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NHS Volunteers Help Ease Maternity Pressure

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 10 November 2012 | 20.14

By Isabel Webster, West of England Correspondent

Volunteers are being used by the NHS at the Royal Gwent Hospital in South Wales to ease pressure on overstretched maternity wards.

Twenty so-called "maternity buddies" handle babies at the request of new mums while they sleep or shower, sit and chat to keep them company, help with meals, or even change water in flower vases.

The unpaid helpers are given basic training in confidentiality and infection control but are not permitted to carry out any clinical duties including bathing or changing newborns' nappies.

The buddy scheme was piloted at the hospital over a six-month period and has now gone live due to its success.

Linda Hall, a mother of four and grandmother of two, finds time around her full-time job at a nursery to pop into the postnatal ward whenever she can.

"The midwives are so busy that sometimes the new mums are anxious about buzzing and asking for help," she said.

"So we just come along and get them some milk or some drinks - all the things the midwives struggle to fit into their busy days."

The scheme is intended to free up the midwives so they can focus on clinical care.

Maternity volunteers at Royal Gwent Hospital The NHS is looking to increase volunteers at hospitals

The Royal College of Midwives believes there is a shortfall of around 5,000 midwives in England and Wales as a result of the birth rate exceeding the rate of midwives joining the profession by around 6%.

But the Aneurin Bevan Health Board in Gwent maintains the buddy scheme is not about plugging a staffing gap.

Suzanna Hardacre, the senior midwifery manager at the Royal Gwent Hospital, said: "We're not short-staffed. We don't have any shortages of health care support workers or with midwives. There are sufficient clinical staff to be able to give that care.

"Our volunteers are purely there to enhance the patient and the woman's experience while she is in hospital with us."

A recruitment drive is now under way to bolster the number of volunteers in NHS hospitals across the UK.

Many hospitals already enlist them to help patients eat their meals and the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust says their volunteers sometimes help to make the beds.

But Beverley Lawrence Beech, from the Association For The Improvement of Maternity Services, warns that unskilled helpers are no substitute for trained health professionals.

"If they really want to enhance patient experiences what they should be providing is community based midwifery. But this is the first step towards removing yet more midwives," she said.

"Frilly hand-holding is no substitute for proper trained midwives who know to look out for things like postnatal depression or infections."


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Wiggins Thanks Well-Wishers After Collision

Bradley Wiggins has said he is "looking forward to getting back on the bike" after he was injured in a collision, as it emerged a van driver may face prosecution.

The 32-year-old Olympic champion cyclist spent a night in hospital after suffering a bruised hand and ribs after he and a van collided in Lancashire on Wednesday. He is now recuperating at home.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and messages over the last 48 hours, and of course all the staff at the Royal Preston Hospital who looked after me so well," Wiggins said on www.teamsky.com last night.

"Although I'm still a little bit sore I will now be spending time at home with my family and concentrating on making a full recovery.

"I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike soon and continuing my preparations for the 2013 season."

After a formal interview, the van driver, Cath Burrows, 44, was summonsed by Lancashire Police over driving without due care and attention.

In a statement, a police spokesman said: "Following a voluntary attendance for interview with Lancashire Police, a 44-year-old woman from West Lancashire has been reported for summons for driving without due care and attention.

"However an investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is still under way."

Wiggins was reportedly riding a mountain bike to meet a group of local cyclists near to his home in Eccleston when the collision happened in Wrightington, shortly after 6pm.

Wiggins, who became the Tour's first British winner in July before winning Olympic time-trial gold at Hampton Court on August 1, also issued an apology for a one-fingered gesture to photographers as he travelled home on Thursday.

He said yesterday: "I would also like to apologise for the gesture that I made when I arrived home yesterday afternoon.

"I was tired, in a lot of pain, and just wanted to get inside, but I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I'm sorry for that."

In a separate road accident, British cycling head coach Shane Sutton was also admitted to hospital on Thursday with a fractured cheek bone and bleeding on the brain.

The 55-year-old was riding along the A6 Stockport Road in Levenshulme when he was involved in a collision with a blue Peugeot 206 driven by a 61-year-old man.

Sutton was part of the management team which has helped Wiggins to many successes including the world's toughest bike race and this year's time trial gold medal at the London Olympics.


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Hertfordshire Crash Leaves Three Men Dead

Three men have been killed in a collision between a car and a lorry on the A10 in Hertfordshire.

The men - the driver of the car and two passengers, thought to be in their late teens and early 20s - died at the scene.

They were travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa on the northbound carriageway near Turnford, at 2.15pm on Friday, when the collision with a Mercedes lorry happened.

A fourth person in the car suffered serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel for treatment.

The driver of the lorry was not injured.

Sergeant Colin Jenkinson, of Hertfordshire Police, said: "We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in contact as soon as possible.

"Perhaps you saw the vehicle just before the collision took place or maybe you saw something immediately after. Any information you provide could be crucial to our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.


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Olympic Stadium: Dismay Over Delayed Future

By Enda Brady, Sky News Correspondent

Olympic and Paralympic champions have voiced their dismay at news that the stadium may not open fully until the summer of 2016.

Four bids are still being considered as full-time tenants at the Stratford venue, but each bid will require significant and time-consuming modifications.

Dennis Hone, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Committee, revealed this week that it will not re-open until August 2015 at the earliest and probably not before August 2016.

Olympic champion Jessica Ennis told Sky News it was important the stadium was opened to the public without delay.

She said: "I've some amazing memories of the stadium, like a lot of other athletes.

"I'd love to see it opened to the public as soon as possible."

Leyton Orient Leyton Orient FC are among four bidders to use the stadium in Stratford

Paralympic double gold medallist Hannah Cockroft said it was vital to speed up the process so that the goodwill generated by the success of London 2012 could be tapped into.

"The danger is that if it's not opened fully to the public for four years then that interest will wane," she said.

"It's an amazing venue and people want to see it, they want to be a part of it. I really hope they sort this out, they have to."

A transformation project costing nearly £300m is currently under way at the site and is expected to last up to 18 months.

The park itself will be opened to the public on July 27 next year, one year to the day the Games opened in London.

Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, told Sky News: "The stadium is vital for the legacy of the Games, but the important thing is to get the right tenant in."

The four bidders are West Ham United FC, Leyton Orient FC, a Formula One venture and the University College of Football Business - an academic institution owned and run by Burnley FC.

A final decision is expected in the first half of 2013, or possibly sooner.


