About 400m of safety line which had been installed in November to help the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) carry out rescues has been ripped out and fixings destroyed. Harbour masters said it was a "pointless act". The TVLB said the line is vital for safety. Peter Lilley, captain of the TVLB, said: "Mounting rescue operations from Tynemouth Pier in stormy weather is one of the most dangerous situations our team can face and we have been very grateful for the support from the Port of Tyne in working to install this brand new safety line. "We are very disappointed to hear that it has been vandalised within days of its installation, which increases the dangers our volunteers face if called to an emergency situation at this location."

Summary: Vandals put lives at risk after damaging £8,000 worth of rescue equipment on Tynemouth Pier, harbour bosses have said.


The fight will take place at a catchweight between middle and super-middleweight - 164.5lbs - and so will not be for a world belt. Alvarez, 26, had seemed set to fight WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, after saying he was "ready" for him in September. That came after he won the WBO belt from Liverpool fighter Liam Smith. Alvarez also beat Smith's compatriot Amir Khan in 2016, knocking the Bolton fighter out to defend the WBC middleweight title in May, before vacating the belt later that month.

Summary: WBO light-middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will fight fellow Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on 6 May.


Jonny Morris, a Labour councillor in Plymouth, directed the salute towards opposing members during a debate on the rise of council tax. Speaking to the BBC after the debate, Councillor Morris said he was "very angry at the closing down of debate". He apologised after other councillors said the action was "an utter disgrace". More on the councillor making a Nazi salute, and other Devon news The budget meeting saw councillors narrowly vote in favour of increasing council tax bills by 4.49 per cent. Mr Morris added: "I let that anger get the better of me and made an inappropriate and offensive gesture. I apologise unreservedly."

Summary: A councillor has "apologised unreservedly" after making a Nazi salute during a council debate.


Marustik came through the youth system at Swansea before turning professional in August 1978, making his debut at 17. He was part of the Swans side that won promotion to the top flight in 1981 under John Toshack and Marustik went on to win six caps for Wales. "His loss is a such sad one," said Swansea coach Alan Curtis, a friend and former team-mate of Marustik. Curtis told the Swansea website: "It's far too young, it's tragic. Chris was a big character, great company and a fantastic player. "He was a big part of our team, a player you could always rely on. He was never overawed by the occasion, even playing in the old First Division against the big teams." Marustik also played for Cardiff City, Newport County and Barry Town during his career.

Summary: Former Wales and Swansea City defender Chris Marustik has died at the age of 54 following illness.


The 31-year-old joins New Zealand international Grant Elliott in the Foxes squad for the competition. O'Brien has played 125 T20 games, scoring 1,980 runs with a strike rate of 132, and has taken 68 wickets at an average of 22.94, with an economy rate of just under 7.5 runs per over. In 2011 he hit the fastest-ever World Cup century as Ireland beat England. O'Brien, who played in the recent tournament in Australia and New Zealand, is the brother of Leicestershire batsman and wicketkeeper Niall and will be at Grace Road between 15 May and 26 June. He has had previous spells with Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Surrey, and has played in the Bangladesh Premier League and Caribbean Premier League.

Summary: Leicestershire have signed Ireland all-rounder Kevin O'Brien for this season's T20 Blast campaign.


The body of Stephen Muncaster, 47, was found shortly after midnight on Tuesday in the front garden of a property in Magdalen, near King's Lynn. His wife Allison, 48, was found inside the house. Shots had been heard and a gun was found at the scene. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Get the latest on this and other stories for Norfolk Police said they will produce a file for the coroner in due course. Mr Muncaster was the uncle of Michael Carroll, who made headlines in 2002 by winning Â£9.7m in the National Lottery.

Summary: Shotgun wounds caused the death of a married couple found dead at their home, a post-mortem examination has confirmed.


The Boat restaurant and other vessels started to take on water as the pontoon in Richmond dragged them down. Lifeboat crews were called at about 01:00 BST on Friday. They made the area safe and no-one was injured. The fire brigade also attended because there were fears The Boat might have gas canisters inside. Teddington RNLI crew member James Kavanagh, said: 'It was mayhem. "The river was littered with floating debris and owners of the rowing boats tethered to the pontoon were frantically trying to salvage as much as they could. "The pontoon had failed and any vessel moored with decent rope was quickly being dragged under. "As the tide rose, the stern of The Boat restaurant became fully submerged." RNLI crews stayed in the area until 04:30 BST returning any floating debris to the riverside and salvaging the boats.

Summary: A floating restaurant began to sink into the River Thames in south-west London when the pontoon it was moored to failed.


Officers are searching land in Poleglass, after receiving a report of a suspicious object in the area. A section of Brians Well Road was shut shortly before 18:10 GMT. There are no reports of homes being evacuated. A PSNI tweet said nothing had been found so far and asked for local residents' "continued patience". SDLP councillor Brian Heading told BBC News NI that he had been speaking to the PSNI about the security operation as early as Friday night. "I understand that police are still investigating that report of a suspicious object," Mr Heading said. "This is tying up PSNI resources, which could be used to combat drugs offences and anti-social behaviour."

Summary: A security alert on the outskirts of west Belfast is likely to continue overnight and into Sunday morning, police have said.


The 27-year-old has signed a two-year extension to his previous deal despite only playing 24 games in all competitions last season. Montero arrived at the Liberty Stadium in 2014 from Mexican side Morelia and has gone on to make 63 appearances. The Ecuadorian international has scored one Premier League goal for the Swans, against Stoke in May 2015. Montero said it had been an easy decision to commit his future to Swansea. "I feel at home here," Montero told the club website. "The people are really warm and lovely within the club, as well as the fans. "I'm happy on the field and I think when you're happy on the pitch everything else goes hand in hand. "I hope I can stay here for many years." Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero has agreed a new contract to remain at the club until 2020.


Ramsey, 26, limped off with 20 minutes of the game remaining at the Emirates Stadium and was replaced by Danny Welbeck. Arsenal host Everton in their final league game of the season on Sunday and face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on 27 May. Wales face Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Belgrade on 11 June. Chris Coleman's side will be without suspended Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale for the game in Belgrade. After the Arsenal victory, manager Arsene Wenger said Ramsey was 'alright' when asked about the fitness of the Wales midfielder.

Summary: Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered a leg injury in Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League win against Sunderland.


The 18-year-old scored twice in 12 appearances for the Bees, but was out of contract with the League Two club. He was offered a new Barnet deal so Posh must pay compensation for the player, currently with the squad at their pre-season camp in Portugal. Meanwhile, captain Chris Forrester, 23, has signed a new long-term contract with Posh. The midfielder was called into the Republic of Ireland squad prior to Euro 2016 after making 41 appearances in his debut season for Posh, but failed to make the final 23. Stevens is the sixth Posh signing of the summer, following the arrival of defenders Hayden White, Ryan Tafazolli and Andrew Hughes, and midfielders Gwion Edwards and Brad Inman. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One side Peterborough United have signed Barnet striker Matty Stevens on a three-year deal.


Oyeleke, 20, has made three appearances for the Bees while midfielder Wickham, 19, was most recently on the books at Crawley but never played for them. Defender Barker, 33, has played almost 500 career games and was recently released by Southend United. Brown is also a midfielder. "I've known Manny for several years and he has developed into a very good young player," Shots boss Andy Scott said. "Chris Barker is well-regarded wherever he's been and we needed an experienced head to guide our younger players along. "Aaron is a young man with real ability who works very hard, is quick and scores goals and Cameron is one of the most talented footballers, with the ball at his feet, that I've seen for a long time."

Summary: Aldershot have signed Brentford midfielder Emmanuel Oyeleke on loan until 22 December as well as Aaron Wickham, Cameron Brown and Chris Barker on free transfers.


The facility at Newcastle Science Central will have a flexible auditorium and lecture theatre for 2,200 Newcastle University students. Pro-vice-chancellor Prof Suzanne Cholerton said the facility would provide an "excellent environment" for learning and research. The £350m hub is based on the site of the old Scottish and Newcastle brewery. The new building will have a "sustainable urban drainage system" to hold back rainwater running off the site. It will also house an exhibition space and a number of seminar rooms. Design team Sheppard Robson said it had a "strident design that resonates both with the campus context and the city's history of scientific innovation".

Summary: A £29m learning and teaching centre at a science and engineering hub has been approved.


About £30 million will be cut from adult social care, while other savings including reductions in advice services will be made in 2015-16. The government is giving a 1% grant to all councils that freeze council tax. The council will offset the savings with £9m from a share of its stake in Manchester Airport. It holds a 35.5% share in the airport, which has recorded a rise in passenger numbers, commercial revenues and profits. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This budget, like other recent budgets, has been an exercise in making the best of a bad situation. "We have had to make some difficult decisions but are striving to balance investing in the future and supporting the most vulnerable in our city with making the spending reductions which have been forced upon us."

Summary: Manchester City Council has frozen council tax while approving £59m cuts which will result in the loss of about 600 jobs.


Norwich United defender Andy Eastaugh, on his 30th birthday, was knocked unconscious at Soham Town in a clash of heads with another player. He was taken to hospital, with his club tweeting later that he had "severe concussion" but no brain damage. The Ryman League Division One North match was halted after consultation with both managers. Norwich are managed by Eastaugh's brother Steve. "Nobody wanted to play after seeing something so traumatic," Soham chairman Stuart Hamilton told BBC Sport. "We wish him all the very best and a speedy recovery." The Division One North is the eighth tier of the football pyramid, four divisions below League Two.

Summary: A non-league match was abandoned after 16 seconds when a player suffered a head injury.


