The proposal was agreed at an executive meeting on Thursday morning. It will mean non-domestic properties affected by the flooding will be eligible for a one-off Â£1,000 payment. It will be paid through local councils. As well as farms and small businesses, sports facilities, community halls and churches will also be eligible. A similar scheme is already available for homeowners. The Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said it was a "welcome addition" to a package of measures designed to help people affected by the storms. Only small businesses employing fewer than 25 people can apply. The business must have been out of use for a fortnight and show a non-insurable loss of at least Â£1,000. Farm businesses will include farmyards and land. Farmland must have been under water for a fortnight and incurred extra cost due to loss of productivity or unplanned reseeding.

Summary: The executive has agreed to set aside Â£200,000 to help farmers and businesses affected by the winter floods.


American television company, HBO have commissioned a third series to be recorded and produced in various locations throughout the region. The series will be shot in the Paint Hall film studio and the new sound stages in Belfast. Various locations in Northern Ireland will also be used, including the Linen Mill Film Studios in Banbridge. Based on a best-selling series of books by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones has picked up various American television awards. A number of Northern Ireland men and women appeared in the second series of the fantasy adventure drama after they advertised for extras. Men were required to have, or be prepared to grow a beard, while women were required to look between 35-65 and have long, natural coloured hair.

Summary: Award-winning television series, Game of Thrones will be returning to Northern Ireland.


Micro-artist Graham Short engraved five notes and put four in circulation sparking a hunt for the valuable notes. The first was spent by Mr Short in a cafe in Wales in 2016 and found soon after. Each is now worth about £50,000. The fifth was given to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath which intends to put it on display. Mr Short presented the £5 in person to the Jane Austen Centre following a minute's silence to mark the bicentenary of her death. Three of the four notes have been found since they were put into circulation. One, spent in Scotland, turned up in a Christmas card while another was donated to a good cause by a kind-hearted pensioner. The fourth £5 note, spent in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, is still missing. The serial numbers and quotations on the five £5 notes start AM32 885551 to 885554.

Summary: A museum dedicated to Jane Austen has been presented with a £5 note featuring a tiny 5mm portrait of the author worth £50,000.


Mr Shalom, who is also stepping down from his position as deputy prime minister, said he was doing so to spare his family any more suffering. The attorney-general has ordered a probe into claims made against Mr Shalom by several women. Mr Shalom has denied any wrongdoing. Israel has seen several similar high-profile cases in recent years. The police anti-fraud chief is under investigation for sexual misconduct and last month another MP in the governing coalition, Yinon Magal, resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. In 2011 the former President Moshe Katsav began a seven-year jail sentence for rape. Some media reports suggest that Mr Shalom's replacement in the Israeli parliament could be Amir Ohana, who would become the first openly gay MP from the right-wing Likud party.

Summary: Israel's Interior Minister Silvan Shalom has resigned after a series of sexual harassment allegations.


Police were called to Gainsborough House in the early hours of Friday morning, after reports that a woman had fallen from the fourth floor. Ms John-Baptiste, of Enfield, was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards. Police are treating her death as unexplained. A 24-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and bailed until late September, pending further inquiries. Det Ch Insp Neale Baldock of the Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses or information about the incident. "We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what occurred on the victim's balcony prior to her fall to help us with our investigation," he said. Ms John-Baptiste is reported to have worked for Liberty Gas, a central heating engineering company.

Summary: A woman who died after falling from a block of flats in Enfield, north London, has been named as 22-year-old Jourdain John-Baptiste.


Banks, 23, has joined on a two-year deal after leaving Chesterfield, where he won the League Two title in 2014. He started his career at Rotherham but was moved on to spells at a number of non-league clubs before he joined the Spireites in 2013. Former England Under-21 international Clarke, 34, has signed a one-year deal after his one-season stay at Bury. Clarke has made more than 600 professional appearances for seven different clubs including Everton, Blackpool and Huddersfield. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One side Oldham Athletic have signed midfielder Ollie Banks and defender Peter Clarke.


Margaret Gleeson, 70, died on a Sunday at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary - two days after a routine hernia operation in October 2015. Bolton Coroner's Court has heard her family ask whether reduced staff at weekends made the hospital "unsafe". When questioned about weekend staffing, the trust's Dr Sadasivam Loganathan agreed it was "a major concern". He said: "You don't give the same attention as the patient deserves." Dr Loganathan, a consultant general emergency and colorectal surgeon, said the situation was similar at "lots of organisations in the NHS at the moment". The inquest has heard that medics believed Mrs Gleeson's operation had been a success, but it was later discovered that internal tissue had been torn during the procedure. Mrs Gleeson's daughter, Julie Barnes, has told the inquest one of the family's questions is whether reduced staffing levels at weekend have made the hospital "unsafe". The inquest continues.

Summary: Weekend staffing levels affect the care patients receive at a Wigan hospital, an inquest has been told.


The 61-year-old man from Hastings was pronounced dead at the site of the crash on the A259 at Icklesham, near Winchelsea at 10:15 BST on Sunday. The driver of the Ford Focus, a 53-year-old man from Dartford, Kent, and his passenger, a woman aged 51, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The A259 was closed between North Lane, Guestling Thorn, and Laurel Lane, Icklesham, for more than four hours. Sussex Police have appealed for anyone who saw the crash or the Triumph Legend motorcycle or the car shortly beforehand to come forward.

Summary: A motorcyclist has died at the scene of a collision with a car in East Sussex.


Revisions to the Westgate Shopping Centre scheme, in the city centre's West End, include a reduction in the heights of all five proposed blocks by up to 1.3m (4ft 3in). The maximum height was originally expected to be up to 90m (390ft). Other changes include a new pedestrian footway. The amended plans for the existing centre and adjacent land have now been submitted to Oxford City Council by Westgate Alliance, and are open to public comment. The plans, which include about 70 shops and up to 122 new homes, were originally submitted in September last year. A decision on the planning application is expected in March.

Summary: Plans for a new Oxford shopping centre have been scaled back following a public consultation.


Work has begun on constructing the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (Bowl) in the Outer Moray Firth at a cost of £2.6bn. More than 80 turbines have been proposed for the scheme. The new £3m fund is open to community groups, charities and non-profit-making organisations. It will operate over five years with £2m available for projects in Caithness and Sutherland and £1m for applications from Moray. Energy giant SSE, one of the companies involved in Bowl, has announced the establishment of the fund's panel. Its members are Caithness and North Sutherland Fund co-ordinator David Shearer, Highlands and Islands regional director at Scottish Council for Development and Industry Fraser Grieve and chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce Sarah Medcraf. Also Prof James Hunter, who is Emeritus professor of history at the University of the Highlands and Islands, and SSE's head of community investment Morven Smith.

Summary: An independent panel has been set up to consider applications to a community projects fund linked to a massive offshore wind farm project.


Heartbreak Publishing, set up seven years ago by the Fife-born artist, sold prints, posters and postcards of his work and of other artists. Mr Vettriano, the company's majority shareholder, said it was a business decision to place the company in voluntary liquidation. His prints will still be available from his own website. Mr Vettriano said: "This is purely a business decision and involves a return of the company's assets to the shareholders. "Signed, limited edition prints, open edition posters, cards, and books will still be available from early this year through my official website; www.jackvettriano.com."

Summary: A publishing company set up by the artist Jack Vettriano has been wound up.


Ibrahimovic, 35, suffered cruciate knee-ligament damage in a Europa League win over Anderlecht on 20 April. The former Sweden forward thanked fans for their support after the surgery. His agent Mino Raiola said United's top scorer would make a "full recovery", adding that the injury was not career-threatening. Ibrahimovic, who scored 28 goals this season, will now begin rehabilitation in Pittsburgh. He joined the Premier League side on a one-year deal from French champions Paris St-Germain last summer, but has yet to agree a contract extension at Old Trafford. This content will not work on your device, please check Javascript and cookies are enabled or update your browser

Summary: Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he feels "fixed and stronger" following a successful knee operation in the United States.


Platini resigned in May after failing to overturn a ban imposed for ethics breaches over payments he received from former Fifa president Sepp Blatter. He will be succeeded by Dutch football boss Michael van Praag, acting Uefa president Angel Maria Villar or Slovenian FA boss Aleksander Ceferin. The election will be on 14 September. Platini, 60, and former Fifa counterpart Blatter, 80, were last year found guilty over a "disloyal payment" of 2m Swiss Franc (£1.3m), with Platini banned from all football activity for four years. Meanwhile, Evelina Christillin of the Italian Football Federation and Laura McAllister, of the Football Association of Wales, have officially submitted their candidacies for the position of Uefa's additional female member on the Fifa Council. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Uefa has confirmed the names of the three candidates attempting to succeed Michel Platini as president of European football's governing body.


The woman was assaulted while walking underneath George Street Bridge, along the Maindee side of the river, at about 21:30 BST on Monday. Gwent Police said a man grabbed her hood and searched her pockets. After he found nothing, the woman told him she was pregnant and he punched her in the stomach. She was taken to hospital but is not thought to have any lasting injuries. Police described the man as Asian, in his late teens or early 20s, medium height and build and wearing a scarf over his mouth.

Summary: A pregnant woman was punched in the stomach during an assault in Newport, police have said.


On Wednesday, tonnes of earth engulfed the main highway leading north from Colombia's second-largest city, Medellin. The mud from the mountainside covered an area the size of two football fields and buried two cars, a lorry and two motorbikes, rescue workers said. Emergency workers are searching the mud for any more victims. The landslide came down about 12km (7 miles) north of Medellin in the Copacabana area. Landslides are common in this mountainous region of Colombia, especially following heavy rains. Six years ago, 85 people died just a few kilometres south of Copacabana, when a landslide buried dozens of homes in the town of Bello.

Summary: A landslide on a major highway in Colombia has killed at least six people, officials said.


