The disabled pensioner who received donations from around the world after being beaten by a drug addict outside his home has got the keys to a new house. Alan Barnes, who is partially sighted and just 4ft 6in tall, was left too scared to return to his home in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear earlier this year after he was knocked to the ground by mugger Richard Gatiss. The crime shocked Britain and led to a fund being set up by local beautician Katie Cutler, 21, which raised £330,000. Mr Barnes, 67, was today handed the keys to his new two-bedroom terrace house where he says he will feel safer. Disabled pensioner Alan Barnes picked up the keys for his new home today after strangers raised £300,000 . Mr Barnes said it felt 'fantastic' to be in his new home as he showed off its modern kitchen . The 67-year-old said that he felt safer in the two-bedroom terraced property which he was able to buy after receiving donations from around the world . 'It's fantastic to finally be in the house after all this time,' he said. 'I was living a bit further up the hill before but this house is better and more handy when I need to go the Co-op and the shops. 'I haven't shown Katie the house yet but I'm looking forward to telling her about it. 'It's lovely to have my independence back. I'm looking forward to seeing the locals again and having a chat with them.' The £150,000 property boasts two bedrooms, a spacious living room, modern kitchen and large bathroom. It also has an outside barbecue area for entertaining and is just a short walk from the local shops of his native Low Fell, Gateshead. Mr Barnes now plans to use the remainder of the donated money to furnish his new home. The Victorian terrace is a far cry from his previous address, a sparse one-bed bungalow with no garden. Mr Barnes said that it was 'lovely to get his independence back' after picking up the keys to his new home . Mr Barnes said he was 'looking forward' to telling beautician Katie Cutler, who launched the fund, all about his new home . Mr Barnes said he was 'grateful' to everyone who helped him get the property, including Miss Cutler, pictured . 'I'm about 15 minutes away from my other house but it's down lots of different streets and turns as well,' said the pensioner. 'I think I'll go for a walk tonight round the area and get my bearings again. 'I've had a couple of visitors and my sister brought me over today, to help me move in. It has been a busy day. 'I'm very grateful still to everyone who helped me get this house, especially Katie. 'I'm glad I've put the money to good use. 'I haven't spent it all in case I need some extra to refurbish the house.' Mr Barnes, who was born with disabilities after his mother contracted German measles while she was pregnant, had previously told of

Summary: Alan Barnes, who is partially sighted and just 4ft 6in, picked up keys today . Violent attack left the 67-year-old scared to return to his former home . The crime shocked Britain and £300,000 was raised by fund to help him . Said his new home was 'fantastic' and it was 'lovely' to have his independence back .


Ben Crenshaw will mark his 44th and last consecutive appearance in the Masters by standing in for Arnold Palmer in the traditional par-three tournament at Augusta National. Palmer is unable to play alongside Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in the curtain-raising event on Wednesday afternoon as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder, although the 85-year-old will still act as honorary starter on Thursday. Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National, said in a statement: 'We were sad to learn that Arnold will not participate in this year's Par 3 Contest, but his health is most important. Ben Crenshaw will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in the par-three competition at the Masters . 'We are very excited to welcome him to the tee Thursday as an Honorary Starter, where we will once again honour his extraordinary contributions to the Masters Tournament and the game of golf. 'We are pleased to announce that Ben Crenshaw has accepted our invitation to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for this year, which we felt was a fitting way to acknowledge the end of Ben's illustrious 44 years of competition at the Masters. We look forward to Arnold's return to the Par 3 Contest next year.' The winner of the par three contest has never gone on to win the tournament proper in the same year. Arnold Palmer (right) is unable to play because of a shoulder problem but will be an honorary starter .

Summary: Ben Crenshaw will replace Arnold Palmer for the par-three contest . Palmer is recovering from dislocated shoulder but will be honorary starter . Crenshaw joins Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus for the event opener .


The federal government is looking to take a hard line with parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. Under ground breaking reforms, Social Services Minister Scott Morrison will reportedly scrap a provision that allows parents who don't vaccinate their children to claim welfare benefits, including $726 from Family Tax Benefit A, $7,500-a-year from childcare rebate and $200-a-week from the childcare benefit scheme. Scroll down for video . The government are about to annouce reforms that will strip parents of welfare benefits if they don't immunise their kids . Newscorp reported that Prime Minister Tony Abbott will announce the reforms alongside Mr Morrison on Sunday with the changes coming into full effect in January 2016. The controversial change could put millions of dollars back into the federal government's pocket. The way the system works now, children must be immunised to access childcare payments, however, a 'contentious loop hole' means parents can avoid loosing their benefits by simply signing a form that says they object to immunisation based on 'personal, philosophical or religious' reasons. Mr Morrison recently said the rules around welfare payments need to be 'tightened' and that while immunising children against deadly diseases protects the wider society, it should be a prerequisite to receive tax payer money. 'We've got to think about the health and well-being of all the other children that are put at risk, and it's their health that also matters' 'We've got to think about the health and well-being of all the other children that are put at risk, and it's their health that also matters,' he said. 'And in fact, you know, those parents have taken decisions to immunise their children, and that's obviously the sensible thing to do. We're a free country, and we're for free society, but that doesn't mean you get to take taxpayers' money if you don't want to go along with the rules.' While doctors and pro-vaccination groups are tipped to welcome the reforms as a way to increase the number of children being vaccinated, some immunisation experts are worried the move won't bolster immunisation rates. Currently around 39,000 children under the age of seven are not vaccinated. Currently around 39,000 Australian children under the age of seven are not vaccinated putting them at risk of catching severe diseases . Labor leader Bill Shorten's support will be vital to get the changes through the Senate however he has already indicated there will be bipartisan support for the harsh provisions. He reportedly wrote to the Prime Minister on Friday expressing his concerns over the loophole. Riley Hughes died at just 32 days old after suffering complications arising from whooping cough . These reforms come amid rising concerns about whooping cough outbreaks that have devastated small communities where many children remain unvaccinated. The heartbroken parents of a beautiful four-week-old baby boy who died after contracting whooping cough have appealed to other parents to make sure they get themselves and their children immunised against the deadly disease. Greg and Catherine Hughes, from Perth, set up a Facebook page to honour their son Riley Hughes after

Summary: The government will announce radical immunisation reforms on Sunday . They will cut benefits from parents who don't immunise their children . These include Family Tax Benefit A as well as childcare assistance . Scott Morrison said rules around welfare payments need to be 'tightened' He said immunisation should be a prerequisite to access tax payer money .


A husband shot his wife and another man in the motel room they were sharing before turning the gun on himself early Sunday morning, police say. The York County Coroner's Office says 35-year-old Donnell Graham fatally shot his wife, Shaquana Graham and another man in a room at the Quality Inn in Springettsbury Township. The 33-year-old woman was found shot in the head while the other man, 25-year-old Kristopher Pittman, had been killed by gunshots to the chest. Scroll down for video . Tragedy: Police say a husband shot his wife and another man in the motel room they were sharing before turning the gun on himself early Sunday morning . Darryl Schock, a maintenance and security worker at the motel, told The York Daily Record that at least one of the individuals had checked into the room around 3 a.m. Schock said he was in the breakfast room around 9 a.m. when the guest staying in the room next to the one where the shooting occurred reported hearing gunshots. The guest noted they heard five shots, followed by a pause, which was followed by three more shots before hearing silence. They also stated they had seen a hole in the glass on the outside of the building, which Schock said he went to investigate. 'I seen a two-inch opening through the glass pane,' said Schock. 'At that time I immediately called 911.' Investigation: Police believe 35-year-old Donnell Graham shot wife Shaquana Graham, 33, and another man before fatally shooting himself in the head . Motel: At least one of the individuals checked in early Sunday morning before the gunshots were heard at about 9 a.m. Shots heard: Motel employee Darryl Schock said another guest staying in the room next door heard the gunshots and reported seeing a bullet hole in the glass . The motel is located near the city of York in central Pennsylvania, where the Grahams were from. Pittman was a resident of Baltimore. Perry Patel, the owner of the Quality Inn, told the Daily Record he couldn't recall another shooting or similar incident in the 15 years he's operated the business. 'It's sad to hear something like that,' he said.

Summary: 35-year-old Donnell Graham shot his wife, 33-year-old Shaquana Graham, at the Quality Inn in Springettsbury Township, police say . He also shot 25-year-old Kristopher Pittman, who was staying in the same room, before turning the gun on himself . A motel worker said at least one of the individuals checked into the motel around 3 a.m.


