A magistrate has refused to ban the media from naming the former head of child safety at Education Queensland who has been charged with child sex offences. The 52-year-old has been free on bail since March, when he was charged with sexually and indecently assaulting two 12-year-old boys at schools in Sydney more than 25 years ago. Brett Anthony O'Connor's lawyer, Phillip Mulherin, applied for a suppression order in the Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday. Brett Anthony O'Connor (pictured) has lost his appeal to ban the media from naming him during his trial . Mr Mulherin argued that identifying his client would cause undue stress and embarrassment. Magistrate Michael Dakin refused the request after an ABC spokesperson made an application to the court for the case to remain open on behalf of the news organisations. However, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin, the magistrate did agree to suppress the details of the victims and any witnesses. The former child safety officer with Education Queensland has been charged with ten counts of sex offences . He has been charged with four counts of indecent assault involving a child under the age of 16 . Mr O'Connor has been charged with four counts of indecent assault involving a child under the age of 16 and six counts of assault involving sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16. Mr O'Connor, a former Catholic brother, was arrested in March accused of indecently assaulting two 12-year-old boys at schools in Sydney more than 25 years ago. Police allege the assaults occurred at schools in Hunters Hill in 1987 and Campbelltown in 1989. Mr O'Connor, a former Catholic brother, was arrested in March accused of indecently assaulting two 12-year-old boys at schools in Sydney more than 25 years ago . Education Queensland suspended O'Connor from his job after he advised the department he'd been charged . Education Queensland suspended O'Connor from his job after he advised the department he'd been charged. The department said his role did not require direct contact with children. O'Connor left the court on Monday without commenting. The case was adjourned to the Campbelltown court on June 10. The case was adjourned to the Campbelltown court on June 10 . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: A magistrate has refused a media ban on the trial of a sex offender . Brett Anthony O'Connor is the former head of child safety at Education Queensland . He was arrested in March for indecently assaulting two Sydney school boys more than 25 years ago . Police allege they occurred in 1987 and 1989 . He has been suspended from his job at Education Queensland .


Napoli all but secured their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League after inflicting a devastating defeat on Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena on Thursday night. Gonzalo Higuain and Marek Hamsik put the visitors firmly in control as Rafa Benitez's side struck twice in the opening 45 minutes before the Slovakian midfielder added a third after the break. Substitute Manolo Gabbiadini made it four just moments after replacing two-goal hero Hamisk from the bench before former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner pulled a goal back for the hosts. Manolo Gabbiadini heads Napoli 4-0 ahead moments after coming on as a second-half substitute . Gabbiadini celebrates with team-mate David Lopez after giving the visitors a four-goal advantage . Marek Hamsik celebrates with team-mates after making it 3-0 to Napoli in the first leg of the quarter-final . Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Vieirinha, Naldo, Knoche, Rodriguez; Guilavogui (Arnold 70), Luiz Gustavo; Caligiuri, De Bruyne, Schurrle (Perisic 64); Dost (Bendtner 57) Subs not used: Grun, Klose, Trasch, Schafer . Scorer(s): Bendtner 80 . Booked: Bendtner . Manager: Dieter Hecking . Napoli (4-2-3-1): Andujar; Maggio, Albiol, Britos, Ghoulam; David Lopez, Inler; Callejon, Hamsik (Gabbiadini 75), Mertens (Insigne 60); Higuain (Henrique 86) Subs not used: Cabral, Koulibaly, Gargano, Jorginho . Scorer(s): Higuain 15, Hamsik 23, 64, Gabbiadini 76 . Manager: Rafa Benitez . Referee: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz . Wolfsburg came into the clash having lost just once in their last 26 matches in all competitions, a run that included two victories against Italian opposition Inter Milan in the previous round. And the Germans started the game brightly as they looked to impose their slick passing game on Napoli, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Dries Mertens checked back on to his right foot from wide on the left and delivered an inch-perfect ball over the top for Higuain, who was just onside. The Argentine striker brought the ball under control with what looked like a combination of chest and upper arm before firing past Diego Benaglio with the outside of his right foot - his seventh of the competition. The Wolfsburg defenders were rightly aggrieved but their protestations fell on deaf ears as the referee waved away their handball appeals. They could have no complaints seven minutes later, however, as Hamsik broke clear of the Wolves' backline to apply a composed finish to a slick, flowing move that ended with Higuain's defence-splitting pass. Gonzalo Higuain gave Napoli the lead with a smart finish via the outside his foot after 15 minutes . Slovakian Hamsik doubled the Italians lead midway through the first half to put them firmly in control . The Napoli captain celebrates in front of the travelling supporters after finishing off a fine move . Wolfsburg almost halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time. Former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle cut in from the left and struck a rasping drive that needed every inch of Mariano Andujar's frame to tip the effort onto the crossbar. Some sloppy Wolfsburg play allowed Hamsik to grab his second on 64 minutes as the tie slipped

Summary: Gonzalo Higuain gave visitors the lead after 15 minutes with a smart finish . There was a suspicion of handball as the Argentine brought the ball down . Marek Hamsik doubled lead on 23 minutes, Higuain the provider . Slovakian midfielder added his second and Napoli's third in second half . Manolo Gabbiadini added a fourth for visitors moments after coming on . Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner pulled one back for the hosts .


Rip up a piece of paper, and you can piece it back together. Burn a book, and you could theoretically do the same. But send information into a black hole, and it's lost forever – or at least that's what many physicists have been arguing for nearly half a decade. Now, one scientist says this may not be true, and that interactions between particles emitted by a black hole can reveal information about what lies within. For nearly 40 years, physicists have argued that black holes suck in information and then evaporate without leaving behind any clues as to what they once contained. Now, one scientist says this may not be true . 'According to our work, information isn't lost once it enters a black hole,' says Dejan Stojkovic, an associate professor of physics at the University at Buffalo. 'It doesn't just disappear.' His new paper presents explicit calculations demonstrating how information is preserved, he says. This is an important discovery because even physicists who believed information remains in black holes have struggled to show, mathematically, how this happens. The research marks a significant step toward solving the 'information loss paradox,' a problem that has plagued physics for almost 40 years, says Dr Stojkovic. The paradox posed a huge challenge for the field of physics because it meant that information inside a black hole could be permanently lost when the black hole disappeared. Last year, Hawking revised his theory by declaring that black holes were in fact 'grey'. The grey hole theory would allow matter and energy to be held for a period of time before being released back into space . In the 1970s, Stephen Hawking proposed that black holes were capable of radiating particles, and that the energy lost through this process would cause the black holes to shrink and eventually disappear. But last year, Hawking revised his theory by declaring that black holes were in fact 'grey' The grey hole theory would allow matter and energy to be held for a period of time before being released back into space. He says that the idea of an event horizon, from which light cannot escape, is flawed. He suggests that instead light rays attempting to rush away from the black hole’s core will be held as though stuck on a treadmill and that they can slowly shrink by spewing out radiation. Hawking told the journal Nature: 'There is no escape from a black hole in classical theory. [But quantum theory] enables energy and information to escape from a black hole'. A full explanation of the process, Hawking admits, would require a theory that successfully merges gravity with the other fundamental forces of nature. This is a violation of quantum mechanics, which states that information must be conserved. In the 1970s, Stephen Hawking proposed that black holes were capable of radiating particles, and that the energy lost through this process would cause the black holes to shrink and eventually disappear. But last year, Hawking revised his theory by declaring that black holes were in fact 'grey' The grey hole theory would

Summary: Comments made by Dr Dejan Stojkovic from the University of Buffalo . He says clues to contents lie in interactions between particles emitted . Quantum mechanics states that information is always conserved . It backs up Stephen Hawking's theory that black holes are 'grey'


Graphic images have emerged of a badly beaten transgender prisoner amid reports police 'pulverized' her face, forced her to strip and shaved her head. Pictures show Veronica Bolina lying partially naked on the ground in front of a group of officers and other prisoners in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 25-year-old had previously been arrested over an alleged attack on her 73-year-old neighbour. Warning graphic content . Pictures have emerged of transgender woman Veronica Bolina (left) amid reports police 'pulverized' her face leaving her with horrific injuries (right) Images show Veronica Bolina lying partially naked on the floor in front of a group of officers and other prisoners in the capital Sao Paulo . But an investigation is now underway amid reports she was set upon by officers on three different occasions after being taken into custody, leaving her face unrecognisable. Pictures appearing to show her ordeal were leaked online and have sparked outrage across Brazil. An official police statement claimed Bolina was attacked by prisoners when she was seen performing a sex act on herself in her cell and that officers were forced to intervene. It added that the injuries were the result of a struggle in which, police claim, she bit an officer on the ear. Pictures appearing to show her ordeal were leaked online and have sparked outrage across Brazil . An investigation is now underway amid reports Veronica Bolina (pictured) was set upon by officers on three different occasions after being taken into custody, leaving her face unrecognisable . Outraged supporters of Veronica Bolina (pictured) have set up campaign groups on the internet demanding the right for LGBT people to be treated fairly . The 25-year-old had previously been arrested over an alleged attack on her 73-year-old neighbour, it has been reported . The photos of her badly swollen eyes and mouth have been widely shared on the internet with outraged supporters setting up campaign groups on the internet demanding the right for LGBT people to be treated fairly. One supporter, Susane Montalvo Sarabia, said: 'It is just sickening that in this day and age such things as this still happen. 'They have pulverised that poor woman's face and are now trying to cover it up. Whether she is innocent, guilty, transgender or straight doesn't matter. 'The police should not be allowed to do this to anyone.' Authorities in Sao Paulo say they are now investigating the matter. A spokesman for the prosecutors office said she had been moved to a detention centre where she has an individual cell until the court case. Brazilian police officers kill on average six people every day according to the Sao Paulo-based Forum on Public Safety. The NGO collated figures between 2009 and 2013 which showed police killed more than 11,000 people. In comparison, police and law enforcement officers in the United States took 30 years to kill 11,000 people. According to a report released by the organisation: 'The empirical evidence shows that Brazilian police make abusive use of lethal force to respond to crime and violence.' However, Brazil is an incredibly violent

Summary: Pictures show Veronica Bolina face down on the ground in a Sao Paulo jail . She had previously been arrested over alleged attack on elderly neighbour . Reports claim 25-year-old was then set upon by officers on three occasions . Images appearing to show her ordeal have sparked outrage across Brazil .