Ex-barrister Vera Baird said being made a dame for services to women gave equality "a boost". Newcastle Eagles player-coach Fab Flournoy has been appointed MBE for services to basketball. Retired Northumberland chief fire officer Alex Bennett has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service medal. He was described as being "innovative" while leading the service through £2m budget cuts in the last two years and the closure of Haydon Bridge Fire Station. Ms Baird, a former Labour MP for Redcar who is also Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, acted for miners arrested during the 1984 strike. She also represented Emma Humphreys, whose murder conviction was reduced to manslaughter in a case about the implications of the law of provocation for battered women who kill their violent partners. Flournoy is the most successful coach in the British Basketball League with 22 trophies, including a third clean sweep in 2015.

Summary: A former equal rights lawyer and basketball coach have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.


No-one was injured in the fire on board the Park and Ride service on Stonebow at around 11:45 BST on Thursday. First, which operates the vehicles, has removed all 11 buses while it carries out safety checks. The company said services were running as normal and the electric vehicles would be reintroduced once safety assessments were completed. The vehicles, which run on rechargeable lithium batteries, have been used in the city since 2014. First said an investigation into what caused the fire had been launched. The company also thanked the driver who stopped the vehicle after a warning light came on and removed the passengers.

Summary: Electric buses have been removed from service in York following a fire onboard a vehicle.


The 12cm (4.7in) creature scuttled out when staff at a storage company in Old Newton, near Stowmarket, opened the container to unload it. It was found on 13 January. RSPCA officer Naemi Kilbey, who was called to collect the spider, said: "Workers who found the spider definitely thought it was a Friday the 13th jinx." She added: "I must admit I'd get a bit of a shock if I was unloading some stock and a huge Huntsman spider crawled out." The RSPCA said Huntsman spiders, usually from Australia, can grow to more than 15cm (6in) in size but are generally harmless. While a bite from a Huntsman could cause some pain and discomfort, they are not a highly venomous species. The spider was taken to a local exotic animal specialist who will keep it.

Summary: A giant Huntsman spider from Japan was found by workers who opened a shipping container in Suffolk.


Cafodd yr heddlu eu galw i leoliad tu allan i glwb nos Peep ar Stryd y Deon ychydig cyn 02:00 fore Sadwrn. Yno fe ddaethon nhw o hyd i'r dyn oedd yn anymwybodol. Cafodd ei gludo mewn ambiwlans i Ysbyty Gwynedd. Mae dyn lleol 26 oed yn y ddalfa ar ôl iddo gael ei arestio ar amheuaeth o ymosod. Mae Heddlu'r Gogledd yn credu bod 'na wrthdaro tu mewn i'r clwb nos cyn yr ymosodiad. Ychwanegon nhw bod eu meddwl yn "agored" o ran cymhelliad yr ymosodwr, ac maen nhw'n apelio am dystion i'r digwyddiadau tu mewn a thu allan i'r clwb.

Summary: Mae dyn 28 oed o Langefni mewn cyflwr difrifol yn yr ysbyty yn dilyn ymosodiad ym Mangor.


The horses were grazing in a field in Haltwhistle when they were targeted sometime between 8 and 10 July. They were both treated by vets but one subsequently died from the injuries it received, Northumbria Police said. A spokesman said both animals were stabbed "a number of times". The owner was too upset to comment. The spokesman added: "This was a cruel and brutal attack on two defenceless animals and we are determined to catch those responsible. "Both animals were stabbed a number of times and required two vets to work together on stitching together the wounds. They were surprised the horses were still alive. "We suspect that whoever could be responsible for such an offence would have been in a group and would have been covered in blood following the incident." Police have appealed for witnesses.

Summary: One horse died and another was treated by vets after what police described as "cruel and brutal" stab attacks.


Metal detector enthusiasts discovered thousands of coins, featuring 16 different emperors, at Bredon Hill, near Evesham. The council said research was at an early stage, but the find was probably of national significance. BBC Midlands Today reporter Giles Latcham said he understood about 4,000 coins had been found, mainly bronze. Most of the coins are thought to date to the third century AD, although one featuring emperor Hadrian was produced in the second century. It is believed the coins were found in a clay pot, and soil analysis suggested they were buried in about 350 AD. At this time there was a revolt involving the Dobunni and Cornovii tribes, based in the Welsh Marches. Worcester City Museum will hold a news conference about the discovery on Friday.

Summary: Worcestershire's largest-ever hoard of Roman artefacts has been uncovered, the county council has said.


The 30-year-old former Middlesbrough trainee, who can also play in defence, joined the Spireites from Bradford. He has also had spells at Notts County and Hartlepool. "He leads by example, he enjoys doing the horrible side of the game and he can also play football and score goals," Blues manager Keith Curle told the club website. Details of any fee for Liddle have not been disclosed by the two clubs. "Gary is a model professional who has joined a club nearer to his home," said Chesterfield director of football Chris Turner. Liddle's move comes after midfielder Russell Penn left Carlisle by mutual consent to join Wrexham. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: League Two side Carlisle United have signed Chesterfield midfielder Gary Liddle on an 18-month deal.


Officers said the consequences could have been "catastrophic" when an Edinburgh train ploughed through it at Livingston North station. The Scotrail driver spotted the ladder and applied the brakes, but was unable to stop in time. The youths were witnessed tethering the ladder to the tracks. They remained at the scene to watch as it was hit by the train. British Transport Police tweeted an image of the crushed ladder in a bid to trace those behind the incident which happened earlier this month. PC Craig Wilson said: "The ladder could have easily been propelled onto the platform and struck a member of the public. Not to mention the fact that this train could have been derailed. "It might have seemed like fun but the consequences could have been catastrophic."

Summary: Four "reckless" youths who tied a metal ladder to railway tracks in West Lothian are being hunted by police.


Peek-a-Boo Nursery in Fraserburgh had been told to make swift improvements following an inspection which raised concerns about children protection. Inspectors have said that progress has since been made. A spokesperson for Peek-a-Boo Nursery said: "We are delighted the Care Inspectorate has acknowledged we have made significant improvements." The statement added: "This has been a very stressful time for all staff at the nursery and we are grateful not only for their support and loyalty but also for the ongoing support of parent-clients and the wider Fraserburgh community."

Summary: An Aberdeenshire nursery threatened with having its registration cancelled will be allowed to continue operating.


Campaigners hoped to stop plans for a marina at Newry Beach by securing the status. A public inquiry last year recommended the application should be refused and Anglesey council's planning committee rubber stamped those findings. A report said the land's use for recreational activity was not enough to grant village green status. To succeed, the applicant needed to prove residents had the right to use the land - but the lease's conditions stated that right could be withdrawn. Developers said the plans would see "enhancement of Newry Beach", including improved public access and facilities. The marina is part of a Â£100m Anglesey waterfront development which was granted planning permission in 2012.

Summary: An attempt to register land at a beach in Holyhead as a village green has been refused by Anglesey council.


Media playback is not supported on this device The 22-year-old was sent-off by referee Marius Mitrea for a tip tackle in their semi-final win over Leinster in Dublin. A disciplinary panel decided, by a majority, that Evans "undertook a lawful tackle in a manner that was consistent with the laws of the game." Uncapped Evans is available for Wales' June Tests against Tonga and Samoa. The tackle on Leinster centre Gary Ringrose happened in the 38th-minute with Scarlets leading 21-10. The Ireland international came down on his head as Evans and Scarlets prop Samson Lee stopped his progress. The disciplinary panel, made up of Scotsmen Roddy Dunlop QC, Roddy MacLeod and Iain Leslie, decided the tackle "only became dangerous as a result of the intervention of Scarlets No 3 (Samson Lee)."

Summary: Scarlets wing Steff Evans can play in Saturday's Pro12 final against Munster after the red card he received against Leinster was rescinded.


Euphemia Clark, 84, was reported missing from the Dalnaglar Care Home in Crieff at about 06:00 on Hogmanay. The last known sighting of her was thought to have been at about 10:30 the same day in the Coldswells Road area. Police Scotland said a body was found in Crieff on Friday. A statement added: "The body is still to be formally identified but the family of Euphemia Clark has been made aware." Dog units and a helicopter were brought in to search for Ms Clark. Police also asked local residents to check outhouses and external buildings.

Summary: Police searching for a missing elderly woman have found a body.


The new base, beside the Forth and Clyde Canal at Spiers Wharf in Glasgow, will replace rented facilities. Since the theatre company was set up in 2006 it has created hundreds of productions, including the award-winning Black Watch. The new headquarters will have no performance space as the organisation was founded as a theatre company without a theatre building. The new look of the canal-side building has been designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects. A spokeswoman for the NTS said: "The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be part of an emerging cultural hub in this area of Glasgow. "Other cultural tenants include Scottish Opera, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow Sculpture Studios, The Glue Factory and the Whisky Bond."

Summary: The National Theatre of Scotland will open its new headquarters later.


Malaria is one of the most deadly diseases on Earth and can be spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The scientists have put a new "resistance" gene into the mosquito's own DNA so that when they produce young these new insects are malaria free. If these mosquitoes bite people, they don't pass on malaria. The hope is that this plan will eventually wipe out the disease. While the results look good in the lab the malaria free mosquitoes haven't been tested in the wild. Almost half of the world's population are at risk of malaria. Bed nets, insecticides and repellents can help stop the insects and drugs can be given to anyone who catches the infection, but a lot of people still die every year from malaria. Mosquitoes in the UK do not carry the parasites which cause malaria.

Summary: US scientists say they have made a mosquito that won't carry the malaria infection.


Portsmouth charity Don't Hate, Donate said it was overwhelmed with the amount of items brought in during a collection at the city's Guildhall in December. It said more than 20 tonnes of donations were dropped off at the collection point in two hours. The 40ft container took 26 tonnes of aid, including blankets, clothes and medicines, to help displaced people. Volunteers packed the shipment in an operation that took up to three hours. The charity, which has its base in Fratton, opened a second collection point at a pub in Alton to cope with the number of donations. Susannah Stredder, the landlady of The George pub, said: "Every day for the last three weeks we've had a room full of donations to sort out, box up, label and get ready for the container that's going to take it all over to Syria."