It is exactly a year since Sportsmail revealed that David Moyes was getting the sack at Manchester United, the club deciding to take action as soon as a defeat at Everton meant Champions League qualification was no longer possible. Into his shoes stepped an entirely different character, the supremely confident Louis van Gaal. One year on, JOE BERNSTEIN looks at which man has coped best in the crucial areas of the job, with the pressure of trying to continue Sir Alex Ferguson's success at Old Trafford weighing heavily. David Moyes waved goodbye to Manchester United exactly a year ago after a dismal run of results . Louis van Gaal has propelled United back into the top four, despite an up-and-down season . RESULTS . For David Moyes to take a team that had won the Premier League title by 11 points into seventh place was an unmitigated disaster, even if he coped well with his first Champions League campaign and reached the quarter-finals. United lost seven of their 19 league games at Old Trafford – unacceptable. Under Louis van Gaal, United have already won more league points than they did last season and there are still five matches left. There has been the occasional blip, like losing twice to Swansea City, but the bigger the match, they better they've done, which is how United are meant to be. Two results stand out in particular. Under Moyes, United lost 3-0 at home to their biggest rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. In the corresponding fixtures this season, they have won 3-0 and 4-2. Moyes 4/10; Van Gaal 7/10 . United reflect on another low point last season after Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich . There is a different vibe around Old Trafford now, as seen in the 4-1 win over Manchester City this month . PERFORMANCES . Neither manager plays the same way as Ferguson, whose response when lesser teams came to Old Trafford was to try and overwhelm them with attacking play, based on the use of wingers. Moyes is a more cautious manager, prioritising his defence and it left United fans chanting: 'Come on David Moyes, play like Fergie's boys'. Van Gaal has also been criticised for building play too slowly, he likes to keep possession as a tool for eventually killing off the opposition, death by a thousand passes. But funnily enough that criticism has subsided as the results have improved. Under Moyes, United looked great in some away games, particularly hitting Newcastle for four at St James' Park. But they fell short in the big matches. United got lucky at Arsenal and Southampton earlier in the season, but the showing in the Manchester derby a fortnight ago was a lot more vibrant. Moyes 5/10; Van Gaal 6/10 . Juan Mata scored twice as United enjoyed a 4-0 win at Newcastle, a rare good show under Moyes . Robin van Persie's double helped United scrape a lucky win at Southampton in December . DECISIONS . David Moyes got himself into a pickle before he'd even started by appearing ambiguous over

Summary: Manchester United confirmed David Moyes's sacking on April 22, 2014 . But Sportsmail revealed Moyes's job was gone the day before . The club were in turmoil following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement . But Louis van Gaal has steadied the ship this season . Results, performances and players have all changed at Old Trafford .


The French rugby federation is looking for candidates to replace France coach Philippe Saint-Andre following the World Cup. Since taking over from Marc Lievremont, who led France to the World Cup final in 2011, Saint-Andre has failed to impose himself, winning only 15 of his 37 games in charge. He has overseen poor results in the Six Nations, finishing no higher than fourth and even last in 2013. Philippe Saint-Andre (right) arrives for training in Marcoussis with Louis Picamoles (left) and Nicolas Mas . Saint-Andre has struggled as head coach of Les Bleus winning just 15 of his 37 games in charge . Saint-Andre will remain in charge for the World Cup in England from September 18 to October 31. The FFR launched the application process to find his replacement on Friday, with candidates having until April 25 to declare their bid. Among the favorites to land the job are Begles-Bordeaux coach Rapahael Ibanez, former Montpellier manager Fabien Galthie and long-time Toulouse coach Guy Noves. Saint-Andre succeeded Marc Lievremont (above) following the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand .

Summary: Philippe Saint-Andre succeeded Marc Lievremont as France coach in 2011 . Lievremont had led Les Bleus to the World Cup final that year . Since taking charge, Saint-Andre has won just 15 of his 37 games . Saint-Andre will remain in charge for the forthcoming World Cup . Begles-Bordeaux coach Rapahael Ibanez is favourite for the job .


Serena Williams will be 34 at the end of a summer that she looks all set to enter without having been beaten on tour in 2015. She heads into Saturday's final of the Miami Open with a 17-0 record, and will surely extend that winning sequence against the admirable but somewhat limited Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro. The somewhat scary thing about Williams is that, by her own admission, she is not even playing her best, and yet she is still ahead of the rest of the field by a country mile. Serena Williams celebrates after reaching the Miami Open final to continue her unbeaten run in 2015 . Williams was taken the distance by world No 2 Simona Halep in the semi finals in Florida . The world No 1 has a win record of 17-0 since the start of the year and looks unbeatable . The younger of the two famous siblings currently has sore knees that are restricting her practice, and she was forced into a mighty struggle in the semi-final by world No 3 Simona Halep before coming through 6-2 4-6 7-5. At least the Romanian, the WTA Tour's second best player this season, was able to lay a glove on the world No 1. Every other challenger seems to be struggling in their own way and, while there is no questioning the phenomenal and enduring quality of Williams, it also says something about the rest of the field that she will probably head into the clay court season unbeaten. 1 If she wins on Saturday she will have earned £4.33m in prize-money already this season. 2 She has actually lost this season, to Agnieszka Radwanska in January' s Hopman Cup, but the event's status means it does not count in the official records. 3 Straight after the Australian Open, Serena flew all the way to Argentina to play one match for the USA in the Fed Cup — which she needed to do to be eligible for next year's Olympic Games in Rio (she beat Maria Irigoyen 7-5, 6-0). 4 Serena has lost only five sets on tour this season, two at the Australian Open, one in Indian Wells, and two in Miami. 5 The player who has won most matches this season is Simona Halep on 26, but she has also lost twice. 'Somehow I've improvised my way to the final,' said Williams, who could have finished Halep off in straight sets. 'I'm just not at my best level right now and it's a little frustrating. I am not serving well, I'm serving at 40%, so it hasn't been my best of times.' And yet still she keeps winning, with no sign of the implosions that cost her at the Grand Slams last year apart from the US Open. Last year was an unusual one for women's tennis in that eight different players reached the finals of the Majors, but those who shared the biggest stages with Williams have, with the exception of Halep, failed to train on that much. In some cases it has been a

Summary: World No 1 has not been beaten since the start of the year with 17-0 record . Serena Williams plays Carla Suarez Navarro in the Miami Open final . Players including Simona Halep, Maria Sharapova and Eugenie Bouchard have failed to mount a serious challenge to the American veteran .


A militant group which opposes both ISIS and the Syrian regime has released a striking video showing off 1,700 troops, fleet of armoured tanks and special forces soldiers in an impressive military parade. These men form a small part of Jaysh Al-Islam - or Army of Islam - who reportedly command as many as 25,000 loyal fighters following the merger of up to 60 rebel factions inside Syria. Dozens of masked special units show off a range of skills including close-range combat in what the group claims is the 'largest military parade witnessed' since the dawn of the Syrian revolution in 2011. Strength: Four armoured tanks and thousands of soldiers formed part of a graduation ceremony (pictured) held by Jaysh Al-Islam, a militant group that opposes ISIS and the Syrian regime . Aggressive: The soldiers of the Army of Islam perform a series of military drills (pictured) in what the group describes as the 'largest military parade witnessed' since the start of the Syrian revolution . Powerful: The group, who are allegedly being funded by Saudi Arabia, show of a fleet of armoured tanks (pictured) during the graduation ceremony for its recruits . Elite: Its special forces units (pictured) showed off an array of acrobatic kicks and close-combat skills in front of their leaders . Discipline: As many as 1,700 soldiers stood to attention as their commander referred to them as the 'leaders of the Mujahidin', which roughly translates as 'those who fight in a Jihad' The group operates in the embattled Syrian city of Damascus and their ongoing battle against President Bashar Al-Assad is reportedly funded by the wealthy nation of Saudi Arabia. The Arab kingdom has sent millions of dollars to arm and train their fighters so they can defeat the Syrian regime and 'increasingly powerful Jihadi organisations', according to the Guardian. Known as the Army of Islam, the insurgent group was created in 2011 when Saudi Arabia allegedly engineered the merger of over 50 rebel factions after growing alarmed at the rise if Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Syria. It is a fierce enemy of both those Islamist groups as well as Jabhat Al-Nusra, but embraces independent rebel forces and 'non-Jihadi' units. Their graduation ceremony for trainee soldiers in the Ghouta suburb of Damascus was attended by the militants' leadership who watch proudly as their troops march in perfect unison across the expanse. Jaysh Al-Islam is led by Sheikh Zahran Aloush who addresses the thousands of armed soldiers and tanks once they have assembled on the vast concrete ground below. Joining forces: Jaysh Al-Islam was formed when up to 60 rebel factions in Syria merged to fight the Syrian regime . Armed: Soldiers rested on the Army of Islam's many tanks (pictured) as their leaders commanded them to 'continue to wage Jihad' Commander: The group is led by Sheikh Zahran Aloush (pictured), who is considered one of the most powerful leaders in rebel-held Syria . Fierce: His fighters, who marched in perfect unison in Damascus, are waging a battle against ISIS in Syria and have reportedly attacked their headquarters in

Summary: Jaysh Al-Islam fights against government soldiers in Syrian city of Damascus . Made up of around '60 rebel factions', it also opposes Islamist groups like ISIS . Held the 'largest military parade witnessed' since start of the Syrian revolution . Saudi Arabia is 'funding the group with millions of dollars in arms and training'


A valet parking attendant managed to plough a 200mph supercar through the front of a shop after mistaking the brake for the throttle in a Ferrari 599 GTO worth £300,000. The Dutch owner of the 2012 supercar was waiting in the Hotel Exedra after attending a meeting of the Ferrari Owner's Club with his wife in Anzio, south of Rome. The car's owner entrusted the car, which is one of the most powerful ever produced by Ferrari, to a parking attendant who attempted to return it to the hotel in a timely manner. Scroll down for video . Parking attendant Roberto Cinti was driving the Ferrari, pictured, when he mistook the throttle for the brake . The £300,000 supercar can hit 60mph in just 3.3 seconds and ploughed through the shop front . However, instead of pressing the brake when approaching a shop front, the driver mashed the throttle, unleashing 671bhp from the magnificent 6.0-litre V12 engine, which ordinarily could propel the car to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The Corriere della Sera said that the driver, Roberto Cinti, 38, told police following the accident: 'I got confused. Instead of the brake, I pressed down on the accelerator.' He blamed the car's semi-automatic transmission for bamboozling him. The identity of the car's owner is not known, although insurance investigators are believed to be looking into the cause of the crash. Only three Ferraris have been designated GTO and only 599 of the latest model were produced. Such is the exclusivity of the 599 GTO, that owners could not simply arrive at their local Ferrari dealership seeking to purchase the model. Instead, they had to be invited by the Italian company to hand over their cash. Only 599 of the Ferrari 599 GTO model were built, which is the manufacturer's fastest ever road car .

