Mr Gustafsson, 42, is being flown back to Sweden from Africa, Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said in a statement on Monday. He was seized by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) along with two other men, one of whom was freed in a dawn raid in 2015. Ms Wallström said Mr Gustafsson was "in good spirits", local media report. "It is with great pleasure that I can announce that Johan Gustafsson has been released," Ms Wallström added. She said that the Swede's release was thanks to "extensive efforts" and co-operation between the Swedish foreign ministry, police and "foreign authorities". Ms Wallström said she had spoken with Mr Gustafsson, who she described as being "happy" and "overwhelmed" by Monday's events. "I cannot say more at the current time," she added. Sweden's former Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said that Mr Gustafsson's kidnapping weighed heavily on his mind during his time in the role, which ended in 2014. He tweeted on Monday: "Extremely gratifying that Johan Gustafsson is free. No single case concerned me more as foreign minister." Mr Gustafsson was kidnapped along with South African Stephen McGown and Dutchman Sjaak Rijke. Mr Rijke was freed by French special forces in April 2015 after he was discovered by chance in a dawn raid in northern Mali. AQIM took a number of Western hostages before the French military deployed its forces in January 2013. In a separate incident in December 2014, French hostage Serge Lazarevic was freed after a prisoner swap.

Summary: Hostage Johan Gustafsson, held by al-Qaeda in Mali since 2011, has been freed, the Swedish government says.


The pledges are included in the party's five-year plan for government. Increased free child care and more apprenticeships are promised, along with an M4 relief road and a South Wales Metro public transport network. Plaid Cymru said the programme was "lacklustre", while the Conservatives said Labour had let Wales down. The most expensive commitments cover 30 hours of free childcare a week over 48 weeks for parents of three and four-year-olds, and 100,000 apprenticeships open to people of all ages. The programme covers what the Welsh Government will try to achieve, while the first indication of what will be cut will emerge when its draft budget is published in October. The main pledges include: A Welsh Government source said there had been a "full and frank assessment of every pound, shilling and pence that we spend" in light of the financial uncertainty surrounding Brexit. He added: "Some tough decisions will have to be made in the first year. "Salami slicing is not going to get the job done this time round. There will be areas and programmes that will be cut." Responding to the claims on BBC Radio Wales, the first minister said: "There are going to be cuts... I'm not going to pretend otherwise. "Of course, our budget is shrinking, it has been for many years and that means very difficult decisions have to be taken. "We are going to have to look at some of the schemes we have delivered for many, many years and make a judgement." A programme, called Taking Wales Forward, reflects many of the pledges outlined in Labour's manifesto for the Welsh Assembly election in May. Mr Jones said Labour would see through its election promises, including building an M4 relief road and a South Wales Metro. He said: "The UK's withdrawal from the European Union creates some uncertainty and challenges, but our mandate is clear. "The Welsh Government's relentless focus will be on driving improvement in our economy and public services, which are together the bedrock of people's daily lives. On local government reform, Mr Jones said many services would have to be delivered "on a wider basis" in future, but he would not say whether this meant council mergers were still on the cards. Plaid Cymru AM Rhun ap Iorwerth said the programme for government portrayed the "gulf" between the two parties. That was despite pledges that were part of a deal struck in return for allowing Carwyn Jones to be re-elected as first minister back in May. "It should come as no surprise that a lacklustre manifesto has led to a lacklustre programme for government," said Mr ap Iorwerth. "Yes, it's good to see the elements that Plaid Cymru drove through in our post-election one-off agreement, including a pledge to create 100,000 new apprenticeships and a new drugs and treatments fund, but Labour's lack of innovative ideas shines through again." As the official opposition in the assembly, Plaid said it would be "challenging Labour to do better". The Conservatives said it was "difficult to disagree" with the plans but said Labour had "let

Summary: Labour will keep its election promises despite uncertainty over Brexit, but cuts to some services are inevitable, the first minister has warned.


The project has been partly funded by American Football's professional league, the NFL. The designers at a Wrexham-based firm and in Cardiff University's School of Engineering hope it could cut brain injuries in high impact sports. Meanwhile, scientists said they have also made a head injury breakthrough. Experts said they have created an agent to reduce the risk of brain inflammation and infections after a head injury. The body's natural response to injury is to see damaged tissue as "foreign" and potentially worsen the injury, yet researchers said the agent blocks this response, reducing inflammation and helping recovery. Cardiff University said the treatment specifically targets injured tissue. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences after being tested on mice. The university will now seek to translate the findings to humans, and said it could be "life-changing" for patients. It is estimated more than a million people in the UK are admitted to hospital as a result of a head injury every year.

Summary: Welsh engineers and academics have received more than £160,000 ($240,000) to develop new materials for use in sports helmets.


Police said he was armed with a stolen gun and they had been tracking him. They blamed the violence on a small group of people. Four officers have been placed on administrative leave. The wounded man's name and age have not been released by police. But the St Louis Post-Dispatch identified him as 18-year-old Tyrone Harris, having spoken to his father, the paper said. The shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson by white police officer Darren Wilson in August 2014 sparked demonstrations across the United States. Although Mr Wilson was cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury and by the US Department of Justice, the teenager's death fuelled a national protest movement against the use of excessive force by police officers. A justice department investigation also found widespread racial bias in the Ferguson police force. What happened in Ferguson in 2014? US Dept of Justice report on Ferguson racism Earlier on Sunday, hundreds of people stood silent for four-and-a-half minutes at the spot where Michael Brown was killed, representing the number of hours that his body lay in the street unattended. The BBC's Aleem Maqbool, who is in Ferguson, says most people at Sunday's gathering felt little had changed since Michael Brown was shot dead a year ago. At the end of a sombre, peaceful day of commemorations, shots were heard at about 23:15 local time on Sunday (04:15 Monday GMT) as a large crowd gathered on West Florissant Avenue, St Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar told reporters that after "an exchange of gunfire between two groups" the suspect, believed by police to be armed, left and encountered officers in an unmarked SUV. He said the suspect fired on the vehicle and the plainclothes detectives returned fire from inside the van. There was then a further exchange of fire after the officers left the vehicle. The gunmen "were criminals; they weren't protesters," he said, adding that the officers were not wearing body cameras. Photos from the scene showed a young black man lying bloodied on the ground. He was face down and handcuffed. President Barack Obama announced a federal programme to help pay for lapel-mounted cameras for US police to record their interactions in the wake of the nationwide protests on perceived policing injustices. There have been a number of high profile shootings of unarmed black men in US cities in recent months. The most recent case involved 19-year-old Christian Taylor who was shot dead by a white police officer after he was spotted on surveillance footage vandalising cars in Arlington, Texas, on Friday.

Summary: A man has been critically injured in Ferguson, Missouri, in an exchange of gunfire with police at a rally marking the anniversary of the killing of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown.


Georgia says Russian troops installed signs marking the "state border" of the breakaway region of South Ossetia further inside Georgian territory. The move has left a small portion of the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline under Russia's effective control. Russia has brushed off accusations about its role. Its troops have been patrolling the administrative border since the 2008 Russian-Georgian war over South Ossetia. An EU foreign policy spokesperson said the installation of new signposts "had led to tension in the area, with potentially negative effects on the local population, their livelihood and freedom of movement". "Steps that could be perceived as provocative must be avoided," the office of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement. "The EU reaffirms its full support for Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders." Reports say markers have been placed at least 300m (980ft) further south into Georgian territory. The new border is now just 500m away from Georgia's main highway linking the Black Sea to Azerbaijan. On Tuesday Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili condemned the border move as a continuation of "creeping Russian annexation". It leaves a 1.6km segment of a BP-operated Baku-Supsa pipeline outside Georgia's territory. However, Georgia's Energy Minister, Kakha Kaladze, and BP spokesperson Tamila Chantladze say BP has not had access to that section of pipeline since the 2008 war. Ms Chantladze stressed that the pipeline was operating as normal. Meanwhile a flag erected by Georgian protesters near the village of Khurvaleti, just south of the dividing line, has been removed by guards on the South Ossetian side, Georgia's Rustavi-2 TV channel reported on Thursday. In August 2008, tensions between Georgia and Russia escalated into a full-blown military conflict when Georgia tried to retake South Ossetia after a series of lower-level clashes with Russian-backed rebels. In the aftermath of the war, South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia and was recognised by Russia, although only a few other countries followed suit. In April 2009, Russia bolstered its position in South Ossetia by signing a five-year agreement to take formal control of its frontiers with Georgia proper. There have been long-standing concerns that tensions over Russia's influence in the region could have an impact on Georgia's strategic infrastructure.