A 25-year-old man has been charged with murdering his five-month-old daughter. Tomas Driukas was arrested after paramedics were called to his home in Birmingham in the early hours of Wednesday morning. His daughter was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital with breathing difficulties. The infant, who is believed to be a twin, died later that day after suffering 'several injuries', police said. Tomas Driukas was arrested after paramedics were called to his home in Birmingham in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Above, Driukas with a baby who is not his dead daughter . The 22-year-old mother, identified by neighbours as Renata Braskyte, pictured above, has been released on bail pending further enquiries . Detectives arrested the baby's parents on suspicion of murder yesterday. The couple had a young girl and twin babies, neighbours said. The 22-year-old mother, identified by neighbours as Renata Braskyte, was today released on bail pending further enquiries. Driukas, an electrician, was charged with murder. Neighbours described the couple as 'friendly' and said they 'kept to themselves'. One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'A young couple live at that house, they've got a little girl and twin babies that were born about five-months-ago. 'I think the couple were in their early 20s and moved in four to five years ago. 'I saw an ambulance at about 1am on Wednesday morning. A paramedic rushed in to that house and then rushed out again with a bundle in his arms so I assumed it was one of the babies. Detectives arrested the baby's parents on suspicion of murder yesterday. Right, the home in Birmingham . 'I know the babies had breathing problems, since they were born prematurely around last November. 'I'm not sure how long the ambulances were there because I went to bed. 'I've seen the mum going to the hospital with the twins in the past, and I think their little girl was about three. 'I would see the family playing in the garden. They were a friendly couple and they had lots of barbecues in the summer. 'I spoke to the mum one time and she said the twin babies were coming out of hospital the next week, but that was a while ago now. The dad worked on cars in the front garden. Neighbours described the couple as 'friendly' and said they 'kept to themselves'. Above, their home . 'The police have been round asking if we've seen anything but we didn't have any information to help them.' Another neighbour, Mohammad Naeem, 37, who has lived on the road with his family for seven years, said: 'The couple next door had a little girl and baby twins. 'There has been a police car outside since Wednesday morning. But we didn't see anything or know there was any problems there. I think they are Eastern European.' Another neighbour, who lives opposite and didn't want to be named, said: 'We didn't hear anything on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. 'We just saw some paramedics in a small van and then two ambulances arrived, they

Summary: Tomas Driukas was arrested after paramedics were called to his home . His infant daughter was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties . Five-month-old, believed to be a twin, died after suffering 'several injuries' Baby's mother was also arrested but has since been released on bail .


This dramatic footage shows a climber as he scales a sheer 60ft rock face in the Cairngorms. Julian Lines was filmed edging towards the top of the cliff - without any equipment to stop him plummeting into the freezing water below. The 42-year-old, who has been solo climbing for almost 30 years, is seen grappling to find handholds and footholds as he edges towards the summit. Scroll down for video . Sheer: Julian Lines, pictured in red, was filmed completing the climb in the Cairngorm, Scotland, using just his hands and feet for support . Edging towards the top: Mr Lines was captured grappling to find footholds and handholds in the sheer rock face as he scaled the cliff . Don't look down: The solo climber clings to the side of the cliff - hugging his body to the stone - as he climbs further from the freezing water . While the ascent would leave most with their palms sweating, Mr Lines, from Northern Ireland, said 'life's problems evaporate' when he is climbing. But he admitted there had been times he had fallen and had 'really close calls'. He said: 'There's a lot of feeling and emotions going on when soloing. It's quite complex, yet so simple. 'Although you have to be clear headed before you start soloing, once you're up there life's problems just seem to evaporate. 'Of course there are fears and nerves, more so now that I'm older. In fact I don't really like it anymore if I'm more than about 60ft up . 'I don't worry about slipping, I worry about my arms tiring rapidly and not being able to hold on. It's all about speed and precision. 'Slipping is uncommon unless I'm really tired or the standard of the climb is of the upmost difficulty. Risks: Mr Lines said slipping is uncommon, but he worries about not being able to hold on if his arms tiring rapidly during an ascent . Fearful: Mr Lines said 'his inner mortality was catching up' with him, which makes climbing more difficult than it used to be . Struggle: Face contorted in concentration, Julian Lines clutches to another rock face, high above the rough woodland below . Planning: The 42-year-old said solo climbing is about risk assessing, calculating and fine tuning in order to 'minimise the inevitable' 'In more than 25 years of soloing, I've had some really close calls. Soloing is all about risk assessing, calculating it all correctly and fine tuning to minimise the inevitable. 'There have been times when I've actually fallen and been so lucky with the way I've landed it's close to miraculous.' All of these stories are written in Julian's book 'Tears of the Dawn' which was published last year and won the prestigious Boardman Tasker award for mountain literature in 2014. Alastair Lee, director at Posing Productions, who recorded the footage said: 'Jules is very much the dark horse of British climbing and easily the most accomplished free soloist in the UK. 'Filming soloing isn't for the faint hearted but it was a spectacular

Summary: Julian Lines was captured scaling a sheer cliff face in the Cairngorms using only his fingers and feet for support . The 42-year-old, from Northern Ireland, said he has had some 'near misses' in his nearly 30 years of solo climbing . But insists that 'life's problems evaporate' while edging towards the summit and describes climbing as 'simple'


A wedding in Saudi Arabia took a dangerous turn when the brother of the groom began firing celebratory shots with a Kalashnikov, sending a hail of bullets ricocheting off the walls. Horrified guests dived for cover as the groom's brother lost control of the gun at a reception in the capital Riyadh. Firing guns in the air is a traditional way of celebrating special occasions in some parts of Saudi Arabia and despite government efforts to stop it, the dangerous practice lingers on. Shotgun wedding: The groom's brother was caught on camera as he lost control of a Kalashnikov while firing a celebratory round into the air . Banging start: As the man starts shooting, he loses control of the rifle and fires at the wall by mistake, sending bullets spraying across the street over the wedding guest . The incident was caught on camera, and the short clip shows the wedding party making its way towards the wedding hall when suddenly the brother of the groom starts shooting in the air. As he fires off the celebratory round, he loses control of the Kalashnikov rifle and fires at the wall by mistake, sending bullets spraying across the street. Once he stops shooting, the video shows the guests attempt to reform a queue and act as if nothing untoward had happened, while resuming their slow procession to the wedding. The 30-second clip, believed to have been filmed with a mobile phone has been viewed nearly 140,000 times. Several online commentators criticise the gunman, calling him irresponsible and unable to hold his rifle right. Bad move: The procession was making its way towards the ceremony when the man started shooting . Bad aim: The round accidentally hits the wall as the wedding procession walks and bullets ricochet . The 30-second clip, believed to have been filmed with a mobile phone has been viewed nearly 140,000 times . User KhalifASakar wrote: 'It was highly irresponsible on his part. If he was so keen on his kind of jubilation, he should do it in an open space away from people. 'Even though I do not know much about firearms, I can tell you he was not holding his Kalashnikov correctly.' Another, Byzanti, said: 'The police should use the video clip to identify the brother and apply the law. 'As long as there is no punishment, people will continue to act irresponsibly. Those who attempt to show off their firearm skills are usually cowards in real action.' Abu Atab posted: 'The Kalashnikov man should be tied up alongside the family sheep until the wedding is over.' The Saudi government has been calling for an end to the local tradition of firing guns into the air to celebrate weddings and birthdays, which has often resulted in accidental deaths. A government spokesman said: 'Security agencies have been told to monitor wedding halls and places of celebration to prevent this sort of thing happening. 'Those that break the law will be severely punished. We are aware of this video and relevant authorities are looking into it.'

Summary: Brother of groom fired Kalashnikov in celebration at Riyadh reception . Caught on camera as he loses control of the powerful rifle at wedding . Guests dived for cover as a hail of bullets ricocheted off the walls .


A French television network has been hacked by people claiming allegiance to ISIS, forcing it to broadcast only pre-recorded programmes. The hackers completely cut transmission of 11 channels belonging to Paris-based TV5 Monde and took over its websites and social media accounts for a full three hours early this morning. The channel's director, Yves Bigot, said the attack was continuing this morning. He told RTL radio that the network has restored its signal but can only broadcast recorded programs, not live content. Chilling: The ISIS hackers completely cut transmission of 11 channels belonging to Paris-based TV5 Monde and took over its websites and social media accounts for a full three hours early this morning. Sick: The hackers posted documents on TV5Monde's Facebook page purporting to be the identity cards and CVs of relatives of French soldiers involved in anti-ISIS operation in Iraq . Mr Bigot said he was shaken when he saw 11 channels with a black screen 'and when we discovered the sense of the message appearing on our social media and our websites, it both allowed us to understand what was happening and obviously worried us.' 'We can only broadcast pre-recorded programmes. We are not yet in a position to re-establish our broadcasting schedule nor to produce programmes,' Bigot added. The hackers posted documents on TV5Monde's Facebook page purporting to be the identity cards and CVs of relatives of French soldiers involved in anti-ISIS operation in Iraq. It also reportedly made specific threats against French troops. 'Soldiers of France, stay away from the Islamic State! You have the chance to save your families, take advantage of it,' read one message on TV5Monde's Facebook page. 'The CyberCaliphate continues its cyberjihad against the enemies of Islamic State,' the message added. Fear: The channel's director, Yves Bigot, said the attack was continuing this morning. He told RTL radio that the network has restored its signal but can only broadcast recorded programs, not live content . Militants: France is part of a US-led military coalition carrying out air strikes against IS in Iraq and Syria, where the jihadist group (pictured) has seized swathes of territory and declared an Islamic 'caliphate . Almost 1,500 French nationals are currently fighting in Syria and Iraq - making up a staggering 47 per cent of the European fighters currently waging jihad in the region. Senator Jean-Pierre Sueur, who has led an investigation into French extremists, told local media that intelligence officials are also monitoring more than 3,000 people suspected of being involved in Syrian networks. That marks a 24 per cent increase in the five months since November, The Local reported. In total 85 French nationals are thought to have been killed fighting in ISIS-held areas in Syria and Iraq. Two more are said to be detained in Syria, although Sueur did not elaborate on who held them or why they were in the country. The most pressing concern, however, are the estimated 200 jihadis who have since returned to France after leaving Syria or Iraq. The worry is that these potentially highly-trained killers could be willing and

Summary: Islamic extremists targeted 11 television channels belonging to TV5 Monde . Also took control of the company's websites and social media accounts . Channel regained control of website, but later closed it 'for maintenance' The TV channel was off air for a full three hours - and is still only able to broadcast pre-recorded programmes .