Summary: Ferrari made 599 of the cars which are their fastest ever road going model . Owners had to be invited by Ferrari to buy the limited edition model . Roberto Cinti unleashed the car's 671bhp V12 engine instead of the brake . The car ploughed through the front of a shop causing extensive damage .


The senior Islamic State commander linked to the Anzac Day terror plot has called for new terror attacks on Australian soil in a flash new propaganda video. Authorities named Abu Khaled al-Cambodi - former Melbourne man Neil Prakash - as a key figure in their investigation into a plot where teenagers were allegedly planning to attack police on Saturday. Now al-Cambodi has starred in a 12-minute long propaganda video where, cradling a gun, he has ordered his 'beloved brothers' to 'rise up' and attack targets in Australia. 'You must start attacking before they attack you,' the 23-year-old said. 'Look how much your sisters have been violated. Threatening message: Abu Khaled al-Cambodi, an Australian IS militant, has starred in a vile new propaganda video . Despite the militant's vitriol, the most recent local headlines surrounding anti-Muslim prejudice have focused upon Sydney woman Stacey Eden, 23, standing up for a couple being bullied on the train . 'All I hear about the news in Australia is this sister was hurt, this sister's hijab was ripped off... I ask you brothers, when are you going rise up and attack them'. Despite the militant's vitriol, the most recent local headlines surrounding anti-Muslim prejudice have focused upon Sydney woman Stacey Eden, 23, standing up for a couple being bullied on the train. al-Cambodi is thought to have become the most senior recruiter of Australian militants for the Islamic State. Terror expert Professor Greg Barton has described him as 'Baryalei Mark II' - a reference to former Sydney militant Mohammad Ali Baryalei. Baryalei, a former spruiker in the city's nightclub district and a bit-part actor in the crime drama Underbelly, was killed last October. The militant was seen with a gun slung over his shoulder and clambering through rubble . Raid scenes: A man walks past a broken window from a police raid in Melbourne designed to foil the purported Anzac Day plot . 'It seems that Prakash has stepped in as the Baryalei Mark II, and that's significant,' Prof Barton, director at Monash University's Global Terrorism Research Centre, told the ABC's 730 program. 'That makes him, like Baryalei before him, the highest ranking Australian within Islamic State we're aware of.' Baryalei was the ringleader of a foiled plot to behead a random member of the public in Sydney. Mohammad Ali Baryalei was a senior Islamic commander - and a bit part actor in Unberbelly (above, his acting shot) - before he was killed . In the propaganda video, al-Cambodi discusses becoming a Muslim not long after hearing a unnamed preacher lecture about 'Judgment Day'. At various points, he is filmed greeting other men in shops and on the streets of the Islamic State. At one point, he even shoots a broad smile at the camera. The video featuring al-Cambodi was advertised at the conclusion of a similar video last July, but it did not appear online until this week.

Summary: Senior Australian Islamic State commander stars in new propaganda clip . Calls for attacks on Australia as revenge for Muslim strikes . 'You must start attacking before they attack you' Propagandist Al-Cambodi has been linked to Anzac Day terror plot . 'When are you going to rise up and attack them?'


The European Union launched a . legal attack on Gazprom on Wednesday, stoking tensions . with Moscow as it accused the Russian gas giant of overcharging . buyers in Eastern Europe and hindering competition. European Commission antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said . Gazprom was barring EU clients from selling on its gas to other . states - a particular concern in recent efforts to aid Ukraine - and pressuring governments to back its pipeline interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the charges were 'absolutely unacceptable'. The European Union launched a legal attack on Gazprom on Wednesday, stoking tensions with Moscow as it accused the Russian gas giant of overcharging buyers in Eastern Europe and hindering competition . European Commission antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager (pictured) said Gazprom was barring EU clients from selling on its gas to otherstates . State-controlled Gazprom is a vital supplier of energy to . Europe despite the EU's frequent political disputes with Moscow. The Commission's investigation, opened in September 2012, . had initially covered Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, . Hungary, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Relations with Russia, and Gazprom in particular, have since . been poisoned more by the East-West confrontation over Ukraine. 'Gazprom is dominant in all these markets,' EU Competition . Commissioner Vestager told a news conference. 'Our preliminary . view alleges that Gazprom is abusing this position.' 'Gazprom has been able to charge higher prices in some . countries without fearing that ... gas would flow in from where . prices were lower,' she said of contracts with the three . ex-Soviet Baltic states and formerly communist Poland and . Bulgaria. Vestager said prices in some countries were as much as 40 . per cent higher than in others. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite welcomed the . charges, saying: 'The era of Kremlin-backed political and . economic blackmail draws to a close.' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the charges were 'absolutely unacceptable' Noting the investigation had begun before Russia annexed . Crimea from Ukraine, Vestager said 'this case is not political' but acknowledged some would see political elements in it. Gazprom responded by calling the charges, to which it has 12 . weeks to respond, 'unfounded' and saying it expected a . resolution within the framework of previous undertakings between . the Kremlin and Brussels 'on the intergovernmental level'. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that the EU charges against Gazprom were an unacceptable attempt to retroactively apply the bloc's latest energy rules to earlier contracts. Asked to comment on the case, Lavrov said in an interview with three radio stations: 'All contracts in effect now that Gazprom signed with its partners, were signed with full respect of the legal regime that existed in the EU at the time. 'After the EU adopted the so-called third energy package... there have been attempts, and they continue now, to retrospectively, retroactively apply those requirements to old contracts as well. That is absolutely unacceptable.' The EU has brokered deals to keep gas flowing to Ukraine . despite the conflict between Kiev

Summary: Antitrust chief said Gazprom is barring EU clients from selling on its gas . Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said charges were 'unacceptable' 'Era of Kremlin-backed economic blackmail draws to a close' - Lithuania .


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he has been dreaming of beating rivals City in Sunday's derby at Old Trafford but will have to do so without Robin van Persie. Van Persie said he was fit to feature in the game against City on Sunday after ankle trouble but Van Gaal has ruled him out. 'Most of the players are fit but being fit for me is different,' Van Gaal said. Robin van Persie will not return to the fray for Manchester United against Manchester City on Sunday . Louis van Gaal explained at his press conference on Friday that Van Persie is not yet fit enough to play . United players train in the sunshine ahead of their game against local rivals City on Sunday . 'Robin is not fit enough to play.' With City rocking after defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday, Van Gaal and his players have an opportunity to finish as high as second or third and avoid a Champions League qualifying fixture later in the summer. The United boss wants his side to move towards that target by taking all three points against City. Van Gaal said: ' I dream of it. Every player should dream of the victory. 'Of course I want to win because it's a big step up the table also. If we win then third place is available. Van Gaal watches on as he prepares his side for his first Manchester derby at Old Trafford . Manager Van Gaal (left) oversees the training while captain Wayne Rooney runs with the ball . Goalkeeper David de Gea (left), winger Angel di Maria (centre) and Radamel Falcao were in training action . Rooney leads the way in training as he runs through some cones in the sunshine on Friday in Manchester . (Left to right) Di Maria, Juan Mata, Falcao, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera prepare to take on City . 'A few months ago, nobody would have thought about that, apart from me. 'If we win then the position in the table is good as we would then almost certainly be qualified for the top four. And if we are third it's better than the goal we set in pre-season.' Van Gaal acknowledged that City will provide a stern challenge to his team and played down the idea he will be motivated by revenge, after losing the away fixture earlier in the campaign. 'We have lost 1-0, that is my history, the last game,' Van Gaal said. 'I say always in such games, always, you have to control your aggression. 'We did not do that at that time. So I hope we have learned from that moment. I cannot say because we lost that game that we have to win this game. 'In my opinion, you can lose to Man City two times. That is possible.' The United boss also ruled out a potential return for Luke Shaw. Like Van Persie, Van Gaal does not yet consider him fit enough to feature. 'I don’t think Shaw is fit enough to play,' Van Gaal

Summary: Manchester United face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday . Robin van Persie said he was fit for United after nearly two months out . But Louis van Gaal has since revealed he will be without the striker . Van Persie declares himself fit, but do Manchester United need him? CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


A device has been created that can scan entire planes for contraband, bombs and weapons. The mobile X-ray scanner, heralded as the world’s first ‘airplane scanner’, sweeps down a plane and can detect various objects inside. While the radiation emitted by the scanner is not safe yet for humans to be in the plane when it is operated, the company behind it thinks it could become a vital tool in aircraft safety. Scroll down for video . Romanian company MB Telecom has revealed the Roboscan 2M Aeria. It uses a cone of radiation to sweep across planes (shown) and look inside. The device is accurate enough to find a filament in a light bulb. But the radiation it emits is not safe for passengers yet . The Roboscan 2M Aeria is being developed by Romanian company MB Telecom (MBT). It costs €3 million (£2.1 million, $3.2 million), reported The Times, and is apparently already being used to check trucks at borders in Eastern Europe, where it has helped seize 76,000 packs of illegal cigarettes. On its website, MBT says the Aeria is ‘the very first solution for aircraft security inspection.’ It can scan planes from small private jets to medium-sized commercial airplanes. The company notes that, while passengers and their luggage are thoroughly inspected at airports, there is no such inspection process for jets arriving at small private airports with low security. But with their device, the company says this ‘gap’ in aviation security can be plugged, and it can scan an entire plane in about 20 minutes. The device can be used to detect weapons (shown) and other contraband in small or medium-sized jets that land at low-security airports . An operator working inside the truck can look inside the entirety of a plane, although currently under regulations some areas of the plane - such as the fuselage and wings - are restricted . There are four main components that allow an aircraft to be scanned. Armed with a sharp sense of smell, dogs have a long history of detecting explosives for their human handlers, and soon there could be sniffer elephants too. Researchers have found that the large mammals excel at identifying explosives by smell, stirring speculation about whether their extraordinary ability could save lives. Elephants could be used to detect land mines in areas that have seen conflict and could even do so at a distance with the aid of drones. The research was conducted in South Africa and involved the U.S. military. The first is the operating truck, from which an operator can use the system and look inside the plane. Attached to this is a robotic arm with an X-ray generator at the end. The plane is then pulled forwards by a battery-operated tug over a wide detection module. By firing X-rays out of the arm, a cone of radiation sweeps over the plane. The operator inside the truck is then given live images of the interior of the plane, and is able to scan its entirety for hidden items. It is apparently so accurate that it

Summary: Romanian company MB Telecom revealed the Roboscan 2M Aeria . It uses a cone of radiation to sweep across planes and look inside . The device is accurate enough to find a filament in a light bulb . But the radiation it emits is not safe for passengers yet .