Summary: The EU has warned of increased tensions amid claims that Russia has redrawn a section of Georgia's de facto border with South Ossetia.


Watson, 22, was seeded eighth in the tournament but lost 7-5 6-2 to the world number 101 in Seoul. The British number one, ranked 46 in the world, converted just one of seven break points in the first set and the American dominated the second set. Watson's early departure comes less than a month after her first-round defeat in straight sets at the US Open.

Summary: Britain's Heather Watson has been knocked out of the first round of the Korea Open by qualifier Nicole Gibbs.


Alasdair Dudgeon was killed near the Kincardine Bridge on 6 January 2013 when James Sneddon knocked him off his bike in the early hours of the morning. Mr Dudgeon suffered a broken neck and internal injuries as he commuted to his work at a bakery near Falkirk at 02:00. Sneddon, 42, was found guilty of causing the 51-year-old's death, after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Mr Dudgeon, of High Valleyfield in Fife, regularly cycled to and from his work as a baker at Tesco in Camelon, just outside Falkirk. He was cycling on the A985 road between the Longannet roundabout and the Kincardine Bridge when he was hit by a Vauxhall Astra driven by Sneddon, of Falkirk. Sneddon called an ambulance, but paramedics found no sign of a pulse on the victim before taking him to Forth Valley Hospital in Larbert, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses said weather conditions were clear and visibility was reasonable on the night of the crash, with a police officer noting that the red flashing light on Mr Dudgeon's bike was bright enough to be seen from 300m away. Prosecutors said that although Mr Dudgeon had not been wearing a high visibility jacket, Sneddon should have seen him well before the collision and should have taken steps to avoid the cyclist. The Crown originally charged Sneddon with causing Mr Dudgeon's death by dangerously failing to observe the cyclist and colliding with the rear of his bike, which he denied. After a trial, the jury found him guilty on the lesser charge of death by careless driving. He will be sentenced later after background reports are compiled.

Summary: A motorist who fatally injured a cyclist has been convicted of causing death by careless driving.


Winstone, who will play the EastEnders and Carry On actress in her 20s, said: "I... am so excited to step into her national treasure shoes!" The biopic will also feature two child actors as the younger Dame Barbara. After portraying Windsor in the 1998 stage play Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick and in TV's Cor Blimey!, Spiro reprises the role of Babs in her 50s. Spiro said: "It's absolutely thrilling to be playing Barbara again. Tony Jordan has written a beautiful celebration of her life, but it's not your usual biopic, lots of surprises. She is so adored, so I hope we get it right and that Barbara herself loves it." Babs follows the East End star over a 50-year period from 1943 to 1993, covering her lonely childhood and World War Two evacuation, her complicated relationship with her father, her marriages and her successful career. Dame Barbara, who will be making a cameo in the drama, added: "I am truly thrilled to know that the BBC have secured two such talented and established actresses to portray me in their new biopic of my life. Sam Spiro has already proved herself playing me on stage and TV to great acclaim, as well as, having her own incredible career. "Sam will now be playing me at a later time in my life which will be a new challenge for her and one she will undoubtedly achieve. And then to be lucky enough to have one of today's current dynamic actresses playing the younger me fills me with such excitement, especially knowing that it is Jaime Winstone. Boy, am I a lucky lady!" The one-off 90-minute drama will be broadcast sometime next year.

Summary: Jaime Winstone and Samantha Spiro are both cast as Dame Barbara Windsor in BBC One drama Babs.


Celia Castedo told Bolivian media said she had warned that the plane had barely enough fuel to reach the destination in Colombia. Ms Castedo is in Brazil where she is seeking asylum. The crash killed 71 people, including most of the Chapecoense football team. The plane was taking the team to Colombia for the final of a regional tournament when it ran out of fuel, plunging into a mountainside near the city of Medellin. In a leaked tape, the pilot, Miguel Quiroga, can be heard warning of a "total electric failure" and "lack of fuel". In her letter (in Spanish) published in the Bolivian media, Ms Castedo, who worked in air traffic control, said she had no authority to stop the doomed flight, saying that was with Bolivia's civil aviation agency. She said that instead of authorising the flight, she had tried to stop it, accusing unnamed superiors of a cover-up. "I was subjected to harassment and pressure from my superiors... who ordered me to change the content of the report which hours earlier [before the flight] I had presented," she wrote. "Based on a careful examination, I had made five observations, one of the most important of which referred to the fuel economy of the flight, which happened to be equal to the flight time." Bolivia's Public Works Minister, Milton Claros, dismissed Ms Castedo's allegations. "There were no observations made to the flight plan,'' Associated Press quoted him as saying, with the minister accusing Castedo of fabricating the document after the crash to cover-up her own errors. Other Bolivian officials have urged the Brazilian authorities to return her, with one saying Ms Castedo was trying to escape justice. The head of the flight's operator, Gustavo Vargas, has been arrested over the crash. Just six people survived. One of them, crew member Erwin Tumuri, said an initial stop for refuelling in the northern Bolivian city of Cobija had been dropped by the pilot. There was no warning to the crew or the passengers that the plane was facing electrical or fuel problems, Mr Tumuri told Brazil's Globo TV.

Summary: A Bolivian aviation official says she was pressured by her bosses into changing a flight report she made for the plane that crashed last week with Brazilian team Chapocoense on board.


The industry group said sales of the fish leapt more than 50% by value - to £186.7m - and 13% by volume. British food and drink exports as a whole grew by 8.3% year-on-year to £4.9bn - the largest first quarter figure on record. FDF credited better promotion of UK goods abroad, and the weaker pound. Sterling has fallen by about 16% against the dollar since Britain voted to leave the EU last June, making UK produce more competitive overseas. Quoting UK government figures, the group said whisky had remained the top food and drink export during the period, with sales of £895.9m. This was followed by Scottish salmon and chocolate. 2016, as a whole, was a record-breaking year for food and drink exports. That momentum appears to be continuing in 2017. This is good news for the industry and the government as it seeks new markets for British goods. Exports to non-EU countries have been growing at a faster rate than those to the EU for the last couple of years. A growth rate of 40% in South Korea is pretty impressive. But that still only amounts to some £50m worth of business. Compare that to Ireland, where we generated some £854m worth of exports in the first three months of this year. Ireland remains our most important trading partner by far when it comes to food and drink. Today's figures are yet more evidence that protecting this relationship post-Brexit will be key. The rise in the value of UK salmon sales is thanks in part to rising global demand for the fish, that has been hard to meet due to widespread lice infestations that have hampered production. That has led to higher prices for salmon across the board. The weakness of sterling has also helped to make Scottish salmon less expensive than salmon from Chile and Norway. British wine exports saw the greatest growth by volume, climbing 13.8%, while the value of the UK's cheese exports jumped 29.1% to £145.3m, thanks in part to a spike in sales to France. However, while the weaker pound benefited UK exporters, the FDF said it had also pushed up costs for British businesses that bring food into the UK from abroad. As a result, the UK's food and drink trade deficit - the difference between how much the UK imports and exports - actually widened 19% to £6.2bn in the quarter. Whisky £895m Salmon £186m Chocolate £155m Cheese £145m Beer £139m Wine £133m Pork £109m Gin £108m Beef £106m Vegetables £97m Source H&M Customs and Excise The UK exports significantly more to the neighbouring European Union than it does further afield. However at 9.4%, growth in exports to non-EU countries outpaced those to the EU, which climbed 7.4%. Ian Wright, Director General of FDF, said it was "pleasing to see non-EU exports performing beyond expectations". Food and drink sales to South Korea rose 40%, driven by beer sales, while exports to South Africa grew 31% thanks to animal feed. However, Elsa Fairbanks, director of the Food & Drink Exporters Association, another trade organisation,

Summary: Surging sales of salmon helped the UK to export a record amount of food and drink in the first quarter of 2017, the Food and Drink Federation has said.