Joshua Reece Coppinger, 25, from Castle Vale, Birmingham, was riding a Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle which was in a collision with a Citroen Relay van. Mr Coppinger's family described him as a "lovable rogue who's infectious laugh and cheeky grin was adored by many". The accident took place on Salts Lane, Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, on 19 July. For more Staffordshire and Cheshire news They said he would be "cherished forever and never forgotten". "Our beloved, one of a kind, treasured son, brother, uncle and family member who was lucky enough to have two families. One he was born into and the other family of friends that he chose," the statement said. An investigation into the collision is continuing and anyone who saw either vehicle before or during the incident was urged to call Staffordshire Police.

Summary: A motorcyclist killed in a crash was a "treasured son" and also had a "family of friends", his relatives said.


Hindatu Umar is the first woman and the youngest person to hold the position in Argungu city, in the north-western state of Kebbi. She is also the city's first unmarried local leader. The BBC's Abdullahi Kaura in Nigeria says her appointment is unprecedented. Some residents have complained, telling the BBC that Ms Umar "lacks experience and boldness". She had been the deputy chairperson and was promoted when the tenure of the local chairman expired. Our correspondent says that women in northern Nigeria usually remain in the background and rarely hold political office. Argungu city is one of the biggest and oldest councils in northern Nigeria and is famous for its annual fishing festival.

Summary: A 25-year-old woman has taken over as the head of a local authority in the mainly Muslim north of Nigeria.


The 27-year-old has been released from the Wales squad to Ospreys. He was taken off after turning his right ankle during the 32-8 defeat by Australia. The Ospreys player missed much of the 2015-16 season after damaging ankle and knee ligaments playing for Wales against Italy in a pre-World Cup match. A Welsh Rugby Union statement read: "It is expected that Webb will undertake a period of rehabilitation of at least 12 weeks." In Webb's absence, Scarlets' Gareth Davies starts against Argentina on Saturday. Scarlets scrum-half Davies is one of six Wales changes for the match at Principality Stadium. In addition to Argentina, Wales face Japan and South Africa in Cardiff before the end of November.

Summary: Injured scrum-half Rhys Webb is to have ankle surgery and will be out of action until the New Year.


The 20-year-old's 102, which came in 148 balls and contained 18 fours, helped the hosts recover from 139-4. Wayne Madsen (54) and Billy Godleman (79 not out) provided support as Durham seamers Matty Potts (3-65) and Barry McCarthy (3-87) chipped away. But Godleman put on an unbeaten 66 with last man Gurjit Sandhu (36 not out) to frustrate Durham and make it to stumps. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Derbyshire lost early wickets, with Luis Reece, Ben Slater and Alex Hughes all falling to leave them 74-3. Critchley and Godleman then put on 99 for the fifth wicket before the Derbyshire skipper and Sandhu held up Durham's charge of five wickets for 28 runs with a valuable 18.4-over partnership which sees Sandhu begin day two on a first-class top score.

Summary: Matt Critchley struck his second first-class century to help Derbyshire reach 332-9 on day one against Durham.


Police received reports of a man seen at the Brewers Arms pub in the St Johns area of Worcester on Sunday, who was asked to leave by the landlord. Paul Grange, 50, was arrested on Monday and charged with "displaying abusive writing... likely to cause distress". The wording suggested the disaster was "God's way" of helping a pest control company. Mr Grange has been bailed to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court in July. Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said: "I understand the alarm and distress the offensive language shown on this T-shirt will have caused to both the people in and around the pub and further afield." Ninety-six football fans died as a result of a crush at Hillsborough stadium on 15 April 1989 at the start of the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. In April an inquest concluded the 96 fans were unlawfully killed.

Summary: A man has been charged with wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with offensive words relating to the Hillsborough disaster.


Wayne Bell, from Castleford, West Yorkshire, is alleged to have used Twitter and Russian social media site VK to post racially abusive and neo-Nazi material. The 36-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier on two counts of stirring up racial hatred. He was also charged with three counts of possessing multiple items in order to destroy or damage property. The offences are alleged to have taken place between March and December 2016. Mr Bell is accused of owning spray-paint, stencils, and stickers in order to apply right-wing slogans to other people's property. He was granted conditional bail ahead of a plea hearing at Leeds Crown Court on 6 June.

Summary: An alleged neo-Nazi has appeared in court accused of encouraging race hate.


The incident happened near junction nine on the southbound carriageway at Walton Summit, Lancashire, at about 22:30 GMT on Monday, police said. The girl was a passenger in a VW Sharan heading southbound that was involved in a collision with a Renault Clio before a lorry struck both vehicles. She suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the Sharan, a man in his 40s from Greater Manchester, also suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition in hospital. Three other passengers in the same car suffered less serious injuries. The occupants of the other vehicles were unhurt. Sgt Dave Hurst of Lancashire Constabulary's road policing unit said: "This was a horrendous collision in which a young girl has very sadly lost her life."

Summary: An 11-year-old girl has died in a "horrendous" crash between a lorry and two cars on the M61.


The 36-year-old has returned to his homeland just seven months after joining the island side from Scarlets. King, who won his only All Blacks cap against Wales in 2002, made eight appearances for Jersey, but did not score a try in his time at St Peter "Regan is without doubt a huge talent, and his all-round rugby experience and influence was unquestionable," head coach Harvey Biljon said. "He could just get in the zone, and other members of the squad were able to learn a great deal from that." King's departure is the latest blow for the island side who have had a troubled season. Samoan international centre Fautua Otto was jailed after admitting driving while disqualified in September, while the club had to sell their ground and assets last month after financial problems.

Summary: Former New Zealand centre Regan King has left Jersey for personal reasons.


The sum is more than twice the reported £1.1bn paid for Center Parcs by US private equity firm Blackstone in 2006. The deal is expected to be completed in July. Center Parcs, employs about 7,500 people and offers UK family breaks including activities such as swimming, climbing and sailing. It has sites at Sherwood Forest, Notts; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria; and Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire. Brookfield recently completed the takeover of London's Canary Wharf estate with the Qatar Investment Authority. Brookfield chief executive Ric Clark said the company saw "compelling opportunities" to grow the business. Brookfield's other investments include interests in shopping centres in the United States and Brazil as well as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Summary: Holiday park resorts firm Center Parcs UK has been sold to Canadian property firm Brookfield in a deal reported to be worth more than £2.4bn.


Police said the 20-year-old pedestrian was trapped underneath one of the taxis in Ormskirk Road in Wigan at about 00:45 BST. She was freed by emergency service crews but died in hospital a few hours later, a spokesman for the Greater Manchester force said. Police believe the woman was in the road after "an altercation" with a man when she was struck. A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning. Det Insp Paul Rollinson said: "We are trying to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about what happened before, to call us with any information."

Summary: A woman has died after being hit by two taxis in Greater Manchester.


The 19-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for his parent club but has previously been loaned to Cheltenham, Luton and Gillingham. Inniss was recommended to Glovers manager Gary Johnson by former Palace counterpart Tony Pulis. "We have kept an eye on him and it's good timing on our part," Johnson told BBC Somerset. "He certainly looks the part so hopefully he can strengthen our squad." Johnson met with Inniss on Wednesday and added: "I didn't really want to walk up the high street with him, as he's 6ft 6in and I'm less than that. "We certainly looked like the odd couple, like Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the film Twins." Johnson added that he would decide on Friday whether Inniss was ready to feature in Saturday's League One clash with Swindon.

Summary: Teenage Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss has joined League One side Yeovil Town on a youth loan.


The custom-made instrument, built in 1966 by the VOX company, was bought by an unidentified US buyer in New York. Harrison practised I Am The Walrus on the guitar in 1967 while Lennon used it in a video for Hello, Goodbye later that year. Julien's Auctions said the guitar had exceeded its estimated value of $200,000-$300,000 (£132,000-£198,000). After playing the guitar, Lennon gave it as a 25th birthday present to Alexis "Magic Alex" Mardas, a member of The Beatles' inner circle in the 1960s. A plaque on the back reads: "To Magic Alex/ Alexi thank you/ for been [sic] a friend/ 2-5-1967 John." The date on the plaque is believed to refer to his birthday, but Lennon gave the gift to him later in the year. Mardas sold the instrument in 2004.

Summary: A guitar played by John Lennon and George Harrison of The Beatles has sold for $408,000 (£269,000) at auction.


The new terms will see players earn in excess of £20,000 per Test match, excluding bonuses. "These are exciting times for English Rugby, and the deal offers a significant uplift from the previous deal," said Ritchie. The RFU posted record figures last year, with profit rising to over £100m after England hosted the World Cup. England exited the World Cup in the group stage but have achieved success since under new coach Eddie Jones. They won the Six Nations Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 in February and completed a first 3-0 series win by a touring side in Australia since South Africa in 1971. The new deal, which was negotiated by the Rugby Players Association, will cover training fees, image rights payments and squad performance bonuses.

Summary: A new four-year, £20m deal for England players has been welcomed by Rugby Football Union chief Ian Ritchie.


The pair were part of the coaching set-up at Loftus Road under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was sacked as manager on 5 November. The R's reappointed Ian Holloway as boss on Friday and the 53-year-old is set to bring in his own backroom staff. Performance consultant Chris Barnes has also left the Championship club. "Ian has come in and as with any managerial appointment, they have their own ideas about how they see their staffing working out," Rangers director of football Les Ferdinand told the club website. "Needless to say, he's keen to add to his backroom staff and we'll confirm any appointments as and when they're official."

Summary: David Oldfield and Dirk Heesen have left their respective roles of assistant manager and first-team coach at Queens Park Rangers.


The victim was assaulted on a path between Taghnevan and the Tullygally East Road shortly before midnight. Police believe he was stabbed, kicked and punched. "If it were not for the victim's quick actions to stem the bloodflow and, as usual, brilliant work from our NIAS colleagues, this could have been much worse," police said. Pictures of the man's injuries were posted on the PSNI Craigavon Facebook page. Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to contact them.

Summary: A man attacked in Craigavon on Sunday night suffered horrendous injuries, police have said.