Two TSA employees have been fired after they used the airport body scanner inappropriately to allow the male worker to fondle male passengers' genitals. The pair allegedly worked as a team to manipulate the results of a full body scanner at a security check-point in Denver International Airport last year, CBS4 reported. According to a Denver Police Department report seen by Daily Mail Online, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) received an anonymous tip in November last year that an employee had admitted to 'groping' men who came through security. Scroll down for video . The male employee and a female accomplice allegedly worked as a team to manipulate the TSA screening system at Denver International airport in 2014 . According to the report: 'When a male he finds attractive comes to be screened by the scanning machine, he will alert another TSA screener to indicate to the scanning computer that the party being screened is female. 'When the screener does this, the scanning machine will indicate an anomaly in the genital area.' The male TSA employee would then perform pat downs of the male passenger's genitals at the Colorado airport. Despite receiving an employee tip-off to the alleged sexual assaults in November, the TSA only investigated in February. A TSA supervisor told police that he saw the male employee 'give a signal' then after the screening device showed the anomaly 'conduct a pat down of the passenger's front groin and buttocks area with the palms of his hands... contradictory to TSA searching policy'. The female employee was questioned and admitted she had taken part in the assaults on unsuspecting passengers a total of 11 times. Both employees were fired following the incident. The TSA said that efforts to find the male Southwest Airlines passenger who was targeted had been unsuccessful. No other complaints have been made. Denver Police Department were unable to file criminal charges because no victims had been identified. The TSA refused to provide the names of the employees involved. The agency told Daily Mail Online on Tuesday: 'These alleged acts are egregious and intolerable. TSA has removed the two officers from the agency. 'All allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated by the agency. And when substantiated, employees are held accountable.' Passengers undergo full body scans by Transportation Security Administration agents at the Denver International Airport. Two TSA employees were fired after a male worker performed inappropriate pat downs on male passengers he found attractive (stock image)

Summary: The male employee and a female accomplice worked as a team to manipulate a screening system at Denver International Airport in 2014 . She would indicate a female was being screened when it was a male passenger after a signal when male worker found someone attractive . The TSA machine would then show up an 'anomaly' in the genital area and the male TSA employee would pat down the male passenger's genitals . Both TSA employees have been fired but criminal charges were not filed .


A headteacher who allegedly used his school email to set up a threesome with a prostitute who he wanted to spank while she was dressed as a schoolgirl, has resigned from his post. David Nicholson, 48, sent the woman explicit messages saying he was 'keen' on her dressing up like a pupil and was 'looking forward to putting you over my knee', it is claimed. The married father-of-four has not returned to The Costello School in Basingstoke, Hampshire, since the correspondence came to light last month, and has now left the school. MArried father-of-four David Nicholson is accused of sending messages to a prostitute about spanking her when she is dressed up in school uniform using his official school email . Mr Nicholson, from Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, is still under investigation by Ofstead after claims he used his official school email address to contact an £150-an-hour escort through an adult website and arrange a meeting with her and another woman. The Sun newspaper published the messages between Mr Nicholson and the escort, which showed her telling him she liked dressing up as a schoolgirl and being spanked. The Cambridge graduate then allegedly responded: 'I love this and would be keen,' adding that he he was 'looking forward to putting u over my knee'(sic). Mr Nicholson, is said to have organised a liaison in a hotel room on a night when he was due to be working away from home, which was then cancelled, according to the paper. In a statement today, Mr Nicholson said: 'As I am sure you will understand, the recent press coverage has been highly distressing. Resigned: Mr Nicholson started as headteacher at The Costello School in Basingstoke in September last year . 'Although I have been very grateful for the many messages of support and understanding, I have to put both the interests of my family and the school community first. 'It is therefore, with huge regret and disappointment that I have taken the very difficult decision to resign as headteacher of The Costello School. Accused: Mr Nicholson allegedly used his school email to send messages to prostitutes . 'I have been very privileged to have served as headteacher of the school and proud of the opportunities I have set up. I wish all at the school every good fortune in the future.' Having previously worked as a head teacher at a school in Chippenham, Wiltshire, Mr Nicholson, moved to the Costello School, which counts Liz Hurley among its alumni, last September, . Mr Nicholson, who lives with his wife of 15 years Karina, 43, a local councillor, and describe himself as a ''husband and father' on his Twitter account is also training to be an Ofsted inspector. Carol Bode, the school's chair of governors, said that there are no concerns relating to the safeguarding of pupils at the school and confirmed that the board has accepted Mr Nicholson's resignation. 'In the time David was with us, he worked tirelessly for the school and always with our students best interests at heart providing the school with clear leadership

Summary: David Nicholson, 48, has resigned as head of Basingstoke school . Allegedly used school email to organise a threesome with escorts . Escort said she enjoyed dressing in uniform, which he was 'keen' on . Father-of-four said he was 'looking forward to putting you over my knee'


It was 25 years ago this week that the skeletal remains of a woman were found near Daytona Beach in Florida - and police are still trying to find out who she is, and who killed her. The Jane Doe was found in a wooded area in Volusia County on April 23, 1990. Investigators believe her badly decomposed remains, which consisted mostly just bones, had been there for up to eight weeks before they were discovered. The death was ruled a homicide and the case remains open, and police hope a new facial reconstruction using the latest technology with help them finally solve the murder. Unsolved homicide: Forensics have used the latest technology to reconstruct the skeletal remains of a woman found near Daytona Beach 25 years ago this week to produce this image. She was never identified . A forensic artist recently created a lifelike, computer-generated image of the woman’s face, which is the biggest development in the case in years,The Daytona Beach News Journal reported. The Jane Doe is described as between 25 and 40 years old, about 5-feet 4-inches in height and of a medium build. At the time of her death, her brown hair was tied into pig tails. According to forensics, the woman seems to have had multiple children. The new reconstruction shows the vast improvements in forensic science over the years. The last image, released in 2001, was done by a FBI-trained facial reconstruction artist using the victim's skull. Advancements: The last image of Jane Doe was done in 2001 using the controversial method of forensic facial reconstruction, which relies on the victim's skull and an artist building the face using clay . Scene: The victim was found in a wooded area east of Clyde Morris Boulevard in Volusia County in April 1990 . Investigators are urging anyone with information to call Sgt. Pat Thoman at 386-254-1535. Anonymous tips can also be lodged using Crime Stoppers of Volusia and Flagler counties at 888-277-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward on offer of up to $5,000.

Summary: Skeletal remains near Daytona Beach on April 23, 1990 . The woman was never identified and her murder never solved . New forensic technology has reconstructed a facial image . She was aged between 25 and 40, about 5'4' and had her hair in pigtails . There is a $5,000 reward on offer for relevant information .


The parents of a Slovakian model accused of murdering her British millionaire ex-boyfriend are being forced to sell their house to pay her legal bills. Maria Kukucova, 25, was arrested in April last year after former partner Andy Bush was found shot to death in his rented holiday villa on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. The blonde model had gone on the run but was eventually tracked down to her family's home 2,000 miles away in the small western Slovakian town of Nova Basoca after police put out an international arrest warrant. Scroll down for video . The Slovakian model had gone on the run after Bush was found shot to death in his rented holiday villa on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain . Maria Kukucova, 25, was arrested in April last year after former partner Andy Bush was found murdered . Now her parents Lubomir Kukuca, 50, and Danka Kukucova, 51, said they feel hated in their own village and are selling up their home to move somewhere more secluded and pay thousands for lawyers' fees in Spain where their daughter is awaiting trial. Gold dealer Mr Bush, 48, from Bristol was found dead in a pool of blood at his five-bed rented home near Estepona just after 3am. His new girlfriend, Russian student Maria Korotaeva, 20, told detectives his Slovakian ex was waiting for them in her pyjamas inside Mr Bush’s mansion when they arrived for a long weekend from the UK. Miss Korotaeva has accused Miss Kukucova of Mr Bush's murder, saying 'She done it. God will be her judge' Maria Korotaeva, 20 (left and right), the most recent girlfriend of murdered millionaire Andrew Bush, 48 (left), has told how the pair arrived at Mr Bush's Spanish villa to find ex-girlfriend Kukucova waiting . She took refuge in Mr Bush’s Hummer while he argued inside with the alleged killer. Miss Korotaeva said Kukucova was ‘crazy’ with jealousy after Mr Bush ended their relationship. She said gunshots rang out before the Slovakian fled the house and forced her out of the car to make her escape. Kukucova, who had posted intimate videos online begging Mr Bush to take her back, was arrested in Nove Mesto nad Vahom in her home country - more than 2,000 miles from Spain. She was extradited back to Spain in May after handing herself in and locked up in the maximum security Alhaurin de la Torre jail near Malaga. Maria's parents have visited their daughter and hired lawyers, but their efforts have landed them in debt. Now Kukucova's parents are being forced to sell their home (pictured) in Nova Basoca, western Slovakia, to pay thousands for their daughter's lawyers' fees . Danka Kukucova, 51, (left) Lubomir Kukuca, 50, (right) said said they feel hated in their own village after news of the murder spread and were planning to move to a more secluded area . Her father Lubomir Kukuca, who is seriously ill with cancer, admitted his daughter kept in touch with them while she was on the run. Miss Kukucova’s

Summary: Millionaire Andrew Bush, 48, found dead shot dead at Costa del Sol villa . Ex-girlfriend Mayka Kukucova, 24, a Slovakian model, accused of murder . She went on run to home town Nova Bosaca before finally giving herself up . Kukucova's parents forced to sell home to pay for her legal fees in Spain .


