The location of this attack, and some aspects of it, including reports that a knife was seen and the victim was a woman, mean that this suspect is also of interest to the Almanea investigation," he said.

The attacker was described as white, in his early 20s, and around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall. He was of medium build and had a narrow face, appeared unwell, and possibly had fair hair.

Police have been searching the area where Ms Almanea was stabbed

Ms Almanea had been taking an English language course at the University of Essex as part of her studies for a life sciences PhD.

Police released a CCTV picture of the 31-year-old taken moments before her death and a map of her likely route from the home she shared with her brother to the spot on the Salary Brook trail where her body was found.

Police have previously said the fact that Ms Almanea was stabbed multiple times bore "obvious similarities" to the murder of James Attfield, a vulnerable man with brain damage who was stabbed more than 100 times in a park in Colchester in March.

Police released a map showing Ms Almanea's route

In the statement on Saturday, police said it was still not clear whether the two killings had been carried out by the same person.

"A criminal profiler from the National Crime Agency has carried out a thorough assessment of all the evidence in connection with both murders," Detective Chief Superintendent Worron said.

"A decision has been taken that they remain separate but parallel investigations at this time.

"However the circumstances of both crimes mean that we must consider the possibility that the same killer or killers are responsible."

James Attfield was stabbed more than 100 times in March

Police have urged people to remain vigilant and be careful about going out alone following the attacks.

Superintendent Steve Ditchburn said extra patrols were being carried out across the town.

"Our advice to people is that we have now had two knife murders in Colchester in less than three months where the motive for the attacks remains unknown," he said.

"Both of these attacks were on lone people who were in locations where it appears no one else was nearby at the time.

"For that reason we would remind people to take sensible precautions to stay safe. This includes avoiding any situations in which you could find yourself isolated and alone in a public area."

:: Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team on 01245 282103, Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teacher Caught Under Pupil's Bed Sentenced

A married maths teacher has been placed on the sex offenders' register for having sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Andrew Welsh, 36, was also given a 14-month jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service after being caught by the girl's mother, who found him hiding under the bed.

Bolton Crown Court heard he was caught when the the girl's mother returned home unexpectedly one morning last July.

Geoff Whelan, prosecuting, told the jury the girl had ruffled hair and smudged lipstick.

When the mother went upstairs, she noticed a pair of men's boots at the side of the girl's bed, he added.

This "understandably aroused suspicion" in the mother, who asked the girl: "What are you doing? Who is here?"

Mr Whelan continued: "However, as that was said, she looked down and saw movement in the drawer compartment within the girl's single divan bed and the valance sheet folded back.

"She saw movement of material which seemed to match the suit jacket her daughter was holding.

"The girl replied 'Mr Welsh'.

"Her mother ordered the defendant to get out from under the bed and recognised him from the school."

The shocked mother called her husband and the police and Welsh was arrested.

The court heard Welsh, of High Bank, Atherton, near Wigan, had begun a relationship with the "impressionable" girl last summer while she was taking her GCSEs.

The St Andrews University graduate bombarded the girl with obscene texts, including: "Have you heard about my maths lesson? We're going to find out if 35 goes into 16."

Welsh, who is married to a local doctor, tried to have the charges dismissed after telling police the girl was 16, the sex was consensual and all sexual activity took place after she had left school.

However, the judge ruled at an earlier hearing charges against the father-of-one should stand as Welsh had been in a position of trust. The defendant then pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust.

Passing sentence, Judge Knopf told Welsh: "You were nearly 20 years older than this girl.

"It is you who has to bear the responsibility for what happened. She was attracted to you, you should have exercised the judgment which you clearly lacked when you decided to embark on this relationship with her."

Welsh was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tax Blunder By HMRC Means Millions Owe Money

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky Politics Reporter

Millions of people will be forced to hand money to the Government after paying the wrong amount of tax because their bills were miscalculated.

The blunder by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) relates to the Pay As You Earn system (PAYE) last year.

Around 3.5 million people are thought to have paid too little tax as a result of the errors and will now have to pay the money over the coming years.

A further two million paid too much and will be able to claim it back by the end of the tax year, next April.

The estimated average mistake for individuals is around £300.

While errors are made every year, 2013-14 has seen an increase on the previous year with 5.5 million people affected compared to 5.2 million the year before.

This is despite the introduction of a £270m scheme designed to make the tax system more effective.

The HMRC's new Real Time Information (RTI) programme allows employers to report wage changes on a weekly or monthly basis.

This should ensure the process of making tax payments is more accurate.

A spokesman for HMRC defended the current system: "Most people pay the right tax throughout the year, but there will always be a small percentage of the 41 million people in PAYE who have underpayments or overpayments at year end."

He added: "The effect of Real Time Information is not reflected yet as it has not bedded in but, over time, RTI will help to reduce the number of cases that have to be reconciled."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tory MP's Throat Punch Tweet 'Not A Joke'

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant is under fire for tweeting about "punching" a newspaper columnist "in the throat".

He made the comment about journalist, commentator and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown , who demanded he apologise - which Mr Fabricant did in due course - and for Prime Minister David Cameron to take action.

The MP for Lichfield was responding to a heated clash between Alibhai-Brown and magazine columnist Rod Liddle on Channel 4 News on Thursday night.

The MP's initial tweet this morning

Mr Fabricant tweeted: "I could never appear on a discussion prog with @y_alibhai I would either end up with a brain haemorrhage or by punching her in the throat."

He also referred to her as "ghastly" in an earlier tweet - and retweeted a post by another account which said she "should be deported".

Alibhai-Brown, a Muslim who came to Britain from Uganda in 1972, said Mr Fabricant's tweet about her "was not a joke" and he was "not fit for the job" as an MP.

Mr Cameron told LBC radio Mr Fabricant's comment was "completely unacceptable", adding that "further action isn't necessary" because the MP had apologised.

Alibhai-Brown told Sky News: "I am a woman, I am not white and I don't take s**t. These people think I should be their cleaner... threatening violence against women is not acceptable."

Mr Fabricant later posted several tweets apologising to Alibhai-Brown

She said: "Why does he think even if I am infuriating that that calls for him to say that he wants to punch me in the throat?

"For an MP not to understand why that's wrong - he's not fit for the job." She added: "It was not a joke."

Mr Fabricant apologised for his comment in several tweets - including one which he posted directly to the journalist herself - insisting it was not a serious threat of violence.

He said: "Just out of dentist. 1 It appears that some people who don't know me think I actually go round punching 'in the throat'. Not true.

"2. If anyone believes I would seriously threaten someone with violence, I of course withdraw and apologise.