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BBC Boss 'Was Unaware' Of Child Abuse Slur

Lord McAlpine: Full Statement

Updated: 10:45am UK, Friday 09 November 2012

Tory peer Lord McAlpine today described reports linking him to the North Wales child abuse allegations as "wholly false and seriously defamatory". Here is his full statement.

"Over the last several days it has become apparent to me that a number of ill-or uninformed commentators have been using blogs and other internet media outlets to accuse me of being the senior Conservative Party figure from the days of Margaret Thatcher's leadership who is guilty of sexually abusing young residents of a children's home in Wrexham, North Wales in the 1970's and 1980's.

"It has additionally become apparent to me that a number of broadcasters and newspapers have, without expressly naming me, also been alleging that a senior Conservative Party figure from that time was guilty of or suspected of being guilty of the sexual abuse of residents of this children's home.

"It is obvious that there must be a substantial number of people who saw that I had been identified in the internet publications as this guilty man and who subsequently saw or heard the broadcasts or read the newspapers in question and reasonably inferred that the allegation of guilt in those broadcasts and newspapers attached to me.

"Even though these allegations made of me by implication in the broadcast and print media, and made directly about me on the internet, are wholly false and seriously defamatory I can no longer expect the broadcast and print media to maintain their policy of defaming me only by innuendo.

"There is a media frenzy and I have to expect that an editor will soon come under pressure to risk naming me. My name and the allegations are for all practical purposes linked and in the public domain and I cannot rewind the clock.

"I therefore have decided that in order to mitigate, if only to some small extent, the damage to my reputation I must publicly tackle these slurs and set the record straight. In doing so I am by no means giving up my right to sue those who have defamed me in the recent past or who may do so in the future and I expressly reserve my rights to take all such steps as I and my solicitors consider necessary to protect my interests.

"On Tuesday, 6 November the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, made a statement in the House of Commons about the historic allegations of child abuse in the North Wales police force area.

"She explained that in 1991, North Wales Police conducted an investigation into allegations that, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, children in homes that were managed and supervised by Clwyd County Council were sexually and physically abused.

"The result of the police investigation was eight prosecutions and seven convictions of former care workers. Despite the investigation and convictions, it was widely believed, she said, that the abuse was in fact on a far greater scale, but a report produced by Clwyd Council's own inquiry was never published, because so much of its content was considered by lawyers to be defamatory.

"In 1996, the Rt Hon William Hague MP, the then Secretary of State for Wales, invited Sir Ronald Waterhouse to lead an inquiry into the abuse of children in care in the Gwynedd and Clwyd Council areas. Mrs May told the House of Commons that the Waterhouse inquiry sat for 203 days and heard evidence from more than 650 people.

"Statements made to the inquiry named more than 80 people as child abusers, many of whom were care workers or teachers. In 2000, the inquiry's report 'Lost in Care' made 72 recommendations for changes to the way in which children in care were protected by councils, social services and the police.

"Following the report's publications, 140 compensation claims were settled on behalf of the victims.

"Mrs May further said that the report found no evidence of a paedophile ring beyond the care system, which was the basis of the rumours that followed the original police investigation and, indeed, one of the allegations made in the past week.

"Last Friday, a victim of sexual abuse at one of the homes named in the report - Mr Steve Messham - alleged that the inquiry did not look at abuse outside care homes, and he renewed allegations against the police and several individuals.

"I am, as is now well known to readers of the internet and to journalists working for the print and broadcast media, one of the individuals implicated by Mr Messham.

"I have every sympathy for Mr Messham and for the many other young people who were sexually abused when they were residents of the children's home in Wrexham.

"Any abuse of children is abhorrent but the sexual abuse to which these vulnerable children were subjected in the 1970's and 1980's is particularly abhorrent.

"They had every right to expect to be protected and cared for by those who were responsible for them and it is abundantly clear that they were horribly violated. I have absolutely no sympathy for the adults who committed these crimes.

"Those who have been convicted were deservedly punished and those who have not yet been brought to justice should be as soon as possible.

"The facts are, however, that I have been to Wrexham only once. I visited the local Constituency Conservative Association in my capacity as Deputy Chairman.

"I was accompanied on this trip, at all times, by Stuart Newman, a Central Office Agent. We visited Mary Bell, a distant relative of mine and close friend of Stuart Newman.

"We did not stay the night in Wrexham. I have never been to the children's home in Wrexham, nor have I ever visited any children's home, reform school or any other institution of a similar nature.

"I have never stayed in a hotel in or near Wrexham, I did not own a Rolls Royce, have never had a 'Gold card' or 'Harrods card' and never wear after-shave, all of which have been alleged.

"I did not sexually abuse Mr Messham or any other residents of the children's home in Wrexham. Stuart Newman is now dead but my solicitors are endeavouring to locate a senior secretary who worked at Central Office at the time to see if she can remember the precise date I visited that Association.

"I fully support the decision (announced by the Home Secretary in the House of Commons on Tuesday) of the Chief Constable of North Wales, Mr Mark Polin, to invite Mr Keith Bristow, the Director General of the National Crime Agency, to assess the allegations recently received, to review the historic police investigations and to investigate any fresh allegations reported to the police into the alleged historic abuse in north Wales care homes.

"Although I live in Italy and have done so for many years and although I am in poor health, I am entirely willing to meet Mr Polin and Mr Bristow in London as soon as can be arranged so that they can eliminate me from their inquiries and so that any unwarranted suspicion can be removed from me.

"I wish to make it clear that I do not suggest that Mr Messham is malicious in making the allegations of sexual abuse about me. He is referring to a terrible period of his life in the 1970's or 1980's and what happened to him will have affected him ever since. If he does think I am the man who abused him all those years ago I can only suggest that he is mistaken and that he has identified the wrong person.

"I conclude by reminding those who have defamed me or who intend to do so that in making this statement I am by no means giving up my right to seek redress at law and repeat that I expressly reserve my rights to take all such steps as I and my solicitors consider necessary to protect my interests."

McAlpine of West Green

8 November 2012


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Ex-Oil Exec Archbishop Faces Big Challenges

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 09 November 2012 | 20.14

The Bishop of Durham has been officially unveiled as the new Archbishop of Canterbury - in what is seen as a meteoric rise in the clergyman's career.

The Rt Rev Justin Welby, 56, was in his current job for only one year and will now become the spiritual leader of the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion.

Eton-educated Bishop Welby is a former oil executive with 11 years in the industry who turned to the church in the early 1980s.

The clergyman, who is a member of the House of Lords, is on the parliamentary committee looking at banking ethics in the wake of the Libor-rigging scandal.

The bishop is reportedly set to keep his place on the committee despite his new appointment.