Louis van Gaal blamed himself for Manchester United finishing the game with 10 men, using all his substitutes before Michael Carrick came off as a precaution with a tight calf. The United boss said: ‘It was of course an error from me that I give too much minutes to my substitutes. It is not so wise. 'Some players didn’t know that we were playing with 10 men because the crowd were yelling and it was difficult to get the message to them.’ Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (right) celebrates victory with Ander Herrera at full-time . An injured Michael Carrick walks along the touchline after coming off as a precaution with a tight calf . Aguero's quick-fire ton . It will come as little consolation to Sergio Aguero that he reached the 100-goal mark faster than any player in Manchester City’s history with his double at Old Trafford. The striker has had to wait for that honour, however, with his first goal ending a barren run stretching back eight hours and 39 minutes to the defeat home to Barcelona in February. Sergio Aguero (centre) celebrates after scoring the opening goal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon . It was Aguero's first goal since he scored for City against Barcelona at the Etihad back in February . Milner goes off in a strop . James Milner's reaction to being substituted as he waited to come back on following treatment after a reckless challenge from Phil Jones does not augur well for the England winger ending his contract stalemate. Milner was standing on the touchline when he discovered that he was being replaced by Samir Nasri, and hurled an energy pouch to the floor in frustration before trudging back to the dugout. Manchester City's James Milner goes off with an injury during Sunday's Premier League derby . United felt that Martin Demichelis overreacted when he was caught in the face by a flailing arm from Marouane Fellaini in the second half, but the Belgian does have a rather patchy track record on that score. Pablo Zabaleta was furious that Fellaini was only given a yellow card at Old Trafford last season when he felt he was the victim of a blatant elbow from the United man. Manchester City's Martin Demichelis (centre) protests to referee Mark Clattenburg as United players look on .

Summary: United finished the game with 10 men after Michael Carrick came off . Sergio Aguero reached the 100-goal mark faster than any other City player . James Milner hurled an energy pouch to the floor in frustration after he was replaced by Samir Nasri . United felt that Martin Demichelis overreacted when caught by a flailing arm from Marouane Fellaini .


Parents Craig and Bonnie Morgan want their children to have the best possible start in life. And like many others, they have come to believe that a private education is the best way to achieve it. But so desperate are they to get their son Craig – known to them as CJ – into a local prep school that they’ve put their house on the market in order to pay the fees. And that’s not all. They’ve also slashed their weekly grocery bills by more than half, taken in lodgers, and have pinned their hopes on a ‘crowd-funding’ initiative, hoping members of the public will help them achieve their dream. Scroll down for video . The Morgan family outside their home in Hastings with dad Craig, mum Bonnie and sons Craig Jr (known as CJ), nine, and Alfie, four. They are selling it for £185,000 to help pay for Craig Jr's prep school fees . ‘We believe any child will benefit more from what a private education has to offer,’ said Mrs Morgan. ‘There is simply no comparison.’ The Morgans, from Hastings in East Sussex, settled on the idea of a private education for their children after CJ, who they say is academically gifted, found that he wasn’t being stretched at his state primary school. ‘We always knew CJ was very bright,’ Mrs Morgan said. ‘By the age of two he could recite the continents and at nursery he was identified as gifted and talented. ‘By six he knew what every road sign meant and was reading paperbacks. Teachers say he is at least two years ahead academically compared with other children of the same age. And we’ve been told if he continues as he is doing with his maths, he is likely to gain a maths scholarship when he goes to senior school.’ Despite his success at the local school – rated as outstanding – the Morgans felt he was too bright for state education and not achieving as much as expected. And then, they say, came a problem with playground bullying. ‘He won a trophy for his go-karting hobby and after taking it to school he was constantly taunted by two boys,’ Mrs Morgan said. ‘He started coming home in tears. ‘The final straw came when one yob yelled in his face and another punched CJ for nothing. The staff agreed it was an unprovoked attack but CJ no longer wanted to go to school. He started biting his nails and becoming withdrawn.’ Battle Abbey School in East Sussex. ‘Friends and family can’t understand why we are giving up everything' to send CJ to the £4,000 a term school, says mum Bonnie . Heartbroken, the Morgans kept their son at home and contacted their local council to see if he could be transferred to a different primary school, but no places were available. Eventually in August 2014 – and with CJ refusing to return to his state school – he sat the entrance exam for Battle Abbey Prep School. Mrs Morgan said: ‘He sailed through the exam and when we

Summary: Craig and Bonnie Morgan are desperate to keep son Craig at prep school . From Hastings in East Sussex, they are sending him to Battle Abbey . Fees of £4,000 mean selling their terraced house and trying crowd-funding . Claim 'academically gifted' Craig wasn't being stretched at state primary .


Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has threatened to send his players to a training camp 'for an unlimited period of time' if they do not improve between now and the end of the season. Di Laurentiis was furious after his team continued their recent slide by losing 1-0 at home to Lazio in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, going down 2-1 on aggregate. The elimination came on top of a run of five Serie A matches without a win which has seen Napoli drop from third place to sixth, leaving them with only a faint chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season. Lorenzo Insigne reacts as Napoli lost 1-0 at home to Lazio on Wednesday and exited the Coppa Italia . The result heaps more pressure on boss Rafael Benitez, who has not matched the success of his first season . Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was furious with the result and blasted the commitment from the team . 'I have decided that if there is no change in course between now and the end of the season, the players will go to a training camp... for an unlimited period of time,' he told reporters. 'It's my decision. 'I want discipline,' he continued. 'I have never failed to pay salaries or even delayed them. I have spent 386 million euros (£281million) on the purchase of players in 10 years and I demand commitment. 'I dislike the idea of a training camp as part of the club's philosophy, but Naples is a city which is full of distractions,' he added. 'I demand that they work with me and for a common purpose, with full commitment to the fans and the city. 'Since going to a training camp is uncomfortable in a city such as this, I hope that (the threat) awakens some pride in the players.' The defeat also increased pressure on coach Rafael Benitez, who led Napoli to a third-placed finish and the Coppa Italia title last season but has failed to build on what was considered a reasonable, but unspectacular, first season. Gonzalo Higuain (right) fails to connect with an acrobatic kick as Napoli lost 2-1 to Lazio on aggregate . Lazio's players celebrate after eliminating Napoli to advance to the final of the Coppa Italia . Senad Lulic (right) converts Lazio's winner at the San Paolo stadium to send his team to the final . He is now left with the Europa League, where Napoli have reached the quarter-finals, as their only chance of silverware this season. 'We got to the Coppa Italia and Europa League quarter-finals, so you can't say we're not doing well,' said the Spaniard, whose contract runs until the end of the season. 'You can't say that we haven't done enough this season, the team has created a lot. 'We created seven clear chances and failed to score from anything thanks to some bad luck and the merits of our opponents. 'We are still alive and kicking, we just need a little more accuracy in front of goal.'

Summary: Aurelio De Laurentiis furious after semi-final elimination by Lazio . Napoli owner threatened to send the team to an 'unlimited training camp' Rafael Benitez's side now only have the Europa League as a trophy chance .


Nine council workers have been sacked for inappropriately accessing confidential social work files on tragic toddler Mikaeel Kular. The three-year-old was killed by his mother Rosdeep Adekoya, who beat him for being sick and left him to die in agony for three days before hiding his body in a suitcase and dumping it in woods. She then told police the boy had wandered off, sparking a huge manhunt before eventually leading officers to the body near Kirkcaldy in Fife, in January last year. Scroll down for video . Victim: Fife council workers looked at Mikaeel Kular's (left) confidential files after he was killed by his mother Rosdeep Adekoya (right) Police Scotland probed the claims and an internal investigation was launched by Fife Council last year when up to 25 staff were alleged to have accessed confidential social work files belonging to the youngster. It has now been revealed at least nine workers were subject to disciplinary action and subsequently dismissed after looking at documents relating to the high-profile case without permission. Adekoya, who had frequently left her children home alone to go to nightclubs and take cocaine, was jailed for 11 years in August last year but could be free within seven. She repeatedly beat her son before putting his lifeless body in a suitcase and leaving it in woodland behind her sister's home. Investigations found her internet history included searches 'I find it hard to love my son', 'I love all of my children except one', 'why am I so aggressive with my son' and 'get rid of bruises'. Five thousand local residents signed a petition protesting against the failure of prosecutors to pursue a murder charge against her. Social services were also widely criticised for failing Mikaeel after it emerged he was twice taken into care by social workers. At the time of the trial, the court was told how Fife social services monitored Adekoya and her young family until December 2013 – the month before Mikaeel's death. Tragic: Scores of tributes were left near to the youngster's home in Edinburgh following a massive search to find him . Grim discovery: The three-year-old's body was found in woodland behind his auntie's house in Fife . However, Adekoya was not on the radar of social workers in Edinburgh, despite having moved to the Scottish capital. Craig Munro, Executive Director of Education and Children's Services at Fife council said: . 'We have a clear internal process for dealing with discipline issues and we don't comment publicly on the individual circumstances of staff.' A seperate investigation into whether Mikaeel's death could have been prevented is due to be published in a matter of weeks. Police Scotland said they would not be taking the matter further. A spokesman said: 'No criminal complaint had been made so we consider it an internal matter for Fife Council.'