South Yorkshire Police said 15-year-old Summer Lee Seymour died early on Saturday as a result of her injuries. The incident happened at about 17:00 GMT on on Friday, on Haymarket at the junction with Castle Street . Police have appealed for witnesses. A 17-year-old boy also suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, added police. There were no passengers on board the bus at the time of the incident, said First South Yorkshire. Spokesman Kevin Belfield said: "My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident." The cause of the incident is unknown, he added. The driver of the bus has not been suspended, the company said.

Summary: A girl has died after two teenagers were in collision with a bus in Sheffield.


The Breeders' Cup Classic winner, ridden by Mike Smith, won by nearly five lengths from Shaman Ghost at Gulfstream Park in Florida. The expected challenge from California Chrome, racing for the last time, did not materialise as he finished ninth. "I'm so relieved," said Arrogate's trainer Bob Baffert, who added he "felt bad" about California Chrome. "He just didn't bring his race so that match-up never came about," said the American. "It's great to be here. I never thought I'd be here in a $12m race. I'm a little emotional." Arrogate was last week named Longines World's Best Racehorse after earning a rating of 134 for his half-length victory over California Chrome at Santa Anita in November. Smith said his mount had produced "another incredible performance" to secure the $7m (£5.58m) first prize. He added: "That's not the California Chrome I know. He didn't fire."

Summary: Arrogate powered home to win the inaugural $12m (£9.5m) Pegasus World Cup, the world's richest horse race.


During the assault, the woman was punched, kicked and dragged her around her home. Brendan McIvor, 30, from Templeard in Derry, carried out the attack in the victim's home last July. He admitted kicking and punching the woman to the head and pulling her by the hair. The woman was later treated for bruising to her right eye, a head injury and friction burns to her arm. A defence barrister told Deputy District Judge Terence Dunlop that McIvor was close to completing his nursing degree, after which he aimed to find work placement. He also hoped to study for his masters degree in nursing. The barrister said that McIvor accepted his behaviour was outrageous and that he had anger management issues. McIvor was placed on probation for 18 months and ordered him to complete 70 hours of community service.

Summary: A district judge in Londonderry has described an attack by a nursing degree student on his former girlfriend as "ferocious".


Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Newnham Close, Northolt, at about 15:20 BST on Tuesday. Abdullahi Tarabi was taken to a north London hospital, but later died. Post-mortem tests showed he died of a stab wound to the abdomen. Two boys aged 16 and 17 have been charged with murder. Both will appear at Hendon Magistrates' Court later. Three 19-year-old men and an 18-year-old man who were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail while police investigate.

Summary: A 19-year-old man who died after being stabbed in the stomach in west London has been identified.


Forestieri, 26, refused to play against Norwich in August after being linked with a move from Hillsborough. Carvalhal accepted that the player's absence just before the transfer window would trigger speculation. But the Owls boss told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It is an injury - 100%. I can guarantee it." Wednesday struggled without the Italian, but Adam Reach's injury-time equaliser rescued a point for them at Deepdale. Carvalhal said Forestieri would be assessed in training ahead of Wolves' visit on Monday. "There was no chance to play today. We have some wish of a recovery for Monday," he added. "He had pain after the game against Newcastle and tried to recover but it was impossible. "We wish to have a good answer in training and that he can recover for Monday. It is important he does."

Summary: Carlos Carvalhal insisted Fernando Forestieri missed Sheffield Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Preston because of an injury and could return against Wolves.


The fires, which started between 02:30 and 04:00, were in George Street, Stirling Road and Station Road. A number of occupants had to be evacuated from the affected properties but no one was injured. Firefighters from Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Stirling were sent to deal with the fires, which were all extinguished. A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland is investigating, in conjunction with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, three suspicious fires at addresses in Dunblane. "The incidents happened between 2.30am and 4am on Saturday. "The occupants of some of the affected properties had to be evacuated, however nobody was injured. A male has currently been detained."

Summary: A man has been detained by police after three suspicious fires broke out in Dunblane.


Jamie Mines was injured at the Kendrick Industrial Estate in Swindon just before Christmas. The 33-year-old was treated at Southmead Hospital in Bristol following the accident and returned home in June. However, a surgical wound on his left foot became severely infected and doctors called him back to amputate it. Mr Mines said: "It feels so much better now I won't be carrying around an aching, dead piece of meat which was my left foot anymore." He is recovering at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. Following the accident, Mr Mines was placed in an induced coma and missed his first Christmas with his five-month-old twins Isabella and Savannah. A fund to help the semi-professional football player, who hails from Frome but now lives in Swindon, raised £144,000. Mr Mines said: "It's been so nice to hear of all the amazing support." The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the accident.

Summary: A scaffolder who had to have his leg and hands amputated after suffering an electric shock has had a further operation to remove his left foot.


A report said high vacancies and a pest infestation had created a "spiral of decline" which threatens the arcade. It dates back to 1869 and the council said it "intertwines with the growth of Newport" and is part of the city's DNA. The estimated cost is about £1.7m and councillors will meet on Thursday to discuss applying for £200,000 of first round funding. The structure is Newport's oldest surviving arcade and although any potential Heritage Lottery money would focus on the building and properties within it, cash would also be spent on neighbouring properties on High Street and Market Street. "It is increasingly clear that further deterioration will render the structure beyond reasonable repair and an increasing risk to public health and safety," the report said. In order to proceed with the plan, the council will also have to decide on allocating £30,000 match funding for the first phase.

Summary: An application could be made for lottery cash to revive Newport's Grade II-listed Market Arcade.


The hosts, who sit fourth in League Two, had toppled Premiership side Hamilton Academical. But McCluskey ensured there would be no such repeat, scoring from Denny Johnstone's cross before Joe McKee powered home before half-time. McCluskey soon completed his treble, with Matt Flynn grabbing a consolation. McCluskey opened the scoring with an emphatic finish following a deft Johnstone assist, the latter also setting-up McKee for Morton's second goal. Rabin Omar pulled a chance wide for Annan early in the second period but Morton pulled further ahead when McCluskey added his second with a low finish after being teed-up by Bobby Barr. McCluskey iced the cake two minutes later with a fine angled finish from inside the penalty area before Flynn headed home Smart Osadolor's cross with 14 minutes remaining.

Summary: Stefan McCluskey bagged a fine hat-trick as a dominant Morton quelled Scottish Cup giant-killers Annan Athletic at Galabank.


Media playback is not supported on this device Kranjcar will definitely miss Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final against Glasgow rivals Celtic. Ibrox medics are now waiting for the swelling to go down before they are able to fully assess the problem. The summer signing from New York Cosmos has made 15 appearances for Mark Warburton's side. Kranjcar struggled for match fitness when he first arrived in Scotland but has been more influential in recent weeks. The injury further depletes the Scottish Premiership outfit's midfield options, with Kranjcar's former Queens Park Rangers team-mate, Joey Barton, serving a club suspension. Barton, who signed after leaving Burnley this summer, appears unlikely to play for Warburton's side again after a fall-out with the manager. Kranjcar, who played 81 times for Croatia, joined New York Cosmos earlier this year after leaving Dynamo Kiev. He previously played for Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur.

Summary: Rangers midfielder Niko Kranjcar has suffered a knee injury in training that could sideline the 32-year-old Croat for months.


Jermaine Goupall, 15, was stabbed to death in south London in Georgia Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon. He is the 15th teenager to be killed in a knife attack in the capital this year and the second in less than 24 hours. There were 12 fatal stabbings in 2016. Those arrested were taken to a south London police station where they remain in custody. A post-mortem examination carried out on Wednesday gave the cause of death as a single stab wound to the leg. Det Ch Insp Tony Lynes said: "Jermaine was out with his friends when they were confronted by a group of armed men who had made attempts to hide their identities by wearing balaclavas. "Jermaine tried to run away from the men, but sadly was attacked about 20 yards from the shop suffering a number of stab injuries."

Summary: A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman have been arrested over the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy.


The French student was last seen in Edinburgh College's Milton Road Campus at about 22:30 on 24 October, when he "suddenly" left a group of friends. His body was recovered from the loch on 2 December after searches in which members of Mr Maury's family took part. Police Scotland said a report had been sent to the procurator fiscal. Ch Insp Kevin McLean said: "Our thoughts are with the family of Antoine, whose courage and dignity throughout this harrowing time has been unparalleled. "I would like to thank those members of the public and media who assisted in our search, their support was essential. "We are supporting Antoine's family through an appointed family liaison officer. We will continue to work with them and offer assistance throughout this difficult time."

Summary: Police have confirmed the body of a man found in Duddingston Loch in Edinburgh was that of missing student Antoine Maury.


RSPCA Cymru said it received 290 reports of animals in hot places, like cars, vans and conservatories, between January and June this year. But 133 reports were made last month alone - accounting for 46% of calls. The charity stressed leaving animals in hot environments could have "disastrous consequences". According to RSPCA Cymru, the figures suggest the charity receives more than one call on the issue every five and a half hours in Wales. Supt Martyn Hubbard said: "Put simply, there are fatal dangers of leaving animals in unsuitable environments, like dogs in warm cars. "Temperatures can soar quickly in a car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding. If it's 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside, which can have disastrous consequences for animals." A peak of reports of animals struggling over July "seems very possible", he added.

Summary: Dog owners have been warned not to leave their pets in hot cars following a spike in calls to the RSPCA last month.


Former Bury, Blackpool and Stockport striker Preece, 49, is the third manager at the Sandgrounders this season after Burr and Andy Bishop. Director of football Liam Watson took temporary charge after Burr's four-month stint, as Southport sit a point above the relegation places. "I am really looking forward to the challenge," said Preece. "I've been in this situation before, taking over a club, and I expect to succeed. It is a big job." He has previously been in charge of Bury, Worcester and Northwich, and spent four years as director of football at Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK Broughton, where they played in the qualifying rounds for the Europa League.

Summary: National League strugglers Southport have appointed Andy Preece as their new manager, replacing Steve Burr.


