Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Mum's Plea After Teen Was Denied Cancer Drugs

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 April 2013 | 20.14

By Liz Lane, Sky Reporter

The family of a teenage girl who died from a rare form of bone cancer is calling for the relaxation of rules governing who is eligible to take part in potentially life-saving drugs trials.

Despite the pleas of her parents, doctors and politicians, Chloe Drury was refused access to treatment being trialled by American pharmaceutical company BioMarin.

Her family says she was told last September, when she was 17, that she was too young to take part, and that her participation could "jeopardise [her] safety and the integrity of the trial data".

Chloe, from Purley in Surrey, died in February, a month after her 18th birthday. She had finally been allowed on the course to treat her Ewing's Sarcoma, but the cancer had progressed aggressively and it was too late.

Her mother, Debbie Binner, says she felt totally impotent.

Chloe Drury's mother Debbie Binner Chloe's mum, Debbie, wants age restrictions for drugs trials to be lifted

"We were just sitting there watching our beautiful 17-year-old daughter get weaker and weaker, knowing there is something out there she could have had and it just seems totally wrong to me, and not a world that I want to live in that treats young people like that."

BioMarin said in a statement: "Our deepest sympathy goes out to the parents who are grieving the loss of their child. It is precisely because of patients who suffer from devastating rare genetic diseases that BioMarin develops therapies where there are few, if any, options.

"Ewings Sarcoma is a terrible, aggressive disease, and we hope to make a difference in this type of outcome. We are conducting a Phase 1/2 trial in several genetically defined cancers. Not only is this an early stage trial, but it is the first clinical trial that we have ever done with this therapy. It is premature to know if it is safe or effective."

The family wants age restrictions for clinical trials to be lifted. Currently fewer than 20% of 15 to 24-year-olds who have cancer are on one.

Cancer Research UK's clinical research director Kate Law admits the criteria, which sometimes stop teenagers taking part, are not always logical.

Chloe Drury meeting Williams and Kate Chloe seen meeting Prince William and the Duchess Of Cambridge

"Actually for many trials I think there is no good reason. They could either go down, and join the children's trial, or they could go up and join an adult trial. And in fact the committee that I'm responsible for specifically looks at the age range for each new application. So I think we've taken on board some of the concerns that pre-dated even this sad case."

Concerns about the potential compromising of the integrity of a trial is one of the reasons drugs companies are reluctant to bend the rules, as is the fear of being sued if something goes wrong.

Les Halpin, from Tetbury in Gloucestershire, who suffers from motor neurone disease, wants experimental drugs to be available in return for terminally ill patients giving up the right to take legal action if they experience side effects.

He believes such a move would benefit not just the patient.

"The numbers of trials are very low because of the cost of having them and the current regulations put a lot of risk into drug trials which will slow the whole process down. The protocol will allow willing patients to force the pace of drug discovery and bring it much more in line with the pace of technological science."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police 'Taser Fireball' Death Investigation

A man who had covered himself in petrol became a human fireball after police shot him with a Taser.

A police watchdog will investigate whether firing the weapon at Andrew Pimlott, 32, caused fatal burns.

Mr Pimlott suffered serious injuries in the incident in on the evening of April 18.

He was taken to hospital and subsequently transferred to the specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol where he died five days later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said two Devon and Cornwall Police officers responded to a 999 call from a caller who said that Mr Pimlott was in a garden with a can of flammable liquid.

Shortly after the police arrived he sustained serious burn injuries and an ambulance was called.

An officer deployed a Taser during the incident in Honicknowle, Plymouth, the watchdog said.

IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: "My condolences go to Andrew's family and friends for their loss.

"This must be a very difficult time for them and we have appointed a family liaison manager who is ensuring the family are kept informed.

Police Taser A Taser gun similar to that used in the fatal incident

"Our investigators have already carried out a number of actions, including interviewing the two police officers who attended the incident and ensuring relevant evidence has been secured.

"A post-mortem was carried out yesterday and further forensic analysis will be carried out.

"The IPCC had informed the coroner of our investigation and we will share our report in due course.

"Our investigation will be looking at what information was known to the officers attending the scene, the officer's rationale for discharging a Taser on a person known to be doused in flammable liquid, whether the discharge of the Taser caused the fuel to ignite and we will look at training and policies."

In separate statements, Mr Pimlott's family paid tribute.

His parents wrote: "Dear darling son Andrew, you were a fantastic son to us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

"We will never forget you. Be in our heart forever and always, we send a million kisses up to heaven.

"All our love Mum and Dad. xxx"


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hay Fever Sufferers Set For Tough Spring

By Emma Birchley, East Of England Correspondent

Hay fever sufferers could be set for the toughest spring and summer in decades as scientists predict a possible pollen surge in the coming weeks.

Trees, crops and even the grass are playing catch-up after a long and extremely cold winter.

And it is feared the delayed growing season could cause them to release pollen simultaneously, making hay fever symptoms much worse than usual.

Beverley Adams-Groom, a pollen forecaster at the University of Worcester's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, said: "We've got a late start to the birch pollen season which means people have had a little bit of relief initially.

"But what that means is the birch pollen season is going to run into the beginning of the grass pollen season. People who are allergic to both those types won't get any relief - they won't have a gap.

"And then if we get good weather in June we'll get some very high grass pollen levels - so it could be a long period of time for people to suffer."

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to the fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle.

Pollen in the UK The Met Office has latest pollen reports

One in five people in the UK suffers from it.

Ciaran Chapman, who is 14, knows exactly what it is like. He is allergic to at least six different types of pollen.

He said: "If I don't take my medication my eyes would also swell up pretty big and so would my skin because I would scratch the pollen in as would be itchy and it would swell up as well."

Ciaran has six different types of medication for when hay fever is at its worst, and he will be relying on it when it comes to his first GCSEs in a few weeks.

His father, Dr John Chapman, is a paediatric consultant who runs an allergy clinic at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk.

He expects to see many new patients, particularly teenagers, suffering from hay fever for the first time, once they have been referred by their GP.

Dr Chapman said: "It blocks their noses, which means they can't sleep properly, which means they can't think properly in the day, which is particularly bad at this time of year when children are doing exams and studying."

:: See Met Office pollen reports


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

M62 Crash: Hen Party Minibus Victim Named

A woman who died when a minibus collided with a lorry on the M62 has been named by police as 18-year-old Bethany Jones.

Ms Jones, from Pontefract, died at the scene of the crash about 11.30am on Friday, West Yorkshire police have confirmed.

Her uncle, Anthony Jones, has posted a message on Facebook in the wake of his niece's death.

"Thanking everyone on Facebook for there thoughts sympathy and condolences for the tragic of my niece Bethany Jones rip beth uncle tomy and family and all that new you god bless angle xxx xxx xxx".

Twenty-one people remain in hospital after the collision, which occurred as the minibus travelled to Liverpool for a hen party.

Among the injured is the bride-to-be, who has been named locally as Stefanie Firth.

Seven of those wounded in the collision are suffering serious injuries.

Also among those injured is Ashleigh Warner, who posted a photograph on Facebook with Ms Firth.

An aerial view The minibus collied with a Farmfoods lorry on the westbound carriage

Before the accident, Ms Firth's friends had posted excited comments about the upcoming hen-do.

On Friday morning, Ms Warner wrote on Facebook: "Jumping on the Liverpool status bandwagon ......... Cos I'm sooooooo excited had my tshirt on since 8 this morning:))) hope Stefanie Firth has the best time xxxx".

The group had set off from South Elmsall, near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, when their vehicle collided with a Farmfoods lorry at junction 32 of the westbound carriage of the M62.

The driver of the lorry, a local man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has since been released on bail.

In total 21 of the women were injured in the crash, which left the minibus on its side across a carriageway and luggage strewn across the motorway.

Six air ambulances were called to the scene, and four took casualties to nearby hospitals.

M62 CRASH MAP The collision occurred on Junction 32 of the M62

Firefighters called the crash "the worst they had seen in a number of years", Dave Walton, assistant chief fire officer at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said.

One patient, a woman in her 40s, suffered suspected serious chest injuries and was anaesthetised before being transported, while another was airlifted to hospital also with chest injuries.

Doncaster firefighter John Nichol was passing the scene of the accident as a passenger in his father's car.

Mr Nichol said: "I got out to see if I could help, and realised there was only me there.

"First I saw a lady at the back of the minibus and realised her leg was severely broken. Then I put my head through the roof and just saw a mass of bodies.

"I think there were 11 or 12 in there, with various injuries, and around five people were out of the vehicle, hobbling around.

"I tried to calm people down and, although a bystander had called 999, I called them back to say this was a major incident and that several resources and air ambulances would be needed."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marlon King: Birmingham City Player Arrested

Birmingham City striker Marlon King has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after three cars were involved in a crash which left a man with serious injuries.

The 33-year-old Championship footballer was released on police bail on Friday night pending further enquiries into the smash in Winthorpe, near Newark, Nottinghamshire.

A Porsche, a Volkswagen Polo and a Vauxhall Astra were involved in the collision, which happened on the Lincoln-bound carriageway of the A46/A17 interchange at 2.50pm on Friday.