Summary: Fife Council launched internal investigation following accusations . Rosdeep Adekoya beat son Mikaeel to death then buried body in woods . Family were known to social services in Fife but had moved to Edinburgh . Police Scotland investigated 'data management' at the council .


As this image gets larger, what do you see? Most people will pick out a phantom-like picture of Albert Einstein. But if you see a Hollywood pin-up, you may need a trip to the opticians. At normal viewing distance, healthy eyes should be able to pick up the fine lines on Einstein's face, causing the brain to disregard Marilyn Monroe's image altogether. Scroll down for video . The image was created by superimposing a blurry picture of Monroe over a picture of Albert Einstein drawn in fine lines. Features with a high spatial frequency (Einstein) are only visible when you're viewing them close up, and those with low spatial frequencies (Monroe) are only visible from further away. Combining pictures of the two produces a single image which changes when the viewer moves closer or farther away from the screen. This classic optical illusion was created several years ago by neuroscientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In a recent video, AsapScience highlighted the process behind the trick, which can also be seen in a still image by anyone if they move closer and then farther away from the screen. ‘Depending on how well you’re able to focus or pick up contrast your eye will only pick out details,’ the video explains. ‘Up close, we’re generally able to pick up fine details like Einstein’s moustache and wrinkles. ‘But as the distance increases, or if your vision is poor and creates a more blurred image in the first place, your ability to pick up details fades away. ‘Instead you only see general features, like the shape of mouth, nose and hair, and are left seeing Marilyn Monroe. ‘ . The MIT team, led by Dr Aude Oliva, has spent over a decade creating hybrid optical illusions that show how images can be hidden with textures, words and other objects. When you look at the image above, whose face do you see? At normal screen viewing distance you should see the face of Albert Einstein. Squint your eyes or take a few steps back from the image and Marilyn Monroe should come into view . 'Marilyn Einstein' was created by superimposing a blurry picture of Marilyn Monroe over a picture of Albert Einstein drawn in fine lines. Features with a high spatial frequency are only visible when viewing them close up, and those with low spatial frequencies are only visible at a distance. Combining pictures of the two produces a single image which changes when the viewer moves closer or farther away from the screen. Dr Oliva’s group say these images not only reveal vision problems, but can also highlight how the brain processes information. In one study, participants were shown hybrid images for just of 30 milliseconds, and only recognised the low spatial resolution, or blurry, component of the image. On the top row, up close, you can see that the man on the left is scowling, while the woman on the right has a placid facial emotion. Move back, and the faces change expressions and even genders. If you squint, blink or defocus,

Summary: Look at the hybrid image at a normal viewing distance from the screen . If the image of Einstein doesn't appear, it may mean you have bad vision . Illusion shows how we focus on different features depending on distance .


We're always hearing about the latest 'superfoods' - and how they could have a powerful effect on our health and wellbeing. And while the term 'superfood' might be thrown around a little too freely sometimes, there are some fruits and seeds that really are a power-house of nutritional value. Here, I reveal which ones are worth adding to your shopping basket today... Scroll down for video . Sour cherries contain high levels of antioxidants and as a result are anti-inflammatory, can help a person sleep and can improve recovery after a sports injury, Dr Sally Norton said . TART CHERRIES . What are the benefits? Tart or sour cherries have been found to contain high levels of antioxidants. As a result the benefits include anti-inflammation, boosted sleep, and improved sports recovery. Reports have suggested that an increased intake of tart cherries could help to reduce certain post-workout side-effects, such as muscle aches, inflammation and weakness. AVOCADO . What are the benefits? More than just the main ingredient in guacamole, avocados seem to be having a real moment in the spotlight, and it's not surprising. They're a great source of healthy, mono-saturated fats – which have been known to help lower bad cholesterol, and as a result, reduce our risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, a recent study has suggested that combining a moderate-fat diet with one avocado a day could actually lower your levels of bad cholesterol by more than a low-fat, or moderate-fat diet without avocados. Avocados are a great source of healthy, mono-saturated fats, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce a person's risk of heart attack or stroke . CRANBERRIES . What are the benefits? As many of you will know, cranberries have been used for years as an aid against urinary tract infections. But studies have suggested these berries could also have a wide range of other benefits – from improving our heart health, helping to prevent certain cancers, to boosting our oral health and helping to reduce infections. What helps to make them just so good for us are the polyphenols that are present in those little red berries. Polyphenols have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, to name just a few. Just be careful where you get your cranberry intake from, as cranberry juice and juice drinks are often full of sugar. Polyphenols found in cranberries are reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown they can improve heart health and help prevent certain cancers . BLUEBERRIES . What are the benefits? With their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, blueberries have been linked to all kinds of health benefits, including heart health, cancer prevention, enhanced brain function and improved eyesight. And if that's not enough, some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in blueberries could help to delay the ageing process – a much cheaper alternative to all those anti-ageing creams. PUMPKIN SEEDS . What are the benefits? We all know how nutritious pumpkins are, but there's even more to be said for

Summary: Weight-loss expert Dr Sally Norton gives her verdict on six superfoods . From sour cherries to avocado, cranberries to pumpkin seeds . Some are high in antioxidants while others reduce risk of heart attack .


Bill de Blasio is going up against Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential candidate, it has been claimed. The Mayor of New York is allegedly entering the race as a 'leftist' alternative to Clinton in the hopes that this will see him represent the party in the 2016 elections. This claims come in the wake of a television appearance last week, just hours before Clinton announced her candidacy, where de Blasio refused to back her. Scroll down for video . The Mayor of New York is allegedly entering preparing to run for president as a 'leftist' alternative to Hillary Clinton, according to a source within the Democratic Party . De Blasio's intentions to throw his hat in the ring as Democrat presidential candidate comes from a 'national party operative', according to the New York Post. The mayor's bid for presidency is backed by the Working Families Party, and he hopes that left-leaning 'progressive activists' will join them in supporting him over the coming months, the source claims. 'De Blasio and his advisers are trying to position the mayor as the 'draft' candidate for the left in 2016. That's why he refused to endorse Hillary last week,' the party operative told the Post. The 53-year-old has yet to back Clinton, despite the fact that he was campaign manager of her U.S. Senate bid in 2000, an indication that the rumours of his intentions to run for president may be true. The New York City mayor, known to be more liberal than Clinton on most issues, surprised many Democrats when he declined to endorse his former boss during an interview last week. Behind her back? Bill de Blasio has yet to endorse Hillary Clinton as the Democrats' presidential candidate, despite the fact that he was campaign manager of her U.S. Senate bid in 2000 . The New York City mayor, seen inspecting a Bronx apartment as pary of an affordable housing project, said he will not endorse Clinton until he can 'see an actual vision of where they want to go' Appearing on Meet The Press, De Blasio said he would withhold his blessing 'until I see an actual vision of where they want to go.' 'She's a tremendous public servant,' the mayor continued. 'I think she is one of the most qualified people to ever run for this office. And by the way, thoroughly vetted, we can say that. But we need to see the substance.' De Blasio has taken several steps to raise his profile in recent weeks, including making a bid for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, hosting a meeting of liberals at Gracie Mansion this month and traveling to Nebraska and Iowa — site of the first nominating caucus — last week to champion the fight against income inequality. Today, Clinton is scheduled to arrive in New Hampshire as she steps up her campaign for the Democratic nomination. As she did in Iowa last week, Clinton plans to forgo the packed rallies that marked her previous campaign and focus on smaller round-table events with selected groups of supporters.

Summary: Bill de Blasio 'wants to be a more liberal alternative to Hillary Clinton' New York mayor's bid is allegedly backed by Working Families Party . De Blasio, Clinton's former campaign manager, has yet to endorse her .


This year has seen a rash of massive dust storms around the world that have led to travel chaos and blocked out sunlight - but experts cannot pinpoint the reason behind the spate. This week incredible footage showed the moment an unusual 'apocalyptic' dust storm, known in Arabic as a haboob, struck Belarus, turning day to night, and China has suffered four massive sandstorms since the start of the year. Some experts have said that climate change bringing excessive heat can make some areas more susceptible to dust storms, but one European scientist pointed out that the number of dust storms over the decades has always been variable. Dark clouds start forming over the city of Soligorsk, Belarus, as a sandstorm sweeps over the city . Within a matter of minutes, the storm had blocked out the sun, creating chaos on the city streets . A raging sand storm sweeps in on the city of Golmud in north west China, where 200,000 people live . The sandstorm was the fourth to hit the area this year as authorities struggle to deal with the natural hazards . China's Meteorlogical Centre issued a blue alert as the sandstorms swept across the north of the country . Golmud was left covered in a remarkable red haze when the sand cloud blew across the city . The footage of the dust storm in Belarus, filmed from a high rise apartment, shows traffic moving along a busy street in the province of Salihorsk, south of the capital of Minsk on Monday afternoon. As dark clouds move over the city, the entire area is plunged into darkness - forcing motorists to turn on their lights as they navigate the darkened roads. The storm was caused by a cold front moving in from the Ukrainian-Belorusian border, reported RT. Earlier this month Britain was shrouded in a cloud of Saharan dust, known as 'blood rain,' as the temperatures soared. Blurred: The Shard, one of London's most iconic buildings, is pictured shrouded in 'blood rain' earlier this month . In December a small town in Queensland, Australia, experienced a dust storm (pictured) that residents said was unprecedented in magnitude . Dr Steven Godby, a geographer researching the effects of blown sand and dust at Nottingham Trent University, explained how these events can occur. 'The dust is produced from source areas in North Africa, incorporated into a northerly airflow and can travel long distances before being deposited as far away as the UK. 'However, the events we experience are small scale compared to those experienced closer to major dust sources. And incredible pictures also taken at the beginning of April showed the moment ferocious red sandstorms devoured a city in China's north west. China's pollution hit cities are now having to cope with a fresh nuisance - the massive sandstorm that struck the north-west of the country being the fourth this year alone. The images show the city of Golmud, in the country's north west Qinghai Province, as it succumbs to a sweeping half-hour sandstorm which reduced the visibility to as little

Summary: Footage showed an unusual 'apocalyptic' dust storm hitting Belarus . China has suffered four massive sandstorms since the start of the year . Half of dust in atmosphere today is due to human activity, said Nasa .


