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Bernard Gallacher 'Critical' After Heart Problem

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher is in hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Gallacher is being treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and was said to be in a critical condition on Friday night, NHS Grampian confirmed.

It could not confirm any other details about the 64-year-old's condition, but it is understood to have been caused by a heart problem.

His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, is believed to be at his bedside with her mother Lesley, brother Jamie and sister Laura.

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said: "We are in touch with Bernard's wife Lesley and the Gallacher family and, obviously, we join with everyone in wishing Bernard a speedy recovery."

His nephew Stephen, who pulled out of the ISPS Handa Wales Open during his second round on Friday morning due to a back injury, said: "I understand that he is critical but stable.

"My family is in disarray at the moment and it is obviously a worrying situation. We are all anxious."

Bernard Gallacher Gallacher, 64, was had a successful career as a golf broadcaster

Gallacher, who was born in Bathgate in 1949, turned professional in 1967 and became the youngest winner of the prestigious PGA Championship two years later, a record which stood until earlier this year.

He made the first of his eight Ryder Cup appearances as a player in 1969, defeating Lee Trevino 4&3 in the singles at Birkdale in a contest which famously ended in a 16-16 draw after Jack Nicklaus sportingly conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin on the 18th green of the final match.

The next seven contests all ended in defeat, the last  by a single point at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida in 1983.

Gallacher went on to captain Europe in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

His teams suffered two narrow defeats - the first in the controversial "War on the Shore" at Kiawah Island - before a memorable one-point win at Oak Hill in New York.

That victory was sealed by Philip Walton's win over Jay Haas on the 18th green of the penultimate singles match, with Walton still holding on to his putter as Gallacher hoisted him into the air in jubilation.

Gallacher went on to become a successful broadcaster and reported on 2012's dramatic 'Miracle at Medinah' European victory for BBC Radio Five Live.


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Woman In Court Charged With Child's Murder

A 34-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with murder after an eight-year-old girl was found dead in a block of flats in east London.

Police arrested Polly Chowdhury at Bedwell Court, in Broomfield Road, Chadwell Heath, on Thursday after reports that a child was injured. 

The girl, who has been named as Ayesha Ali, was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Chowdhury appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court where she was remanded in custody.

The results of a post-mortem examination have yet to be announced.

Chowdhury was taken to hospital in Romford for treatment for minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of murder after being discharged.

The death is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police's homicide and major crime command (HMCC), Scotland Yard said.

She is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.


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Sabrina Moss: Police Appeal As Video Released

Police have released a video of Sabrina Moss taken a week before she was gunned down while celebrating her 24th birthday.

The film, which was shot on August 17, was released as family and friends paid tribute to the nursery teacher at a vigil one week from the day she was killed.

A friend of Ms Moss said she always loved her birthday but this year she had been having "one of the best nights".

Sabrina Moss Ms Moss was gunned down in Kilburn High Road last Saturday

Meanwhile, police continue to appeal for information and witnesses to come forward to assist them with their investigation.

Ms Moss was shot in the chest in Kilburn High Road, north west London, last Saturday, and another woman, Sabrina Gachette, also 24, remains in hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.

Police believe the pair were "in the wrong place at the wrong time" when they were injured.

Friends of Ms Moss have expressed their grief in the form of letters, in which she is described as "a really loving, caring person" and "the epitome of a brilliant mother".

Just a week before she was shot, Miss Moss and her partner moved in to a new home together with their young son.

Ms Moss's friend, named as Lisa M, said she looked "stunning" and was "smiling the entire time" as she enjoyed her birthday celebrations before she was murdered.

"Sabrina always loved her birthday but this year I can happily say she had one of the best nights. She looked stunning, she was smiling the entire time and wouldn't move from the dance floor," she said.

Her friend Shona said: "My dear Sabrina and I had 14 wonderful years of true friendship. I remember giving you the nickname 'bean' - I will miss you Sabrina so much. You mean the world to me - you were a really loving, caring person."

Sabrina Moss death She was celebrating her 24th birthday with friends when she was shot

Her friend Natalie described Miss Moss as a key member of their group of friends. "Sabrina was the string that tied us together. There's a hole within the girls, without her there's no structure," she said.

Charlotte recalled a holiday the group of friends enjoyed together, adding that people never know what life has in store for them.

"We were so carefree and had so many laughs on that holiday. Little did we know, this world we live in would take something beautiful away from us," she said.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "A week on since this tragic event my team of detectives continues to appeal for witness to come forward and assist us with our investigation.

"From the extensive enquiries that we have carried out we know that there were a number of people in Messina Avenue at the junction with Kilburn High Road shortly before the shooting and there is a possibility that they would have seen two men loitering close to some cars parked in Messina Avenue.

Sabrina Moss and police at the scene of a shooting Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses

"The two males were wearing dark clothing and hooded tops, with one wearing a lighter coloured top than the other."

Martell Warren, 22, has appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody and must appear at the Old Bailey on a date to be fixed.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room at Hendon on 020 8358 0300 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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Spain: British Man Held Over Father's Death

A British tourist has been arrested on suspicion of killing his 69-year-old father during a fight at a holiday camp in a Spanish beach resort.

A security guard reportedly called police to the Castell Montgri camp in the village of L'Estartit near Girona after an argument broke out between the man, 45, and his father. It is not thought any weapons were used in the lethal attack.

Police discovered the suspect's father lying on the ground with serious head injuries and he was taken to hospital where he died later. Reports suggest 

A police spokesman said: "Officers from the Mossos d'Esqudra have arrested a 45-year-old British man in connection with the death of his 69-year-old father.

L'Estartit The Castell Montgri holiday camp is located in the town of L'Estartit

"The victim was taken by emergency services to hospital to be attended for the wounds he suffered, while local police in Torroella de Montgri arrested the alleged perpetrator for domestic violence.

"The victim died this morning and investigators from the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan regional police) took on the case."

An autopsy is due to take place today to confirm the cause of death.

The Castell Montgri holiday camp is located at the foot of the Rocamaura mountain next to the town of L'Estartit in the Costa Brava region of northeast Spain. This resort is popular with British tourists during the holiday season.

Police have yet to name the deceased or his son.


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Kent Fire: Huge Plume Of Smoke Seen For Miles

People have been told to keep their doors and windows closed after a huge tyre fire in Kent sent plumes of black smoke into the sky that could been seen over 20 miles away.

Gravesend The flames rose above some buildings. (Pic: @SAchrisINuk)

Twelve fire engines and more than 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze which broke out on an industrial estate in Gravesend.

Twitter users reported that the smoke could be seen by beachgoers in Southend in neighbouring county Essex.

And passengers on planes flying into and out of London airports could also reportedly see the plume.

Some witnesses said canal water was being used. (Pic: @bultifish)

Kent Fire and Rescue said crews were using three main jets to tackle the fire, which also involved caravans.

One person posted that water from the adjacent canal was being used to douse the flames.

Roads around the area have been closed and drivers have been warned to about poor visibility due to the thick smoke.

Gravesend fire Train passengers could see the smoke. (Pic: @jacksona69)

Photographs showed firefighters standing on top of what looked like a large gas container while assessing the blaze.

There are no reports of any injuries and Kent Police are also at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police helicopter has also flown to the area to assist the fire brigade.

Firefighters on top of gas tank Firefighters could be seen standing on a gas tank. (Pic: @mark_fellows)

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House Prices Surge For Fourth Month In A Row

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

House prices rose for the fourth consecutive month in August, as Government schemes and improved mortgage lending continued to fuel the revival in the property market.

Property values rose by 3.5% compared with a year ago, taking the average price for a UK home to £170,514, according to the Nationwide building society.

This marked a slight fall on the 3.9% surge seen in July, which was the biggest annual rise for three years.

"Consumer confidence has increased significantly in recent months, thanks to further modest gains in employment and signs that the UK economy is finally gathering momentum," Nationwide chief economist Robert Gardner said.

Prices rose 0.6% between July and August, which was also marginally lower than the 0.9% monthly hike seen in July.

But Nationwide said the quarter-on-quarter change showed underlying price rises have remained robust, up 1.4% in the three months to August - the strongest pace of increase since mid-2010.

The data comes after Bank of England (BoE) governor Mark Carney warned earlier this week over the risks of another housing bubble amid fears that Government stimulus measures are stoking unsustainable price rises.

He said the BoE is "acutely aware" of the potential threats and said action will be taken to clamp down on mortgage lending if needed.

Policy measures such as Funding for Lending and Help to Buy are boosting the market as they help first-time buyers in particular on to the property ladder.

Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders recently showed that first-time buyers accounted for 45% of house purchase loans in the second quarter - the highest since records began in 2005.

The Funding for Lending Scheme encourages banks and building societies to lend more in return for discounted loans, and has been credited with improving mortgage availability and reducing rates.

Chancellor George Osborne also launched Help to Buy in April, which allows people to buy a property with a 5% deposit, with the state lending buyers 20% of the value of a new home worth up to £600,000, interest-free for five years.

But there are concerns that these schemes will push up house prices and borrowing levels, rather than spurring on more new home construction.

Mr Gardner added: "While there have been encouraging signs that house building is starting to recover, construction is still running well below what is likely to be required to keep up with demand."


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Soldier Dies During Training Exercise On Moor

A soldier recentky returned from Afghanistan has collapsed and died while on a moorland training exercise in North Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called to Barden Moor, near Leyburn, just before 9am on Wednesday following a report that a man serving in the military had collapsed on the Army-controlled Catterick ranges.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the soldier, who was on a three-mile run over rugged terrain, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 26-year-old was a member of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, which returned from a tour of Afghanistan in April.

"We are not yet in a position to release his name. His family have been informed," said a North Yorkshire Police spokesman.

"Officers are working with the Army to establish the full circumstances." He added that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The soldier's collapse follows the deaths of three reservists in the Brecon Beacons in Wales in July. They were on an SAS selection training course in temperatures which reached 30C.

Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Craig Roberts and Trooper Eddie Maher were carrying heavy packs while attempting to cross the Pen y Fan mountain.

Conditions in North Yorkshire were much cooler on Wednesday, around 17C with a slight breeze.

It was not clear if the soldiers were carrying heavy loads.


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Dan Evans' Sweet Revenge At US Open Tennis

British number three Dan Evans has said being told he wasn't good enough to practise with Bernard Tomic inspired him to victory over the Australian at the US Open

The 23-year-old qualifier from Birmingham - ranked 179 - who had never won more than one match in qualifying at a grand slam before arriving in New York, has now won five in a row to reach the third round.

He built on three qualifying victories and a first round win over 11th seed Kei Nishikori by recovering from a set and a break down to defeat Tomic 1-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

Bernard Tomic (L) and Dan Evans (R) Tomic congratulates Evans after the five-set match in New York

After the win, Evans revealed that last year at the Masters tournament in Miami he had been due to practise with Tomic only to be told to leave by the Australian's father John.

"I was there playing qualies," said Evans. "His dad sort of fobbed me off and said I wasn't good enough to practise with him. I remembered that.

"We went to practise, it was all booked. I got to the court. His dad said, 'No, no, he's a qualifier, I'm not hitting with you.' It was a bit embarrassing."

Laura Kitching Dan Evans' sister Laura Kitching, overcome with emotion after the win

Tomic, who is ranked 127 places higher than Evans at 52, said afterwards: "It wasn't nerves. I was pretty relaxed. He just played so slow, so strange, that I basically did what he did. I wasn't very good at it, was I?"

Evans' family and friends watched the five-set match against Tomic from West Warwickshire Sports Club.

And there were tears of joy from his sister Laura Kitching as the crowd leapt to its feet in cheers.

She told Sky News: "It's absolutely unbelievable. I'm so proud, more than ecstatic. I can't put it into words how I feel right now. I'm just so emotional. He's just done so well."

Evans' next opponent is 19th seed Tommy Robredo, and victory there would more than likely set up a fourth round match against Roger Federer, with whom he has already practiced at the tournament.

Evans is guaranteed a £60,000 payout for getting into the third round.


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Girl, Eight, Found Dead At Block Of Flats

A woman has been arrested after an eight-year-old girl was found dead at a block of flats in east London.

The 34-year-old is in custody after the discovery at Bedwell Court on Broomfield Road, Chadwell Heath, on Thursday.

The death is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police's homicide and major crime command (HMCC), Scotland Yard said.

A spokesman said officers went to the scene at 11.38am after London Ambulance Service paramedics reported an injured child at the scene.

"On arrival, officers discovered the body of an eight-year-old girl," he said.

"A 34-year-old woman arrested in connection with the death ... at an address in Chadwell Heath was treated for minor injuries at a hospital in Romford.

"She is currently remanded in custody at an east London police station."


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Kate's First Appearance Since Birth Of George

Looking slim and relaxed, the Duchess of Cambridge has appeared in public for the first time since giving birth to Prince George.

Kate joined William as he launches the gruelling, three-day annual "ultra" marathon run around the coast of the island of Anglesey, North Wales.

The Duke was attending one of his final public engagements on the island as his time there with the RAF comes to an end.

The couple met some of the runners and their families and volunteers before the start - but they did not take Prince George along.

The Duchess of Cambridge is to make her first official public appearance since the birth of Prince George later today. William and Kate chat to locals at the race

When Kate was asked about baby George she was overheard to say: "He's very sweet".

William was introduced to a child called George. "Hello, George," he said. "...much larger than our George."

The annual event - known as the Ring O' Fire - is a 135-mile foot race around the rugged coast, staged over three days and including 13,695 feet of ascent.

The presence of Kate was a surprise - it was revealed only on Friday morning that she would be joining her husband.

Composite of Baby Cambridge Royal baby The couple presented Prince George to the world in July

A fortnight ago, William said a public goodbye to Wales as he confirmed his young family would be leaving their Anglesey home and moving "elsewhere" when his posting comes to an end this month, having completed his three-year tour of duty as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot based at RAF Valley.

He is widely expected to leave North Wales and return to London with Kate and their baby son to take on more royal duties rather than stay in the service.

At the Anglesey Show, he spoke movingly about his time on the island, saying he would miss living and working in the area "terribly" and joked about the demands of looking after a newborn baby with Kate.

With the birth of George last month, the Cambridges are now a family unit and their Kensington Palace apartment is expected to become their main home.


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Syria Advice: Action 'Legally Justifiable'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

British military action against Syria would still be legal without UN support, according to advice from the Government's lawyers.

The legal basis for intervention argues "exceptional measures" would be justified on humanitarian grounds and permitted under international law.

It endorses a targeted strike against the Assad regime even if Russia and China block agreement at the United Nations.

Downing Street released its legal advice and evidence from the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) shortly before a Commons debate about the crisis.

Syria

The legal advice categorically stated the Syrian regime was behind the chemical weapons attack in Damascus last week.

Calling it a "war crime and a crime against humanity", it says: "The legal basis for military action would be humanitarian intervention.

"The aim is to relieve humanitarian suffering by deterring or disrupting the further use of chemical weapons."

The lawyers argue conditions needed for action to go ahead without the UN Security Council's agreement have already been fulfilled.

U.N. chemical weapons experts wearing gas masks carry samples collected from one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack while escorted by Free Syrian Army fighters in the Ain Tarma neighbourhood of Damascus UN weapons inspectors in Syria

A separate intelligence report concludes there was a chemical attack and that it was "highly likely" Bashar Assad's regime was responsible.

JIC chairman Jon Day said: "It is being claimed, including by the regime, that the attacks were either faked or undertaken by the Syrian Armed Opposition.

"We have tested this assertion using a wide range of intelligence and open sources, and invited HMG and outside experts to help us establish whether such a thing is possible.

"There is no credible intelligence or other evidence to substantiate the claims or the possession of CW (chemical weapons) by the opposition.

"The JIC has therefore concluded that there are no plausible alternative scenarios to regime responsibility."

Number 10 said the publication of the documents reflected David Cameron's desire to "build a consensual approach".

President Assad of Syria Syrian President Bashar Assad, pictured on Thursday

The Prime Minister has already been forced to drop plans for early intervention after Labour made clear its opposition.

MPs will now debate and vote only on the principle of military action in response to a "crime against humanity" by the Assad regime.

The motion makes clear that "before any direct British involvement in such action, a further vote of the House of Commons will take place".

Labour could still oppose the Government after threatening to press ahead with its own amendment, which it argues sets out a clearer path.

Downing Street is furious at being backed into a corner and sources accused Ed Miliband of "playing politics" and trying to divide the country.

But the Labour leader said: "I'm determined to learn the lessons of the past, including Iraq, and we can't have the House of Commons being asked to write a blank cheque to the PM for military action."

Ahead of the emergency session, all three main party leaders met with their backbenchers in a last-ditch bid to build support.

The letter from Syria to MPs suggested international strikes could help terrorists and lead to the deaths of many British soldiers.

It said: "Before you rush over the cliffs of war, would it not be wise to pause? Remember the thousands of British soldiers killed and maimed in Afghanistan and Iraq ..."