The Bishop of Durham Bishop Welby is keen to increase Church congregations

He is apparently known for his outspoken criticism of corporate excess and is likely to be a champion of banking reform and a key figure in discussions of business ethics.

Bishop Welby will have his work cut out in his new role as Archbishop as he takes over the leadership of an institution battered in recent years by rows over women bishops and gay priests.

He will take up the mantle from Dr Rowan Williams, whose tenure has been marked by a bruising war between liberals and traditionalists in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion over the issue of homosexuality.

The new appointment also comes as the Church of England stands poised to give final approval later this year for the introduction of women bishops following several years of tortuous negotiations and the departure of some Anglican bishops to the Catholic Church.

The long-running war within the Anglican Communion over gay people will be a very difficult issue for him.

But Bishop Welby's skills in conflict resolution and peace building will stand him in good stead in dealing with the warring factions in the run-up to the next worldwide meeting of Anglican bishops, the Lambeth Conference, due in 2018.

Archbishop Rowan Williams Dr Rowan Williams is stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury

Bishop Welby, who is himself opposed to gay marriage, is also well travelled, particularly in Nigeria.

And he understands the viewpoints of both conservative Nigerian Anglicans and those of the liberal US Episcopalian Church which is strongly divided on the issue.

The new Archbishop, who was first ordained as a deacon in 1992, will also have to face declining Church congregations.

Bishop Welby is clearly keen to turn this around, and in his first sermon after becoming Bishop of Durham last November, he reportedly called on churchgoers to rekindle Christian faith in the North East and "reconvert" the region.

While Dean of Liverpool before this, he instigated a five-year plan to double congregation figures, and saw them rise considerably during his leadership.

Being the public face of the Church of England in the 21st century also means being able to deal with the demands of the media and 24-hour news.

Bishop Welby has already shown that he embraces social media with an account on Twitter, and the 2,500 followers that he currently has are set to rise dramatically now he has been named as the new archbishop.


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New Archbishop Of Canterbury 'Astonished'

The Bishop of Durham has been officially confirmed as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, in an appointment that was widely expected.

The Rt Rev Justin Welby succeeds Dr Rowan Williams as the spiritual leader of the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion.

The former oil industry executive becomes the 105th holder of the post.

As he addressed the media, he began by saying a prayer and then joked that his appointment was "the best kept secret since the last Cabinet reshuffle".

He went on: "To be nominated to this post is both astonishing and exciting", and it was something "he never expected".

The clergyman, who has been Bishop of Durham for only a year, admitted that the last few weeks "have been a rather strange experience".

Bishop of Durham Justin Welby The Bishop said he was astonished and excited to be nominated

He added: "We are at one of these rare points where the tide of events is turning and the Church nationally, including the Church of England, has great opportunities to match its very great but often hidden strengths.

"I feel a massive sense of privilege at being one of those responsible for the leadership of the Church in a time of spiritual hunger when our network of parishes and schools, and above all people, means we are facing the toughest issues in the toughest places."

He told reporters that one of the biggest challenges was taking over from Dr Williams, who he claimed "will be recognised as one of the greatest Archbishops of Canterbury".

Bishop Welby also said he was "utterly optimistic about the future of the Church".

He added: "We'll certainly get things wrong, I certainly will. But the grace of God is greater than our biggest failures. We will also certainly get much right and do so already."

Archbishop Rowan Williams Bishop Welby succeeds Dr Rowan Williams

Bishop Welby takes over the leadership of an institution battered in recent years by rows over women bishops and gay priests.

Dr Williams' tenure has been marked by a bruising war between liberals and traditionalists in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion over the issue of homosexuality.

The new appointment also comes as the Church of England stands poised to give final approval later this year for the introduction of women bishops following several years of tortuous negotiations and the departure of some Anglican bishops to the Catholic Church.

The new archbishop, who was first ordained as a deacon in 1992, will also have to face declining Church congregations.

The Bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, welcomed his appointment, saying he would bring "many gifts and a rich experience of life to this calling".

But he warned: "He faces a daunting task, but the priority he attaches to a spiritual life of prayer, to reflection on the Bible and dependence upon the holy spirit will sustain him, as will the love and support of his family and friends.

"To that support I add my own and my prayers for his future ministry."

Prime Minister David Cameron also welcomed Bishop Welby's appointment and he "wished him success in his new role".


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Ash Dieback: New Trees To Be Destroyed

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

The Government has admitted eradicating ash dieback disease will now be impossible as it revealed some British trees have been infected for two years.

The admission came as the Department for the Environment unveiled a new action plan to tackle the outbreak, which is threatening the UK's native ash trees.

Some 129 sites are now confirmed be infected - 15 of which are in nurseries, 50 in recently planted sites and 64 in the wider countryside.

Under the latest measures, affected new and young trees will be destroyed immediately and the search for the fungus will widen to include towns and cities.

However, burning contaminated mature trees has been ruled out because of fears about the damage to wildlife.

They also take longer to die and it is thought they could help experts learn more about genetic strains that could be resistant to the disease.

An ash sapling infected with ash dieback disease An ash sapling infected with the disease

As part of the strategy, the public, along with foresters, land managers and environmental groups, will be told how to spot ash dieback and what to do if they find it.

The proposals to tackle the crisis, which threatens millions of the UK's native ash trees, were finalised by ministers at a Cobra crisis meeting on Friday.

Defra officials have worked with the Forestry Commission and other agencies to find the best way to contain the spread of Chalara fungus, known as ash dieback disease.

The importation of ash trees has already been banned and the planting of new ones halted.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson admits it is impossible to wipe it out now that it has been found in mature trees but insists the British ash can still be saved.

"If we can slow its spread and minimise its impact, we will gain time to find those trees with genetic resistance to the disease and to restructure our woodlands to make them more resilient," he said.

"We now have a window of opportunity for action because the disease only spreads in the summer."

Ash dieback, which causes leaves to turn black and drop off before the whole tree eventually dies, is thought to have arrived in Britain on wind-borne spores blown in from mainland Europe.

Cases have been reported in Sussex, Berkshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Northumberland, Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent and Essex.

Other countries including France and Belgium have already been hit hard by the disease but Denmark has been the worst affected - losing 90% of its ash population.

There are fears the infection could have the same impact in Britain as the infamous Dutch Elm epidemic of the 1970s, which wiped out most of the country's elm trees.

A view of ash saplings, some of which are infected with ash dieback disease at Arger Fen near Sudbury in Suffolk Some of these ash saplings in Suffolk are infected with the disease

There are an estimated 80 million ash trees in Britain - one-third of the entire tree population.

