More than 20,000 pupils passed ten or more GCSEs with either an A or an A* grade between 2009 and 2013, Department for Education statistics reveal . The number of teenagers getting straight As at GCSE has soared by a third in just five years, new figures show. More than 20,000 children passed ten or more with either an A or an A* grade, Department for Education statistics reveal. But critics say increasing numbers of high-fliers mean not enough has been done to stop qualifications becoming too easy. The latest figures show that one in 30 pupils who sat the exams ended up with at least ten A grades. In 2009, the number of students who managed to get straight As was 15,791. This rose to 16,983 in 2010, 18,468 in 2011 and 18,829 in 2012. In 2013, the latest year for which figures are available, 20,307 received As across the board. The figures suggest Britain’s most able students are increasingly getting top marks in all subjects. GCSE grades are used by universities to decide who to admit to courses, along with personal statements and references. However, as a greater proportion of pupils is classified as excellent, it is harder for top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge to identify truly exceptional youngsters. And while British results appear to be improving for some pupils, the country is slipping behind other nations when measured using international tests. Results published just over a year ago showed British teenagers dropped out of the top 20 rankings in maths, science and reading for the first time. Tests on more than half a million pupils worldwide found those in Vietnam, Shanghai and Poland had a much better command of core subjects. Children in the Chinese city of Shanghai were three years ahead of their British counterparts by 15. Overall, the UK came 26th out of 65 countries and economic regions in the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘Sadly, grade inflation has devalued GCSEs to such an extent that any pass below a B has become little more than a certificate of incompetence. Critics say increasing numbers of high-fliers mean not enough has been done to stop qualifications becoming too easy. GCSE grades are used by universities to decide who to admit to courses (file picture) ‘International comparisons of educational attainment, very serious concerns expressed by employers and the fact that many universities now have to put on remedial catch-up courses for new undergraduates, all point to a disastrous dumbing down of standards.’ The Coalition tried to halt grade inflation by making qualifications more rigorous, but many reforms are still being implemented. A Conservative Party spokesman said: ‘Importantly, while overall results are up, the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and peers is closing.’ Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that teenagers applying to university had their details wrongly passed to advertisers, the data protection watchdog ruled yesterday. The university admissions service UCAS broke the law by signing youngsters up to receive adverts about mobile phones, energy

Summary: More than 20,000 passed ten or more GCSEs with A or A* in last five years . One in 30 children who sat the exams ended up with at least ten A grades . Figures suggest UK's most able pupils are increasingly getting top marks .


Terence Crawford landed a stunning right that Thomas Dulorme never really saw. Soon after that, Crawford was a two-time WBO champion, winning the latest title in his first fight since moving up in class. Crawford won the vacant WBO junior welterweight title with a sixth-round technical knockout Saturday night, knocking down Dulorme three times in quick fashion after that big blow. Terence Crawford (right) defeated Thomas Dulmorme in the sixth round with a technical knock out . 'I knew I hurt him, I felt it,' Crawford said. 'I knew he was hurt real bad. I wanted to just jump on him. ... He was woozy.' With Dulorme stunned, Crawford hit him again and knocked him down for the first time. Then Crawford delivered a flurry of punches, leading to another knockdown. When Dulorme got back up, Crawford unloaded again - and the fight was stopped as Dulorme staggered against the ropes near his corner. 'Basically a shot that I didn't see, and the shot got me,' Dulorme said through an interpreter. Crawford remained undefeated, winning as a heavy favorite in his first fight moving in the 140-pound class. He won the WBO lightweight title 13 months ago and defended in the 135-pound division twice in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The scheduled 12-round fight in North Texas came a week before Crawford, now 26-0 with 18 knockouts, is scheduled to be in New York to accept his 2014 fighter of the year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. The fighter celebrates after winning the vacant WBO world junior welterweight title . After the fight ended, promoter Bob Arum shouted 'That's why he's the fighter of the year!' Dulorme, the 27-year-old Puerto Rican, is 22-2. He had won his last six bouts since moving down in class after being knocked out by Luis Carlos Abregu at 147 pounds in a welterweight fight in October 2012. 'It was a great opportunity for us,' Dulorme said. 'It wasn't the best night. We were winning in the cards, it's something that basically happened. ... We did the fight that we came here to do.' Crawford seemed measured in his approach the first two rounds against the quick-starting Dulorme, who entered the ring wearing a gladiator helmet and breastplate. Dulorme was clearly the aggressor early against Crawford, who went with a red Nebraska Cornhuskers cap for his entry. Crawford dominated the fight throughout and Dulmorne couldn't handle his speed and punching power . But in round 3, there was a quick exchange of punches, and later a hard body blow by Crawford. There were times in the fourth and fifth rounds when Crawford either smiled or shook his head after taking blows from Dulorme. Crawford taunted him, and at the end of the fourth had him back into a corner and delivered two big rights. Crawford was also smiling at the end of the fifth round, then came out in the sixth and ended the fight. 'Just having fun with it,' he said. 'When I'm having fun, I don't think nobody can beat me because

Summary: Terence Crawford stopped Puerto Rican Thomas Dulmore in the sixth . The American won the vacant WBO junior welterweight title . The 27-year-old fighter is still unbeaten and takes his record to 26-0 .


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has become the first governor in five years to visit Cuba, following President Obama's ease on trade and travel to the communist nation. The Governor is heading a delegation of 18 academics and business leaders visiting the island in the wake of the December announcement that the US and Cuba would restore diplomatic relations after more than a half century of hostility and confrontation. Today, Cuomo met with Cuba's top officials for U.S. relations along with executives from Jetblue, MasterCard, Pfizer and other New York-based companies. Scroll down for video . Thumbs up: Andrew Cuomo has become the first American governor to visit the island since the recent thaw in relations with the communist nation, is meant to foster greater ties between New York and Cuba . Local tradition: Governor Cuomo enjoys a mojito during a meeting at the Hotel Nacional in Havana on the first evening of the delegation's visit . Business first: Cuomo has met with Cuba's top officials for U.S. relations along with executives from Jetblue, MasterCard, Pfizer and other New York-based companies . 'Like the people in Cuba, the people in New York and the United States are very excited about the courage that your president, Raul Castro, has shown, and the leadership that he has shown,' Cuomo said. 'We believe that this is going to be a dramatic change that is going to be to the benefit of the people of Cuba and also to the people of the United States.' Cuomo said the purpose of his visit was to see what can be . done now and look to the future should full trade be restored. Marilu B'Hamel, director of North American affairs at Cuba's foreign trade and investment ministry, said the visit was . welcomed and would 'serve to explore the potential between our . two countries and support the progress of normalization.' MasterCard says it is ready to provide service in Cuba and . JetBlue has said it wants to begin direct commercial flights to . Cuba. Meeting: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, center, shakes hands with Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade Rodrigo Malmierca at the Hotel Nacional in Havana . Checking the engine: Cuomo smiles after seeing a Japanese Toyota engine fitted into a 1956 Chevrolet . Speech: Cuomo addresses members of the press alongside (from left) Cuba's Maria de la Luz B'Hamel, director of the North American Department at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Carl E. Heastie speaker of the New York Assembly and New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins . Mojitos sir? Antonio Martinez, Director of the Hotel Nacional, front left, shows Governor Cuomo, and the delegation of academics and business leaders the bar of the hotel . Neither has reached a deal with Cuban officials, but by . Monday afternoon the delegation was in initial talks with Cubans . from biotechnology, aviation, banking and tourism after lunching . with the Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo . Malmierca. 'Our meeting with Minister Malmierca was very exciting and . informative,' Cuomo said. 'There

Summary: Cuomo first US governor to visit Cuba since ease on trade and travel . Heads delegation of 18 New York academics and business leaders . President Obama eased trade and travel restrictions earlier this year .


John Hughes has revealed how he came within a heartbeat of stepping down from his job at Inverness as the Josh Meekings controversy went into overdrive this week. The Caley Thistle boss says he felt so repulsed by the gut-wrenching predicament being endured by his young defender - before he was dramatically cleared - that he was ready to walk away from his post and the games he loves, just weeks before an historic Scottish Cup Final date. Keen cyclist Hughes set off on a lonely bike ride after hearing Meekings had been cited for the handball missed by officials in the semi-final against Celtic, and admits his head was in a spin over an affair that has dominated the back-page headlines since last Sunday. Inverness defender Josh Meekings will be allowed to appear in Scottish Cup final after his ban was dismissed . Only messages of support awaiting him on his return from footballing friends brought him back from the brink of quitting. Hughes, who lives in the Black Isle just north of Inverness, said: ‘I came in here this morning after a day off. I turned my phone off and was away myself, away out on the bike with plenty of thinking time: a great freedom of mind. ‘I was that sick of what has been going on in Scottish football I was seriously contemplating my own future. I’m serious when I say that. ‘I had just had it up to here and was ready to just give it up. If it wasn’t for what happened when I turned my phone back on, with the phone calls and texts I received from people I really value in football, that my spirits picked up again. ‘The calls and texts came in from all over the place, from some of the highest levels across the game. I’ve had phone calls that have really got me back on my feet. ‘I wouldn’t like to name them all, but there were a lot of good people and a good few close friends in the football fraternity. Meekings was not sent off and no penalty was given as Inverness went on to beat Celtic 3-2 after extra-time . ‘They were saying: “You need to lead from the front, you need to fight it.” That restored and galvanised that focus and drive in me. And, if that was how I was feeling, how was the boy Josh Meekings feeling? It should never have come to this.’ Meekings was cleared to play in the final by the Judicial Panel yesterday, but Hughes insists this ‘unprecedented’ SFA wrangle must be the catalyst for change in Scottish football’s governance. Although those who sit on the panel are drawn from many walks of life, ranging from former players and coaches to ex-refs and members of the legal profession, Hughes said he wants ‘real football people’ drafted in instead of the ‘suits’ he claims lack understanding of the nuances and spirit of the professional game. And he seemed to point a thinly-veiled finger of accusation at SFA chief executive Stewart Regan

Summary: Inverness defender Josh Meekings has won appeal against one-match ban . The 22-year-old was offered one-game suspension following incident . However, an independent judicial panel tribunal overturned decision . Inverness reached the Scottish Cup final with 3-2 win over Celtic .


