Fresh Details In London 'Slavery' Probe

Police have released new details about the investigation involving three women allegedly held as slaves for at least 30 years.

The Metropolitan Police said the two 67-year-old suspects, a man and woman who have been released on bail, are of Indian and Tanzanian origin and came to the UK in the 1960s.

A 69-year-old Malaysian woman, a 57-year-old Irish woman and a 30-year-old Briton were taken from a property in Brixton, south London, last month after one of the women called a support group asking for help.

She told the Freedom Charity she had been held against her will for more than 30 years.

Officers said two of the women met the male suspect in London "through a shared political ideology" and that they lived at an address which could be called a "collective".

Commander Steve Rodhouse said: "Somehow that collective came to an end and the women ended up continuing to live with the suspects.

"How this resulted in the women living in this way for over 30 years is what are seeking to establish, but we believe emotional and physical abuse has been a feature of all the victims' lives."

Police are carrying out house-to-house enquiries near the property where the suspects were arrested.

Investigators believe the youngest of the alleged victims may have spent her entire life as a domestic slave.

Cmdr Rodhouse said: "The 30-year-old woman does have a birth certificate; however that is all the official documentation we can find.

"We believe she has lived with the suspects and the other victims all her life, but of course at this early stage we are still seeking out evidence."

Scotland Yard revealed that part of the agreement when the women were removed from the address on October 25 was that police would not at that stage take any action.

None of the women was reported missing after they were rescued.

The exact location of the property where the women had been living has not been revealed and police say they are "taking every step" to protect the "emotionally fragile and highly vulnerable" victims.

Aneeta Prem, founder of Freedom Charity, said: "We have seen an extraordinary rise in calls to our helpline since the rescue of the three women came into the public domain.

"We received five times as many calls in 24 hours as we normally do in one week and are needing to increase our resources to cope with this extra demand.

"These women have had traumatic and distributing experiences, which they have revealed to us.

"What needs to happen now is that the three victims, who have begun a long process of recovery, are able to go through their rehabilitation undisturbed, without being identified."

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Sir Bruce Forsyth: I'm Living On Borrowed Time

Television presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth has said he believes he is living "on borrowed time" but has no plans to retire yet.

The 85-year-old said the relentless schedule of hosting Strictly Come Dancing "can drag you down" and hinted that this year might be his last on the show.

Sir Bruce, who first appeared on Sunday Night At The London Palladium in 1958, said he has a number of projects lined up for next year, but did not mention Strictly as one of them.

"I've got three one-man show dates fixed for next year and I'm doing another thing for TV in April that I can't talk about yet," he told The Sun.

"So if I was to leave Strictly Come Dancing, I wouldn't retire. That's the furthest thing from my mind at the moment. While I'm able to walk and play golf I'll still work."

The entertainer plays golf to stay fit and healthy

Sir Bruce admitted the punishing schedule for Strictly was difficult, despite him having a break during the run, saying: "The constant week-after-week can drag you down, especially when you are getting older."

And he was pragmatic about the inevitability of his own mortality.

"I know I'm on borrowed time. There's no getting away from it. When I look at all my friends that have gone - Eric Sykes, Frankie Howerd, Sammy Davis Jr - I know I'm on borrowed time.

"How I'm still here I just don't know. I don't know how, why or wherefore. But I'm not really questioning it that much. The day will come and it could be tomorrow, who knows?

"It's no good saying it's never going to come. You've got to be able to accept it. So I'm conditioning myself so it's not going to be a big surprise. It will just be, 'Ok, time to go'.

Sir Bruce and his wife Wilnelia Merced

"When the time is up I'll be ready for it. I probably won't be very happy about it. But I'll know it's time to go."

The veteran star also explained how he still has ambitions for his career.

"The other thing I'd like to do is a small part or cameo in a wonderful film like Harry Potter. I would be a terrible old man. Scrooge maybe...," he said.