Several National Trust sites, including Ashridge in Hertfordshire, have put up signs as an extra precaution to prevent the disease spreading.

Ashridge Estate, a site popular with walkers that has been used in several films including Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, has hundreds of ash trees in its 5,000 acres of woodland.

Estate manager Graeme Cannon told Sky News: "It's potentially very dangerous. Ashridge is here because ash trees feature very prominently in its background and they have done for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

''With ash dieback in the country we'll end up in a situation where we will be losing a lot of our trees and they are an important feature of the British landscape and woodland.

"So far we have not had any confirmed cases in Ashridge but if we do then the impact would be catastrophic.''

Infected saplings are being burned but visitors to woods are also being asked to do their bit by keeping to marked paths to help reduce the spread of infected leaves.

They are also being advised to clean footwear and bike and car tyres of mud and earth when they get home.

Although the Government claims it has acted as swiftly as it could, there has been some criticism that the response has not been quick enough.


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Driver Seriously Hurt In M1 Pile-Up

A motorist has been airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a motorway crash involving seven vehicles.

The crash happened on the northbound carriageway of the M1 shortly after 8.30am.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said six cars and a lorry collided close to the exit slip road at junction 14 near Milton Keynes.

The most seriously injured driver has been flown to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, while three others who suffered minor injuries have been taken to Milton Keynes General Hospital.

M1 crash. Picture: Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Team on Twitter (@tvprp) The crash closed part of the M1. Picture from Twitter: Thames Valley Police

No details about the injured drivers have yet been released.

The M1 is closed northbound between junctions 13 and 14 while accident investigators examine the scene.

There are long tailbacks in the area and drivers are being urged to use alternative routes.

It is not yet known when the road will re-open.

More follows...


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Jessie J Gig Death: Man Jailed For Murder

A graphic designer has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years for killing a telephone executive with a broken bottle after a Jessie J gig.

Ashley Charles, 26, was found guilty of murdering Phillip Sherriff, 37, and jailed for life at the Old Bailey.

Mr Sherriff died in April four days after being attacked at Pulse nightclub in central London, shortly after the singer had performed.

Charles, of Nevanthon Road, Leicester, denied the charge, claiming he acted in self-defence.

But Judge Paul Worsley said Charles killed Mr Sherriff, of Preston, Lancs, because he was annoyed.

Judge Worsley told Charles: "This is a tragic case. Mr Sherriff may have pushed you in a crowded bar and made inoffensive remarks to a girl talking to you.

Jessie J performs at the BlackBerry BBM event in London, where a man was stabbed in the neck. Jessie J was performing at a BlackBerry party before the murder

"You clearly became annoyed at what you perceived was the conduct of Mr Sherriff and lost your temper when he may have pushed against you at the bar."

Charles took a beer bottle from Mr Sherriff's hand and swung it behind him, where it broke, and then plunged it into Mr Sherriff's neck.

"It was a lethal weapon. He was a decent man," added the judge.

He said Charles had done something "which was truly out of character".

Judge Worsley told him: "You did not deliberately smash the bottle you used. I am satisfied you did not intend to kill Mr Sherriff and you were immediately remorseful."

Andrew Hall QC, for Charles, said he acted "in a split second of madness".


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Surgeon Faces Inquiry Over Breast Cancer Ops

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 08 November 2012 | 20.14

A surgeon is to face a criminal inquiry over allegations about his treatment of more than 1,000 breast cancer patients.

West Midlands Police said they were liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine the course of the investigation into the conduct of Ian Paterson.

Mr Paterson is alleged by a law firm representing some of his former patients to have performed up to 1,150 "unnecessary, inappropriate or unregulated" operations.

Thompsons Solicitors, which is pursuing negligence claims for several women, said Mr Paterson worked at a number of NHS and private hospitals from 1994, including those run by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which covers hospitals in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Birmingham.

An investigation into Mr Paterson by the General Medical Council potentially spans up to 700 cases of an unregulated procedure that involved leaving some breast tissue behind after a mastectomy, Thompsons said.

It is further alleged that up to 450 women could have had invasive breast surgery when a biopsy might have been sufficient.

Still of Ian Paterson Mr Paterson is alleged to have performed "unnecessary" operations

The Medical Defence Union said in a statement: "Mr Paterson is co-operating fully with the GMC investigation. He cannot comment further due to his duty of patient confidentiality and the ongoing investigation."

Sky News' Health and Science correspondent Thomas Moore said the GMC has been looking into Mr Paterson for some time, adding that conditions were imposed on his practice in July 2011.

Mr Paterson's GMC record shows that the Interim Orders Panel ruled that he "must not carry out breast surgery" and that he should "confine his medical practice ... to general surgical work and out-patient consultations with patients with breast disease".

Kashmir Uppal, a senior medical negligence solicitor at Thompsons, said she believed patients had been subjected to needless worry and risk.

She said the law firm was also liaising with the GMC to assist its investigations.

"The women who have come forward so far have been very brave," Ms Uppal said.

"Hopefully all who have had unnecessary or inappropriate treatment will seek reassurance or justice."

In a statement confirming the police inquiry into Mr Paterson, who has not been arrested, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Markham said: "West Midlands Police can confirm it has received a referral from the General Medical Council in relation to allegations about the medical practices of a surgeon who previously worked in Solihull.

"A criminal inquiry has been launched and the force is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine the course of the investigation."


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Payday Loans: Most Borrowers 'Miss Payments'

A consumer group has demanded regulators crack down hard on payday loan firms amid research suggesting 57% of customers have incurred stiff penalty charges for missing payments.

Which? claims 29% of people who go to payday loan firms - which can apply annual interest rates of more than 4,000% - do so in the knowledge they have no chance of paying back what they owe within the timescale of the loan deal.

The industry is designed to offer short-term loans to people to cover bills until pay day - with the interest rate climbing steeply if the terms are breached.

It has led to revelations that some borrowers have ended up owing thousands of pounds after taking out loans for just a few hundred.

According to Which?, 20% of people who took part in its survey complained of being hit by unexpected charges.

An increasing number were using payday loans to cover essentials such as food as the squeeze on household budgets continued to be felt, the group said.

Its Executive Director Richard Lloyd said: "It's shocking that half of all people taking out payday loans have been unable to pay the money back and it's a depressing sign of the times that almost a third were hassled by debt collectors in the past year.

"Payday loans are leaving many people caught in a spiral of debt and taking out more loans just to get by.

"That's when they're hit by excessive penalty charges and rollover fees," Mr Lloyd added.