A 35-year-old man was airlifted to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre.

The road was closed for two-and-a-half hours following the crash, which also left other occupants of the cars suffering from whiplash injuries.

King, whose previous clubs include Watford, Middlesbrough and Coventry City, underwent knee surgery last month.

A spokesman for Birmingham City said: "We are aware of a road traffic accident involving our player and the matter is now being investigated by the police."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Web Troll Threatened To Kill 200 At US School

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 April 2013 | 20.14

A British internet troll has admitted threatening to kill 200 people in the US in a series of terrifying messages posted on Facebook.

Father-of-one Reece Elliott, 24, of South Tyneside, posted the threats saying he was going to kill "200 people minimum at a school" on the tribute page of a 17-year-old Tennessee girl killed in a car accident.

The messages were posted amid heightened fears over school security following the Newtown shooting in Connecticut, in which 20 children were shot dead, and sparked "hysteria" across Warren County, where the dead girl had gone to school.

Warren County elementary school was shut for the day and some 3,000 pupils missed school.

Using a false name, he wrote on the Facebook tribute page to Caitlin Talley, a popular student at Warren County High School: "My father has three guns. I'm planning on killing him first and putting him in a dumpster. Then I'm taking the motor and I'm going in fast.

"I'm gonna kill hopefully at least 200 before I kill myself. So you want to tell the deputy, I'm on my way."

Using the same name he posted: "I'm killing 200 people minimum at school. I will be on CNN."

Newcastle Crown Court heard Elliott's threats had caused widespread concern across Warren County and that all the schools in the area had been put on lockdown.

The FBI and Homeland Security managed to trace Elliott's user name to the Newcastle area and the US authorities contacted the local police.

Gary Buckley, prosecuting, said: "It would appear that Reece Elliott was well aware that he was wanted. He handed himself into South Shields Police Station.

"He said he was a part-time troll. He said he decided to post offensive comments to see what kind of reaction he could provoke.

"He was asked if he knew what had been going on recently and he said he was well aware of the recent incidents following the shootings in schools.

"He confirmed he did post the postings on Facebook and therefore did make these threats but he didn't expect the threats to be taken seriously and didn't expect them to cause the reaction they did."

Elliott was arrested in February and had remained in custody since.

Judge James Goss QC said sentencing would be delayed until pre-sentence reports could be taken.

He said: "You will remain in custody until the sentence hearing, as I'm sure you will appreciate the offences are serious matters.

"A prison sentence is of course the inevitable sentence in respect of these offences."

Elliott pleaded not guilty to four other counts of making threats to kill. He will be sentenced in early June.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rucksack Suicide Bomb Plotters Jailed

Three ringleaders of a terror plot which could have been more devastating than the July 7 attacks have been jailed.

Irfan Naseer, 31, was jailed for life and must serve at least 18 years, a judge at Woolwich Crown Court told him.

Fellow defendant Irfan Khalid - who promised 'another 9/11' - was sentenced to 23 years for his part in the plot. He will serve a minimum of 12 years.

Ashik Ali, the third terror plot ringleader, was sentenced to 20 years and will serve at least 10 years.

The judge said he did not accept the defendant's portrayal of himself as the group's "tea boy or runner for others".

Irfan Naseer, Irfan Khalid and Ashik Ali street collecting The gang raised money for terror training with bogus street collections

Mr Justice Henriques said: "Irfan Naseer was the leader, driving force and man in charge and he alone must take responsibility for sending four young men to Pakistan for terrorism training."

Turning to Naseer, who appeared to mutter under his breath during the sentencing hearing, the judge added: "Your plot had the blessing of al Qaeda and you intended to further the aims of al Qaeda."

The judge, who described Naseer as a "skilful bomb-maker", said: "Clearly nothing was going to stop you, short of intervention of the authorities.

"I have no doubt you would have continued with your plan but for that intervention.

"Many deaths were planned by a determined team of individuals who were fully radicalised and you, Naseer, were their leader.

"No lack of assets, skill or manpower was going to stop you."

Police believe it was the most significant terror plot to be uncovered since the 2006 conspiracy to blow up transatlantic airliners using bombs disguised as soft drinks.

The gang, who are all from Birmingham, planned to set off up to eight rucksack bombs and possibly other devices on timers in crowded places.

They raised an estimated £39,000 for terror training and to fund the attacks.

The money was raised through street collections in Birmingham, with gang members falsely claiming they were raising money for Muslim Aid.

But they were also forced to apply for tens of thousands of pounds in loans after losing more than £9,000 playing foreign currency markets.

"Chief financier" Rahin Ahmed, 26, pleaded guilty to collecting, investing and managing money for terrorism, and assisting others to travel to Pakistan for training in terrorism.

He was given an extended sentence of 17 years and will serve six years before he can be released on licence.

Naseer sent aspiring jihadists Shahid Khan, 21, Khobaib Hussain, 21, Ishaaq Hussain, 21, and Naweed Ali, 25, to Pakistan for terror training in August 2011.

But Khobaib Hussain, Ishaaq Hussain and Naweed Ali were forced to return just three days later after a relative got wind of the real reason for their journey.

All four pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts by travelling to Pakistan for training in terrorism.

"It is an especially aggravating feature that the four young men were sent without their parents having any knowledge that they were being sent for terrorism training, believing indeed that they were still in the country," Mr Justice Henriques told Naseer.

Naseer was found guilty of five counts of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, Khalid of four, and Ali of three, all between Christmas Day 2010 and September 19, 2011.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Winston Churchill To Appear On New £5 Notes

Former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill is to appear on the next banknotes, it has been announced.

Bank of England Governor Sir Mervyn King revealed the image of Churchill which will be used to members of his family at his former home, Chartwell, on Friday.

Sir Mervyn said: "Our banknotes acknowledge the life and work of great Britons. Sir Winston Churchill was a truly great British leader, orator and writer.

"Above that, he remains a hero of the entire free world. His energy, courage, eloquence, wit and public service are an inspiration to us all. I am proud to announce that he will appear on our next banknote."

The Churchill banknote is due to be issued as a £5 note for use during 2016.

The design on the reverse of the note will include a portrait of Churchill from a photograph taken in Ottawa by Yousuf Karsh on December 30, 1941 and a view of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower from the South Bank looking across Westminster Bridge.

The image of the Elizabeth Tower will feature the hands of the Great Clock at 3pm - the approximate time on May 13, 1940 when Churchill declared in a speech to the House of Commons: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." This declaration is quoted beneath the portrait.

In the background, there will be the Nobel Prize medal which Churchill was awarded in 1953 for literature, together with the wording of the prize citation.

Sir Mervyn, due to retire later this year, suggested the new note could become known as a "Winston" - and that the spirit of Churchill's inspirational "blood, toil, tears and sweat" speech was just as important during today's times of economic difficulty as during the War.

He said: "We do not face the challenges faced by Churchill's generation. But we have our own.

"And the spirit of those words remains as relevant today as it was to my parents' generation who fought for the survival of our country and freedom under Churchill's leadership."

Churchill's image replaces that of Elizabeth Fry, the philanthropist and penal reformer, who appears on current notes first issued in 2002.

These will be phased out over two or three years, leaving no notes featuring the face of a famous woman - other than the Queen.

The choice of Churchill reflects the fact that, though a political figure, he is widely revered across the spectrum as the man who saved Britain in its darkest hour from the fearful advance of Nazism across Europe.

Another war hero, the Duke of Wellington, is the only other prime minister to have featured on a banknote image - the old £5 phased out in the 1990s.

Speaking in the grounds of Chartwell, Sir Winston's grandson, Mid Sussex Tory MP Nicholas Soames, said featuring on a bank note would have given the former wartime prime minister great pleasure.

He said: "He was an extraordinary man and his ability to capture the mood and the people's mood was one of his great gifts as a statesman.

"The design of the bank note, the quotation and the whole idea behind it is so appropriate and fitting, and my grandfather would have been truly very proud."

Churchill had a long parliamentary career during which he served as home secretary and chancellor before a spell in the political wilderness in the 1930s when he warned of the increasing threat of German rearmament.

In May 1940, he replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime minister in the newly-formed National Government. His leadership and brilliant oratory were credited with helping to steer Britain to victory.

Defeated by Labour in the 1945 general election, he served again as prime minister from 1951 to 1955, when he retired aged 80. Churchill died in 1965 and was given a full state funeral, the first commoner to receive such an honour since Gladstone in 1898.

He was also the first commoner to feature on a British coin - the 1965 crown or five-shilling piece.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

M62 Crash: Minibus And Lorry In Collision

A minibus and a lorry have been involved in a crash on the M62 near Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

Firefighters, paramedics and at least four air ambulances are at the scene of the collision, described by police as a "serious incident".

The collision happened on the M62 westbound, near junction 32.

Police say there are at least 19 injuries, some serious - and some of the casualties remain trapped.

One man - believed to be the driver of the lorry - has been arrested. 

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Yorkshire Police, said: "This is a significant incident with a number of casualties and as a result of this we have had to close the motorway to allow emergency services to safely get to and free those who are injured.