"The trouble with Britain is they tend to cubbyhole you. To most people in this business, I'm a game show host. I can go to Glastonbury and prove all that wrong but people still think of me as the guy from The Price Is Right and The Generation Game.

"In America it's completely different. You can present a game show and have a part in Law And Order or a film."

Sir Bruce also took a gentle swipe at Strictly's main Saturday night TV rival, The X Factor, calling it "boring" and suggesting it may have run its course.

"(Simon Cowell) may wave a magic wand and make The X Factor a completely different show," he said.

"But I don't know how you can revamp a show which is a singer, followed by judges, followed by a singer, followed by a singer, followed by judges, followed by a singer, maybe a guest star, followed by another singer.

"And after two hours, what happens? Another singer. He has done marvels in the past, but I think the end has got to come. I just think people have stopped watching it. It's the kind of show that can get boring. For those kind of shows, the days are numbered."

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Grieve Warns Of 'Ethnic Corruption' In UK

Politicians need to "wake up" to the problem of corruption in ethnic minority communities, the Government's senior law officer has warned.

Attorney General Dominic Grieve said he was referring "mainly to the Pakistani community" in his comments.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the Tory MP pointed out that it could also be found in the "white Anglo-Saxon" community but he said it was a growing problem "because we have minority communities in this country which come from backgrounds where corruption is endemic".

"It is something as politicians we have to wake up to," he added.

The MP for Beaconsfield said: "I can see many of them have come because of the opportunities that they get. But they also come from societies where they have been brought up to believe you can only get certain things through a favour culture.

"One of the things you have to make absolutely clear is that that is not the case and it's not acceptable."

Asked if he was referring to the Pakistani community in his remarks, Mr Grieve told the newspaper: "Yes, it's mainly the Pakistani community, not the Indian community. I wouldn't draw it down to one. I'd be wary of saying it's just a Pakistani problem."

Baroness Warsi said electoral fraud also affects the Asian community

Mr Grieve highlighted electoral fraud as an area of concern, echoing comments made in 2010 by senior Tory Baroness Warsi.

Lady Warsi told the New Statesman magazine there were "at least three seats where we lost, where we didn't gain the seat, based on electoral fraud" and said the problems were "predominantly within the Asian community".

Labour MP Khalid Mahmood told Sky News that Mr Grieve was political point scoring. "What's his statistical evidence?" he said.

"He's the Attorney General, he's the law officer, what more prosecutions had he made since 2008 and what does it come up now? 

"Is it because it's coming up to the general election and is it because the Tory part want another immigration issue or community-based issue race issue they want to move on and I feel this is what he's doing in pushing that."

The Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, John Hemming, told Sky News that corruption should be dealt with generally rather that on ethnic grounds.

John Hemming MP and Khalid Mahmood MP both questioned Mr Grieve's comments

"It shouldn't be made as an issue for one particular ethnic community we should deal with corruption more generally," he said.

"I worry about the complacency in this country about white Anglo-Saxon Protestant corruption because I see situations on a day-to-day basis where things are going very seriously wrong.

"You see things deteriorating and that shouldn't be made into an ethnic thing, it should be focused on as something we should deal with and have the right checks and balances on."

Mr Grieve also said that the UK's infrastructure could be put under strain if significant numbers of Bulgarians and Romanians come to the UK when controls expire in January.

He acknowledged that "the volume of immigrants may pose serious infrastructure issues".

In response to Dominic Grieve's interview, Shabana Mahmood MP for Birmingham Ladywood said: "The Attorney General should apologise. His wild extrapolation is based on a few flimsy facts and smears the entire UK Pakistani community.

"He should think again and come back to the table when he has had a chance to consider the facts more carefully."

Later in a statement, Mr Grieve said: "I am very clear that integration between ethnic communities in the UK has worked well and has delivered great benefits for all of us.

"This is a point I clearly made in my interview with the Telegraph, and I'm disappointed that this has not been reflected in their front page story.