"The Office of Fair Trading must do more to clamp down on irresponsible lending by introducing tighter rules for payday lenders.

"Better affordability assessments and clearer charges would be the first steps to clean up the industry and better protect consumers."

The industry has defended itself by insisting customer satisfaction levels are high and they are offering a financial lifeline to people at a time when mainstream banks are largely ignoring the needs of their customers.


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Collapsed Comet Launches 'Massive' Sale

Customers who rushed to a sale at Comet have expressed disappointment over the level of discount.

The electronics retailer had announced a "massive stock liquidation" ahead of store closures as early as next week, but angry shoppers took to Twitter to complain about the price reductions.

Scott Houston said: "Comet 'Firesale' is no more than 10-15% off. Prices aren't even competitive with online prices. Time wasted."

And Matt Arthur tweeted: "Anyone thinking of going to the Comet "liquidation sale", don't bother. 10% off audiovisual, 20% off kitchen appliances, still cheaper online."

Ajay Deshpande added: "If you are looking for cheap electrical goods then don't go to the Comet 'sale'!"

In response, a Deloitte spokesman said: "The discounts are gentle. It's not a hard sale."

The sell-off, which began at 9am on Thursday, is only available in its 236 stores, with customers unable to buy products online. 

But some customers did manage to bag a bargain, with Alex Pegg tweeting: "In-pulse buy of the day, an Apple ProBook (£100 off from Comet)".

The electrical chain said gift vouchers would be accepted on sale items, following the temporary suspension of the tokens over the weekend. 

But it warned customers it will not offer refunds, and any items ordered before the company went into administration that have not been paid for will not be delivered. 

Comet's administrators Deloitte are in the process of winding down the business following its collapse on Friday, which leaves 6,600 jobs hanging in the balance.

But rival Dixons, which owns Currys and PC World, postponed hiring 3,000 Christmas staff by a week to allow Comet staff to apply.

It said it was "amazed" by the number of Comet employees that had enquired about positions so far.

Deloitte is attempting to find a buyer for the business and would not comment on speculation over store closures - although reports suggest stores could start to be closed next week.

If the chain does collapse, it will become one of the biggest high street casualties since Woolworths in 2008.


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Prison Officers Injured In Attack At G4S Jail

Four prison officers have been injured in an attack by an inmate of Birmingham prison - run by security firm G4S.

Sky News sources said the staff members were attacked and slashed with a piece of broken glass. Two officers suffered serious injuries while the other two were left with minor cuts.

The attack took place in the jail's hospital wing where the officers worked.

A spokesman for G4S said: "The staff, all members of the prison's healthcare unit, were wounded in an altercation with a prisoner on remand, with two staff receiving serious lacerations.

"All staff were transferred to local hospitals for treatment. The prisoner has been contained."

News of the attack emerged as the firm was told it will lose its contract to run the Wolds prison in East Yorkshire from next year and was unsuccessful in its bid to run other jails.

The security firms spokesman added: "The safety and welfare of our staff and those in our care is our utmost priority, and we have launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack. Our thoughts are with our staff at this time."

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Derby Fire Deaths: Parents Deny Murder

The parents of six children who died during a house fire in Derby have pleaded not guilty to six counts of murder.

Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, made the plea at Nottingham Crown Court.

Jade, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, all died in the blaze on Victory Road, Allenton on May 11.

Their brother Duwayne, 13, died three days later in hospital.

Mick, wearing a St Christopher, broke down in tears and held his head in his hands as he entered his plea while Mairead, wearing a cross on a long chain around her neck, was more composed. She became tearful during the hour-long hearing.

A second man, who was charged with the six murders on Monday by Derbyshire Police, also appeared in the dock.

Grey-haired Paul Mosley, 45, of Cecil Street, Derby, did not speak during the hearing and stared straight ahead.

The three were flanked by 11 prison officers in the dock, with a line of five sat behind the couple, separating them from Mosley.

The Honourable Mrs Justice Kate Thirwall remanded the three into custody.

They will next appear at Birmingham Crown Court at 2pm on November 29.


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Man Arrested Over David Black Murder

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 07 November 2012 | 20.14

Police investigating the murder of prison officer David Black have arrested a 46-year-old man.

The married father-of-two was gunned down in a high-speed motorway ambush as he drove to work at Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: "Detectives investigating the murder of David Black on the M1 motorway on Thursday November 1 have arrested a 46-year-old man in the Lurgan area."

He was taken to Antrim police station for questioning.

Three men, two in Northern Ireland and one in the Republic of Ireland, have previously been questioned and released by police.

The scene of the M1 shooting in Northern Ireland The scene of the motorway ambush that killed David Black

Police believe Mr Black, 52, was killed by dissident republicans.

He is the first prison officer to be murdered by paramilitaries in Northern Ireland in 20 years.

Gunmen travelling in a stolen car fired on the victim's Audi near a junction leading to Portadown, Co Armagh, as he was on his way to Maghaberry.

The vehicle careered off the road and into a ditch.

At Mr Black's funeral at Molesworth Presbyterian Church in Cookstown his daughter Kyra, 17, paid tribute to her "special hero".

Prison officers carry the coffin of colleague David Black, 52, who was shot dead on the M1 motorway as he was driving to work Thousands of people paid their respects at Mr Black's funeral

The funeral attracted thousands of people and uniformed prison officers carried the coffin to the church behind a Scottish bagpiper who played a lament.

A prison service hat, gloves and a single cream flower were carried on the Union flag-draped coffin as officers formed a guard of honour.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Matt Baggott and justice ministers north and south of the Irish border attended.


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White Cliffs Of Dover Safe For The Nation

An appeal to safeguard one of England's most treasured natural landmarks has reached its target almost two months earlier than expected.

The purchase of the 0.8 miles of land between Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse will fill in the missing link in a stretch of coastline almost five miles long owned by The National Trust on behalf of the nation.

The trust launched its £1.2m appeal in June. A host of celebrities, including Dame Judi Dench, singer Joss Stone and chef Rick Stein, offered their support to the campaign, which reached its target in just 133 days, with the average donation being around £40.

"This appeal has tapped into something unique, the emotional connection that people have with special places such as the White Cliffs of Dover," said the National Trust's outgoing director general, Fiona Reynolds.

"The trust will now look to enhance the quality of access to this new land and build on some of the fantastic nature conservation work that has been carried out by the team on the ground."

The chalk cliffs stretching east from Dover have stood over dramatic moments in English history, including the first arrival of the Romans and the return of British forces rescued from Dunkirk in the Second World War.