Ryan Totten, 7, and Ian McKinley found themselves barred from playing rugby in Ireland because of eyesight problems. Both of them were keen to play the sport they love wearing special sports goggles. But the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the game's governing body in Ireland, had blown the whistle on that. An IRFU ruling banned players of all ages from wearing eyewear of any kind during play. However, the IRFU has agreed to register to participate in an ongoing World Rugby goggles trial. For Ryan and Ian, it's a win win situation. Five years ago, Ian was playing with Leinster and had 11 caps for Ireland under his belt. But he suffered an injury that eventually led to the loss of sight in one eye and forced him into retirement at just 21 years old. Goggles would have made all the difference, protecting his sight. Countries across the world are taking part in the goggles trial, but Ireland and France were not. Ian joined the Italian team Zebre and was able to play wearing the goggles. "I'm blind in my left eye, the main function of the goggles is to protect the good eye," he told BBC's Good Morning Ulster. "I have played nearly 40 professional games with the goggles. There has not been one incident of note and that has been a huge positive." He is celebrating the IRFU's turnaround. "It is something that has been campaigned for since 2014. It is a huge relief for me and I can pursue my professional career," he said. "But it is also great for under-age children in Ireland to be able to play." For Ryan Totten, it is wonderful news. At just seven years old, he was disappointed when his poor eyesight meant he was unable to play sport without eyewear. He and his mother, Christine, are celebrating the good news. "He will be a lot happier playing when he can see where he is going," she said. "He has had a go at playing without anything but he has not been very comfortable doing that. He is very long sighted - for rugby you need all sorts of vision." Last August, Ryan and Christine described what a disappointment the goggles ruling was for them. Her son was "upset, embarrassed and disappointed," Christine Totten said. World Rugby, the game's global governing body, has been running a separate trial of goggles for players with sight problems at all levels of the game. In a statement, the IRFU said it had changed its mind. It said some initial concerns had been addressed by design changes in the goggles. The IRFU hopes that it will be confirmed as a participant in the goggles trials by World Rugby early in the New Year.

Summary: A schoolboy and a professional rugby player have tackled the sport's chiefs and come out of the scrum smiling.


Oil prices suffered a second year of steep losses and are expected to take at least another year to clear as the international surplus continues. The Dow Jones was down 178.84 points or 1.03%, at 17,425.03. The S&P 500 was down 0.95% at 2,043.86, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was 1.15% lower at 5,007.41. The oil price collapse sent global markets reeling throughout 2015. Shares of US oil giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil were down 0.17% and 0.22% respectively for the day. Energy stocks have taken a beating this year, with the S&P energy sector losing nearly 24% in the last twelve months. For the year the S&P 500 was down 0.7% while the Dow Jones ended 2.2% lower. The Nasdaq, however was a bright spot closing 5.7% higher for 2015. Trading volumes were thin on the last day of the year. Apple was down 1.92% weighing on the Nasdaq. McDonald's was down 1.08% at $118 and weighed on the Dow the most. Stocks were led lower as US jobless claims increased by 20,000 to 287,000 last week, wildly missing forecasts of 270,000. Brent crude oil was up 3% at $37.60 per barrel for the day but down 35% over the year. US light crude was 1.2% higher at $37.04 but down 30% for the year.

Summary: (Closed): Wall Street finished its final day of 2015 down, marking its worst annual performance in seven years.


Brenda Wardle - who denies the charges - is accused of pretending to be a practising attorney and offering to represent a convicted murderer. She appeared at Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, South African media report. She featured as an expert on the BBC during the 2014 Pistorius trial. Ms Wardle, 56, also boasts of appearing on Sky News, Fox News and a number of South African broadcasters on her social media profiles. She has published a book called To Kill A Fragile Rose: The State's Case Against Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius. According to local media, these allegations date back to 2009, when she offered to represent a convicted murderer. The family accuse her of charging around 500,000 rand (£28,600; $36,800) for her services over the next four years. Ms Wardle will represent herself, against the advice of the magistrate, The Herald reports. She was refused bail after failing to arrive at court on several occasions, IOL News said. Ms Wardle will next appear in court on 27 July.

Summary: A woman who acted as a legal analyst for the media during the Oscar Pistorius trial has appeared in court charged with fraud.


Police used tear gas on Tuesday to end three days of unrest sparked by the death of an Iranian asylum seeker. CCTV images appear to show two detainees, one armed with a machete, lighting and throwing a petrol bomb. Photos of the aftermath show broken windows, ransacked offices and smashed equipment. The unrest began on Sunday after an escaped detainee was found dead. Inmates started fires and barricaded themselves inside a compound with weapons. Meanwhile, a Border Force spokesperson confirmed that seven detainees who allegedly participated in the unrest were being transferred from Christmas Island to Australia's mainland. "The detainees are travelling on a charter flight accompanied by security officers. Restraints are used where appropriate for the safety and security of detainees, staff and the aircraft," a statement provided to the BBC said. Christmas Island is a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, 2,650km (1,650 miles) north-west of Perth. The facility houses asylum seekers alongside people, including New Zealand citizens, whose Australian visas have been cancelled after they committed crimes. Australia's immigration minister Peter Dutton earlier defended housing asylum seekers with "serious criminals" at the detention centre. Mr Dutton told the ABC that the asylum seekers held at the compound with the convicted criminals - including the New Zealand nationals - were only sent there after risk assessments. "Some [asylum seekers] have had an extreme threat assessment worked up and that's as a result of their own behaviour," he said during a radio interview. "That is the basis on which the [Australian] Border Force officers make a decision about whether somebody is at a high security facility or whether they are at a low-security arrangement." He blamed the unrest on "a hardened criminal population that occupies the immigration detention centre". He also rejected suggestions that some of the New Zealanders held at the camp had only been convicted of minor crimes such as shoplifting and traffic offences. Under controversial policies, Australia sends all intercepted asylum seekers to Christmas Island as well as Manus Island in Papua New Guinea and Nauru in the South Pacific.

Summary: The Australian government has released pictures showing the riot at Christmas Island migrant detention centre earlier this week and its aftermath.


The Love Actually star will have a supporting role in the spy film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander and Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill will also feature in the adaptation of the TV series, which ran from 1964 to 1968. Grant, who most recently starred in Cloud Atlas with Tom Hanks, will play the head of British Naval Intelligence. The film follows special agents Napoleon Solo, played by Cavill, and Illya Kuryakin - Lone Ranger star Hammer - who work for the mysterious United Network Command for Law Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.). Swedish actress Vikander, known for her role as Kitty in Joe Wright's Anna Karenina, has been cast as the female lead, while The Great Gatsby's Elisabeth Debicki will also star in the adaptation. Tom Cruise had been tipped for the role of Solo, originally portrayed by Robert Vaughn in the TV series, while George Clooney was set to play the lead role in director Steven Soderbergh's earlier version of the film. However, Clooney withdrew from the film and Soderbergh subsequently dropped out of the project. Director Ritchie will co-write the script with Lionel Wigram, who wrote both of Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films, starring Robert Downey Jr. Production is due to begin in September with a release planned for 2014. There were 105 episodes of the multi-award winning TV show, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, with the first series broadcast in black-and-white.

Summary: Hugh Grant has been cast in Guy Ritchie's big-screen adaptation of the 1960s TV show, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.


The Dane, Cardiff's top scorer last season, had seen an early effort ruled out for off-side and then found Burton keeper Stephen Bywater in fine form. But with three minutes left Zohore held off two defenders to curl a shot home. Burton could have led in the first half when Marvin Sordell's goal-bound shot was blocked, but had to thank Bywater after half-time as Cardiff dominated. Luck had not been with Nigel Clough's side this week with Liam Boyce suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep the striker out for most of the season. But Burton were thankful to survive an early scare when Zohore pulled away at the back post to turn in Joe Bennett's cross, only to be flagged for off-side. Zohore had an even better chance after being played through by Lee Tomlin, but shot wide across Bywater's goal. Burton should have scored as the game sparked to life just before the break, only for Sol Bamba's last-ditch tackle to deny Sordell from Lloyd Dyer's pull-back. Cardiff started the second half with more urgency and - cheered on by 1,700 travelling fans in a 5,050 crowd at the Pirelli Stadium - soon created a chance for Junior Hoilett, whose shot deflected just wide of the near post. From the resulting corner Bywater pulled off a fine save to stop Bamba's powerful effort. The defender was proving a real nuisance for Albion and Bamba again got free from a free-kick, but headed straight at Bywater. The Bluebirds turned the screw as Cardiff boss Neil Warnock made attack-minded changes and Hoilett's header was deflected wide, Zohore's shot was tipped over and Mendez-Laing blazed wide when well placed. But just as Albion, again tipped as one of the relegation favourites, looked to have battled to a point, Zohore bullied his way into the area to give Warnock a perfect start to his 50th year in football. Burton manager Nigel Clough: "In the second half they put us under a lot of pressure. They put a lot of balls into the box and it has taken a brilliant finish to beat us in the end. "There is not much you can do when someone rifles one in the bottom corner from 20-odd yards out. "I thought for the way we defended we deserved a point and I thought we dealt with things very well and we missed our opportunity in the first half if anything." Cardiff manager Neil Warnock told BBC Radio Wales Sport: "It's a great way to start and you could see the optimism, the fans were fantastic today and kept us at it. The volume was unbelievable. "I tried to be positive with my changes, I made positive subs, because I wanted us to try and win the game. "I felt at half-time we had to do a little bit more going forward... I think the changes helped with that." Match ends, Burton Albion 0, Cardiff City 1. Second Half ends, Burton Albion 0, Cardiff City 1. Foul by Luke Murphy (Burton Albion). Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Cardiff City) wins

Summary: Kenneth Zohore crushed Burton Albion's resistance with a late goal to give Cardiff City an opening day victory.