The French-owned Chivas Brothers Ltd, part of Pernod Ricard, wants to build on the site of the Imperial distillery near Carron, which has not been used for 14 years. The original distillery buildings have already been demolished. Planning and regulatory services committee chairman Douglas Ross said the new distillery would be welcome. It would mean an increase of 10% in the company's malt whisky distilling capacity. Chivas is the second biggest company in Scotch whisky, with about 20% of the market.

Summary: Plans for a major new distillery in Speyside have been approved by Moray councillors.


Acclaimed bass player Kyle Eastwood and his band will play at the Gardyne Theatre on the opening night of the five-day event. Organisers said the audience should expect "slick modern jazz, blending swing, bop, and soulful funk". The festival runs from 18-22 November with gigs at a variety of venues in the city. Other performers during the week include the Red Stripe Band, Ian Siegal and the East Coast of Scotland young jazz musicians. Mr Eastwood is a double and electric bass player who has had a 17-year career in the music industry. The festival said he had released seven critically acclaimed albums and was also a composer and arranger. He has worked on several of his father's films, including Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino and Letters From Iwo Jima.

Summary: The son of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood is to launch the Dundee Jazz Festival.


The Rochdale youngster was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and was told it was terminal in September. Joshua will not be able to attend the game at Northern Gas and Power Stadium on Wednesday but will have a shirt hung up in the changing room and will be named as one of Dale's seven substitutes, with the squad number 55. "He has touched the hearts of everyone at Rochdale since we met him for the first time back in February," manager Keith Hill told the club website. "No child should have to go through what Joshua is going through and we, as a club and a group of players, will continue to do whatever we can to support him and his family. "We hope this one small gesture can bring some light to his family during this difficult time."

Summary: League One side Rochdale have named five-year-old Joshua McCormack in their squad for their Checkatrade Trophy match at Hartlepool United.


Mae Ysgrifennydd yr Economi, Ken Skates, wedi ysgrifennu at ACau yn enwi'r safleoedd posib ar gyfer y gorsafoedd newydd. Maen nhw'n cynnwys gorsafoedd mewn gwahanol rannau o Gymru, gan gynnwys Caerdydd, Casnewydd, Abertawe, Wrecsam ac Ynys Môn. Mae'r 12 cynnig yn cynnwys: Yn ei lythyr, dywedodd Mr Skates fod y rhan gyntaf o broses tri cham wedi ei chwblhau, a'i fod wedi llunio rhestr fer o 12 allan o 46 dewis posib. "Bydd ail ran yr asesiad yn edrych yn fwy manwl ar yr achosion ariannol ac economaidd ar gyfer y gorsafoedd rheilffordd newydd, gan gynnwys gofyn am gyngor gan Network Rail ar y mater." Roedd gan Bow Street, Llangefni a Sanclêr orsafoedd rheilffordd prysur yn ystod yr 19eg Ganrif, ond daeth y teithio i ben yn y 1960au yn dilyn toriadau Dr Beeching.

Summary: Gallai 12 o orsafoedd rheilffordd newydd gael eu hagor yng Nghymru, fel rhan o gynlluniau gan y llywodraeth.


The decision followed a motion by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue. A huge fire at recycling plant in Smethwick last year was blamed on a Chinese lantern, while warnings were voiced in 2011 after one landed near hay at a Warwickshire farm. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gary Philips described them as "extremely dangerous". He said: "Not only do they set fire to trees and property, but they can frighten animals. "Some animals have even died because of the heat in the wire and cable of the mechanism." Warwickshire Fire and Rescue said it hoped the council decision, which covers parks, would also make people think twice before launching them from their gardens.

Summary: Chinese lanterns have been banned from land and buildings owned by Warwickshire County Council.


Schalk, 24, follows Ryan Dow and Craig Curran, who have also agreed new deals. "We've been in negotiations for a while and we're delighted Alex sees his future here," County boss Jim McIntyre told BBC Scotland. "He's an important player. He suffered a knee injury early in the season which limited his contribution but his goals-to-starts ratio is very high." The Dutch striker has scored 17 goals in his two seasons at County, including the last-minute winner against Hibernian which won County the Scottish League Cup last season. "He's a natural goal-scorer and a different type to Curran and Liam Boyce," McIntyre added. "It's very important we tie down key members of the squad, which we've managed to do over the last couple of weeks. "We're looking to extend two or three more and looking to build for the future."

Summary: Ross County striker Alex Schalk has agreed a contract extension to stay at the club until the end of next season.


About 800 litres of diesel is thought to have spilled from the lorry after it crashed with a car on the northbound carriageway, between junctions 11 and 12. The spillage spread across the slip road and three lanes of the main carriageway. Three people received minor injuries in the crash. Highways England said the road would be closed well into the afternoon as workers dug up and replaced the surface. Northbound traffic on the M1 is being diverted through Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

Summary: A large fuel spillage has resulted in the closure of part of the M1 in Bedfordshire.


Landsales Direct said the garden in Saline will feature small plots of land in which buyers will deposit mementoes of loved ones but there will be no visible markers. Instead people will locate the plots using digital technology on smart phones. It will stream pictures, videos and poetry related to their loved ones. John MacCallum of JM Planning Services, who is the planning agent representing Landsales Direct, said: "The means of people locating the time capsule for their loved one will be through digital technology so they will be able to access it using a QR code."

Summary: The first digital-led memorial garden is to open in Fife after a Scottish company won planning permission.


Rangers striker Hardie scored the opener with an excellent second-half free-kick. Dundee's Wighton made it 2-0 and a Denis Granecny own goal put the result beyond doubt. The win ensured Scotland sealed their best ever finish at the tournament in France. A 3-0 semi-final defeat to England had ended Scotland's hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time. Scotland Under-20s coach Scot Gemmill told the Scottish FA website: "They have finished third from 12 teams so it's a great achievement and we are really pleased to finish the tournament on a high. "The players deserve credit for how they have applied themselves in France and how they have responded to the demands we have placed on them. "I'm sure they will take a lot from this experience and hope they go back to their clubs in a positive frame of mind and ready for the new season."

Summary: Ryan Hardie and Craig Wighton were on target as Scotland Under-20s beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to finish third in the Toulon Tournament.


Williams, 34, has been troubled by the problem with her right shoulder since winning Wimbledon, her 22nd Grand Slam singles title, in July. She says her focus is now on being fit enough to play in the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore from 23 October. Her recent defeat by Karolina Pliskova at the US Open ended Williams' 186-week run as world number one. She had equalled Steffi Graf's record for the longest reign at the top of the women's rankings. The defeat against Pliskova in the semi-final at Flushing Meadows, though, saw Williams' place taken by eventual champion Angelique Kerber. The Wuhan Open starts on Sunday and runs to next Saturday, with the China Open starting the following Monday. The American's withdrawal from the tournaments in Wuhan and Beijing have reduced her chances of reclaiming the number one spot from Kerber before the end of 2016.

Summary: Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Wuhan Open, as well as the China Open, with a shoulder injury.


The 1000 tonne, 590ft (180m) long drill will begin work on the tunnel between Craigton and Queen's Park. It is boring the biggest waste water tunnel ever to be built in Scotland The machine was launched at Craigton industrial estate by Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and a 10-year-old boy, who named it Daisy the Driller. Lewis Bennett, of Craigton Primary School, won a competition to name the giant machine. The Â£100m tunnel is being built by Scottish Water to improve water quality in the River Clyde and tackle flooding. When completed it will be about three miles long (4.8km) and 15ft (4.7m) in diameter, which is big enough to fit a double decker bus inside.

Summary: The giant state-of-the art boring machine which will construct the Shieldhall Tunnel has been unveiled.


The 20-year-old nephew of former Arsenal and Ipswich striker Chris Kiwomya has yet to break into the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge. His professional debut came in January 2015 while on loan at Barnsley and he had a spell with Fleetwood last season. Kiwomya is Alex boss Steve Davis's fourth summer signing after Ryan Lowe, Chris Dagnall and Liam Smith. Davis, who flagged up Kiwomya's arrival two days ago, is hoping his team can mount a promotion challenge after last season's relegation from League One. And the coffers at Gresty Road may receive a boost with the pending transfer of their former academy defender Grant Hanley from Blackburn to Newcastle because of a sell-on clause when he left the club. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Chelsea winger Alex Kiwomya has joined League Two club Crewe Alexandra on loan until 9 January 2017.


The Cameroon international, 29, was recently offered a new deal by Albion, along with Steve Sidwell and keepers David Stockdale and Niki Maenpaa. The current contracts of all four players are due to expire this summer. "We are delighted that Gaetan has agreed his new deal as he has been a key member of the squad," manager Chris Hughton told the club website. Bong made 24 appearances last season, returning to action in April after three months out with a knee injury. He joined Brighton in 2015 after a short spell at Wigan, having previously played for Metz, Valenciennes and Olympiakos. "He played a big part in our success and I am looking forward to working with Gaetan again next season, as we look to establish ourselves in the Premier League," Hughton added.

Summary: Brighton defender Gaetan Bong has agreed a new one-year contact with the promoted club.


Abdul Hafidah was stabbed after he was hit by a car on Moss Lane East on 12 May and died later in hospital. Eight people, including a 14-year-old boy, have previously been arrested in connection with his death and have been released on bail. A 19-year-old man from Moss Side has been taken into custody for questioning, police said. Police believe Mr Hafidah had been chased near Greenheys Lane before being struck by a blue Vauxhall Corsa and then stabbed, Officers are continuing to appeal for information. Det Sgt Wes Knights said: "This is now our ninth arrest and we will continue to progress this investigation and carry on with our inquiries. "I would ask anyone who might have been in the area at the time of Abdul's murder to come forward. Every bit of information could help us give his family answers."

Summary: A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an 18-year-old man in the Moss Side area of Manchester.