A Missouri mother believes her three-year-old daughter with special needs was discriminated against after finding out the child was forced to take off her thick glasses for a school portrait. Abby Lubiewski was born with Hallerman-Streiff, a rare genetic syndrome that resulted in congenital cataracts. She can only perceive light and dark when she's not wearing her specs. 'She has no vision at all without her glasses,' her mother Amanda Lubiewski told Fox 2 Now. When Lubiewski received her daughter Abby's photographs, she immediately saw that her child's smile was strained. Scroll down for video . Abby Lubiewski's mother Amanda was outraged after finding out her three-year-old daughter with special needs was forced to take her thick glasses off for school picture day . When Lubiewski received her daughter Abby's photographs, she immediately saw that her child's smile was strained and said it was because Abby 'couldn't see' 'I knew then that she couldn't see,' she said. 'And I couldn't quite comprehend what would be going through someone's mind to ask her to take those off.' Lubiewski wrote a post on Facebook about how her daughter 'loves her glasses' and 'needs them to function to the best of her ability,' Yahoo! Parenting reported. 'She is a strong, confident girl and deserves to show off every beautiful part of her, including her glasses.' Lubiewski said that when Abby saw her school photo she asked, 'What happened to my glasses?' But the mother was even more concerned knowing that official school portraits are released to the public if a child goes missing. 'This is very unsafe for her,' she told Fox 2 Now. 'Her picture doesn't look like her without glasses.' When Lubiewski found out other children at Abby's school were allowed to wear their glasses for the photographs, she felt her daughter had been discriminated against. Abby was born with Hallerman-Streiff, a rare genetic syndrome that resulted in congenital cataracts. She can only perceive light and dark when she's not wearing her specs and 'has no vision at all without her glasses' Lubiewski was even more concerned knowing that police release official school portraits to the public if a child goes missing. 'This is very unsafe for her,' she said. 'Her picture doesn't look like her without glasses' Lubiewski contacted LifeTouch School Photography on Facebook and told them 'how disrespectful' the family thought it was for the company to treat Abby 'differently than other children in the school'. 'Photographers for school pictures need to be trained on how to capture each unique child,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Even those with disabilities.' Lubiewski said other photographers in the past have been able to work around the glare Abby's thick specs can sometimes cause for the camera. Two pictures of Abby wearing glasses were taken by the photographer, but she wasn't looking at the camera. 'It's not just about getting a cute picture of her,' the mother said. 'It's how she was treated, and how it seems like she was treated differently because there was a part of her that was difficult to photograph.' LifeTouch

Summary: Abby Lubiewski has a rare genetic syndrome and has cataracts as a result . Her mother Amanda said she has 'no vision at all' without her glasses . Lubiewski felt her daughter had been discriminated against when she found out other children at Abby's school got to wear their glasses . LifeTouch School Photography has since apologized and will re-take Abby's picture for free .


Boy, would Tiger like to find a fairway here,’ said former professional David Feherty. ‘Preferably one attached to this hole.’ It was that sort of day. Tiger Woods had worked so hard on his short game, the other quality needed to take a safe passage through these parts had been forgotten. He chipped like a champion; he drove like a boy racer. Somewhere in the ether, golf’s gods pointed and mocked. So Tiger’s short game is killing him? Opposite. There has been so much yip yap these last few weeks it was forgotten that Woods was becoming more erratic off the tee, long before his chipping went west. From the first, when he drifted into a bunker on the right, to the final par five, when he fired one into the crowd, castigating himself as a ‘dumbass’ — although a shout of ‘fore’ might have been more helpful — Woods took the long road around Augusta. The galleries were packed as crowd favourite Tiger Woods struggled on his first round at Augusta . Woods reacts to a poor chip shot on the third hole as the pressure begins to tell . Woods feels the heat at Augusta with the world No 111 struggling to get under par during the opening round . That he recorded a relatively respectable score — some significant distance off the lead, but certainly in the ball park of what would have been considered a reasonable number given that this was his first competitive golf for two months — was testament to his cussedness as much as his talent. Tiger dug deep and his play around the greens saved him. It was remarkable, really, considering his crisis of confidence. On the sixth, a par three, Woods missed the green again. He looked more than irritated, he looked worn down, fed up with a sport he once held on a string. He no doubt remembers how it used to be, too. How he must miss that old Tiger. He walked to the ball, perched at the top of a small incline to the right of the green. And he putted it. Rolled it down the slope, got it near enough. Settled. But, even so, it was a tell. The best poker players don’t have tells and Tiger likes Las Vegas as much as any high roller. But he saw his hand and, on that occasion, he blinked. It was still a Tiger gallery, of course. Still the biggest, still primed to applaud even the tiniest glimmer of his genius. But they would have recognised this as Tiger bluffing. Rewind through a decade and he would have conjured something small and miraculous with a short iron, made the ball pitch and spit and stop almost at his command. He would have shown the mastery of a charmer with a mesmerised snake. Putting from off the green? That was for the old guys and the also-rans, those without the bravery or the genius to make the ball obey. So Tiger got it close and made the solid up and down. Sure,

Summary: The Masters 2015 crowd wanted Tiger Woods to do well at Augusta . He was still the 111th ranked golfer in the world. A bit erratic, a bit brilliant, a bit rusty, a bit fallible. And, fleetingly, a bit marvellous too . The gallery was 10, 12 deep around the greens. Still in awe. Still ready to applaud even the tiniest glimmer . But the sizeable gallery is writing cheques the man in the arena can no longer cash . CLICK HERE for all the latest Masters 2015 news .


Ian Bell rescued England from a nightmare start with a century in the first Test against West Indies that was pay back time for being dropped during his last Caribbean series. After his classy 143 had steered England to 341 for five, after they had been 34 for three, Bell said that thoughts of him losing his place in 2009 was a big motivating factor. Bell said: 'It's been at the back of my mind for some time that I got dropped the last time I was here for a Test series. So I wanted to make this one count and it was very satisfying to do so. I deserved to be dropped at the time and I did a lot of hard yards to get back in.' Ian Bell scored 143 on the first day of the first Test against West Indies in Antigua on Monday . The 33-year-old kisses the England badge on his helmet after his 22nd Test match century . And Bell rates his hundred one of the best of his 22 – only Alastair Cook (25), out for another low score, and Kevin Pietersen (23) have scored more. Bell shared century partnerships of 177 with Joe Root, who made 83 and another one of 130 with Ben Stokes who is 71 not out. 'It has to be right up there,' said Bell . It doesn't get much better. The partnership with Joe Root was just what we needed. But the West Indies bowled very well for the first two hours. And Ben Stokes made it a brilliant finish to the day.' Bell was dropped from the side on his last visit to the Caribbean in 2009 . Bell put on 177 for the fourth wicket with Joe Root and added 130 for the fifth wicket with Ben Stokes . ' It was my day today, but hopefully it will be someone else's day in the next innings. 'For me, it was nice - coming here in 2009, this was where I got dropped after our shemozzle in Jamaica, so I was determined to come out and play as well as I could. 'It was nice to come back and put things right.' Bell raises his bat after being dismissed for 143 in the evening session on day one in Antigua . Kemar Roach runs away to celebrate bowling Alastair Cook out for 11 on the first morning of the Test . Cook, who hasn't added to his record haul of 25 centuries since May 2013, was bowled by Kemar Roach for 11 falling again to a good length ball outside off stump. Roach said: 'Cook has a weakness there, everyone knows it. We let them get away a bit, but Bell batted very well.' The other two England disappointments were a nervous-looking Jonathan Trott who lasted just three deliveries on his return from 'situational anxiety', and Gary Ballance, who also fell to a poor shot.

Summary: Ian Bell hit 143 on the opening day of the first Test in Antigua . Bell came in with England struggling, but took them to 341 for five . The 33-year-old was dropped during the 2009 series in the Caribbean . Bell says it was 'nice to come back and put things right'


Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat trick as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Saint-Etienne 4-1 to reach the French Cup final on Wednesday. Ibrahimovic took his PSG career tally to 102 goals since joining three years ago, and Argentina winger Ezequiel Lavezzi added the other goal as the capital side advanced to meet Auxerre in the final and and keep them on course for quadruple. Paris Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring his second goal . Ibrahimovic's 100 goal landmark tribute on the big screen at Parc Des Princes . Ibrahimovic was presented with a trophy after the match for scoring 100 goals . Despite his hat-trick, Ibrahimovic still had time to argue with the referee . PSG are also bidding to become the first French side to lift all three domestic trophies in a single season and will face Ligue 2 club and four-times winners Auxerre in the final at the Stade de France on May 30. They take on Bastia in the League Cup final on Saturday and are top of the Ligue 1 table, one point ahead of Olympique Lyonnais, with seven games left. Ibrahimovic opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes from the penalty spot with his 100th goal for the club on 21 minutes following a Francois Clerc foul on Ezequiel Lavezzi. Romain Hamouma levelled for the visitors five minutes later with a powerful header from a rare chance for St Etienne, who were outclassed throughout. Blaise Matuidi (right) tweeted picture of midfielder with Ibrahimovic after the match . Ibrahimovic put PSG ahead from the penalty spot in the 21st minute . Ibrahimovic sent goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier the wrong way from the spot . Ezequiel Lavezzi made it 2-1 to PSG after he headed in Javier Pastore's cross from the right . Ibrahimovic jumps over the challenge of a Saint-Etienne defender . Lavezzi made it 2-1 in the 59th minute from an excellent Javier Pastore cross, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted his second with eight minutes remaining after rounding goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier. He completed his hat-trick for the eight-times winners with a powerful low strike in added time. The Sweden striker is now PSG's second highest all-time scorer on 102 goals, behind former Portugal forward Pauleta. 'It's tough but we were vulnerable and we missed too many easy chances,' Saint-Etienne captain Loic Perrin said. 'It's not normal to lose 4-1. We know they're a good team but we should do better than that.' League leader PSG, who are one point ahead of Lyon in the title race, remains on course for a unique quadruple, and plays Bastia in the League Cup on Sunday before facing Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions league quarter finals four days later. On Tuesday, second tier club Auxerre stunned holders Guingamp 1-0 at home thanks to Frederic Sammaritano's first-half goal.