"We realise this will cause disruption and I would ask drivers to bear with us and avoid the motorway in that area as there will be significant delays."

"Emergency Services remain on the scene and will re-open lanes of the M62 in the area as soon as we can do so safely, but clearly the priority at this stage has been recovering those who are injured.

"Anyone who is concerned about a family member or who has witnessed the collision itself is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 for information."

A spokeswoman for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: "We received an emergency call at 11.31am today to reports of a serious collision between a mini-coach and an HGV at junction 32 of the M62, close to Castleford, West Yorkshire.

"Due to the scale of the incident we have enacted our major incident plan and dispatched a number of resources to the scene including ambulances, our hazardous area response team, doctors and air ambulance.

"Ambulance clinicians are providing treatment at the scene and are working closely with their emergency service colleagues.

"At this time the number of patients is unknown."

The Great North Air Ambulance Service confirmed that two of its helicopters have been sent to the scene from Cumbria and County Durham.

There are reports that two other air ambulances have also been called in.

One man who was stuck in traffic on the motorway tweeted: "Nine ambulances 4 fire engines and god knows how many police cars have gone past."

The motorway is not expected to reopen until at least 6pm.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ambulance Crash: Two Killed And Two Injured

Two people have been killed and two seriously injured after an ambulance hit a tree in Hampshire.

The incident happened on the A337 Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst road at its junction with New Park at 9.35am.

The driver of the ambulance - a female paramedic - and an elderly male patient travelling in the rear of the vehicle died at the scene.

A male crew member and a male relative of the patient, who were both in the back of the ambulance, suffered serious injuries.

The crew member was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital and the patient's relative was taken by ambulance.

An ambulance crash in Brockenhirst, Hampshire A recovery vehicle at the scene

"Next of kin for those involved are in the process of being informed," a police spokesman said.

"The road is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day while collision investigators examine the scene and arrange for the vehicle to be recovered."

Hampshire Police said a man in his 20s was arrested at the scene of the crash on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention.

The double-crewed ambulance belonged to South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and was en route to Southampton General Hospital with the elderly male patient.

"South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is conducting appropriate welfare checks with the families of all involved," a spokesman for the service said.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Canadian Lynx: Big Cat Prowled UK Countryside

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 April 2013 | 20.14

A big cat prowled the Devon countryside over a century ago - in the earliest case of such an animal being at large in Britain.

Scientists identified it as a Canadian lynx, a carnivorous predator more than twice the size of a domestic cat, after its remains were found in a museum's vaults.

The animal, thought to have escaped or been released from captivity, was shot by a landowner in Newton Abbot around 1903 after it killed two dogs, records show.

In recent years, there have been several sightings of mystery "beasts" including the so-called Beast of Bodmin - apparently a wild cat living in Cornwall.

Most of these claims are dismissed as misidentifications or hoaxes, but not this latest one.

The sightings have largely been blamed on the introduction of the 1976 Wild Animals Act, which curbed a growing fashion for exotic and potentially dangerous pets.

Some owners were thought to have freed their animals into the wild to avoid falling foul of the law.

The new research provides further evidence debunking this theory, say the experts.

They claim there is in fact a long history of big cats being at large in the UK. They add there is no evidence that such animals have been able to breed in the wild.

The lynx skeleton was recovered from an underground storeroom at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. It had been stuffed and its remains were preserved.

Canadian lynx skull The skull of the big cat (Pic: Bristol Museum)

"This Edwardian feral lynx provides concrete evidence that although rare, exotic felids (cats) have occasionally been part of British fauna for more than a century," said lead researcher Dr Ross Barnett, from the University of Durham.

"The animal remains are significant in representing the first historic big cat from Britain."

Records also unearthed at the museum indicate the animal had originally been mislabelled by curators in 1903 as a Eurasian lynx - a close relative of the Canadian lynx.

Laboratory analysis of the Bristol specimen's bones and teeth suggest it had been kept in captivity long enough to develop severe tooth loss.

Dr Darren Nash, from the University of Southampton, co-authored the research published in the journal Historical Biology.

He said: "There have been enough sightings of exotic big cats which substantially pre-date 1976 to cast doubt on the idea that one piece of legislation made in 1976 explains all releases of these animals in the UK.

"It seems more likely that escapes and releases have occurred throughout history, and that this continual presence of aliens explains the 'British big cat' phenomenon."

Colleague Dr Greger Larson, from the University of Durham, said: "Every few years there is another claim that big cats are living wild in Britain, but none of these claims have been substantiated.

"It seems that big cats are to England what the Loch Ness monster is to Scotland.

"By applying a robust scientific methodology, this study conclusively demonstrates that at least one big cat did roam Britain as early as the Edwardian era, and suggests that additional claims need to be subjected to this level of scrutiny."

The lynx is now on public display at the Bristol Museum.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK's 'Most Wanted Fraudster' Held In Spain

A businessman wanted by the Metropolitan Police over a suspected £7m mortgage scam has been arrested in Spain.

Martin Power, 47, was taken into custody by Spanish police in Malaga, it has emerged.

He had been placed on a recent 'most wanted' list by a crime-fighting charity, and was originally thought to be hiding in the Turkish-controlled area of Cyprus.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and Crimestoppers confirmed the arrest of Power, earlier on Thursday.

Power was sought by police on a European Arrest Warrant over his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud a number of mortgage lenders, by obtaining loan advances for properties by deception.

The businessman was the fourth wanted person arrested after 'Operation Zygos' was launched last September.

The multi-agency operation was started to alert people over nine suspected northern Cyprus residents who were wanted by British police.

Spanish national police captured Power in the Riviera del Sol area of Mijas, Malaga, on April 9.

The nine 'most wanted' included a suspected drugs baron, a serial rapist and a hit-and-run killer.

The Cypriot operation follows a similar initiative launched in Spain in 2006, known as Operation Captura, to target criminals hiding in the Costa del Sol.

To date that operation has achieved 49 arrests from a list of 65 suspects, with subsequent convictions for drug trafficking to sex crimes and murder.

A third programme in Amsterdam, called Operation Return, has also seen five arrests from a list of 12 wanted people.

Crimestoppers director of operations Roger Critchell said: "This positive result continues to prove that public cooperation teamed with our anonymous service in partnership with Soca means that there are less places for criminals to hide.

"Nearly half of the subjects who appeared in Operation Zygos have been arrested in less than six months, this is an incredible achievement and as a charity we would like to thank the public for contacting us with information."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Louise Mensch Admits Having Cosmetic Surgery

Former Tory MP Louise Mensch has admitted having cosmetic surgery, ending speculation sparked when she was in parliament.

Mrs Mensch, seen as a rising Tory star until she stood down to be with her husband in the US, confessed to having a "little tightening in my face".

The chick-lit author broke her silence after an independent review raised concerns about the regulation of cosmetic procedures in Britain.

She had previously refused to comment on rumours she may have had a facelift, complaining about the focus on the appearance of female politicians.

Writing in The Sun, the 41-year-old said she had hidden the truth because she did not want to become "minister for mascara".

She has now confessed to having a relatively minor procedure that she said was "for maintenance".

"I chose one of the best plastic surgeons in the world and would not let anybody else even close to my face," she wrote.

"For me, the treatment was a serious but beneficial step in my plan to look and feel the best I could.

"That mostly focuses on exercise, achieving a healthy weight and dressing better. I also dye my hair."

However, the mother of three did admit that the real "fountain of youth" was running and lifting weights.

Mrs Mensh, who now lives in New York, backed calls for the Government to ensure anyone performing cosmetic procedures is properly licensed.

She also insisted that some commentators "need to grow up" because most women having surgery were "capable adults making their own decisions about their own bodies".


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nationwide Drive To Boost MMR Vaccination

By Gamal Fahnbulleh, Sky News Reporter

One million children will be targeted in a measles vaccination drive across England as an outbreak in Wales continues to grow.

The aim is to prevent measles outbreaks by vaccinating as many unvaccinated and partially vaccinated 10 to 16 year olds as possible in time for the next school year.

The number of people infected with measles in southwest Wales has shot up by 78 in just five days, taking the total who have contracted the disease to 886.

A 25-year-old father-of-one from Swansea, who had the disease, died a week ago.

Experts believe around 330,000 children aged 10 to 16 years remain unvaccinated.

Mairead Flavin is a nurse at a GP surgery in Middlesex. She has seen an increase in the number of parents getting their children vaccinated and believes the message is getting through.

Gareth Williams who died from suspected measles Gareth Williams, who had measles, died a week ago

"It's more standard practice now. Back in the day it wasn't. You had to do a lot of convincing and had to try to encourage parents to vaccinate their children. At this moment in time I think they're very anxious to have it done."

Experts believe the rise in measles cases can be mostly attributed to the proportion of unprotected 10-16 year olds who missed out on vaccination in the late 1990s and early 2000s when concern around the discredited link between autism and the vaccine was widespread.

Professor David Salisbury, director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "At the moment the hotspots in particular are in the North East and North West.

