Dad Hears Of Son's Jet Death On Football Site

The father of a young British football fan on board the flight shot down over Ukraine said he found out his son was among the victims on the internet.

Barry Sweeney said he was "hurt" to have learned the news from a Newcastle United fans website.

He had spent Thursday night trying to get through to official sources on "emergency lines".

Liam Sweeney, who worked night shifts at Morrisons, was travelling with friend John Alder, in his 60s, to see Newcastle United's pre-season tour in New Zealand when the crash occurred.

The 28-year-old would have been known to many fans during his time volunteering as a steward on supporters' buses to away games.

Barry Sweeney and John Alder were heading to New Zealand

Asked how he found out, his father told Sky News that he found out the NUFC website, which posted condolences.

He said: "I got a text last night off a friend, saying they'd heard something about a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, not really thinking much about it. Then I put Sky News on and was watching that.

"I rang a couple of numbers, spoke to a Malaysian lady…to be honest with you, a Geordie and a Malaysian lady trying to interact was a little bit difficult, but I gave her my number, hoped somebody would get back to us but they didn't.

"There was a number to text which I tried, nothing there. So basically I found out on NUFC.com this morning.

"It was impossible to believe, even when the police came this morning I thought he might have had too much to drink and he didn't get on the plane but they confirmed that he was on the plane."

Mr Sweeney added that his son was a "big friendly giant" who loved football "probably more than anything" but "was always there if you needed him".

In a separate interview the 52-year-old questioned whether he would want to go to the crash site.

"Is it worth it to see what I don't really want to see?" Mr Sweeney said.

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Police Hunt Man Who Tried To Snatch Girl, 3

Police are appealing for help to catch a man who tried to abduct a three-year-old girl as she was playing in a busy residential area.

It happened on Friday afternoon at a block of flats on Egerton Street in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

The man lifted the girl over a fence and was trying to walk off with her when he was challenged by her mother and fled.

Officers say the child did not suffer any physical harm.

The man is said to be of eastern European appearance, around 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and with black, tightly-curled hair.

He was wearing a red and white baseball cap, a red jacket and red trainers.

"We do not know what this man's intentions were, but nevertheless are very concerned about this incident," said Detective Inspector Benjamin Hart of Greater Manchester Police.

"We are appealing to any possible witnesses to come forward and assist our investigation.

"If anyone saw a man matching this description around this area of Salford on Friday the 18 July or knows someone who fits this description and was likely to have been in or around this area, we are keen to speak to you."

DI Hart added: "I understand that this incident will cause a lot of concern in the community ... and would therefore like to reassure residents that all patrolling officers have been given a detailed description of this man, and we will do all we can to find (him)."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the investigation team on 0161 856 5470 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Briton On Doomed MH17 Almost Missed Flight

A friend of Robert Ayley, one of the 10 British victims on board flight MH17, has revealed the father-of-two almost missed the flight.

Bill Patteson, who was travelling with the 27-year-old around Europe visiting Rottweiler breeders, has told Sky News his friend didn't make it onto the bus to take him from his hotel to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

But Mr Ayley, who was originally from Guildford but moved to New Zealand as a child, managed to get there in time to board the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight, which was shot down over Ukraine with almost 300 people on board.

An ex-journalist, helicopter pilot, students and Newcastle United fans are among the other British victims.

Mr Patteson, who flew back to New Zealand the day before, said: "There were so many things that came together to make Rob be on that flight.

"The stars really had to align for Robert to be on that flight, even right down to the last minute.

"Everyone was hoping he'd missed the flight, but Robert being the great organiser that he was managed to get on his flight."

Mr Patteson described his friend as a "really great, confident young man" who was proud of his British roots.

Six of the British victims on flight MH17

Mr Ayley's wife Sharlene wrote on Facebook: "Rob was our everything. We adored him and there was no one else like him. He touched so many hearts and lives.

"We are grateful to forever have him in our hearts."

Mr Ayley's family said he was passionate about life and his family, adding that when it came to Rob "there were no half measures".

The Boeing 777-200 in February. Pic: Andreas Fietz

"He found in his boys two little people he could love, understand and trust," they said.

"When they cried they were sad, when they laughed they were happy and when they hugged it was because they loved him."

The statement added: "Sharlene and Rob are soul mates. She is his 'Princess'. She changed his life and he changed hers.

"She held his heart and he held hers. Rob will live forever in his family."

Briton Stephen Anderson was on board MH17

The other seven Britons were named yesterday.