The letter urged: "We ask you not to bomb us but to work with us ..." and invited Parliament to send its own delegation to Syria to check the conclusions of UN inspectors.

An international strike would be "an aggressive and unprovoked act of war", it declared, adding: "By attacking and weakening Syrian targets and institutions you would automatically strengthen our common enemy, Al Qaida and its affiliates."

It also condemned the chemical attack "without reservation", continuing its repeated denial that it was not responsible for the massacre.

UN weapons inspectors are due to finish their work on Friday and will report directly to secretary general Ban Ki-moon within 24 hours.

But their conclusions will not apportion blame and only set out the evidence to show whether a chemical attack happened or not.


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Twitter Targets Trolls With Report Button

Twitter has unveiled a "report tweet" button for users to instantly flag abusive messages after a campaign for increased safety measures on the site.

The campaign to "Take Back Twitter" was launched last month after several high-profile women were targeted in violent and sexually explicit messages.

Feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez received rape and death threats after successfully campaigning to put author Jane Austen on the £10 bank note.

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow in east London, was also targeted for defending Criado-Perez, whilea number of female journalists were sent bomb threats.

Criado-Perez said the new function was a "fantastic first step".

"It's great that Twitter has listened," she said. "There are still issues: users have to agree for the report to be potentially shared with the harasser, and there are some boxes that could be auto-populated that aren't. But overall, this is a fantastic first step."

Campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez Caroline Criado-Perez: Much happier now

Kim Graham, who started the Change.org petition for Twitter to beef-up protection measures, said the in-Tweet button was a welcome move forward.

"I'm thrilled that Twitter has started making progress on this.

"Online bullying and harassment has been too common for too long, and this is a very welcome first step toward online safety for women."

She added: "There are always improvements that can be made, but this proves that if we speak up together we can really have an impact."

Following the abuse, Twitter UK's general manager Tony Wang apologised to the women.

Three people were also arrested in connection with the threats and Scotland Yard's e-crime unit reported it was investigating eight people on the site for abuse.

More than 120,000 people signed a petition urging Twitter to implement tighter processes to protect its users.

The site has since clarified its rules on abusive behaviour and brought in extra staff to deal with trolls.

The in-Tweet button is available across iPhone, Android and Twitter.com, and allows users to flag individual tweets rather than go through its Help Centre. 


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Rolf Harris Charged With Child Sex Offences

Rolf Harris has been charged with nine counts of indecent assault and four counts of making indecent images of a child.

The 83-year-old is accused of the assault offences between 1980 and 1986 relating to two alleged victims, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The charges he faces are:

:: Six counts of indecent assault relating to a girl aged between 15 and 16, from 1980 to 1981;

:: Three offences of indecent assault relating to a girl aged 14, in 1986;

:: Four offences of making indecent images of a child between March and July 2012.

Australian artist Rolf Harris shows off Harris performed last year at the Queen's Jubilee concert

Harris was interviewed under caution on November 29 last year, five days after his Berkshire home was searched.

Police passed their evidence to the CPS on August 12.

"We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Service as part of Operation Yewtree in relation to Rolf Harris, who was initially arrested on November 29 2012 over allegations of sexual offences," said the CPS' Alison Saunders.

"A file of evidence was passed to the CPS on August 12 2013.

"Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Harris to be charged."

Harris will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 23.

Historic sex abuse allegations The entertainer was awarded a CBE in 2006

The Australian, who painted a portrait of the Queen in 2005 and performed at her Diamond Jubilee concert last year, has been a family favourite for decades.

He had his first musical hit Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport in 1960, and continued to enjoy success in the industry, gaining cult status in recent years and performing at Glastonbury festival several times.

Harris, who has lived in Bray, Berkshire, for more than 50 years, was awarded an MBE in 1968, an OBE in 1977 and a CBE in 2006, and was made Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours list last year.


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Devon Resort Sidmouth Left £2.3m By Banker

An investment banker has left £2.3m in his will to a small British seaside resort - with instructions some of the money be spent on a million flowers.

Canadian Keith Owen, who was 69, made his fortune in the financial industry and travelled the world, but always returned to his favourite place - Sidmouth in Devon.

Mr Owen was born nearby and spent most of his holidays in the coastal town admiring its beach, blooms and Regency architecture.

When Mr Owen was told in 2007 he was suffering lung cancer and had just eight weeks to live he left the parish his retirement fund, pension and a string of properties.

His massive £2.3m estate - £1.5m in cash and £800,000 from properties - was handed over with a stipulation it had to be spent keeping Sidmouth "beautiful".

Before he died he also told officials some of the money should be spent on planting one million flower bulbs in the town.

Mr Owen, who was divorced with no children, left all the money to the Sid Vale Association with instructions that the income from his legacy's investments should be spent locally.

The group has now decided to honour one of his specific suggestions by planting a million bulbs in verges, gardens, lawns and flowerbeds.

Rev Handel Bennett, vice chairman of the Sid Vale Association, said: "Keith Owen saw voluntary action as evidence of a community at peace with itself.

"The SVA, through Keith's gift to the people of Sidmouth, has in the last five years provided many grants to local voluntary organisations totalling over £400,000.

"Today we are asking the local community to respond to the Plant A Million Bulbs challenge, by volunteering to enhance our natural environment with additional colour.

"Once planted, we expect the results will become evident in spring 2014 but subsequent springs should be better, as the bulbs multiply.

"Who knows, perhaps one day people will travel to see 'a host of golden daffodils', in the Valley of a Million Bulbs?

"We hope it will fulfil Keith's hope of an iconic spectacle to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors."

Mr Owen was born in Totnes in Devon and became an RAF pilot, leaving the service in 1976 to start a new life and career in finance in Canada.

He moved to Ottawa and became a Canadian citizen but returned for regular visits to Sidmouth, where his mother had retired.

After her death he regularly stayed in her small flat and described Sidmouth as the picture perfect English resort. Mr Owen died in the town in December 2007.

Sidmouth Garden Centre is currently stockpiling the massive number of bulbs needed to complete the Plant a Million Bulbs Challenge.

The first wave will see 153,000 flowers planted at a community day on October 26.


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Mid Staffs Trust To Be Prosecuted Over Death

Scandal Hit History Of NHS Trust

Updated: 1:27pm UK, Thursday 29 August 2013

Here is a timeline of how events unfolded at the scandal-hit Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

:: November 2007

Grief-stricken Julie Bailey creates the Cure the NHS campaign group following the death of her mother Bella, at Staffordshire General Hospital.

:: February 2008

Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust, which runs Stafford Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital, is awarded foundation trust status - a supposed marker of excellence in the NHS.

:: May 2008

Health watchdog the Healthcare Commission launches an investigation into high death rates at the trust.

:: March 2009

Trust chief executive Martin Yeates and chairman Toni Brisby resign days before a Healthcare Commission report reveals that between 400 and 1,200 more people died than would have been expected at the trust between April 2005 and March 2008.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologises to families caught up in the scandal.

:: April 2009

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) takes over responsibility from the Healthcare Commission as health regulator for England.

:: June 2009

Andy Burnham replaces Alan Johnson as health secretary in a cabinet reshuffle.

:: July 2009

The CQC publishes its first progress report into Stafford Hospital.

Mr Burnham announces a second independent inquiry, chaired by Robert Francis QC, into what went wrong at the trust.

:: September 2009

The second independent inquiry into failures of care at the hospital publishes terms of reference, but Cure the NHS claims it will not go far enough.

:: October 2009

The Conservatives say they will order a full public inquiry if they win the next election.

:: November 2009

The inquiry formally opens, but the hearings are held in private.

:: February 2010

Bereaved families from Cure the NHS attack the "secretive" inquiry and protest outside the Department of Health, calling for the resignation of Mr Burnham.

Later in the month the report from the independent inquiry is published. It concludes that patients were "routinely neglected" at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust was preoccupied with cost-cutting and targets, and lost sight of its responsibility to provide safe care, the report says.

:: March 2010

It emerges that the independent inquiry cost more than £1.7m to conduct.

:: May 2010

The Conservatives win the general election and Andrew Lansley becomes Health Secretary.

:: June 2010

Prime Minister David Cameron announces a public inquiry will be held into the failings at Stafford Hospital.

:: July 2010

Chairman of the public inquiry, Mr Francis, pledges to discover why "appalling" standards of patient care were not discovered sooner.

He says the inquiry will also attempt to establish the role of supervisory and regulatory bodies in events at Stafford Hospital.

:: October 2010

The CQC says Mid Staffs is still falling short on 11 key standards set out by law to maintain quality and safety in hospitals.