Alibhai-Brown rejects Mr Fabricant's apology

".Sorry @y_alibhai if you actually thought I would punch you. I actually don't do that sort of thing. But you are utterly infuriating! xx

But his apology was rejected by the journalist, who replied: "@Mike_Fabricant the tweet was offensive & your 'apology' useless. Tories like you think people like me should be ayahs or selling you curry."

Sky News approached Mr Fabricant at his constituency home, but the MP said he had just been to see a dentist and was not "going to be saying anything much" as a result, adding: "First time I've ever been door-stepped. I feel like a star."

Gloria De Piero, Labour's shadow minister for women and equalities, described Mr Fabricant's tweet as "utterly appalling" and called on Mr Cameron to "set out what action he will be taking".

It is not the first time a tweet by Mr Fabricant has landed him in trouble. Earlier this year, he was sacked as Tory vice chairman after tweeting "about time" after then culture secretary Maria Miller's resignation.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Colchester Police Hunt 'Brutal' Murderer

Police have promised to "unrelentingly" pursue all lines of inquiry as they continue to investigate the brutal murder of a Saudi Arabian student who was stabbed 16 times.

Nahid Almanea was walking along a path in Colchester, Essex, on Tuesday morning when she was attacked.

Police are investigating whether the 31-year-old's clothing - an abaya robe and hijab headscarf - was a factor in the stabbing, but stressed they do not yet know for sure.

There are other possible motives, officers say, but they are calling for calm, and have confirmed they are investigating threats of revenge attacks made on social media.

The locations of the two murders

Police have warned people not to go out alone and to be vigilant.

The fact that she was stabbed multiple times bore "obvious similarities" to the murder of James Attfield, a vulnerable man with brain damage, the force said.

He was stabbed more than 100 times in a park in Colchester in March, but Essex Police stressed the cases remain separate investigations.

Sky's Emma Birchley, who is at the scene of Ms Almanea's murder, said: "The police presence is enormous, there are police cars patrolling everywhere, not just here close to the scene."

Salary Brook Trail, where Ms Almanea was attacked

Chief Inspector Richard Phillibrown said: "I see this murder as an attack on the entire community of Colchester and I believe we will all pull together to respond to it.

"I am confident that the vast majority of people in this town will pay no attention to those trying to stir up trouble."

He added: "What we would also ask is for people to look out for each other, for neighbours to keep an eye on the vulnerable and for everyone to remain vigilant."

In a joint statement, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh and Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston said: "We would urge everyone to work with Essex Police, who will, supported by local communities, do everything possible to find the person or people responsible for both these awful crimes.

The bag Ms Almanea was carrying when she was murdered

"I know that everyone in Colchester will come together, and remain strong and united in ensuring that the town and the district continues to be safe and welcoming to all."

Ms Almanea, who has been described as a "very intelligent" student, had been studying an English language course at the University of Essex as part of her studies for a life sciences PhD.

A 52-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released after police said he had been positively eliminated from their enquiries.

CCTV footage taken from a newsagent, which shows Ms Almanea's last movements as she headed towards the footpath, has been released.

The killing of James Attfield remains unsolved

Police have also released a map of her likely route from nearby Woodrow Way to the Salary Brook trail where she was stabbed, as well as a photograph of the bag she was carrying.

Officers said Ms Almanea would usually walk to the university with her brother, who she also lived with.

But because he had earlier lectures that day she was walking alone.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mansfield Bodies In Garden: Couple Guilty

By David Crabtree, Midlands Correspondent

A woman and her husband have been found guilty of murdering her parents and burying them in their own garden.

Susan Edwards, 55, and her husband Christopher, 57, showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out at Nottingham Crown Court.

Her parents, Patricia and William Wycherley, were each shot twice at close range in 1998 and their bodies hid in their own backyard at Blenheim Close, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

The couple spent money on memorabilia, such as a signed Gary Cooper photo

But the Edwards had pretended her parents were still alive for 15 years by sending Christmas cards to relatives, forging signatures on official documents and setting up timers in the Wycherleys' home.

One letter written in December 2007 reads: "Actually, my father is remarkably fit for his age - as well as being more adventurous than in younger years, as his Ireland travels would show!"

The Wycherleys' bank accounts were closed and a new one set up which allowed the couple to syphon £245,000 from her dead parents' benefits and pensions, and the eventual selling of the Wycherley home, with the bodies buried in the back garden.

Despite stealing the money, the Edwards were found to be £160,000 in debt. When they were arrested, police found they held only one euro in cash.

The couple forged letters and signatures from the Wycherleys

It was revealed during the two-week trial that Susan Edwards had an obsession with celebrities and had spent thousands of pounds buying letters written by Hollywood star Gary Cooper.

In another bizarre twist, it also emerged that Susan Edwards had faked a decade-long writing relationship with French film star Gerard Depardieu.

The Edwards fled to France after they received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions and the Centenarian Society asking to speak to Mr Wycherley at the approach of what would have been his 100th birthday.

Police dug up the back garden after Christopher Edwards' stepmother contacted police because he had asked her for money and confessed to helping his wife bury her parents 15 years earlier.

Edwards faked a decade-long writing relationship with Gerard Depardieu

After they were traced to France, the Edwards - who were arrested last October at London's St Pancras station - sent a politely worded email to the officer in charge, Detective Chief Inspector Rob Griffin, saying: "We are going to surrender".

DCI Griffin said: "It was straightforwardly about money."

Susan Edwards, a former librarian, admitted her mother's manslaughter, but both her and her husband had denied murder.

She claimed she had shot her mother after hearing her shoot her father while staying with her parents.

The judge, Mrs Justice Kathryn Thirlwall, told the Edwards they could expect a life term when they are sentenced next week.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pit Manager Cleared Over Wales Mine Deaths

A former pit manager has been cleared of manslaughter after four miners drowned at a colliery in South Wales.

Malcolm Fyfield had been in charge of the Gleision mine when around 650,000 gallons of water were unleashed after explosives were used.

Philip Hill, 44, Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, and 39-year-old Garry Jenkins were killed in the tragedy in September 2011.

MNS Mining, the owner of the colliery near Pontardawe, was also cleared of corporate manslaughter charges.

Mr Fyfield, 58, was negligent by allowing the men to dig towards an area where underground water was present, according to prosecutors.

But the father-of-two insisted he carried out safety inspections on the eve of the tragedy which showed no water was present.

He broke down in tears and hugged his wife Gillian after the verdicts were delivered at Swansea Crown Court.

(L-R) Philip Hill, Charles Breslin, David Powell and Garry Jenkins

The men had been working in a part of Gleision called H1 on September 15 when tragedy struck.

They were trying to break through an area called The Old Central Workings to improve ventilation.

Mr Fyfield, who was close to the blast site, managed to escape after crawling through dirt and sludge.