They are: Leeds University student Richard Mayne, helicopter pilot Cameron Dalziel, Loughborough University student Ben Pocock, Newcastle fans Liam Sweeney and John Alder, World Health Organisation media officer Glenn Thomas and former RAF search and rescue co-ordinator Stephen Anderson.

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Isle Of Wight Ferry Deck Collapse: Four Hurt

Four people have been taken to hospital after the upper deck of a car ferry collapsed.

Paramedics, police, fire crews and the coastguard were called to the incident at the Fishbourne terminal on the Isle of Wight at around 10.30pm on Friday.

In a statement, Wightlink ferries said: "As part of the usual disembarkation process, after vehicles on the lower deck had left the ship, the starboard forward mezzanine deck with nine cars on board was lowered.

"When it was a short distance from the deck below, it dropped a few feet and made contact with the lower deck."

An Isle of Wight Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Four patients required ambulance treatment for a variety of injuries, none of which are believed to be life threatening. All are conscious and breathing.

"All patients have now left the scene and are on their way to the hospital at Newport."

He added: "We are not aware of the nature of the injuries. It is very fortunate that it was only four people injured, all things considered."

Wightlink ferries said a full investigation into the incident is now under way.

"The incident has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Wightlink is fully co-operating with the authorities," it said.

"St Helen, in common with all Wightlink ferries, is inspected regularly by external surveyors. The last independent engineering survey of the ship, including its mezzanine decks, took place in May 2014 during her annual refit."

Portsmouth police warned of delays for people hoping to travel to the Isle of Wight from the city.

A spokesman said on Twitter: "Just liaised with Wightlinkferry (our side), there are delays for those wanting to travel tonight to the IOW due to the earlier incident."

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Thunder, Hail And Lightning After Hottest Day

Flood warnings have been issued for most of England and Wales as more thunderstorms are expected - after at least 3,000 were reported in the South East on Friday.

Sky News weather forecasters said heavy showers in the South and South East would move northwards across Britain during the morning after temperatures reached 32C (90F) on Friday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.

They have predicted "torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and the risk of localised flooding".

The Environment Agency warned up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain could fall in an hour in some areas.

Almost every county in England and Wales is at "medium" risk of flooding, according to the EA, which has issued 59 flood alerts, warning people to be prepared.

The majority are in the Midlands, the South East and the South West.

Lightning strikes over the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire

Fire crews were called to a number of incidents caused by lightning overnight into Saturday.

The first floor and roof of a house in Sittingbourne, Kent, was set alight by a lightning strike, while the roof of a bungalow was hit in Whitstable, Kent Fire and Rescue said.

Houses were also hit in the market village of Lenham, near Maidstone, while lightning started several small fires in Willesborough, near Ashford.

Hot and humid conditions during the day on Friday brought warnings from Public Health England (PHE).

It urged people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun when at its hottest and to wear at least factor 15 sun cream for skin protection.

There were a reported 3,000 lightning strikes. Pic: Laurie Knight

It also called for people to look out for those most at risk - children and the elderly.

Temperatures are expected to be slightly lower today with a high of 26C (79F) in London, but it will still be very humid in the South and the Midlands.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic will have a mostly dry start to the day.

It will be unsettled again on Sunday with sunny spells and showers, and more heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

Despite the thundery conditions there is still a "yellow" warning of a heatwave for the UK, which advises people to be "alert and ready".

Lightning close to Tilbury Docks in Essex. Pic: Alby Lovelock

There is a 60% chance of a heatwave continuing until tomorrow morning, according to the Met Office.

A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said airlines would cancel 20% of flights between 4pm and 6pm today due to the thundery weather.

An electrical surge at Manchester Airport had led to some delays.

General duty manager Gary Brown said: "It impacted on some lifts and baggage systems but most systems are now back up and running.

"We'll wait to see what happens this afternoon when we're expecting thunder."

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Weather: Britain To Burn On Hottest Day

Britain is expected to experience another scorching day as temperatures top records set on Thursday.

The hot and humid conditions across the country follow overnight storms that saw heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

And those downpours will return again on Friday night to disappoint Britons hoping for a sun-packed weekend.

Forecasters predict they are likelier to be even heavier than those experienced late on Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday.

"Today, we are going to see the highest temperatures of the year so far and we are expecting them to hit 32C," said Sky weather producer Rebecca Yussuf.

"However, we expect overnight tonight will be a repeat of last night, only more so, particularly over England, Wales and Scotland as heavy storms come up from France.

Temperatures in London will pass the 29.2C they hit on Thursday

"There is a real risk of torrential downpours of heavy rain, hailstones, frequent thunder and lightning.