"That's quite different from where the vulnerability is and the vulnerability is all over the country. London is a real risk but we must be sure that any child anywhere in the country who has not had two doses of MMR gets vaccinated."

Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection at Public Health England, said: " We believe this national framework for a catch-up programme sets out an appropriate response to the situation in England, using the range of expertise and skills across the new public health system.

"Although nationally the numbers needing catch-up vaccination is quite large, the are relatively few in each local area.

"We are confident that local teams have the resources to identify and vaccinate those children most at risk, and the NHS has sufficient vaccine to cover the approaches described in the action plan."

The most effective time to vaccinate babies, Public Health England says, is at 13 months, with a booster follow up at three to provide 95% protection. A baby under the age of 12 months can be vaccinated if he or she comes into contact with a case of measles.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wootton Bassett Terror Plotter Jailed

A Muslim convert who plotted a terror attack on Royal Wootton Bassett has been jailed for six years.

Richard Dart, 30, who appeared in a BBC 3 documentary about Islam in 2011, had also planned to target members of the security services after receiving training at camps in Pakistan.

Dart, the son of Dorset-based teachers, was jailed at the Old Bailey with his co-conspirators Jahangir Alom, a former police community support officer, and Imran Mahmood.

Dart, who changed his name to Salahuddin al Britaini when he converted to Islam, was jailed for six years, Alom for four years and six months and Mahmood for nine years and nine months.

Mr Justice Simon told the trio they held "radical Islamist beliefs and have shown yourselves to be committed to acts of terrorism".

Richard Dart, the son of teachers from Dorset, and his co-conspirators, Jahangir Alom and Imran Mahmood, were sentenced at the Old Bailey for engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism. A surveillance image of Richard Dart and Imran Mahmood taken in London.

Dart, who was also formerly a BBC security guard, refused to stand when he was sentenced, saying: "I don't wish to stand up, I believe ruling and judging is only for Allah."

His extremist beliefs were exposed in the BBC television documentary made by his step-brother Rob Leech, called My Brother the Islamist, in which he is seen having close contact with the radical preacher Anjem Choudary.

Bearded Dart, who had only been a Muslim for six months at that point, declared: "I support the cause of jihad, that's part of being a Muslim."

Dart and Alom had travelled to Pakistan to get terrorist training and took advice from Mahmood who had already visited the country.

Dart and Mahmood discussed bomb-making and also that Royal Wootton Bassett, the military repatriation town, could be a potential target.

In fragments of computer conversations between Dart and Mahmood, which they attempted to hide by writing in Word documents and then deleting them, forensics experts discovered a reference to the town.

They had added: "If it comes down to it it's that or even just to deal with a few MI5 MI6 heads."

The trio admitted engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism between July 2010 and July last year at a hearing last month.

Hearses carrying the bodies of fallen soldiers move through Wootton Bassett Hearses carrying the bodies of fallen soldiers move through Wootton Bassett

Mr Justice Simon said: "I'm satisfied to the required criminal standard that neither of you had ruled out an attack in the United Kingdom, and that you, Mahmood, were looking at arming yourself with a bomb."

Dart, 30, of  Ealing in west London, Mahmood, 22, of Northolt in west London, and Alom, 26, of Stratford in east London, had all been stopped at airports while travelling to and from Pakistan.

When Mahmood was stopped at Manchester in 2010, traces of explosives were found on two rucksacks that he had with him.

He later admitted that he had received rudimentary training in explosives while in Pakistan.

The three were arrested on July 5 last year just before the start of the Olympics.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, from the Met's counter-terrorism command, said: "These are dangerous men.

"Mahmood had received terrorist training in Pakistan and suggested he had knowledge of how to make home-made explosives, while Dart and Alom made great efforts to travel to Pakistan and aspired to seek training from terrorist groups there."

He added: "This case serves as a classic example of how terrorists live in our midst while preparing their acts and their determination to travel overseas to train before returning to the UK."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Britain Set For Year's Hottest Day

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 24 April 2013 | 20.14

Spring sunshine could see parts of the UK enjoy the country's hottest weather of the year so far - before plummeting temperatures and a sudden cold snap take hold.

Large swathes of east Wales and southern and eastern England have been basking in clear skies and bright sunshine, with 20.5C (68.9F) recorded at Frittenden in Kent on Tuesday.

And while temperatures will plunge by Friday, Wednesday is expected to be the warmest day yet of 2013.

Sky News Weather Producer Joanna Robinson said: "Southeast England looks to keep the warmth over the next few days, but there will be more in the way of cloud around than on Tuesday.

"Temperatures could reach 21C (69.8F) or 22C (71.6F) in the best of the sunny spells there, which would equal the highest temperature we've seen so far in 2013, in Manston and Gravesend on April 14."

But she added that the mercury could drop below double figures in many parts of the country later in the week.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the warmth will last into the weekend," she said.

"Rain will spread across south-east England on Thursday night, allowing the cooler air further north to set in.

"Friday and Saturday look to be fairly cold nationwide, with temperatures reaching a high of just 10C (50F) or 11C (51F) in the South East.

"Scotland and Northern Ireland will see temperatures around 8C (46.4F). It will feel even colder in the northerly wind and we'll also see the return of overnight frosts too.

"Spring is a changeable season so it's not unusual to see spells of warmth along with cold snaps."

Meanwhile, hay fever sufferers have received some good news as experts predicted a shorter hay fever season this summer.

Cold weather over recent months is thought to have delayed the release of silver birch and grass pollen.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Porn: Bid To Block Sex Sites On Public WiFi

Children will be protected from seeing pornography in public WiFi areas under plans being pushed by David Cameron.

The Prime Minister wants a Government-backed code of conduct that blocks certain websites in places such as cafes and train stations.

The plan to impose a ban where children are likely to be present follows high-profile campaigning by children's charities for a complete block on unacceptable sites in public areas.

It would stop them accessing inappropriate web content on their smart phones or mobile computers when they are in certain locations.

David Cameron in Downing Street David Cameron wants a new code of conduct

However, there could be logistical difficulties in defining particular WiFi spots that are child-friendly, and it is not yet clear how the restrictions would be enforced.

Internet companies could automatically restrict access, or it may be the responsibility of individual shops and other public areas to implement the ban.

Number 10 sources have also indicated that there is no time frame in place yet for when the code will be unveiled.

Mr Cameron, speaking to The Telegraph while campaigning in the local elections, said he wanted "good, clean WiFi".

He stressed the importance of parents having confidence in public internet systems and that their children "are not going to see things they shouldn't".

Internet service providers and government officials have been discussing how to proceed for months.

John Carr, secretary of the coalition of charities behind the campaign, told The Telegraph: "We welcome any deal which is long overdue."

Wireless internet access in public places has mushroomed in recent years as technology improved and is now widely available.

Parents are able to restrict and police their children's web use while they are at home, which campaigners believe makes them more likely to access inappropriate websites when they are out.

The coalition has already backed moves to introduce other web controls.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eye Poster Puts Off Bike Thieves, Says Study

Bike thefts have been cut sharply at a university just by placing a poster of watchful eyes above the cycle racks, according to researchers.

The two-year experiment at Newcastle University was suggested by a security manager at the campus who had seen similar studies indicating that people behave better when they feel they are being watched.

Academics found that bike racks where the poster was present had 62% fewer thefts than the previous year, while those without the poster saw thefts rise by 63%.

For the first year, the team monitored the level of bike thefts from all racks across campus for a control figure.

They then placed the posters in three locations, leaving the rest of the racks without signs. Crime levels were monitored at all the sites for a year.

Professor Melissa Bateson and Professor Daniel Nettle, of the Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, and Ken Nott, of Newcastle University's security team, were behind the study.

"We don't know exactly what is happening here but this just adds to the growing evidence that images of eyes can have a big impact on behaviour," said Professor Nettle in the journal PLoS ONE.

"We think that the presence of eye images can encourage co-operative behaviour. One strong possibility is that the images of eyes work by making people feel watched. We care what other people think about us, and as a result we behave better when we feel we are being observed."

Mr Nott said: "I had followed previous work done by this team and thought it might be able to make a difference to levels of crime, so I decided to suggest this experiment.

"The results were clear and we have now put these pictures up across all the bike racks on the campus."

A 2006 study found that staring eyes made people pay almost three times as much into a tea-room honesty box.

And research in 2010 showed that people using a canteen were more likely to clear away their tray after a meal when there were eyes watching them.

The crime-fighting idea is now being tried by British Transport Police, with train company C2C, on a route between London's Fenchurch Street station and Southend in Essex.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sun's Royal Editor Faces Misconduct Charge

The Sun's royal editor Duncan Larcombe is to be charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS said that Mr Larcombe will be charged alongside John Hardy, who served as a Colour Sergeant at the Royal Military Training Academy at Sandhurst, and his wife Claire Hardy.

All three are to be charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office between February 9, 2006 and October 16, 2008, the CPS said.

The charges have come as a result of investigations under Operation Elveden, Scotland Yard's probe into alleged corrupt payments to public officials.

It is alleged that between February 10, 2006 and October 15, 2008, 34 payments were made to either John or Claire Hardy totalling more that £23,000, the CPS said.