"The point I was making is that, as a law officer, it's my duty to ensure the rule of law is upheld, and one of the issues that I feel requires close attention is any potential for a rise in corruption to undermine civil society.

"I believe this is an issue which needs to be addressed calmly and rationally.

"I am absolutely clear that this problem is not attributable to any one community, as I know very well from my many years promoting community cohesion."

Sky News political reporter Darren McCaffrey said Mr Grieve's comments are likely "to prove controversial".

"We have to remember he is an elected politician and he is also the Government's top lawyer, he is someone that we don't usually hear from a lot and this is why his intervention is unusual," he added.

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Man Sought After Schoolgirl 'Touched' On Bus

Police have released CCTV pictures of a man who sat next to a 12-year-old schoolgirl on a bus and allegedly put his hand on her knee.

The youngster, who is said to have been left shaken and upset by the incident, got on the bus in St Mary's Row, Moseley, Birmingham, and sat near the back.

The suspect boarded at the same time and sat next to her and allegedly asked for her mobile phone number before touching her. He then left the bus near Springfield school.

The girl, who was dressed in her school uniform, immediately told her mother when she arrived home. The incident happened on the afternoon of October 9 but the images have just been released.

The man left the bus at Grove Road School, Sparkhill (pic: Google)

Detective Constable Natalie Adkins, from the West Midland's Police public protection unit, said: "The girl was shaken by the incident and did the right thing by telling her mum, who then contacted the police."

She added: "We've scoured hours of CCTV footage in the area to track the man's movements as well as conducting a number of police checks.

"I would ask anyone who can name the man in the CCTV to call me. I would also urge the man himself to contact me - this is his chance to explain what happened and why."

The man is described as Asian, in his 20s, about 5ft 7ins, with short black hair and short trimmed facial hair. He was wearing a black jacket and cream-coloured jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to call DC Adkins at Castle Vale police station on 101. Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 11.

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Stabbing: Mother Died From Multiple Wounds

Police have confirmed that a woman found dead in her home in Manchester died of stab wounds.

Officers called to a house on Mayford Road, Levenshulme on Friday discovered the body of 49-year-old Aisha Alam following reports a woman had been killed.

A Home Office post-mortem examination established that Ms Alam, who reportedly had lived at the address for 25 years and had four children, died from multiple stab wounds.

Neighbour and friend Saima Baber said that Ms Alam was "a very, very nice person".

"She was quite quiet and kept herself to herself but was such a lovely lady," Ms Baber told the Manchester Evening News.

"I would always stop and say hello and chat and I would do the same with her daughters as well who are lovely.

"We are all very shocked and scared by what's happened. I saw her daughter at about 8am and everything seemed fine."

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "A woman has been killed and our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is obviously a totally devastating time for them.

"I want to reassure her loved ones as well as those in the local community that we have a team of highly skilled detectives already working on this case but if anyone has any information please call us."

A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4032 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Arctic Oil Protest Brits Freed In Russia

Five of the Britons arrested by Russian authorities during a Greenpeace protest against Arctic oil drilling have been released from detention in St Petersburg.

Activists Iain Rogers, Frank Hewetson, Alexandra Harris and Anthony Perrett, and journalist Kieron Bryan are the first of six Britons to be freed on bail. Three Russian nationals were freed on Monday.

Thirty people, including the six Britons aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, were detained after the protest in September.

Anthony Perrett following his release Frank Hewetson

The sixth Briton, Philip Ball, has been granted bail, but has yet to be freed.

Speaking after his release, Mr Bryan told Sky News it felt "very, very good" to be free.

"It's good to be outside and see the sky for the first time for a while," he said.

"To everyone who's supported me and the rest of the group: Keep fighting, we're not free yet, this is first step. It's a glimmer of justice, but it's not finished."