Passengers on board a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Gatwick who endured a 33-hour delay have described the incident as 'excruciating' and 'an absolute nightmare.' Flight VS44 should have left McCarran airport at 4.30pm local time on Easter Monday. But a series of delays meant the 403 passengers did not get away on their flight to Gatwick until early on Wednesday. The long delays were too much for some passengers who took to the airport floor to rest . A catalogue of events took place that saw passengers bound for London from Las Vegas delayed by over 33 hours . This shot was snapped by passenger Paul Glogiewicz; the passengers were eventually told there was a problem with the plane's rudder . And now, some passengers are considering legal action against Virgin. Jennifer Glogiewicz, who was travelling with husband Paul and celebrating her 40th birthday, told MailOnline Travel that they were shunted back and forth from the airport to the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel, only to find out each time that there were more delays. 'They just kept telling us the air con wasn't working and plane to warm to board. Then later they said there was also a rudder issue,' said the mother of two from Bromley. 'The part needed was in the UK and that it would be flown in on tomorrow's inbound Vegas flight, then it would fitted and we would be flown home.' After being seated for two hours on the runway at the culmination of the 33-hour delays, the plane finally set off to the UK at 4am local time. 'We were very worried the entire flight hoping it had been fixed properly. 'Luckily it was a pleasant flight. Every announcement on board began with 'again we apologise'. 'We Landed at Gatwick and were given two letters and £20 per person to spend in M&S; a bit late if you ask me. 'The main point of all our complaints was the lack of communication and awful customer skills of the Virgin Vegas ground staff. The lack of proper communication made the whole thing an absolute nightmare.' Unbelievably some passengers remained in good spirits despite being forced to an unscheduled check-in at the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel . Passenger Charlie Nolan captured this photo of the plane after repairs had been halted because of the winds . Another passenger, Charlie Nolan, claimed that a Virgin employee who was updating the passengers over the tannoy lost his cool when the 400 passengers sarcastically clapped and whooped at the news that the engineers had decided to move the plane to a sheltered area to repair. The wind at the airport had meant the repairs could not be carried out quickly . Nolan told MailOnline Travel that 'another Virgin employee at the gate almost broke down in tears over the tannoy and that 'she claimed she had been working for 48 hours and wanted to go home to her children.' Banker Michael Jazanovich, 30, from Crouch End, north London, who was returning from a stag do, told London's Evening

Summary: Easter break turns into nightmare for 403 Virgin Atlantic passengers . Subjected to 33-hour delay after problem with rudder eventually detected . One passenger tells MailOnline how they were shunted back and forth between airport and hotel as problems mounted . Calls for Virgin to refund the air fare as well as €600 compensation for terrible ordeal .


The number of hayfever sufferers in the UK is predicted to reach 20 million this summer, up a third from last year as warm weather bathes the country. For many, the glorious sunshine and promise of temperatures warmer than the Mediterranean this week will come as a welcome relief. But for millions, the first tentative steps towards summer brings impending misery as a dreaded cloud of invisible pollen descends. Experts told MailOnline that five million people are expected to fall victim to the symptoms - which include streaming eyes, incessant sneezing and irritating itches at the back of the throat - for the first time. Around 20 million people in the UK are expected to suffer hayfever symptoms this summer, up a third from last year, experts told MailOnline . And by 2030 that figure is expected to surge to 31.8 million sufferers. Dr Jean Emberlin, a leading pollen expert, told MailOnline that a 33 per cent rise in the number of people struck by hayfever this year could occur, 'depending on weather conditions'. She said: 'If we get prolonged periods of warm, dry weather with intervals of some wet weather between, which helps the grass to keep growing, we will experience a lot of high grass pollen counts. 'Grass is the main culprit pollen for hayfever in the UK. 'High and very high pollen counts can trigger hayfever symptoms in people who have not had them before. She added: 'In addition, the good weather typically brings increases in air pollution, which can make symptoms worse, and again lead them to occur in people who have been symptom free before.' In addition, she said pollen is becoming more potent, and greater numbers of plants giving off the allergens is also contributing to a rising number of sufferers. Dr Emberlin said another contributing factor is that the average hayfever season is becoming longer, typically stretching from April to the end of August. She added: 'There is substantial evidence from pollen monitoring records and from vegetation surveys to show that the timing of some of the pollen seasons has been changing in the UK and across Europe over the last few decades. Hayfever seasons in the UK are becoming longer, as warmer weather in spring and autumn means pollen is typically rife from March to the end of August . 'In addition there has been a trend to longer pollen seasons and increasing pollen loads of some types. 'Globally, average surface temperatures have increased by about 0.7°C over the past 100 years, leading to earlier plant growth in many regions. 'The trend towards warming has been more pronounced in winter months, resulting in more changes in the timing of spring pollen seasons than those of summer and autumn.' Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen and spores. It happens when the immune system mistakes these harmless airborne particles to be a danger and launches a defence against them. The body produces an antibody and histamine is released which causes the typical symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and eyes, an itching nose and mouth, and

Summary: Last year 15 million people fell victim to the symptoms of hayfever . This year that number is expected to rise by a third to 20 million . Experts told MailOnline warmer weather can result in very high pollen counts which trigger symptoms in new sufferers . High temperatures also increase air pollution, which worsen symptoms .


Dereck Chisora is being lined up for a summer comeback and British heavyweight rival David Price is firmly in his sights. 'Del Boy' has not boxed since he was stopped by switch-hitting Tyson Fury at London's ExCeL Arena in November. The fight was a final eliminator for a shot at Wladimir Klitschko's WBO title and Fury is now the mandatory challenger for that strap. Chisora, meanwhile, has been regrouping and recovering from an eye injury sustained during the 10-round beating. Dereck Chisora is being lined up for a summer comeback against British heavyweight rival David Price . 'Del Boy' has not boxed since he was stopped by switch-hitting Tyson Fury at London's ExCeL Arena . Chisora has been regrouping and recovering from an eye injury sustained during the 10-round beating . But his promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Chisora has been back in the gym for the past month and is hoping to make his return to the ring during the summer. However he will be without his long-term trainer, friend and mentor Don Charles after the pair parted company. It was Charles who nurtured the young fighter through a short amateur career and all of his 25 pro fights to date. Warren said: 'Dereck's back in the gym and we will be announcing something for him very soon. Hopefully he will make his comeback in the summer. 'In that last fight, Tyson Fury did brilliantly and Dereck had a lot of problems with his eye and he has had to have something done to his eye. His promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Chisora has been back in the gym for the past month . 'He has had to recuperate, it has had to heal but now that is out of the way. Now we can move on and get himself back in the game. 'He really fancies it, he wants to fight and the one thing about Dereck Chisora is that he is what he is: a fighter. He just loves it.' Warren has arranged a show at Wembley Arena on May 9 which rivals Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr will both feature on. It had been suggested that Chisora may make a low-key comeback as part of the undercard but Warren dismissed the idea. Instead the promoter is plotting a route towards an all-English showdown with David Price. Like Chisora, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist is rebuilding following back-to-back knock-out defeats to Tony Thompson in 2013. Price teamed up with Sauerland Promotions and boxed three times last year and once in February, winning all four, and Warren thinks he would be a good match for Chisora. Chisora's promoter Warren is plotting a route towards an all-English showdown with David Price . Price poses with the belts following the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight title fight at Aintree . He added: 'Well we want the David Price fight. That would be a big one, I think it is a great fight and it is one we will explore once we get Dereck firing again. 'Everybody loves a domestic

Summary: Heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora is planning a summer comeback . Promoter Frank Warren has revealed Chisora is back in training . Chisora has not boxed since defeat to switch-hitting Tyson Fury . Fellow heavyweight David Price is being lined up to fight Chisora .


Three people were killed and eight were injured when a van carrying members of two heavy metal bands careened 300 feet off an interstate and down an embankment in northeast Georgia on Monday. The 15-passenger van was carrying 12 people from South Carolina toward Atlanta when it went off Interstate 85 near the town of Commerce about 7 am Monday, the Georgia State Patrol said. Authorities have confirmed three deaths, according to Georgia State Patrol Captain Mark Perry. A van carrying 12 people from South Carolina for a heavy metal show in Atlanta careened off the road Monday morning, killing three and injuring eight . The driver of the 15-passenger van 'apparently fell asleep and allowed the vehicle to leave the roadway, at which time the vehicle struck a tree on the passenger side, Georgia State Patrol Cpl Scott Smith said . Members of the Atlanta-based band Khaotika and the Huntsville, Alabama-based band Wormreich were in the van. Eight others were injured, the Georgia Department of Public Safety said in a statement late Monday morning. Their conditions weren't available. The van's driver 'apparently fell asleep and allowed the vehicle to leave the roadway, at which time the vehicle struck a tree on the passenger side,' Georgia State Patrol Cpl. Scott Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The occupants of the van, from Atlanta-based band Khaotika and Alabama-based Wormreich, were traveling together and pulling a trailer with the musicians' equipment, Smith told the Atlanta newspaper. The three men who died were ejected from the vehicle, according to Fox5. The van's driver was not injured, Young said, adding that families of those involved were still being notified. Wormreich and Khaotika (pictured together) had been to Chicago, St Louis and Spartanburg, South Carolina on tour . The driver of the van was not injured in the crash 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, where Khaotika and Wormreich were scheduled to play Monday night. Above, unidentified people leave the scene . The conditions of those who survived Monday's crash were not immediately available and families were still being notified . Band members had been travelling to a show in Atlanta Monday night, which has been cancelled. Kult ov Azazel, another metal band scheduled to appear at the show, said, 'The van carrying Wormreich and Khaotika was in a horrible accident this morning. We cannot go into details due to respect to the families of the involved'. The Atlanta show was the last stop on a tour for the metal groups that included Chicago, St Louis and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Wormreich is listed as a Black Metal band with lyrical interests in Satanism on a fan site and Khaotika is listed as a Gothic Metal group interested in the occult. Rick Hayes, husband of Khaotika singer Lariyah Hayes, 27, said on Facebook that 'Lariyah's out of surgery and in recovery, docs said it went well' The crash happened about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta. It caused traffic to back up in the area along the interstate, a key route between Georgia and the Carolinas, said Teri Pope, a spokeswoman

Summary: Southern metal bands Khaotika and Wormreich were in 15-person van . Eight injured in crash after van comes 300ft off the Georgia interstate . Three men who died were thrown from the vehicle as it hit trees . Atlanta-based Khaotika, Alabama-based Wormreich were heading to show .