When he eventually reached the surface 20 minutes later, he told rescuers: "There is no hope for the others".

Two other men who also managed to get out alive - Nigel Evans and David "Jake" Wyatt - later described the sound of the rushing water as like a "jet engine" whoosh.

Search and rescue teams at the scene in September 2011

Two witnesses for the prosecution - outgoing mine manager Ray Thomas and Neath Port Talbot Council planning chief Alun Rees - both said they warned Mr Fyfield about underground water weeks before the massive flood.

But Mr Fyfield's QC Elwen Evans described the investigation into the tragedy as inadequate - saying many parts of the mine were not examined afterwards.

The defendant himself also said he had carried out three safety inspections the day before. He insisted he had examined both sides of the coalface and not found any water.

After the case, relatives of the victims issued a statement which was read by a police officer, saying they would never get over their loss.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

One Direction's Louis To Raise £2m For Doncaster

One Direction's Louis Tomlinson is using crowdfunding in an attempt to raise £2m for his new football club, Doncaster Rovers.

The singer has launched a campaign with former chairman John Ryan to secure the future of the League One team after their deal to take over the side was completed.

The pair have put a six-figure sum into the Tomlinson Ryan Trust and are asking football and One Direction fans to make their own donations in return for rewards.

It is thought to be one of the biggest crowdfunding initiatives launched in the UK.

Twenty-two-year-old Tomlinson is a global star as one member of One Direction and is a lifelong fan of his hometown club.

He played for their reserve side against Barnsley earlier this year and had been close to a takeover before, but a move was twice delayed because of negotiations over image rights.

Tomlinson and Ryan

Tomlinson and Ryan said they want to the trust to help "support the club's ambitions on the football field, to develop its schools, youth and charity programmes and to grow the club as a brand, as well as its supporter base, both locally and internationally".

"For me, this is all about the football, the community and restoring the excitement and desire to making Doncaster Rovers the most exciting club to play for in Yorkshire," said Tomlinson.

"I grew up in Doncaster and have felt the love for football run through the town, it's for that reason that I have a real personal passion to make Doncaster Rovers a success story. I want to see the Doncaster Rovers' supporters get the club the success it deserves."

The project will only be funded if the target is reached by 2.46pm July 17.

Businessman Ryan, who ended his 15-year association with Rovers in November, has extensive football experience and oversaw Doncaster's rise from non-league to the Championship as well as their move from Belle Vue to the Keepmoat Stadium before stepping aside in November to allow Terry Bramall and Dick Watson to take over.

One Direction are one of the world's biggest bands

The initial delay to the takeover had related to Tomlinson's image rights, which are owned by his management team and would entitle them to a share of any money generated from the use of his image or name.

They believe that interest in the club will increase as a result of Tomlinson's ownership and it is understood they battled for a share of any extra revenue made through merchandise and extra ticket sales.

Tomlinson signed on as a player at the start of the season in a move to make money for the Bluebell Wood charity and turned out in front of nearly 10,000 fans for the reserve team in February.

One Direction, also made up of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, are currently on the European leg of their tour.

Their next concert is in France on Friday.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rik Mayall Remembered By Friends And Family

Rik Mayall's friends and family have paid their respects to the late comedian at a private funeral service.

Ruby Wax, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French were among mourners who attended the service at St George's Church in Dittisham, Devon.

Mayall - known for roles in TV hits such as Bottom, The New Statesman and The Young Ones - had a home in the county.

Prior to the service, Mayall's widow Barbara asked fans for their "thoughts and prayers" during the private ceremony.

Mayall died after a morning jog

Around 140 people packed the church to remember the star who died last week aged 56 at his home in Barnes, southwest London after going for a morning jog.

Mrs Mayall said he died of an "acute cardiac event".

Adrian Edmondson, with whom Mayall forged a friendship as a student in Manchester and who was his comedy partner for many of his most memorable series, was among the pall-bearers as the coffin was led from the church.

Others who filed into the church, accompanied by Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade Of Pale on organ, were Alan Rickman and actor and director Peter Richardson, a long-standing friend with whom Mayall had worked repeatedly.

Ben Elton, his old friend from university and one of his co-writers on The Young Ones, was also among the mourners who saw the wicker coffin - adorned with red flowers - carried into the church.

A memorial service for the star is expected to be held in September.

Mayall shot to national fame for his role as poetry-writing anarchist Rick in The Young Ones, going on to star as conniving Conservative MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman and Lord Flashheart in Blackadder.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Three Nurses Charged With Neglecting Patients

Three nurses have been charged with wilful neglect of patients at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.

The charges follow an investigation by South Wales Police into claims of patients' notes being falsified.

They were brought under Section 44 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 

The three accused work at the Princess of Wales Hospital and have been suspended since last year.

They have been named as Lauro Bertulano, 44, Clare Cahill, 41 and Rebecca Jones, 29 - all from the Bridgend area.

They are due to appear before Bridgend Magistrates Court on Monday 28th July.

A hospital spokesman said it was aware of the charges.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Colchester Knife Murders: Public Warned

Police investigating the murder of Muslim woman have revealed she was stabbed 16 times - and are warning people not to go out alone.

Detectives say two of the wounds suffered by student Nahid Almanea during the attack in Colchester would have been fatal on their own.

And officers from Essex Police told a news conference they were investigating whether the 31-year-old's dress - an abbaya and a hijab - may have been a factor in the stabbing, but that they do not yet know for sure.

They are also said they were looking into whether the killing was linked to another fatal stabbing in March.

Chief Insp Richard Phillibrown said: "It's true that we've two knife murders in Colchester in less than three months, where the motive remains unknown.

"I urge everyone in Colchester to be vigilant. The similarities between those two offences will be drawn.

"It's important that people are aware of their own surroundings, that they don't go out alone in isolated places, that they take sensible precautions."

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Worron, of Essex Police, said: "A post-mortem was carried out on Nahid's body yesterday afternoon.

"We can now confirm that the cause of death was knife wounds.

"She suffered at least two knife wounds which would have proved fatal on their own, but in total she was stabbed 16 times to her body, neck, head and arms."

It comes after the murder of a vulnerable man, who had a brain injury after being hit by a car four years ago, near Castle Park in Colchester in the early hours of the morning on March 29.

A post-mortem examination found 33-year-old James Attfield had been stabbed more than 100 times.

More follows...

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girl, 3, Killed By Car While Riding Scooter

A three-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car while riding a toy scooter.

Rosa Simon's family have said her death has taken "much of the sparkle of life" from them.

She was on her scooter in Canterbury Gardens in the Hadleigh, Suffolk, when she was struck by a Hyundai car on Tuesday.

The driver of the car needed treatment for shock, police have said, but has not been arrested.