:: November 2010

The inquiry hearings begin on Monday November 8, but proceedings are delayed when a bereaved relative stages a protest. In its opening statement to the inquiry, Cure the NHS claims the care offered by the hospital was so poor it infringed patients' human rights.

Ms Bailey tells the inquiry about the treatment of her mother, and adds that she still has "huge concerns" about the treatment of vulnerable patients.

:: October 2011

The CQC issues a warning to the trust after it finds low staffing levels could compromise patient safety.

:: December 2011

The trust announces that Stafford Hospital's accident and emergency department will close at night for three months due to staff shortages.

The closure coincides with the end of the 139-day public inquiry which heard from 164 witnesses, with an additional 87 witness statements and 39 "provisional statements".

:: September 2012

Foundation trust regulator Monitor says experts are to be called in at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust to put it back on a viable financial footing.

Mr Francis announces that the report from the inquiry, which was due to be delivered in October, will be delayed.

Jeremy Hunt is appointed Health Secretary.

:: December 2012

Lawyers reveal the trust has paid out more than £1m in compensation for "inhumane and degrading" treatment of patients.

:: January 2013

An independent investigation of the trust, conducted on behalf of Monitor, concludes the trust is "clinically and financially unsustainable" and will not be able to provide safe care on a sustainable basis in the future.

:: February 2013

NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar predicts the release of the report will be "one of the darkest days" in the history of the NHS.

The bill for the public inquiry reaches £13m.

The Francis Report highlights the "appalling and unnecessary suffering of hundreds of people" between 2005 and 2009.

The inquiry chairman makes a total of 290 sweeping recommendations for healthcare regulators, providers and the Government in his 1,782 page report, which attacks local health authorities and the trust board but does not blame any one individual or organisation for the "disaster" at Stafford Hospital.

Mr Cameron apologises for the "truly dreadful" mistreatment and neglect at the trust, he also introduces a raft of changes - including creating the role of Chief Inspector of Hospitals.

Ms Bailey calls for the resignation of NHS boss Sir David Nicholson - who was in charge of the regional health authority responsible for the trust for a short period while patients were being mistreated.

It emerges that police and prosecutors are examining new evidence about the scandal at Stafford Hospital that could lead to criminal charges.

The Prime Minister says that Sir David should not be used as a "scapegoat" for the scandal. Other political leaders including Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and shadow health secretary Mr Burnham also back the embattled NHS boss.

Cure the NHS campaigners stage a protest outside an NHS Commissioning Board - now known as NHS England - meeting in Manchester where the board backs Sir David.

Monitor announces it is considering putting the trust into special administration.

:: March 2013

Sir David tells the Health Select Committee that he is "absolutely determined" to stay in his job, despite calls for his resignation.

The Government responds to Mr Francis's report, making a number of sweeping changes to the health service including; the introduction of Ofsted-style ratings for hospitals, a national barring list for failing NHS managers and a legal duty of candour. Mr Hunt says the events at Mid Staffordshire were a "betrayal of the worst kind" to patients and their families.

:: April 2013

The Health and Safety Executive says that it has begun a criminal investigation into the death of a woman at Stafford Hospital. Gillian Astbury died after slipping into a diabetic coma at the hospital in 2007.

Monitor announces that trust special administrators will take charge of the trust from April 16.

Support Stafford Hospital campaigners stage a demonstration protesting against any changes to the trust.

Stafford Borough Council refers former chief executive Martin Yeates and chairwoman Toni Brisby to the Crown Prosecution Service over allegations of misconduct. Councillors accuse the pair of misconduct in public office by knowingly giving false and misleading evidence relating to death rates to the council's statutory overview and scrutiny committee.

:: May 2013

Sir David announces that he will retire from his role as NHS England chief executive in March 2014.

It emerges that he will leave his post with a pension pot of more than £1.9 million.

:: June 2013

Sir David says "becoming the story" after the publication of the Francis report contributed to his decision to retire.

A review of deaths at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust by police and other officials has identified 200 to 300 cases where neglect might have contributed to the death.

The special administrators charged with working out how to deliver long-term healthcare at a troubled hospital trust are given more time to come up with a blueprint days before it was due to be published.

:: July 2013

The administrators publish their recommendations for the future of the trust. They said that the troubled trust should be dissolved and that critical care, maternity and paediatric services at Stafford Hospital should be cut.

:: August 2013

The HSE says it will bring criminal charges against the trust over the death of Gillian Astbury.


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Syria: 'Britain Helped Rebels Use Chemicals'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 28 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

Britain, the US and France helped "terrorists" use chemical weapons in Syria, says the country's deputy foreign minister.

The claims comes as David Cameron finished holding 'war talks' at Downing Street where military commanders were helping draw up plans for missile strikes against Syria.

The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) after insisting the West must not "stand idly by" in the wake of Syria's suspected chemical attack.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all sides to prioritise a diplomatic solution and asked for more time for his team in Syria to establish the full facts.

He said inspectors would need until Sunday to carry out their investigation.

However, David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have agreed that "all the information available confirmed a chemical weapons attack had taken place", a Downing Street spokesperson said on Wednesday morning.

"They both agreed they were in no doubt that the Assad regime was responsible," said Number 10.

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Missing Boy Recovered From River Cam Is Named

A 12-year-old boy found dead after going into the River Cam near Cambridge has been named as Andrew Collings.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed his body was recovered at around three o'clock this morning following a major search operation.

Witnesses had reported seeing him enter the water on Tuesday evening.

Police and other emergency services began searching after reports the boy did not resurface after going into the river at Lammas Land, the Fen Causeway, at about 6pm.

Fenns Causeway The boy was pulled from the water near Lammas Land, the Fens Causeway

Andrew attended the Cambridge's Netherall School. His headteacher spoke of her sorrow at his death after his body was discovered.

Principal Caroline McKenney said: "The school extends its deepest condolences to Andy's family. When the time is right we will speaking to his family and students at the school to find a suitable way of remembering him."

According to the Cambridge News, the boy's family watched as officers, paramedics, fire crews and a police helicopter searched the water. Rescue teams were seen dredging the river.

One witness told the paper: "The police helicopter was up and the firefighters were everywhere. They were going up and down the river looking for a child.

"We heard that four boys had gone into the river but only three came out and one didn't."

A spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service said: "We received the call at 6.11pm to an incident involving a 12-year-old boy in water.

"We sent three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a land crew from East Anglia Air Ambulance."


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Peru: Plea Decision Looms For British Women

A lawyer for one of the British women accused of drug smugling in Peru says they will have to decide soon whether they are going to plead guilty or continue to maintain their innocence.

Peter Madden, who is representing Michaella McCollum, 20, from Northern Ireland, said she and co-accused Melissa Reid, also 20, from Scotland, are scared and confused but will have to decide within weeks what to plead.

"They are basically confident enough that what they have told the authorities will be eventually proved," Mr Madden said.

"The Peruvian system is still that they are innocent until proven guilty but in reality they have to try to prove that what they said happened to them did happen."

Peru Reid's father went to Peru to support his daughter

Mr Madden, a well-known human rights solicitor from Belfast who has acted for high-profile republicans, has just returned from South America.

He added: "They are frightened. They are unsure of their future. They are in a prison in which they are the only two foreigners."

Mr Madden said that, under new laws soon to take effect in Peru, they could be released after two years if they accept responsibility for their crime.

He added: "The position is that at some stage there will have to be a decision made by Michaella and Melissa as to whether or not, in our terms, they plead guilty, or plead not guilty and go to trial.

Melissa Reid and Michaella McCollum The women were found with 11kg of cocaine in their luggage

"That stage hasn't been reached yet."

Mr Madden told BBC Radio Ulster: "Anybody who is arrested and found in possession of drugs goes straight into prison. There is no bail.

"If they want to protest their innocence in a trial that may take up to or over two years, whereas if they accept their responsibility, as it is put, it could be over in six months.

"The law is changing so they could actually serve just over two years and be released.

"There is a new law going through the Peruvian Congress which states that any foreigner who has a sentence of less than seven years will get two-thirds remission and be removed from the country after a period of one third.

Lima is the capital of Peru The pair say they were forced to travel from Ibiza to Peru

"This is a fairly complex decision but at some stage they will have to make that decision."

The women were stopped with 11kg (24lb) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £1.5m, hidden in food packets in their luggage while trying to board a flight to Spain earlier this month.

Officials said they had confessed to investigators that they knew there were drugs in their bags but that they had been threatened at gunpoint and forced to smuggle the cocaine by a criminal gang.


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Mortar Device Found In Northern Ireland

Police in Northern Ireland say they have found a "mortar type device" near the village of Cullyhanna, County Armagh.