Rail firms came under fire this weekend for planning a series of fare hikes of up to 87 per cent just ten days after the general election - despite the main party leaders pledging to freeze prices. The Prime Minister has requested First Great Western (FGW) 'urgently review' its decision to almost double some fares on the route between London and the Cotswolds - which passes through his Witney constituency. Mr Cameron has promised to freeze fares in real terms for the whole of the next parliament, while Labour has also pledged to bring in a 'cap' on price hikes. Scroll down for video . Sent letter: Prime Minister David Cameron has written to First Great Western to request it 'urgently reviews' plans to increase fares on trains running through his Witney constituency . Passengers travelling from Charlbury, the Oxfordshire station nearest to his constituency home, can currently purchase an off-peak return to London costing £33.30. This allows them to leave at 9.42am, outside the morning peak, but return on one of the four services that go from London during the evening peak period. But from May 17, these customers will be forced to pay £62.40 if they want to come home on one of these trains - an 87 per cent increase. The planned changes have angered Mr Cameron's constituents - prompting him to personally intervene. 1. First Great Western . Line: London to Hereford . Potential increase: 87% . 2. Virgin . Line: Stafford to Liverpool . Potential increase: 24.5% . 3. London Midlands . Line: Crewe to Northampton . Potential increase: 23% . The Prime Minister's spokesman told The Sunday Times: 'Mr Cameron has written to First Great Western and asked them to urgently review their decision.' Train companies have three windows every year in which they can increase 'unregulated' fares, which make up around half of their total revenue. Unregulated fares can include journeys such as off-peak leisure and advance-purchase tickets. First Great Western has insisted the reason for the change is to bring the north Cotswolds route in line with its other services. The firm is also offering some customers a cheaper option in advanced single tickets, potentially allowing them to buy a return for £20 if they book ahead. Other sharp price hikes to be introduced include an off-peak first-class single from Crewe to Northampton on London Midlands, which will rise from £30 to £37, according to trainsplit.com - a website that provides passengers with cheaper ticket options. The cost of an anytime return between Stafford and Liverpool, travelling with Virgin, will leap from £26.50 to £33 - a 24.5 per cent hike. Biggest hike: Passengers travelling with the rail firm between London and the Cotswolds could face increases of up to 87 per cent come May 17 . And an anytime first-class day return on Virgin from Manchester to Stoke will go up 22 per cent - rising from £29 to £35.30. Virgin has said the 'vast majority' of its price hikes affected 'Virgin Trains-only fares' - which are at least 20 per cent cheaper

Summary: PM has written to First Great Western asking for 'urgent review' of fare hike . Passengers in his Witney constituency could face increases of up to 87% . Comes after Mr Cameron pledged to freeze fares for whole of next term . Other sharp hikes include Virgin's service between Stafford and Liverpool .


Hull City are keen on signing Leeds United midfielder Alex Mowatt. The 20-year-old has impressed this season scoring nine goals and has drawn admiring glances from several Premier League clubs. Hull manager Steve Bruce is keen to snap up any promising British talent as he looks to rebuild for the summer. Providing his side can escape the drop Mowatt is one of the players who he is interested in. Leeds United midfielder Alex Mowatt (right) celebrates scoring a goal against Wolves on Monday . The 20-year-old has impressed in the Championship this season and has attracted several top-flight suitors . Hull sent scout John Rudge to check on Mowatt during Monday's 4-3 defeat by Wolves. The England U20 international gave Leeds brief hope of an unlikely point by scoring their third goal and turned in a decent performance. Along with full-back Sam Byram, Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor, Mowatt will be a target for clubs in the summer as they look to plunder Leeds' promising talent. Hull City manager Steve Bruce is keen to bolster the amount of homegrown talent in his squad this summer . Leeds' right-back Sam Byram (right) is another of the club's homegrown players attracting outside interest . Mowatt graduated from Leeds' academy in 2013 and has since gone on to star for the first-team this term .

Summary: Hull city are keeping tabs on Leeds United's promising young English midfielder Alex Mowatt . The 20-year-old has impressed for Leeds this season, scoring nine goals . Mowatt was watched by Hull scouts in Leeds' 4-3 defeat by Wolves on Monday .


An honest taxi driver has made a friend for life after returning a bag a passenger left on the back seat of his car - containing £10,000 in cash. Mohammed Nisar, 55, had been driving sole trader Adrian Quinn to Walsall train station when the passenger hopped out of the vehicle in a rush, forgetting his rucksack. He had been carrying the hefty sum of money after cashing a cheque from his inheritance following the death of his mother - and on realising his mistake says he felt 'dazed'. Reward: Taxi driver Mohammed Nisar (left) accepts a reward from sole trader Adrian Quinn after returning a bag the passenger left in his taxi containing £10,000 in cash . Mr Quinn, 46, of Hereford, said: 'Losing that money would have been the end of my business. I was physically sick! He realised he had left the bag in the car just seconds after Mr Nisar dropped him at the station. He added: 'I was walking across the car park when I realised I hadn't got my bag and I panicked. I tried to flag down another taxi but they all had fares. 'I was sick. My body just went into shut-down and I didn't know what to do.. I was just in a daze. If I'd lost that bag it would have been the end of my business. 'We have built it up from nothing for the last nine years and we are sole traders. We don't have the backing of banks. It is hard work, but it earns us a living.' After eventually flagging down another cab the father-of-three arrived back at the taxi rank in a flustered state to find Mr Nisar sitting in his car with the bag safely on the passenger seat. Honest cabbie: Mr Nisar believes 'honesty is the best policy' and has returned a number of valuable lost items to passengers in the past . He said: 'I was very emotional. I said, "Do you know what was in that bag? Put it this way, it is not a box of sandwiches or a newspaper. There is £10,000 in there".' Mr Quinn gave Mohammed a cash reward to thank him - in an envelope marked 'to my best friend in the world' - and has even invited him and his wife to his home for a family meal. Mr Nisar, 55, said: 'He nearly had a heart attack, he was really worried! 'He came up to me and asked if I realised what was in the bag. He was very, very thankful. He had just bought a car but forgot the bag full of money.' It is not the first time Mr Nisar, who has been a self-employed taxi driver for 15 years, has found things in the back of his car. Only two years ago one passenger left a wallet containing £150 in, but Mohammed drove straight back to the man's home to return it. New friend: Mr Quinn hands a cash reward to Mr Nisar in an envelope labelled 'to my best friend in the

Summary: Mohammed Nisar had been taking Adrian Quinn to Walsall train station . Mr Quinn was carrying hefty sum as he'd just cashed inheritance cheque . After realising he'd lost the money says he 'felt physically sick' and 'dazed' Sole trader Mr Quinn gave cabbie a cash reward and invited him to dinner .


Tim Sherwood and Chris Ramsey may become a united force again in seasons to come. They could continue as rival managers. Whatever happens, they will remember this night when they went toe to toe for 90 minutes of top-flight football. There was adrenaline, action, twists and turns. It was good to see two English coaches who have come up through the ranks against each other in a match of this importance. Their teams’ Premier League statuses were not decided on Tuesday night, but this felt like a sliding-doors moment that directed their paths. Tim Sherwood and Chris Ramsey embrace each other as they met at Villa Park on Tuesday night . There was adrenaline, action, twists and turns as Ramsey and Sherwood went head to head at Villa Park . Queens Park Rangers led, then Aston Villa led, then Charlie Austin gave QPR a taste of victory before Christian Benteke wiped it away with his hat-trick goal. It was absorbing stuff on the pitch as well as in the technical areas, where Sherwood and Ramsey stood. They shuffled and shouted, cajoled and pointed. Never during the match did they exchange glances, perhaps too afraid to look the other in the eye and give the game away. Sherwood and Ramsey’s relationship was forged over four years at Tottenham. They helped bring through young talent; Sherwood predominantly picking and motivating, Ramsey mainly coaching. Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb are part of their Spurs legacy. Now Premier League bosses, they still live 10 minutes apart in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. They have been for pints this season and will do so again in the future no doubt, unpicking this game that had so much at stake. Sherwood tore his jacket off as he celebrated his team's goal en route to Christian Benteke's hat-trick . Sherwood throws his jacket as he celebrates the goal at Villa Park in the relegation battle . Sherwood was out at pitchside much earlier than his friend and rival, so he waited and watched as Ramsey, jacket wrapped around his waist, strode out on his own from tunnel to dugout. The Villa boss extended his hand and there was a warm embrace between the two men as an arc of photographers snapped away nearby. Sherwood wore his customary gilet. In the seventh minute it was unzipped, three minutes later it was ripped off and flung to the floor. The timings coincided with QPR’s opening goal, and Villa’s equaliser. Think Temuri Ketsbaia minus the hoarding kicks. Sherwood, as we have become accustomed, was living the match on the edge. Unafraid to hype its importance before kick-off, he was treating it as such once the whistle blew. The showdown between Sherwood (left) and Ramsey (right) ended in a 3-3 draw at Villa Park . By half-time we had seen the full show. In the 16th minute he placed his hands on his head when QPR keeper Rob Green saved from Jack Grealish. In the 24th he hurried his players to take a free-kick. Soon after he was telling fans behind his dugout

Summary: Aston Villa and QPR drew 3-3 in the Premier League on Tuesday night . Tim Sherwood and Chris Ramsey's reunion had twists and turns to it . The two clubs' Premier League statuses were not decided by the draw .