He said being imprisoned had been "tough" and that he was looking forward to "a long shower", "never doing another Sudoku puzzle again" and "an improved diet".

Mr Rogers told Sky News: "It's lovely (to be out). It's been pretty traumatic, but it's good for the campaign.

"I think Gazprom have given us the ideal opportunity and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for publicising our campaign to stop drilling in the Arctic so much."

Iain Rogers at a previous court hearing

Speaking immediately after his release, Mr Hewetson told Sky News: "It feels very good to be out. It's been a long time, two months.

"The campaign's not over. There are many oil companies that are going to be drilling in the Arctic, not only in Russia. In Greenland, America and Canada. The fight continues."

Asked if he would do it again, he said: "That depends."

All 30 of the accused were initially charged with piracy but are now accused of hooliganism, which carries a shorter maximum jail term of seven years.

Ms Harris revealed she was kept in a cell on her own after being taken to a prison in Murmansk.

"For the first week it was really harsh. It was nerve-wracking," she said immediately after being released.

Alexandra Harris after learning her bail application had been successful

"I was in a cell on my own. You do get used to it, but it was tough."

All those released have had their passports returned to them, but none have visas and it is unclear if they will be allowed to leave the country.

Greenpeace on Thursday unveiled giant portraits of those arrested - the "Arctic 30" - outside the London offices of oil giant Shell.

The protest group said it was drawing attention to Shell and its Russian partner Gazprom's planned joint venture to drill for oil in the Arctic.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: "Shell and Gazprom are not equipped to drill in the Arctic without causing catastrophic damage to the unique ecosystem.

"But what makes their Arctic plans so blindly stupid is that they're only able to drill there because of the huge loss of Arctic sea ice from climate change."

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Jail Terms For Celtic Fans After Police Clashes

Five Celtic fans have been given jail terms following violence in Amsterdam before the club's Champions League match against Ajax, it has been reported.

A sixth fan was acquitted when the group appeared at Amsterdam District Court.

Two were sentenced to two months, two to six weeks and the other to one month, according to lawyer Kerem Canatan who tweeted from the hearing. 

He said they all had two weeks to appeal.

The men were arrested after clashes between supporters and police ahead of the Ajax game on November 6.

They were accused of acts of violence in a public space - charges they reportedly denied.

Dutch police said 28 Scots were among 44 people arrested following the violence, in which eight police officers were injured.

One officer was knocked unconscious in the fighting in Dam Square while others suffered broken noses.

Mr Canatan tweeted that the judge awarded damages of €250 (£209) to three police officers and €500 (£418) to another.

Twenty-two of the Scots were released with some paying fines of up to €500, Dutch police said.

After the disorder, Celtic responded to claims from fans that they were poorly treated by opening an internal investigation.

The Glasgow-based club said it would be liaising with various authorities in Amsterdam and the UK to get a full picture of what happened.

A club statement issued at the time said there was "no excuse for any form of violent conduct".

But it added: "There is no question that Celtic supporters have been subjected to a high degree of provocation."

Celtic lost the match 1-0. 

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Arrests After Toddler Dies In Peterborough

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a toddler after she was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police are investigating the death of the girl, aged around two, at Peterborough City Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

A 28-year-old woman, believed to be the girl's mother, and her 19-year-old boyfriend have been arrested and are being held in custody in the city.

"The child had been taken to hospital at 11am with serious injuries but died shortly before 1pm," a police spokesman said.

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

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Alec Reid: Irish Peace Broker Dies Aged 82

A priest widely recognised as one of the key figures in the Northern Ireland peace process has died.

Father Alec Reid, who was 82, acted as a broker between the IRA and the British Government.

He was famously photographed delivering the last rites to two soldiers killed by the IRA in west Belfast in 1988 after they accidentally drove into a Republican funeral.

He had tried to protect the two men, Corporals David Howes and Derek Wood, but was himself threatened with death if he did not get out of the way.