The discovery comes after a major security operation close to the Irish border, which has lasted for several days.

Soldiers have been using sniffer dogs and metal detectors to scour hedgerows and drainage ditches for signs of explosives.

The device was found in the area around Bog Road and Lisleitrim Road, where a number of houses had been evacuated.

It is being examined and made safe by a bomb disposal team.

Dominic Bradley, the Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA for Newry and Armagh, said: "The people of Cullyhanna, south Armagh and indeed the people of this island, want to be left in peace. Instead, those responsible still live in some warped existence of the past.

"There is palpable anger in the local community. They don't want this level of disruption as they go about their everyday lives.

"The community are relieved there have been no deaths or serious injury and they want those responsible to stop immediately."

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy added: "I'm concerned at both the capability and the intent of those sinister elements behind this (device).

"It simply reinforces how important it is that local people give total support to the police and provide them with every assistance possible as they attempt to protect and serve the entire community."

The discovery comes after a mortar attack on a police station in Londonderry was foiled when security services stopped a van with four devices that were primed and ready to launch.

Mortars have also been found during security alerts in Belfast.


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Forward Guidance: Carney Bids To Woo Critics

The governor of the Bank of England has defended his policy of giving 'forward guidance', saying it will help secure the scale and duration of economic recovery.

In a highly-anticipated first public speech since taking the role, Mark Carney set out to reassure the City on the wisdom of his move to keep the base rate of interest at its current record low of 0.5% until unemployment falls to 7% or below.

He told an audience of business leaders in Nottingham: "Rates won't go up until jobs and incomes are really growing.

"The knowledge that interest rates will stay low until the recovery is well established should give greater confidence to households to spend responsibly and businesses to invest wisely."

The guidance, set out earlier this month, also contained a series of caveats that have prompted fears that the base rate might rise sooner than expected - sending bond yields up.

But Mr Carney said: "We do not intend even to consider raising it before unemployment falls to 7%."

He also unveiled new plans to bolster bank lending by another £90bn.

Facing mounting criticism over stringent demands for lenders to bolster their financial reserves, Mr Carney said all banks and building societies that meet new capital requirements would be allowed to reduce asset holdings elsewhere on their balance sheets.

This would, the governor said, reduce holdings by £90bn once all eight major banks and building societies met the capital rules.

"That will help to underpin the supply of credit, since every pound currently held in liquid assets is a pound that could be lent to the real economy," he insisted.

Mr Carney addressed too concerns about the housing market recovery, saying that policymakers were "acutely aware" of the risk of another price bubble and he vowed to step in and take action to rein in Britain's resurgent property market if needed.

He said lenders could be asked to restrict borrowing terms or even be forced to hold more cash on their balance sheets to dampen down an over-heated property market, which some fear is beginning to emerge as a result of schemes such as Help To Buy.

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Gaddafi's Son Seeks UK Help Over 'Show Trial'

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

By Lisa Holland, Foreign Affairs Correspondent

The lawyer representing Colonel Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, is urging the British Government to do all it can to prevent him facing trial in Libya and deliver him to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

John Jones QC told Sky News he fears his client, who faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, will be subjected to a 'show trial' and sentenced to death.

He said: "Executing Saif Gaddafi would be a complete violation of the ICC orders so it's logical and right, and a moral and legal obligation on the UK, to intervene."

It follows a Libyan court's decision to sentence to death Colonel Gaddafi's former education minister Ahmed Ibrahim.

The ICC has also raised concerns about the ability of the Libyan authorities to hold the trial and the charges they plan to present against Saif al-Islam.

Saif al Islam Saif al-Islam pictured after his capture

Fadi El-Abdallah, a spokesman for the court, told Sky News: "There is no legal representation for him on a national level and the operation of gathering the evidence and protecting the witnesses is not secured."

But the process of transferring Saif al-Islam from Libya to The Hague is proving to be a complex one.

He was captured by rebel fighters from the Libyan city of Zintan in November 2011 and has been held there, in solitary confinement, ever since.

The Libyan Government is struggling to exert its influence over large parts of the country and can't transfer him without the permission of Zintan's militia leaders.

John Jones, QC, says it's further evidence that Mr Gaddafi must be handed over to the ICC.

Saif al Islam He was once tipped to lead Libya towards democracy

He said: "Libya's central authorities don't have control of his custody. That proves the point that if there's no control of is custody, if there's no rule of law in Libya, he should be tried in The Hague".

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was once tipped by western governments to lead Libya towards democracy.

Educated at the London School of Economics and considered by many to be the country's de-facto prime minister, he refused to abandon his father when protests sprung in several Libyan cities in early 2011.

He was found by fighters from the Zintan brigade trying to cross into Niger just a month after his father Colonel Gaddafi was captured and killed.

His last public appearance was in May when he briefly appeared in court to answer separate charges of endangering national security after he was accused of providing an ICC lawyer with 'sensitive' documents.


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Ashes Wee Scandal: ECB Probes Pitch Piddle Claim

The English Cricket Board (ECB) are to investigate after team spinner Graeme Swann appeared to confirm England players urinated on the Oval pitch after their Ashes win at the weekend.

Swann told The Sun newspaper he thought some members of the team may have answered the call of nature "once or twice" as they celebrated their victory on the pitch.

"We did go out to the middle of the pitch, all the lads, drinking beers, singing a few songs and enjoying each other's company," Swann said.

James Anderson; Kevin Pietersen; Stuart Broad The accused: James Anderson, Kevin Pietersen and Stuart Broad

"I think the call of nature might have come once or twice, but it was nothing untoward. It was midnight, a private celebration in the middle of the pitch and the ground was dark," he added.

A row has been growing after Australian journalists claim they spotted three England players spending a penny on the pitch after the team returned to the field after their 3-0 series win over Australia.

They reportedly saw bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and batsmen Kevin Pietersen relieve themselves while the rest of the team cheered.

England v Australia: 5th Investec Ashes Test - Day Five The England team beat Australia 3-0

Surrey County Cricket Club chief executive Richard Gould told The Sun: "We've spoken to the ECB and they say they will be looking into the matter.

"We would be very disappointed if it turns out they did urinate on the pitch."

The final Test at The Oval ended in controversial circumstances on Saturday, with the umpires taking the players off for bad light to end an intriguing contest that saw England needing just 21 runs for victory.


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First Badger Cull Under Way Amid Protests

A controversial badger cull has started in two counties in England as experts insist it is a vital move to stop the spread of bovine TB.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) confirmed the operation had been launched in a letter to its members on Tuesday morning.

Around 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in Gloucestershire and Somerset over the next six weeks under the two pilot schemes.

Farmers and the Government insist culling of badgers is needed to stop spiralling rates of TB in cattle herds.

Anti-cull protesters in Minehead, Somerset Anti-cull protesters in Minehead, Somerset

But opponents say culling the protected animal will have only a small effect on infection rates and will lead to badgers suffering.

They want the emphasis to be on vaccines and tighter on-farm and cattle movement measures.

Campaigners turned out in large numbers at the pilot sites on Monday night to protest against what they call "inhumane" action.

NFU president Peter Kendall said the cull was "an important step not just for cattle farmers but for the whole farming industry".

He wrote: "We cannot go on culling tens of thousands of cattle every year because of TB while knowing the disease exists in wildlife uncontrolled."

He added: "Badger control remains a controversial subject and we understand that some people will never agree with controlling badgers in this way.

Anti-badger cull protesters near Watchet, Somerset A protest sign outside "Camp Badger" in Watchet, Somerset

"I hope that when time shows that these culls have reduced TB in cattle - just as has happened in Ireland - that even more people will understand that while sad, these culls are absolutely necessary."

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson told Sky News the badgers would be shot by trained marksmen "under very carefully controlled circumstances".

"It is something I think we all approach with regret but for the last 15 years we have been the only country with a significant problem of bovine tuberculosis in cattle and bovine tuberculosis in wildlife that has only tried to address the problem in cattle," he said.

Mr Paterson stressed that the evidence from abroad showed the cull was the only route until the disease in reduced in wildlife and there is a vaccine for cattle.

"We are working really hard and leading the way in Europe on cattle vaccines but we are at least 10 years away," he said.

However, Labour condemned the pilots and claimed they would actually spread TB further as badgers are moved around.

Shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh said: "The Government's divisive badger cull will cost more than it saves and will spread bovine TB in the short term as badgers are disturbed by shooting.

"We need a science-led policy to manage cattle movements better and a vaccine to tackle TB in cattle. Ministers should listen to the scientists and drop this cull which is bad for farmers, bad for taxpayers and bad for wildlife."