National Trust holding up placards to say "thank you" to the fund raisers National Trust workers hold up placards of thanks to fund raisers

And they have featured in songs and poetry, most famously the wartime classic (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover - sung by Dame Vera Lynn - and Matthew Arnold's poem Dover Beach.

Alison Burnett, a volunteer on the White Cliffs of Dover team, said: "This chalky stretch of coastline symbolises so much for so many people and it's wonderful to think that we've managed to raise the money so that future generations can enjoy all that this unique place has to offer."

The trust manages the cliffs as chalk grassland, parts of which are grazed by Exmoor ponies to preserve the natural flora and support wildlife such as butterflies.

Although people are already able to walk the cliffs from the visitor centre to the lighthouse, part of the stretch is privately owned and in places arable fields come to the edge of cliffs, leaving just a sliver of land for the coastal path.

By buying the 0.8-mile piece of the coastal jigsaw, the trust will be able to restore the natural habitat, providing more space for species to retreat as the cliffs naturally erode, and connect the trust's existing areas of land.

The trust, which acquired its first stretch of the White Cliffs in 1968, looks after more than 720 miles of coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.


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Sellafield Nuclear Waste Storage Warning

Hazardous waste being stored in run-down buildings at Sellafield nuclear plant is posing "intolerable risks to people and the environment", a watchdog has warned.

For more than 50 years, the owners of the Cumbrian nuclear power station have failed to plan how to dispose of radioactive waste, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The public spending watchdog said some of the older facilities have "deteriorated so much that their contents pose significant risks to people and the environment".

Operators of the nuclear power station do not know how long it will take to build storage and treatment centres for the hazardous material or how much the final bill is likely to be, the report says.

Sellafield, the UK's largest and most hazardous nuclear site, stores enough high and intermediate level radioactive waste to fill 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Sellafield nuclear reprocessing site Sellafield's radioactive waste could fill 27 Olympic swiimming pools

The highest risks are posed by the ponds and silos built during the 1950s and 1960s to store fuel for early reprocessing operations and radioactive waste, according to the report.

A long-term plan to clean up the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority-owned site, which is managed by Sellafield Limited, was agreed last year after an earlier one stalled because it was "unrealistic".

Progress in 12 of the 14 major buildings and equipment projects considered "critical" for reducing risk, which range in cost from £21m to £1.3bn, failed to achieve what they were supposed to and had not provided good value for money, the NAO said.

The report found there "is still considerable uncertainty in the schedules and costs" of the projects.

Margaret Hodge, who chairs the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said: "Projects of this length and ambition are ripe for dithering and delay.

"I am dismayed to discover the clean-up of Sellafield is no different. The authority's revised plan sees critical milestones shunted back by up to seven years.

"After only 10 months of operating under the new plan, performance in 12 out of 14 major projects has been dire.

"Between May 2011 and March 2012, the seven major projects in construction accumulated delays of between two and 19 months.

"My concern is that unless the authority holds Sellafield Limited to a clear and rigorously benchmarked plan, timetables will continue to slip and costs spiral.

"It is totally unacceptable to allow today's poor management to shift the burden and expense of Sellafield to future generations of taxpayers and their families."

Around 240 of Sellafield's 1,400 buildings are nuclear facilities and so far 55 buildings on the site have been decommissioned.

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: "Owing to historic neglect, the authority faces a considerable challenge in taking forward decommissioning at Sellafield.

"It is good that the authority now has a more robust lifetime plan in place but it cannot say with certainty how long it will take to deal with hazardous radioactive waste at Sellafield or how much it will cost.

"Securing future value for money will depend on the authority's ability to act as an intelligent client, to benchmark proposed levels of performance and to provide better contractual incentives for making faster progress towards risk and hazard reduction."

In a statement on its website, Sellafield Ltd welcomed the report and said it was making improvements and "progress"..


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Jimmy Savile 'Was Yorkshire Ripper Suspect'

Jimmy Savile was questioned by detectives investigating the Yorkshire Ripper murders, a senior officer who worked on the inquiry has claimed.

Former West Yorkshire Police detective John Stainthorpe said the disgraced presenter was a suspect in the notorious case more than 30 years ago.

Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe has jumped to the defence of Savile, claiming the TV presenter was innocent of newly-emerged child abuse allegations.

Sutcliffe said Savile befriended him during visits to Broadmoor high security hospital.

Mr Stainthorpe, who spent 40 years in the force, told ITV's Calendar News: "When the Ripper was really active, one of the suspects put forward by the public was, in fact, Jimmy Savile.

"Obviously, it was not he, but he was interviewed along with many others."

Mr Stainthorpe said the person who gave police the anonymous tip-off was "aiming in the right direction".

"Child perverts soon become child killers," he added.

Peter Sutcliffe was convicted of murdering 13 women in 1981 and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is held at Broadmoor and has been told he will never be freed.

Sutcliffe has claimed Savile regularly visited him in custody and the pair became friends.

Dismissing claims the late DJ abused around 300 victims over six decades, he said those making allegations were "jumping on the bandwagon".

Sutcliffe, 66, told The Sun: "It's a load of rubbish. People are just getting carried away.

"He visited a lot. He'd always come and chat with me on visits and I would introduce him to my visitors. Several times he left £500 for charities I was supporting."

Savile, who died a year ago aged 84, is now believed by police to be one of the UK's most prolific child abusers.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into the television and radio star's activities. Detectives are following 400 lines of inquiry while the BBC has launched an inquiry into the culture and practises at the corporation in the era of Savile's alleged sexual abuse.


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Bus And Tube Fares To Rise Above Inflation

Tube and bus fares are to rise above the rate of inflation in London in the new year, to the fury of union and passenger groups.

The capital's mayor, Boris Johnson, announced a 4.2% average increase from January 2 2013 - and said the figure would have been higher had he not managed to secure additional funding of £96m.

The rise is 1% above the rate of RPI inflation when it was measured in July and used as a benchmark for the planned increase and matches the average rises facing national mainline season ticketholders.

The mayor also confirmed that charges for his "Boris bike" Barclays Cycle Hire scheme would double.

Such a move would see daily hire going up from £1 to £2, weekly access rising from £5 to £10 and yearly membership going up from £45 to £90.

The bike project has suffered financially as the majority of trips are made within the free 30-minute usage charge period but it was confirmed there would be no additional penalties for late return, non-return and bicycle damage.

Mr Johnson said: "Before the end of the year I will spell out further investment on the transport network that will help us to provide faster, more frequent and reliable journeys for Londoners, which is crucial to the economic development and growth that is so vital to our great city.