The British number two, who reached the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals, lost the first two games to former world number one Ivanovic, 27, ranked 12th. The 23-year-old, world ranked 54, levelled by breaking back to love but lost the opening set in 28 minutes. Second seed Ivanovic maintained the pressure and won in 70 minutes in the first meeting between the pair. Watson won successive games to close to 3-5 in the second set and went 40-0 ahead in the next game, only to lose the next five points, three of them with double faults. "I was very happy about this victory because I expected a tough match - I know Heather's a great fighter and she can play really well against top players," said Ivanovic, who won the event in 2007.

Summary: Britain's Heather Watson is out of the Luxembourg Open after losing 6-4 6-3 to Serb Ana Ivanovic in the first round.


Nichols has moved from its former Dunblane premises to a bigger depot in Stirling, more than doubling its capacity. The company, which already exclusively supplies Irn-Bru on dispense, has now added Coca-Cola to its range. It said it had become Coca-Cola's first independent "bag in box" supplier. Nichols Dispense, which is part of Vimto and Sunkist maker Nichols, focuses on producing and distributing soft drinks for dispensing in pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. It has a satellite depot in Aberdeen, in addition to the Stirling premises. A total of 20 people are employed between the two facilities. Trading director Nick Yates said: "The deal with Coca-Cola only adds to our credibility as the leading supplier in the market and expansion through a bigger depot enables us to capitalise on the significant opportunities for growth."

Summary: Draught soft drinks company Nichols Dispense Scotland has expanded its production capacity after striking a major deal with Coca-Cola.


Speaking in the Irish parliament, Mr Flanagan said that Northern Ireland has been "mired in deadlock over budgetary and financial issues". "Serial brinkmanship must be replaced by generous, courageous and effective partnership government," he said. "We need politics in Belfast to inspire again," he added. Mr Flanagan was speaking during debates on events in Ballymurphy in 1971, legacy issues and a statements on Northern Ireland session. During the debate on the Ballymurphy killings of 1971, Sinn FÃ©in Fein president Gerry Adams called on the Irish and British governments to implement those elements of the Stormont House Agreement that deal with the past and legacy issues. He said there was no need to wait for the local political parties.

Summary: Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has called on Northern Ireland's politicians to show effective partnership government in Belfast.


Milnes, 22, who has been on loan with Derbyshire this season, was not offered new terms by his parent club. Derbyshire's elite performance director Graeme Welch had previously worked with Milnes when he was the Bears' bowling coach at Edgbaston. "Tom is a talented young lad," said Welch. "He has impressed me both on and off the field. Milnes said: "I've enjoyed my loan spell with the club and feel that this is the right place for me to develop my game and produce runs and wickets."

Summary: Derbyshire have signed all-rounder Tom Milnes from Warwickshire on a two-year contract.


Graffiti was daubed and paint was thrown over walls at Tanvally and Corbet halls near Banbridge during the early hours of Friday morning. The halls are about five miles apart. The incidents follow an attempted arson attack at Muckery Orange Hall in County Armagh last weekend. The Orange Order said 12 of their halls have been targeted so far this year. A spokesman for the order said the attacks were "clearly coordinated and deliberate criminal acts" that did not reflect the "excellent community relations" in the areas. "The mindless morons responsible for such callous sectarianism ought to be ashamed of their actions and must be held accountable," the spokesman added. "This double attack is particularly sickening coming on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. "Such cowardly crime is in stark contrast to the gallant bravery shown by those who paid the supreme sacrifice 100 years ago."

Summary: Two Orange halls in County Down have been targeted in overnight attacks.


Donald Grewar had praised a message on the British National Party's website about gay people, and later backed an English Defence League statement. In a letter to UKIP's chairman Steve Crowther, Mr Grewar said he was "truly sorry" for his "foolishness". Mr Crowther said he was sorry to lose him but he had "done the right thing". Last week the party said it was investigating Mr Grewar after he backed a message on the BNP website calling gay people "perverts" and "paedophiles". Another comment supporting the English Defence League statement "no surrender to militant Islam or political correctness" appeared on Facebook.

Summary: UKIP's general election candidate for Newport East has resigned from the role after posting offensive messages online.


The crash happened at about 08:45 on the A813 in Dumbarton, near the Lomondgate Services. The male motorcyclist died at the scene Officers are investigating the cause of the crash and appealed for people who were in the area at the time to contact them. Police said they were particularly interested in talking to people who may have dashcam footage. The road is closed while investigators work at the scene. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Summary: A motorcyclist has been killed in a crash in West Dunbartonshire.


A man broke in to Cube CafÃ© on Garscube Road when it was closed at about 17:00 on Tuesday. It is alleged he smashed the external CCTV system, forced open the shutter then damaged the inside of the cafe. He was described as being white, of medium build, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in tall and in his mid 40s and wearing light-coloured jeans and a blue jacket. Nothing was reported to have been stolen. Det Con Fiona Fraser said: "This was a brazen incident of vandalism which occurred on Garscube Road as people were travelling home from work. "Many passing motorists may well have seen or heard the disturbance as they travelled towards Maryhill or down towards Cowcaddens during that busy period. "If you witnessed this disturbance, or saw a man matching this description running away from the area, please contact officers with any information you may have."

Summary: Police have appealed for witnesses after a Glasgow cafe was vandalised in front of rush-hour traffic.


The Proteas lost opener Quinton de Kock to a seven-ball duck before Hashim Amla (59) and David Miller (51) helped the visitors to 275-7 from 50 overs. England batsman Ben Duckett was bowled by Chris Morris to leave Northants 1-1 but opener Max Holden hit a run-a-ball 55 to accelerate the innings. Tom Sole's 54 pushed Northants close but Morris took 3-36 to ensure victory. South Africa were without one-day captain AB de Villiers, who is still recovering from illness, but pace bowler Morne Morkel returned to the side and bowled accurately to finish with figures of 2-32. The Proteas play the first of three one-day internationals against England on Wednesday, before the Champions Trophy begins on 1 June.

Summary: South Africa narrowly beat Northamptonshire by 13 runs in an entertaining match at Wantage Road.


Spalletti led Roma to the runners-up spot in 2016-17 before leaving on 30 May after 16 months in charge. The 58-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Inter, who dismissed Stefano Piolo on 9 May. An Inter statement said Spalletti will take first-team training from 3 July with the three-time champions of Europe. Inter's ambitious Chinese owners, the Suning Group, are keen to restore the club's fortunes. They missed out on a place in Europe after finishing seventh in the season just finished, 29 points behind champions Juventus. Last month, Inter Milan refused to comment on reports they were planning to offer Chelsea boss Antonio Conte a deal to replace Pioli.

Summary: Inter Milan have appointed former Roma boss Luciano Spalletti as their new first-team coach.


Two Bosnian artists created the work, moved by Bowie's death in January at the age of 69. It is 13m (43ft) high and 10.5m (34ft) wide. The project's mastermind was a local musician, Vedad Trbonja, who called the British singer his "spiritual father". In 1994 Bowie bought an anti-war painting by artist Peter Howson showing a Bosnian Muslim woman being raped. The new mural in Sarajevo is on a ruined building near the street known as Sniper Alley during the 1993-1995 war. Sarajevo endured a bloody siege by Bosnian Serb forces in which civilians became snipers' targets. The mural pays tribute to Bowie's hit songs Heroes and Fashion, bearing the slogan: "Fashion changes, but you'll always be my heroes". It is the work of Enis Cisic, a Marvel comics illustrator, and Zoran Herceg. A crowd of several hundred attended the unveiling on Saturday.

Summary: A huge mural honouring the late rock star David Bowie now adorns a building in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo.


The ethnic Tharu protesters were at a rally in Kailali district in the Far Western region, demanding greater rights under a new constitution. Nepal's Home Minister Bamdev Gautam said protesters had encircled police, attacking them with spears and axes and burning one man alive. The army would be sent in to secure the area, he added. It is not clear if any protesters died in the clashes. Nepal has seen several protests in recent weeks against a new draft constitution being discussed by parliament. Minority ethnic groups argue that the new constitution, which would divide the country into seven federal states, would discriminate against them and give them insufficient autonomy.

Summary: Violent clashes at a protest in western Nepal have killed at least seven police officers and a child.


Iain Wightman, who was 18, died after the crash on a rural road on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Monday. The collision, between Dalmeny and Kirkliston, involved a silver Land Rover Discovery. A statement from Iain's family said: "Iain was a wonderful, wonderful boy, much loved and missed by his brother Colin, sister Katie and mum and dad." It continued: "He wanted to train to be an Olympic cyclist and was a great rugby player. "He is a great loss in our lives and will never be forgotten by those that knew him and we wish he was back with us." The incident happened on Standingstane Road at its junction with Burnshot Road at about 10:30 on Monday.

Summary: The parents of a teenage cyclist who died after a collision with a car have paid tribute to their "wonderful boy".


The 24-year-old was cited by the Rugby Football Union for shoving Greg Garner with both hands in Friday's Premiership defeat to Newcastle Falcons. He will miss the final match of the season against Leicester on Saturday. Rapava Ruskin, who will join Gloucester at the end of the season, is available to play again on 4 September. The Georgia-born player went before a disciplinary panel on Wednesday. In a statement, the panel said the sanction "reflects the seriousness of making contact with a referee or any match official". Rapava Ruskin's suspension rules him out of a potential England squad call, but three of his current Warriors team-mates - lock Will Spencer, stand-off Ryan Mills and winger Perry Humphreys - have been included in a 20-man three-day England 'strength and conditioning' training camp from 9-11 May, England face the Barbarians on 28 May before playing two Tests against Argentina in June.

Summary: Worcester Warriors prop Val Rapava Ruskin has been given a six-week ban after pleading guilty to pushing a referee in the back.