A woman has warned of the dangers of getting a cut-price boob job abroad after a bungling surgeon left her with a deformed breast that 'looked like a croissant'. Alison, 43, from Gloucestershire, has since had to go under the knife a further 12 times but is still living with the damage that ensued following a breast augmentation operation six years ago. 'It's horrible to look at and horrible to live with,' says Alison, who admits she would do 'anything' to look normal again. Badly damaged: Alison was left with a breast that resembled a croissant following an infection . Desperate to improve the look of her breasts, the retail worker has now had a 13th operation on her breasts, this time as part of TLC show Extreme Beauty Disasters. Speaking on the show, surgeon Vik Vijh, a cosmetic doctor who specialises in correcting botch jobs, said he was shocked by the appalling damage. 'When I first saw Alison I thought she looked mutilated,' he said. 'She had an imploded breast, it looked like a croissant.' More surgery, he said, was the only way to fix it but warned more than one operation could be needed. Alison's problems began as a teenager when, embarrassed by her small breasts, she began using a booster bra. Horrible: Alison, who wants to 'feel normal again', has consulted plastic surgeon Vik Vijh . Hopes: Alison had hoped to boost her bust but ended up loathing her body (picture posed by model) 'I was always conscious of the way I looked, I bought a booster bra so I could look bigger,' she remembers. But when she decided to fix the problem by going under the knife in a bid to increase her cup size to a DD, it proved to be the worst decision of her life. Initially pleased with the results, she noticed shortly after the operation that one implant was going hard. 'It started to go hard so I went back and got another implant inserted but that got an infection,' she said. Bacteria attacked her breast tissue causing it to die so she was left with one shrivelled, deformed breast and one enlarged by surgery. Relief: Following 13 different operations to fix the damage, Alison now has the normal breasts she hoped for . Now she says she would do anything to feel like a normal woman again. 'I hate the way I look and want to be fixed in some way,' she adds. Mr Vijh, who had initially thought she would need several operations, used fat cells from her stomach combined with an implant to fix the damage. Although a course of antibiotics was needed to keep a repeat of the infection at bay, Alison says she is delighted with her new-look breasts. 'I feel fantastic and feminine,' she says. 'I can wear anything now. My partner gets flashed on a daily basis and I have a smile back on my face.'

Summary: Alison, 43, from Gloucestershire, had breast augmentation six years ago . She was initially pleased but an infection killed off some breast tissue . Left with one large breast and another that was shrivelled and deformed . Now the 43-year-old says she is 'desperate to be normal again' Extreme Beauty Disasters is on TLC, Thursdays at 8pm .


The Champions of England were smashed into submission at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday night, to further expose the vast gulf in clout between the Aviva Premiership clubs and their rich French rivals. This was a brutal mismatch and a shattering result, not just for the ambitious Saints but for the English game as a whole. Jim Mallinder’s men are imperious in domestic rugby — leading the league by 10 points — but they were simply obliterated by the formidable Top 14 giants. Clermont are nigh-on invincible at home and Northampton could do absolutely nothing to even fleetingly threaten their dominance in this raucous arena. Even in the brief moments when the Saints had the temerity to work up a head of steam and go through the phases, they were pounded back in the tackle and turned over time and time again. Clermont winger Noa Nakaitaci (right) scores his second try against Northampton . What unfolded was one-way carnage. France wing Noa Nakaitaci scoring two tries before half-time and Nick Abendanon, the ex-Bath and England full-back, capped a masterful display with a break-away try from 90 metres out. All the while, Brock James kept cranking up the points tally with supreme goal-kicking. Aside from the misery of being dumped out of the Champions Cup in such emphatic fashion, the concern for the Saints will be that this grim rout critically damages their confidence at a key stage of the season. For Northampton and England, there may also be worries over two leading forwards, as Courtney Lawes failed to reappear after half-time and Alex Corbisiero went off, apparently suffering pain in his right knee. Nick Abendanon of Clermont dives over to score a try at the Stade Marcel-Michelin . It was over as a contest long before half-time. There was a pronounced intensity deficit between the sides from the off, with Northampton losing the collisions and appearing somewhat sluggish in contrast to their fired up and energetic opponents. The procession began in the fifth minute when the Saints conceded an early scrum penalty. James landed his first shot at goal and the hosts were on their way. There was so much pressure from Clermont that it was just a matter of time before the Northampton defence was breached. Sure enough, the first try came in the 13th minute, as Fritz Lee blasted clear from a lineout on the right and he released Wesley Fofana. Abendanon cast his magic over the saints defence to inspire comprehensive victory . The France centre was tackled in the 22 by Lee Dickson, but the attack continued at a furious tempo and, when Nakaitaci carved inside off his left foot, he was half stopped, but managed to climb up off the turf, stretch and touch down. The try was confirmed by the TMO and converted by James. It didn’t help the Saints’ already bleak cause that they missed their first scoring chance. After Courtney Lawes had pinched a Clermont lineout throw, the visitors won a penalty but Stephen Myler was off target with the kick. James landed another

Summary: Northampton were 27-0 down at the break at the Stade Marcel-Michelin . Noa Nakaitaci, Wesley Fofana and Nick Abendanon went over for Clermont . Alex Waller scored a late try for the visitors on Saturday night .


Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United's injury crisis does not weaken their team as they head to Chelsea for tomorrow's title clash. United boss Louis van Gaal revealed he will be without Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind at Stamford Bridge, but Mourinho responded by listing their lavish squad. 'I disagree because their squad is amazing, in numbers, players, experience, solutions,' said the Chelsea manager. Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United will not be weakened by injury problems when they play Chelsea . Louis van Gaal is without a number of key players ahead of the tough trip to Stamford Bridge . Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic pictured on the ball during Chelsea's training session on Friday . Defender Gary Cahill plays the ball during training as Chelsea prepare for Manchester United's visit . Didier Drogba tries to find a way past Denmark under 21 defender Andreas Christensen in training . Chelsea currently enjoy a seven-point lead in the Premier League title race with a game in hand . 'Their squad is amazing. Every week I have on the big screen in my office not the team I'm going to play against, but the squad and all the options. 'This week, when I arrived in the room, for the first time in the week, I realised what they have. It's amazing.' 'You want me to name their players? Mata, Di Maria, Januzaj, Rooney, Van Persie, Herrera, Carrick, Blind, Fellaini... 'Defenders? Rafael and Valencia, Luke Shaw left-back, centre-backs Smalling... of course they don't have Evans and Jones, but Blackett, McNair. They have played. Van Gaal is a fantastic coach to develop players. 'These kids have played a lot of matches and are more than ready. I went to QPR with Drogba and no strikers on the bench and, for a long time, because of suspensions or injuries, we were in trouble. 'You have to cope with it. I know Mr Van Gaal very well, and he's the kind of person to think at this moment that we have a fantastic squad and will go with what we have. Injuries are part of the game.' Eden Hazard (left) and Dominic Solanke pictured during Friday's training session at Cobham . Loic Remy, who has recovered from a calf injury, on the ball during training on Friday . Mourinho is relishing the meeting with Manchester United, saying his players require no motivation . Old friends Mourinho and Van Gaal embrace ahead of the fixture at Old Trafford back in October . Mourinho was part of Van Gaal's coaching staff during his time at Barcelona in the late nineties . Sports analysts BSports predict that a Chelsea win is easily the most likely outcome at Stamford Bridge . April 18 Manchester United (H) April 26 Arsenal (A) April 29 Leicester City (A) May 3 Crystal Palace (H) May 10 Liverpool (H) May 18 West Bromwich Albion (A) May 24 Sunderland (H) Mourinho and Van Gaal have a close relationship, dating back to the time when they worked together at Barcelona. 'I consider him a big, big, big,

Summary: United are without Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind for Stamford Bridge showdown . But Mourinho says Louis van Gaal's 'amazing' squad will cope . Chelsea boss said he players needed no motivation for United fixture . Blues can move a step closer to Premier League title with three points . Click here for all the team news, stats and odds ahead of the game .