Rosa died in hospital on Tuesday night.

Her family said: "Rosa was a much beloved and loving daughter and sister.

"Small in size, but a giant in character, kindness and with a sheer joy at being alive.

"It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people.

"We are devastated by losing her. Her death has robbed us of much of the sparkle of life.

"We now ask that, as a grieving family, we are given time to be with our dear family and friends."

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

MP Issues Public Apology For 'Degrading' Woman

Portsmouth MP Mike Hancock has issued an apology to a vulnerable woman for an "inappropriate" relationship that "degraded" her.

In the page-long public apology, Mr Hancock admits carrying out an "unprofessional relationship" with the woman and that he lied when she launched a legal action against him, accusing her of trying to make money out of the case.

The statement comes after the woman settled her claim for sexual assault against the former Liberal Democrat, who is currently being treated for depression in the Priory Hospital in Southampton.

In it he said: "In October 2009 you first came to me as a constituent to seek my assistance as your MP and councillor. Subsequently and over several months I came to your home on several occasions, sometimes unannounced, and conducted a friendship with you that was inappropriate and unprofessional.

"I understand that you felt degraded. I did not treat you with sufficient respect. I made you feel deeply uncomfortable and discriminated against, and I crossed the line."

Mr Hancock resigned the Liberal Democrat party whip in 2013 in order to concentrate on the legal battle but he has remained as an Independent MP for Portsmouth South.

He lost his seat as a Portsmouth councillor in last month's local election after 43 years.

The woman constituent was suing Mr Hancock, accusing him of sexual assault after she contacted him for help in a neighbour dispute.

Mr Hancock had vigorously denied the claims. He was arrested by police over the allegations in 2010 but no action was taken as the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution.

In his statement he said: "I also recognise that hurtful and untrue statements were made publicly about your motivation in bringing the claim. These statements sought to discredit and undermine you.

"This never should have happened. I accept that you did not bring the claim for financial gain and any statements made to the contrary were wrong."

The MP said he had learnt from his mistakes and would not repeat them.

The Liberal Democrats have said he will be expelled from the party soon, however, Sky's Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones pointed out there were questions to answer for the party because the matter had been so protracted.

The solicitor for the woman said that Mr Hancock was no longer fit to be an MP and there were growing calls for him to step down.

However, as an independent MP, there is nothing that can be done to remove Mr Hancock from his role and no party to put pressure on him to go.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM Warns Iraq Terrorists Will 'Hit UK At Home'

Timeline: How The Iraq Crisis Unfolded

Updated: 2:12pm UK, Tuesday 17 June 2014

A look back at the main events in the Iraq crisis, which has seen Sunni insurgents from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group move to within 50 miles of the capital Baghdad.

December 2011: US troops complete their withdrawal after the 2003 invasion which led to the removal of Saddam Hussein.

August 2013: More than 70 people are killed in attacks at the end of Ramadan. ISIS claim responsibility.

January 2-4, 2014: ISIS declares itself in control of the western city of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi following clashes sparked by the clearing of a Sunni-Arab protest camp.

February: al Qaeda formally disowns ISIS, which was at one time an affiliate, because of its extreme methods.

April: Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki wins the most seats in a general election.

June 10: ISIS seizes all of Nineveh province in the north, including the capital Mosul - Iraq's second city. Mr Maliki asks parliament to declare a state of emergency.

June 11: The militants launch a wave of attacks further south, taking Tikrit and freeing hundreds of prisoners in Baiji. An assault on Samarra, 70 miles (110km) north of Baghdad, is repelled by security forces.

June 12: Iraq's air force strikes fighters' positions near Mosul and Tikrit.

US President Barack Obama says he is looking at "all the options" to help the government, which fails to secure authorisation for a state of emergency.

The army abandons its bases in Kirkuk, leaving Kurdish Peshmerga troops to take control.

June 13: A top Shia cleric issues a call to arms, telling the population to take up arms and defend their country.

Mr Maliki claims government forces have started to clear cities of "terrorists" and implements an emergency plan to protect Baghdad.

President Obama rules out sending back troops to fight ISIS.

The rebels move into the towns of Saadiyah and Jalawla in eastern province of Diyala.

June 14: Iran offers to work with the US to tackle the crisis, as Britain pledges an initial £3m in emergency aid to help refugees fleeing the violence.

The Iraqi army's fightback continues, with forces retaking the towns of Ishaqi, al-Mutasim and Duluiyah in Salaheddin province.

Troops also regain much of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's home town.

US aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush is ordered to the Persian Gulf.

June 15: Photos emerge appearing to show an ISIS massacre of 1,700 captured government soldiers. Baghdad says number is exaggerated.

Reports say militants have overrun Tal Afar, the largest town in Nineveh province.

A bombing in central Baghdad leaves 15 people dead and dozens injured.

Former PM Tony Blair tells Sky News that critics who believe the violence is the result of the 2003 invasion are "profoundly mistaken".

June 16: Video footage purporting to show an ISIS fighter questioning and killing unarmed Iraqi soldiers draws condemnation.

ISIS takes control of Tal Afar and the al Adhim area of Diyala province.

US Secretary of State John Kerry says Washington is "open to discussions with Iran".

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fatal Attack Victim Was Wearing Muslim Dress

A woman has died after being attacked in Colchester - and police say her full Muslim dress and veil may have been a factor.

The woman, who has not yet been identified, was walking on the town's Salary Brook Trail at 10.40am on Tuesday when she was violently beaten and attacked with a knife or other bladed weapon.

Paramedics tried to save her but she died at the scene from injuries to her head and body.

Essex Police have said the woman, who was in her 30s, was wearing a dark navy blue full length robe (known as an Abaya) and a patterned multi-coloured Hijab headscarf.

Detective Superintendent Tracy Hawkings said officers were keeping an open mind about the motive of the attack.

But she added: "We are conscious that the dress of the victim will have identified her as likely being a Muslim and this is one of the main lines of the investigation, but again there is no firm evidence at this time that she was targeted because of her religion."

The murder took place in Colchester

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who used the trail between 8.30am and 11am on the day of the killing.

They have also asked residents to check their gardens and rubbish bins for any discarded weapons or blood stained clothing.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers have said they are not ruling out a link between this murder and that of James Attfield, a vulnerable man with brain damage who died after being stabbed more than 100 times at a park in the town in March.

Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area.

Anyone with any information should contact the major investigation team on 01245 282103, Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

RAF Fighter Jets Sent To Head Off Russia Planes

RAF Typhoons were scrambled yesterday to intercept "multiple Russian aircraft" over Baltic airspace, it has been revealed.

The fighter jets from 3 (Fighter) Squadron were launched after four separate groups of aircraft were detected by air defences in international airspace near the region.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said the operation was part of Nato's ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace.

More follows...

22.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Morrisons Plans 2,600 Job Cuts In Shake-Up

Morrisons has confirmed plans for 2,600 job cuts as the loss-making supermarket chain battles falling sales and market share.

A statement detailing the changes said the losses, representing 2% of its workforce, would result from cutting tiers of in-store management.

But the company insisted it could improve customer service at the same time as more staff would be focused on serving shoppers.

The announcement was made as the supermarket combats a flight to discounters with a series of price cuts that will cost it £1bn over three years.

Earlier this month, Morrisons reported a 7.1% slump in quarterly sales on the back of annual losses of £176m - a performance which prompted chief executive Dalton Philips to waive his bonus.

Morrisons now has 117 convenience stores

Morrisons has been the worst performer among the big four chains in terms of sales amid tough competition from the discounters, including Aldi and Lidl, though major rivals including Tesco have also endured falling market share.

The chain was slow to launch an online food offering and also lagged behind its biggest competitors on convenience store numbers.

Former chairman Sir Ken Morrison used the supermarket's annual general meeting to publicly criticise the current management's strategy just a week ago - reportedly describing it as "bull****".

Morrisons said that while the changes would be painful for its workforce, trials of its planned new management structures had proved a hit with customers.

The statement suggested that some stores currently had seven tiers between the shop floor and the store manager and it hoped to relocate some of those managers who will lose their jobs to new store and convenience operations.

Mr Philips said: "This is the right time to modernise the way our stores are managed.

"These changes will improve our focus on customers and lead to simpler, smarter ways of working.

"We know that moving to the new management structure will mean uncertainty for our colleagues and we will be supporting them through the process."

The company's share price - which has lost more than a quarter of its value over the past year - rose 3% in the moments after the announcement was made.

The union Usdaw took a different approach to that of investors.

National officer Joanne McGuinness said: "The next few weeks will be a worrying time for our members in Morrisons and we will do everything possible to support them.

"Today marks the start of a 45-day consultation period, where we will look in detail at the company's business case.

"Our priority will be to safeguard as many  jobs as possible, maximise employment within the business and get the best possible outcome for our members affected by this restructuring."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teachers: We Won't Be Debt Collectors For State

Teachers have attacked a proposal to fine bad parents who do not support their children's education at school.

The head of one of the teaching unions and a leading headteacher said the idea by Chief Inspector of School Sir Michael Wilshaw would not work.

Head of Penwortham Priory Academy in Preston Jim Hourigan told Sky News the relationship between teachers and parents would break down. 

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the proposal could tear apart the sometimes fragile relationship between a school and parents or carers.

Sir Michael, who heads schools watchdog Ofsted, said he would like to see mothers and fathers who miss parents' evenings or do not read with them punished.

He also told The Times newspaper financial penalties should be levied against parents who do not force their children to do their homework.

He said that being poor was too often used by white working-class families as an excuse for failing to succeed at school.

Sir Michael Wilshaw says parents use being poor as an 'excuse'

Mr Hourigan said: "I'm extremely disappointed if not angry at the arrogance of the man. Just because he has worked in an inner city school doesn't give him the right to tell the rest of us as head teachers how to develop relationships with parents.

"Who gives him as head of Ofsted or me as a head teacher the right to make that decision. He says that parents must attend parents evenings but where is the evidence that parents evening are actually beneficial?

"Surely, regular informed contact (with parents), built up over a long time, is a better way of going about that.

"For me to be some sort of debt collector; how does this improve the relationship between teachers and parents."

Bad parents are those who do not read with their children, says Sir Michael

Ms Blower said: "Not satisfied with criticising and undermining teachers, he's now turned his attention to parents.

"I don't think parents use poverty as an excuse. All the international evidence shows that children from less affluent families have much more difficulty in being successful in schools.

"That's why schools have to work positively with parents. The NUT's position is that Ofsted is not fit for purpose."

His comments came after studies showed that white children with working-class, British parents often do not perform as well as those from immigrant communities.

The Ofsted head said his views were formed from his time spent working as a head teacher in London's inner-city schools.

He told The Times: "If parents didn't come into school, didn't come to parents' evening, didn't read with their children, didn't ensure they did their homework, I would tell them they were bad parents.

"I think head teachers should have the power to fine them. It's sending the message that you are responsible for your children no matter how poor you are."

In order to catch up with the world's leading nations, he added, the gap in performance between those children with white British and those with immigrant parents needed to narrow.

He said: "It's not about income or poverty. Where families believe in education they do well. If they love their children they should support them in schools."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hillsborough Wiki Entry Civil Servant Sacked

A civil servant who made changes to a Wikipedia page about the Hillsborough disaster from a government computer has been sacked.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude told Parliament that a junior administrator identified as being behind posts made in 2012 has been fired for gross misconduct.

A 24-year-old thought to have been born in London, but based in Liverpool, is understood to have changed the phrase "You'll never walk alone", the anthem of Liverpool FC, to read: "You'll never walk again."

An investigation into who made other changes, including some that are thought to have been made from computers used by Whitehall departments, is being dropped, Mr Maude said.

It is understood that those responsible for the changes made using a secure intranet cannot be traced because of "technical obstacles" and a lack of leads.

In one instance, the phrase "Blame Liverpool fans" was added anonymously to the Hillsborough section of the online encyclopaedia.

Ninety-six died and more than 700 were injured on April 15, 1989, when fans were crushed at an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest.

At the time the Cabinet Office became aware the changes had been made from government computers, a spokesman said: "The amendments made to Wikipedia are sickening.

"When the issue was brought to our attention by the Liverpool Echo we launched immediate enquiries.

Wikipedia's Hillsborough page was changed from government computers

"Once we have the facts, we will update Parliament with the findings and consider further appropriate action.

"At this time, we have no reason to suspect that the Hillsborough edits involve any particular department, nor more than one or two individuals in 2009 and 2012."

The civil servant who made the change in 2012 was identified by an investigation carried out by an online forum about Wikipedia called Wikipediocracy and the Daily Telegraph.

The Telegraph said he was pinpointed by cross-referencing his social media and work history.

The Hillsborough Family Support Group said it had been in discussion about whether to name him and had decided not to.

Chair Margaret Aspinall said: "All the families agreed that his name should be withheld.

"He has been sacked, and we all took the decision not to name him because social media can be very unpleasant.

"The most important thing is that this has been dealt with and it has not been covered up. He has been punished."

Mr Maude said it was "long-standing established practice that in such cases an individual's name will not be made public".

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Toddler Dies After 'Being Run Over By Dad'

A 15-month-old girl has died after being struck by a car apparently driven by her own father.

The toddler was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance on Saturday night but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police and paramedics were sent to an address in Leeds after reports that a black Toyota Avensis had struck a young child.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the driver of the car, understood to be the girl's father, has been spoken to by officers.

The spokesman said they were called to the incident in Cromwell Mount in the Belle Isle area of the city at 7.36pm on Saturday.

Sergeant Carl Quinn, of West Yorkshire Police Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: "We are conducting a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this child's death.

"Early indications are that this appears to have been a tragic accident.

"We are working closely with the child's family to support them at what will clearly be a very difficult time."

He added: "We would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident itself to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047 or via 101.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rik Mayall's Family Requests Funeral Prayers

Rik Mayall's fans have been asked for their "thoughts and prayers" on Thursday when his family will hold his funeral.

The comedian's widow Barbara said: "Knowing the swell of love you all share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand.

"We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time.

"Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength."

A memorial service for the star, who died last week aged 56, is expected to be held in September.

Mayall and his wife Barbara

The Bottom and Young Ones actor collapsed at home in southwest London after what Mrs Mayall described as an "acute cardiac event".

Mayall's career also included roles such as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder and the conniving Conservative MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman.

Since his death, tributes have flowed in for the performer who is survived by his wife and three children, Rosie, Sidney and Bonnie, and his 2010 World Cup song Noble England has gone straight into the top 10 of the UK's official singles chart.

The track, which was originally recorded for the last World Cup, failed to chart the first time around, but thanks to a social media campaign set up in his memory it went in at number seven on Sunday.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

BP And Shell Land China Deals As Premier Visits

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

Britain's two biggest oil companies will unveil multibillion pound deals with China on Tuesday as the Government attempts to position the UK as Beijing's preferred European investment partner.

Sky News has learnt that BP and Shell are expected to announce agreements on Tuesday as part of a slate of trade deals to be trumpeted by David Cameron, the Prime Minister, during a three-day visit to the UK by Li Keqiang, the Chinese Premier.

Insiders said that BP would announce a long-term deal to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China that is expected to be worth well over £5bn.

Shell is expected to unveil its participation in a strategic framework agreement with the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), that will involve co-operation on LNG and other projects around the world.

BP's agreement with Beijing is expected to involve supplying China with LNG from projects globally, and will mark one of the company's largest deals to date in the world's second-largest economy.

Beijing recently signalled a move towards a cap on carbon emissions, which would represent a shift from commitments to reduce the carbon intensity of its heavy industry.

In turn, that would make a move towards LNG and other greener energy sources inevitable.

The deals with BP and Shell are expected to account for a significant chunk of roughly £18bn of deals signed between the UK and China during Premier Li's visit.

Others will include the naming of a London branch of China Construction Bank as the first clearing bank for renminbi trades outside China, a key step towards establishing the City as a global hub for transactions using the Chinese currency.

A Chinese fund to invest in UK and European small businesses will also be established, while there are also expected to be further talks about Chinese investment in the Hinkley Point nuclear power project.

The heads of two state-owned nuclear power companies will be part of Premier Li's business delegation, as will the head of the Agricultural Bank of China, sources said.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday, Lord Sassoon rebuffed suggestions that British trade with China had lagged that of European rivals such as France and Germany, saying that it had increased substantially in the last three years while French bilateral trade had declined.

BP, Shell, UK Trade & Investment and Downing Street all declined to comment.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

McCanns Angry Over 'Cynical' Libel Trial Delay

The parents of Madeleine McCann have condemned the postponement of a former police officer's libel trial as a "blatant" attempt to wear them down.

Kate and Gerry McCann had been due to speak at the trial of ex-police chief Goncalo Amaral, who has been accused of making defamatory statements about them in a book he wrote.

At the last minute, Mr Goncalo's lawyers submitted a letter to the court asking for a postponement as he had sacked his legal team.

Speaking outside the court, Gerry McCann said: "Today is a blatant and cynical attempt to wear us down.

"The hearing has been cancelled once again at Mr Amaral's request. This is the fourth time that this has happened and we've travelled to Portugal.

"The legal case has been running now for five years and we want to get justice for Madeleine. It's Madeleine who is suffering. We are not going to give up. We are going to keep going."

Kate McCann shows the strain as she is interviewed by Portuguese media

Mrs McCann, her voice cracking with the strain as she was surrounded by the Portuguese media, added: "We need to make it clear to people that we took on this case because of the pain and distress that Mr Amaral has brought to us and our children.

"Every time he postpones the case like this it brings us more pain and distress. Every time we come here we have to make arrangements for our children to be looked after, we have to book flights, we have to book hotels, we have to take time off work.

"Mr Amaral apparently handed that letter in at nine o'clock this morning. That letter could have been handed in before we left the country. As Gerry said, can this be seen as anything but blatant and cynical?

"We just want justice. This is not fair."

Police have been searching sites in Portugal in recent weeks

The couple had been expected to deliver emotional statements about the impact of allegations Mr Amaral's 2008 book The Truth Of The Lie, which they say damaged the search for the missing girl and added to their anguish.

If the court rules against Mr Amaral, the McCanns could receive around £1m in damages.

Madeleine went missing in May 2007 from the couple's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on the Algarve and despite a worldwide hunt, she has never been found.

British and Portuguese police have been examining patches of ground in Praia da Luz in the last few weeks but have had no success.

Mr McCann saidoutside court that no evidence had been found to show Madeleine had been injured or killed and, as a result they believed that, "as far as we are concerned there's a good chance she's still alive".

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy, 7, Dies After Ballycastle Cliff Fall

A seven-year-old boy has died after falling from cliffs at a caravan park at Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Logan Crawford was taken to hospital by Royal Navy helicopter after he was found following an extensive search by rescue services.

Police were alerted after the boy went missing from the Silver Cliffs caravan park on Sunday evening after playing with friends.

Belfast Coastguard said: "We coordinated the search for a child who was missing near cliffs close to the Silvercliff Caravan Park at Ballycastle.

"The Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Teams, a police helicopter, the Royal Navy rescue helicopter from Prestwick and the Portrush and Red Bay RNLI lifeboats all searched for the missing child.

"The child was found at the base of the cliffs and was taken by the Royal Navy helicopter to hospital."

Nationalist SDLP councillor Donal Cunningham said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking news."

A police spokesman said: "Shortly before 7.15pm, it was reported that the boy fell from a cliff into the sea.

"Northern Ireland Coastguard recovered the boy from the sea and he was airlifted to a nearby hospital, but later died as a result of his injuries.

"Inquiries are continuing."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chinese PM Flies In For 'Fruitful' UK Summit

By Mark Stone, China Correspondent

The Chinese Prime Minister arrives in London today ahead of a UK-Chinese Summit on Tuesday at which £17 billion of trade deals are expected to be signed.

Li Keqiang's trip to the UK is his first since he became PM last year.

He is travelling with a large delegation of ministers and officials from China's ruling Communist Party.

The visit indicates a desire by both sides to move on from political differences which have caused tensions over the past two years.

China's Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Chao, told Sky News the trip was of "great significance".

"It will advance China-UK relations in a positive way," Mr Wang said.

Premier Li will hold talks with David Cameron and will meet the Queen.

Reports last week suggested the Chinese government had threatened to call off the trip if an audience with the Queen was not arranged.

However, China's ambassador to the UK said that was "a misreading of the situation".

"It's not how China does diplomacy. We are more subtle," Liu Xiaoming said.

David Cameron visited China back in December

Premier Li will make several speeches to Chinese and British businesses and to think-tanks.

Aware the world is watching a slowing Chinese economy, Mr Li is likely to use London as a platform to reassure investors and governments globally.

GDP growth in the first quarter of 2014 was 7.4%, an 18-month low.

Foreign diplomats and economists have expressed some concern that provincial and regional economies are showing alarming signs of slowdown.

The coal-rich city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province grew by 11.9% in the first quarter of 2013.

In the same period this year it grew just 0.1% largely because of a dramatic drop in the demand for coal.

At a provincial level, Hebei province, right next to Beijing, grew 8.2% in 2013.

In the last quarter of this year, its growth was half that.

The year-end growth target for China in 2014 is 7.5%, but the government has signalled a degree of flexibility in that target.

Joining Premier Li's delegation are more than 200 Chinese business leaders.

Chancellor George Osborne spent five days in China in October

Ambassador Liu told a briefing in London that more than 40 deals will be signed, worth at least £17bn.

Trade between the UK and China reached £41bn in 2013.

Mr Wang said the UK is now China's third largest trading partner in European Union and has become a major destination for China's overseas investment.

He said the trip would be "fruitful ... with a warm atmosphere."

In an October visit to China, British Chancellor George Osborne signed deals securing Chinese cash for the next generation of nuclear power stations.

There has been considerable speculation Chinese funding may also help to build Britain's new high-speed rail link, HS2.

The Chinese have proved themselves to be a major player in the rail sector.

Britain's strengths in both the financial, services and consumer sectors will benefit as China shifts to a more consumer-led economy.

Health, education and green energy are all areas which could be boosted through further investment in China. The City of London is to become a major trading hub for Chinese currency.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Act In UK

A new law criminalising forced marriages which comes into effect today could protect thousands of potential victims.

Forcing someone into marriage in England and Wales will carry a maximum seven-year jail sentence under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The change also criminalises forcing a British national into marriage outside the UK.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Forced marriage is a tragedy for each and every victim, and its very nature means that many cases go unreported.

"I am proud to say that the UK is already a world-leader in the fight to stamp out this harmful practice with the Government's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) working hard to tackle this terrible practice in the UK and overseas."

Mrs May has joined anti-child marriage charity Freedom, police, the Crown Prosecution Service and a victim of forced marriage in a Freedom2Choose campaign video.

A forced marriage is where one or both spouses do not consent and are coerced into it through physical, psychological, financial, sexual or emotional pressure.

The Home Office has said the FMU gave advice or support in a possible forced marriage to more than 1,300 people in 2013.

Freedom founder Aneeta Prem said: "In the most tragic cases, people forced into marriage become domestic slaves by day and sexual slaves by night.

"Today's announcement sends out a powerful message that this indefensible abuse of human rights will not be tolerated."

Last week, the NSPCC said children as young as 12 were calling ChildLine about forced marriage, with numbers up two-thirds in the last year.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Centrica Chief Laidlaw Rules Out BG Switch

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

Sam Laidlaw, the boss of Centrica, has ruled himself out of the running to take the top job at BG Group, the troubled FTSE-100 energy group.

Sky News has learnt that Mr Laidlaw, whose departure from the owner of British Gas is expected to be announced within weeks, has told friends that he is not interested in the BG role.

The vacancy at the helm of BG emerged in May, when Chris Finlayson was ousted after just a year in the job, following problems with key exploration projects and a string of profit warnings.

Mr Laidlaw, who has been Centrica's chief executive since 2006, was linked with the BG role in 2012, and was reported this weekend by one newspaper as having agreed to take the job.

However, insiders confirmed that Mr Laidlaw had had no serious discussions on either occasion with BG, which is now understood to have identified a preferred candidate to replace Mr Finlayson from outside the UK.

BG's new chief executive could be announced at around the time of its second-quarter results at the end of next month, said one.

By coincidence, Centrica's new boss is likely to be appointed at around the same time, with Iain Conn, a senior BP executive, involved in ongoing negotiations with the company.

Sky News revealed last month that one of the potential obstacles to Mr Conn's appointment as Centrica's new boss is his multimillion pound shareholding in BP, a significant proportion of which has yet to pay out.

BP's latest annual report shows that Mr Conn owns approximately £3m-worth of BP shares and has about £16m-worth of additional awards which are subject to performance criteria.

Mr Conn had also been sounded out about joining BG, but is not thought to be in talks about that role.

British Gas is often confused with BG Group, although the two are now entirely separate companies after being privatised by Margaret Thatcher in 1986.

Centrica plc was created in 1997 following a demerger from British Gas plc, which was then renamed BG.

BG now has a market value of just over £43bn, and is repeatedly touted as a takeover target for the likes of Exxon-Mobil, America's biggest energy group.

Centrica's market value stands at £16.45bn, with its shares having fallen by more than 12% during the last year as political heat on the major domestic energy suppliers has intensified.

BG and Centrica both declined to comment.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Labour Plan To Double Paternity Leave

Fathers could be given a month's paternity leave and paid at almost twice the present rate, under proposals being considered by Labour.

New fathers should be paid at least the minimum wage of £6.31 an hour for the four weeks off to encourage them to take time off to be with their newborns, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank.

At present men receive only a statutory £138.18 a week – just £3.45 an hour - with employers encouraged to make the pay up to the usual salary.

The low level of pay has been blamed for the reluctance of fathers to take time off to be with their child - just 55% take off the fortnight.

The IPPR estimated a pay increase would increase the number of men taking paternity leave to 70%.

Senior research fellow Kayte Lawton said: "Fathers who take more than a few days off around the birth of their child are more likely to be actively involved in raising their child than those who do not.

"Fathers' greater involvement in family life can make it easier for mothers to return to work after taking maternity leave, which helps to raise the family's income and lessen the impact of motherhood on women's careers."

Labour is considering adopting the proposal. Shadow childcare minister Lucy Powell said: "There clearly are problems with dads being able to play the role they want to in those first weeks and months of a baby's life.

"There are cultural barriers and also the level of pay is a problem for many. It's a very interesting proposal. It's certainly something we're looking at."

Conservative Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said the policy would be too expensive adding: "This policy would mean even more spending, more borrowing and more taxes - exactly what got us into a mess in the first place.

"It's the same old Labour, they haven't learnt."

Last week it emerged that fewer than one in 50 new fathers took up the right to additional paternity leave - where men are entitled to 26 weeks' leave after the mother has returned to work.

Only 1.4% of new fathers took additional leave in 2012-13, under the policy introduced by the coalition in 2011. In 2011-2012 it was 0.8%.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

England Physio Injures Ankle Celebrating Goal

Gary Lewin will be flying home from the World Cup early after dislocating his ankle while celebrating a goal.

Staff rush to attend to Mr Lewin as he lies on the turf

The 50-year-old jumped off the bench to celebrate Daniel Sturridge's first half equaliser against Italy in Manaus, but hurt his ankle in the process when he landed on a water bottle.

He received treatment on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

A doctor set his ankle before Mr Lewin was taken to hospital

Speaking after the match, which finished 2-1 to Italy, manager Roy Hodgson said it was a "very sad moment".

He said: "In celebrating the goal he jumped up, landed on a water bottle and dislocated his ankle.

The 50-year-old will now fly home to recover

"It was very painful. He was taken to hospital.

"The doctor set it, put it back in at the side of the field, but it's the end of the World Cup for Gary."

Manager Roy Hodgson said the injury was a "very sad moment"

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "What happened to running it off??? The magic spray & sponge??? Our Physio Gary Lewin has to man up!!"

He later apologised, tweeting: "Was only having a bit of banter but just found out that Gary Lewin's injury was serious so apologies for previous tweets on the injury. My bad."

Mr Lewin will be replaced by assistant Steve Kemp

Lewin's assistant Steve Kemp will take over for the rest of the tournament.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prisoner On Run Detained - In The Pub

A prisoner who absconded from an open prison has been detained in a pub on the night of England's opening World Cup game.

Kevin Brown, who went missing from HMP Ford in West Sussex on April 10, was arrested in a bar in the Clifton area of Bristol.

Sussex Police said the 54-year-old was held by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police at about 6pm on Saturday.

Brown is serving a life sentence imposed at the Old Bailey in 2007 for conspiracy to rob and firearms offences.

Sussex Police revealed this week that 89 prisoners were on the run from Ford, near Arundel.

Some have been missing for years, they admitted.

It has also emerged that an appeal to help trace murderer Robert Donovan, 57, had only been made four years after he walked out of the prison.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "The Justice Secretary has been clear that keeping the public safe is our priority and has already ordered major changes to tighten up temporary release processes and open prison eligibility.

"Absconds have reached record lows under this Government - down 80% over the last 10 years - but each and every incident is taken seriously, with the police contacted as a matter of urgency.

"Open prisons and temporary licence are an important tool in rehabilitating long-term offenders but not at the expense of public safety."

Brown is due to appear before magistrates in Bristol on Monday.

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies

The actor who provided the voice of indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet in the 1960s TV show has died at the age of 86.

Francis Matthews brought the Mysteron-battling sci-fi character to life in creator Gerry Anderson's programme between 1967 and 1968.

His voice for Scarlet, which was based on the transatlantic accent of Hollywood star Cary Grant, became well-known to generations of children thanks to countless re-runs over the years.

Matthews also became known for playing amateur detective Paul Temple in the TV drama series of the same name and appeared in several Hammer Horror films.

Anderson Entertainment said: "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86.

"Having previously had a policy of using American accents in their shows to aid sales to America, Gerry and Sylvia relaxed their casting requirements for Captain Scarlet as it was felt that British accents were now more acceptable Stateside than had previously been the case.

"After hearing Matthews' uncanny impression of Cary Grant, a voice that would have been familiar to all on both sides of the Atlantic, he was cast in 1966."

Matthews' wife, the actress Angela Browne, died in 2001, Anderson Entertainment said.

He is survived by his sons Damien, Paul and Dominic.

00.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

William More Popular Than The Queen - Poll

Despite having just celebrated her official birthday, the Queen is not as popular as her grandson Prince William, according to a survey.

Of the 2,000-plus people surveyed by ComRes for the Sunday Mirror and Independent on Sunday, 68% expressed a "favourable" view of the young royal compared with 63% for his grandmother.

Prince Charles lagged well behind on 43% but even the heir to the throne enjoyed a better rating than any of the Westminster figures.

The royals are significantly more popular than Britain's best-known politicians.

London Mayor Boris Johnson came closest to a regal score on 41% - with Prime Minister David Cameron pipping UKIP's Nigel Farage by 28% to 26%.

Fewer than one in five said they saw Labour leader Ed Miliband in a good light (19%) - fewer than Foreign Secretary William Hague (25%) and on a par with Chancellor George Osborne.

After their recent public row, Theresa May retains more public favour than Michael Gove (16% to 9%) - with the Education Secretary also attracting significantly more dislikes.

Ms May is significantly better liked by Tory supporters.

Reflecting his party's woeful poll showings, Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is admired by only 13%.

The poll showed a narrowing of Labour's lead over the Tories to 34% versus 32% - the smallest gap for almost two-and-a-half years in ComRes online research.

UKIP and the Liberal Democrats shed a point each to stand at 18% and 7%.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

England Physio Injures Ankle Celebrating Goal

Gary Lewin will be flying home from the World Cup early after dislocating his ankle while celebrating a goal.

Staff rush to attend to Mr Lewin as he lies on the turf

The 50-year-old jumped off the bench to celebrate Daniel Sturridge's first half equaliser against Italy in Manaus, but hurt his ankle in the process when he landed on a water bottle.

He received treatment on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

A doctor set his ankle before Mr Lewin was taken to hospital

Speaking after the match, which finished 2-1 to Italy, manager Roy Hodgson said it was a "very sad moment".

He said: "In celebrating the goal he jumped up, landed on a water bottle and dislocated his ankle.

The 50-year-old will now fly home to recover

"It was very painful. He was taken to hospital.

"The doctor set it, put it back in at the side of the field, but it's the end of the World Cup for Gary."

Manager Roy Hodgson said the injury was a "very sad moment"

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "What happened to running it off??? The magic spray & sponge??? Our Physio Gary Lewin has to man up!!"

He later apologised, tweeting: "Was only having a bit of banter but just found out that Gary Lewin's injury was serious so apologies for previous tweets on the injury. My bad."

Mr Lewin will be replaced by assistant Steve Kemp

Lewin's assistant Steve Kemp will take over for the rest of the tournament.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More