The Army took over Imber on Salisbury Plain during World War Two to use the area for training. Residents had to move out and were never allowed back. Imber has been used by the military ever since. It allows access to the village a few times each year. About 100 people attended the service at St Giles Church, one of the only buildings remaining standing. The Rev Mark Jones, the rector of Bratton, who took the service, said: "All Imber services have a special poignancy because of the evacuation and the fact it doesn't have a population living in the village. "This is an active military range, so people have to be escorted by the Army over to Imber. "Having said that, whenever services take place at Imber the church is absolutely packed out."

Summary: A remembrance service has been held at an abandoned church in a derelict village in Wiltshire.


Captaincy trio George Pinner, Ian Sloan and Phil Roper will lead the side following their appointments. Former skipper Barry Middleton will add to his 379 international appearances. The hosts play Argentina in their Pool B opener on 18 June, with China, South Korea and Malaysia making up the group. The World League semi-finals provide the opportunity of places at the prestigious end-of-year Hockey World League as well as automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup with both events being held in India. Full England squad: Goalkeepers: George Pinner (C), Harry Gibson Defenders: Brendan Creed, Michael Hoare, Liam Sanford, Henry Weir, Ollie Willars Midfield: Ian Sloan (C), David Ames, David Condon, Adam Dixon, David Goodfield, Harry Martin, Barry Middleton Forwards: Phil Roper (C), Mark Gleghorne, Chris Griffiths, Sam Ward

Summary: England men's team have announced an 18-strong squad for the Hockey World League semi-finals, a World Cup qualification event starting in London on 15 June.


Police were called to a terraced house in Eastway, Hackney Wick, shortly before 16:00 GMT. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Three youths aged under 18 were arrested nearby and taken into custody at an east London police station. Police believe they know the identity of the girl, and have begun informing family. A post-mortem examination is due to be held. Officers went to the scene, together with London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance. A Met Police spokesman said the street remained closed while officers continued to carry out inquiries. The three youths arrested on Saturday afternoon remain in custody. Anyone with information that might help with the investigation is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Summary: A teenage girl thought to be aged about 15 has been shot dead at a house in east London.


Saudi national Nahid Almanea, 31, was stabbed 16 times as she walked to the University of Essex campus last June. James Attfield, 33, was found with 102 knife wounds in Castle Park last March. The boy, from Colchester, entered no plea during a short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. He was remanded in custody to appear at the city's crown court on Monday. He cannot be named due to his age. The teenager is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon. His parents, who sat in the public gallery, both shed tears as they heard the charges read out. The boy spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and answered "yes" when the court clerk asked him if he understood the proceedings. Meanwhile, Essex Police searched the River Colne, near to the Wivenhoe trail, on Saturday for "possible weapons" connected to the case.

Summary: A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murdering a man and a woman in Colchester.


Planning permission has already been granted for the 402-bedroom, eleven-storey property beside Terminal Two. The airport hopes construction will begin next October, with the four-star hotel opening in 2019. It has appointed consultants Savills to seek expressions of interest for the development and operation of the hotel. The successful bidder will construct the hotel and operate it for a specified period of time, before transferring it back to Dublin Airport Authority at the end of that term. The airport says the project will support 400 jobs - 150 of them during the construction phase. "There is significant demand for a new terminal-linked hotel at Dublin Airport," said the airport's Managing Director Vincent Harrison. "It will also provide much needed additional hotel capacity for the entire Dublin region." Dublin airport is the fastest growing major airport in Europe.

Summary: Dublin Airport is advancing plans for what will be Ireland's fourth biggest hotel.


Officers were called to a shooting in Lordship Lane, Wood Green, in the north of the city at about 17:45 BST. An air ambulance crew treated the man at the scene but he was declared dead at about 19:00 BST. The woman has been taken to a hospital in east London. No arrests have been made and Lordship Lane has been closed between Winkfield Road and Perth Road. The male victim has yet to be officially identified and police were working with the family to inform relatives, Scotland Yard said. A spokesman said the woman was believed to be in a critical but stable condition.

Summary: A man has died and a woman is in a critical condition after a double-shooting during rush-hour in London.


Evans won 13 caps for Wales and played 18 times for the Lions on the 1959 tour to Australia and New Zealand, playing in four of the six Tests. Born in Porthcawl on 19 December, 1934, he attended Cowbridge Grammar School and won Welsh Schools caps against France and England in 1953. Evans also won a Blue for Cambridge University against Oxford. He qualified as a solicitor while at Cambridge and had various business interests in Porthcawl. He also became president of the Porthcawl Sportsman's Club. Evans is survived by his wife, Sue, sons Nigel and Bas, and four grandchildren.

Summary: Former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions lock Roddy Evans has died at the age of 81.


The wave technology company Wave-tricity will develop and test a new device called the Ocean Wave Rower. The two-year project has received £4m of EU funding and will generate clean energy by capturing the natural motion of sea waves. It is expected to lead to the creation of jobs in engineering and operations with Wave-tricity, as well as opportunities for local businesses. Matthew Fairclough-Kay, managing director at Wave-tricity, said: "Everyone on the team is looking forward to starting operations in Pembrokeshire and bringing the prospect of clean wave energy a step closer to commercial success."

Summary: Pembrokeshire has been chosen to test a new £5.8m wave energy project.


Education minister Huw Lewis has supported the outline business case for Â£24m to be spent on schools in the Gwernyfed catchment area. The new schools will replace current ones in Hay on Wye, Talgarth, Clyro, Llyswen and Llangorse. Building work is expected to start in early 2017. The council had already been told that the Welsh government supported the case for investment in the area, but it had to wait for approval of the outline business case before design work could start. Powys council's cabinet member for education, Arwel Jones, said: "The decision is a result of a detailed review of the area over the past few years demonstrating the need to address falling school numbers, inadequate buildings and address financial pressures."

Summary: Design and building work for five new primary schools in Powys is set to go ahead after the Welsh government approved plans.


Magistrates in Ipswich heard the Norwich City player reached the speed at the wheel of a BMW 7 Series on the A14 at Newmarket in March, the East Anglian Daily Times first reported. The 32-year-old midfielder also faces a charge of driving at 97mph on the A11 at Wymondham in Norfolk in February. Norwich City Football Club made no comment. Both roads have a speed limit of 70mph. A court spokesman told the BBC that magistrates were provided with a list of dates when Norwich were playing and both separate cases were adjourned until December. Mr O'Neil, from Kent, has previously played for West Ham United, Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers. He was not present at the hearing.

Summary: Premier League footballer Gary O'Neil is facing trial after allegedly being caught driving at 103mph in Suffolk.


Richard Sharvin, who was believed to be in his 70s, died after the accident that involved a tractor took place close to Strangford village on Friday. Police attended the scene along with officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who will lead the investigation. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said people in the area were in "deep shock" after the death of the father of two. "I want to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Richard's widow and to his daughters," the MP said. "The local community will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their tragic loss." Ms Ritchie added: "Richard was a very upstanding member of the community - loved his farm, loved farming enterprise and he was very respected among his peers." The HSE said it was aware of the incident "and are investigating".

Summary: An elderly farmer has died in an accident on a farm in County Down.


The resolution, drafted by France, calls on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to draw up a list of options for the proposed presence within 15 days. Burundi has been in turmoil since April last year, when President Pierre Nkurunziza sought and won a third term that the opposition said was illegal. Since then more than 400 people have been killed. There is concern the violence could grow into ethnic conflict in the region. In January, the UN said it found evidence that Burundi's security forces gang-raped women while searching the homes of suspected opposition leaders and heard testimony of mass graves. Mr Ban will have to consult the Burundian government about the proposed force but President Nkurunziza has expressed opposition to an intervention by the UN or the African Union.

Summary: The UN Security Council has approved a resolution paving the way for a UN police force to be deployed in Burundi.


Wood, 33, left the Cherry and Whites in June after 15 years, having joined the Premiership club's academy in 2001. He said in a statement on Twitter: "I've been offered several fantastic opportunities, one of which allows me to stay involved in the game I love. "While this was not how I saw my career ending, I am happy to have finished while still able to play at the top level, to have finished on a high." Wood represented England at under-21 level and Saxons level and was called into the full England squad party to tour South Africa in 2008 but was then injured. He was also named in England's squad for matches against the Barbarians and Argentina in 2009, but did not play.

Summary: Former Gloucester prop Nick Wood has announced his retirement from rugby.


The brands, which are currently part of the SABMiller portfolio, have to be sold to allow the firm's takeover by rival Anheuser-Busch InBev. Under the terms of the acquisition, agreed in October, AB InBev is paying £44 a share for SABMiller in a deal worth about £70bn. AB InBev's brands include Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona. As part of the package, Asahi will also be acquiring London-based craft brewer Meantime Brewing Company, which SABMiller bought in May last year. What deal means for drinkers Anheuser-Busch InBev - 20.8% SABMiller - 9.7% Heineken - 9.1% Carlsberg - 6.1% China Resources Enterprise - 6% Source: Euromonitor, based on 2014 figures SABMiller has a workforce of close to 70,000 people in more than 80 countries, and global annual sales of more than $26bn. AB InBev has a workforce of 155,000 and global revenues of more than $47bn.

Summary: Japanese brewer Asahi says it has agreed to buy the Peroni and Grolsch beer brands for €2.55bn (£1.98bn).


The vehicle became wedged under the railway bridge in Upper Elmers End Road in Beckenham in south-east London. Southeastern services were stopped between Elmers End and West Wickham for about an hour until about 10:30 BST on Saturday. Last October another Halfords 'We Fit' lorry became trapped under a bridge less than a mile away. Train services were also suspended on that occasion after the truck was jammed under the crossing in South Eden Road. Danny Speed tweeted: "@Halfords_uk second time one of your lorries didn't fit under a bridge less than 500 yards from last time."

Summary: A Halfords "We Fit" lorry got stuck under a bridge, causing train services to be suspended.