Alison Levitt QC, principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said: "Following a careful review of the evidence, we have concluded that Duncan Larcombe, John Hardy and Claire Hardy should be charged with a conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

"Duncan Larcombe was employed as chief royal correspondent at The Sun, John Hardy served as a colour sergeant based at the Royal Military Training Academy in Sandhurst and Claire Hardy is his wife."

A fourth person, Tracy Bell, who was employed by the Ministry of Defence as a pharmacy assistant at Sandhurst Medical Centre, is also to be charged with misconduct in public office, Ms Levitt announced.

"It is alleged that Tracy Bell received £1,250 between October 17, 2005 and July 7, 2006 relating to five articles published in The Sun regarding matters at Sandhurst," Ms Levitt said.

All four defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 8.

There is insufficient evidence to charge a second member of the public with any criminal offence, Ms Levitt added.

"These decisions were considered carefully in accordance with the DPP's guidelines on the public interest in cases affecting the media," she said.

"These guidelines require prosecutors to consider whether the public interest served by the conduct in question outweighs the overall criminality before bringing criminal proceedings."

The charges come as a former Surrey police officer today became the latest person to be arrested under Operation Elveden, which is being supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and is running in conjunction with phone-hacking inquiry Operation Weeting.

The 41-year-old man was arrested at 6am this morning at his home in Sussex on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, Scotland Yard said.

The arrest was the 62nd under Operation Elveden. Of those arrested so far, 13 people, including four former police officers, seven journalists and two other public officials, have or will face court action.

Last week Sun executive editor Fergus Shanahan, 58, from Dunmow in Essex, was charged with conspiring with a public official and a journalist to commit misconduct in a public office after allegedly authorising a journalist to make payments to a public official.

He is also due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 8.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Motorist Admits Killing Couple On Tandem

By Isabel Webster, West Of England Correspondent

A driver has admitted killing a couple after mowing them down in his car as they rode their tandem.

Nicholas Lovell entered guilty pleas to causing the deaths of Ross Simons, 34, and his wife Clare, 30, in a crash in Hanham, near Bristol, on January 27 this year.

Lovell fled the scene of the crash, leaving his partner Louise Cox to give a false account of who was driving the vehicle to the officers.

Louise Cox Louise Cox owns the car driven by Lovell

He handed himself into police hours after the collision and was arrested.

Appearing via videolink, the 38-year-old pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of driving while disqualified.

He spoke only to confirm his name and enter the guilty pleas during the 10-minute hearing.

Ross and Clare Simons died less than 24 hours after celebrating the news that they could undergo fertility treatment to start a family.

Friends described them as "two peas in a pod" and "the perfect couple".

Cox, who owns the Citroen Picasso driven by Lovell, has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The 35-year-old from Bristol admitted providing police with a false name and description when she was asked to identify who had been driving her car.

The judge remanded Lovell in custody while Cox was released on police bail.

They will be sentenced on May 22.

Floral tributes and pictures left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday when their tandem bike was struck by a car. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 28, 2013. Police arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a 35-year-old woman, on suspicion of dangerous driving. See PA story POLICE HitRun. Photo credit should read: Rod Minchin/PA Wire Tributes left at the scene in Hanham

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Williams, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The pleas entered today by both Nicholas Lovell and Louise Cox reflect that both have taken some responsibility for the deaths of Ross and Clare.

"While these pleas will never bring Ross and Clare back, I hope they go some way to providing comfort for their families."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abandoned Baby Alia Was Alive When Born

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 23 April 2013 | 20.14

A newborn baby found abandoned by dog walkers was not stillborn, police have revealed.

Detectives believe the girl, given the name Alia, lived for a short period of time after her birth.

They have released images of items which were recovered along with her body in the hope of tracing her parents.

The child was discovered shortly before 4.55pm on Thursday March 14 in Ox Hey Lane, Lostock, near Bolton, by a man and woman out walking their dog.

Trousers found with abandoned newborn baby girl Alia The cotton trousers found at the scene

She had been wrapped in clothing and placed inside a plastic bag, and there was a message requesting that she receive an Islamic burial.

Following discussions with the Bolton Council of Mosques, detectives named her Alia, meaning beautiful.

A specialist neonatologist has established that she was born alive and lived independently of her mother for up to two hours.

However, the cause of her death has yet to be established, as does her ethnicity.

Three items recovered along with her body included a Tesco bag, with the words "Please please bury him Islamic way please please" written on it in English

It is believed baby Alia was wrapped in a white shirt and cotton trousers and placed in this bag, which was in turn placed in a JD Sports bag.

A pair of three-quarter length, paint-stained cotton trousers were also found at the scene.

Detective Inspector Aaron Duggan, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "Despite the passage of time, our primary concern still remains the welfare of baby Alia's parents, in particular her mother.

"She was found almost six weeks ago and we still need to make sure both mum and dad are OK, both physically and mentally.

JD Sports bag in which abandoned baby Alia was placed by her parents The JD Sports bag in which the Tesco bag was placed

"This will have been a traumatic experience for them, particularly if they are young."

DI Duggan added: "What we don't know, and what we are trying to establish, is how, where and when she died and when she was placed at Ox Hey Lane and by whom.

"I want people to think about someone that perhaps they knew or suspected was, up until recently, pregnant and, coupled with these images, now think they know who the mother or father is and to call us in confidence.

"I want to appeal to the parents directly to come forward, to talk to us and explain what happened to their daughter. I want to reassure them that specialist help is still available if required."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5448, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Millwall FA Cup Violence: Four More Arrested

Three men suspected of violence at an FA Cup semi-final between Millwall and Wigan have been arrested in morning raids and one has handed himself in, police have said.

In total, 27 people have been arrested in connection with the clashes at the April 13 match at Wembley Stadium, Scotland Yard said.

Three people have been charged.

In addition, a further 17 images have been released of people at the match whom police want to speak to.

Police move in as fans clash The images of violence were seen by millions on television

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Barnes, who is leading the investigation, said: "We expect to make further arrests.

"Our message is clear. Violence at football is unacceptable. If you were involved in the violence come forward and speak with us.

"We will pursue all those responsible."

Football violence police raid The police raids happened in London

During the second half of Millwall's 2-0 loss to Wigan, around 20 Millwall fans were involved in clashes behind the goal.

The disturbing scenes, which were witnessed by millions on television, left some fans bloodied and youngsters in tears.

The three men arrested in Tuesday's raids, aged 21, 22 and 27, were picked up at addresses in London by officers from Operation Arrowtip, which targets football-related crime.

A 34-year-old man has handed himself in at a police station in south London and was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Anyone with information about the violence or who recognises the people in the pictures is urged to call police on 020 8246 0076 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Independent Scotland Could Lose The Pound

George Osborne has warned Scotland there is no guarantee it can retain the pound if it becomes independent.

The Chancellor said independence would force Scotland to adopt new currency arrangements, which would be a "very deep dive into uncharted waters".

The Scottish Government has outlined plans to keep the pound if the country becomes independent after next year's referendum.

But in a new report, the Treasury said the economic case for creating a "sterling zone" was not clear and cast doubt on whether a deal could be reached.

Mr Osborne, launching the report in Glasgow, said the analysis showed the imperative to agree a currency union would be less strong for the UK than for Scotland.

"Why would 58 million citizens give away some of their sovereignty over monetary and potentially other economic policy to give million people in another state?" he asked.

He added: "Could a situation where an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK share the pound and the Bank of England be made to work? Frankly, it's unlikely."

Alex Salmond Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond is pushing for independence

With a currency union off the table, the only other options are for Scotland to unilaterally keep the pound, to create its own currency or to join the euro.

 "All of these alternative currency arrangements are less suitable economically than we have now for both Scotland and the rest of the UK," Mr Osborne said.

He added: "The conclusion is clear - the pound we share works well. The saying goes 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?' but I say 'If it ain't broke, don't break it'.

"The alternatives to the way Scotland now uses the pound are second best. Is second best really good enough for Scotland and for all our United Kingdom? We are better together."

The Scottish Government wants a "sterling zone" and economic experts there have concluded it is "sensible" and an attractive choice for the rest of the UK.

But the Treasury report said it "would only be possible if both an independent Scotland and the continuing UK could reach an agreement that satisfied both countries' economic interests".

It argues a formal sterling currency union would be "very different to the current arrangements and would be a profound economic change for both states".

Scottish bank notes Scottish banks currently issue their own sterling notes

An independent Scotland would "need to agree a negotiated set of constraints on its economic and fiscal policies", the report said.

It added: "In practice, this would be likely to require rigorous oversight of Scotland's economic and fiscal plans by both the new Scottish and the continuing UK authorities.

"Even with constraints in place, the economic rationale for the UK to agree to enter a formal sterling union with a separate state is not clear.

"The recent experience of the euro area has shown that it is extremely challenging to sustain a successful formal currency union without close fiscal integration and common arrangements for the resolution of banking sector difficulties."

The paper argues the "current currency and monetary policy arrangements within the UK serve Scotland well", describing the UK as "one of the most successful monetary, fiscal and political unions in history".