Police said the elderly man was spotted in the water at Leith at about 22:00 on Wednesday. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance for treatment, but later died. A Police Scotland spokesman said inquiries into the circumstances surrounding this incident were ongoing.

Summary: A man has died after being pulled from the water near the Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh.


Aaron Lewis, 26 and from Toxteth, was shot three times outside Anna Jungs in Grosvenor Road, Wavertree at about 19:00 GMT on Wednesday. He was taken to Aintree Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Merseyside Police believe the offender ran down the road towards the city centre and said the shooting was related to organised crime. Officers said Mr Lewis was known to them. At about 19:40, a 19-year-old man went to hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening and detectives believe he had been with Mr Lewis. The latest death follows the fatal shooting of Thomas Baker at Stanley Meat Market in Old Swan on Friday and highlighted a "serious escalation" of gang violence in Liverpool, police said. Police said that while both deaths were related to serious and organised crime, the shootings were not linked. In addition to Mr Baker and Mr Lewis, Mark Hillman and Blake Brown have been killed in the city. A police spokesman said gun crime had increased in recent months after falling year on year from 2013 to 2016. Since April, 78 firearms have been discharged, 18 more than in the whole of the previous 12 months. An increasing number of new guns are being used, the spokesman added, and officers do not know how or where gangs are obtaining them. Police said the majority of shootings this year were linked to organised crime and the victims will not co-operate with officers. Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Wavertree MP Luciana Berger have joined forces with Merseyside Police to appeal for public help. Ms Berger said: "We as a community need to work together to help end this violence on our streets." Mr Anderson said: "By coming together as a city we can send out a powerful message to the perpetrators that they will be found and... punished." A series of warrants are being executed across Liverpool as part of a planned crackdown on gun crime, but no weapons have been recovered.

Summary: A man has been shot dead in a "cold-blooded, targeted attack" outside a Liverpool chip shop, police said.


Lukasz Robert Pawlowski, 33, stabbed himself before Haverfordwest magistrates on 11 January. On Monday, his case at Swansea Crown Court was adjourned for sentence until 6 March. He was remanded in custody. Pawlowski, from Pembroke Dock, admitted possessing a knife and confirmed his earlier guilty plea to sexual assault. Stuart John, defending, told the court Pawlowski, who spent six weeks in custody after his re-arrest at Swansea's Morriston Hospital, had not yet been assessed by psychiatrists. Judge Paul Thomas said a report on the defendant was needed to assess his actions but "unfortunately" one could not be prepared for two weeks. During the incident last month, witnesses were shocked when Pawlowski started making "frantic jabs" at his neck after returning to the dock from going to the toilet. Paramedics were called and he was airlifted to hospital with what the ambulance service described as "serious" injuries. Pawlowski appeared via video link for Monday's court hearing. Judge Thomas said: "I don't want you to spend any more time in custody than you have to. But I can't make any promises."

Summary: A man who slit his own throat while in a dock awaiting sentence has admitted taking a kitchen knife into a magistrates' court in Pembrokeshire.


The female dog was discovered "dumped like rubbish" in the Overton area of Lancaster. Racing greyhounds are tattooed on their right ears, and it is believed the ear was cut off to destroy identification information. Campaigners are offering a £2,000 reward for information. Greyhound protection group Caged North West was first alerted after spotting a photograph of the dog's body that was shared on the internet. It then discovered the animal behind a water tank a few yards from Main Street. The group later placed CCTV in the area, which recorded footage of a person with a dog searching the small area of ground behind the water tank. Trudy Baker, of the Greytexploitations group, which has joined Caged North West to offer the reward, said it believed whoever dumped the dog had returned to the scene to remove the ear. "It's incredibly sad but greyhounds are over-bred for the gambling industry, and the ones that no longer make the grade become disposable commodities," she said. "We are hoping that this case ends in a prosecution." The campaigners said they would hand the CCTV footage to Lancashire Police. A post-mortem examination of the animal was due to take place.

Summary: A racing greyhound was found dead with its right ear cut off in what is believed to be a crude tactic to prevent its owners being traced.


One of their own was coming home to be given the freedom of the burgh after achieving what was something akin to the moon landing of its time. Captain James Anderson, by then Sir James Anderson, was in command of the ship which laid a telegraph cable under the Atlantic. On 14 December 1866, his fellow Doonhamers put on a banquet worthy of such a significant achievement. The menu for the 200 invited guests at the Assembly Rooms was of a quality - and scale - reserved for only the most special occasions. "The dinner was plentiful, rich and well diversified," reported the Dumfries and Galloway Standard. "The bill of fare including four kinds of soup, as many varieties of fish, a haunch of venison, roasts of beef, braised beef, mutton roast and boiled, pigeon pies, venison pasties, rabbit curries, chicken curries, cutlets, blackgame, grouse, pheasants, woodcocks and many other articles. "A second course followed of puddings, souffles, mince pies, tarts, creams, jellies, blancmanges, trifles and other pastry. "The wines supplied were champagne, hock, port and sherry." It crowned an incredible journey for a boy born in south west Scotland with a passion for the sea. Dumfries and Galloway Council archivist Graham Roberts explained: "He was born in 1824, he was the son of a bookseller who had a shop on the High Street near the top of the vennel, John Anderson. "He was the fourth son - so he wasn't going to go into the family business. "He had a brief apprenticeship as a printer - he got totally fed up and said he wanted to go to sea." A passion - and aptitude - for being out on the water had been with him since his time as a schoolboy in the town. "It was when he was at the Academy that he entered the Dumfries regatta but he didn't have a boat," explained Mr Roberts. "All he had was a tin tub - which became known as Anderson's canister - and he still won the race." His family, somewhat reluctantly, eventually allowed him to join T&J Brocklebank in Whitehaven where his career went from strength to strength. His abilities as a navigator and a leader were quickly recognised. "He shot through the ranks and became a master of a ship in his early 20s and by the 1840s or 1850s he was basically head hunted," said Mr Roberts. "You didn't go from sail to steam but he did and the steam ships were the biggest." Before he reached 40, he was put in charge of the biggest of them all. "In 1862 or 1863 he was head hunted to be captain of the Great Eastern where they were trying to lay the Transatlantic Cable," said Mr Roberts. "The Great Eastern was five times bigger than any ship there had ever been before that. "It remained the biggest ship until the series of ships which included the Titanic. "When you were captaining that ship it wasn't just a small step up navigationally - it was very hard to manoeuvre it."

Summary: The people of Dumfries were in a mood to celebrate 150 years ago.


England, chasing 273 for victory, collapsed from 100-0 to 164 all out as Bangladesh claimed their first Test victory over the visitors. "With the atmosphere of the crowd and men around the bat, it is really difficult," Cook told BBC Radio 5 live. "To do well here you have to be able to handle and repel that." Cook put on 100 runs Ben Duckett, who made an aggressive 56 before becoming the first wicket to fall in a frantic evening session. England's collapse was the third worst by any team who have been 100-0 in Test history. "Maybe we showed our inexperience, in one sense, in sub-continent conditions in terms of batting," Cook added. "I was just looking around the dressing room at how much cricket people have played in the sub-continent and it is not a huge amount. "I don't think we should have been chasing 270. We bowled OK but there were chances that we needed to take." Media playback is not supported on this device Cook, who will take the same squad to India for a five-Test series beginning on 9 November, said he has "thinking to do" about the make-up of his side. "You try and pick a team to win the game and we know we are underdogs going into that India series," he added. "I'm really glad that we came to Bangladesh and that it was the cricket that's done the talking, not the security. You saw what cricket means to the Bangladeshi people." Bangladesh had not played a Test since August 2015 before England's arrival after Australia postponed their tour in October 2015 over security concerns. "We are getting in there but hopefully if we play more Tests I think there will be more good results coming," captain Mushfiqur Rahim said. "Hopefully the ICC and the boards will send us a couple of series against the big boys." "The next challenge is our overseas form. We have to adapt really well because you can't get home conditions everywhere." Ben Stokes has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the final day's play. The incident happened during the morning session when Stokes ignored the on-field umpires' repeated requests to stop sledging Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman.