Deep within Utah's San Rafael desert, thousands upon thousands of goblins lurk in the shadows. But rather than frightening visitors, they are a geologist's dream: gnarly rock formations which have been created by gradual erosion of Entrada sandstone over millions of years. The 'goblins' are scientifically known as 'hoodoos' - rock protrusions consisting of relatively soft rock topped by harder stone that preserves each column's spire-like shape from weather erosion. But the mushroom like structures and hiking trails winding through this unearthly landscape, make this a popular attraction for tourists . The softer rock has been removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique constructions, which are further chiselled by water and dust erosion. Once known as the Mushroom Valley, the area was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle. In 1964 it was designated a state park. Utah has a wealth of state parks, and at under five square miles, Goblin Valley is tiny compared to parks such as the nearby 527 square metre Canyonlands. But the striking structures and hiking trails winding through this unearthly landscape, make this a popular attraction for tourists visiting western America. Goblin kiss: The sun bursts through two lifelike rock formations, known as hoodooos, in the Goblin Valley State Park in Utah's San Rafael . Walking through the site after sunset, when the moonlight eerily illuminates the 'goblins' heads', is a popular choice, as it's also when wildlife, including foxes is most active. The site also boasts some of the darkest skies in the world, and park rangers offer a tour showcasing the night sky, gazing upon stars, planets and distant galaxies, learning about the stories behind the constellations. In October 2013, a group of reckless visitors posted a video of themselves tipping one of the 'goblins' over as a practical joke. The three males faced felony charges for 'intentionally damaging, defacing and destroying property.' The rock protrusions consist of soft rock topped by harder stone that preserves each column's spire-like shape from weather erosion . Once known as the Mushroom Valley, the area was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle. In 1964 it was designated a state park . Softer rock is removed by wind and water, leaving the unique constructions, which are further chiselled by water and dust erosion . The magnificent hoodoos are a geologist's dream created by gradual erosion of Entrada sandstone over millions of years . The site also boasts some of the darkest skies in the world offering visitors the chance to gaze at stars, planets and distant galaxies . In 2013, a group of visitors posted a video of themselves toppling one of the goblins. They faced charges for 'intentionally damaging, defacing and destroying property' Utah has a wealth of national parks, and at under five square miles, Goblin Valley is tiny compared to parks such as the nearby 527 square metre Canyonlands . Walking through the site after sunset, when the moonlight eerily illuminates the 'goblins' heads', is a popular choice for tourists .

Summary: Goblin Valley State Park in the San Rafael Desert of Utah contains thousands of mushroom-shaped'hoodoos' The gnarly rock formations are created through the erosion of Entrada sandstone deposited millions of years ago . Softer sedimentary rock material erodes more quickly, leaving the harder rock behind, creating unusual shape .


The televised debate between Democratic candidates running for mayor of Philadelphia came to a crashing halt on Tuesday, when 74-year-old Lynne Abraham collapsed on stage. It was only 10 minutes into the hour-long debate when Abraham was heard falling as Senator Anthony Williams answered a question, and the camera panned over to see the former Philadelphia District Attorney lying helpless on the floor. Mayoral candidate Nelson Diaz quickly came to Abraham's aide and helped her stand up when she regained consciousness. Scroll down for video . Philadelphia mayoral candidate Lynne Abraham (left) collapsed on stage 10 minutes into Tuesday night's hour-long debate between Democratic candidates . The former Philadelphia District Attorney Abraham allegedly suffered a momentary drop in blood pressure. She sat out the rest of the debate . The debate was paused as a doctor evaluated Abraham backstage and told her she probably suffered from a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the unforgiving stage lights. While Abraham was anxious to get back on stage and finish the debate, the doctor ordered her against returning. Speaking to reporters after her fall, Abraham said she was embarrassed but feeling well and that the incident won't impact her campaign. 'How'd you like my opening act?' Abraham joked to reporters. 'Nothing like fainting on stage.' Speaking to reporters after the fall, Abraham appeared to be in good spirits and said she would not let the incident impact her campaign. Pictured on the right before speaking to reporters after the fall . Describing the incident, Abraham said she was on a riser when she 'leaned over to look at [Williams] and the lights went out.' She said she has never fainted before. 'It just happened at an inopportune time. It's a little bit embarrassing but I fell gracefully. I didn't hurt anything I'm fine,' she said. Despite missing most of the debate, the fall appears to have had a strangely positive affect for Abraham. In a poll conducted after the debate, 54 per cent of participants said they would vote for Abraham in the Democratic primary, scheduled for May 19. Abraham appeared to be healthy on stage just before the debate began Tuesday night at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. Pictured on the left, next to mayor candidate Nelson Diaz . After Abraham was taken off stage, the debate continued between the remaining candidates. From left to right: Abraham, Nelson Diaz, Jim Kenney, Doug Oliver, Milton Street and Senator Anthony Williams . That's likely good news to her campaign managers, since Abraham has been having a hard time raising enough money to compete with front-runners Williams and Jim Kenney, according to Philly.com. NBC 10 Philadelphia will host two more debates between the Democratic candidates before the primary next month. After Abraham was taken off stage, the debate continued between remaining candidates Nelson Diaz, Jim Kenney, Doug Oliver, Milton Street and Senator Anthony Williams.

Summary: Candidate Lynne Abraham says she suffered a momentary drop in blood pressure and that it's never happened before . While a doctor kept her from returning to the debate, the 74-year-old former district attorney says she will not let the incident affect her campaign .


Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy hailed the 'belligerent, stubborn and hard working' qualities of his 'horrible bunch' of players after a determined 1-1 draw at his former club Wolves moved Town closer to securing a place in the SkyBet Championship play-offs. Despite Wolves bouncing back to take a point through Benik Afobe's 31st goal of the season in the 50th minute after a Richard Stearman own goal had given Ipswich a first-half lead, Town's play-off hopes are now in their own hands with two games remaining. Former Wolves boss McCarthy was delighted with his side's determined display and he said: 'It was a good performance and a good point. It is very pleasing. Mick McCarthy's Ipswich were denied three points as rivals Wolves fought back to draw 1-1 on Saturday . 'Wolves were in the ascendancy in the second half but we have had a great, stubborn, belligerent, professional performance - all those horrible words people don't like in football but I do because you win games and win leagues by doing that. 'We are always hard to beat and hard to play against. 'The first thing I said to the players in the dressing room after the game was what a belligerent, stubborn, hard working, tough, horrible bunch you have turned out to be and I love you and I am proud of you because you need all those qualities to be a good team. It is lovely to have. 'A lot of those qualities are probably the reasons why we are where we are. 'It takes a lot of things to be in the top six and there will be teams below us who are all playing sexy football but we are winning games and we are in the top six and we still have a chance of being promoted. 'So to anyone who cocks a snook at the way we are doing it I laugh at them and think it is comical because I think what we do we do well and isn't that what having a job is all about?' Tommy Smith's header (right) rebounds off Wolves defender Richard Stearman for an own goal . McCarthy, who was sacked by Wolves in February 2012 after almost six years in charge of the club, insisted that he did not have anything to prove on his second return to Molineux. He added: 'I think I am very much liked and respected by the Wolves fans and I love the club and the people here so I don't think I have got anything to prove and I always appreciate getting a nice warm welcome coming back. 'But I have taken the point and I am happy with that.' Although they trailed at the break, Wolves needed only five minutes of the second period to draw level when Afobe stabbed home at the far post and they could have gone on to snatch a winner with Nouha Dicko carrying their greatest. McCarthy hails the 'belligerent, stubborn and hard working' qualities of his 'horrible bunch' of Ipswich players . They could not find a

Summary: Ipswich denied three points as Wolves fight back to draw 1-1 on Saturday . Manager Mick McCarthy hails qualities of 'horrible bunch' of players . Richard Stearman's own goal had given Ipswich an early lead at Molineux . But Benik Afobe equalised on 50 minutes with close-range volley .