Alastair Cook must somehow shut out the deafening noise enveloping English cricket and concentrate on what has become one of the most important Test series of his career. Defeat against West Indies in a three-Test battle that begins here on Monday is simply unthinkable for an England captain who is desperate to avoid being distracted by the seismic changes going on all around him. There has been so much happening, from the demise of Paul Downton, to speculation surrounding the new director of cricket and the ever-present spectre of Kevin Pietersen, that the imminent first Test has barely registered. Alastair Cook in the nets ahead of the first Test in the West Indies of a vitally important series for his career . Cook and his England team-mates share a few words in practice ahead of the first Test on Monday . West Indies (probable): K Braithwaite, Smith, Samuels, Chanderpaul, Darren Bravo, Blackwood, Ramdin (captain and wkt), Holder, Benn, Taylor, Roach. England (probable): Cook (captain), Trott, Ballance, Bell, Root, Stokes, Buttler (wkt), Jordan, Broad, Tredwell, Anderson. Umpires: Steve Davis (Australia) and Billy Bowden (New Zealand). TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Australia). Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe). TV and RADIO: LIVE Sky Sports 2 (from 2.30pm) and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra (from 2.45pm). Chance of showers on all five days and strong cross-wind throughout which will affect bowling and make reverse swing crucial. 26°C . Yet Cook knows that he, and coach Peter Moores, can afford no slip-ups in what should be the least taxing assignment of England’s ridiculous schedule of 17 Tests in the next nine months. In less chaotic times Jimmy Anderson’s 100th Test appearance and his chances of securing the four victims he needs to overtake Sir Ian Botham and become England’s leading Test wicket-taker would dominate the agenda. Equally, the return of Jonathan Trott, who looks set to open with Cook, 18 months after he left England’s Ashes tour in a state of turmoil is a significant development that has virtually passed under the radar. Instead all eyes are on the duo whose futures are in the balance with an arch-critic of both, Michael Vaughan, favourite to become supremo even though he has played down his links to the job. Cook has seemed relaxed in his first week in the Caribbean and looked in good touch while scoring a hundred against St Kitts with the slightly altered stance he has been working on with Graham Gooch. Cook (left) and coach Peter Moores (right) know they can't afford any slip-ups in the Caribbean this month . Cook has slightly altered his batting stance after working with Graham Gooch in his enforced off-season . He made three half centuries in his last four Test innings against India last summer while leading England to three successive victories, yet the disaster of a World Cup that went on without him has heaped pressure back on his side. That pressure can only have been increased by the somehow inevitable news that Pietersen had smashed a huge century on his return to the domestic game

Summary: It has been an eventful few days since England arrived in the Carribbean . Despite the sacking of Paul Downton, Cook is focused on Test series . England take on the West Indies in the first of three Tests from Monday . Pietersen hit an aggressive 170 for Surrey against Oxford MCCU . James Anderson will make his 100th Test outing on Monday . Jonathan Trott returns to the Test line-up after the Ashes series .


A father who is feared to have fled to Syria with his partner and four young children was a member of a banned extremist group, it was reported last night. Asif Malik, 31, his partner Sara Kiran, 29, their daughter Zoha, seven, and their three sons Essa, four, Zakariva, two, and Yahya, one, were all caught on camera on a cross-Channel ferry. They left their home in Slough, Berkshire, without mentioning any holiday or travel plans to family members, which is out of character, police said. Scroll down for video . Detectives have released CCTV footage of Asif Malik, 31, his partner Sara Kiran, 29, and their four young children, who have been reported missing from Britain, at a busy ferry port as they apparently head to Syria . Police say Mr Malik (pictured with one of his young children) had told his family he wanted to 'go and live in a Muslim country' and the family left without mentioning any holiday or travel plans to relatives, it is claimed . Members of Mr Malik's family tonight said they had been left 'completely devastated' and issued a desperate plea for the six to return home. In a statement, they said: 'We are totally distraught, upset and in shock' Police have warned that the Muslim family, who were last seen in Slough, Berkshire on April 7, may be heading to Syria. They are pictured at Dover port before catching a ferry to Calais, France on April 8 . The family, from Slough in Berkshire, are believed to have boarded the Dover to Calais ferry just after midnight on April 8 before travelling south through Europe including to Budapest in Hungary on April 12 . Protest: Malik, seen holding the 'hands off Muslims!' sign, outside Regents Park Mosque last year - next to him is Abu Rumaysah who jumped bail to flee to Syria . But radical preacher Anjem Choudary said yesterday Malik was a member of the banned group Al-Muhajiroun and a 'champion for sharia' who regularly attended the group's demonstrations. Neighbours said the family were known to police and had been questioned on suspicion of terrorist involvement four years ago. Uniformed police waited for the family for three days before talking to them, they said. There will now be questions for police after they failed to stop a suspected extremist from slipping out of the country with his family. Choudary said Malik remained 'very influential in the community' after Al-Muhajiroun was banned five years ago. 'Back in the day he was a member until the group was banned. He was still part of our demonstrations and lectures but I hadn't seen him for a few months,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'Asif is a very good friend of mine. I haven't seen him for a while but from what I gather in the reports he and his family have left the country.' He added: 'He is a very studious man, a very good Muslim character. He was always a champion for sharia and is very influential in the community.' Choudary also criticised

Summary: Asif Malik, 31, Sara Kiran, 29, and their four children last seen on April 7 . Left Slough, headed to Calais by ferry and then took train across Europe . They have three boys aged one, two and four, and a seven-year-old girl . Thames Valley Police 'extremely concerned for the safety of this family' Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police quoting reference 342 (19/4).


Zero-hours worker? University John-Jo Pierce enjoys a cigar . Labour's efforts to fight off accusations of hypocrisy on zero-hours contracts were in chaos last night. Party chiefs had scrambled to shore up support for Ed Miliband after it emerged that dozens of Labour councils and MPs employ staff on the controversial contracts, which he has pledged to ban. In a further blow, Parliament’s expenses watchdog rejected claims by Labour MPs that they employ staff on zero hours only because they are forced to by the Westminster system. And Labour’s biggest donor Unite also lost a humiliating tribunal ruling over an employee who claims he was sacked for complaining about being employed on a zero-hours basis. On Wednesday, Mr Miliband vowed to end the ‘epidemic’ of zero-hours contracts – and blasted the Tories for failing to protect ordinary workers. But he was accused of ‘total hypocrisy’ on the issue after it emerged 68 of his MPs – including Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls – had employed staff on that basis in the past two years. Labour councils, including Mr Miliband’s own authority in Doncaster, have also issued 22,000 of the contracts. As the revelations emerged, party chiefs engineered a letter, signed by 100 workers and employers from ‘all walks of life’, that was also designed as a riposte to a letter signed by dozens of business leaders who backed the Tories this week. But the move backfired spectacularly last night after it emerged the signatories included a benefit fraudster, a boss who has used zero-hours workers, affluent students and a string of union and party activists. They include: . BENEFITS FRAUDSTER . One of the signatories identified herself as someone who had ‘worked on [a] zero-hours contract’, but Labour removed her name yesterday after it was revealed she had been convicted of benefit fraud in 2012. Scroll down for video . A court in Manchester heard that Kemi Saidu, 43, moved to Britain after she had a ‘marriage of convenience’ in Nigeria in December 2007. According to tax officials she lived with her ‘husband’, who was the holder of a British passport, ‘briefly or not at all’. She was not entitled to benefits because she was subject to ‘immigration control’, but she submitted a tax credits application and a child benefit claim for three children, two of whom did not live with her. The court heard that she moved in with a new partner but claimed £27,888 in tax credits in two and a half years as a single person. Boss: Fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, whose firm employed intern on zero-hours contracts, and Harrods fan Tunji Offeyi, from Tooting, south London, who had treated himself to some perfume . She was caught after she applied for leave to remain in Britain on the basis of her ‘marriage’. Officers found she had been fraudulently claiming benefits and had allowed others to use her name and national insurance number to work illegally in the UK. In July 2012 she was given a two-year suspended jail sentence and 150-hour community work order after she pleaded guilty to

Summary: Ed Miliband accused of ‘hypocrisy’ after 68 MPs used zero-hour contracts . 100 workers and employers from ‘all walks of life’ signed letter backing Ed . But signatories included affluent students and union and party activists . John-Jo Pierce and Rory Somerville both pictured in black tie with cigars . Wayne Hemingway, Red or Dead co-founder, has used zero-hour contracts . A picture caption in an earlier version of this article wrongly stated that Rory Somerville is 31 years old. We are happy to clarify that Mr Somerville is 21 and was aged 19 in the photo. The caption also wrongly attributed comments said by Deirdre Pierce about her son, John-Jo, to Mr Somerville's mother.


Jury selection has begun in Oklahoma for the murder trial of the teenager accused of shooting dead Australian baseball player Chris Lane. If found guilty, 17-year-old Chancey Luna faces a maximum sentence of life in jail without the prospect of release. In a tedious process that could last four days, District Court judge Ken Graham, prosecutors and Luna's legal team have begun questioning a jury pool of 170 Stephens County residents. Scroll down for video . Murdered Australian baseball player Chris Lane and his girlfriend Sarah Harper . Jury selection has begun for the murder trial of teenager Chancey Luna accused of shooting Lane dead . Lane, 22, from Melbourne, was jogging along a street in the rural southern Oklahoma city of Duncan in August, 2013, when he was shot in the back with a .22 calibre handgun. Authorities allege Luna, who was in a Ford Focus with two teenage friends, randomly selected Lane and pulled the trigger as the car drove past. Once the jury is selected, the trial is expected to last between seven and 10 days. Luna, wearing a bright blue business shirt, was quietly watching the jury selection process in Duncan's Stephens County Courthouse on Monday. Lane, who was in Duncan visiting his girlfriend Sarah Harper when he was shot, had a baseball scholarship with Oklahoma's East Central University. Lane's parents, Peter and Donna Lane, are scheduled to be called as witnesses. Lane (left and right), 22, from Melbourne, was shot in the back on August 16, 2013, in what police said was a random killing as he ran along a road in Duncan, southern Oklahoma, where he was on a sporting scholarship . Donna Lane, mother of shot Australian baseball player Chris Lane, holds a framed Christmas card he and his girlfriend Sarah Harper had sent her on an earlier, happy festive season . Chris Lane with Ms Harper during a visit to Australia, when Sarah took the opportunity to cuddle a koala . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Jury selection has begun in Oklahoma for the murder trial of Chancey Luna . Luna is accused of shooting dead Australian baseball player Chris Lane . Lane, 22, from Melbourne, was jogging along a street in the rural southern Oklahoma city of Duncan in August 2013 when he was shot in the back .