It concluded: "All of the alternative currency arrangements would be likely to be less economically suitable for both Scotland and the rest of the UK."

It also claims both the Scottish and UK governments would need to agree for the commercial banks in an independent Scotland to continue issuing sterling notes as part of a currency union.

The Treasury has said the role of the Bank of England, as the central bank of the UK responsible for issuing notes by all commercial banks, would have to be reviewed under independence.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney condemned suggestions that Scottish banknotes could be lost under the SNP's plans as "insulting" and insisted they would be kept.

He also claimed that the pound was "every bit as much Scotland's currency as it is England, Wales and Northern Ireland's".

He said: "If this scare story is the best George Osborne can do in advance of his visit to Scotland then it betrays the utter weakness of his case."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Godolphin Trainer 'Sorry' Over Doping Scandal

A trainer at one of the UK's top racing stables has admitted to a "catastrophic error" after a string of his horses tested positive for anabolic steroids.

Eleven horses at the Godolphin stables in Newmarket, which is owned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, failed drug tests. 

Four tested positive for stanozolol, the steroid used by disgraced Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson at the Seoul Olympics, and seven others had ethylestranol in their system.

Trainer Mahmood al Zarooni will now have to attend a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary inquiry into the scandal.

In a statement, Mr al Zarooni said: "I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a catastrophic error. 

"Because the horses involved were not racing at the time, I did not realise that what I was doing was in breach of the rules of racing. I can only apologise for the damage this will cause to Godolphin and to racing generally."

Mickael Barzalona, riding Monterosso, celebrates with Dubai ruler and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum after winning the ninth and final race of the 17th Dubai World Cup at the Meydan racecourse Sheikh Mohammed congratulating his jockey after winning the Dubai World Cup

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said the discovery marked a "dark day" for the stables.

"His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was absolutely appalled when he was told and this is completely unacceptable to him. We will await the outcome of the BHA inquiry before taking any further internal action," he said.

"Sheikh Mohammed has instructed me to begin an urgent review of all of our procedures and controls. That is already underway and we will take advice from the BHA in completing it."

The samples were taken from 45 horses at the stables in Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket on April 9, 11 of which came back positive.

Certify, a filly unbeaten in her four career outings to date, was among those to test positive for ethylestranol.

The horse has now been withdrawn from the 1,000 Guineas race at Newmarket next month.

Gold Cup runner-up Opinion Poll was among the four animals who tested positive for stanazolol.

Adam Brickell, director of integrity, legal and risk for the BHA, said: "Ethylestranol and stanozolol are anabolic steroids and therefore prohibited substances under British Rules of Racing, at any time - either in training or racing."

He added: "The horses which have produced positive tests will also not be permitted to race with immediate effect and for an extended period of time.

"As part of the ongoing process a decision will be made as to what period this suspension will be imposed for."

The National Trainers Federation's chief executive Rupert Arnold said he had been "shocked" by the test results.

"The Godolphin management, for whom Mr Al Zarooni trains, is a byword for the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and sportsmanship," he said.

"News reports so far suggest this case is an aberration and is not indicative of wider use of anabolic steroids in British horseracing.

"We fully endorse the British Horseracing Authority's testing in training regime and all efforts to prevent the use of any prohibited substance to gain an unfair advantage.

"Without wanting to diminish the seriousness of this case, in some ways it is a positive message that the presence of these substances was detected so the sport is kept clean."

The Goldolphin stable was founded in 1992 and has won more than 2,000 races worldwide, with winners in 14 countries.

Mr al Zarooni has trained a series of big-race winners since joining Sheikh Mohammed's operation three years ago.

They include the richest race in the world - the Dubai World Cup - with Monterosso last March, and then the St Leger at Doncaster with Encke in September.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Measles Cases Hit New High Of 886 In Wales

The number of people infected with measles has shot up by 78 in just five days, taking the total who have contracted the disease in southwest Wales to 886.

Public Health Wales (PHW) revealed the latest number of people affected as officials urgently called for more to get vaccinated.

The fresh call comes following the death of a 25-year-old father-of-one from Swansea, who had the disease.

PHW director of health protection Dr Marion Lyons warned the current epidemic is showing no signs of ending.

"There is still an urgent need to vaccinate more children if we are going to end this outbreak," she added.

people queue at drop in centre for MMR vaccination More than a week ago people used drop-in centres for the MMR jab

"The hardest-hit age group is those between 10 and 18 so we would remind those young people and their parents that now is the time to be vaccinated.

"We have seen in the last few days that measles can be potentially fatal and no one should be complacent about the severity of measles.

"It can kill but can be prevented by a simple, safe vaccine."

PHW said its latest figures related to cases of measles between November 1 last year and April 22 this year.

Of that total, 712 have been in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area while 99 were in the Hywel Dda region and 75 in Powys' health board zone.

Typical symptoms of measles include fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a rash.

Complications are quite common even in healthy people, and about 20% of reported measles cases experience one or more complication.

These can include ear infections, vomiting and diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis and serious eye disorders.

Gareth Williams who died from suspected measles Gareth Colfer-Williams died last week at his home

Before the introduction of the MMR jab in 1988, about half a million children caught measles each year in the UK. Approximately 100 of those died.

While the latest epidemic is centred on Swansea, cases have continued to be reported across Wales.

Last week, PHW revealed that tests are to be carried out on the body of Gareth Colfer-Williams, 25, who died at his home in Swansea on April 18.

While Mr Colfer-Williams had measles, officials are still trying to establish whether it was the disease that killed him.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stephen Lawrence Murder 'Sparked Change'

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 April 2013 | 20.14

The Prime Minister says the racist killing of Stephen Lawrence "sparked monumental change" in British society - but that "more still needs to be done".

David Cameron made the comments ahead of a memorial service today to mark the 20th anniversary of the teenager's death.

Stephen, 18, was killed by a gang of racists who stabbed him as he waited for a bus in Eltham, southeast London on April 22, 1993.

The police investigation into his death was marred by incompetence and allegations of racism, and it took 19 years to bring any of his murderers to justice.

Mr Cameron described the "senseless killing" of Stephen as "a tragedy". 

Memorial to Stephen Lawrence A 2012 memorial at the site where Stephen was killed

"It was also a moment that sparked monumental change in our society - change that has been brought about by the tireless efforts of Stephen's family in challenging the police, government and society to examine themselves and ask difficult questions," he said.

"I believe that many of those questions have been answered: from improved community relations to more accountability in policing.

"Much has been achieved, but we know that more still needs to be done.

"We owe this to the memory of Stephen."

Gary Dobson (L) and David Norris David Norris (L) and Gary Dobson (R)

Stephen's mother Doreen will be joined by friends and relatives at the memorial service which is taking place at St Martin-in-the-Fields church near Trafalgar Square.

A number of high-profile supporters of the charitable trust that she set up in her son's name are also expected to attend, and public figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.

He and his predecessors have attended previous memorial events for Lawrence, despite the troubled background of the case.

To mark the anniversary, a poster has been put up in New Scotland Yard featuring a personal message from Sir Bernard about the investigation.

Doreen Lawrence carries the Olympic Torch through south London Doreen Lawrence carrying the Olympic Torch last summer

The poster says: "Twenty years ago the Lawrence family lost their loved son, Stephen.

"We let them down by not catching his murderers. Then last year we finally brought two of his killers to justice. The Met won't forget Stephen Lawrence."

Stephen's father Neville has chosen to remember his son privately in Jamaica, taking flowers to his grave and saying a prayer with a friend who is a pastor.

Neville and Doreen Lawrence were forced to battle for nearly two decades for justice for their son, and they finally saw Gary Dobson and David Norris jailed for his murder in January last year.

The aspiring architect was set upon by a gang of five or six men, but the remainder of the killers have never been punished.

Neville Lawrence Neville Lawrence has chosen to remember his son privately

The detective leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll, said the inquiry is still live and that his team will follow any leads that come up.

"It's a live investigation. All avenues of the investigation will be left open and we will revisit them whenever we feel we have to. You never close your mind to anything," said Detective Chief Inspector Driscoll.

"We will endeavour to follow all the leads that we can."

Mrs Lawrence said she does not dare to get her hopes up about the future of the case, while her former husband said he has not given up hope of further charges being brought.

"It took us nearly 20 years to get this result and we did not know whether we would get it," Mr Lawrence said.

"I do not know if I am going to live another 20 years but I have not given up on the detectives finding a way to get the others."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teenagers Airlifted To Safety On Dartmoor

Seven teenage boys have been airlifted to safety by a police helicopter after getting lost on Dartmoor.

The 14-year-olds were practising for the annual Ten Tors trek across the national park when they became disorientated in low cloud on Sunday afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The boys, from a school in Wiltshire, called police shortly after 4.30pm and were later found by a police helicopter near Great Kneeset.

A police spokesman said: "The boys, who were overdue in meeting up with their teachers, realised that they needed assistance and sensibly stopped walking in the worsening conditions.

"The helicopter crew searched the moor in the area of Hangingstone Hill and located the boys safe and well near Great Kneeset.