Summary: England captain Alastair Cook blamed inexperience for England's batting collapse during their 108-run defeat by Bangladesh in the second Test in Dhaka.


Sandwell Councillor Mahboob Hussain is accused of six alleged council code of conduct breaches, according to solicitors Gowling WLG. The law firm was brought in 15 months ago to investigate alleged irregularities in the sale of the authority's former properties. Mr Hussain, now suspended by Labour, denies any wrongdoing. Gowling investigated alleged irregularities in sales from 2011-2013, including three old public toilet blocks and a former coroner's office in Smethwick. A parallel police investigation ended in March with no further action. Publication of Gowling's report had been delayed after legal action by "one of the parties named", the council said, but was published on Friday "in the public interest". Documents leaked to the BBC earlier had shed light on its findings. The authority's chief executive Jan Britton said the "next step" was to refer allegations to its internal disciplinary watchdog- the standards committee - to consider. Mr Britton said a review would take place to "tighten up council procedures on land sales" and it would "consider if any disciplinary action against employees was required." The allegations set out in the report include: Former economy chief councillor Mr Jones and Mr Hussain stood down from the ruling cabinet after investigations began, but both had their suspensions from the Labour party lifted before elections on 5 May. Mr Hussain has now been suspended afresh, the party confirmed. Tipton Green ward councillor Mr Jones, whom the report said faced no misconduct issue, said he was "pleased" to see the report published and with those conclusions. He added: "Throughout this matter I have always protested my innocence of any wrongdoing and I have always fully co-operated with all investigations." Oldbury ward councillor Mr Hussain gave evidence to the report that he did not know who was buying the toilet blocks because the purchase was through a company name, not the name of his friend. He said he had not been consulted and had not been aware of the price. Mr Hafeez, who was arrested last year, provided no evidence despite requests, the report said. He has not yet responded to further questions from the BBC. Police told him in November 2015 he would face no action. He said in November his arrest "did not relate to the sale or purchase of any former Sandwell Council properties" and he was "considering taking legal action against a number of individuals and organisations". Analysis Behind this saga is no little irony. The council introduced its so-called asset management strategy, under which it planned to streamline its operations into fewer buildings, to reduce its overheads and bring in some money by selling off property it no longer needed, it said to mitigate government cuts. In the months since these investigations began, the council has spent thousands of pounds on solicitors to investigate these serious allegations â€Žand commissioning James Goudie QC to advise the council on whether it could publish the solicitors' work, putting a big dent in any money it might have made on these sales.

Summary: Misconduct alleged against a former deputy council leader will be pursued, the authority says.


A 9mm self-loading pistol, ammunition, four Enfield pistols and a rifle component were found at Albert Patterson's house in Hereford, the Hereford Times reported. The 65-year-old was jailed for 15 months at the city's Crown Court. He had already admitted three firearms offences, possessing prohibited ammunition and possessing ammunition without a certificate. More on this story and others from Herefordshire West Mercia Police said Patterson was arrested in January last year and charged in December. Two charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and a second charge of possessing ammunition without a certificate will remain on file following Wednesday's hearing. Former SAS soldier Lofty Wiseman who helped train Patterson, described him as a "good lad" who had been naive. "He broke the law unfortunately. He had to get punished," he said. "If he wanted a weapon as a keepsake, you could have had it de-activated, but by having a weapon, a serviceable weapon and ammunition, I think it's the ammunition that's really been the nail in the coffin. "If you have a weapon in a house with ammunition, there's always that temptation... you can never say you're going to use it but different circumstances, state of mind, if it's there, it can be used so that's where you must have laws."

Summary: A former SAS soldier has been jailed for possessing weapons and ammunition.


The organisation said that councils stood "ready, willing and able to take at least 2,000 refugees". All 32 local authorities have agreed to support a "coordinated response" to the humanitarian crisis. But not all council areas may end up receiving refugees due to the complex needs of those arriving. At least 18 local authorities could see the first groups of people arriving before Christmas, Cosla said. The UNHCR estimates that 520,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Europe by sea so far this year, most braving dangerous journeys from North Africa and Turkey as they flee the conflict in Syria. The Scottish government has pledged to accept at least 2,000 of the 20,000 refugees which the UK government has agreed to take. Cosla president David O'Neill said there had been an "unprecedented response" from Scottish local government to the crisis. He added: "A number of councils had already been in discussions with the Home Office about their involvement in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme. "The last three weeks has seen all Scotland's councils willing to support a coordinated response to what can only be described as a humanitarian crisis. "For many councils that has seen them committing to taking refugees immediately." Glasgow City Council was one of a small number of councils across the UK that had already taken in Syrian refugees, with more than a quarter of refugees that have arrived in the UK through the scheme being housed there. Cosla said Scotland's local authorities had an excellent track record in supporting the most vulnerable in society and already had effective systems and partnerships in place which makes them well placed to host Syrian refugees in their communities. But it said it recognised the scale of the task and the need for detailed planning. Cosla spokesman Harry McGuigan said: "We fully recognise that this is not simply about matching people to houses, and that we must meet the wider needs of people so that they can integrate into our communities and build a safe life in Scotland. "The response to this crisis will therefore be focused on balancing the urgency of the situation with planning the most appropriate ways in which councils and their community planning partners receive and integrate these extremely vulnerable people." Cosla called on the Home Office and the Scottish government to ensure the programme is fully resourced so that local authorities and partners in areas such as health, the police and the voluntary sector could put appropriate services in place to meet the needs of refugees.

Summary: Syrian refugees are likely to have arrived in many areas of Scotland by Christmas, local authority body Cosla has said.


The Chancellor will meet finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble to set out more details of the UK's bid to renegotiate its EU membership. Securing German backing is important for the success of British plans for reform. David Cameron has already courted support from Chancellor Angela Merkel. Mr Osborne said: "The UK and German economies are the beating heart of Europe, the engine for growth and jobs. "Together we make the world's third-largest economy, behind only America and China, and since the crisis ended, we have generated two-thirds of EU growth. "But the future holds challenges for our economies. We must cut debt and boost productivity. To do this, we need a strong EU, fit for today's challenges and working for the benefit of all 28 member states. "The UK's reform and renegotiation plans aim to achieve this, which is why these talks with key partners in Europe are so important." Mr Osborne will also visit a Siemens factory in the German capital and address an audience of business leaders at the annual conference of the BDI, the Federation of German Industries. In May Germany's Chambers of Commerce and Industry warned that a UK exit from the EU would be "disastrous" for the two countries. Volker Treier, deputy chief executive of the organisation, told the BBC that German business was "astonished" that the UK was planning a referendum on its EU membership. David Cameron's renegotiation plans will be formally debated for the first time by the EU's 28 leaders at a summit in Brussels in mid-December.

Summary: The British and German economies are the "beating heart" of Europe, George Osborne has said as he heads to Berlin for talks on reforming the EU.


It was the 30-year-old's first triumph since a stage win on the 2015 Vuelta a Castilla y Leon and his team's first grand tour stage for two years. Race leader Tom Dumoulin, who lost time following an unexpected toilet stop on Tuesday, had no such problems again and retained a 31-second overall lead. Britain's Adam Yates was 30th and is 11th overall with four stages left. Find out how to get into cycling with our special guide. Rolland prevailed from an 18-man group who broke away 7.8km from the finish of the 219km stage from Tirano to Canazei. Dumoulin crossed the finish line nearly eight minutes behind Rolland with the main peloton but retains possession of the pink jersey ahead of Colombian rival Nairo Quintana. 1. Pierre Rolland (Fr/Cannondale) 5hr 42min 56sec 2. Rui Costa (Por/UAE Team Emirates) +24secs 3. Gorka Izagirre (Sp/Movistar) Same time 4. Rory Sutherland (Aus/Movistar) Same time 5. Matteo Busato (It/Wilier Triestina) Same time 6. Dries Devenyns (Bel/Quick-Step) Same time 7. Felix Grossschartner (Aut/CCC) Same time 8. Omar Fraile (Sp/Dimension Data) Same time 9. Michael Woods (Can/Cannondale) Same time 10. Julien Berard (Fr/AG2R) Same time 1. Tom Dumoulin (Ned/Sunweb) 76hrs 05mins 38secs 2. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +31secs 3. Vincenzo Nibali (It/Bahrain) +1min 12secs 4. Thibaut Pinot (Fr/FDJ) +2mins 38secs 5. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus/Katusha) +2mins 40secs 6. Domenico Pozzovivo (It/AG2R) +3mins 05secs 7. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +3mins 49secs 8. Bob Jungels (Lux/Quick-Step) +4mins 35secs 9. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/LottoNL) +6mins 20secs 10. Jan Polanc (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) +6mins 33secs

Summary: Frenchman Pierre Rolland ended a two-year wait for victory by winning the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia.