Summary: A container of donated goods to help people in war-torn Syria has started its journey.


The council said the invitation was made after the authority became the first in Scotland to issue bonds on the stock exchange, worth Â£370m. That followed credit rating agency Moody's assigning Aberdeen an Aa2 rating. Council leader Jenny Laing travelled to the event with finance convenor Willie Young and six officials. The council said the money would go towards infrastructure schemes as part of its capital plan. It has the backing of the Scottish government, which believes other councils could go down a similar route. Nikhil Rathi, chief executive officer of London Stock Exchange plc, said: "Becoming the first Scottish council to list a bond, Aberdeen City Council has taken the lead in accessing the capital markets to support Aberdeen's future growth and development. "We are delighted to welcome Aberdeen City Council to open trading today to celebrate the landmark bond listing."

Summary: The Aberdeen City Council leader has performed the official opening of the market at the London Stock Exchange.


A suspicious object was found on Newtownards Road at about 22:00 GMT on Wednesday. Army bomb disposal experts examined the object and have declared it to be a hoax. The Newtownards Road was closed between Holywood Road and Grampian Avenue, but reopened to traffic just after 01:00 GMT on Thursday. Naomi Long, Alliance Party MP for east Belfast, said: "This incident is yet another senseless attack on the whole community, with the business and residential life of the local area again subjected to unnecessary disruption."

Summary: A security alert at the Alliance party offices in east Belfast has ended.


St Peter's Church in Swepstone, Leicestershire, was targeted some time between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Canon Vivien Elphick said everyone felt "gutted" as they had recently raised £25,000 for general repairs to the church. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said they were investigating. The theft was discovered by builders who turned up to work on repairs to stonework at the church. Canon Elphick said: "We just feel gutted in a sense. "We have just spent £25,000 on the building and we now have to get a load more to pay for this. "Fortunately we already had builders on site who have put sheeting over the roof otherwise rain would be going into the building right now."

Summary: A village church has had £50,000 worth of lead stripped from its roof by thieves.


Pilot Nick Jefferies and Scott Penlington, both from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, died at the scene at Cwmbach, Builth Wells. Mr Jefferies was described as an adventure seeker "fuelled by his love for life". Mr Penlington's family said they had been "overwhelmed by the hundreds of tributes" in his memory. The Independent Air Accidents Investigation Branch is leading the inquiry into the crash. The wreckage has been taken to its headquarters at Farnborough, Hampshire, for a more detailed examination. Farmer Steve Powell said the aircraft appeared to have "fallen out of the sky". "It is a terrible tragedy," he said. Dyfed-Powys Police released statements on behalf of both men's families on Friday. Mr Jefferies' family said he had "influenced the lives of many", adding that he believed in "living a life without limits". Mr Penlington's family described him as a fun-loving and kind-hearted man who would be "desperately missed".

Summary: Families have paid tribute to the two men who died when a small plane crashed in Powys on Sunday.


Gadawodd Arthur Roy Taylor, sy'n cael ei adnabod fel Archie, ei lety am tua 09:30 fore Sadwrn i fynd â'i gwch allan o glwb hwylio Gwbert yng Ngheredigion. Mae hofrennydd yr heddlu wedi bod yn cynorthwyo'r chwilio amdano wedi i'w gwch gael ei ddarganfod ddydd Sul, ond doedd dim golwg o Mr Taylor. Roedd gwylwyr y glannau wedi dweud ddydd Sul ei bod yn "anhebygol" y byddai'r chwilio'n parhau os na fyddai tystiolaeth newydd yn dod i law. Mae Heddlu Dyfed Powys wedi apelio am luniau fideo neu ffotograffau gan y cyhoedd oedd yn ardal Gwbert fore Sadwrn rhag ofn eu bod wedi gweld Mr Taylor yn hwylio. Cafodd ei ddisgrifio fel dyn 5'4" o daldra gyda gwallt wedi britho, ac roedd yn gwisgo siwmper las tywyll a siaced gwrth-ddŵr lliw llwyd tywyll.

Summary: Mae'r heddlu a gwylwyr y glannau yn parhau i chwilio am ddyn 90 oed aeth ar goll wedi iddo fynd allan ar ei gwch.


John Marshall, 69, from Longbenton, North Tyneside, faces eight charges of indecent assault against three boys. North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard the offences were allegedly carried out between 1980 and 1985. Mr Marshall denied all the charges and was granted unconditional bail before his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on 12 July. The court was told that his team had been based at Wallsend Boys Club. Clare Irving, prosecuting, said: "He was a coach for a team which was linked to the Northumberland Association of Boys' Clubs which was based at Wallsend Boys Club." Mr Marshall was arrested as part of Northumbria Police's Operation Tide, which is an ongoing investigation into allegations of child abuse at football clubs in the North East.

Summary: A former football coach has appeared in court to deny charges of assaulting boys in the 1980s.


Hodson, who has been vice captain this season with the Championship side, signed off with two tries in his final league outing for the club - Saturday's "I've really enjoyed the season here so just want to focus on that for now," said the 25-year old Australian. "I'm going to London Welsh, so I'll be back in Jersey at least once." He should face his old club next season, the Exiles having already been relegated from the Premiership. Jersey, who recorded their highest-ever finish in the English rugby pyramid by finishing seventh, can now prepare for a fourth successive campaign in the Championship.

Summary: Jersey flanker Ryan Hodson is to join London Welsh in the summer after just over a year with the islanders.


The Black Cats have also added former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena, 31, from Napoli on a one-year deal. Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio rates Borini highly, although the 22-year-old has scored just twice since becoming Brendan Rodgers's first Reds signing. The Italian, who played for Rodgers at Chelsea's academy and Swansea, moved from Roma in July 2012 for £11m. Liverpool's signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea on loan pushed him further away from first-team contention. Capped once by Italy, against the United States in February 2012, Borini has made 20 appearances for the Anfield club. Dossena, who made 31 appearances during an 18-month spell at Anfield from 2008, helped Napoli to second-place in Serie A last season.

Summary: Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has signed for Sunderland on a season-long loan deal.


The 22-year-old made six appearances for the Reds last season, before a loan spell with neighbours Notts County. He scored six times during a 17-game stint with Notts to help steer them away from League Two's relegation zone. Grant, who is a product of Forest's academy, made his debut in 2014 and scored on his first start for the club - a League Cup defeat by Tottenham. "Buzzing to sign a new three-year contract. Can't wait for the new season to start and kick-on," Grant said on Twitter.

Summary: Midfielder Jorge Grant has signed a new three-year deal with Championship side Nottingham Forest.


A man, believed to be in his 30s was pronounced dead at about 06:00 BST in Birmingham City Centre. Two others, thought to have been with the man in Fletchers Walk, were also taken to hospital. West Midlands Police warned users of the drug they were "putting their lives at risk". Black Mamba mimics the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. Synthetic forms of the drug are more potent than its naturally-occurring counterpart, increasing the risk of harmful side effects. These can include psychotic episodes, convulsions and organ failure. Black Mamba was among a raft of so-called legal highs which were outlawed when the Psychoactive Substances Act came into effect last year.

Summary: The death of a homeless man after smoking Black Mamba has sparked fears of a potentially lethal batch of the former "legal high".


Argentine Caballero, 35, signed from Malaga in 2014, while 31-year-old Spaniard Navas spent four years at City after arriving from Sevilla for £14.9m. Director of football Txiki Begiristain said working with Navas, who made 123 league appearances, was "a pleasure". Clichy and Sagna both joined from Arsenal, in 2011 and 2014 respectively. Clichy, 31, was part of the side to win City's first Premier League title in 2012. "It's amazing to see where the club is today and I am sure there is plenty more success to come," the France international told the club website. Compatriot Sagna, 34, added it was a "privilege" to play for the club. The quartet join long-serving defender Pablo Zabaleta, 32, in leaving Etihad Stadium at the end of June.

Summary: Goalkeeper Willy Caballero, winger Jesus Navas and full-backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna are all leaving Manchester City this summer.


Losses mounted in late trading to leave the FTSE 100 1.8% lower at 6,036.7 points. Direct Line was one of several companies going ex-dividend, along with BHP Billiton, which fell 4.9%. Supermarket chain Morrisons, which recently returned to the FTSE 100, was another big faller, shedding 4.5%. The decline came after the retailer posted a further drop in annual profits as a result of the price war in the supermarket sector. Shopping centre owner Intu Properties, a recent entrant to the FTSE, was the top riser, adding almost 1.5% to 299.8p. The company, whose centres include Lakeside in Essex and the Trafford and Arndale centres in Manchester, is worth just over Â£4bn. On the FTSE 250, estate agent Savills rose 5.2%, while OneSavingsBank was the biggest faller, losing 7.8%. On the currency markets, the pound rose 0.6% against the dollar to $1.4301, but tumbled 0.9% against the euro to â‚¬1.2810.

Summary: (Close): London's leading shares closed almost 110 points lower on Thursday, with insurer Direct Line leading the slide with a 9% fall.


Emergency services were called to McDonald's on Eccleshall Road, in Stafford, at about 20:30 BST on Monday. Two girls, 17 and 18, were taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with respiratory and abdominal problems. An 18-year-old girl and two 17-year old boys have been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and are being questioned. Twelve people inside the restaurant at the time were examined by paramedics after "suffering varying degrees of respiratory and stomach irritation", West Midlands Ambulance Service said. More on this story and others from Staffordshire

Summary: Two teenagers have been hospitalised after a canister was set off at a fast-food outlet.


Marine biologists from Swansea University have installed the 100m (328ft)-long structure at Pembroke Dock as part of the MacroBioCrude project. Research assistant Fleuriane Fernandes said the rope has been seeded with "juvenile" seaweed which they hope to harvest in six months time. They also hope to test its benefits for the food and health industry. Ms Fernandes said: "We are looking into developing conservation of seaweed so we have a long-term supply for biomass, to know every year we can harvest a certain amount. "What we are doing here is kelp conservation but we would also like to develop other seaweeds like laverbread." Seaweed is also high in protein and nutrients, Ms Fernandes explained. The project, set up in collaboration with Milford Haven Port Authority, will run until July 2018.