Gloucestershire and Somerset The pilots are happening in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset

RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant agreed, saying: "Science has shown that this cull is not the answer to bovine TB in cattle. In fact, it could make things a lot worse. Vaccination and better bio-security are the only sustainable and true ways forward."

Stop The Cull claimed on its Facebook page that more than 500 people turned out to protest at both pilot sites on Monday night.

Somerset Badger Patrol held a vigil in Minehead and said more than 200 people took part. "We fight on, knowing that we are right helps," it said in a statement.

The High Court has granted an injunction to stop farmers involved in the culls being harassed and abused after complaints they had been targeted.

The cull was due to begin last autumn but was postponed while research continued into the population numbers in both areas.

The Government said west Somerset has approximately 4,300 badgers, with another 3,600 in west Gloucestershire. The aim is to kill 70% of the animals.

The culls, which will be carried out annually for four years, last six weeks and are allowed to take place between June 1 and January 31.

If they are successful in stopping the spread of bovine TB, they could be rolled out, saving millions in compensation to farmers.


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MS And Parkinson's Sufferers Told: 'Get To Work'

By Frazer Maude, Sky New Reporter

Thousands of people with progressive conditions such as Parkinson's and MS are being told they could recover enough to look for work, according to charities.

The government's controversial Work Capability Assessment is again under fire after a coalition of four leading charities claimed that 45% of people were told they would be able to work again following assessment for Employment Support Allowance.

Parkinson's UK, MS Society, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Cystic Fibrosis Trust have called for the abolition of the system saying it is "farcical" and "defies belief".

Between 2008 and 2011, 13,600 people with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or rheumatoid arthritis applied for Employment Support Allowance, figures show.

Nearly half were placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) after being assessed for Employment Support Allowance, where charities claim they should have been in the Support Group, which doesn't require the individual to seek work.

Sue Watson, from Leeds, is one of  580,000 people in England who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

On bad days it can make even the smallest movements intensely painful.

When she was forced to give up her work as an aromatherapist her Work Capability Assessment placed her in WRAG.

"It has a detrimental effect because stress affects rheumatoid arthritis," she says.

Iain Duncan Smith Iain Duncan Smith's Department for Work and Pensions has defended claims

"So the stress of being felt that you're on the scrap heap and that you're not believed, and to think that I'm going to be forced to go back into work even though I can't, that had a huge impact on me."

Caroline Hacker, Head of Policy at Parkinson's UK said "This is the latest in a long line of unspeakable failures by Atos Healthcare (who carry out the assessments) and the Government when it comes to supporting those who need it most.

"To set up a system which tells people who've had to give up work because of a debilitating progressive condition that they'll recover, is farcical and simply defies belief."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "It's ridiculous to suggest that we think people with degenerative conditions will 'recover'. However, it is important that we don't simply write people off. There is strong evidence that working can be beneficial for many people who have a health condition."

An Atos Healthcare spokesman said: "Our healthcare professionals are trained in the assessment of chronic and progressive conditions such as Parkinson's and understand that, sadly, some people's conditions will only get worse over time.

"However, the advice we are asked to give DWP concentrates on how individuals are affected by their illness at present.

"All decisions on the outcome of claims, for example whether they are placed in the WRAG or the Support Group, are made by DWP."

The charities though are calling for an end to a system which they say causes unnecessary stress and anxiety for people who are already in poor health.


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Jamie Oliver: Poor Have Big TVs But Eat Junk

Jamie Oliver has said he struggles to talk about modern poverty after seeing families living on junk food but spending money on enormous televisions.

The chef, who has previously worked with ministers to improve school food, said he was baffled by struggling Britons who relied on expensive ready meals.

Oliver, 38, who has an estimated fortune of £150m, recalled being appalled by one family when filming a campaigning programme.

He said: "I'm not judgmental, but I've spent a lot of time in poor communities, and I find it quite hard to talk about modern-day poverty.

"You might remember that scene in Ministry Of Food, with the mum and the kid eating chips and cheese out of Styrofoam containers, and behind them is a massive ******* TV. It just didn't weigh up."

Poor communities in other countries took a different approach and used cheap food products but still ate healthily, Oliver told the Radio Times.

"Some of the most inspirational food in the world comes from areas where people are financially challenged," he said.

"The flavour comes from a cheap cut of meat, or something that's slow-cooked, or an amazing texture's been made out of leftover stale bread."

He added: "Seven times out of 10, the poorest families in this country choose the most expensive way to hydrate and feed their families. The ready meals, the convenience foods.

Jamie Oliver and Tony Blair in Downing Street in 2005 Jamie Oliver has previously campaigned for better school meals

"I meet people who say, 'You don't understand what it's like.' I just want to hug them and teleport them to the Sicilian street cleaner who has 25 mussels, 10 cherry tomatoes, and a packet of spaghetti for 60 pence, and knocks out the most amazing pasta.

"You go to Italy or Spain and they eat well on not much money. We've missed out on that in Britain, somehow."

Oliver, who is promoting a new Channel 4 show Jamie's Money Saving Meals, urged people to go to their local market instead of the supermarket.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) insisted low income could be a barrier to healthy eating and attacked the Government for a lack of support.

Head of policy Imran Hussain said evidence showed poorer parents were less likely to be able to afford fresh fruit for children, and that they spent more on healthy food if their incomes rose.

"The huge hits many working and non-working families are taking in their incomes as a result of cuts in tax credits and benefits are very real, as is the resulting huge growth in demand for food banks. The Government's child poverty strategy is seriously adrift and urgently needs rethinking," he said.

Helen Berresford, Save The Children's head of campaigns, added: "In these hard economic times, many of us are looking for ways to save money and get more for less.

"It's important that we do not lose sight of the tough reality for so many low-income families who are doing the best they can while struggling with high food costs, rising energy bills and childcare costs."

The Department of Work and Pensions insisted it had taken steps to address the cost of living, such as increasing the income tax threshold and freezing council tax and fuel duty.

A spokesman added: "Our welfare reforms with the introduction of Universal Credit will make three million households better off - the majority of these from the bottom two-fifths of the income scale."


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Video: Children Saved From Sinking Car In Essex

Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

A woman who helped save several people trapped in a sinking car has told Sky News she knew she had to act quickly after realising there were three children trapped in the vehicle.

Hannah King, 22, and her friend Emma Burles, 26, pulled the children - aged four, six and eight - to safety after the Mitsubishi 4x4 got stuck driving through deep water under a railway bridge in Hockley, Essex.

"As soon as it went in, the water took it," Ms King told Sky News

"When it started sinking we could see there were kids in there and knew we had to get them out."

Dramatic footage filmed by a bystander shows the two women passing the children to a group of local boys who led them to safety.

Scott Swinford, who was driving the car with eight-year-old son Reece, his niece Jessica and nephew Alfie inside, said he thought his "monster truck" type vehicle could make it through the water.

But after finding himself in difficulty and trying to reverse out the vehicle was taken by the current and the wheels lost traction.

Ms King said the children were already up to their knees in water when she started to pull them out.

"The little girl was most scared I think. I couldn't get her seatbelt off at first, but they were okay once they were inside," she said.

Video footage of the rescue shows the vehicle largely submerged moments after the children were taken to safety.

After the children were taken inside to dry off, a police scuba team arrived at the scene believing people might still be trapped, Ms King said.

A user comment below the video of the rescue on Youtube said: "I would like to say a very very big thank you to all the people that helped rescue my Grandchildren & my Son-In-Law you were all brilliant thank you all again from the bottom of my heart you all done a fantastic job xxxxxx."

Heavy rain caused a number of roads to be flooded in Essex on Saturday and the fire service received more than 300 calls overnight.


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Ovarian Cancer: Hopes Over UK Screening

Cancer charities are hoping that a new screening programme for ovarian cancer to save thousands of lives a year may be rolled out across the UK.

Known as the silent killer, ovarian cancer is responsible for the deaths of 4,500 women a year and is notoriously difficult to detect in the early stages when it is most responsive to treatment.

There is currently no national screening programme in the UK because the current blood test that is used often produces false results.

However, scientists in America say they have tweaked the tests to detect the cancer more accurately.

The trial at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston showed it is possible to identify ovarian tumours correctly through a screening strategy of blood tests and ultrasound examinations.

Karen Lu, who is leading the research team, said: "The results from our study are not practice-changing at this time; however, our findings suggest that using a longitudinal (or change over time) screening strategy may be beneficial in post-menopausal women with an average risk of developing ovarian cancer.

"We are currently waiting for the results of a larger, randomised study currently being conducted in the United Kingdom that uses the same Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm in a similar population of women.