Let's not forget the traditional argument with your other half about whose job it was to buy all the batteries for the children's new toys - which are currently a source of tension because nobody can turn them on. Am I right? If that sounds all too familiar and you fancy keeping the whole thing a bit more spiritual this year without giving up your gadgets, here are five ways to enjoy Christmas online: Everyday Church Online, which launched in the UK in September, runs virtual services every Sunday for a net-based congregation from around the world. Everyone's invited to log on and chat while a recorded sermon is streamed. So far, people from 61 different countries have logged on, according to online pastor Darren Parker. "There are lots of reasons why people can't get to church on a Sunday so we thought we would bring the church to them," he says. "The chat room is like the foyer of a church." Virtual prayer requests received from the global congregation have included: Its first Christmas theme is Star Wars, the subject of three festive sermons. "We found some real truths [in the franchise] which compare to Christmas," says Mr Parker. "The new Star Wars is called The Force Awakens. Our sermons are called The Hope Awakens - it's about awakening hope for humanity." The Star Wars sermon will be running throughout the day on the church's website. Guardians of Ancora is a recently launched, free-to-play fantasy game available on Android, iPhone and Kindle platforms. It's developed by the same people behind the young people's group the Scripture Union. The game is aimed at eight to 11-year-olds and director Terry Clutterham says 45,000 were playing within four months of its release. "Ancora is a weird, wonderful, amazing place but it is a fictional space where children enter as guardians," he says. "The problem with Ancora is that the light has been stolen from that world, so there is darkness around. "It's the role of the guardians to rediscover the lost treasured stories which are the stories of the Bible... and those stories help to light up the world." You get the idea. Special content created for Christmas includes two new Bible-themed quests in which players find the birth of the baby Jesus. There are lots of very charming nativity videos out there but it's not easy to rack up the hits. German marketing company Viral.de had huge success with its 2010 video The Digital Story of Nativity, which has so far been viewed almost six million times. There are no actors, no animals, and not even a stable. The whole story is told in the form of Facebook status updates, tweets, Google searches and Foursquare check-ins. Highlights include one "Joseph Carpenter" buying a cow and a donkey on Farmville before uploading a baby picture, which looks suspiciously like a Christmas card. The Churches Advertising Network also had a respectable go - Christmas Starts with a Baby's Giggle, which features a modern-day couple sitting in a trendy living room with their baby, only for

Summary: Nothing says Christmas more than watching that Harry Potter movie you've already seen 2,900 times, eating a mountain of lukewarm turkey and trying to work out where you're going to put all those new socks.


Crews were called to a building site in Bloomery Circle, Llanwern, at 21:15 BST on Wednesday. The blaze burned for more than 10 hours before it was extinguished. It is understood the burning material included a large amount of scrapped railway sleepers. A Gwent Police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire... which is believed to have been deliberately set."

Summary: A fire involving about 100 tonnes of waste wood and rubbish in Newport was started deliberately, the police and fire service have said.


27 January 2015 Last updated at 14:30 GMT They show that the asteroid has its own small moon orbiting it. The asteroid passed by the Earth at a safe distance of 1.2 million km, giving scientists a rare chance to study it 'up close'. The new data shows that asteroid 2004 BL86 is about 325m across, and its moon is around 70m wide. Now that it has passed Earth the asteroid will continue on its orbit around the Sun, and it won't come this close again for another 200 years! The next 'close shave' of a large asteroid is due in 2027: that object is called 1999 AN10 and is just over 1km wide.

Summary: New pictures of asteroid 2004 BL86, which passed close by Earth yesterday, have been released by US space agency Nasa.


According to parent company Liberty Global, Virgin Media originally said it had connected 465,000 new premises in the UK and Ireland in 2016. But following a review, that number has been revised down to 314,000. Liberty said Virgin had exaggerated how fast it could complete the connections. In a regulatory filing, the US company explained that - under Virgin's own reporting standards - the figures included premises where installation work was "essentially complete" but not actually finished. That included 142,000 sites that had been expected to be connected during the first three months of 2017. However, Liberty said that in late February 2017, it had discovered that "the construction work necessary to connect a substantial number of [these premises] had not progressed as originally understood". This prompted it to carry out a review, in which it found "the completion status" of some premises had been "misrepresented". Liberty also said Virgin Media had "inadvertently" classified a further 9,000 unfinished premises as connected, when they had not been. Dan Howdle, a consumer telecoms analyst at Cable.co.uk, told the BBC: "Clearly the way in which the numbers had been reported failed to preclude the possibility of jumping the gun, though there is no evidence an intent to mislead lay behind it." He added: "Virgin Media appears to be dealing with the issue decisively, though mistakes resulting in stories of this nature are unlikely to leave a brand completely unscathed." Four Virgin Media employees have been suspended in connection with Liberty's investigation and could face disciplinary action "including dismissal". The company said the setback would affect the total number of premises Virgin Media connected during the first half of 2017. However, it said it had taken steps to speed up Project Lightning, including appointing a new managing director, Robert Evans, to lead the scheme. It also said Virgin would no longer include uncompleted connections in its figures. Launched in 2015, Virgin's Project Lightning is designed to connect about four million more UK homes and businesses to broadband speeds of 300Mbs. By the end of December it had reached 567,000 premises in total - down from the 718,000 previously reported.

Summary: Virgin Media has suspended four members of staff and begun an investigation after it admitted overstating the expansion of its superfast broadband network, dubbed Project Lightning.


Media playback is not supported on this device Guy, 20, took third behind winner Dutchman Sebastiaan Verschuren in the 200m freestyle after missing out on the men's 400m final. Tutton, 19, claimed bronze in the 100m women's breaststroke race won by world record holder Ruta Meilutyte. "That race was amazing," Tutton told BBC Sport. "I'm just over the moon." Meilutyte triumphed in one minute 6.17 seconds, ahead of Iceland's Hilda Luthersdottir. The Plymouth-based Lithuanian was winning back at the pool where she took the 2012 Olympic title aged 15. Tutton edged out Irish swimmer Fiona Doyle for third in 1:07.50, with Tutton's team-mate Molly Renshaw in seventh. Media playback is not supported on this device In the 200m freestyle, Verschuren won gold in a time of 1:46.02, with Serbia's Velimir Stjepanovic second in 1:46.26 and Guy finishing in 1:46.42. "For me, that was a great swim and a season's best," said Guy. "Rio is going to be a real scrap to the finish line." Britain's Max Litchfield and Dan Wallace were seventh and eighth in the men's 200m individual medley final won by Greece's Andreas Vazaios. Scot Ross Murdoch breezed through to Thursday's 200m breaststroke final with a winning time of 2:09.72.

Summary: England's James Guy and Welsh swimmer Chloe Tutton won bronze medals at the European Championships in London.


22 May 2017 Last updated at 07:13 BST A team of researchers say they've come up with a new exercise that cuts the risk of kids getting hurt when playing rugby. The exercise could now be introduced in schools. Watch Jenny's report for more.

Summary: Rugby is not the most gentle of sports and it's been hitting the headlines because of some bad head injuries.


Sterling dropped 0.5% against the dollar to trade at $1.2872, while it also shed a similar amount against the euro to 1.1844 euros. The Bank trimmed its 2017 growth forecast and said household spending was slowing more quickly than expected. Rates were held at 0.25%, as expected, after a 7-1 vote by policymakers. Some analysts had speculated that a second member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee might vote in favour of a rate rise. On the stock market, the FTSE 100 index closed almost flat, up 1.4 points at 7,386.6, helped by a positive performance from mining shares. Silver miner Fresnillo rose 5%, while Randgold Resources and Antofagasta also rallied. Pharmaceuticals firm Hikma dropped 8.2%, making it the biggest faller, after US regulators delayed approval for a new drug. Hikma has been developing a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's lung drug Advair, but US regulators found "major" issues with its application. The company said there was now "a low likelihood" that the drug would be approved this year. Centrica, the British Gas owner, fell a further 5.4% after it went ex-dividend and JP Morgan cut its rating to "underweight" from "overweight". The bank's analysts pointed to concerns around the impact of regulation given millions of British Gas customers are on standard variable tariffs, and the potential threat of a price war. BT fell 4.5% after reporting a slide in annual profits. Mondi was another faller, down 1.7% after the South African packaging company reported lower profits. First-quarter operating profits dropped 6% to 252m euros (Â£212m) as a result of lower selling prices and rising costs.