Summary: A seaweed farm has been set up in Pembrokeshire to look at the potential of using algae as biofuel.


Koumas, who won 34 international caps, started his career with Rovers before a £2.5m switch to West Brom. After five years with the Baggies, he joined Wigan for £5.3m, but had two loan spells with Cardiff before his return to Prenton Park in 2013. "I know my own body and this is the right time for me to hang up my boots," he told the Tranmere website. "I'm happy with the career I've had. I've played for some good clubs, met some great people and have plenty of memories. "I wish I could have gone out on a high but it wasn't to be. Despite the results, I really enjoyed my last two seasons back at Tranmere and am glad I made the decision to return to the club."

Summary: Tranmere's former Wales midfielder Jason Koumas has announced his retirement at the age of 35.


The 22-year-old has made 56 appearances for Hibs since his debut in February 2012, all but three of them starts. He has played just once this season, in the Scottish League Cup in July, having been hampered by a hamstring injury. Having come up through Celtic's youth academy, Forster has also had loan spells at Berwick Rangers and East Fife, but never played in England. He could be eligible for Tuesday's game with Northampton Town in League Two if Argyle receive international clearance in time. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Plymouth Argyle have signed Hibernian defender Jordon Forster on loan until the end of the season.


The three Humboldt penguin chicks are said to be doing well and keepers are confident more are due to start hatching out over the coming weeks. Originally from South America, the breed is normally found around coastal areas of Peru and Chile. Longleat is home to a colony of captive-bred Humboldts who live on its Penguin Island. Keeper Lucy Jacobmeyer said: "Although they are all first-time parents, the adults are doing incredibly well. Parents Paula and Nick are looking after two chicks and Eusebir and Princess have one chick. "Apart from taking them out to check their weight we have very much left them to get on with things and they are coping brilliantly." Humboldt penguins are now officially listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature which means they are at immediate or imminent risk of becoming endangered.

Summary: Penguin chicks have hatched at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire for the first time.


The two meet on Monday 12 December at Glasgow's Emirates Arena - their 23rd encounter. Fellow Scot Stephen Maguire faces Chinese Zhou Yuelong a day later. World number four Judd Trump opens his campaign against China's Zhang Yong, while beaten UK Championship finalist Ronnie O'Sullivan gets underway against world number 29 Matthew Selt. Four-time world champion Higgins, 41, has won back-to-back titles at the China Championship and Champion of Champions events this season. Earlier this month, he reached the last eight of the UK Championship, where he was knocked out by Mark Selby, the eventual champion. 1994 Masters champion McManus, 45, was eliminated by Jamie Jones in the tournament's second round. Higgins and McManus last faced each other at the World Championship in April, with McManus the victor 13-11. Higgins leads his compatriot 12-10 in their head-to-head meetings.

Summary: Scotland's John Higgins and Alan McManus have been drawn against each other in the Scottish Open first round.


Fisher, who has represented England at Saxons level, joined Saints in 2014 and made 25 appearances for the club. Fisher previously played for London Irish but missed most of the 2013-14 campaign with a serious injury.. "Jon is an experienced Premiership performer and has the right characteristics to fit in well," director of rugby Andy Robinson said. "He's a young man whose versatility provides us with plenty of options. Jon is highly regarded by those who have coached him and we're looking forward to welcoming him to Bristol." Fisher added: "I'm pleased to be joining Bristol at such an exciting time for the club." Bristol returned to the top flight for the first time since 2009 with a 60-47 aggregate victory over Doncaster in May's Championship play-off final.

Summary: Bristol have signed back row Jon Fisher from fellow Premiership club Northampton Saints.


The man, who has not been named, was based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, and was taking part in a 30-mile (48km) march. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the cause of death was unknown. He said: "This incident is being investigated and the thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with the family and friends of this man." The man died on Thursday during the so-called "30-miler" march across Dartmoor, the last major test undertaken as part of the 32-week Commando course. Trainees must complete it carrying at least 32lbs (15kg) of equipment in a maximum time of eight hours. The MoD said the name and details of the man who died were not being released, at the request of his family.

Summary: A Royal Marine trainee has collapsed and died on an exercise on Dartmoor.


Mr Sata's office said the 77-year-old leader flew out on Sunday but it did not disclose his destination. Mr Sata made a rare public appearance last month to tell parliament: "I am not dead." The BBC's Meluse Kapatamoyo says this is the first time the authorities have said he is seeking medical treatment. Defence Minister Edgar Lungu has been named acting president. Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011. It is unclear whether he will return by Friday to preside over celebrations to mark 50 years of Zambia's independence. Mr Sata has not been seen in public since returning from the UN General Assembly last month, where he failed to make a scheduled speech, the AFP news agency reports.

Summary: Zambia's President Michael Sata has gone abroad for a medical check-up amid persistent speculation that he is seriously ill.


Alastair Cook has been unveiled as a patron of the Friends of Newport Cathedral Choir. Cook spent five years as a member of St Paul's Cathedral School's choir as a boy. He said: "Music was a huge part of my life growing up and created some very special memories for me." Director of music at Newport Cathedral, Dr Emma Gibbins, said: "I am delighted that Alastair Cook has agreed to be patron... as a former chorister of St Paul's Cathedral who has gone on to great things, he can be an inspiration and role model for the current choristers and future generations of choristers at Newport Cathedral." Cook, England's leading Test run scorer, added: "It is great to be asked to be a patron of the Friends of Newport Cathedral Choir. I still use many of the skills I learnt as a chorister today."

Summary: England's cricket captain faces Australia in the Ashes in Cardiff on Wednesday, but he now has more than one commitment in south Wales.


The top seeds and Superseries champions were beaten 21-14 19-21 19-21 in France by Danes Mathias Christiansen and Lena Grebak in La Roche-sur-Yon, France. The husband-and-wife duo led in the third game, but faltered and failed to save the last of three match points. "No more than we deserved this week unfortunately," Chris Adcock later tweeted. "Played very poor all week." Rajiv Ouseph of England and Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour reached singles semi-finals, with fifth seed Ouseph beating Danish fourth seed Hans-Kristian Vittinghus 19-21 21-12 21-19, and second seed Gilmour beating Spain's Beatriz Corrales 21-19 22-20. England's Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge beat Scots Rob Blair and Adam Hall 21-19 21-13 to reach the men's doubles semi-finals.

Summary: Britons Chris and Gabby Adcock suffered a surprise mixed doubles quarter-final defeat at the European Championships.


Government adviser Ramsay Jones tweeted a picture of the long-legged bird perched on top of the famous Number 10 black front door. "Guess what just flew into Number 10", he asked, before confirming it had eventually flown away. Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a tour of EU capitals, was not in to receive his unexpected guest. But it still took a look inside, Mr Jones reported: According to the RSPB, grey herons are found around "any kind of water" - so the nearby Thames or the Downing Street garden pond might have been its next stop. Previous wildlife appearances in Downing Street include a fox on the morning before the general election. There have also been regular mouse sightings - including during a prime ministerial dinner.

Summary: A heron has caused a stir on Twitter after paying a flying visit to Downing Street.


Media playback is not supported on this device The Scot, 34, finished last with a time of 109.00 after an early mistake. Gargaud Chanut won France's second gold of the Games with 94.17, while Slovak Matej Benus took silver and Japan's Takuya Haneda got the bronze. Find out how to get into canoeing with our special guide. Florence will compete again for a medal on Thursday in the men's C2 double with Richard Hounslow. Florence became Great Britain's first Olympic slalom medallist with a C1 silver at Beijing 2008 but has never won gold at a Games. "I'm most disappointed not to have put in a good run. I just didn't really get it right today," Florence said. "I'm lucky that my Olympics isn't over just yet." Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: France's Denis Gargaud Chanut won Olympic gold in the men's canoe slalom as Great Britain's David Florence finished 10th in Rio.


Images on social media showed the gravestones in Sarre-Union daubed with swastikas and Nazi slogans. On his Twitter feed, Prime Minister Manuel Valls said every effort would be made to catch the perpetrators of an "ignoble and anti-Semitic act, an insult to memory". Anti-Semitic attacks have risen sharply in France in recent years. A kosher supermarket in Paris was one of the sites targeted by Islamist gunmen in a series of attacks last month which left 17 people dead. A special investigative team is at the cemetery in Sarre-Union, the French news agency AFP reports, quoting Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

Summary: Hundreds of Jewish graves have been desecrated at a cemetery in eastern France, near the border with Germany.


Media playback is not supported on this device Kelmendi, 25, overpowered Italy's Odette Giuffrida with a yuko to claim victory at her second Games, having represented Albania at London 2012. There was a surprise in the men's -66kg as Fabio Basile of Italy beat South Korea's An Baul in emphatic fashion. The unseeded Basile dominated his opponent to win Italy's first gold medal of these Games. Japan's Misato Nakamura and Russia's Natalia Kuziutina won bronze in the women's event, while Masashi Ebinuma of Japan and Uzbekistan's Rishod Sobirov also secured bronze in the men's. Kosovo's Olympic Committee was established in 1992 but only recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 2014. The disputed territory declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Majlinda Kelmendi became Kosovo's first Olympic medallist as she took gold in the women's -52kg judo in Rio.


The Scottish Ambulance Service was called to the incident in the foyer just before 15:00. Court staff and police officers provided first aid to the man, who was in his 40s and thought to be from Maryhill, before paramedics arrived. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said in investigation into the circumstances was under way. The man is understood to have been a member of the public. A spokesman said: "We can confirm that an incident involving a member of the public occurred at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. "An ambulance and trauma team attended and a man was taken to hospital." A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at 14.58 hours today to attend an incident at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. "We sent one ambulance, a paramedic response unit and the trauma team to the scene. "One male patient in his 40s was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital."