A New York college has provoked anger after postponing its screening of movie American Sniper in response to complaints from Muslim students. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York has pushed back its planned screening of the controversial Iraq war film which was set for last Friday. It said it will still show the Oscar-nominated movie but with an educational forum follow-up to allow students to discuss the film. Bradley Cooper in his Oscar Nominated role as Chris Kyle, the most deadly sniper in US military history . The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (pictured) in New York has pushed back its planned screening of the controversial Iraq war film which was set for last Friday . The film was postponed because senior management at the college did not want to create animosity or tension among its students. However they appear to have done just the opposite. Following complaints from the RPI’s Muslim Students’ Association a number of students have said the postponement was an act of censorship and an attack on free speech, Fox News reported. While the film grossed a total of $540 million it also drew criticism for its depiction of Iraqis . A statement from the university explained the aim of the screening, coupled with the now scheduled educational forum, was to allow students in the campus community to ‘participate in an intellectual discourse about the film and current world events’. American Sniper, a film by Clint Eastwood about US Navy Seal sharp-shooter Chris Kyle the most deadly sniper in US history, has courted controversy since it was first shown in the US in November. While the film grossed an international total of $540 million it also drew criticism for its depiction of Iraqis. It was also accused of stoking racial hatred after screenings of the film led to a rise in threats against Americans of Middle Eastern origin and even some attacks on Muslims outside movie theaters. Earlier this month the University of Michigan flip-flopped over whether or not it would show the film on its campus. The college pulled a screening over student complaints but quickly did an about-face after news of the cancellation sparked a firestorm on campus. The school released statement saying the decision to cancel had not been consistent with the high value it placed on freedom of expression. Navy Seal and Iraq war veteran Chris Kyle, depicted in the film, was killed at a shooting range in Texas . The school's vice president for student life, E. Royster Harper, acknowledged that it was ‘a mistake’ to call off the screening. ‘The movie will be shown at the originally scheduled time and location,’ Harper’s statement read. ‘We recognize, however, that some students are uncomfortable with the content of the movie, and appreciate that concern.’ An Alternative screening of the Paddington Bear movie was offered to those students who did not want to watch the American Sniper. Earlier this month the University of Michigan (pictured) flip-flopped over whether or not it would show the film on its campus .

Summary: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute postponed screening following complaint . College Muslim Association disagreed with plan to show American Sniper . Other students say the postponing is censorship and attack on free speech . Film will be shown but with forum for discussion to follow the screening .


A 24-year-old San Diego man . was arrested and charged on Thursday with lying to federal agents about his involvement with . Islamic State militants fighting in Syria, which has been documented on his Facebook page. Mohamad Saeed Kodaimati faced two counts of making false . statements involving international terrorism matters in US District Court of the Southern District of California. Saeed, who was born in Syria and became a naturalized American citizen in 2008 at age 17, is accused of making false statements during interviews . with the FBI and other US authorities at the US Embassy in . Ankara, Turkey, in March, the Justice Department said. Terror suspect: Mohamad Saeed Kodaimati, 24, a Syrian national and naturalized US citizen, is accused of making false statements to the FBI about his involvement with Syrian militants . Family business: Saeed (left) is seen in a photograph taken in spring 2014 with his brother . Mixed messages: Saeed falsely claimed he had not been involved in any fighting, had never fired his weapon at anyone and did not know any Islamic State members, but the FBI has found evidence to the contrary, including this Facebook photo . The criminal complaint said Saeed falsely claimed he had not . been involved in any fighting, had never fired his weapon at . anyone and did not know any Islamic State members. He also said . he had never told anyone he was involved with the Nusra Front . and had never worked or volunteered at a Sharia court, it said. Nusra Front is al Qaeda's Syrian arm. 'Evidence gathered during the investigation contradicts . these and other statements Saeed made to the interviewing . agents,' a Justice Department statement said. Federal agents investigating Saeed, who immigrated to the US with his family at age 10, have uncovered incriminating Facebook photos and posts indicating his alleged involvement with Syrian militants. One photo of Saeed posted on his Facebook page shows him with a man who officials say has sworn allegiance to ISIS. Another photo of Saeed and his brother show them in the spring of 2014 when Saeed later admitted he shot up a Syrian prison. Others images released by the Justice Department this week depict a heavily bearded Saeed brandishing powerful assault rifles, a faint smile on his lips. In online chats and posts, Saeed allegedly bragged about working for a sharia court, openly expressed his support for ISIS and claimed he had fought in a gun battle that lasted four months, reported Los Angeles Times. Oversharing: In online chats and posts, Saeed allegedly bragged about working for a sharia court, expressed his support for ISIS and claimed he had fought in a gun battle that lasted four months . Terror tourism: The 24-year-old Californian traveled from San Diego to Istanbul and was in Syriaand Turkey until his return to the United States in March . Bad company: This photo shows Saeed with a man who officials say has sworn allegiance to ISIS . ‘I am currently the media person for the Shari'ah Authority,’ Saeed

Summary: Mohamad Saeed Kodaimati, 24, faced two counts of making false statements involving international terrorism . Saeed was born in Syria and became a naturalized American citizen in 2008 at age 17 . The 24-year-old allegedly lied to FBI he had not been involved in any fighting, had never fired his weapon and did not know any ISIS members . Posted photos on Facebook carrying guns and posing with known ISIS militants . In online posts, Saeed allegedly bragged about working for sharia court and fighting in battle that lasted four months .


Gareth Barry has advised his Everton team-mate Ross Barkley against moving to Manchester City at this young stage of his career. Barry speaks from experience having spent four seasons at the Etihad before arriving on Merseyside and the veteran midfielder believes it is still too early for the 21-year-old to decide on his future. Ahead of the Toffees meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, Barry told the Mirror: 'Personally, I think he's still too young to make that move. Ross Barkley's rise to stardom has seen him repeatedly linked with Premier League champions Man City . Everton team-mate Gareth Barry has advised the youngster not to leave Goodison too soon . 'He's still learning the game. He's got the right manager here to push him to the next level. 'As soon as he reaches that next level, then there's another decision to be made. At the moment, I think it's too early.' And asked if considered the Premier League champions to be a graveyard for young talent, Barry added: 'I think so, yeah.' Barkley has overcome his early season struggles to play an influential role in Everton's recent revival and Barry believes the youngster he mentors daily can achieve anything he wants in the game. The 21-year-old signs autographs for fans after coming through a difficult start to the season . Veteran midfielder Barry spent four seasons at City before being found surplus to requirements . 'I sit next to him in the changing room at the training ground. I speak to Ross quite often,' said Barry. 'You feel sorry for him sometimes because the expectation is getting thrown on to his shoulders – people are expecting of him, week in, week out, goals and assists. 'That hasn't happened, but at the same time he's still improving as a player and growing in maturity. 'His ability and his strengths are there for everyone to see, he can go on and be a top top player.'

Summary: Ross Barkley has been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester City . Former City star Gareth Barry says his Everton team-mate is too young . The Toffees face Manchester United in the Premier League onSunday .


From the moment Jack Johnson beat Tommy Burns to win the world heavyweight title in 1908, a frenzied search began. While Johnson's victory wouldn't raise an eyebrow nowadays, it caused consternation in America for one simple reason: Johnson was black — and a black man had never held sport's greatest prize. Racism was rife in America: black people were not supposed to rule over whites in any sphere of life. As the great boxing pundit Bert Sugar put it, 'This was the white man's crown. (To white America), it was as if the white man's slave had become his master.' After beating Tommy Burns in 1908, Jack Johnson became the first ever black world heavyweight champion . It is difficult to convey to a reader in 2015 the shockwaves that Johnson's victory caused. Even liberal newspapers, such as The New York Times, were openly hostile to the giant Texan. It mattered little that Johnson was American. His skin was deemed the wrong colour and a great cry went up from white America to find a white challenger — a 'Great White Hope' — who could unseat the new champion. But little did white America know that it would take over six years before Johnson would be defeated, on April 5, 1915, 100 years ago on Sunday. Most had believed Johnson would be dispatched quickly. However, he made short work of his first four title defences, his most notable victory coming over world middleweight champion Stanley Ketchel who made the massive step up in weight and even managed to knock Johnson down. Yet Johnson had been fighting in second gear until that point and, as soon as he returned to his feet, scored a brutal knockout, uprooting several of Ketchel's teeth in the process. Attention immediately turned to finding another 'white hope'. There seemed an obvious choice: former world heavyweight champion James J Jeffries, who had retired undefeated in 1904. Jeffries, who as champion had dodged Johnson, was seen as someone who could quickly defeat the title holder and return things to the way they were. Things didn't go as planned. Six years out of the ring had taken its toll on Jeffries and in 1910 Johnson stopped the former champion in 15 rounds, further enraging whites who rioted, taking out their anger on blacks who had the temerity to celebrate Johnson's win. As many as 26 black people would be killed by lynch mobs. What made Johnson even more unbearable to white America was the way he lived his life. A fun-loving character, Johnson dated and married white women, and refused to live according to the social norms of the time. He was intelligent, eloquent and ambitious and saw no reason why his being black should hold him back from doing whatever he wanted. American heavyweight boxer Jess Willard (left) with his manager Tom Jones in Havana, Cuba in April 1915 . Johnson loses his world heavyweight title to Willard (left) over the course of 26 rounds in Havana in 1915 . Like Muhammad Ali years later, he was a trailblazer. He

Summary: After beating Tommy Burns in 1908, Jack Johnson became the first ever black world heavyweight champion . He held the belt for six years and Sunday will mark the 100 year anniversary of his last title defence . During a particularly racist period of American history, Johnson's title reign was met with many protests . Johnson was eventually defeated by Jess Willard in 1915, following 26 brutal rounds in the sweltering heat of Cuba .


Police are searching for a man charged with killing his wife at the Dunkin' Donuts in Maryland where they both worked. Patrons called police Sunday night shortly after discovering no workers at the Dunkin' Donuts on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover. According to Anne Arundel County Police, an officer checked the business and found a severely injured woman in the kitchen area. The woman, 21-year-old Palak Bhadreskumar Patel of Hanover, died at the scene, police said in a news release. Scroll down for video . Wanted: Police have said that 24-year-old Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, hit his wife Palak Bhadreskumar Patel multiple times with an object and then fled . Anne Arundel County police said an officer responded around 10:51pm. 'The female employee of Dunkin Donuts was the victim of an apparent homicide,' the release said. Police said the investigation revealed that Patel's husband, 24-year-old Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, hit her multiple times with an object and then fled. 'This is not a random crime as the victim and suspect were known to each other,' authorities said in the news release. They said that Patel has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, as well as dangerous weapon with intent to injure. According to authorities, Patel is considered to be dangerous. One of the store's frequent customers, Idrisa Wurie, told the Capital Gazette 'Oh my goodness. I am shocked because they are very nice people.' A police spokesperson told the Gazette police dealt with the couple in the past year regarding a domestic incident. In a statement, Dunkin' Donuts said 'We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred at the Dunkin' Donuts / Baskin-Robbins combination restaurant on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, Maryland. 'All of us at Dunkin' Brands are saddened to learn of the death of crew member Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends. 'The franchise owner is cooperating fully with the local authorities in their investigation. As this is a pending police matter, it is inappropriate for us to comment further.' Police have said tips can be called into to 410-222-474 and anonymously at 410-222-4700. Incident: The couple both worked at this Hanover Dunkin' Donuts store.