Fr Reid died peacefully

The Redemptorist order of Catholic priests said Fr Reid died peacefully in a Dublin hospital on Friday morning.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and those who got to know him as a Redemptorist in the various roles and ministries he held," the order said.

"He will be especially remembered for his work in the Northern Ireland peace process."

The Redemptorists said arrangements for his funeral will be announced later.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Fr Reid's base in west Belfast during the Troubles, Clonard, was "the cradle of the peace process".

"I feel deeply saddened. I have not absorbed it yet. I knew him for the last 40 years," he said.

"What Alec Reid did was he lived the gospel message. He developed a view which was contrary to the official view, that there had to be dialogue, and he was tenacious - I remember quite a few times saying he was like a terrier."

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "We all owe a debt of gratitude to (Fr Reid) for the role he played in the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland."

Warm tributes have also been paid by First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Mr Robinson said: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Fr Reid and I convey my sincere sympathies to his entire family and friends at this time.

"Alec opposed violence and understood that the key to making progress was through reaching out to others regardless of their background."

Mr McGuinness added: "Fr Reid was a man of great dignity and his service to society embodied decency and respect for everyone.

Gerry Adams: "Deeply saddened" by loss

"He made an immeasurable contribution to the peace process and he has left a legacy of peace and hope for a better future for all."

Irish president Michael Higgins said: "Fr Reid's role as a channel for peace laid the ground for the achievement of the IRA cease-fire and created the political space for the multi-party talks that ultimately led to the Good Friday Agreement."

Fr Reid had a long association with Clonard Monastery on the Falls Road in Belfast, from where he forged a close relationship with Mr Adams.

He acted as a vital communications link between Mr Adams, then-Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader John Hume and the British and Irish Governments in the late 1980s and 1990s as peace talks developed in secret.

Years later, with paramilitary ceasefires delivered and the 1998 Good Friday peace accord signed, he was one of two churchmen who acted as independent witnesses to the decommissioning of the IRA's arsenal of weapons in 2005.

In recent years, he became involved in talks with Basque nationalists seeking independence from Spain.

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Beckham Clothes On Sale At London Charity Shop

Victoria and David Beckham are selling their unwanted and almost new clothes at a Red Cross charity shop in London in aid of victims of the Typhoon Haiyan.

The shop, at 69-71 Old Church Street in Chelsea, specialises in designer labels donated to the British Red Cross and is extending its opening hours from 11am until 8pm.

The Beckham collection includes shoes by Jimmy Choo and suits by Dolce and Gabbana (D&G) alongside tops, suits, trainers and dresses from the Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer and her footballer husband.

Victoria poses on Twitter in her packing box

The celebrity couple has urged others to help support victims of the typhoon.

"David and I are supporting the Red Cross Shop Drop for the Philippines campaign and we urge everyone in Britain to do the same," Victoria said.

Customers gather before the shop opens

"Everyone has something in their closet they were holding onto, a dress, suit, or pair of shoes they thought they might wear again. Dig them out, bag them up, drop them off and give someone else the chance to buy them, raising much needed funds for the Red Cross aid effort. "

David and Victoria's D&G suits are on sale for £600 and £800 respectively, and more if they turn out to be especially rare items.

The clothes are being displayed alongside the shop's other stock, with labels marking them as gifts from the Beckhams.

Mark Astarita, director of fundraising for the British Red Cross, said: "We are delighted to have Victoria and David's support for the British Red Cross Shop Drop for Philippines.

"Their generous donation will enable us to raise significant funds towards the enormous humanitarian operation currently under way."

Victoria Beckham earlier tweeted pictures of preparations for the clear out, including dozens and dozens of pairs of shoes.

Victoria's shoes piled up. Pic: Twitter

There is one drawback for those in search of a bargain - the "almost new clothes" owned by Mrs Beckham might be too small for most people to wear, a shop assistant warned.

Philippine officials say the death toll from the typhoon has now passed 5,000.

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