Summary: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat trick and Ezequiel Lavezzi added fourth . Striker took his PSG career tally to 102 goals since joining three years ago . Paris Saint-Germain will face Auxerre in the French Cup final on May 30 .


International stars like Brendon McCullum will visit to play T20 cricket this summer, but talk among homegrown players is of how it might save England from further embarrassment in global competitions. Alex Hales and Chris Woakes, two foot soldiers in the recent World Cup fiasco, both called for some rethinking of the domestic structure to avoid a repeat of what happened in Australia and New Zealand. At the launch of next month's opening of the Natwest T20 Blast Nottinghamshire's Hales admitted: 'As a team we're not hiding behind the fact that we're embarrassed about what happened. With the quality of the squad that we had there's no excuse not to make it out of the group stages.' Alex Hales believes England's players aren't competing in enough Twenty20 competitions . Hales was at Edgbaston on Thursday at the launch of this season's T20 domestic competition . Both he and Woakes feel that a way of improving England's one day cricket would be to adopt more the model of countries like Australia and India with their franchise systems. 'The Big Bash is fantastic, I've played in it for three years and really enjoyed it,' said Hales. 'I'm a big fan of the block system for T20, you dedicate three weeks to a month to hone your skills, all your focus if on T20. In the last couple of years in England I haven't had much of a chance to develop. 'Over here you play something different Sunday to Wednesday, then T20 on Friday so you don't get a huge chance to practice your skills. Over there they have less teams so the standard is fantastic. 'I think that's maybe where we got found out a bit in the World Cup, not many guys get exposed to T20. There's such a heavy schedule of Test matches guys don't get a chance to play domestic T20. Look at guys like Broady and Jimmy (Anderson), they don't get a chance to play for their counties. 'It doesn't help that a lot of our guys don't play in the IPL or the Big Bash. Other players are constantly playing in front of big crowds and improving their skills and that's not something we had in the World Cup. England were thoroughly embarrassed at the 50-over World Cup earlier this year, dumped out of their group . Brendon McCullum is adept at playing T20 all over the world and Hales wants more of that for English stars . 'It's tougher here with the indifferent weather and I don't really know what goes on behind the scenes, but in terms of standard and quality I think the franchise system would work in England.' At Thursday's Edgbaston launch there were players from all 18 counties, but that number would be cut down if the ECB and its new management ever get round to introducing a more city-based league. Woakes, who hopes to start bowling again in the next two weeks after recent foot problems, will play alongside McCullum for a Warwickshire team now styled as the Birmingham Bears. He believes the

Summary: England suffered humiliation in the 50-over World Cup this year . Alex Hales believes they would benefit from playing more T20 cricket . Hales was talking at the launch of this season's domestic T20 competition .


Ashley Young has revealed the secret of his team-mates' changing room playlist - and it's not what you expected. Young is known for being the resident DJ at the Red Devils, but he admitted to being under strict orders from manager Louis van Gaal to play only house and funky house music. In an interview with MUTV, the English winger is joined on the sofa by singer-songwriter Olly Murs, who asks whether or not his mainstream tunes are played in the Old Trafford changing room. VIDEO Scroll down for 'DJ Ashley Young' revealing to Olly Murs he only plays funky house . Ashley Young meets Olly Murs outside Manchester United's Aon Training Complex ahead of MUTV filming . Young met the popular singer-songwriter after training to star as a guest on MUTV show Thursday Focus . Former Reds striker Andy Ritchie and Helen Evans hosted the light-hearted MUTV programme . 'I would love to,' responds Young. 'But I've been told by the manager I can only play funky house or house. Seriously, he's liking the playlist.' It came as a big surprise to Murs that the Dutch Master of Ceremonies loves nothing better than to listen to undercover tunes with a funk-inspired bass line after guiding his side to victory. 'Funky house?' responds Murs. 'Van Gaal wants funky house?? Can you imagine watching him coming out the shower [shouting] come on lads! We just won!' United have been slowly resurgent since the turn of the year, with the 20-time English champions third in the Barclays Premier League and odds-on to secure a Champions League return despite last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Chelsea. A mocked up image of how United manager Louis van Gaal might look in the Old Trafford dressing room . Helen - the wife of United defender Jonny Evans - presented the programme on Thursday alongside Ritchie . Young explains the changing room music protocol at Old Trafford to Murs on the Thursday Focus programme . Young has benefited from Louis van Gaal's change in system and has made 24 appearances this season . Whether or not funky house has been behind the club's upturn in fortunes is open to debate, but Young has been in fine form during United's rise, playing a pivotal role in recent wins over Newcastle and bitter rivals Manchester City. Red Devils fan Murs was invited on to the show, co-hosted by Jonny Evans' wife Helen, in between completing a run of three nights at the Manchester Arena as part of his ongoing UK tour. In the show, which is repeated this Saturday on MUTV at 9am, the former X Factor contestant picks his all-time United XI, whilst Young reveals what he can remember about a rather unfortunate incident on the opening day of the season at home to Swansea. But the stand-out line of this week's episode was the confirmation of Van Gaal's penchant for funky house, which was on show at the Amsterdam Gay Pride festival in 2013.

Summary: Ashley Young admits house sub-genre is Louis van Gaal's choice of music . Man Utd boss bans any other form of music on match days . Olly Murs and Young were speaking to MUTV on Thursday Focus show . Manchester United face trip to Everton in the Premier League this Sunday . READ: Memphis Depay holds secret meeting with Manchester United .


Charged with four offences: Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson arrives to answer bail at Peterlee police station in County Durham yesterday . An England footballer was yesterday charged with grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. Adam Johnson, 27, who plays in the Premier League for Sunderland and has represented his country 12 times, faces a lengthy jail term if he is convicted. The £10million winger was arrested seven weeks ago and learnt his fate during an arranged appointment at Peterlee police station, Durham. Johnson, the father of a three-month-old daughter, has been accused of three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming. The £50,000-a-week player is due to appear before Peterlee magistrates on May 20 and the case will then be transferred to crown court. His team is playing Arsenal away that evening in the penultimate game of their league battle against relegation. The case threatens to put an end to the talented attacker’s glittering career. Last night, it was not clear if he will be allowed to continue playing before his case is dealt with. Gerry Wareham, of the Crown Prosecution Service, announced the decision to charge Johnson. He said it was in the public interest to charge the footballer and there was a ‘realistic prospect’ of a conviction. Johnson was told of the charges he will face during a 20-minute meeting with detectives. Dressed in a navy tracksuit and white trainers, he emerged grim-faced and walked swiftly out of the police station without commenting before being driven away. He stands accused of three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are said to have taken place between December 30 last year and February 26. He has also been charged with meeting a child following sexual grooming under Section 15 of the Act. Johnson was arrested on March 2 at his six-bedroom, £1.9million home in Castle Eden, near Hartlepool. Court date: Premier League winger Johnson (centre) will appear at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on May 20 . Winger: Johnson (left, with long-time girlfriend Stacey Flounders, and right, in a match against Newcastle United on April 5) has made 31 appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring five goals . He became a father for the first time on January 8 when his girlfriend Stacey Flounders, 25, gave birth to their daughter Ayla Sofia. The alleged sexual activity offences cover a period while she was pregnant and after she gave birth. Johnson was born in Sunderland and raised in Easington, County Durham, before joining Middlesbrough’s youth academy as a 12-year-old. He made his Premier League debut for the club in 2005 and was sold in 2010 to Manchester City. Sunderland signed him for £10million in 2012. Initially the player was suspended after his arrest. But two weeks later, he was allowed back to training and returned to the team under Sunderland’s new manager Dick Advocaat. Home: The Premier League winger was arrested at his mansion (pictured) in County Durham on March 2 . Former Middlesbrough

Summary: Four offences allegedly committed against one girl aged 15 at time . 27-year-old answered bail at police station in County Durham yesterday . Sunderland star had previously had his bail extended for five weeks .