Nasa claims we'll find aliens in the next 10 to 20 years – and now the agency is revving up its efforts to track them down. The group has put together a team of 'extraterrestrial experts' to see if any of the planets discovered outside our solar system are habitable. And it says that amateur astronomers could help with its 'unprecedented' search for ET by accessing research data online. Scroll down for video . The Nexss team, includes those who study Earth as a life-bearing planet (lower right), those researching the diversity of solar system planets (left), and those on the new frontier, discovering worlds orbiting other stars in the galaxy (upper right) The initiative, dubbed Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (Nexss), will include scientists from 10 universities including Stanford, the University of California and Yale. The study of exoplanets is a relatively new field, and began with the discovery of the first exoplanet around a star like our sun in 1995. Since the launch of the Kepler space telescope six years ago, more than 1,000 exoplanets have been found, with thousands of additional candidates waiting to be confirmed. Nasa has set up a website for the public called Planet Hunters which allows anyone to search the data gathered by Kepler, which launched six years ago. Scientists are also developing new ways to confirm the habitability of these worlds and search for biosignatures, or signs of life. During a talk last month, Nasa said humanity will encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,' said Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa, (pictured) at a Washington panel discussion . By applying a 'system science' approach, the team hopes to understand an alien planet's biology interacts with the atmosphere, geology, oceans, and interior of a planet. The announcement comes just weeks after Nasa's top scientist predicted we could be on the verge of finding life on one of them. During a talk in Washington last month, the space agency announced that humanity is likely to encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. Alien hunters from the University of Berkeley, California and Stanford are tasked with answering the question: 'What are the properties of exoplanetary systems, as they relate to their formation, evolution, and potential to harbour life?' They will combine astronomical observations of exoplanets and forming planetary systems with powerful computer simulations and cutting-edge microscopic studies of meteorites. The team from Arizona State University in Phoenix will take a similar approach. This research group will place planetary habitability in a chemical context, with the goal of producing a 'periodic table of planets.' Researchers from Hampton University, Virginia, will be exploring the sources and sinks for volatiles on habitable worlds. This research will help determine the past and present habitability of Mars and even Venus. The team centered at Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies will investigate habitability on a more local scale. It will examine the habitability of solar system rocky planets

Summary: Alien search team, dubbed Nexss, includes scientists from 10 universities . Public could help with 'unprecedented' search by accessing data online . Comes weeks after Nasa said we will find aliens in the next 10 to 20 years . But the likelihood that life is similar to that on Earth is low, Nasa claims .


A newly released video shows the shocking moment a Boston police officer was shot in the face just seconds after approaching a driver who was stopped during a gunfire investigation. The video shows how Angelo West, 41, immediately jumps out of the car and shoots Officer John Moynihan, 34, under the eye at close range after the policeman opens the driver-side door. West then fires at the other officers as he runs across the busy street. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans pointed out that he was firing 'under his arm' at the other cops. The video shows Boston police officer John Moynihan, circled in white, opening the driver-side door to talk to Angelo West after the car was pulled over during a gunfire investigation . West then immediately jumps out of the car and shoots Moynihan in the face at close range . Officer Moynihan , 34, was released from the hospital Friday after weeks of recovery. The Boston Police Department described his current condition as 'serious but improving' The video, captured from the surveillance camera of a nearby store, shows the beginning of the shootout that led to officers firing the fatal shots that killed West. 'This particular incident we had no other choice,' Evans said about the fatal shooting. 'He had already used deadly force, trying to kill one of my officers, and the officers did what they were trained to do.' During a press conference, Evans said the video shows that the officers did not have their weapons drawn or have their hands their hands on their weapons when they approached West's car. Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said it was important to release the video to show the community exactly what happened - and why. 'In those instances in which video evidence can inform the public... it is in everyone's best interest to share that information as soon as possible,' Conley said during the press conference. The district attorney said such transparency was necessary to 'tamp down speculation and rumors meant to inflame and not to inform'. 'Our goal going forward is to ensure that we are one people and one city,' he said. Evans said Moynihan had seen the video. Angelo West was fatally shot by Moynihan's colleagues during the shoot-out. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that 'during this particular incident' the officers had no other choice . The video shows how West fired at the other officers after shooting Moynihan while he ran across the street . 'He probably realizes he's really lucky to be talking at this point, to be shot so suddenly with a .357 Magnum in the face and to be around talking about it, and hopefully to make as much of a full recovery as we think he's going to,' he said during the conference, captured by WCVB. But Evans said 'there are no winners here'. 'We have an officer who was seriously injured, and we have a family who is grieving the loss of a loved one,' he said. Moynihan was released from the hospital yesterday after weeks of

Summary: Video shows how John Moynihan, 34, was shot within seconds of opening Angelo West's car door . West, 41, immediately jumps out of the car and shoots the officer . Video then shows West shooting at officers as he runs across the street . West was fatally shot by Moynihan's colleagues during the shoot-out . Police said they released the video to be transparent with the public and tamp down rumors . Moynihan was released from the hospital Friday after weeks of recovery . Police said his current condition is 'serious but improving'


Andy Flower, England team director who guided sides to three Ashes triumphs and the world No 1 spot, will not be interfering in any way with the work of the next director of England cricket. The England Cricket Board gave Flower the confusing title of technical director of elite coaching after he renegotiated a new role at significantly lower pay after resigning as team boss following the last Ashes whitewash. This has led to speculation that Flower’s continuing role on the ECB staff would conflict with the job description of the new appointment. Former England team director Andy Flower is now technical director of elite coaching at the ECB . But effectively Flower is now running the England cricket academy at Loughborough and working with young players in a coaching role, and liaising with counties. And it’s understood he has no wish to get involved at England senior level again or become entangled in the politics. Those politics have Kevin Pietersen at centre stage as ever. But Flower, having closed one chapter in his life and fully moved on to his behind-the-scenes Loughborough role, is highly unlikely to speak out about KP now. Meanwhile, Pietersen, who is using social media app Periscope to film himself getting a sun tan or whistling, continues to dominate the PR battle against the ECB, who botched his axing and have totally mismanaged the fall-out since. Kevin Pietersen is back playing cricket for Surrey in the hope of winning back a Test spot in the England side . It looks only a matter of time before Manuel Pellegrini is sacked as Manchester City manager. And his son Juan, who is living in England, isn’t waiting for the axe to fall on his father, having already made plans to take his wife and four children back to Chile. However, Juan’s return is purely for family reasons with his wife, who has just had twins, wanting family support to look after four kids who are under the age of five. Only the ECB’s hopeless media team could launch the domestic NatWest T20 Blast, which needs all the promotional hype it can muster to compete with the IPL and Big Bash, on the same day as an England Test match. And only the ECB, having brought in former Ashes hero Freddie Flintoff to drum up publicity for the launch, could then decide he shouldn’t speak to national newspapers. An ECB spokesman said the date wasn’t ideal but they were constrained by the domestic and international schedule. And the print media snub was due to the ECB having limited time with Flintoff. Andrew Flintoff (left) shares a joke with Warwickshire and England's Chris Woakes at the T20 Blast launch . There was a player for all 18 counties present at the T20 Blast launch on Thursday . It can cause problems in football when agents represent players and managers. But the ECB have no concerns that former county cricketer Luke Sutton represents both Jimmy Anderson and England head coach Peter Moores. Likewise, the FA say they have no problems with England

Summary: Andy Flower guided England to three Ashes wins over Australia . Former team director also led England to the world No 1 ICC ranking . Andrew Strauss is a front-runner to becoming director of England Cricket .


Australian broadcaster SBS has sacked its football reporter Scott McIntyre over his 'inappropriate and disrespectful' ANZAC day tweets. McIntyre condemned the commemoration of ANZAC Day on Twitter yesterday, calling it 'the cultification of an imperialist invasion,' and accusing Australian Diggers of committing war crimes which included 'widespread rape and theft.' In a joint statement, SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid and Director of Sport, Ken Shipp said McIntyre's 'highly inappropriate and disrespectful' comments have 'caused his on-air position at SBS to become untenable.' 'Mr McIntyre's actions have breached the SBS Code of Conduct and social media policy and as a result, SBS has taken decisive action to terminate Mr McIntyre's position at SBS, with immediate effect.' Scroll down for video . SBS football reporter and presenter Scott McIntyre took to social media to tweet 'inappropriate' comments on the day of the centenary services which have received significant backlash . McIntyre referred to the Anzac's landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey . 'We remember and commemorate our ANZACs': SBS Michael Ebeid was quick to distance the broadcaster from McIntyre's comments on Saturday evening, saying they are 'not at all the views of @SBS' McIntyr's comments sparked outrage late on Anzac day, with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnball calling them 'despicable remarks' and social media users taking to twitter to spread the #sackScottMcIntre hashtag. In his tweets, the SBS football journalist condemned Anzac day as an 'imperialist invasion.' 'The cultification of an imperialist invasion of a foreign nation that Australia had no quarrel with is against all ideals of modern society,' McIntyre tweeted, referring to the Anzac's landing on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula. In other tweets, the reporter mocked the 'these brave Anzacs' and accused Diggers of committing war crimes. 'Remembering the summary execution, widespread rape and theft committed by these 'brave' Anzacs in Egypt, Palestine and Japan,' he tweeted. 'Wonder if the poorly-read, largely white, nationalist drinkers and gamblers pause today to consider the horror that all mankind suffered. Mr McIntyre has more than 30,000 Twitter followers. The SBS journalist accused the Australian diggers of committing war crimes . McIntyre condemned the commemoration of Anzac Day and mocked the Digger's bravery . McIntyre's comments were met with disgust by Twitter users . McIntyre's comments came on the 100th anniversary of the tragic Battle of Gallipoli (members of the public seen streaming into the Australian War Memorial, right, and names of fallen soldiers, left) Mr Turnbull also chimed into the discussion, calling the comments 'offensive' SBS's managing director Michael Ebeid was quick to distance the national broadcaster from McIntyre's comments on Saturday evening, after incensed social media users launched a Twitter tyrade calling for the company to fire the reporter. 'Comments from @mcintinhos are his own, disrespectful and not at all the views of @SBS. We remember and commemorate our ANZACs,' Mr Ebeid wrote on Twitter. The offensive tweets were still live on McIntyre's Twitter feed the day after they were published, prompting angry social media users to accuse SBS of being 'complicit' and labelling Mr Ebeid's tweet a 'token apology.' SBS's managing director Michael Ebeid

Summary: Australian broadcaster has sacked sports reporter over ANZAC day tweets . Football journalist Scott McIntyre condemned ANZAC day commemorations on the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign . Remembering 'rape and theft' committed by 'brave' Anzacs, he tweeted . McIntyre also called the Gallipoli landings 'an imperialist invasion' His comments sparked fury, with hundreds calling for him to be sacked . 'SBS apologises for any offence or harm caused by Mr McIntyre's comments' the broadcaster says .