The 26-year-old came through the club's academy and has scored 16 tries in 135 appearances for Quins since making his first-team debut in 2009. "My decision to renew was a quick and easy one," uncapped Englishman Wallace told the club website. "Harlequins is all I've known during my career and I can't imagine being anywhere else." Quins have not disclosed the length of Wallace's new deal at The Stoop.

Summary: Harlequins flanker Luke Wallace has signed a new contract with the Premiership club.


It follows the 19-year-old's PFA Scotland young player award and is the second time in succession he has been chosen by the writers. "I'm actually surprised," said the Scotland international. "Because it doesn't usually go to someone who's had two or three months out injured. "I've still played nearly 40 games." Tierney has helped Celtic retain the Scottish Premiership title, lift the League Cup and reach the Scottish Cup final on 27 May. "It wouldn't have been possible without the help of my team-mates, all the staff at the club and the supporters," he said of his latest award. "There's a cabinet I've got for medals and trophies in my house. It's getting full, but I hope I can keep filling it."

Summary: Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has won the Scottish Football Writers' Association Young Scottish Player of the Year award.


Lake Poopo used to be about 1,000 square kilometres big but it's been shrinking for several years and in December it completely evaporated. It's bad news for wildlife, like fish and birds, who live in the area and depend on the lake for food. More than 100 families have had to leave their homes in the last three years. The lake has dried up before, and reappeared later on, but scientists have warned that recovery might not be possible this time. No one knows for sure why the lake has disappeared, but repeated droughts caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon is thought to be an important factor. Another reason could be that water from the rivers that feed into the lake has been diverted for mining and farming, meaning that less water reaches the lake itself.

Summary: The second largest lake in the South American country of Bolivia has completely dried up.


The council is consulting on proposals to save £40m over the next three years. These include charging second home owners council tax at double the current total rate, under plans due to come into force this year. Of the 562 respondents to the survey, 73% supported the move, compared to 16% who opposed it. A further 9% said they had no preference. A council report said there were an estimated 3,000 second homes in the county and the move could raise "at least" an extra £2-£2.5m per year. If it went ahead, the new charges would come into effect in the 2017-18 financial year. Other ideas being considered are increased car park fees, charging for library book hire, cutting bus subsidies and reducing highway maintenance.

Summary: People in Pembrokeshire have backed a plan to double the council tax charge on second homes.


Although the county council rejected the firm's main fracking application, it did approve an "array"' of seismic monitoring equipment. High Court Judge Mrs Justice Lang said it was arguable the council had erred in law in granting planning permission. A Cuadrilla spokeswoman said it was surprised at the judge's decision. Mrs Justice Lang overturned an earlier rejection, at the High Court in London, of the Judicial Review application. The equipment comprises 80 buried seismic monitoring stations, eight surface seismic monitoring stations and three boreholes, in a 4km radius of the proposed Roseacre Wood shale gas exploration site. Estelle Dehon, lawyer for the Roseacre Awareness Group, said the group argues it was wrong to give permission for monitoring meant to "mitigate" a main fracking proposal, which was refused in July. A Cuadrilla spokeswoman said: "We are surprised, particularly, as a previous written application was refused."

Summary: Residents of Roseacre have been granted a judicial review of a monitoring scheme linked to Cuadrilla's plans to frack in the Lancashire village.


The Just Swim scheme provides access to a range of benefits, which are aimed at 11 million adults who swim regularly. Members will also be offered expert tips on how to improve their swimming. Find out how to get into swimming with our special guide. "There's something for the seasoned swimmer as well as those new to swimming," said Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson. "By joining the Just Swim community, members will be able to access a whole range of exclusive information and offers." The Just Swim Membership is free to join and is open to all adults based in England. It is the first membership offer from Swim England that is aimed at non-club swimmers. To find out more about the Just Swim scheme you can click here. Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: A free membership scheme has been launched with the aim to help the nation become better swimmers.


The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 59 league appearances for the Blues after joining from Huddersfield Town in May 2013. He could make his Spireites debut at Sheffield United on Saturday. "When I spoke to the gaffer yesterday, he wanted me in straight away and I couldn't wait to come in," Novak told the Chesterfield website. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Chesterfield have signed Birmingham City striker Lee Novak on a season-long loan deal.


Colombine Charnock was a passenger in a Skoda when it collided with four other vehicles and hit the supermarket building in Hungerford on Thursday 8 December. She died in hospital the next day. The family of Mrs Charnock, from Buttermere in Wiltshire, said she would be "missed by her many friends". In a statement, they said Mrs Charnock was known to friends and family as Chris and had previously lived in London where she had been a hospital volunteer. The family added that they were grateful for the "efficiency, kindness and help of the emergency services" on the night of the incident. Thames Valley Police said a man in his 80s was driving the car at the time of the collision and that he sustained minor injuries. No arrests have been made.

Summary: The family of an 86-year-old woman who died following a crash in a Tesco car park have paid tribute to their "beloved wife, mother and grandmother".


She had been climbing as part of a team and had stumbled and fallen backwards on to rocks. Emergency services were called to the incident at Newtonhill at about 21:30 on Friday. The casualty suffered head and back injuries and was flown by coastguard helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. The incident was attended by coastguard rescue teams from Stonehaven and Montrose. The Scottish Ambulance special operations rescue team and RNLI Stonehaven were also involved.

Summary: A woman was airlifted to hospital after falling from a cliff in Aberdeenshire.


The unit is filing for court protection from its creditors. It aims to bring debt down to $8.6bn and is working to persuade a judge to approve its restructuring plans. The company's total debt of $18bn comes from the purchase of Harrah's Entertainment in 2006. It said that its casino-hotels would continue to operate as normal. Gary Loveman, chief executive at Caesars, said in a statement: `I am very confident in the future prospects of our enterprise, which will combine an improved capital structure with a network of profitable properties." The operating arm owns or manages 44 casinos and resorts in the United States. Its collection includes the Caesar's Palace in the Las Vegas Strip. The parent company, Caesars Entertainment, employs around 68,000 people worldwide at more than 50 casino-hotels.

Summary: The operating unit of the largest US casino company, Caesars Entertainment, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in an attempt to eliminate $10bn (Â£6.6bn) of debt.


The man, believed to be a 27-year-old from Kent, fractured his ankle after falling from Striding Edge on Helvellyn, stopping close to Red Tarn. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said he was "extremely lucky" after he fell in "full-on winter conditions" at about 16:30 GMT on Thursday. The walker was airlifted to hospital in Carlisle by the coastguard. The rescue took about four hours, with support from the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team. Mike Blakey, team leader, said: "I cannot stress enough that Helvellyn is in full winter conditions. "If anyone is considering venturing onto Helvellyn, they must be properly equipped with an ice axe and crampons and the knowledge of to how to use them. "We want everyone to enjoy the stunning mountains safely."

Summary: Mountain rescuers said a walker was lucky to survive after falling almost 500ft (150m) in the Lake District.


Murphy, 24, has scored one goal in three appearances for the Latics this season and has joined the Reds on a 93-day loan deal. The former Arsenal trainee moved to Oldham in February after a successful spell at Dagenham & Redbridge. Meanwhile Jenkins, 24, will remain with the League Two side until January. He left the Hornets last summer after scoring two goals in 95 appearances during his spell at Vicarage Road. Since then, Jenkins has spent time in the USA where he had a trial with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. "I know all about Rhys, he can definitely score goals at this level," Reds boss Mark Yates told the club website. "I'm confident he will make a good impression here if we can get good service into him." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Crawley Town have signed Oldham striker Rhys Murphy on loan and brought in former Watford midfielder Ross Jenkins on a short-term deal.


Media playback is not supported on this device There were no casualties reported after the incident on Tuesday morning. The state news agency said the fire had not affected the stands or the pitch and investigations were continuing into the cause. The club, managed by ex-Brighton manager Gus Poyet, signed former Man City striker Carlos Tevez last year in a deal reported to be worth £40m. Other ex-Premier League players in their squad are Demba Ba and Obafemi Martins. The Chinese Super League season started earlier this month with Shenhua scheduled to host Changchun Yatai in their next home game on Sunday 16 April.

Summary: Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua's Hongkou stadium has been damaged by a fire.


The 34-year-old, who has not had a club since leaving Turkish side Kayserispor last year, has signed until the end of the season after a short trial. "We're pleased to have secured the signing of Yakubu, who brings vast experience and a terrific goal record," said City boss Russell Slade. The deal is subject to Yakubu receiving international clearance. "He's a one-in-every-two-games man goals-wise, so we had to be interested," Slade told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. In a decade in English football, Yakubu scored 114 times in 293 league appearances, mostly in the top flight, at Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Reading. He was a target for Boreham Wood earlier in the season, training with the National League side, after returning to England following a spell in the Turkish top flight with Kayserispor. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One's bottom club Coventry City have signed former Nigeria striker Yakubu on a free transfer.


The 29-year-old was on loan at Walsall in 2016-17, making 26 starts in League One after joining the Iron in 2015. The former Scotland youth international has also previously played for Preston, Stevenage, Torquay and Plymouth. "I'm from Somerset so it's nice to be able to move nearer home," Laird told the Gloucestershire club's website. "I haven't been able to do that for 10 years in my football career. It's great to be a part of something that can really kick on." Meanwhile, Forest Green have named Helen Taylor - an ambassador for the club's sponsor - as the club's new chief executive, while long-serving supporter Phil Butterworth replaces David Drew - Stroud's new Member of Parliament - as vice-chairman. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Newly-promoted League Two club Forest Green Rovers have signed left-back Scott Laird on a two-year deal after his release by Scunthorpe United.


