Bernard Gallacher 'Critical' After Heart Problem

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."

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".

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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House Prices Surge For Fourth Month In A Row

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.

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."

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.

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.

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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