Summary: The pound fell sharply after the Bank of England's latest Inflation Report was seen as ruling out any rate rises for some time.


Jamie Cox attacked Viktoria Gribovskaja at her home in Lambeth, south London, in July last year. The Swindon-based WBO European super-middleweight title holder, who was overheard threatening to "knock out" Ms Gribovskaja, had denied assault. But he was found guilty after a trial at Croydon Magistrates' Court. The victim was awoken in the early hours of the morning by Cox forcing his way into her flat, the court heard. She called 999 before he broke through her bedroom door. The 29-year-old boxer, who appeared in court under his real name Jamie Russan, was convicted of assault by beating, violence to secure entry, harassment and criminal damage. Alex Slater, prosecuting, said: "Viktoria said she had never been so scared in her life. She thought he was going to kill her." He was heard in a recording of a 999 call, which lasted 21 minutes, to say: "I will knock you spark out." At his trial last month, Cox said he had "barged" through Ms Gribovskaja's front and bedroom doors because he feared she "could kill herself". He denied putting his hands on her. But magistrates found the victim's account of the confrontation "credible and convincing". Nathaniel Ikeazor, representing Cox, told the court the boxer regretted the incident. He said: "Jamie is remorseful as to how his actions affected Viktoria and affected the relationship thereafter." Cox was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for the assault and harassment charges, 20 weeks for violence to secure entry and 12 weeks for criminal damage, to run concurrently. He was ordered to pay Â£1,105 in compensation to his victim and court costs, and given a restraining order barring him from contacting her indefinitely. Cox showed no emotion as the sentence was handed down. Speaking outside court, his trainer of 10 years, John Costello, said his legal team will appeal against the decision and are "confident he will clear his name". Cox will be suspended from boxing for the duration of his sentence, Mr Costello confirmed.

Summary: A champion boxer who forced his way into his ex-girlfriend's flat and grabbed her around the throat has been jailed.


Ben Flynn, 24, enticed the boy to his home in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, with promises to use his Playstation and offered to pay his bus fare. Police described Flynn as a "dangerous predator". At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court Flynn, of Kings Walk, admitted 13 sex offences including two counts of rape and two sexual assaults. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act. Flynn also admitted a breach of sex offence prevention order and one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. In March last year, Flynn sent his victim a friend request on Facebook despite having never met or spoken to him. The boy was then bombarded with private messages and Flynn offered to let him play computer games at his home. When they met Flynn kissed the boy and touched him sexually before trying to take him to his bedroom but the boy refused. He then pestered his victim, offered to pay his victim and went on to abuse him on two further occasions. The boy's sister came across Flynn's messages to her brother and told her mother who phoned the police. Det Con Claire Pickavance, of Greater Manchester Police, said the paedophile did not "show a shred of humanity" to the boy. She added: "Ben Flynn is a dangerous predator who preyed on a young boy via social media before arranging to meet with him so that he could satisfy his own depraved urges."

Summary: A paedophile who raped a 12-year-old boy after grooming him online has been jailed for 13 years.


Officers fired tyre-deflation rounds at the raiders' Mercedes after they tried to ram a police car to escape. Two further rounds were discharged at another car which was mistakenly thought to be involved. The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) said the officers' response was "wholly justified." No members of the public were injured during the incident on 12 February last year. The five men were arrested outside the restaurant after stealing an ATM in Carnoustie earlier that day. Seven men were convicted of blowing up cash machines at banks and supermarkets across England and Scotland at Liverpool Crown Court this week. The Pirc report said the police firearms response was "necessary and proportionate" due to the high risk posed to the public. Commissioner Kate Frame said: "The police response, to what was a significant threat to public safety and the officers themselves, was wholly justified. "They had reliable intelligence to indicate they were dealing with suspects who had access to firearms, a history of extreme violence and who had previously used high-powered stolen vehicles to ram police vehicles and escape. "When the suspects then used the same dangerous tactic to try and avoid arrest during this incident, the use of tyre deflation rounds to disable their vehicle was not only necessary but proportionate."

Summary: Police firearms officers who cornered an ATM theft gang at an Arbroath McDonald's restaurant shot at a car not involved in the crime, it has emerged.


Six are charged with attempted murder, accused of setting fire to newspaper with which the man had covered himself. The seventh is charged with failing to assist the Polish man, who was only saved by the actions of passers-by after his attackers fled. The attack, which was captured on CCTV, shocked the country. Six of the accused come from Syria, a seventh from Libya. They range between 16 and 21 in age. They arrived in Germany between 2014 and 2016, some as unaccompanied minors, say German media reports. The case has renewed debate about the care of unaccompanied minors, as well as adding to an ongoing argument about whether CCTV cameras help combat crime. Germany surveillance: Security trumps privacy as video bill passed Why are 10,000 migrant children missing in Europe? The attack took place in the Schoenleinstrasse underground station in the southern Berlin district of Neukoelln at about 02:00 (01:00 GMT) on Christmas Day. The alleged ringleader, a 21-year-old Syrian, is accused of lighting a handkerchief and placing it near the man's head, and then running away as the flames spread to the man's backpack and a plastic bag. A train driver used a fire extinguisher to control the flames as passers-by helped to put them out. Six of the suspects surrendered to police immediately after CCTV pictures of the incident in Berlin were released. The alleged ringleader was arrested near his home. He now says he was drunk and cannot remember what happened. But he will be charged as an adult and will face at least three years behind bars if found guilty. They have all been in detention since 27 December.

Summary: Seven young migrants have gone on trial in Germany, over a Christmas day attack on a homeless man which could have killed him.


Coleman senior died in 2014 after his son's first campaign in charge of Wales had ended with the failure to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. "I probably helped to put him where he is now," Coleman said before Wales meet Belgium in Lille on Friday evening. "He loved football and would have loved this. He would have been ecstatic." Coleman, 46, went on to lead Wales to a first major international tournament for 58 years and even surpassed rivals England in reaching the quarter-final stages of Euro 2016. "My dad was a huge football fan and unfortunately he witnessed the first campaign," Coleman continued. After his playing career was cut short by injury, Coleman was appointed Fulham manager in April 2003 and kept the Cottagers in the Premier League in his debut season. "If you manage your country it is different to managing a club. Your family feel it much more," he added. "Not getting a result, they feel it. They do. It is a tough one. Equally when it is going great, they are on cloud nine - and at the moment they are loving it."

Summary: Chris Coleman wishes his father Paddy was alive to see Wales reach the quarter-finals of the European Championships.


After intervention from the Chinese ambassador, it is also now the litmus test for Anglo-China relations under the new regime at Number 10. After EDF's board narrowly agreed to press ahead with the project, the UK government surprised company officials by saying it needed several weeks to consider before signing. The decision to delay is widely thought to have come from Theresa May herself, influenced by Joint Chief of Staff and outspoken critic of China's creeping influence, Nick Timothy. Without China's involvement, this project would not have received EDF board approval. It was seen as a risk sharing mechanism for the French, a prestige project for China and the ushering in of ever-closer Chinese relations. Nevertheless, and perhaps understandably, the prime minister wanted time to think. Well, today's warning from the Chinese ambassador that the relationship between the two countries is at risk has given her plenty to think about. Writing in the Financial Times, Liu Xiaoming made clear that the stakes here are high by linking government approval for Hinkley Point to the future of the relationship which is he said a "crucial historical juncture". No kidding. In a post Brexit world, Britain needs all the friends it can get and much was made of the importance of forging close trade links with non-EU nations. There may be legitimate security concerns over having sensitive infrastructure assets under Chinese management but a decision to back out will clearly take the shine off the "golden era" of collaboration between the two countries, proclaimed during Xi Jinping's state visit last year. Theresa May is not the only one who wants to take her time. The French Journal du Dimanche quoted an unnamed EDF manager pointing out the benefits of hitting the pause button. If construction was delayed until 2019 when a similar reactor will be up and running (fingers crossed) at Flamanville in France, the cost of financing the project would fall dramatically. With a working example, EDF could secure cheaper loans with government guarantees rather than self finance through costly equity. That would reduce the threat to EDF's finances, appease the French unions and lower the guaranteed price of the electricity produced from £92.50 to £75 per megawatt hour - a big saving for UK taxpayers. It would however delay the project another three years at a time when infrastructure spending is seen as crucial to create jobs, stimulate the economy and keep the lights on. Plenty to keep the PM's mind occupied when she heads off for her summer holidays.