"If the results of this study are also positive, then this will result in a change in practice."

Annie Mulholland, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2011, told Sky News: "I had no symptoms of cancer but I felt unwell and went to doctors to find out why I was feeling a bit tired ... that was my fortune."

"Because there is no screening at the moment which is reliable the doctors have to wait until a woman presents."

She said the roll-out of a screening strategy like the one highlighted in the report would be "wonderful" news for thousands of women.

"If every singe woman over a certain age, perhaps 50 or over, would be screened routinely it would raise awareness of this particular cancer and it would also allow doctors to find out whether the woman is growing the cancer well before it's too late to cure."


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Afghanistan: British Deaths 'Not In Vain'

The governor of Nad-e Ali District in Afghanistan's Helmand Province has told Sky News that the loss of British lives in the conflict has not been in vain.

In six years of fighting in Nad-e Ali, 52 British soldiers have been killed. 

Mohammad Ibrahim said in an exclusive interview with Sky: "I think the sacrifices have not been wasted. Now the people have a standard of living here. Children are going to school, we have clinics here.

"Due to these clinics a lot of people, women and children used to die.

Afghanistan Mr Ibrahim says British 'sacrifices have not been wasted'

"So the sacrifices that have been made by your soldiers and our soldiers, we appreciate that and will never forget that."

Sky News went out on patrol with 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The military still takes nothing for granted when planning a patrol, as suicide bombers, small gunfire and improvised explosive devices still pose a threat. 

The Taliban still have strongholds a few miles away and regularly attack checkpoints and bases.

But the main bazaar in Nad-e Ali is now a bustling centre of business. A few years ago, at the height of the insurgency, it was empty.

Afghanistan street traderAfghanistan street trader Market traders agree the situation is "better than before"

"The situation in here is fine but a little bit away from this bazaar it's not good, although better than before," one local trader told Sky News.

"The situation has changed but there isn't any positive change," said another, older man.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is currently holding talks with Pakistan's new prime minister, seeking help to open communication with the Taliban to end 12 years of war.

It is Karzai's first visit to Islamabad in 18 months and signals a desire by both countries to overcome distrust and hostility as 87,000 Nato combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan next year.

 Mr Ibrahim, the governor of Nad-e Ali, has a fine line he knows he needs to tread.

Mohammad Ibrahim Mr Ibrahim with Sky's Alistair Bunkall

If he pushes change too fast then he risks alienating and annoying the elders and a possible Taliban resurgence.

But he is understandably bullish about the progress his district has made. 

However, you can't help but wonder what could happen when the British finally leave town.


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Ex-Army Officer With Royal Link Killed In Kenya

A retired British Army officer who ran a game reserve where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests has been killed in a botched robbery at his home in Kenya.

Lieutenant Colonel David Parkinson, 58, and his wife Sonja were attacked after a gang of five robbers, armed with machetes and a gun, broke into their house in the Lolldaiga Hills, a wildlife ranch, in the early hours of Sunday.

During the confrontation, Lt Col Parkinson's hand was cut off and he was fatally wounded, police said.

Local police chief Marius Tum said the intruders entered the couple's bedroom by breaking a glass door using a large stone.

They ordered the couple to hand over money and guns.

"One of the gang members was armed with a pistol, another with a machete while the rest had crude weapons. While one of them was terrorising Mr Parkinson the others tied his wife's hands with ropes," Mr Tum said.

However, Mrs Parkinson, who had sustained a cut on her back, managed to untie herself and escaped to a strong room where she hid herself until the robbers fled.

On returning to the main house she found the body of her husband on the floor, police said.

Prince William and Catherine the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William proposed to Kate at Lt Col Parkinson's game reserve

Mr Tum said a post-mortem examination would be carried out to determine the cause of Lt Col Parkinson's death.

On Sunday afternoon, a suspect from a nearby village was arrested after police mounted a major manhunt using sniffer dogs.

Lt Col Parkinson, who had a distinguished career in the Army for 30 years, worked as the manager of the Lolldaiga ranch in Laikipia East district since 2008.

Before that he was a director of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya where Prince William spent his gap year helping with various conservation projects before taking up his place at St Andrews University.

It is also where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death of Lt Col Parkinson.

"We are aware of his death and we stand ready to provide consular assistance to his family at this sad time," a spokesman said.


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North Sea Helicopter Crash: Bodies Returned

The bodies of three of the four oil workers who died when a helicopter plunged into the North Sea have been brought back to the mainland.

A passenger ferry carrying the bodies arrived at Aberdeen Harbour this morning.

 It is understood the fourth body will arrive on Tuesday.

The Super Puma helicopter was carrying 16 passengers and two crew from the Borgsten Dolphin platform when it crashed into the sea off Shetland on Friday evening, killing three men and one woman.

It is not yet known what caused the CHC-operated helicopter to crash as it approached Sumburgh airport on the southern tip of the main island.

North Sea Helicopter crash It is not yet known what caused the crash

Tributes have been paid to the victims, named as Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham; George Allison, 57, from Winchester, Hampshire; Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin in the Highlands; and 59-year-old Gary McCrossan, from Inverness.

The wreckage is expected to be transported to shore later for examination by a team from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Senior management staff from the helicopter's manufacturer, Eurocopter, have arrived in Aberdeen.

Guillaume Faury, Eurocopter's chief executive, said: "All of us at Eurocopter are deeply saddened by this accident. This is a tragedy for all of us.

"We express our deepest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the workforce in the North Sea.

Shetland helicopter crash Dive vessel Bibby Polaris was involved in the salvage of the wreckage

"We also wish to acknowledge all those persons involved in the search-and-rescue operations. Their prompt and professional action saved many lives and for that we are sincerely thankful.

"At this point in time, limited technical information is available regarding the cause of this accident. Eurocopter's experts are in Aberdeen working closely with the investigation authorities to determine the cause."

It is hoped information on the helicopter's black box recorder will help establish the cause of the crash.

Super Puma flights to and from UK offshore installations have been suspended, prompting a meeting of oil and gas industry chiefs to discuss the impact on platform workers.


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Pets Considered Part Of The Family, Census Shows

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 25 Agustus 2013 | 20.14

The British family has changed in modern times - with pets widely considered to be much-loved members, according to new research.

The findings from Ancestry.co.uk, the family history website, show 90% of pet owners think of their animal as part of the family.

A third (33%) of those even claim to prefer their pets to real life members of their family, with one in six (15%) considering their pet more important than their cousin.

Dog owners are the most keen to make their pet a bona fide family member, with 16% choosing to include the animal in the 2011 Census.

A number of these even listed their dog as their "son" on the official form.

But this animal infatuation is by no means a 21st century phenomenon, with pets also listed in the 1911 Census.

For example, Arthur and Elizabeth Delve from Smethwick found it fit to record the existence of their "faithful Irish terrier Biddy". Biddy, it was noted, was a "magnificent watch and a demon on cats and vermin".

Another canine in the 1911 Census is 'Roger the Watchdog' who lived in Dulwich. His journalist owner James Little listed his age at five and a rather fitting profession of "looking after the house".

Paintings of pets were particularly popular in Victorian Britain when wealthy women were known to sit for pictures with perfectly groomed lap dogs.

This trend persists today with one in 20 owners confessing they have commissioned a professional portrait of their animal.

Many British people also leave behind a more permanent token of affection.

Nearly one in 10 (9%) of dog owners love the animal so much that they are planning on leaving money or assets to them in their will.

:: Ancestry.co.uk commissioned ICM Research to question 2,000 UK adults aged 18 and over this month about attitudes towards pets. Of these, 1,172 were pet owners.


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NHS Managers Pocket £1.4bn In Pay-Offs

NHS chiefs have squandered £1.4bn on axing staff as part of David Cameron's shake-up of the health service, Labour have claimed.

Latest Department of Health figures show that over the past three years more than 32,000 NHS managers received "exit packages".

Of these, 330 people received pay-offs totalling more than £200,000, while just under 2,000 pocketed between £100,000 and £200,000.

The figures come in the same week that NHS workforce statistics show the number of nursing jobs lost since the election in 2010 has topped 5,000.

Labour claims the shortage of nurses is fuelling a waiting time crisis at A&E units and and leaving one in 10 hospitals without enough staff.

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "The true cost of David Cameron's NHS re-organisation is slowly revealing itself and it is enough to make people weep.

"At a time when the NHS needs every penny it can get, we have a Prime Minister handing out gold-plated, six-figure pay-offs to hundreds of managers and P45s to thousands of nurses. It stinks and begins to explain why, on Cameron's watch, A&E is in crisis and waiting lists have hit a five-year high.