Summary: A man has been taken to hospital after falling 20ft (6m) from a top-floor balcony inside Dumbarton Sheriff Court.


Shares in Kohl's dived 18% and Macy's was down 12% as the two retailers cut their profit forecasts for 2016. Macy's also announced plans to shed more than 10,000 jobs through shutting stores and cutting middle management positions. The Dow Jones dipped 1.71 points to 19,940.45 in early trade. The S&P 500 index also lost ground, dropping 0.59 points to 2,270.16, while the tech-focused Nasdaq rose 13.29 points to 5,490.29. Another struggling retailer, Sears, saw its shares rise nearly 6% after it said it would sell its Craftsman tools business to Stanley Black & Decker for $900m. However, Sears also reported weak holiday trading, with same-store sales in November and December down by 12-13%, and announced plans to close 150 stores.

Summary: Stocks on Wall Street opened lower, with department stores Kohl's and Macy's down sharply after they reported weak holiday sales.


In exchange for an empty bottle or jar, children will get a free ticket to a showing at the renovated Hippodrome cinema in Bo'ness, near Falkirk. The picture house was re-opened last year after a Â£2m restoration. The offer will see film fans who donate a clean, empty jam jar (with its lid) given two tickets for the price of one at special screenings. This season's offer will allow movie-goers access to the silent Buster Keaton classic, Steamboat Bill Jr. The jars will be used by the Georgian Kitchen in nearby Callendar House in Falkirk for jam-making. Astrid Shearer, audience development officer at the cinema, said: "We're really proud of the Hippodrome's unique heritage and we like to think that, although we do show the latest releases, we also celebrate our place in cinema history, and give our audience the opportunity to see some exceptional and rarely screened films."

Summary: Scotland's oldest cinema is set to revive the 'jeely jar' ticket, with a special offer dating back to the 1920s.


The match at Hampden Park on 21 May was disrupted when fans invaded the pitch after Hibernian's 3-2 win over Rangers. Hibernian supporters invaded the pitch and some Rangers fans also made it past stewards before mounted police officers restored order. Police have so far made 76 arrests as part of the ongoing investigation. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced on Wednesday that neither club would face punishment for the crowd trouble, in line with the governing body's disciplinary rules. Earlier, an independent report commissioned by the SFA said the Scottish government should consider making it a criminal offence to run onto a football pitch. Anyone with information about the identities of the suspects should contact Govan Police Office or use the dedicated mailbox address. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously.

Summary: Police have released images of 14 suspects they want to trace in connection with the disorder and violence after the Scottish Cup Final.


Over the next four days they will be speaking to skippers and vessel owners from all sectors of the fishing industry in Northern Ireland about their running costs. It is part of the 11th annual economic survey of the UK fishing fleet. The results will be published next year. Tom Pickerell, of the group Seafish said: "This is a hugely important exercise that enables us to better understand the industry as a whole and as a result helps us to inform key decision makers at a national and European level. "We therefore urge skippers and boat owners across the UK to be part of the project by speaking to our researchers so that we can present the most accurate picture possible and help drive better informed policy."

Summary: Researchers from the UK fishing industry will visit ports across Northern Ireland from Monday.


Sir Daniel Gooch ran the project, which saw Isambard Kingdom Brunel's ship SS Great Eastern lay the seabed cable. Sir Daniel, a locomotive engineer, worked for Brunel and became chairman of the Great Western Railway. The plaque was unveiled earlier by the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead at Windsor & Eton Central station. Mayor Eileen Quick said: "Before the age of the internet and telephones the telegraph was the fastest way to communicate. "It could be said that Sir Daniel was a pioneer in bringing us the truly connected world we live in today." Born in Bedlington, Northumberland in 1816, he died at his country estate near Windsor on 15 October 1889. He was buried at the Church of St Andrew, Clewer.

Summary: The pioneer who coordinated the connection of the United States and Great Britain by electric telegraph has been commemorated with a blue plaque.


The striking cloud formations and colours could be seen from Inverness, the Black Isle, Invergordon, Thurso and Nairn. The spectacular sunset was also visible from places in Moray, including Forres. Eye-catching sunsets and sunrises have frequently been seen over the last few days during a spell of warm, fine weather. The clouds seen from Inverness, Nairn and Invergordon were altocumulus lenticularis, according to the Met Office.

Summary: People from across the Highlands have captured images of Monday evening's dramatic sky.


The 14-year-old was taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on Tuesday after becoming unwell. A day later, police recovered unidentified purple tablets at an address in the town which they say were bought online. They are trying to establish if the pills and the boy's illness are linked and have appealed for information. A Police Scotland spokesman said: "The tablets, which were purchased online, are small, round and purple-coloured pills, and are yet to be identified. "Anyone who thinks they have taken one of these is advised to seek immediate medical attention. "Inquiries are ongoing to establish if the discovery of these pills and the boy's illness are linked. "If you have further information about these tablets, please contact Police Scotland."

Summary: Police are investigating whether purple pills found in Fife are connected to a case in which a teenage boy fell ill.


The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls this week after spending three years with Valencia. The Sussex side, who have not played in the top tier since 1982-83, finished 10th in the Championship last season. The right back told BBC Sussex: "That's the logical progression. This squad is being built to get into the Premier League and that is the objective." Media playback is not supported on this device Saltor says Brighton manager Gus Poyet played a large part in his decision to move to England. "At the start of the summer I knew that there was some interest," he continued. "I had the idea to leave Spain. "Of the offers that I had, Brighton's was the one I liked the most. "Gus was very insistent and it makes you feel wanted."

Summary: Bruno Saltor is targeting promotion to the Premier League after joining Brighton & Hove Albion.


The AH-64 Apache helicopter went down on Monday night on a road in Wonju, 50 miles (80km) east of the US Camp Humphrey's base, said the US Army. The Army has not identified the dead crew members, but said they were both pilots - no other casualties or damage were reported. The US has about 29,000 troops in South Korea under a security deal. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said the cause of the crash was being investigated, but that officials believe it may have hit power lines.

Summary: Two US military personnel have been killed when their helicopter crashed outside South Korea's capital, Seoul.


Blair Logan, 26, also faces two other charges - one of attempted murder, and one of assault to injury, danger to life and attempted murder. Cameron Logan, 23, died in the fire at his family home. His partner Rebecca Williams was rescued and his parents were treated for smoke inhalation. Mr Logan made no plea or declaration at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. He was fully committed for trial and remanded in custody. He had also been remanded in custody after his first court appearance on 16 January, where he made no plea or declaration. Ms Williams, a journalist with Global Radio, was initially taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in a critical condition. She was later transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and has since been discharged.

Summary: A man charged with murdering his brother in a house fire on New Year's Day has made a second court appearance.


The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the fire at the property on the Heather Road, after receiving a report shortly before 16:00 BST on Tuesday. Ten appliances and almost 50 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire. One man was injured by a vehicle. His injuries are not thought to be serious. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The building contains a shredding machine, waste paper and cardboard. The man has since been released from hospital.

Summary: A firefighter has been treated in hospital after working at a recycling plant blaze outside Londonderry.


Official figures showed that on 1 December, 2015, 4.03 million people were registered, down 100,000 on 2 March, 2015. It is thought the drop is down to a move towards individual electoral registration (IER) rather than household-based form completion. The deadline for registering to vote in May's Holyrood election is 18 April. Andy O'Neill, head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: "The registers published on 1 December, 2015 are a snapshot of the electorate at that time and they indicate there has been a reduction in the number of entries since the last registers were published under the household system. "However, a lot more has and will continue to be done to ensure as many people as possible know that they need to register to vote before the deadline, and how they go about doing so." He added that it was "quick and easy" to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Summary: The number of people registered to vote in elections in Scotland has fallen for the first time since 2009.


Colin Beckett, the party's candidate in Gower, also denied suggestions UKIP was losing support in the opinion polls. He said: "I think we will get a pretty good share - if we get five seats in Wales that would be fantastic." Mr Beckett told BBC Wales that such a result "would put is in good shape next year for the Welsh assembly (election in 2016)". Asked if the party was holding on to its support since the election campaign began, he said: "People in the streets, people in the pubs, 95% of them would say yes. The media say the opposite, I don't know why." The other candidates declared as standing in Gower are Byron Davies (Conservative), Liz Evans (Labour), Mike Sheehan (Liberal Democrat) and Darren Thomas (Plaid Cymru).

Summary: UKIP says it is hoping to take as many as five seats out of the 40 seats in Wales at the general election.


The team said the problem was leading to more illegally imported puppies in the UK and a heightened risk of rabies. Pet passports were introduced nationally in 2012 and allow animals to travel freely between member countries. Officer Paul Gretton said the problem of forgeries was almost non-existent three years ago. "People are often tempted by cheaper pedigree dogs sold on the internet," he said. "Unfortunately they are often from a dubious source. "Owners are then faced with the agonising decision that it could cost hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds in quarantine and veterinary bills - or face having their pet destroyed." Mr Gretton said dealers were forging passports and falsifying details to bring puppies into the UK when they were too young and without vaccinations. They are also often advertised online for half the price.

Summary: Trading standards in Nottinghamshire say the use of forged pet passports is on the increase as they seize one a month over the last year.


Pakistan moved to within 30 runs of Zimbabwe's total of 172 without losing a wicket, before a batting collapse almost cost them the Twenty20 match. Skipper Shahid Afridi hit his first ball for four to give his side victory with three balls to spare in Lahore. Gunmen attacked buses carrying the Sri Lanka team in the city six years ago. Beforehand, fans waited at the Gaddafi Stadium in temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius and faced frequent security checks. Both teams arrived at the stadium in a fleet of vans carrying armed guards. Dozens of CCTV cameras were installed in the surroundings of Nishtar Park, where the Gaddafi Stadium is located. Tickets for both Friday's and Sunday's T20s in Lahore were sold out within two days, and the teams will also play three one-day internationals at the venue next week.