"This fares package is hugely important to our millions of passengers and I am very pleased to have secured nearly £100m that will help to keep fares as low as possible, and protect the important concessions that we offer the most vulnerable Londoners."

But Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT transport union, said the mayor should have announced a fare freeze.

He explained: "This increase shows that we are still paying off a heavy price for the expensive failure of the PPP (public-private partnership) privatisation disaster.

"It also means that the mayor has no excuse for cutting staff and closing ticket offices as he's lumping on above-inflation fare rises.

"We believe there should be a policy of freezing fares to recognise the tough times people are facing, to increase the use of public transport and to help boost the economy."

His words were backed by Richard Hebditch, campaigns director at Campaign for Better Transport.

He said: "Earlier this week, Boris Johnson rightly received plaudits for his support for a living wage in the capital. His position on public transport is in stark contrast.

"By putting fares up above inflation, he is hitting hard-pressed families in the pocket simply for travelling to work."


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Missing Atiya: Mother's Plea for Information

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 06 November 2012 | 20.14

The mother of a missing girl abducted by her father says she prays her "little bundle of joy" is safe and well, after being taken to Pakistan without her knowledge.

Gemma Wilkinson, 32, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, said not knowing whether five-year-old Atiya is even alive is an "absolute nightmare".

Atiya vanished in November 2009 after going to stay with her father, Razwan Ali Anjum.

The former insurance salesman said he was taking the girl to Southport. Instead he took her to Lahore, Pakistan, and told Ms Wilkinson she was "never going to see Atiya again", courts have heard.

Anjum, who is in his late 20s, returned to the UK shortly after and was jailed by a High Court judge for refusing to reveal where his daughter was.

Judges have imposed jail terms of two years, 12 months and another 12 months in the hope that he would provide information. They have re-jailed him as each sentence neared its end.

Speaking ahead of Atiya's sixth birthday on Wednesday, Ms Wilkinson said: "It's been an absolute nightmare. As to her whereabouts we know nothing. We've had no contact.

"I'm worrying every day, every single day. Everything is affected by it. When I close my eyes I see her.

"I say goodnight to her every night before bed. I pray she's okay. We don't have any proof that she's okay, there is no proof she is still alive.

how missing girl Atiya Anjum-Wilkinson might look aged 4-5 How missing girl Atiya Anjum-Wilkinson might look at 4-5 years of age.

"It's been discussed that she could have been sold, but I don't want to believe it.

"She was so funny. She was a little bundle of joy. She loved her lip gloss and handbags - as soon as she got hold of my makeup bag, everything in it was hers. We just want her home."

Ms Wilkinson's "on-off" relationship with Anjum ended in 2008.

"He's enjoying playing his controlling mind games. It's just sick. Razwan is refusing to say where she is, who she's with and he won't say anything other than 'she's in Iran'," he said.

Detective Constable Emma Constantine, of Greater Manchester Police's Child Protection Unit, said: "As far as we know, Razwan has had no contact with Atiya himself.

"He's never received any letters or photographs of Atiya, so there's no way that he knows how she is."

Detective Superintendent Phil Owen added: "We're working with a range of international agencies in order to find out who may be harbouring her, but it presents its challenges and problems and hopefully this is now the time to tug at heart-strings and generate information from the public."

He argued Anjum "will convince himself that she's looked after" but that he couldn't know that.

:: Anyone with information should phone police on 101, the Foreign Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0878 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


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Derby Fire: Third Person Appears In Court

By Lisa Dowd, Midlands Correspondent

A third person charged with the murders of six children who died in a house fire in Derby has appeared in court.

Paul Mosley, 45, from the city, was arrested on Monday.

He appeared at Derby Magistrates Court at a short hearing on Tuesday morning, wearing dark trousers and a black waterproof jacket.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Mosley was sent for trial at Nottingham Crown Court and will appear on November 8 for a plea and case management hearing.

He is due to appear alongside the children's parents Mick Philpott, 55, and Mairead, 31, who have previously been charged with murder.

As Mosley was remanded in custody a number of members of the public were in tears.

Jade, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, all died in the blaze on Victory Road, Allenton.

Their brother Duwayne, 13, died  three days later in hospital.

The children's parents Mick Philpott, 55, and Mairead, 31, have previously been charged with murder and are due to appear at a plea and case management hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday.

A 49-year-old man, who was also arrested on Monday, has been released without charge.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "Three people have now been charged with the murder of these children.

"This man stands accused alongside Michael and Mairead Philpott.

"Our investigation will continue in an effort to gain justice for the children."


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Brent Cross Jewellery Shop Targeted In Raid

Four people on three motorbikes - armed with axes and bats - have raided a jewellers at a popular London shopping centre.

The suspects entered Brent Cross Shopping Centre in London shortly after 10.15am on Tuesday, fleeing with "a quantity of watches and jewellery", according to police.

They drove away in the direction of Hendon Central. The motorbikes were later found abandoned at a nearby golf course.

No injuries were reported but an elderly man at the scene was treated for shock.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "No firearms were seen. The suspects fled the scene on the motorbikes in the direction of Hendon Central.

"The motorbikes were subsequently found abandoned a short time later at a nearby golf course."


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Home Sec: New Wales Child Abuse Inquiry

The director general of the National Crime Agency will investigate historic allegations of child abuse at North Wales care homes, Home Secretary Theresa May has told the Commons.

Keith Bristow will lead investigations into new claims of sex offences carried out in the 1970s and 1980s, and review how previous inquiries were carried out.

The Home Secretary said North Wales Police chief constable Mark Polin asked Mr Bristow to "assess the allegations recently received, to review the historic police investigations and investigate any fresh allegations reported to police into the alleged historic abuse in North Wales care homes".

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Met Detective Dies After Chasing Suspects

A 30-year-old female police officer has collapsed and died while chasing two suspected mobile phone thieves, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

Detective Constable Adele Cashman, collapsed during the pursuit in Belsize Park Gardens, Camden, at 9.45pm on Monday night.

Police said a smartphone had been snatched out of the hand of a 59-year-old woman in Haverstock Hill and the "much-loved and wholly dedicated" officer chased after the two suspects.

Uniformed officers on duty in the area saw the chase and joined Det Con Cashman and requested more help.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the junction of Belsize Grove and a second boy, also 17, was arrested and the phone recovered, Scotland Yard said.

The suspects remain in custody at police stations in north and central London.

A response team officer based at Kentish Town police station, Det Con Cashman was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead but died at 11.10pm.

Her family has been informed and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death are under way, the Metropolitan Police added.