"I wouldn't be surprised if some people see some flooding within the next 24 hours."

The Met Office has upgraded its warning from yellow to amber, saying: "Where thunderstorms do form, some torrential downpours are likely with frequent lightning, large hail and locally strong gusts.

"Significant flooding is possible where these do occur from surface water as well as from small, fast-responding watercourses."

John Curtin, director of incident management at the Environment Agency, said: "Intense heavy rainfall this weekend brings a surface water flood risk for England throughout the weekend.

"Flooding can happen very quickly and the public are urged to keep checking local weather forecasts and the Environment Agency website for information on a regular basis.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support local authorities, who will respond to any reports of surface water flooding. We will also continue to monitor river levels closely and issue warnings where flooding is likely."

Thursday was until now the hottest day of the year, with temperatures touching 29.2C.

The hot, humid conditions have brought health warnings from Public Health England (PHE).

It urged people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun while it is at its hottest, and to wear at least factor 15 sun cream for skin protection.

It has also called for people to look out for children and the elderly, who are most at risk.

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Malaysia Airlines Plane Crash Victims Named

Britons Glenn Thomas and Richard Mayne are two of nine UK nationals on board flight MH17 when it crashed in eastern Ukraine, colleagues said.

Two Newcastle United fans, John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were travelling to see their football team play in New Zealand, also died in the crash, according to NUFC.com and the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Newcastle United fan Liam Sweeney

Leeds University student Richard Mayne, 20, from Leicestershire, had recently completed a charity trek to Everest Base Camp, and was described as a man who had a "great thirst for life and wanted to make the world a better place" by his former headteacher.

Mr Thomas, 49, from Blackpool, was among 100 delegates reportedly on their way to an international conference on Aids in Melbourne, Australia.

He was a media officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva where friends today spoke of their shock and loss.

Dr Lange is believed to have been with partner Jacqueline van Tongeren

Fadela Chaib, a spokeswoman for WHO, said: "We have lost a wonderful person and a great professional. Our hearts are broken. We are all in shock."

Some of the great minds in the fight against HIV and Aids were on their way to the International Aids Society (IAS) summit, including, it is understood, one of its former presidents Dr Joep Lange, a well-known researcher from the Netherlands.

"If this is the case then the HIV/Aids movement has truly lost a giant," the IAS said in a statement.

Albert Rizk and his wife Maree were returning from a holiday in Europe

Among the 283 passengers and 15 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew on board were also 173 Dutch nationals, 44 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12  Indonesians, four Germans, four Belgians, three Filipinos, one Canadian and a New Zealander.

In a bizarre twist of fate, 41-year-old flight attendant Sajid Singh swapped flights to fly on MH17 - months after his wife swapped off the doomed MH370 which vanished flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, his his father Jijar Singh told The Malaysian Insider.

The Star Online reported Malaysian PM Najib Razak's step-grandmother was among the passengers aboard the fateful flight.

Kaylene Mann, from Queensland, Australia, who lost her brother and sister-in-law in the flight which disappeared on March 8, 2014, is now mourning the loss of her stepdaughter Maree Rizk, who together with her husband Albert, were were aboard MH17 on their way back to their Melbourne home after a month-long European holiday.

Cor Pan posted a picture of the airliner on Facebook before he boarded it

Sailor and businessman Nick Norris, 68, was also on his way home from a breakaway in Europe with his three grandchildren, Milo Maslin, 12, Evie Maslin, 10, and Otis Maslin eight, aboard the airliner, Perth Now reported.

The children's parents were said to be devastated, while Mr Norris's daughter Natalia Gemmell, said her father was a "great man" and described her niece and nephews as "gentle, clever and beautiful kids".

The Australian media also reported a much-loved nun, Philomene Tiernan, from Sydney, Toorak college teacher Frankie Davison and her husband Liam, student Elaine Teoh and her Dutch boyfriend Emiel Mahler, Canberra mother-of-two Liliane Derden and security consultant Marco Grippeling, from Melbourne, among the victims.

Young Dutchman Cor Pan, from Volendam, north of Amsterdam, who is also believed to have perished in the disaster, posted a picture of the jetliner on Facebook, minutes before he boarded it, writing: "If it should disappear, this is what it looks like."

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Jessica Ennis-Hill Gives Birth To Baby Boy

Britain's Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has given birth to her first child, a baby boy named Reggie.

The London 2012 gold medallist announced the birth via her official Twitter page.