Summary: Patrons called police Sunday night shortly after discovering no workers at the Dunkin' Donuts on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover . According to authorities, an officer checked the business and found a severely injured woman in the kitchen area . Police said Palak Bhadreskumar Patel of Hanover, died at the scene . They said the investigation revealed that her husband, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, hit her multiple times with an object and then fled .


Hundreds of morning commuters in Boston were delayed today after a truck crashed on an elevated highway over subway and rail tracks. The box truck collided with a car on Interstate 93 southbound in the city's Dorchester neighborhood at about 6am, and both drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As officials didn't want to risk running trains under the over-hanging truck, replacement shuttle buses were run for southbound passengers with long queues forming. Scroll down for video . Aerieal shot: Hundreds of morning commuters in Boston were delayed today after a truck crashed on an elevated highway over subway and rail tracks . Overhanging: The box truck collided with a car on Interstate 93 southbound in the city's Dorchester neighborhood at about 6am, and both drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries . Carol Hullum, who lives near the crash site, said the collision caused headaches for locals trying to get to work. 'I was just thinking too that the commuter rail is finally on time again, and now the poor people got on the train and now they're going to be delayed again,' she told WHDH News. On the highway there were also massive delays. Commuter woes: As officials didn't want to risk running trains under the over-hanging truck, replacement shuttle buses were run for southbound passengers with long lines forming . Even after the truck was towed by crane at about 8:30am, traffic remained backed up in both directions. The truck driver was identified as a 57-year-old Woburn man and the car driver was a 42-year-old Attleboro man. However, no names were released. State troopers are still investigating the incident and no charges have been filed.

Summary: The box truck collided with a car on Interstate 93 southbound in the city's Dorchester neighborhood at about 6am . Both drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries . As officials didn't want to risk running trains under the over-hanging truck, replacement shuttle buses were run for southbound passengers . On the highway there were also massive delays .


Ben Jones-Bishop scored a spectacular solo try as the Salford Red Devils ended a run of 17 defeats in a row by Wigan after a thrilling 24-18 contest which saw both players finish with 12 men. Jones-Bishop, snapped up from Leeds Rhinos in the close-season, extended his lead as Salford's leading scorer with his seventh of the campaign. The Red Devils were hanging onto a 12-8 interval lead when Jones-Bishop struck on the hour to help his club leapfrog the Warriors into third place in the table. Both sides ended the match with 12 men as tempers flared during the Super League match . But Salford forward Weller Hauraki, already facing a ban after an incident at Huddersfield in Friday, and John Bateman were sent off two minutes from time for trading punches after the pair had already been sin binned following an earlier flare up. Salford's last win against Wigan was a 16-4 Challenge Cup fifth-round victory at the Willows in 2006. The long-awaited victory was particularly sweet for the the three former Wigan players in the Red Devils ranks - Scott Taylor, skipper Harrison Hansen and try scorer Michael Dobson. Dobson was outstanding and also helped set up two tries for full-back Niall Evalds. Salford brought in Evalds to replace full-back Kevin Locke who was concussed at Huddersfield. Wigan again left out Matty Bowen with Ryan Hampshire continuing at full-back and Lewis Tierney replacing Dom Manfredi on the wing. Conor Farrell, younger brother of second row Liam, also stepped into the squad with Joel Tomkins missing. Wigan Warriors' Michael McIlorum is tackled by Salford Red Devils's Liam Hood and Weller Hauraki . Salford organised a reunion of their 1996 side, which famously ended Wigan's record-breaking Challenge Cup run, with the players and then coach Andy Gregory introduced to the fans before the kick-off. But the kick-off was delayed 15 minutes due to crowd congestion outside the AJ Bell Stadium. Wigan would have snatched an early lead had Tierney not slipped when Jones-Bishop spilled a George Williams kick. Salford's relief was short-lived when their defence failed to deal with another towering Matty Smith kick and Larne Patrick picked up the loose ball to stroll over for his first try for the club since his move from Huddersfield. Hampshire tagged on the conversion with the Red Devils forced to make an early substitution when Tommy Lee hobbled off after 11 minutes to be replaced by Liam Hood. A storming break by Josh Griffin put Wigan under pressure for the first time with Joe Burgess forced to make a try-saving tackle on Rangi Chase. But Salford suffered another injury blow midway through the first half when Cory Paterson was helped off with a knee problem. Wigan increased the lead to 8-0 with a Hampshire penalty after Weller Hauraki was caught offside from a Smith kick. The Red Devils hit back with Dobson and Chase combining for Evalds to dart over with Josh Griffin adding the conversion. Wigan lost Tony Clubb with a thigh injury before Salford took the lead for the first time

Summary: Ben Jones-Bishop impressed by scoring solo try against the Warriors . Jones-Bishop extended lead as Salford's leading scorer of the campaign . Both Salford and Wigan finished the match with 12 men .


Valencia turned up the heat on Atletico Madrid in the fight for third place in La Liga when a 3-0 derby victory at home to Levante on Monday lifted the Singapore-owned club to within a point of the champions with seven games left. Paco Alcacer nodded Valencia in front from a Dani Parejo centre in the 16th minute at the Mestalla before Lucas Orban crossed for Sofiane Feghouli to head a second for the home side nine minutes before the break. Valencia forward Paco Alcacer celebrates his goal against Levante . Substitute Alvaro Negredo completed a resounding victory when he crashed a shot into the top corner in the third minute of added time. Valencia, who missed out on a place in continental competition last season, are fourth on 65 points, with Atletico, who drew 2-2 at Malaga on Saturday, on 66 in third. Feghouli told Spanish television Valencia, who play at leaders Barcelona on Saturday, had been itching to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao. Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi has a shot on goal on Monday night . 'I think we controlled the game pretty well against a team who sits back and defends and we tried to attack down the wings,' added the Algeria forward. 'We are going to try make things difficult for Barca and all we are thinking about is winning the next game.' Barca lead on 75 points after they squandered a 2-0 lead and drew 2-2 at fifth-placed Sevilla on Saturday, two ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, 3-0 winners at home to Eibar. Valencia's Paco Alcacer takes on Levante defender Loukas Vyntra at the Mestalla . The top three places carry a berth in the Champions League group stage, while fourth earns a spot in qualifying for Europe's elite club competition. Valencia last won La Liga in 2004 under Rafa Benitez and backed by a new owner, Singapore billionaire Peter Lim, current coach Nuno has begun the process of turning the club back into contenders in Spain and Europe. They reached the Champions League final in 2000 and 2001, losing to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively, but subsequent financial problems forced them to cash in on top players, including David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata. Levante, Valencia's second club, are flirting with relegation and Monday's defeat left them third from bottom on 28 points.

Summary: Valencia claimed a 3-0 derby victory at home to Levante on Monday . Singapore-owned club moved to within a point of Atletico Madrid .


Arsene Wenger admits he did not expect Arsenal’s late charge for the top of the Barclays Premier League to be powered by Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin. Wenger had all but given up on Coquelin when he was sent on loan to Charlton before Christmas and did not expect Bellerin to progress with such speed after a year at Watford. ‘Honestly, I couldn’t say that in my head Coquelin was one of the first-choice players,’ said the Arsenal manager. ‘But my job is to remain open-minded and make decisions when you have to. Francis Coquelin (right) has played a vital role in Arsenal's late push for the Premier League title . ‘Bellerin is one of the surprises of the season. He was at Watford on loan last year and didn’t get the games. He’s just 20 years old and you can look at what he does at 20 years of age.’ Spanish full-back Bellerin scored his second Arsenal goal against Liverpool, on Saturday, a wonderful curling left-footer to break the deadlock and launch his team towards a 4-1 win. He was also responsible for keeping Raheem Sterling under control when Daniel Sturridge came off the bench at half-time and Liverpool reshuffled. ‘He played against a great player in Sterling,’ said Wenger. ‘I selected him because of his pace. I thought Sturridge would play and Sterling would be on the flank. And because of his low centre of gravity. Sterling changes direction very quickly and Hector is a short as well. Hector Bellerin celebrates scoring Arsenal's first goal during the 4-1 victory against Liverpool . Bellerin broke the Emirates deadlock for Arsenal, cutting in and curling a left-foot strike into the corner . Arsene Wenger admits he didn't expect Bellerin and Coquelin to be playing such key roles . ‘Maybe he still has some experience to gain but his defending one-against-one is good and going forward he is good. He scored an important goal in a big game and that always shows that the guy has the mental quality to be there.’ The Arsenal boss did admit Bellerin might have been lucky not to be sent off, having been already booked when he mistimed a slide tackle on Sterling and conceded a penalty, scored by Jordan Henderson. ‘He was a bit lucky there,' said Wenger. ‘He could have got one but I think he genuinely went for the ball. I was just thinking: What do I do if he gets a second yellow? In the end the referee decided not to give him a yellow because he went for the ball. He was unlucky for the first yellow.’ Nacho Monreal and Oliver Giroud are among the first to congratulate the unlikely opening goalscorer . Wenger revealed had all but given up on Coquelin when he was sent on loan to Charlton before Christmas .

Summary: Hector Bellerin scored Arsenal's first goal in the 4-1 win against Liverpool . Franci Coquelin has been a revelation in front of Arsenal's back four . Arsene Wenger admits he didn't expect the duo to become so vital .