Summary: Thousands of police and paramilitaries were on hand for Pakistan's nervy win in their first home full international fixture since a terror attack in 2009.


Officers were called at about 23:40 BST on Thursday following reports that a gun had been fired in the Marsh area. The 24-year-old local man was found injured in Waverley Terrace and was taken to hospital with head injuries, West Yorkshire Police said. Two men, aged 23 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Det Sup Simon Atkinson said the man's condition was "serious but not considered to be life-threatening". ''At the present time we are treating this incident as a targeted attack," he said. ''We believe the man was shot as he was travelling in a car with two other men on Heaton Road. The suspects are thought to have been in another vehicle when the firearm was discharged. "The other passengers in the vehicle were not injured in the incident."

Summary: A man has been seriously injured in a drive-by shooting in Huddersfield.


The victim, who was also 28, was assaulted by two men on Union Street at about 05:30 on Saturday. Police said they were still trying to trace a second man. The attack happened between St Nicholas Street and Broad Street. Police have asked anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. The arrested man is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday. After the incident part of Union Street was closed to pedestrians while police carried out inquiries. Det Insp Norman Stevenson, who is leading the inquiry, said: "It was necessary as part of our investigation to close a small section of Union Street and I fully recognise the disruption this caused to some businesses and the general public frequenting the area. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank those affected for their patience whilst we carried out this necessary work."

Summary: A 28-year-old man has been charged after another man was left in a critical condition after being attacked in the centre of Aberdeen.


If Snapchat had accepted, it would have been Facebook's biggest purchase. Citing sources close to the matter, the Journal reported Snapchat was being pursued by others, including Chinese e-commerce company Tencent. Popular with teenagers, Snapchat has doubled its usage recently. According to the firm, more than 350 million images, or "snaps" are sent daily between mobile devices. Once received by users, they are erased after a few seconds. Created in 2011, Snapchat raised more then $60m from investors last June, which valued the company at more than $800m. However, the company has recently come under fire for claims that sent images delete themselves after being viewed. Several hacks have been created that allow users to save snaps, posing potential privacy issues.

Summary: Image messaging firm Snapchat, founded by Evan Spiegel, 23, rebuffed a $3bn (£1.9bn) acquisition offer from Facebook, according to the Wall Street Journal.


The Cononish gold mine and outbuildings were broken into sometime between Thursday, 28 May, and Monday. Thieves cut padlocks and stole samples of stream sediment, which police confirmed contained no gold. Officers said the culprits would have had to walk along a three-mile rough track in order to access the remote site. They appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Summary: Police are investigating after thieves broke into a gold mine near Tyndrum.


The singer was shooting a video for his first solo single, Sign Of The Times. Mitchell Partridge, who runs the firm Skye Ghillie, was taking clients fishing at the Storr Lochs when scenes for the music video were shot. Wednesday's stunt in north east Skye saw Styles dangling from a helicopter while being filmed from another. In April last year, Kanye West visited Skye to make a music video. The US musician's trip prompted a pun-filled tweet from Police Scotland and tongue in cheek report in a local newspaper. Sign Of The Times is Styles' first material since One Direction declared a hiatus in January 2016.

Summary: A stunt involving One Direction's Harry Styles dangling from a helicopter on Skye has been captured by a local photographer.


The government pledged up to £80m to help the 2,200 workers who lost their jobs when the Thai-based owners went into liquidation. The first £7.3m to be released will be used for training purposes. It includes £1.7m to encourage other employers to take on one or more of the 50 ex-SSI apprentices. A £3m package will fund education and training for former workers, or people who have been made redundant in the supply chain as a result of the closure, at four Teesside colleges. There will also be a flexible support fund of £2.6m, to address any barriers individuals have to securing new jobs or training provision. Chair of the SSI task force, and chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Amanda Skelton said: "We know many workers are already highly skilled but this will give them the extra support they will need to secure alternative employment."

Summary: A task force set up following the closure of Redcar's SSI steel plant has released details of how it will spend the first tranche of an aid package.


The 25-year-old England international, on a season-long loan from Arsenal, was injured in the Cherries' 4-0 defeat by Tottenham on Saturday. "It's a big blow to lose Jack," Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said. Wilshere has made 29 Premier League appearances this season for the club, without scoring, after joining them on transfer deadline day in August. Scans have revealed a hairline crack in Wilshere's left fibula and he will miss Bournemouth's last five games of the season and return to Arsenal for further treatment. He was substituted after 56 minutes of the game at White Hart Lane following a challenge with Tottenham striker Harry Kane. "We've loved working with him since he arrived in August," Howe added. "He's made a huge contribution to our season and we wish him a quick recovery."

Summary: Bournemouth's on-loan midfielder Jack Wilshere will not play again this season after suffering a fractured leg.


The Perth man is accused of running the alleged paedophile ring involving men he knew, aged 35 to 47. The girl suffered the alleged abuse over two-years before being saved after a tip-off from the public in April. "She was rescued from this horrible situation... and is safe," Detective Superintendent Glenn Feeney said. Police seized several computer storage devices which allegedly contained 149 videos of the girl. "To give an idea of the scope, one of these storage devices contained 200,000 videos and four million photos," Det Superintendent Feeney said. "It's disgusting material. There's no words to describe it." The eight men have been charged with a range of offences including sexual penetration of a child, sexual servitude, stupefaction of a child, and child pornography offences.

Summary: An Australian father is one of eight men charged with 503 child sex offences, including sexual slavery, against his 13-year-old daughter.


The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 1.05% at 17,535.32. The tech-focused Nasdaq was down 0.41% at 4,717.68 while the S&P 500 was down 0.85% at 2,046.61. Overall retail sales were up by 1.3% on the month, the best since March 2015, but individual companies Nordstrom and JC Penney, followed Macy's earlier this week with lower-than-expected sales. Shares in Nordstrom closed down 13.42% and J C Penney dropped 2.82% on the news that sales were down. US Department stores have lost out as shoppers have spent on more expensive items including electronics, household goods and cars.

Summary: (Close): US shares closed down on Friday despite a positive set of official retail sales figures.


The 26 year old opened fire at two houses in the central city of Arak. The Isna news agency cited a local prosecutor as saying the man was a murder suspect on bail and that he first targeted the family of a police officer who had arrested him last year. The man then went to the home of the person he was accused of murdering and shot his parents, the prosecutor added. The shooter is still believed to be on the run. But his brother, who allegedly accompanied him on the rampage, has reportedly been arrested. Earlier, state television also reported that two families had been attacked but that the shooter was a prisoner convicted on drugs charges who was on leave. It was not immediately possible to clarify the contradiction. Gun violence of this kind is rare in Iran, where civilians are only allowed to own hunting rifles.

Summary: A man has shot dead at least five people and wounded four others in Iran in an apparent act of revenge.


The 25-year-old has scored 44 goals in 88 appearances for Leeds since joining from Leicester City on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee in July 2015. The New Zealand international will have a medical with the Premier League club on Sunday, with the deal expected to be completed early next week. Wood ruled himself out of Leeds' match against Sunderland on Saturday. "Due to strong interest from a Premier League team, the ongoing discussions with the club, and given it has always been my ambition to play at the highest level, I don't feel it is right that I play today," he posted on Twitter. Wood has turned out three times for Leeds this term, scoring one goal.

Summary: Burnley are close to signing striker Chris Wood from Championship side Leeds United for a fee of about £15m.


The Tiffin University graduate averaged over eight points and three assists per game for Wolves in his debut campaign in the BBL last term. Khan is the first member of the squad to agree fresh terms at the University Arena for 2016-17. He joins new recruits Danny Huffor, Marek Klassen, Trevor Setty, Deondre McWhorter and Jermel Kennedy at Wolves. "Last year was his rookie year straight out of college, so it was very much a learning curve for him," head coach Paul James told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "He had some games where he was outstanding and we're looking to improve him and make him one of the better guards in the league."

Summary: Worcester Wolves have re-signed guard Ashton Khan for the new British Basketball League season.


The group must decide whether having a prosthetic leg gives athletes an unfair advantage. The IAAF Council will deliver its final ruling in June. The move could pave the way for Paralympic athletes like Germany's Markus Rehm to compete at the Rio Olympics in August. Rehm's personal best of 8.40m would have won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London ahead of Great Britain's Greg Rutherford, and the 27-year-old has told BBC Sport he wants to compete alongside able-bodied athletes in Rio. Rehm was dropped from the 2014 European Athletics Championships by his own federation due to concerns about his prosthesis, but in February, he jumped 8.10m to win the Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix against able-bodied athletes. South African athlete Oscar Pistorius, a double-leg amputee, competed in the 400m and 4x400m at the London Olympics.

Summary: Athletics' world governing body the IAAF has set up a group to rule on whether long-jumpers with prostheses can compete at the Olympics.


Player-of-the-match Helen Housby was in inspired form as Thunder ran out 62-37 victors against Team Bath, who had gone into the match with two wins from two. Hertfordshire Mavericks are the only other team to remain unbeaten, after Monday's 62-45 win at Team Northumbria. Elsewhere, Loughborough Lightning beat Celtic Dragons 58-53 and Surrey Storm sealed a 59-36 win over Yorkshire Jets. Storm, champions in 2015, were beaten by Team Bath on the opening weekend but have since bounced back to record two victories in a row, while Jets remain bottom of the table with three defeats from three matches. Like Team Northumbria, Dragons are also yet to pick up a point in 2016 following their narrow defeat by Lightning.

Summary: Manchester Thunder thrashed Team Bath to continue their 100% start to the season and top the Superleague table.


Mal Benning's long-range volley put the Stags ahead early on but Matt McClure quickly equalised from 25 yards. Ashely Chambers scored twice for the Daggers in two minutes to earn a two-goal cushion before Matt Green pulled one back by the break from the spot after being fouled by Clevid Dikamona. But Krystian Pearce's powerful late header and Adi Yusuff's neat finish secured Mansfield's dramatic comeback. Dagenham & Redbridge manager Wayne Burnett told BBC London 94.9: Media playback is not supported on this device "The goals were a joke. An absolute joke. Our players were not good enough. "I could single out individuals, but collectively we've all been beat. "From the off, every ball that went into the box from a corner or a free kick, they won every header."