"As the conditions were deteriorating fast the helicopter lifted the boys and their kit from the moor, making two flights to and from Okehampton military camp, where they were reunited with their teachers."

The Ten Tors Challenge, which has been running for more than 50 years, is organised by the Army and takes place each May.

It involves teams of 14 to 20-year-olds enduring a two-day hike of up to 55 miles across Dartmoor.

In March 2007 Charlotte Shaw, 14, drowned after falling into a swollen river during severe weather conditions in preparation for the annual event.

She was among 11 pupils from Edgehill College (now Kingsley School), in Bideford, north Devon, due to take part in the challenge.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Spring Sunshine As Temperatures Rise

Parts of the UK are set to bask in unseasonably warm temperatures this week - with the mercury expected to break the 20C mark.

The South East, East Anglia and the South West will receive a blast of spring sunshine on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

But while temperatures are forecast to soar well above the April average of 13C in the south, the rest of the UK will be stuck with colder weather and patchy rain.

Meteorologists say the north-south split is down to a frontal system.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "There will be some spring warmth this week, but it will be limited to southeast England and looks to be fairly short-lived too.

"Mild air will extend across southeast England allowing temperatures to reach about 21C by Wednesday. There will be a fair amount of cloud around, but sunny spells are likely.

"Elsewhere it will be cooler and more unsettled, with rain stalling over northern England, north Wales and the Republic of Ireland by the middle of the week."

She added that those in the warmer parts of the country should make the most of the midweek weather.

"Unfortunately it doesn't look like the warmth in the South East will last into the weekend, with rain on Friday allowing cooler air to set in," she said. 

"Saturday looks to be fairly cold nationwide, with temperatures reaching a high of just 10 or 11C in the South East.

"Scotland and Northern Ireland will see temperatures around 8C, but a strengthening northerly wind there will make it feel even colder.

"A patchy overnight frost can be expected too. 

"Spring is a changeable season so it's not unusual to see spells of warmth along with cold snaps."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Luis Suarez: 'Anger Management' After Bite

Liverpool's Luis Suarez has been offered counselling after he apologised for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovich during a Premier League clash.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said on Monday the Uruguayan will be approached over anger management counselling following the incident during the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

The striker, 26, revealed on his personal Twitter account that the club has fined him for the altercation.

He wrote: "For my unacceptable behaviour yesterday the club has fined me today, I have asked the club to donate money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovich."

The striker also used Twitter to apologise around three hours after the final whistle blew on the game.

He wrote: "I'm sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologise Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I'm so sorry about it!!"

Luis Suarez Twitter page after he was fined for biting incident Suarez revealed on his Twitter page he had been fined by Liverpool

In a statement issued through his club, he added: "I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally.

"I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down."

The FA says it will review match footage - seen by millions of television viewers - that shows Suarez biting the Chelsea defender on the arm.

A spokesman told Sky News: "We will speak to match officials today and review any report in relation to the matter and decide on an appropriate course of action."

The spokesman added that the FA "governance team" were looking at the incident and any video footage would be "very important" to that process.

Merseyside Police confirmed officers had spoken to Ivanovich after the game and he did not wish to make a complaint.

Brendan Rodgers Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers told Suarez the bite was 'unacceptable'

Cameras captured the striker appearing to sink his teeth into his opponent's upper arm during the second half.

Ivanovic remonstrated with referee Kevin Friend following the incident and the match official briefly spoke to Suarez before allowing the game to continue.

The match ended 2-2, with Liverpool's controversial star - who is a contender for this year's player of the season awards - scoring an equaliser in the dying seconds.

In a later Twitter message, Suarez said he had spoken to Ivanovic and his apology had been accepted.

He wrote: "I've just spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him. Thanks for accepting."

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Luis Suarez called Branislav Ivanovic this evening. Branislav appreciated the call and his apology."

Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre, who cancelled a trip to Australia to deal with the fallout from the incident, said on Monday the incident would have no bearing on his future at the club.

He told liverpoolfc.com: "It affects his future in the sense that we have to work with him on his discipline - but Luis is a very important player to the club.

Luis Suarez of Liverpoo Suarez said he spoke directly to Branislav Ivanovic after the incident

"As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we'd all love to see him here throughout that contract.

"He's a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we'd want in a striker, so there's no change there.

"This is more about getting him back on the right track and it's largely down to (manager) Brendan (Rodgers) now to work with him on that side of his character."

Brendan Rodgers added: "Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this."

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness said the Uruguayan striker had "crossed a line".

He said: "I'm not sure what to make of it. Embarrassing. He's making it very difficult for himself to stay at Liverpool, that puts him in the last chance saloon.

"Most important is safeguarding the good name of the football club. Liverpool are world renowned. People will be talking about this for a long, long time, and it will show Liverpool in a very bad light.

MIKE TYSON TATTOO Suarez's new Twitter follower: Tyson, who took chunk out of his challenger

"This is not the first time he has bitten someone in the football match. He is risking everything this great club stands for. I've never seen something like that in a football match before.

"There are lines you just can't cross, and he has crossed it today."

PFA chief Gordon Taylor said the union would offer the striker help to deal with his temper.

He said: "There is no doubting his football ability, that's why it is so disappointing and embarrassing when he lets himself down.

"We have to work hard on anger management now. We have trained counsellors in this field and we will be offering their services to Liverpool and the player to try and improve matters."

But Marseille's Joey Barton took to Twitter to urge Liverpool to back their player.

He wrote: "Suarez is a good as a player as there is in world football at the minute. Yes, he's messed up and shouldn't have bitten another player but a player like him has to play right on the edge.

"Without it he wouldn't be the talent he is. LFC would be mad not to back him IMO. If they don't I'm sure the queue of Champions League clubs would stretch round the block."

It is the second biting incident in Suarez's career. He served a seven-match ban in the Netherlands while at Ajax after biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal.

Meanwhile, Suarez has found a new brother in arms in former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, who famously bit the ear of opponent Evander Holyfield.

According to Tyson's profile page on Twitter, he made Suarez his 432nd and most recent follow.

Tyson took a chunk out of Holyfield's right ear in the third round of a bout in Las Vegas in June 1997, after which Holyfield, nicknamed the 'Real Deal', became known as the 'Meal Deal'.

Tyson was disqualified from the fight and fined $3m (£1.9m).


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paedophile Hunting Group Leads To Arrests

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky Reporter

A group of parents who aim to trap potential paedophiles by posing as teenagers online has told Sky News they are providing a valuable service.

The mothers and fathers from the Midlands have set up around 80 fake profiles on Facebook, chatrooms and dating websites pretending to be underage girls. 

They then collect information about possible sex offenders and arrange to meet them.

Instead of a teenage girl turning up, the target is confronted by a team of adults, a video camera and a dossier of the alleged offences.

Police have confirmed that four arrests have been made as a result of the video evidence gathered by the group.

They have confronted individuals in Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire.

The leader of the group, known as 'Scumm Buster', told Sky News he had set up the group in January after finding out a friend had been abused as a child.

He said all the members had children and wanted to keep them safe.

He added that the group had approached police to make sure they were gathering the right kind of evidence to help prosecutions.

When asked whether their actions were counterproductive, Scumm Buster said: "We know we are ruining people's lives, but they don't seem to care that they are ruining children's lives."

But police forces have warned the activities could interfere with criminal proceedings.

In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: "The main focus of any paedophile investigation has to be the victim - protecting the victim, getting justice for the victim.

"Unfortunately, these kinds of public naming and shaming activities can actually have a negative effect on victims of child abuse.

"While we understand the strong feelings that motivate this kind of activity, it can seriously affect the chances of success in court, preventing victims from getting justice and increasing the chances of offenders walking free.

"The best thing people can do, if they have evidence of child abuse or paedophile activity, is report it to the police, Crimestoppers or the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) so that we can conduct a thorough investigation and make sure measures are put in place to ensure the safety of any potential victims."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Arsenal Co-Owner Is Now UK's Richest Man

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 April 2013 | 20.14

Britain has a new richest man - Russian co-owner of Arsenal Football Club Alisher Usmanov has taken the top spot from the previous Rich List number one Lakshmi Mittal.

Mr Usmanov, who has a near-30% stake in Arsenal, is worth £13.3bn, putting him into the top spot of the 25th annual Sunday Times Rich List.

Researchers found the 1,000 richest people in Britain have wealth totalling almost £450bn.

There are now a record 88 billionaires among the country's wealthiest 1,000 individuals and families, up from 77 billionaires in 2012 and just nine in 1989.

The combined wealth of the top 200 people in the 2013 Sunday Times Rich List is £318.2bn, a more than eightfold rise on the £38bn for the combined wealth of the 200 people featured in the first Rich List in 1989.

In 1989, the Queen was Britain's richest person.

Russian businessman Mr Usmanov started off making plastic bags, but went on to found a business empire with numerous interests.

As well as Metalloinvest, the country's biggest iron ore producer, he owns a stake in mail.ru, the largest internet company, and has a big holding in MegaFon, a mobile phone operator that listed on the London and Moscow stock markets last year.