Commander Tony Eastaugh said: "The thoughts of everyone in the Metropolitan Police Service are very much with Adele's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.

"Adele worked on both Camden and Wandsworth boroughs and was held in high regard by all who met her."

"She will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her."

Acting Borough Commander Richard Tucker, from Camden Police, said: "Adele was a much-loved and wholly dedicated officer.

"We at Camden are completely devastated at her sudden passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this tragically sad time."


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Savile's Freeman Honour Set To Be Revoked

Written By Unknown on Senin, 05 November 2012 | 20.14

Jimmy Savile's name is set to be wiped from Scarborough's list of Freemen of the Borough.

Councillors will debate a motion to take his name from the roll of honour as a gesture of support to the 300 people he allegedly abused over six decades.

The disgraced BBC star was awarded the accolade in 2005 to celebrate his links with the North Yorkshire resort, where he owned a second home and was buried overlooking the sea a year ago.

Councillor Tom Fox, who proposed the motion, said: "This council wishes to send its heartfelt support to, and acknowledge the courage of, those who have come forward having suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of the alleged serial predatory sexual offender Sir Jimmy Savile.

"In addition, this council, in further acknowledgment of the serious predatory sexual allegations spanning over six decades, agrees that if the council had been aware of such revelations at the time of Sir Jimmy Savile's nomination for honorary freeman of the borough of Scarborough, the council would have refused it.

The scene at the cemetery where Jimmy Savile's extravagent headstone was removed Savile's family have removed his headstone from a Scarborough cemetery

"It is therefore proposed that his name be removed forthwith from the honour board for freemen of the borough pending the final report from the Metropolitan Police, when this council will make a permanent decision in relation to the matters referred to in this motion."

Historically, anyone made a freeman was exempt from tolls and given special privileges.

It is still awarded to "persons of distinction and any persons who have rendered eminent services to the borough".

Scarborough has granted freeman status to 20 individuals and groups since the local government reshuffle of 1974, including playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, retired boxer Paul Ingle and the Yorkshire Regiment.

The motion to remove Savile's name from the honour board will be considered at a full council meeting later.

Savile's ornate triple headstone in Scarborough's Woodlands Cemetery was knocked down and sent to landfill last month at the request of his family.


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Derby: Two Men Held Over Fatal House Fire

Police investigating the deaths of six children in a house fire in Derby have arrested two men.

The men, aged 45 and 49, were held on Monday morning in connection with the investigation into the blaze in the city's Victory Road.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "These arrests are part of the continuing investigation to seek justice for the children who died as a result of the fire in May."

The two men are in police custody and will be questioned later.

Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, all died in the fire on May 11. Duwayne, 13, died in Birmingham Children's Hospital two days later.

A plea and case management hearing for their parents, Michael and Mairead, who have been charged with the children's murders, will be held at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday.


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Cyprus: Three In Court Over UK Soldier Stabbing

Three British tourists have appeared in court in Cyprus on suspicion of killing a 19-year-old soldier during a nightclub brawl.

The soldier, named as David Lee Collins, from Manchester, was stabbed to death in the popular resort of Ayia Napa in the early hours of Sunday.

Two of the suspects are 17, while the third one is 19, a Cypriot police spokesman said. They appeared at the Famagusta District Court and were remanded in custody for eight days.

The three have not been formally charged with the murder and will remain in custody pending an investigation, the spokesman added.

The incident occurred in an area that British troops stationed on the island have been ordered to avoid.

Mr Collins was with three other soldiers when they became involved in the brawl with three British holidaymakers, according to Cypriot investigators.

The Cypriot nightclub The stabbing is believed to have happened at the Black & White nightclub

One of them allegedly stabbed Mr Collins with a knife, according to police spokesman Georgios Economou. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

His family told the Manchester Evening News they were "devastated", while tributes poured in on Twitter and Facebook for Mr Collins, from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

He was reportedly stationed at an Army base in Dhekelia in the east of Cyprus.

Ayia Napa, a clubbing resort that is popular with young tourists, has a reputation for drug use, heavy drinking and occasional violence.

The Foreign Office said it was aware of the arrest of three British nationals in Ayia Napa and was providing consular assistance.

Two of the suspects are reportedly of Pakistani origin and one of Somali origin.

Around 3,000 British military personnel are stationed in Cyprus at bases retained after the former British colony gained independence in 1960.

In 2008 nine British soldiers went on trial on the island accused of trashing a pub and beating up its owner during a mass brawl.

The servicemen, who were celebrating finishing tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and coming home to the UK, were all acquitted.


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Cregan Denies Murdering Two Policewomen

Dale Cregan has denied murdering policewomen Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in a gun and grenade attack.

Cregan, 29, of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to the murders of the Greater Manchester Police constables.

The officers were killed on the morning of September 18 as they responded to a report of a burglary in Hattersley, Greater Manchester.

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Predatory Paedophile Kidnapper Is Sentenced

A paedophile who kidnapped, tied up, sexually assaulted and threatened to kill a 10-year-old boy has been jailed indefinitely.

Michael Jackson, 50, who changed his name by deed poll to that of the pop singer, also admitted abducting an 11-year-old girl.

The boy had been on his way back from shops in the Oldbury area of the West Midlands in November last year when he disappeared.

The youngster was held captive at Jackson's ground floor flat  for around three hours.

Michael Jackson's flat The boy was later spotted at the window of Jackson's flat by a passer-by

In that time the boy was tied up with tape and rope, gagged, thrust into a cupboard with a pillow case over his head and sexually assaulted.

Holding a knife, Jackson told the boy: "It's time to die if you make a noise."

He also told the boy that his father would be murdered and he would never see him mum again.

After bundling the boy into an airing cupboard Jackson went out to play computer games with friends to "build up an alibi".

The boy managed to free himself from some of the bindings and got out of the cupboard.

He later told police that it was "scary, scary scary".

The boy found a Stanley knife, pliers and a hammer in the flat and thought they were the tools he was going to be killed with. He armed himself with the hammer should Jackson come back.

A woman spotted the boy at the window of the flat and raised the alarm. Police were called and the youngster  jumped from the window into the arms of a PC. Jackson was arrested a short time later.

Jackson admitted a total of five charges relating to the boy's abduction and that of an 11 year old girl a few weeks earlier. She was also taped and tied up but was released physically unharmed.

Prosecuting barrister Debi Gould said Jackson is a dangerous and predatory paedophile with an interest in pre-pubescent children of either sex.

She said: "No one in this court can imagine the terror of such an experience on such a little boy."

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