Summary: Mansfield Town came out on top in a seven-goal epic at struggling Dagenham.


The Big Hoot has seen 89 owls, 5ft 5ins (165cm) tall and individually designed by professional and amateur artists, perch around the city for 10 weeks. An app to accompany the project was downloaded over 13,000 times and people have scanned the owls with phones more than 323,000 times, organisers said. The owls will eventually be auctioned for Birmingham Children's Hospital. They will go on public display again at Millennium Point on 10 and 11 October, before the auction on 15 October. It is hoped the sale will raise Â£500,000 for the children's hospital. Louise McCaffrey, director of fundraising at the hospital, said: "We knew it was going to be adopted and loved by the people of Birmingham, but the success of it is more than we could have hoped for." Schools designed 122 smaller owls which will not be auctioned off, but returned to them as mementos.

Summary: Huge decorated owls, part of a city-wide art exhibition, will be removed from positions around Birmingham later.


Marriott replaced injured Craig Mackail-Smith in the first half as Jonathan Smith put Luton ahead after Luke Guttridge's effort was saved. Rakish Bingham wasted two good chances for the hosts before Billy Paynter's diving header levelled it up. Marriot scored twice in four minutes to extend the Hatters lead and Ollie Lee curled in from 25 yards in injury-time. Media playback is not supported on this device Luton assistant boss Terry Harris told BBC Three Counties Radio: "It's been a long week, a fair few miles, but a fantastic week. "If somebody had said take six points and score seven goals, you'd have snapped their hands off. "Jack's come on and taken his opportunity, we're absolutely delighted for him."

Summary: Substitute striker Jack Marriott scored twice for Luton as they cruised to a win at Hartlepool.


The coastguard was first alerted to the issue on the Bruce installation, east of Shetland, just after 20:00 on Thursday. A total of 76 people from the 121 on board were taken off the platform and flown to neighbouring installations in coastguard helicopters. Forty-five workers stayed on the platform in a bid to restore power. BP said work to restore power was ongoing. A Coastguard spokesman said: "Following a loss of power on the Bruce platform off Aberdeen late on Thursday 22nd June, HM Coastguard rescue helicopters from Shetland and Inverness were tasked to partially down-man the platform. "Seventy six non-essential personnel were transferred overnight by helicopter to other platforms in the area."

Summary: More than 70 workers have been taken off a North Sea oil platform after it suffered a loss of power.


Shaun Woodburn, 30, died after a disturbance in Great Junction Street. Police Scotland said a 17-year-old was due to appear in court on Friday in connection with his death. A 16-year-old has already been charged with murder and Mohammed Zakariyah, 18, has been charged with assault to injury. A man has also been charged with possessing an offensive weapon. The 17-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Police officers had been called to Great Junction Street at about 02:00 on Sunday 1 January after receiving reports of a disturbance. Mr Woodburn, who played for Bonnyrigg Rose FC from 2012 to 2015, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he died later that day. He was described by his family as a "fantastic and loving dad.

Summary: A fourth person has been arrested following the death of a former footballer in Leith on New Year's Day.


The 35-year-old has left his assistant coach role at NRL side Gold Coast Titans to join the club his father Brian coached between 1995 and 1996. He has worked at a number of clubs including Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, as well as being head coach of Tonga. Smith replaces James Lowes, who stepped down in April for personal reasons. "I've had a long affinity with the Bulls with my Dad and it was great to be a part of it watching on from the stands," Smith told the club website. "I was fortunate enough to start coaching at a young age and my path has been a bit different to the path which most coaches take." Bradford are currently third in the Championship, seven points behind leaders Leigh Centurions with a game in hand.

Summary: Championship side Bradford Bulls have appointed Rohan Smith as their new head coach on a three-year deal.


Hong Kong made 120-7 off their 20 overs in Dharamsala, with Ireland reaching 122-0 in reply off just 12.2 overs. Captain William Porterfield thrashed 75 not out off 36 balls, with fellow opener Andrew Balbirnie unbeaten on 47. Mark Chapman top-scored for Hong Kong with 64 not out, the only man to pass 20, while seamer Tim Murtagh was the pick of Ireland's bowlers with 2-21. Max Sorensen, Boyd Rankin and Andrew McBrine took one wicket apiece for the Irish at the HPCA Stadium. Earlier at the same venue, Zimbabwe suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat at the hands of local side Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association XI. Ireland play Zimbabwe in their next warm-up game on Saturday, before beginning their World T20 campaign against Oman in Dharamsala on 9 March.

Summary: Ireland beat Hong Kong by 10 wickets in their first official warm-up game ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in India.


The Magpies had a five-point lead at the top of the Championship in November, but are now second and have lost four of their last eight matches. Benitez told BBC Newcastle: "I don't think we need to rectify anything, we need to try and do the same things. "We will encourage the players to play with the same confidence, intensity, ability and same spirit." Newcastle have lost two of their last three games to Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers, with victory over 10-man Nottingham Forest sandwiched in between. And Benitez says the club are hoping to make use of the transfer window in the coming weeks. "We know the areas we want to improve and we will try to find something if possible," added Benitez. "January is not an easy market, but we are working to see if we can find something which is better."

Summary: Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez says there is no need to worry, despite the club's recent dip in form.


The entranceway was a gathering place for students on graduation day until it was removed for restoration work. Now the 19th Century carved sandstone and iron railings will be sold in Summer Place Auctions on 21 September. It is estimated the entranceway, which is over 53ft (16m( wide and nearly 10ft (3m) high, could sell for up to Â£120,000. The university's McEwan hall and Bristo Square are being redeveloped in a Â£33m project which means the entranceway had to be removed. McEwan hall was built and presented to the University in 1897.

Summary: Edinburgh University's wrought iron gate entranceway to McEwan Hall is to be sold at auction.


The recommendations are in a paper published by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) which has been given to the justice committee. Among the recommendations are the closure of Lisburn, Ballymena, Armagh and Strabane courthouses. A Department of Justice spokesperson said no final decisions had been made. "The minister [David Ford] will take time to reflect on the views of the justice committee and will make an announcement in the new year," they added. Among the recommendations are: Explaining the recommendations, the Department of Justice spokesperson said: "The consultation document set out the challenges facing NICTS in the context of diminishing resources which meant that continuing to operate the current 20 courthouses is no longer sustainable. "In addition to the financial challenges, business volumes have been falling and many of the court buildings are underutilised. "It was therefore necessary to reflect on the number of courthouses required."

Summary: A report on Northern Ireland's courts has recommended that a number of them should be closed.


Beattie, 39, worked with Monk at Swansea City and Leeds United, and joins David Adams, who left Everton in March, on Boro's coaching staff. The ex-Southampton player retired in 2013 and later had a spell as Accrington Stanley manager. Former Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, who also worked at Leeds, has joined as Boro goalkeeping coach. Monk has also appointed Sean Rush as head of physical performance and Ryan Needs as head of performance analysis. Middlesbrough, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, will begin their Championship campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 5 August.

Summary: Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk has brought in former England striker James Beattie as first-team coach.


The slip happened on Heol Y Beiliau in Llantrisant at about 18:10 BST on Sunday. Head of control at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Jennie Griffiths, tweeted that debris was "falling into homes and placing pressure on them". The council said the suspected cause was the collapse of a retaining wall at one of the properties. Emergency planning and building control officers remained at the scene on Monday morning. Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said: "As a precautionary measure, emergency services evacuated a number of homes last night, with the residents moving in with friends and family. "These households have not yet returned to their addresses and council emergency planning officers are meeting with those affected. "A council structural engineer is also on site to assess the situation."

Summary: Eleven homes had to be evacuated following a landslide in Rhondda Cynon Taff.


Brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Peter Van Holland were among those donated to Shelter Scotland. All the items are said to be in "mint condition", with many still having price tags on. Shelter Scotland said they were now for sale for a fraction of their original price in the Union Street shop. Manager Kylie Cooney said: "We've been gobsmacked by this generous donation and can't thank whoever donated it enough. "We're humbled that they chose to donate to Shelter Scotland and want them to know that every penny we raise from selling these items will go towards helping households facing homelessness and bad housing here in Aberdeen and across the whole of Scotland. "While this generous donation will go a long way to make a difference to families and individuals facing housing crisis, we are always in desperate need of donations to help raise funds."

Summary: Designer clothes worth thousands of pounds have been handed into an Aberdeen charity shop by a mystery donor.


Budi Waseso said crocodiles often made better guards than humans - because they could not be bribed. He said he would visit different parts of the Indonesian archipelago in order to find the fiercest reptiles. Indonesia has some of the toughest drug laws in the world and ended a four-year moratorium on executions in 2013. "We will place as many crocodiles as we can there," Mr Waseso was quoted as saying by local news website Tempo. "You can't bribe crocodiles. You can't convince them to let inmates escape." The plan is still in the early stages, and neither the location nor the potential opening date of the jail have been decided, the AFP news agency reports.

Summary: The head of Indonesia's anti-drugs agency has proposed building a prison island guarded by crocodiles to house death-row drug convicts.


About 260 signs were given to the Friends of Ceredigion Museum in order to raise money for renovations. The road signs were replaced as part of an Â£800,000 scheme to improve the look of the Welsh seaside town. The value of the "unique" signs has not yet been confirmed but they will go under the hammer from 19:00 GMT at The Coliseum in Aberystwyth. Mona Morris, president of the Friends of Ceredigion Museum, said: "We've already had lots of interest in the road signs from local people and businesses. "The signs are a unique bit of history that really evoke a sense of place." The auctioneer on the night will be local hotelier, Geraint Hughes. "It'll be fun to wield the hammer again," the former auctioneer said.