Hillary Clinton shaped State Department policy to reward big money foreign donors to her family foundation, an explosive new book written by a political foe will claim. According to author Peter Schweizer there is a clear trend of money flowing into the controversial Clinton Foundation and rewards emerging for donors - in forms such as free trade agreements and development projects. The claims against Clinton, Secretary of State from 2009-13, are laid out in Clinton Cash, due to be published May 5th by HarperCollins. Bombshell: Clinton Cash, right, a new book by Peter Schweizer, is set to spell out a trend whereby big money donors to the Clinton Foundation found U.S. policies coming out of the State Department shift in their favor . Introducing the book, former George W Bush speechwriter said: 'We will see a pattern of financial transactions involving the Clintons that occurred contemporaneous with favorable U.S. policy decisions benefiting those providing the funds'. The passage, and examples of the donations and decisions Schweizer analyzes, were published Sunday by the New York Times, which was given an advance copy of the book. The Times reported that Clinton Cash lists examples of the pattern including a free trade agreement in Colombia that benefited a donor with industrial interests there. It also cites development projects in Haiti after their devastating 2010 earthquake, and a $1million payment to Bill Clinton made by a Canadian shareholder in the Keystone XL oil pipeline while it was being discussed by State Department officials. Author: Peter Schweizer, pictured, researched donations made to Clinton's foundation and was noted by the Times for 'meticulously' documenting his sources . As well as contending that the Clintons favored donors to swell the coffers of the foundation, Schweizer also writes that some of the big-money deals 'put millions in their own pockets'. Marketing information from HaperCollins includes more claims, citing 'the Clinton’s [sic] troubling dealings in Kazakhstan, Colombia, Haiti, and other places at the "wild west" fringe of the global economy.' It continued that the book will see Schweizer raise 'serious questions of judgment, of possible indebtedness to an array of foreign interests, and ultimately, of fitness for high public office.' The White House declined on Monday to categorically rule out the occurrence of any wrongdoing but said there's no 'tangible evidence to indicate that it did.' 'I'm not gonna be in a position here, where every time somebody raises a spurious claim...to sit down here and say that it's not true,' President Barack Obama's spokesman, Josh Earnest, said. Earnest directed reporters who had further questions to Clinton's presidential campaign. Clinton allies have characterized the book as simply the latest in a series of 'absurd conspiracy theories' designed to derail Clinton's 2016 campaign. According to the Times, Republican senators - including presidential candidates Rand Paul and Marco Rubio - have been briefed on the book's findings, and are working them into their campaigns. Paul in particular has been unstinting in his criticism of Clinton, positioning himself as an anti-Hillary candidate before she even announced she was running. No more, please: In light

Summary: New book, Clinton Cash, points to 'pattern' of donations and rewards . Says those who gave money to foundation saw favorable outcomes . Writer Peter Szhweizer points to dealings in Colombia, Haiti, Kazakhstan . Revelations will be seized upon by Republicans in White House race . Clinton allies have written of the book as an 'absurd conspiracy theory' White House declined to categorically rule out any occurrence of wrong doing but said there's no 'tangible evidence to indicate that it did' President's spokesman said he's not going to be in a position 'every time somebody raises a spurious claim' to 'say that it's not true'


A dominatrix who claims she shared a 'hot, deep kiss' with Prince Harry during his infamous party night in Vegas three years ago says she felt 'overdressed' when she saw him playing strip billiards. Carrie Reichert, 43, who has previously said she kissed the Prince and has a pair of his underpants she hopes to use in a strip-tease show, has now written a book about the night. In an excerpt from the upcoming In the Eye of the Royal Story, she says she couldn't help but notice how 'adorably cute his naked a** was', The Sun reported. Carrie Reichert (left), 43, has released a teaser from her upcoming book In the Eye of the Royal Story in which she recounts the events of Prince Harry's infamous party night . Prince Harry, pictured above in Las Vegas in 2012, was said to have invited 10 women to party with him at his VIP suite at the Encore at Wynn hotel, including Miss Reichert . She wrote: 'I'm only in my bathing suit and feeling overdressed, wondering if I too should strip down and join him in his royal buff.' Ms Reichert went on to claim that alcohol gave her the confidence to approach the Prince before they shared a kiss. She said: 'This surreal moment felt more like a dream: I'm kissing a Prince! Tasting his lips and feeling his tongue, encouraging what is now a hot, deep kiss, both of us excited, anticipating what is yet to come.' In January, England-born Ms Reichert said she planned to use a pair of the Prince's underpants for a strip tease act. She remains the only woman to have ever spoken out about the prince's wild night in Vegas, following which pictures of him were leaked showing him playing naked billiards. Ms Reichert claims she was one of 10 women picked to party with him in the penthouse suite of the Wynn Hotel in August 2012. However, Kensington Palace has previously denied she was one of the women invited back to the Prince's VIP suite and dismissed her story as 'untrue'. Kensington Palace this evening declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. Just weeks after the 2012 party, Miss Reichert spent a month in Harrison County Jail in Mississippi after being arrested for cheque fraud. And not long after she rose to prominence for her outrageous claims, it was revealed she was a dominatrix who charges $1,000 an hour for BDSM sessions. Kensington Palace has previously said Ms Reichert (pictured) was not among those invited back to the Prince's VIP suite that evening . Not long after she rose to prominence for her outrageous claims, it was revealed Ms Reichert was a dominatrix who charges $1,000 an hour for BDSM sessions .

Summary: Dominatrix claims she shared a 'hot, deep kiss' with Prince Harry in Vegas . Carrie Reichert said she felt overdressed after seeing his 'cute naked a**' The 43-year-old made the claim in an excerpt from her upcoming book . Kensington Palace has previously denied she was invited to the hotel suite .


Ed Miliband pledged to crackdown on the illegal exploitation of migrant workers by promising a Home Office task force to boost prosecutions and fines on bad employers. Exploitation has driven low-skilled migration and held down wages for British workers, the Labour leader said during an outing in Wirral West earlier today. A new unit of 100 staff would work with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, specialist police units and Home Office enforcement staff, he added. But Nigel Farage and Tory Immigration Minister James Brokenshire dismissed Mr Miliband's ideas and said he was doing nothing to control immigration. Scroll down for video . Ed Miliband, pictured during his speech today, pledged to crackdown on the illegal exploitation of migrant workers by promising a Home Office task force to boost prosecutions and fines on bad employers . The Ukip leader said he was right about some migrants being exploited but insisted it was not the main issue. He told Sky News: 'It's a big diversion. Is he right that some people who come here are exploited and abused? Yes of course he's right, there's no doubt there are problems out there. 'But it is not the main issue. The main issue is we have too many people allowed to come here which is pushing down people's wages.' In his speech Mr Miliband insisted that there was an 'epidemic of exploitation'. He said: 'So many of the secure jobs that once defined the places people live have gone. 'Low pay. Low skills. Temporary jobs. Poor prospects. Zero hours contracts. This is the story of our economy for so many people in this country. 'And it is in these low skill, insecure workplaces where migrant labour is often concentrated. 'Too often this anything-goes economy damages the interests of the working people of the country. People who live in the most appalling, cramped conditions, sleeping 20 to a house; people who are paid well below the minimum wage; people who have their wages stolen.' But Nigel Farage (right) and Tory Immigration Minister James Brokenshire (left) dismissed Mr Miliband's ideas and said he was doing nothing to control immigration . In his speech in Pensby, northern England, Mr Miliband insisted that there was an 'epidemic of exploitation' He added that the exploitation was driving down standards for other employers. 'It makes it harder for responsible employers to do the right thing and pay decent wages,' he said. 'It is an epidemic of exploitation and we will end it.' He also used the speech to promise Labour would do more to secure the borders - with 1,000 extra staff at ports - and help integration. This will include requiring people to speak English, particularly when they work in the public sector and NHS. Mr Miliband said: 'Labour got it wrong in the past. We have listened. We have learned and we have changed. 'Let me be clear. It is not prejudiced to be concerned about immigration. As Prime Minister, I will always address concerns not ignore them. As Prime Minister, I will always put working families first. 'That's why we'll

Summary: Exploitation drives low-skilled migration and holds down wages, he said . Speech given during an outing in marginal seat Wirral West earlier today . Ukip leader said it was a 'big diversion' as exploitation not the main issue .


No one would talk about Bruce Jenner's Friday tell-all interview with Diane Sawyer - not ex Kris, nor his daughters Kendall and Kylie or even Khloe and Kourtney - when they stopped by Craig's in West Hollywood on Thursday evening. But Kim Kardashian was not afraid to discuss the upcoming chat when stopping by Variety's 2015 Power Of Women luncheon in New York City on Friday. 'The family is watching all together with Bruce, so I’m literally rushing out right after this to catch a flight home so they can wait and watch it with me.' the 34-year-old beauty told Extra. Scroll down for video . She WILL tune in: Kim Kardashian told E! on Friday afternoon during a Variety event that she would indeed be watching former stepfather Bruce Jenner talk to Diane Sawyer later that evening . Narcisco Rodriguez outfit from Fall 2015 . Check out Narcisco Rodriguez SS 2015 at Net-a-Porter . Visit site . It's the one year anniversary of Kimye and Kim Kardashian is festively dressed up in an all off-white Narcisco Rodriguez Fall 2015 outfit. Straight off the runway before production, it pays to be Mrs. West. We love the sheer top and high waisted, wide leg pants that just begged to be photographed while walking. This outfit is total street style bait. However what really caught our eye was the long vest. This vest is what makes the outfit and will be so versatile through every season. The tuxedo lapel frames your face and is very slimming. Style it with over a white sleeveless flared dress for some virginal innuendos for a first date or throw it over ripped jeans for a more casual SoHo artisty look. Sadly, this vest is not available yet but if you're looking for a proper topper right now, check out our selections below. ASOS white sleeveless duster . Visit site . NOMIA slit-back long vest at Barneys . Visit site . Intermix long tailored vest . Visit site . Opening Ceremony 'Mallory' long twill vest at Nordstrom . Visit site . In the spotlight: 'Yes, we will be all watching as a family tonight,' the 34-year-old beauty told E! when stopping by Variety's 2015 Power Of Women luncheon in New York City . Bruce pre-Kris in 1989: On Thursday evening Entertainment Tonight reported that Jenner started a gender transition process in the mid-1980s but stopped after he met and fell in love with Kris Kardashian, who became his third wife . She insisted the entire clan is fully supportive of Jenner. She added: 'As a family we always support each other 100 per cent and I know that I see things online that there is this divide and this one doesn’t support this and this one doesn’t support this and you know it’s all ridiculous and it’s all rumors and we love everyone in the family and we support everyone equally so we're excited to watch tonight and I’m excited for Bruce to tell his story on Diane Sawyer.' She added to Entertainment Tonight: 'I hate so badly when

Summary: Kim, 34, said she would be watching Bruce's show with her family . She was attending a Variety event in NYC just hours before the tell-all . It was claimed that the former Olympian would be watching the show twice - once with the Kardashians and next with the Jenners .


Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned his players that Champions League qualification is still not assured despite holding an eight-point gap over Liverpool after Saturday's results. Following a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, Van Gaal sees next Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford as important in the battle to finish runners-up. But having been given the task of qualifying for the top-four when he replaced David Moyes last summer, he is not letting complacency risk success, though Liverpool's 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on Satuday lunchtime puts United firmly in pole position. Ander Herrera celebrates with team-mates after scoring his team's third goal at Old Trafford . 'It is not done yet,' he said. 'We still have to play everyone else in the top four and the table shows they are the best teams. 'Of course we have a big gap and can afford to suffer a defeat but everything is possible.' However, van Gaal also sees the derby as an opportunity to push United's claims for a top-two finish. ‘I am looking higher up. The derby is a game for the higher places. Chelsea are likely to be champions but you have to keep on putting pressure. Spanish duo Juan Mata and Herrera celebrate the win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday . Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates with team-mates after scoring his team's second goal . ‘Manchester City, is a different game to this one against Villa. City shall not come with such a defensive strategy. We have seen the same with Tottenham and Liverpool. These are the matches wehre you can see fantastic matches. There may even be a shock recall for £60million man Di Maria who has been used as a substitute in recent weeks. 'His turn is coming, that I know. But he has to wait for the right moment,' said van Gaal. Angel di Maria has been used as a sub in recent weeks but he is closing in on a return to the starting line-up . Rooney battles with Aston Villa ace Jores Okore during Saturday's victory at Old Trafford .

Summary: Manchester United beat Aston Villa to secure an eight-point cushion . Louis van Gaal's side currently sit third a point ahead of Manchester City . Rivals Liverpool find themselves in fifth following their defeat to Arsenal . But Van Gaal has warned his squad it is important to battle till the end .


It’s one of the most boring kitchen jobs; prepping a mound of potatoes for mash. But this ingenious method eliminates all dinner preparation stress when you've got a pile to peel. YouTuber Dave Hax’s clever spud solution does away with peelers, and instead lets boiling water do all the hard work. The innovative Mr Hax, whose YouTube channel demonstrates various life hacks, devised the simple kitchen method which results in perfectly peeled potatoes. Start by taking a sharp knife and running the blade carefully around the middle of the potato, he advises in the video. Do this to all the potatoes you’re planning to use, running the blade just through the skin without letting it cut through the potato flesh. 'Try to get the line to meet up on the other side,' he says. Once all your spuds have been prepared put them in a pan on the hob and add some boiling water from a kettle. YouTuber Dave Hax’s ingenious new kitcken trick lets cooks peel potatoes without using a peeler. The process starts by running the blade of a sharp knife carefully around the middle of the potato, without letting it cut through, making sure to get the line to meet on the other side . Leave the potatoes to cook. When they’re ready, drain the water into another pan, leaving the potatoes in the first one. 'Run some cold water over your potatoes until they are cool enough to pick up.' he instructs. The cut mark should now be visible all the way around the potato. The next step is to simply use your fingers to gently pull the skin off the cooked potato. Turn the spud around and do the same on the other side… and hey presto, you’ll have a perfectly peeled potato. Chefs then need to boil the spuds (left) for as long as needed and let them drain before running under cold water (right) The swift method of skin removal means the potatoes remain warm under their skins. 'But if you want them warmer, simply pop them back into the water they were boiled it for a quick reheat,' he advises. The video, which was uploaded only five days ago on 10 April has already received more than 1.5m views. Finally skin the spud using fingers to pinch the skin off the potato - hey presto, perfectly peeled potatoes!

Summary: Dave Hax's YouTube tutorial advises to score the skin before boiling . The method eliminates the need for peelers and will keep your hands clean . The video has received more than 1.5million views since being uploaded .


Earlier this month, a pregnant Canadian weather presenter received hate mail from viewers 'grossed out' by her appearance on their screens. The scathing critics told the six-months pregnant meteorologist Kristi Gordon that her 'front end looks like the Hindenburg and your rear end looks like a brick s***house.' Fans jumped to support her when Gordon read out excerpts from the letters and emails on TV, but it seems that abuse of pregnant TV presenters daring to get on with their jobs during their pregnancy is nothing new. Australian presenter and model Nicky Buckley famously soldiered on with her presenting job on The Sale of the Century after falling pregnant in 1997, continuing to wear the glamorous, figure-hugging gowns her job required of her. 'Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the barrage of abuse that was bestowed upon my unborn baby and me by a multitude of critics who were determined to dampen the joyous marvel of pregnancy,' Buckley, now 49, writes in her newly-released memoir. Scroll down for video . Pregnant and proud: Buckley copped heavy criticism for showing bump on TV but stood her ground . Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about the book, 'Nicky Buckley: A Memoir', she shared just how bad the criticism became. 'I was told I jammed fax machines at Channel 9 and newspapers - with faxes coming in from people commenting negatively.' 'At the time there wasn't any maternity wear except kaftans which covered you from head to toe, hiding your boobs and bump,' she said. Bitterness over bump: Buckley wore sexy dresses that revealed her bump, shocking TV audiences, and hit back in magazine interviews saying she refused to bend to critics . TV Scandal: Nicky Buckley enraged public by staying on air throughout her nine month pregnancy . Family first: Buckley bucked preconceived notions of women in TV and continued to work to support family . As her role was to wear glamorous evening dresses and there wasn't adequate maternity wear available, she just went up a size from her usual attire and got on with things. 'I wasn't out to raise the flag or cause a stir, I simply wanted to work – as was my right. Yet in doing so people had other opinions and thought I shouldn't be seen publicly with a bump.' 'I had a mortgage, people tend to forget and put you in a bubble. But I still had a mortgage and do you think I should just stop and be taken off the air?' Game model: Game show host and model copped flack for her bump and continued to work to pay the bills . Glamorous to gritty: Despite her glamour role, Buckley says the pregnancy showed the ugly side to TV . 'I needed to pay the bills and I was happy with what's going on,' she said. 'Looking back I'm proud of how strong I was. I can't push the point hard enough, I was steadfast and strong, I was going to work and do my job.' 'I couldn't wait to share the news

Summary: Nicky Buckley has released a tell-all memoir of her life . The book shares a candid insight into her career-defining moments . A whole chapter is dedicated to when she revealed her baby bump on TV . Buckley now shares how she dealt with the abuse she faced being a pregnant presenter .


Los Angeles' most famous cougar has 'left the building' after taking up residence in an unsuspecting family's crawl space. The mountain lion, known as P-22, left the Los Feliz home in the early hours of Tuesday, having created quite the media circus in the affluent Hollywood suburb. His departure was announced on Twitter by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which tweeted 'the cougar has left the building' at 9.28am. New home: The lion - known as P-22 - was found by workers in the crawl space at midday on Monday . Courageous: On Tuesday morning, after the cougar's signal moved away from the area, a couple of brave animal welfare officers decided to conduct a thorough search of the area under the Los Feliz home . Gone: Luckily for them, P-22 had moved away overnight, and was moving back towards the park . 'Likes': The incident has made P-22 even more famous, with another 1,400 people liking his Facebook page . The lion usually lives in nearby Griffith Park, but on Monday was discovered in the crawl space of Jason and Paula Archinac's home by an unsuspecting alarm technician. 'He came out white as a ghost,' Animal Service's Armando Navarrete told KTLA. The house was soon surrounded by a host of media outlets - including a circling helicopter - while a live stream meant Los Angeles' residents could keep an eye on animal services' attempts to move the lion. But P-22 was not prepared to be moved, despite being poked gently with a long prod — which only led to welfare officers temporarily losing the pricey GoPro camera they'd attached to the end of it that fell off. Welfare officers then attempted to fire a tennis ball cannon into the crawl space with hopes that at least the noise and commotion would scare him out, a tactic that often works with coyotes. Next, they fired small bean bags, the same kind police sometimes use for human crowd control, toward the cat. Resident: The beautiful animal may have been living in the crawlspace for some time before being discovered . Rescue: Attempts to get the lion to move out - including firing tennis balls - were unsuccessful . None of it worked, so they asked everyone to clear the area, in the hope that P-22 might move on his own accord. And the tactic worked: the mountain lion, who crossed two freeways when he travelled from the Santa Monica Mountains to the park more than three years ago, was gone when they returned in the morning. But even though the animal's tracking device - fitted some years ago - was no longer sounding in the area, it was decided it was still best to double check the area was cougar-free. So a couple of brave souls entered the crawl space just to make sure. Fame: P-22 is best-known for being pictured in front of the Hollywood sign in 2013 . Hiding: It is thought the lion crossed two freeways to get to his home in Griffin Park, but it is not

Summary: P-22 left his new den underneath a house in Los Feliz overnight Tuesday . Has now headed back to Griffith Park, his home of more than three years . Rose to fame after a picture of him in front of the Hollywood sign published . But most recent escapade has won the mountain lion a legion of new fans .


'Discrimination': Gerry Pickens, 28, is suing Orting, Washington, for firing him. He decided to file a suit after vandals sprayed racist graffiti on his car . The first black man ever to be hired as a police officer in a small northwestern town had his SUV sprayed with the N-word over a planned racial discrimination case against town authorities. Gerry Pickens, 28, was fired by the chief of police in Orting, Washington, after just under a year on the town's police force - an act he claims is motivated by racism. Pickens was more used to drugs busts and violent robberies at his previous posting in Atlanta, Georgia - but took a pay cut and moved to quiet Orting, which has just 11 police officers. However, before his probation year was out, Pickens said he had become the butt of racist jokes from residents and his fellow cops - and was eventually fired for reasons he says are down to the color of his skin. The situation came to a head earlier this year, when he woke to find his car daubed with racist graffiti, seemingly prompted by fears he would sue over his dismissal. The vehicle, a Ford Explorer, was filmed by local news station KIRO in the wake of the racist act. On one side, 'n****r' had been sprayed in huge letters. The other side read: 'Sue cheif [sic] and pay'. He later told the King5 TV station: 'I'm in fear for my life because I don't know who in Orting is out to get me'. The incident, at the end of January this year, came to light again after the Washington Post published a long account of Pickens' time in Orting, detailing some of what he sees as racist treatment. 'Sue cheif and pay': Vandals sprayed a misspelled message on the right hand side of Pickens' car dissuading him from legal action. The other side reads 'n****r' He told reporter Eli Saslow that shortly after he started a member of the public played a practical joke on him by calling 911 to report a 'black juvenile' driving a police car after they saw Pickens on patrol. Officers turned it into a joke, continuing to refer to him as the 'black juvenile'. He was also reportedly called a 'token black guy' by colleagues, and feels his vacation requests were handled differently. He also said he was treated unfairly over a complaint that he used a local gym without paying. The allegation - which, according to the News Tribune, was later dropped, saw him suspended from duty. Around the same time, Pickens said, a white officer was subject to an excessive force complaint, but was allowed to keep policing the whole time. Small town: Orting, a Washington town with a population of 8,000, had never had a black cop before Pickens . 'Token black guy': Pickens says that fellow officers picked on him and that he was given harsher treatment than other officers by his superiors . A letter sent to Orting police by Pickens's attorney also said that after he

Summary: Gerry Pickens, 28, was the first black police officer in Orting, Washington . Was fired after just under a year - which he says is because of racism . Vandals sprayed 'n****r' on his Ford Explorer earlier this year . Seemed to be attempt to dissuade him from suing over his dismissal . Since then, Pickens has launched $5million legal claim against the town .