Uzbekistan-born Mr Usmanov, 59, also owns Sutton Place, the former Surrey home of the late oil baron J Paul Getty, as well as a £48m mansion in north London.

He shares a passion for sport with his wife, Irina Viner, 64, head coach of Russia's rhythmic gymnastics team, whom he met when he was a young fencer.

Second in the list is Ukrainian Len Blavatnik, the highest riser in the list in wealth terms.

Mr Blavatnik is now worth £11bn, an increase of £3.4bn on last year.

Odessa-born Mr Blavatnik, who owns Warner Music, received £2bn last month for his stake in TNK-BP, when company was sold to state-owned Russian oil company Rosneft.

After eight years at the top of the Sunday Times Rich List, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal has dropped down to fourth place.

Mr Mittal is now only worth £10bn, making him the biggest faller in wealth terms.

The 40% stake Mr Mittal and his wife Usha hold in the steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal has plummeted from £28bn at its peak to £5.95bn.

The highest placed UK-born person in the 2013 Sunday Times Rich List is The Duke of Westminster, ranked eighth and worth £7.8bn. The Duke's interests are mainly in London land and property.

Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovic was fifth with £9.3bn.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Measles Victim Died 'After He Was Sent Home'

The first victim to die in the measles outbreak in South Wales had been sent home from hospital, his mother has claimed.

Gareth Williams, 25, was found dead on Thursday morning at his home in the Port Tennant area of Swansea.

Initial tests revealed that Mr Williams, who is believed to have suffered from asthma, was infected with measles at the time of his death.

Further investigations are being undertaken by the Swansea Coroner to establish whether his death was due to measles or something else.

Mr Williams' mother, Angela Colfer, said he had been admitted to Swansea's Morriston Hospital after breaking out in red spots.

However, she said he had been released from hospital after several days because doctors thought he was over the worst of it.

A nurse handles a syringe at a medical centre in Ashford, Kent More than 800 cases of measles have been reported in Swansea

Ms Colfer told the South Wales Evening Post: "He was covered in a rash, and what with the measles epidemic in Swansea we wanted to get him to hospital.

"He had been in Morriston Hospital for five or six days before he was sent home."

The claim came as hundreds more MMR jab vaccinations were administered over the weekend at emergency sessions at four hospitals around Swansea.

Thousands of children have received the MMR jab over the last three weeks amid rising concern at the rocketing rate of measles cases.

Morriston Hospital in Swansea, South Wales Mr Williams was treated at Morriston Hospital before his death

The headline rate rose to 808 on Thursday after 43 separate new cases of measles were recorded over a two-day period.

Up to 2,000 more children were vaccinated in school this week as efforts were targeted in communities most at risk.

With the pool of unprotected children reducing on a daily basis, hundreds have still turned out to hospital drop-in sessions.

Rapid vaccination teams at all four locations were well able to deal with the large numbers turning up.

Thousands of children missed out on MMR jabs from the late 1990s due to unfounded fears linking the vaccination with autism.

Despite the progress made in reaching thousands of unprotected children, the health board and Public Health Wales (PHW) are still urging those who have not been vaccinated to come forward.

They warn that people in the 10 to 18 age group, who missed out on the MMR jab in the past, are being hardest hit by the disease.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Darling: 'How Long Will Osborne Lumber On?'

The outstanding question in British politics is how long the Government will "lumber on" with failing economic policies, according to Alistair Darling.

The former Labour Chancellor said his party was right to sit and wait to see what George Osborne's strategy actually becomes.

He told Sky News' Murnaghan programme Mr Osborne had lost credibility and insisted Labour would be "very wise" to "wait and see what he actually comes up with".

Mr Darling highlighted the latest ratings downgrade, the IMF's comments and the Treasury Select Committee's criticism of housing policy as three major blows to the current Chancellor's policies this week alone.

He said: "What you saw last week were more and more people saying (Mr Osborne's) policy isn't working.

"I've been saying that for the last three years, and it was pretty unfashionable to do so, but what you're now seeing are respected figures inside and outside the UK calling into question the strategy.

"The big question is how long does the present Government simply lumber on simply hoping something will turn up.

"I don't think my Labour colleagues need to take a position (on spending) until we see what the present Government is proposing - we don't actually know what they are doing.

"It's very difficult to plan ahead in any sort of sensible way. I think what we are better doing at the moment is concentrating our fire on the Government."

Mr Darling, who came under fire from his own side while Chancellor for predicting in 2008 this would be the worst downturn in 60 years, said Mr Osborne's plans had always been "fraught with difficulty" and now been "blown completely off course".

"It is manifestly obvious it is simply not working," Mr Darling added.

His comments came as it emerged that Britain is expected to narrowly dodge a triple-dip recession, although experts continue to label the UK a "crisis economy".

Most analysts are predicting gross domestic product (GDP) to have edged up 0.1% in the first three months of the year, which would mean the economy has avoided returning to recession.

The latest figures will be released on Thursday.

Incoming Bank of England governor Mark Carney added to fears last week by branding the UK a "crisis economy" alongside stricken eurozone countries and Japan.

His brutal assessment, made on the fringes of the International Monetary Fund's Washington meeting, came as IMF chief Christine Lagarde also voiced concerns over the UK economy, saying its growth numbers were "not particularly good".

Just days earlier the IMF cut UK growth forecasts from 1% to 0.7% for 2013 and 2014's projection from 1.9% to 1.5% as it said the private sector was being hampered by a lack of credit and economic uncertainty.

Also on Friday, ratings agency Fitch cut the UK's creditworthiness from the top AAA rating to AA+.

David Riley, managing director of Fitch, told the Murnaghan show Britain's "economic recovery has been very weak, almost non-existent".

He said: "It's not just about the austerity, the bottom line is the private sector borrowed too much in the UK, it's been very hard to rebalance the UK economy."

Mark Field, Tory MP for the City of London, told the show: "The big test isn't so much what the IMF say but what the markets say. The one lesson is that we have kept our interest rates very low."

A Downing Street a spokesman said: "Clearly from the Prime Minister's perspective these are very, very tough times.

"We are having to deal with the biggest peace-time deficit ... but the path that we are taking is the right one."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

London Marathon: Show Of Solidarity For Boston

Thousands of runners have observed a moment of silence at the start of the London Marathon to remember the victims of the Boston bombings.

The poignant 30-second tribute was followed by applause as Mo Farah and other competitors gathered at the start line for the elite men's and mass race.

Many of the 36,000 fun runners, athletes and fundraisers wore a black ribbon as a mark of respect to those affected by the attack.

Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia won the men's race, while Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya won the women's event.

Before the start, event commentator Geoff Wightman said over loud speakers: "Marathon running is a global sport. It unites runners and supporters on every continent in pursuit of a common challenge and in the spirit of friendship and fellowship.

"This week the world marathon family was shocked and saddened by the events at the Boston Marathon."

London Marathon The marathon has drawn thousands of people

The 30 seconds of silence appeared to be widely observed.

Virgin London Marathon has pledged to donate £2 for every finisher to The One Fund Boston, which was set up to raise money for the victims of the explosions.

Security has been stepped up for the event, which takes place less than a week after the Boston Marathon bombings.

Barbara Stephenson, charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in London, told Sky News the show of respect by London Marathon runners for the Boston victims underlined the "special relationship" between the two countries.

"We've had responses from Her Majesty the Queen, all through Twitter from the British people, and now we have got tens of thousands of London Marathon runners wearing a black ribbon in solidarity with the people of Boston."

She went on to say that "it's moments like this when you know what the special relationship's really all about."

London Marathon Route

Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed at the Boston Marathon blasts and scores were injured, some seriously.

Even with one of the suspects dead and the other now in custody, hundreds of extra police officers have been deployed to reassure the runners and spectators.

The Met has been in close contact with the FBI and Boston Police, and there were no suggestion of any link with the bomb attacks.

Police said the increased security was aimed at reassuring the public and was not a response to a specific threat.

London Marathon Priscah Jeptoo posing for photographers after winning the women's race

Malcolm Baker, a former Police Counter-Terrorism Officer, told Sky News: "The main objective of the police is to provide reassurance and public safety for both the runners and spectators, and secondly it will be to deter any copycat attacks."

Despite the 40% increase in police presence, the marathon maintained its happy atmosphere, with many runners turning out in fancy dress.

The winding route from Black Heath to Buckingham Palace takes the runner past some of the capital's most famous landmarks, with tens of thousands of people lining the streets to watch the runners.

Farah, the Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion, ran about half of today's race, stepping off the course at  the 13.1 mile mark near Tower Bridge.

He described the atmosphere as "incredible".

He revealed before the event that he had overslept. "I'm late! I woke up late! I'm going to miss the bus!" he joked.

Britain's double Olympic champion Mo Farah makes his trademark "Mobot" pose at Tower Bridge in London Mo Farah says he overslept ahead of the race

However, the build-up to his participation in the marathon had been shrouded in controversy as he will be paid a reported £425,000 for taking part in the 2013 and 2014 events.

But Farah, who won the mini-marathon event three times in a row between 1998 and 2000 as a schoolboy, has said the race brings back plenty of happy memories.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger