Three Kayakers Found Dead From Same Family

Three kayakers found dead in a Northumberland river following a major search and rescue operation were all from the same family, police have revealed.

The RAF, Coastguard and the police Marine Unit joined other emergency services in the hunt for the trio on the River Tyne near Riding Mill after they failed to return home last night.

Two were brothers, aged 41 and 40, and the third was their cousin, aged 36, all from South Shields, South Tyneside.

The alarm was raised at 11pm on Sunday night when the three failed to return home.

The area of the Tyne around Riding Mill, about 15 miles (23km) west of Newcastle upon Tyne, was being searched

Riding Mill pumping station on the River Tyne

Police said the first body was recovered from the river by an RAF helicopter just after 5am and a second body just over an hour later in the Corbridge area.

Two vehicles driven by the missing men were located by searchers overnight.

One was found at Tyne Green, near to Hexham Rowing Club just after 1am and the other, a few hours later, at Wylam railway station car park.

Two kayaks have also been recovered from the group, who were from the South Shields area of South Tyneside.

A kayak was seen near the weir at Riding Mill, Northumberland

Another green kayak has been seen close to a weir at Riding Mill.

Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward said the conditions on the Tyne yesterday were "challenging" after heavy rain over the weekend.

"The weather was unpredictable, in terms of some very heavy showers and the river was higher than usual and fast-flowing," he said.

"They would be challenging conditions for anybody who decided to go into the water."

He added: "There is a considerable length of the river we need to search. We need to do so speedily, properly and thoroughly and make sure no nook and cranny is missed.

"It's about that balance between speed and thoroughness."

Police said if anyone saw anything they believe would help with their search, they should get in touch.

Formal identification of the two bodes is yet to take place and searches are continuing.

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Rolf Harris 'Assaulted Teen On Family Holiday'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Rolf Harris indecently assaulted a 13-year-old girl "in eyeshot" of his wife and daughter, his alleged victim has told a court.

The 49-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the first witness to give evidence at the entertainer's sex trial and is a childhood friend of his daughter Bindi.

Jurors heard how Harris, 84, began abusing her in 1978 while on an overseas family break - and the indecent assaults carried on back in Britain, at his home and hers.

Speaking from behind a screen, she told how he first targeted her as she came out of a hotel shower, groping her as he wrapped her in a towel.

The woman said he gave her ''one of his big hugs and tickles'' which she said she found ''creepy and cringey", before putting his hand through the towel to assault her.

Rolf Harris denies all 12 counts of sexual offences against four girls

She added she was ''shocked and horrified'' at what happened but didn't tell anyone "'because it was Bindi's father".

Harris is then said to have assaulted her again as she emerged from the sea, again groping her under a towel he had wrapped her in, while his daughter and wife Alwen were close by.

At one stage during the five-week holiday, she said she woke to the sound of a "clicking camera" as Harris stood over her taking pictures.

Southwark Crown Court heard how the woman lived close to the Harris family home in the 1960s and she had grown up with Bindi.

In a faltering voice she added how the assaults continued throughout the holiday, but she did not say anything because of who Harris was.

Harris listened from the dock dressed in a dark suit and tie, occasionally glancing over at the jury and prosecutor.

The TV presenter and artist is accused of 12 counts of sexual offences against four young girls, alleged to have taken place between 1968 and 1986. He denies all the charges.

The witness also described to the court how she had performed a sex act on Harris as they were driving towards London from his home in 1987.

She said: "He didn't say anything apart from a few moans and groans. It lasted about three minutes. Nothing was said before or afterwards."

The witness told the court that during this time she "had no relationship" with him and that she "felt dead".

Another time he was caught with his hands down the front of her trousers by the nine-year-old brother of a friend but he simply denied it and laughed it off.

She said "it all came to an end" when she was aged about 29 and moved to another part of the country from her home in London.

The woman also described how she had eventually told Bindi what Harris had been doing to her, while she was visiting her friend who had just had a baby.

She said: "Bindi was in a bit of a state. She thought Rolf Harris was having an affair with the housekeeper. I was a bit damning of Rolf.

"She asked me: 'Why have you got a downer on my dad ?' I didn't say anything. She asked: 'Has he touched you?' So I looked at her and said yes. She was furious with him."

The trial continues.

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England's World Cup Squad Is Risky And Bold

Roy Hodgson chose to reveal his England squad at a car plant owned by one of the FA's sponsor.

And in keeping with the heavily-branded location, he has selected a new model England, long on promise but short on tournament mileage.

By placing his faith in the production line of young English talent Hodgson will please those - including his boss FA chairman Greg Dyke - desperate to see youth given its head.

But this is a selection that is as risky as it is bold.

Given the alternatives however, Hodgson will be applauded for taking a chance.

A man who has earned a reputation as a family saloon sort of manager has discovered his inner sports car on the road to Rio.

The age profile of the squad is striking - 18 of them have never been to a World Cup and almost half have never been to a tournament.

Hodgson will be applauded for taking a chance

Only Steven Gerrard of the likely starting XI is over 30, and he's joined by Frank Lampard, striker Rickie Lambert and reserve goalkeeper Ben Foster.

They are the senior citizens of a squad so young the team coach may need a bigger back seat to make room for them all.

When Gerrard made his tournament debut at Euro 2000 Luke Shaw, the youngest member of the squad, was four years old.

Raheem Sterling, one of five Liverpool players that could make the starting XI, was five.

Chief casualty of the turn to youth is Ashley Cole, who announced his retirement from international football having been told he was not in the final 23.

Ashley Cole is a high-profile casualty

For all the warm words and thanks on both sides it is a deeply contentious call.

Cole has played in three World Cups and won 107 caps for his country, only one of them as a substitute.

While he has played rarely for Chelsea this season he proved his worth in the recent Champions League semi-final.

With the back-four the most obvious area short of world class Hodgson has taken a significant risk in discarding a man of such experience.

It is unthinkable, for example, that England's first opponents Italy would be so cavalier with a man of huge experience still playing at the highest level.

For many it will be the only quibble. Players like Sterling, Shaw and Adam Lallana have been one of the delights of the season just ended.

They may not win England the World Cup, but it may be a great deal more fun watching them try.

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CBI Says Home Loans To Rise In Early 2015

Homeowners will come under more pressure early next year with the prediction that interest rates are to rise.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK base rate will jump from the current historic low of 0.5% to 0.75% in the first quarter.

The CBI had earlier predicted a rate rise in the third quarter of 2015. It declined to say how many homeowners or businesses might be affected by rising interest rates next year.

The Office for National Statistics said that in 2010 more than 9 million UK households had property debt.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said that in February 22,200 first-time buyers received loans, 26,200 home-movers and 14,300 buy-to-let applicants.

In December the CML said the recent period of falling loan arrears may be coming to an end, and forecast a 6.66% rise in defaults, to 160,000, next year.

CBI director-general John Cridland said property values were expected to rise by 8.2% in 2014 and 5.1% next year, prompting more fears of prices overheating.

"We have to remain alert to the risks posed by unsustainable house price inflation, and the (Bank of England) Financial Policy Committee is poised to act when necessary," he said.

"Housing has come back under the spotlight as annual house price inflation figures have reached double digits on some measures.

"While housing transactions are still running almost 30% below their last peak in 2006, they are picking up steadily."

London house prices have climbed a quarter above their pre-crash peak, partially prompted by foreign buyers in the prime property segment.

"Outside London, prices remain around 2% below peak figures with an even greater difference when you move outside the South East," Mr Cridland said.

The predictions come amid increased scrutiny of mortgage applications by lenders, in response to a market review by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Mortgage providers are seeking reassurance that applicants will have sufficient income to cover any potential rises in interest rates.

The FCA said new rules were "hardwiring common sense" into the market.

Mortgage broker firm John Charcol said families are the most likely to face scrutiny under the new regime, as their outgoings were potentially greater.

Spokesman Ray Boulger said: "The most common reason to knock people back is childcare costs.

"It's particularly bad if people have more than one child or if they are under school age."

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England Squad: Hodgson Backs Youth For Brazil

Roy Hodgson put his faith in England's young generation of stars as he named his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

Teenagers Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw are among those going to the tournament, while more experienced stars including Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick have missed out.

Announcing details of the squad in Luton, Hodgson said he had given the selection a lot of thought and hoped the squad "won't let the country down" in Brazil.

Frank Lampard, who will turn 36 during the tournament, will be the elder statesman of the squad and the manager said the Chelsea man's "leadership qualities" meant he "fully deserved" his place.

Hodgson said he would have picked a different squad at the end of the qualifying campaign last October but it had been "impossible to ignore" the performances of youngsters Sterling at Liverpool, Shaw at Southampton and Ross Barkley at Everton.

He confirmed another teenager, Everton's John Stones, will be brought into the squad if Manchester United defender Phil Jones fails to recover from a shoulder injury.

He backed his descision to back youth over experience, saying: "You get experience by getting the opportunity.

"It's wrong to focus totally on the fact there are those who are inexperienced because everyone is inexperienced until they get the chance to do the job.

"I think they've played so well and been so effective in their club teams that they've really imposed their ability on my thinking."

Ashley Cole was the most high-profile omission and Hodgson paid tribute to the Chelsea defender, who announced his international retirement after learning he was not on the plane.

He said: "I have been unbelievably impressed by the maturity and graciousness that Ashley Cole has shown."

Hodgson insisted that his side would be contenders at the tournament, where the favourites will include hosts Brazil, Spain and Germany.

He said: "Of course I believe the squad can win the World Cup, otherwise what's the point in taking it?

"If we are going to win it we will have to play very well, prepare very well and this talented group of players have to show their talent."

Seven players are on standby, in case of injuries to the chosen 23.

They are goalkeeper John Ruddy, defenders John Stones and Jon Flanagan, midfielders Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley and strikers Andy Carroll and Jermaine Defoe.

The bold-looking selection was welcomed by many pundits.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to the 23 players who have made Roy Hodgson's England squad. It's young, energetic and exciting. Do your country proud!"

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown questioned the inclusion of recently injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere, as well as the decision to leave Ashley Cole at home.

He said: "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out injured for a good deal of time. That's probably a gamble, Jack Wilshere as well.

"I was a little bit surprised Roy Hodgson didn't go with Ashley Cole for what is a major tournament."

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Billionaire Britain: New Nation Of Super-Rich

Top 25 Billionaires In Britain

Updated: 12:54am UK, Sunday 11 May 2014

The top 25 names on the 2014 Sunday Times Rich List, including their total fortune and the change from last year.

1. Sri and Gopi Hinduja, £11.9bn, up £1.3bn

2. Alisher Usmanov, £10.65bn, down £2.65bn

3. Lakshmi Mittal and family, £10.25bn, up £250m

4. Len Blavatnik, £10bn, down £1bn

5. Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli, £9.75bn, up £2.35bn

6. John Fredriksen and family, £9.25bn, up £450m

7. David and Simon Reuben, £9bn, up £719m

8. Kirsten and Jorn Rausing, £8.8bn, up £3.691bn

9. Roman Abramovich, £8.52bn, down £780m

10. The Duke of Westminster, £8.5bn, up £700m

11. Galen, Hilary and George Weston and family, £7.3bn, up £650m

12. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and Michel de Carvalho, £6.365bn, down £635m

13. Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber and family, £6.16bn, up £1.645bn

14. Carrie and Francois Perrodo and family, £6.14bn, new

15. German Khan, £6.08bn, new

16. Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, £6bn, up £3.65bn

17. Hans Rausing and family, £5.9bn, up £1.18bn

18. Nicky Oppenheimer and family, £4.57bn, up £785m

19. Earl Cadogan and family, £4.2bn, up £525m

20. Joseph Lau and family, £4.03bn, down £570m

21. Sir Philip and Lady Green £3.88bn, no change

22. Denis O'Brien, £3.854bn, up £486m

23. Mike Ashley, £3.75bn, up £1.45bn

24. Sir Richard Branson and family, £3.6bn, up £86m

25. Idan Ofer, £3.43bn, new

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'Overworked' Doctors Fear Missing Illnesses

More than eight out of 10 GPs have said they fear missing serious illnesses in patients because they are so overworked, according to a survey.

Nine out of 10 family doctors, meanwhile, feel their general practices do not have sufficient resources to provide high quality care.

The survey was carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the professional membership body for family doctors.

The results were released the day after it was claimed patients in some NHS hospitals are at risk of unsafe care because of staff shortages.

Dr Peter Carter, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told Sky News some nurses were having to look after 15 patients on a ward when draft guidelines for the NHS will recommend eight is a suitable number.

When asked whether they are worried about missing signs of a serious illness because of their workload, 29% of GPs said they worried "a great deal", while 55% said they worried "a fair amount".

The poll found 96% of GPs felt their job was stressful, while the same number said morale had decreased in the last five years.

Seven in 10 (70%) believed GP practices will not exist in 10 years' time because of a funding crisis.

The college said that despite accounting for 90% of all NHS contacts, GP practices are allocated just 8.4% of the NHS budget.

Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, a spokeswoman for the college, said: "(This) is a damning indictment of the impact of the deepening funding crisis in general practice.

"Family doctors and practice nurses want to provide their patients with excellent patient care and this takes the right levels of funding.

"However, only 7% of GPs currently think sufficient investment is going into general practice.

"Our poll shows family doctors are severely demoralised and this can only be bad news for patients."

The Department of Health said the Government has committed to increase the number of GP trainees from 40% of all newly qualified doctors leaving medical school to 50% by 2020.

A spokesman said: "We've taken tough decisions to protect the NHS budget, which is allowing us to restore proper family doctoring, reform out of hospital care, and improve GP access for 7.5 million people across the country.

"But we know GPs are under pressure, so we're cutting GP targets by more than a third to free up more time with patients and increasing trainees so that GP numbers continue to grow faster than the population."

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British Troops Close Final Afghanistan Outpost

British troops have closed their last remaining forward operating base (FOB) in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

At the peak of combat operations, Observation Post Sterga was one of more than 130 such bases.