A psychiatrist treating the man who shot Ronald Reagan said the patient wants to start a band and should be allowed to publish his music anonymously. Dr Giorgi-Guarnieri testified on Friday during court hearings in Washington, D.C., that will ultimately determine whether and under which conditions John Hinckley Jr. will be allowed to live full time outside a mental hospital. Giorgi-Guarnieri said Hinckley should be allowed to start the band but not perform publicly. One of Hinckley's interests is music, and he sings and plays the guitar. He also participates in music therapy. John Hinckley Jr, in 2014, the would-be assassin of President Ronald Reagan, pictured for the first time since a court ruled he can spend 17 days a month away from a mental home where he has been for the last three decades at his mother's Virginia home . Secret Service agents and bystanders attend to those injured in the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr on March 30, 1981. Hinckley's lawyers said mental illness drove the then 25-year-old Hinckley to shoot the President in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster . Hinckley's lawyer and treatment team say he's ready to live full time at his 89-year-old mother's home in Virginia under certain conditions. Hinckley has been allowed freedom in stages. He spends 17 days a month at his mother's Williamsburg home. If the man who shot President Reagan is allowed to leave a mental hospital for good, he should have to live under strict conditions, wearing an ankle monitoring device and driving a car with a GPS tracking device, government lawyers said on Thursday. Hinckley's attorney, Barry Levine, said on Wednesday on the first day of hearings that Hinckley is 'clinically ready' to live permanently outside the hospital, a position supported by his treatment team. Levine said that the mental illness that drove the then 25-year-old Hinckley to shoot the president in 1981 in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster has been in 'full and stable remission' for more than two decades. But Levine and government lawyers disagree about the conditions Hinckley should have to comply with if he is allowed to live full-time outside of St. Elizabeth's mental hospital in Washington, his home since a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting. Prosecutors have proposed about three dozen conditions if Hinckley lives permanently at his mother's home in Williamsburg. Hinckley in his police mugshot in 1981 after he shot President Reagan. He has been allowed his freedom in stages following the assassination attempt . President Reagan with wife Nancy at George Washington University Hospital four days after the assassination attempt on him in 1981 . Those restrictions include monitoring software on the home's computer and a ban on searching for information about: himself, Reagan, Foster, and Reagan press secretary James Brady, who also was injured in the shooting. Prosecutors also want him prohibited from setting up social media accounts on sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, at least partly because he has been diagnosed with a narcissistic personality

Summary: Dr Giorgi-Guarnieri testified at hearing that will ultimately determine whether Hinckley will be allowed to live full time outside a mental hospital . Giorgi-Guarnieri said Hinckley should be allowed to start the band but not perform publicly . Hinckley's lawyer and treatment team say he's ready to live full time at his 89-year-old mother's home in Virginia under certain conditions .


Police are hunting for a man who walked into a house in Los Angeles on Sunday and shot a sleeping eight-year-old boy (above) in the head . Police are hunting for a man who walked into a house in Los Angeles on Sunday night and shot a sleeping eight-year-old boy in the head, leaving him critically injured. The suspect, who is described as Hispanic, medium build and wearing a grey hoodie at the time, apparently had no motive for staging the attack in the 11000 block of Wagner Street in Del Rey. According to the victim's father, the attacker walked in through an unlocked front door around midnight and proceeded to fire shots after a heated conversation. The father then ran into the boy's bedroom to shield him as the gunman followed shooting, authorities said. Ammunition plowed through the wall and the bedroom door, although it was unclear which bullets struck the boy. The lath and plaster of the wall are believed to have slowed the shots. The boy was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where he underwent surgery for a head wound. As of Monday, he was listed in critical but stable condition. His great-aunt confirmed to NBC LA that his condition was continuing to improve. 'I know that at some point he did say something. They said he was going to be OK,' she said. No other family members were injured in the incident. The young victim's mother and 17-year-old brother were also reported to be in the bedroom, while the boy's grandmother was in another room. Apparently the front door and security gate had been left open as the father had been expecting his 20-year-old son to return. Scene of the crime: The suspect, who is described as Hispanic, medium build and wearing a grey hoodie at the time, apparently had no motive for staging the attack in the 11000 block of Wagner Street in Del Rey . Unprovoked: According to the victim's father, the attacker walked in through an unlocked front door around midnight and proceeded to fire shots after a heated conversation . Shootings are rare in the residential neighborhood, police said. Indeed, neighbors told CBS News that the family has lived in the residence for more than a decade with no problem. 'According to the family, they did not recognize the suspect' and there was nothing in the house that indicated drugs or other illegal activity, Los Angeles Police Capt. Nicole Alberca said at a news conference Monday afternoon. The names of the family members have been withheld but a photo of the boy has been released. The image shows him smiling with long, wavy, golden-brown hair down to his shoulders. Although the gunman is believed to have fled on foot, anyone who may have seen a vehicle leaving the area is urged to call Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Summary: The suspect apparently had no motive for staging the attack in the 11000 block of Wagner Street in Del Rey, Los Angeles, on Sunday night . He is described as Hispanic, medium build and wearing a grey hoodie . According to the victim's father, the attacker walked in through an unlocked front door around midnight and proceeded to fire shots . As of Monday, the boy was listed in critical but stable condition .


Arsenal moved nine points clear of their top four rivals Liverpool on Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 win at home in the Premier League. Goals from Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez put the Gunners 3-0 ahead, before Jordan Henderson pulled one back from the penalty spot for the visitors. Olivier Giroud completed the scoreline with a sumptuous strike in injury time. Here, Sportsmail's Matt Barlow casts his eye over the two teams' performances at the Emirates. Arsenal (4-2-3-1) DAVID OSPINA - 6.5 . No shots to save first half, although out smartly once or twice. Made a flying save to thwart Can in the second-half and almost saved Jordan Henderson's penalty. HECTOR BELLERIN - 6.5 . Scored a wonderful goal with his left foot. Unfortunate to be booked for a foul by Mathieu Flamini and then lucky not to be sent off for a foul on Sterling which conceded penalty. Hector Bellerin celebrates after putting Arsenal 1-0 ahead against Liverpool in the first half on Saturday . PER MERTESACKER - 6.5 . Coped quite well with the nimble trio of Liverpool strikers. LAURENT KOSCIELNY - 6 . Performed well until replaced early in second half by Gabriel. NACHO MONREAL - 7 . Solid defensive display, up against Lazar Markovic and Philippe Coutinho. FRANCIS COQUELIN - 7 . Offered vital bite in midfield, especially during period midway through first half when Liverpool were at their best. Alexis Sanchez celebrates after netting the Gunners third on the stroke of half-time at the Emirates . SANTI CAZORLA - 6.5 . Heavily involved in the middle of midfield, but without any of the creative frills which often decorate this game. Early shot forced a save. Hit a post late in game. AARON RAMSEY - 7 . Started very well, wide on the right. Missed a good chance after a Kolo Toure mistake and set-up Alexis Sanchez's goal with a neat touch. Faded and replaced early. ALEXIS SANCHEZ - 7 . All action as ever, including a fabulous strike before half time make it 3-0. MESUT OZIL - 7.5 . Produced silky touches and a brilliant free-kick for the second which put Arsenal in control. Mesut Ozil added a glorious second for Arsenal with a sumptuous free-kick on 40 minutes . Ozil was all smiles as he celebrated his strike in a silky personal display from the midfielder . Ozil (right) posted on Instagram after the match: 'Seven wins in a row! and so happy!' OLIVIER GIROUD - 7 . Forced early mistake from Toure which his team failed to capitalise on. Denied in the second half by a good reflex save. Scored the fourth with another stunner. SUBS: GABRIEL (for Koscielny 49 min); FLAMINI (for Ramsey), WELBECK (for Ozil) Subs not used: Macey, Gibbs, Rosicky, Walcott. MANAGER: ARSENE WENGER - 7 . Wonderful first half for the Arsenal boss, but his team do not have the knack of killing a game. There will always be chances to score. Sent on Flamini in a bid to protect the clean sheet, but Liverpool got one back.

Summary: Arsenal beat top four rivals Liverpool 4-1 at the Emirates on Saturday . Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez put hosts 3-0 ahead . Jordan Henderson pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot . Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud completed the scoreline in injury time . Win moves Arsenal into second - nine points ahead of the Reds .