"Our beautiful baby boy Reggie Ennis-Hill was born yesterday (Thursday). We couldn't be happier," she said.

Ennis-Hill, 28, who is married to husband Andy, revealed her pregnancy in January.

It ruled her out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which begin next week.

Fellow athletes took to Twitter to congratulate the athlete, including her British rival Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Ennis-Hill won gold in the heptathlon at the London Olympics in 2012

Ennis-Hill has said she is "100% set on returning to full-time athletics" after the birth, and hopes to compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Speaking earlier this year about her long-term sporting plans, Ennis-Hill said she was aiming to come back to athletics in late 2015.

"It's very difficult to set a plan in stone at this point, I have to take it as it comes for the next few weeks and months and be very careful when I build back into full training," she said.

"I've got to make sure I do that properly to avoid injuries and setbacks. Hopefully, come the end of next year I'll be back into the full swing of things, a full programme, pretty much as I was before."

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UK Couple 'Shaken' After Missing Doomed Flight

A British family scheduled to fly on the downed Malaysia Airlines plane say they have a "second chance" at life after being forced to miss the flight because there were not enough seats.

Barry Sim, from Scotland, his wife Izzy, and the couple's young child were travelling to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport in a taxi on Thursday evening when they heard about the crash.

They had been due to catch flight MH17 to Malaysia earlier in the day, but were told they would have to switch to another plane.

Cradling her baby at the airport, Mrs Sim said: "I'm shaken. I don't even know what to do. I feel physically sick.

"I was coming from the Hilton (hotel) in The Hague to the airport in the taxi and I was just crying.

"I'm just thinking that I feel like I've been given a second chance, so hopefully we will get there (to Malaysia) safely and we will see my family again."

The couple told the Daily Telegraph they were forced to swap to a KLM flight bound for Kuala Lumpur as there were too few seats for them and their baby.

A woman cries as she waits for information in Kuala Lumpur

Mr Sim told the newspaper he also felt "sick" after hearing about his family's lucky escape, but added that he wanted to carry on with his life.

"In my mind lightning never strikes twice in the same place, so I am still philosophical that you get on the flight and you go about your life," Mr Sim told the newspaper.

Flight MH17 was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur at an altitude of 33,000ft (10,000m) when contact was lost yesterday afternoon.

An armed pro-Russian separatist at the crash scene

The plane crashed near the border with Russia. There were nine Britons among the 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

An adviser to the Ukrainian interior ministry said the Boeing 777 had been hit by a Buk ground-to-air missile.

US intelligence has also concluded a surface-to-air missile brought the plane down, but it is not clear who is responsible for the tragedy.

Crash investigators have been given access to the site and journalists have been encouraged to take pictures, many of which are too graphic to show.

A video which has emerged of a massive fireball shooting into the air - the apparent moment the plane was blown out of the sky - features three men, reported to be pro-Russian rebels, talking about the explosion.

Before the flight set off from Amsterdam, a young Dutchman posted a picture of the jet on Facebook, writing: "If it should disappear, this is what it looks like." 

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Deepcut: New Pte Cheryl James Inquest Ordered

A fresh inquest has been ordered into the death of Private Cheryl James, who died at Deepcut barracks in 1995.

The 18-year-old was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.  

An earlier inquest into her death recorded an open verdict, but two High Court judges quashed that on Friday due to "an insufficiency of inquiry".

Judge Peter Thornton QC said "the discovery of new facts or evidence" made "a fresh investigation, including a fresh inquest, necessary or desirable in the interests of justice".

Des and Doreen James applied for a new inquest after the Human Rights Act was used to get access to documents about their daughter's death.

"When young people die in violent circumstances, a rigorous and transparent investigation should be automatic," they said in a statement.

Pte James Collinson also died at the barracks in Surrey

"Something went dreadfully wrong at Deepcut, yet until now no-one has bothered to look at how and why our daughter died.

"We can only hope that Cheryl's legacy helps change the current ineffective and discredited military justice system."

Pte James was one of four soldiers who died at the barracks in Surrey between 1995 and 2002, as claims of bullying and abuse emerged.

Privates Sean Benton, James Collinson and Geoff Gray also died from gunshot wounds.

Pte James was found in a small wooded area close to the gate where she had been posted, alone.

In the subsequent investigation, the fragmented bullet from her head was not examined and was later lost. Also lost were the bullet's casing, other bullets in the rifle and Pte James' clothing.

"Her rifle was not examined forensically. No fingerprints were taken from it. No gunshot residue tests were made," Judge Thornton said.

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