Summary: Old Aberystwyth road signs will be auctioned on Monday after being replaced with Edwardian-style versions.


Emergency services were called to Coniston Street, Salford, at 23:20 BST on Monday after the shooting. The 34-year-old suffered torso wounds and is in hospital, Greater Manchester Police said, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Officers are keen to trace two men who were seen leaving the scene on a motorbike and are seeking witnesses. Det Ch Insp Clare Devlin said: "People will understandably be alarmed when they hear about this incident but we believe that this was a targeted attack. "We are treating this as an attempted murder but we are in the early stages of our investigation and are working to establish who may be behind the shooting. "We are not linking this to any other recent shootings in Salford at this stage."

Summary: A man has been seriously injured after being shot three times in a "targeted" attack at a Greater Manchester house.


Cole, 31, is a free agent after leaving West Ham and is training with the Scottish Premiership champions. "We have a good squad but we are always looking to improve," said Deila. "We are happy he is here. "He is a target man. He's been good in the two exercises I've seen him doing but he needs more time. He hasn't trained for a while." Deila, whose side host Raith Rovers in Wednesday's League Cup tie, did not commit to saying how long Cole's trial might run. And, when asked if it might be longer than a week, the Norwegian replied: "We will see how it comes." Capped seven times by England, Cole has made over 380 senior club appearances, scoring 85 goals in the process, including spells at Chelsea, Aston Villa and the Hammers.

Summary: Celtic manager Ronny Deila says it is too early to say whether Carlton Cole will join the club.


Part of the roof caved in at the Casa da Pedro grotto near the city of Santa Maria in Tocantins state in central Brazil. It was unclear what caused the incident. About 50 worshippers were in the grotto at the time. At least four other people were injured. The worshippers were leaving candles and praying to mark All Saints' Day. Part of the roof collapsed suddenly, burying many of the worshippers and causing panic. Images on Brazilian media showed part of the collapse. Fire department Lt Edvaldo Gomes Araujo told Associated Press that all the bodies and the injured had now been removed. Santa Maria is located about 1,200 miles (2,000km) north-west of Rio de Janeiro.

Summary: A grotto has collapsed in Brazil, killing at least 10 people celebrating a religious event, police say.


Marius Micevicius, 32, was stabbed in the stomach at a house in Churchill Road in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Police were called at 17:15 GMT on Monday. The victim was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, but died on Wednesday. Sarunas Maciulis, 18, also of Churchill Road, has been charged with murder and will appear before magistrates later. Cambridgeshire Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing

Summary: A man has been charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of another man.


Emergency services were called out at about 19:00 on Wednesday to Purveshaugh Farm near Earlston. No people or livestock were harmed but the barn suffered "substantial damage" including the collapse of its roof. Police want to hear from anyone who saw any activity near the barn around the time of the incident. Insp Alistair Hutchens said: "This has been a substantial fire in an area that contains livestock and is well used by agricultural workers. "We believe the fire to be suspicious and are asking for the public's help in tracing those responsible. "I would ask that anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to please get in touch as soon as possible."

Summary: Police have said a hay barn blaze in the Scottish Borders is being treated as suspicious.


Scientists have measured its grip and found that its claw is stupendously strong! The coconut crab has the most powerful claw of any crustacean, that's creatures like crabs, shrimps and lobsters. The projects lead scientist, Shin-ichiro Oka said that the crabs' grip is almost as strong as a lion's bite. This puts the coconut crabs claws strength higher than most other land hunters. The coconut crab uses its powerful claws for a number of things, but mainly for eating. The powerful creatures are fierce and their claws are used to kill smaller crabs to eat and also to crack open hard food like coconuts. They also come in handy when they have to fight off things trying to eat them. They live alone in burrows or in cracks in the rocks and will attack other crabs if they meet them.

Summary: Meet the coconut crab, a massive species of crab which lives on the land.


The 18-year-old was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Friday. Police said she bought a product containing oil derived from cannabis plants which can be inhaled through a vaporiser. Officers said she may have had a "severe reaction" to the product but cannot confirm a direct link. Insp Mark Duncton of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "Our advice is never to buy or take any kind of drug or drug derivative bought online. "These products can pose a very serious danger to your health; you do not know what is in them or what their effects might be."

Summary: A teenager is in a "serious condition" in hospital after inhaling cannabis oil she bought online.


The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) received reports of the damage at the site on the Newtownards Road on Monday morning. The public bicycle hire scheme was launched in 2015. It the latest of a number of attacks on the bikes this year. In April, a number of bikes were pictured dumped in the River Lagan. Since its launch, the Belfast Bikes scheme has attracted almost 5,000 annual members and more than 5,000 casual users. Many people have taken to social media to condemn the latest attack, including former Belfast East MLA Sammy Douglas who described it as "sheer vandalism". Belfast City Council said it "continues to work closely with the PSNI to address vandalism". The police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Summary: A number of Belfast Bikes have been damaged at CS Lewis Square in east Belfast.


Fifteen firefighters tackled the blaze, which began in Remembrance Road at about 03:40 BST. Police said it was too early to confirm if it would be investigated as a hate crime. Shop owner Norbert Krupan, who has lived in the area for 11 years and opened the premises a year ago, said he was "devastated". Read more news for Coventry and Warwickshire "We've had it confirmed that we've been targeted and someone's done this deliberately," he said. "The police ask me if it was maybe a racial background, or maybe the competition, I really don't know."

Summary: A fire that destroyed a Polish food shop in Coventry is being investigated as a suspected arson attack.


More than 400 forgotten items are collected by First Great Western (FGW) on its trains each week. The company's hoard of found objects is being sold from a stall on Bristol's Harbourside. Bryony Morgan, from eco-initiative Bristol 2015, said the items on display were a small selection of those discovered on board services. Travellers have 12 weeks to reclaim their lost items, after which time the objects are bagged up and stored in a basement at Bristol Temple Meads station. Ms Morgan said lost property tended to be newly-purchased items left on board trains by their new owners. "So the meat and veg of the items on sale are clothes - coats and scarves- shoes and suitcases, she said." A photo of a couple cutting their wedding cake was also among the items on offer, Ms Morgan added. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

Summary: Hundreds of unclaimed items found on trains are being sold off in a three-day "jumble sale".


Ten Doeschate started day three on 120 and extended his total before being left stranded with Essex on 435. Simon Harmer then took four wickets for Essex, and Jamie Porter three, as they kept the hosts to 253-7 at the close. Ben Foakes (46 not out) and Stuart Meaker remained not out, while opener Rory Burns made 57. It leaves the match finely poised with both sides capable of victory on the final day. Essex added 68 to their overnight score with Neil Wagner (34) offering the most assistance to Ten Doeschate. All of the Surrey top order then made starts in their second innings but failed to capitalise and fell at regular intervals. South African off-spinner Harmer dismissed Scott Borthwick (36), Kumar Sangakkara (26), Sam Curran and Gareth Batty, while Porter took the wickets of Burns, Mark Stoneman and Dom Sibley.

Summary: Surrey ended day three with a lead of 217 with three second-innings wickets left, after Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate earlier hit an unbeaten 168.


The 28-year-old beat Lithuania's Simas Volosinas on points in Bingham on Saturday to take his record to 18 wins and just one defeat. "It's like I'd never been gone," Wood told BBC Sport. "My shots and my timing were there. "It'll definitely be a title fight next. I don't need to box eliminators." Wood had already said he could challenge for a British or Commonwealth title by the end of the year. He added: "Walking to the ring, I had a few more nerves than usual with the lay-off and everything that's happened, but after my shots started landing I just started to enjoy it again. "We'll look around what's available, who's defending what, what titles are available and try to line something up about October time. "I don't need to have a warm-up fight. I'm ready for a title."

Summary: Nottingham featherweight boxer Leigh Wood says his clinical win in his first fight after 15 months out injured shows he is ready to challenge for a title.


Between 19 August and 3 September, trains will be reduced with buses replacing trains over the bank holiday. Then from 23 September to 29 October, a second phase of work to prepare the line for electrification will see services reduced again. During this period, the Severn Tunnel will also close on weekends for maintenance with trains diverted. Passengers were urged to check timetables before travelling ahead of a drop-in event at Cardiff's Radisson Blu hotel on Monday between 15:00 and 19:00 BST. Electric trains are set to start running between Cardiff and London in the autumn. Network Rail's Andy Thomas said: "We recognise that passengers will face some disruption, and we understand how frustrating this can be but this work is essential in preparing Cardiff for new electric trains."

Summary: Rail services between Cardiff and Newport will be cut for two months because of upgrade work.


Six miles (9.6km) of track, which passes through the historic Box Tunnel, had to be lowered to allow enough space for electrical equipment overhead. Train services between Chippenham and Bath have resumed as a result. According to Network Rail, the tunnel opened in June 1841 and has become one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's most celebrated structures. The rail firm is spending Â£50m on its Great Western Electrification Programme to ultimately cut journey times between London Paddington and Swansea. Track has had to be lowered in parts to avoid making changes to historic infrastructure such as Box tunnel, Dundas Aqueduct, Middle Hill tunnel and Sydney Gardens. In the last six weeks, more than 10,000 new sleepers have been laid and 160,000 tonnes of rubble removed from the track around Box tunnel.

Summary: A 170-year-old rail tunnel near Bath has reopened following six weeks of work to prepare it for electrification.


Teignbridge District Council said the 30ft (9.1m) fin whale on Red Rock Beach near Dawlish is being taken apart in small pieces by dumper trucks. A local rendering plant will remove the oil from the carcass and cook the remaining body. This will then be shipped to various sites around the country to be used for biofuel. Councillor Humphrey Clemens said: "It will be taken to a rendering plant where the oil will be squeezed out of it and the carcass cooked down. "The whole carcass will be used for bio fuels". The site on Red Rock Beach near Dawlish has been cordoned off and a screen has been erected around the remains to keep the public away. The whale washed up on the beach on Thursday.

Summary: The carcass of a dead whale which washed up on the Devon coastline is to be used for biofuel.