Roma have been ordered to close part of their stadium for their next home game after supporters were sanctioned for showing an offensive banner over the weekend. The banner, displayed during Roma's 1-0 defeat of Napoli on Saturday, caused outcry for insulting the mother of a Napoli fan who was killed in violent clashes between supporters last year. A Serie A disciplinary tribunal stated the banners were 'by their content provocatively insulting to the mother of a supporter of the opposing team, who died in dramatic circumstances'. Roma players celebrate their 1-0 victory over Napoli, but the club have been punished for an offensive banner . Roma fans display banners during the game, although a banner (not shown) taunting the mother of a Napoli fan who died after violent clashes last year caused outcry . Roma will have part of their stadium closed for the league match with Atalanta on April 19 . The taunts were aimed at Antonella Leardi whose son Ciro Esposito died after being shot during violent clashes that followed last year's Coppa Italia final in Rome. Although Napoli defeated Fiorentina 3-1 in the final, but the incident involved clashes with Roma supporters - encouraging Leardi to start a campaign against football violence. Roma's Stadio Olimpico Stadium will be part closed for game against Atalanta on April 19. A young Napoli fan died after clashes between supporters following last year's Coppa Italia final . Napoli defeated Fiorentina in the 2014 Coppa final, but Roma fans were involved in clashes after the game . Club president James Pallotta has condemned the club's fans in a statement on their official website: 'As has been expressed repeatedly, AS Roma considers any events that lead to the loss of life at a football match to be a defeat for civil society as a whole, regardless of affiliations to clubs or fan groups. 'The enormous pain that follows such events deserves maximum, unconditional respect from all and necessitates that all parties -- fans, clubs and law enforcement agencies -- strive to ensure that such pain is not renewed, not even verbally, in the stands of a stadium.' The mother, Leardi, told the ANSA news agency: 'May God change the hearts of those people who wrote those banners. 'I watched the game on TV and I was hurt by those words. It pains to hear such horrible things said about a son who has been lost.'

Summary: Roma stadium will be part closed for game against Atalanta April 19 . Supporters displayed banner taunting mother whose son died in clashes between Napoli and Roma fans after Coppa Italia final last year . Antonella Leardi started a campaign against football violence after the death of her son Ciro Esposito .


Hundreds of thousands of people who bought British Gas shares in the 1980s are in line for a windfall after their investment soared in value last night. The shares are one of the most popular in the UK due to the hugely successful ‘Tell Sid’ advertising campaign when British Gas was privatised. Last night shares in what is now called the BG Group rose by nearly 30 per cent to 1,153p. The shares are one of the most popular in the UK due to the hugely successful ‘Tell Sid’ advertising campaign when British Gas was privatised . The rise came after the oil giant Royal Dutch Shell announced plans to buy BG Group in a £47billion deal. It is one of the biggest takeovers ever. News of the deal has driven up the price of shares in BG now owned by people who originally bought British Gas shares in 1986. British Gas was privatised by Margaret Thatcher’s government after the widely publicised ‘Tell Sid’ campaign. The share sell-off, which encouraged people to spread news of the offer with the slogan ‘If you see Sid, tell him’, saw more than 1.5million people pay 135p a share when the company was listed on the Stock Exchange. In 1997 British Gas was split in two to form the oil explorer BG Group and the British Gas owner Centrica. Shareholders received shares in both companies. Those investors who retained these shares have since received hundreds of pounds in dividends. Anyone who bought 100 shares at the time of privatisation would have paid £135 (£366 today, after taken inflation into account). The holding across the now separate companies of Centrica, National Grid and BG Group, is currently worth more than £1,604. The proposed Shell takeover will mean investors are now due 383p for every BG share they own. Investors will also be in line for higher dividends. But the windfall pales in comparison to the rewards for BG Group’s newly arrived chief executive Helge Lund who could be in line for more than £30million in pay and perks if the deal completes next year. Ben van Beurden, CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, (left) shakes hands with the Chairman GB group Andrew Gould (right) during a press conference to announce Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to buy British Gas, in London . Mr Lund was poached by BG to help turn around the group and started in February, just weeks before talks to sell the business began. The takeover, which will create a company valued at £200billion, could be the first of many in the oil sector as the falling oil price, means firms are vulnerable to predators. The bid has been months in the planning. Shell ‘ran the numbers’ on BG, Britain’s third largest energy company, last year as its share price has fallen by a fifth since the oil price crash. His signing-on bonus was cut from £12 million to £10.8 million in December amid outrage from investors . Shell’s chief executive Ben van Beurden made a call to BG’s chairman Andrew Gould on Sunday March

Summary: Shares made popular in 1980s 'Tell Sid' ads rise following sale of BG Group . Value rose 30% to 1,153p after Royal Dutch Shell indicated intention to buy . £47billion deal, one of the biggest takeovers, creates £200billion company .


One of several Florida teens accused of ganging up on a friend by allowing her to be sexually assaulted was thrown back in jail Tuesday for allegedly breaking the conditions of her pre-trial release by threatening the victim online. Erica Avery was cuffed and hauled out of a Broward County courtroom after being accused of using the internet, which itself violated the conditions set just one month prior when she was first released on $100,000 bond. Prosecutor Maria Schneider said photos of the 17-year-old were posted to social media and one of them shows her using a smart phone, reports the Sun-Sentinel. Scroll down for video . Erica Avery (center) was cuffed and hauled out of a Broward County courtroom Tuesday after being accused of using the internet, which itself violates the conditions set just one month prior when she was first released on $100,000 bond (here, she is pictured at a prior court date) Accused: Prosecutors on Tuesday claimed Avery had contacted a victim she allegedly helped to hold down during a 2013 sexual assault . Avery and four other teens are charged with armed sexual battery and kidnapping in connection with the 2013 assault on a victim in Hollywood, Florida. Not long after their arrest, cell phone video emerged showing Erica Avery and her friend Patricia Montes leering over the victim as she writhed half naked and wept in the yard of the home of Jayvon Woolfork. Montes and Avery are accused of punching, kicking and pepper-spraying the girl before holding her down to be raped by Woolfork. On Tuesday, Avery's attorney told the court it was her sister, not Avery, who sent the victim messages. 'My client has assured me that at no point in time did she access the Internet,' Weinstein said. 'How is she supposed to control what her sister did?' The barbaric attack was filmed on a cell phone by Lanel Singleton. Along with Dwight Henry, the alleged rape gang have all been charged in the attack on November 1, 2013. The sickening clips shows the girls viciously beating the girl while the men watch. One male voice can be heard saying: 'They don't like this girl.' One girl responds: 'I told you we were gonna f*** somebody up'. As the victim begs to be freed, another girl says they should 'let this girl go home' but the attack continues. Avery, here with her co-defendant Patricia Montes, are accused of punching, kicking and pepper-spraying the girl before holding her down to be raped by Woolfork . Montes on Monday pleaded no contest and was sentenced to four years in prison followed by two years probation as part of a deal in which she'll testify against her co-defendants, writes the Sun-Sentinel. Avery could take a similar deal. The victim told police that she was attacked after smoking marijuana and drinking beer with people she believed to be her friends, including one girl who had been her best friend since kindergarten. The victim claims that she was kicked, thrown down stairs and had her face smashed on concrete,

Summary: Erica Avery, 17, was cuffed and hauled out of a Broward County, Florida courtroom after being accused of using the internet on Tuesday . She was taken into custody barely a month after making $100,000 bond on charges she aided in the rape of a friend in 2013 . She and four other teens are charged with armed sexual battery and kidnapping in connection with the assault on a victim in Hollywood .


Military officials in Kazakhstan have introduced a Miss Army competition in the hope of encouraging more recruits. The Kazakhstani Ministry of Defence has chosen 123 of its prettiest female soldiers and posted their photos online where viewers can vote for their favourites. The pictures show the women in three set poses – in military uniform, with weapons and in civilian clothing – and they have already been viewed more than 30,000 times. Frontline femme fatale: Abildaeva Aigul Isahanovna is among 123 of Kazakhstan's 'prettiest soldiers' who have been put forward by the military for its Miss Army competition in the hope of encouraging more recruits . In the (fashion) line of fire: The Kazakhstani Ministry of Defence has posted their photos online – including this one of Uzbehanova Marjane Abilovna – so viewers can vote for their favourites . Deskbound diva: The pictures show the women in three set poses – in military uniform, with weapons and in civilian clothing – and they have already been viewed more than 30,000 times by voters . Prone to male advances: A military spokesman said the competition was also open to voters not only from Kazakhstan but also neighbouring countries Krygystan, Azerbaijan and Russia . A spokesman for the MoD said: 'Voting began this week and the competition is open until the 10th of May. 'We've been flooded with views and the clear favourite at the moment is Sergeant Aigerim Karakuchukova who is in the lead with over 1,100 votes. 'There is still a long way to go though and anyone could win.' The spokesman revealed that the competition was also open to voters not only from Kazakhstan but also neighbouring countries Krygystan, Azerbaijan and Russia. Don't miss out: Voting began this week and the Miss Army competition will be open until May 10 . Favourite: Sergeant Aigerim Karakuchukova is the front-runner so far with more than 1,100 votes . Military models: Soldiers Meyramova Sulushash Adilhanova (left) and Dzhanabaeva Zarina Sabitzhanovna (right) also feature in the competition. Voter Nicephorus Bocharov said there were 'certainly some fine looking women in there' but he wasn't convinced it would make him sign up and fight . Aiguilles Vitaly is seen here in her competition photograph. A military spokesman said the winner will receive a cash prize and the knowledge of knowing she is the most beautiful woman soldier in Kazakhstan . Faces of the frontline: One voter, Emil Efremov, 32, believes the competition would also do much to improve the image of Kazakhstan after it was lampooned by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy persona Borat . Voter Nicephorus Bocharov, 34, said: 'There are certainly some fine looking women in there, although I'm not sure it would make me want to sign up and fight.' Another fan, Emil Efremov, 32, believes the competition would also do much to improve the image of Kazakhstan after it was lampooned by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy persona Borat. He said: 'I think this is a very good idea. 'After the world was introduced to Borat, people have the impression that everyone here lives on

Summary: Military posts photos online so viewers can vote for Miss Army competition . Voter: 'Kazakh women are as beautiful as any others. I voted for all of them' Another said it would also improve country's image worldwide after Borat .