"There could be no clearer illustration of a Prime Minister with his priorities seriously wrong. He has lined the pockets of management consultants and left one in 10 hospitals without enough staff on the wards.

"Billions have been siphoned out of the NHS front-line to pay for an unnecessary re-organisation no-one voted for and David Cameron personally promised would not happen.

"We are only in this position because Cameron was too weak to stand up to his old boss Andrew Lansley and allowed him to proceed with his vanity re-organisation.

"It is time for the Government to own up to the real cost of its disastrous NHS re-organisation. These payments show that official figures are under-estimating the true price-tag.

"People who are now waiting longer for operations, or seeing treatments denied, have a right to know about how this Government has chosen to spend scarce NHS resources."

A Department for Health spokesperson said: "Last year we started changes that put doctors and nurses in the driving seat as they are best placed to take decisions about care for their patients.

"The changes made as a result of the reforms mean a huge net gain for the taxpayer. They will save £5.5bn during this Parliament and £1.5bn every year thereafter, to be reinvested back into patient care."

Meanwhile, the Royal College of Midwives has claimed expectant mothers are being turned away from maternity wards because of severe staff shortages, which could last a decade.

It said a baby boom is putting strain on the system - the number of new births jumped by 7,000 between 2010 and 2012.


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North Sea Helicopter Crash: Super Puma Grounded

All helicopters of the same model as one which ditched into the sea off Shetland killing four people have been grounded.

Helicopter services company CHC said flights of the Super Puma AS332 L2  would be suspended globally until further notice.

It has also suspended all UK commercial flights of the other models in the Super Puma range after a recommendation from an aviation safety group.

The search is continuing for the body of the fourth victim of the crash, which took place as the helicopter headed back from the Borgsten Dolphin platform on Friday.

The aircraft was carrying  two crew and 16 passengers from the rig, operated by French oil and gas company Total.

 Police named the four people who died as: Early indications suggest a sudden and "catastrophic loss of power" which gave passengers no chance to brace for impact before the helicopter ended up upside down in the North Sea.

At a meeting of the UK's Helicopter Safety Steering Group on Saturday, offshore companies and unions agreed to suspend commercial flights by all models of Super Puma until at least next Wednesday.

Shetland helicopter crash victims Top: Duncan Munro; Gary McCrossan. Bottom: George Allison; Sarah Darnley

CHC - which operates helicopters in 30 countries - said it had "great respect" for the HSSG and would follow its recommendation, which still allows for the use of emergency flights.

The incident marks the fourth in four years involving Super Puma aircraft.

In April 2009, 16 people died when a helicopter returning from BP's Miller platform crashed 11 miles from Peterhead after a "catastrophic failure" in part of its main gearbox.

A Facebook group called Destroy The Super Pumas, set up after the latest tragedy, has more than 15,000 likes.

One comment urges offshore workers to "stand side by side and get these Death traps out of the sky's for good !!!!"

However, other users warn against a knee-jerk reaction and say that the helicopter has been successfully used for many years in search and rescue.

The Unite union's Scottish Secretary, Pat Rafferty, said the safety record was "unacceptable" and called on the oil and gas industry to use "every means at their disposal to demonstrate that its fleet is fit for purpose".

Facebook Super Puma page A Facebook page is calling for the industry to scrap the Super Puma

Bob Crow, head of the RMT union, said he expected an "outpouring of  anger" after the latest incident.

"The entire Super Puma fleet must remain grounded until the causes of this latest event are established," said Mr Crow.

Police named the four people who died as: Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland; Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin; Gary McCrossan , 59, from Inverness; and George Allison, 57, from Winchester.

The body of the fourth victim is still on board the wreckage of the helicopter, which is thought to be close to rocks.

Sky's James Matthews in Aberdeen said: "The plan today is to send this recovery vessel out of Lerwick and if conditions allow there will be police divers on board who will retrieve the body."

A crane will then lift the wreckage out of the sea.

It is thought that at least three of the four people who died had trouble getting out of the wreckage of the upturned helicopter.

All the relatives of the dead have been informed.

Mr Munro's family said he was "a fabulous father" to his 12-year-old daughter and that his death would "leave a large void in a lot of people's lives".

Sarah Darnely's mother, Anne, paid tribute to a "fun-loving free spirit" who was brought up in Elgin and moved to Aberdeen aged 19.

Victims of the crash walking from the coastguard rescue helicopter Some of the survivors were able to walk unaided after the rescue

Two survivors of the crash were still in hospital on Shetland on Sunday night. The other 12 have returned to Aberdeen.

Amanda Smith, the mother of one of the workers, Sam Smith, said that her son had telephoned her from hospital after suffering cuts in the crash.

She told Sky News: "He said it seemed to lose power and there was no time to brace, they just dropped into the sea.

"He was by the window so he was able to escape that way as it rolled over.

"He said he had come off better than a lot of people."

Survivors were aided by waterproof immersion suits that helped keep them afloat and warm in the North Sea.

The tide - which was heading towards the land - also helped survivors.

A team from the Department of Transport's Air Accidents Investigation Branch has travelled to Aberdeen to carry out initial inquiries.

A statement from Super Puma manufacturers Eurocopter said it was "supporting CHC and relevant authorities with their investigations".


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Kilburn Shooting: Police Arrest Second Man

A second man has been arrested over the killing of a 24-year-old woman shot dead as she celebrated her 24th birthday.

Sabrina Moss, from Neasden in northwest London, died in hospital after being involved in a double shooting.

Police said she was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time while out with friends.

Another 24-year-old woman remains in hospital. Her condition has been described as critical but stable.

Kilburn Double Shooting Police investigate the double shooting in Kilburn

Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin of the Metropolitan Police said: "Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident.

"At this early stage, I believe the two women were innocent parties who were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time."

The family of Ms Moss visited the scene of the shooting on Sunday with flowers, which officers placed inside a police cordon.

The second man is being held at a north London police station, and the first remains in custody, Scotland Yard said.

Police at the scene of the shooting death of Sabrina Moss Police lay flowers at the scene of the shooting

Police were called at 4.12am yesterday to reports of shots fired in the street in Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, north-west London, at the junction with Messina Avenue.

Police and the London Ambulance Service found two women suffering gunshot injuries and both were taken to London hospitals.

Ms Moss was later pronounced dead.

Mr Sandlin said: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the shooting, or who saw anything suspicious in the Kilburn area, to call police.

"In particular, I need to hear from anyone who saw two males who came into the High Road from Messina Avenue and, after the shooting, made off on foot back along Messina Avenue."

Kilburn Double Shooting Officers were called to the scene after reports of gunshots

The second suspect to be arrested is being held at a north London police station, while the first also remains in custody, police said.

Tributes to Ms Moss flooded onto social networking site Twitter, with many of her friends reporting that she had a young child.

Adjei Adu wrote: "My heart goes out to her family and the lil one she's left behind, sleep well Sabrina Moss."

Leila Hassan tweeted: "My Thoughts Are With Your Family... A Beautiful Young Woman, Mother and Daughter!"

Another tweet read: "Lost the cousin I was close with when I was a child.. R.I.P Sabrina Moss."

Anyone with information that might assist the investigation was asked to call the incident room at Hendon on 020 8358 0300. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


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Earthquakes In Irish Sea Shake North West

The British Geological Survey has recorded two earthquakes in the North West, with residents of Blackpool, Fleetwood and Barrow saying they felt their homes shaking.

The first of the two quakes had a 2.4 magnitude. It was reported at 5.37am at a depth of 3km (1.8 miles), 25km (15 miles) west of Fleetwood.

The second one measured magnitude 3.3. It was recorded at 9.58am at a depth of 5km (3 miles).

Irish Sea quakes The BGS chart records the two tremors

Local residents said on social media sites that they had felt a tremor.

"Just had an earthquake in Blackpool anyone else feel it our breakfast room shook wooooo adrenaline rush !" the Sandgate hotel in  Blackpool posted.

@Kirstenkat wrote: "Earthquake in Blackpool area this morning not quite what I expected from a quiet Sunday."

@Samcornwell posted a photo of a fallen chair and quipped: "Blackpool earthquake! We will rebuild!"

Irish Sea quakes Pic: @Samcornwell

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Fracking tests in Lancashire have been blamed for some previous tremors in the area.

A quake at Preese Hall near Blackpool, Lancashire, last April had a magnitude of 2.3.

A study by experts at Durham University found in April that fracking operations were "not significant" in causing earthquakes.

The controversial process involves pumping a mixture of water and chemicals underground to deliberately crack sedimentary rock and extract oil and gas.


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