It was designed to provide a safe location for soldiers or airmen some distance from the main operating bases, like Camp Bastion, making it easier to conduct land patrols.

The closure of the base means British armed forces personnel are now situated only in Camp Bastion, in locations in Kandahar, which has an airbase, and in the capital Kabul.

The move is part of the winding down of operations in Afghanistan, with a team of advisers to Afghan security forces expected to be Britain's sole presence in the country by the end of the year.

Philip Hammond accompanies a soldier around the desert base

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, who was in Helmand Province to witness the closure of the base, said: "This is another important step towards ending combat operations in Afghanistan.

"It's also an opportunity to reflect on the mission and the hard work and sacrifice of British forces.

"Their efforts have helped build a credible Afghan National Security Force and supported the emergence of a democratic Afghan state."

A large number of the 453 British servicemen who have died in Afghanistan since 2001 were posted to an FOB at the time.

Sterga opened in August 2013 to allow UK personnel to observe a large and strategically important area of central Helmand.

More than 100 shipping containers' worth of equipment had to be removed from the base by air and road.

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Manchester City Win Premier League Title

Manchester City have won the Premier League title with a 2-0 win against West Ham United.

Goals either side of half-time from Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany saw City capture the title with an easy victory.

Manuel Pellegrini's side led second-place Liverpool by only two points heading into the match.

But their sizeable goal difference meant a draw against West Ham at Etihad Stadium would be enough to take the title.

Man City captain Vincent Kompany celebrates his goal against West Ham

The title is Man City's second in three seasons.

For Liverpool, only victory over Newcastle United and a shock West Ham win could have seen them finish the season on top.

Liverpool trailed after an early own goal from Martin Skrtel, however two goals in the second half - from Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge - secured second place in the league.

Man City received a boost for their final match with the return of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero from a groin injury.

A Manchester City fan holds a banner in the stands

Aguero's return was the only change from the City side which beat Aston Villa 4-0 mid-week.

But it was Nasri who broke through West Ham's defences six minutes before the interval, taking aim from 20 yards with a powerful shot which went in off the post.

The goal was followed by another four minutes into the second half when Kompany struck home from six yards after Edin Dzeko won the ball from a corner.

Sami Nasri (R) celebrates his goal before ecstatic fans at Etihad Stadium

Aguero had two chances to extend City's lead, but his header sailed wide at the near post and he later failed to score before an open goal from a Zabaleta cross.

In other key matches, Norwich City's relegation was confirmed after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Cardiff City also bowed out of the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

Tottenham secured a place in the Europa League for next season with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

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Gove Accused Of 'Lunacy' In Free Schools Row

Michael Gove has been accused of stripping £400m from a fund for extra school places in order to plug a financial "black hole" in his free schools programme in a move described as "nothing short of lunacy".

A senior Government source also accused the Education Secretary of being willing to see children struggle for a classroom place so the department can "lavish" money on the free school "experiment".

The attack is the latest coalition spat with the Department for Education at the heart of it.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was earlier this week accused of "lying" over how plans to provide free school meals for infant school pupils would be funded.

The senior Government source said: "Michael Gove is so ideologically obsessed with his free school experiment, he's willing to see children struggle to get suitable school places.

"Everybody knows there's real pressure on school places at the moment. It is nothing short of lunacy to slash the amount of money available for new school places to lavish on free schools.

"Michael Gove was warned by the schools minister David Laws that this was a bad idea but the zealot pressed on anyway.

"The Conservatives are putting the needs of a handful of their pet-projects ahead of the requirements of the other 24,000 schools in the country."

The source claims Mr Gove reduced the basic need allocation by £400m - enough to provide around 30,000 new school places - to £2.35bn between 2015 and 2017 to help fund an overspend in the free schools budget of around £800m between 2013 and 2016, the source said.

A spokesman for Mr Gove said: "The suggestion we are cutting money for new places in areas of need to pay for free schools where they are not needed is totally wrong.

"These claims pretend that money spent in free schools is not creating new places in areas of need. That is simply not true.

"From 2015, funding to councils for new school places will rise by more than £200m a year. On top of this, investment in free schools will provide tens of thousands of new places in areas of need.

"Indeed the vast majority of free schools - more than seven in 10 - are in areas with a shortage of places."

David Cameron responded to the allegations by telling Sky News: "What the government is doing is putting £5bn in this parliament into expanding the number of school places.

"Part of that is investing in free schools, most of which in the primary schools are in areas of high need, and they are providing good new school places for people inside the state sector.

"I think you should judge the government on its results in education. We are seeing real progress."

Former schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News: "This is a legacy from the previous government not having put those plans in place to provide new schools."

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt said: "The free school programme had the Lib Dem stamp of approval from day one. They're as much to blame for the failings as the Tories."

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