Police are hunting for three suspects who brazenly stole an ATM from a California gas station last Friday morning. CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop along Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. While one man distracts a cashier at the window, another leads a cable from the back of a white pickup to the cash machine. Once the cord is attached, the vehicle in the background speeds off and uproots the ATM from its mount. Sparks are caught flying into the air as the large device is dragged across the tarmac. The man who was previously talking to the gas station clerk then runs towards the truck. He is seen wearing a bright red beanie, black pants, sweat top and sneakers. Although it is dark, he appears to load the ATM into the pickup before making a swift getaway with his crew. Caught on camera: Police are hunting for three suspects who brazenly stole an ATM from a California gas station last Friday morning . Swift moves: CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop at 265 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, with one distracting a cashier at the window while another hooks up a cable to the ATM . Final moments: With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM (far right) from its mount and dragging it across the tarmac . It is not clear where the gas station cashier was at this point. According to police, the theft occurred shortly after 5am when the area was pretty deserted. Two of the suspects have been described as white males with their escape vehicle detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Walnut Creek police at (925) 943-5844 . Flying sparks: With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM from its mount and dragging it across the tarmac . Still unidentified: Two of the suspects were described as white males, while the escape vehicle was detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive truck .

Summary: CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop at 265 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek . With one man distracting a cashier at the window, another hooks up a cable to the cash machine . With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM from its mount . Two of the suspects were described as white males, while the escape vehicle was detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive.


A drunk Chinese man became so annoyed at his neighbour's dog barking that he killed it by slashing its throat. Li Chien, 30, had been visiting a nearby pub in Xiulin Township in north-eastern Taiwan's Hualien county, when his bed-time ritual was interrupted by the dog from next door. According to police reports, Li grabbed a bread knife from his kitchen and went to his neighbour's yard where he slit the throat of the mixed-breed called Lucky. Dog murder: Li Chien, 30, had been visiting a nearby pub in Xiulin Township, Hualien county, and became annoyed with a dog owned by neighbour Tang Chao, right, on his way home and killed it . The animal was found several hours later by his distraught owner Tang Chao, 40, who called police. He said: 'I normally wake up early and hear Lucky outside. This time I didn't and immediately knew something was wrong. 'When I got outside I found him lying dead in a pool of blood.' Mr Chao says he suspected his neighbour Li of being the culprit, and called police. He said: 'I don't understand how anyone could want to hurt a dog like Lucky. He was very obedient and hardly ever barked during the day. Sad: Lucky the dog is pictured after having his throat slashed by drunk Li who killed him for barking . Investigation: Taiwanese police search for the weapon in Li's home . 'He only barked when he heard or saw movement during the night, like any good guard dog would do. 'But Li had often complained about him in the past when he came back drunk and perhaps it was a sixth sense, I don't know, but I immediately knew it was him.' When police arrived they found Li gone. A police spokesman said: 'He was quickly picked up at the bus station trying to get an early ride out of town until the fuss died down. 'He immediately confessed to killing the dog and said he didn't know why he had done it.' The man now faces a fine for damaging property as China has no animal cruelty laws. If the dog had been a stray, he would have faced no charges.

Summary: Li Chien, 30, became annoyed by neighbour's barking dog Lucky . Using a bread knife, a heavily intoxicated Li slit Lucky's throat . Owner Tang Chao found his dog dead in a pool of blood in his yard .


Every family in the country will be left £350 worse off if the SNP is left calling the shots in a Labour government, George Osborne claimed today. The Chancellor warned of a 'dangerous cocktail' if Ed Miliband is at the mercy of SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon. With polls showing no party will win an overall majority, Mr Osborne claimed it would spark a 'constitutional crisis' if Scottish nationalist MPs held the balance of power in the UK government. Scroll down for video . Chancellor George Osborne warned of a 'dangerous cocktail' if Ed Miliband is at the mercy of SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon . Launching the SNP manifesto this week, Ms Sturgeon named her price for supporting Labour in any post-election deal. She demanded her MPs have a say over the running of the whole of the UK, raising the prospect of Scottish nationalists calling the shots on policies which only apply south of the border. And she unveiled a £140billion 'ransom note' for Britain to drag Labour to the left, including an end to austerity, rising benefits payments and the abolition of Trident as the price Mr Miliband would have to pay for getting into Number 10. Mr Osborne seized on the demand for more spending and more borrowing and warned that Treasury analysis suggests it would add £6billion to Britain's interest bill, worth £350 per family. Mr Osborne told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a new feature of this election that a Labour party cannot win an overall majority, so they would rely on this deeply unstable block of Scottish Nationalists. 'We've got a strong plan for a national recovery, but it's perfectly reasonable to point out with two weeks to go until this election the alternative is what Gordon Brown described last night as 'constitutional chaos'. 'The Scottish Nationalist leaders would clearly be the stronger force in a Labour minority government propped up by them.' Alex Salmond boasted that he would write Labour's first budget because the SNP would hold the balance of power . He said global investors warn that an SNP-Labour deal 'will lead to higher market interest rates, which means higher mortgage rates for families, which means higher bills, cut incomes, it means businesses finding it more difficult to expand'. He added: 'Let's take one of Canada's largest banks, CIBC. They say a Labour government supported by the SNP would lead to a dangerous cocktail where taxes are going up, spending is going up, interest rates are going up. 'They have been joined by Morgan Stanley, the US investment bank, BlackRock, which is the largest pension fund in the world, Deutsche Bank, the largest German banks. These are pretty unsentimental people. 'These are economists and investors who make a living predicting what is going to happen to different economies around the world. And this week they have come out in a chorus to point out the consequences for the UK of departing from the economic plan we've pursued.' The warnings come after former SNP leader Alex Salmond boasted: 'I'm writing Labour's budget.' The former Scottish

Summary: Chancellor warns global investors fear impact of SNP in UK government . Claims there would be a 'constitutional crisis' if nationalists call the shots . Miliband warns Scots every fewer Labour MP helps make Cameron PM .


The father of Jules Bianchi, the Formula One driver who sustained a severe head injury when he crashed into a recovery vehicle at the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014, has spoken about his son's condition. Philippe Bianchi explained to Nice-Matin, a newspaper in France, that the Marussia driver is still in a coma but is 'fighting fiercely' and his condition is stable. 'Every day, Jules is running a marathon. All of his organs are working without assistance. But, for now, he remains unconscious,' Philippe Bianchi said. 'He's moving forward. So we hope for a new evolution. The next one would be for him to get out of his coma. Jules Bianchi, 25, remains in a coma after a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014 . Philippe Bianchi (right) has spoken of the pain his family have felt every day since the accident . Bianchi sustained a severe head injury upon crashing into a recovery vehicle in Japan . 'The only thing we can say is that he's fiercely fighting as he always did, before and after the accident. From a medical point of view, his condition is stable.' The 25-year-old Bianchi is now in Nice, under the watch of neurosurgeons. His father also opened up on the anguish he and his family have gone through since the accident, over six months ago. Bianchi receives urgent medical treatment upon crashing at the Suzuka Circuit on October 5 . The Marussia team pay tribute to Bianchi at Russian Grand Prix, the week after his accident . 'Our universe collapsed on 5 October 2014,' Bianchi said. ‘I think that in this type of accident it shocks more than an actual death. The pain is endless - a daily torture.'

Summary: Jules Bianchi severely injured his head in Japanese Grand Prix crash . His father said he is still in a coma but his condition is stable . Philippe Bianchi also spoke of the pain his family have gone through .


Patients who always see the same GP are more likely to have cancer symptoms missed, research has shown. A study found that if doctors know patients well, they could mistake warning signs for ongoing medical problems or depression. The study of 18,500 patients found that people with bowel cancer who saw their normal GP were diagnosed, on average, a week later than others. Patients who always see the same GP are more likely to have cancer symptoms missed, research has shown (posed by model) The findings are worrying because Britain has one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Europe, and this has partly been blamed on family doctors missing symptoms. Even delays of a few weeks can be vital because the cancer can quickly spread to other organs and become very difficult to treat. The study by academics at the University of Bristol and Cancer Research UK compared the records of patients diagnosed with breast, lung and bowel cancer between 2000 and 2009. The findings, published in the British Journal of General Practice, show that seeing the same GP was not linked to a later diagnosis for breast cancer or lung cancer. But for bowel cancer – commonly confused with irritable bowel syndrome or piles – there was an average delay of a week. Researchers said the reason there was no link between breast cancer might be because the symptoms are more obvious. And lung cancer is notoriously difficult to detect because there are often no symptoms in the early stages. But according to the study, doctors who are ‘familiar’ with patients can ‘misattribute’ new symptoms to ongoing medical complaints or even depression. GP and lead researcher Dr Matthew Ridd said: ‘GPs should follow up patients who present with potential cancer symptoms to make sure they receive a timely diagnosis. ‘But your regular doctor might not be the best person to spot those symptoms in the first place. So in some cases getting a second opinion from a different doctor could speed up the time to diagnosis.’ The findings, published in the British Journal of General Practice, show that seeing the same GP was not linked to a later diagnosis for breast cancer or lung cancer (posed by model) Figures last month showed that cancer survival rates in Britain lagged ten years behind those of many other European countries. And last summer Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt pledged to name and shame GPs who fail to pick up on early warning signs and refer patients for urgent tests. Dr Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK’s GP expert, said: ‘These intriguing findings suggest that in some cases a fresh pair of eyes could be better at spotting early signs of cancer. Anything that can be done to support GPs in diagnosing cancer earlier is worth pursuing.’ And Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: ‘This study provides a useful insight into how seeing the same doctor could impact the time to cancer diagnosis. Any delay in getting cancer diagnosed has the potential to impact the success of treatment, so it’s vital

Summary: Bowel cancer patients who saw normal GP diagnosed week later than others, study shows . Findings not linked to a later diagnosis for breast cancer or lung cancer . Delays can be vital because cancer can quickly spread to other organs . Britain has one of Europe's lowest cancer survival rates, partly blamed on missed symptoms .