Dr Christopher Brett Valentine took the photos at addiction clinics in the city and showed them to colleagues after storing them on his iPad and computer. He also admitted there was no clinical reason for taking the pictures and they were not for teaching purposes. The misconduct ruling followed a fitness to practise panel hearing. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service examined the evidence against Dr Valentine at a hearing in Manchester. It was alleged that between January 2012 and April 2013 Dr Valentine took about 53 pictures of two patients without adequately explaining the reason for doing so or obtaining their consent. It was also alleged that he did not gain the patients' consent for storing the photographs on his personal iPad and computer. It was further alleged that Dr Valentine allowed colleagues to view the photographs without adequate reason and without the consent of patients.

Summary: A Glasgow-based doctor has been found guilty of misconduct after he admitted taking 53 photos of two vulnerable patients without their consent.


Hans Reid appeared at the city's sheriff court after the bus was taken from Aberdeen Bus Station on Saturday night. He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody. The charges included theft and culpable and reckless driving. He was also charged with a number of road traffic offences. These included offences relating to driving under the influence of drink or drugs, having no licence, no insurance and failing to stop. Mr Reid was also charged with assaulting a police officer, vandalism and failing to give his details. The bus was reported to have collided with other vehicles. No-one was injured.

Summary: A 26-year-old man has appeared in court charged with stealing and driving away a bus from an Aberdeen depot.


The 26-year-old rejected the Glovers' offer of an extended deal at Huish Park and will join the Gloucestershire club on a two-year deal from 1 July. The Irishman had been with Yeovil since January 2013 and made 92 league starts for the Somerset outfit. He played for now Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson at Yeovil, helping them win promotion to the Championship in 2013. "We had success together at Yeovil and he had offers from a few different teams so I'm glad that I've convinced him to join us," Johnson told the Robins' club website. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Cheltenham Town have signed versatile midfielder Kevin Dawson from fellow League Two club Yeovil Town.


The 22-year-old has made 116 appearances since joining from League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City in January 2014. "It is good to get the contract signed and out of the way now and hopefully I can kick on even more," said Browne. "I have come a long way since I joined, there've been ups and downs and it's been great to progress like I have." In his second season with North End, Browne won promotion as they beat Swindon 4-0 in the 2015 League One play-off final. He made his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their 3-1 friendly defeat by Mexico last month.

Summary: Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne has signed a new contract with the Championship club.


The former Liverpool assistant manager was promoted to first-team boss at Mestalla Stadium in March, initially until the end of the season. The 53-year-old had taken over after former England defender Gary Neville was sacked following four months in charge. Ayestaran guided his former side to 12th place in La Liga, winning three of his eight games. The Spaniard previously managed Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, guiding them to the league title in 2015.

Summary: Pako Ayestaran has been appointed as Valencia coach on a two-year contract.


The 36-year-old competed in five consecutive Olympics in a 16-year career, winning silver in the quadruple sculls in Athens and Beijing. At Rio 2016, Houghton was part of the crew who delivered Britain's first ever women's eight Olympic medal. "Having achieved my goal of going to five Olympic Games, this is the right time for me to retire," she said. Houghton, who made her Olympic debut in 2000, added: "To row at an elite level was my dream since the age of 11, and winning silver in Rio with such an inspiring, fun and motivated team was the perfect end." In addition to her Olympic success, Houghton was part of four World Championship-winning crews in the quadruple sculls.

Summary: Britain's three-time Olympic silver medallist Frances Houghton has announced her retirement from rowing.


Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny of Fine Gael and his Fianna Fáil counterpart Micheál Martin are likely to meet later to discuss options for government. Mr Kenny insisted at a party meeting last on Tuesday he would not consider a short-term deal. Irish politicians have been attempting to form a workable coalition since February's general election. The Dáil last met on 10 March, when TDs failed to elect a taoiseach to form a government.. It is expected that an inconclusive vote will pave the way for the meeting between Mr Kenny and Mr Martin. Following the February election to the Dáil, Fine Gael has 50 seats, Fianna Fáil 44, Sinn Féin 23 and the Labour Party got seven.

Summary: The Dáil meets later in what is expected to be an inconclusive attempt to elect a taoiseach.


Victoria Bridge in Kendal was fully closed on 13 January after erosion was found under the bridge pillar due to continuous fast flowing water. It was expected to re-open this week after divers worked in the River Kent to temporarily stabilise the bridge. A Cumbria County Council spokesman said it was "really frustrating", but river levels and technical problems have delayed reopening until next weekend. The council said when water levels allow, further work will be required in the summer to carry out work to protect the new foundation against future flooding.

Summary: The reopening of a damaged flood-hit bridge in Cumbria has been delayed.


The firm, which allows users to book a car on a smartphone app, was granted a five-year private hire licence to operate in the capital in 2012. Transport for London (TfL) said the four-month licence renewal "will allow us to conclude our consideration of a five-year licence". The taxi driver union has demanded to know the reasons for the decision. Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said it was "time politicians banned this tax-dodging, driver-exploiting, parasitic company". Uber's previous licence was due to expire on 30 May. A spokesperson for the company said it "looks forward to continuing to help keep London moving".

Summary: Car hire service Uber has been issued a four-month operator licence to continue working in London.


Entrants were invited to submit their ideas for the Midsteeple Quarter in the heart of the town. The national competition hopes to develop a new architectural vision for the area and a number of empty shops nearby. It was organised by the community-led Stove Network in collaboration with the Glasgow Institute of Architects. Prizes will be awarded for the top three designs in the competition and their work will be exhibited in Dumfries and Glasgow during the summer. The Stove Network wants to see more buildings brought under local control and create new housing and services on the town's High Street.

Summary: A competition to find designs to help revitalise the historic centre of Dumfries has drawn to a close.


Paramedics were called to Tony's Diner on the A458 in Halfway House at 16:40 BST on Monday. The victim had suffered serious head and torso injuries, police said. A 65-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The victim's next of kin has been informed and a post-mortem examination is to take place. See more stories from Shropshire here Det Insp Mark Bellamy said: "At this time we are not sure what has happened and are trying to determine the man's movements over the last few days." The cafe is on the main road between Shrewsbury and Welshpool. Witnesses, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, are asked to call West Mercia Police.

Summary: A murder investigation has been launched after a 67-year-old man died following an assault at a roadside cafe near Shrewsbury.


Local transport minister Laurent Sumba Kahozi said the search for survivors was continuing. Rescue workers found passengers in the water on Sunday, clinging on to petrol cans and other objects. Correspondents say such accidents are fairly common in the region as ferries are often overloaded. Life jackets are also often missing and many people cannot swim. Officials in Katanga province said strong winds and overloading caused the boat, the MV Mutambala, to capsize. A number of women and children were among the victims in the disaster, which happened in the early hours of Friday morning. Initial reports said 26 people had died. The number of survivors stands at 232, mostly men, the provincial minister for transport said.

Summary: At least 129 bodies have been recovered from Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a ferry capsized on Friday.


Amy Stewart is alleged to have failed to return to Cornton Vale prison in Stirling after a period of home leave on Thursday, 2 July. The 31-year-old made no plea or declaration to charges that she "absconded and did attempt to defeat the ends of justice". The case at Stirling Sheriff Court was continued to a full hearing next week. Papers from the court alleged that having been sentenced to life in prison for murder in February 2004, Stewart "failed to comply" with the conditions of her temporary release licence between 25 June and 3 July. She was remanded in custody.

Summary: A convicted murderer has appeared in court charged with absconding from prison.


Since Brazilian Diego Lemos took over in September, the co-chairman has left, wages were paid late and concerns have been raised about the club's future. The embargo is because the Professional Footballers' Association have stepped in to help pay wages. "We've got another situation with regards a transfer embargo," Bentley, 40, told BBC Radio Lancashire. "We've had a couple in the past anyway and we've always done everything in the regulations. "We're working hard at the minute with the EFL, the board are working hard. "There will be rules and regulations we have to stay within in this transfer window, but we're hoping we can do some business." Bentley has also confirmed that on-loan Tranmere striker Cole Stockton will return to his parent club in January.

Summary: Morecambe manager Jim Bentley has confirmed the League Two side have been placed under a transfer embargo.


Cassells and Sam Scrimgeour took silver for Great Britain in the lightweight men's pair while Shorten was second as part of the women's eight boat. Irish pair Mark O'Donovan and Shane O'Driscoll won the lightweight pair and Paul and Gary O'Donovan won silver in the lightweight men's double sculls. Peter Chambers and Holly Nixon both missed the World Cup regatta. Chambers was ill while sickness also affected the GB women's quadruple sculls team, ruling Nixon out of action. Cassells and Shorten's boats had to be content with fourth-place finishes at the recent European Championships.

Summary: Northern Ireland rowers Joel Cassells and Rebecca Shorten have won silver medals at World Cup II in Poznan.


The alleged offences took place between 2004 and 2011 and involved girls aged between 11 and 17. All those arrested have been bailed pending further inquires, West Yorkshire Police said. Twenty-seven men and two women were previously charged as part of the investigation. They are due to stand trial for offences including rape, trafficking, and child neglect. More on this and other local stories from across Yorkshire The force said the latest arrests were made this week in Huddersfield and Bradford during a three-day police operation. Ch Insp Ian Mottershaw, who is leading the investigation, said: "This ongoing investigation forms part of West Yorkshire Police's commitment to the investigation of both current and non-recent sexual offences against children." "These are abhorrent crimes that affect the most vulnerable in our society," he said. The force is urging anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to contact them.

Summary: Police investigating allegations of historical child sex abuse in the Huddersfield area have made 16 further arrests.


The venues on the Clyde have been lit up as part of a global campaign to celebrate Ireland's patron saint. Other landmarks around the world turning a bit emerald include Nelson's Column in London, Christ the Redeemer in Rio and the Great Wall of China. This is the seventh year of Tourism Ireland's Global Greening campaign. Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "St Patrick's Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season for us; our aim is to bring a smile to the faces of people around the world and to convey the message that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage."

Summary: Glasgow's SSE Hydro and the Clyde Auditorium - known as the Armadillo - have turned green to mark St Patrick's Day.