Summary: Hinkley Point is the world's most expensive nuclear project.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 13 January 2015 Last updated at 16:34 GMT Adelaide and Victoria in southern Australia have seen some of the worst bushfires for 30 years. Injured possums, koalas, kangaroos and wallabies have been arriving at animal rescue centres almost every day. A charity called IFAW appealed for the public to sew tiny mittens, to help protect koalas that had burned paws. So many people sent in mittens, they received enough to last them for a year. Now the charity has asked people to sew comfy pouches help the injured baby kangaroos, called joeys, recover. The pouches help keep the babies warm but have to be changed after every feed, so up to six pouches are needed for each animal every day. The animals are being looked after by keepers at Adelaide Zoo. Once they're better they will be released back to the wild.

Summary: Wildlife sanctuaries across southern Australia have been helping injured animals - by asking the public to sew mittens and pouches!


He told The Hollywood Reporter he was "super excited" and wanted "to put a different spin on it", but did not expand on what role he would play. The film will see Jordan reunite with his Creed director Ryan Coogler. "I'm looking forward to working with Ryan once again. It's gonna be a good time," he said. He added he could not wait to work with Nyong'o, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for 12 Years a Slave in 2014, as well as Chadwick Boseman - who is currently on the big screen playing Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. Jordan played the Human Torch in last year's Fantastic Four flop reboot. Nyong'o also played CGI character Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Black Panther will be released in February 2018.

Summary: Michael B Jordan has confirmed he and Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o will be among the cast of the upcoming Marvel superhero film Black Panther.


Competitors aged 14 to 19 are hiking distances of up to 55 miles (89 km) visiting 10 nominated tors over two days. The 56th event started at 07:00 BST, with 2,400 teenagers - many from school and youth groups from across the South West - taking part. The first teams are expected to cross the finish line on Sunday morning. Source: BBC/Ten Tors The teenagers left Okehampton Camp, where Dartmoor National Park head ranger Rob Steemson said it was an "enormous challenge". The event is organised by the Army and assisted by the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Dartmoor Rescue Group. Each team has a GPS tracker, so safety teams can find out where each group of teenagers is. The tracker also has an emergency button if help is needed.

Summary: Thousands of teenagers are trekking across Dartmoor in the famous Ten Tors challenge.


Nama sold its entire Northern Ireland portfolio to Cerberus, a US investment fund, in 2014. The Irish Times has reported that the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) will say that failings in the sales process could have resulted in "hundred of millions of euro" not being realised. Nama, an Irish state agency, was established in 2009 to take control of billions of euro of bad property loans which were damaging the Irish banks. Controversy around the sales process has centred on the role of the businessman and former Nama advisor Frank Cushnahan. While working as an advisor to Nama he began talking to a US investment fund, Pimco, which was interested in buying the portfolio. He then left his Nama role and went on to assist the fund with its bid. He was due to be paid £5m if the bid succeeded - but it collapsed when Nama learned of Mr Cushnahan's role. Subsequently only two other firms made offers to buy the Northern Ireland portfolio. The highest bid of £1.24bn - a fraction above the minimum reserve price - was made by Cerberus. The other offer from Fortress was for £1.1bn, which was below the reserve. Earlier this year, the BBC Spotlight programme broadcast a covert recording in which Mr Cushnahan claimed he was also due to be paid a fee in relation to the Cerberus deal. The Irish Times reports that the C&AG will say that "while it impossible to be definitive", shortcomings in the sales process meant Nama did not receive hundreds of millions of euro that it might otherwise have. A Nama spokesman said: "We're not making any comment and will respond when the report is published." In a statement, the Department of Finance in Dublin, said: "'The minister will brief his cabinet colleagues at an upcoming government meeting. "The report will be published thereafter. No further comment will be made until after publication." Mr Cushnahan has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to his Nama role. Cerberus has said that the sales process for the loan portfolio was "conducted with full integrity" on its part. Earlier this week, BBC NI's Spotlight programme reported that Mr Cushnahan was recorded accepting a £40,000 cash payment from a Nama borrower. Mr Cushnahan, who was advising Nama at the time, has denied any wrongdoing. Following the broadcast, First Minister Arlene Foster rejected a call by Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness for a cross-border Nama inquiry saying it was "not appropriate". Mr McGuinness said he supported such an inquiry following new revelations in the Spotlight programme about Nama's role in Northern Ireland's biggest ever property deal.

Summary: The Republic's spending watchdog has reportedly concluded that the £1.2bn sale of Nama's Northern Ireland loan portfolio had "irregularities" and "shortcomings".


Project director David Climie told MSPs that any bad weather could still make it "challenging" to hit the target, but said that "everything that can safely be done is being done". It was originally hoped the Queensferry Crossing could open by December 2016. Mr Climie said changing the date was a "painful process", but said the new target date was "realistic". The project also remains within its budget of £1.35bn. The contract for completion of the bridge runs until June 2017, but a target had been set of opening it by December 2016. However, it was announced in June that this deadline now could not be met due to high winds forcing work to stop on 25 days during April and May, using up the time contractors had put aside for contingencies. Mr Climie said there had been a "worse than average winter", which had caused delays, but that he was now confident it could be open by May 2017 after a "good three months". Questioned by MSPs at Holyrood's rural economy and connectivity committee, Mr Climie said: "I'm always an optimist so I hope it will be before May, but I'm also a realist so I accept there are certain circumstances where it could be after May. "The main issue that could affect it is one we can't control, the weather. May is a very reasonable assumption and that's certainly what were aiming for, that we believe we can achieve and that the contractor is telling us they believe they can achieve." MSPs were told that 93 of 110 deck units were now in place, and that work had progressed well on supporting roads and infrastructure. The committee heard there were still "incredibly frustrating" days when work could not be done due to wind, but that contractors Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors had shown flexibility to keep the project moving forward. There was also a pause in the project after a 60-year-old worker was killed on the site. Mr Climie said the fatal accident had been "a great shock to the project and a great setback to us all", and said that safety was top priority for the project team. The Health and Safety Executive are still investigating the incident, which occurred during "routine maintenance". Mr Climie was also questioned about why the completion date had changed by six months after previous hopes the project could open early. He said: "It was reasonable at the beginning of March for the contactor to expect that the weather would improve, that we would get into a better period of weather, and that even though they were behind where they wanted to be, they could recover to get there by December. "What happened in April and May was exactly the contrary of that, it was significantly worse than expected. And therefore rather than recovering time they were losing time. "And realistically it comes to a point where if you're trying to recover one month in 10, that's realistically possible in terms of a major construction project. "But if you're trying to recover two months in

Summary: The new Forth Crossing remains on course to be opened by May 2017, Transport Scotland has said.


A survey of 2,750 11- to 18-year-olds found one in 10 admitted checking their mobile phones for notifications at least 10 times a night. The poll was carried out by Digital Awareness UK and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. The organisations warn night-time usage of mobiles means pupils are coming to school tired and unable to concentrate. They recommend having a "digital detox" and putting mobile devices away for 90 minutes before lights-out or keeping them out of the bedroom. Of the 45% of survey respondents who check their phones when they should be sleeping, almost all (94%) are on social media - with a tenth saying they would feel stressed about missing out if they did not check their device before going to sleep. Of this group, 75% are listening to music and over half (57%) are watching films. A third (32%) of these youngsters say their parents are not aware that they check their mobile device after going to bed. The findings also show: Charlotte Robertson, DAUK co-founder, said: "One of the biggest topics around at the moment is excessive social media consumption and how it is affecting our physical and emotional wellbeing. "A lot of them [children] are waking up sometimes with over 100 notifications from conversations that have happened overnight. "They want to be that person that is responding at 01:00, and seen to be quite cool, to make sure they catch the joke - it's a huge driver, that anxiety of wanting to know what's happened." HMC chairman Mike Buchanan said: "The data suggests those who do check their phones, they're mostly driven by not wishing to miss out. "Clearly there are some times when children are not concentrating because they are tired, and that has an obvious impact on their ability to keep up with what's going on - there is a desire to stay within the group. "It's not that this [technology] is all horrible and terrible and that we should all be wringing our hands. "It is more a case that here's the reality, let's use it and try to influence the use of technology in a positive way."

Summary: Almost half (45%) of young people are checking their mobile phones after they have gone to bed, a poll suggests.


Since regaining its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has become one of the most economically successful of the European Union's newer eastern European members. Ruled at various times during the middle ages by Denmark, the German knights of the Livonian Order, and Sweden, Estonia ended up part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. It experienced its first period of independence in 1918, following the end of the First World War and the collapse of the Russian Empire. Country profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring But the new state, which underwent periods of both democratic and authoritarian rule, was short-lived. After only 20 years, Estonia was forcefully incorporated into Soviet Union in 1940, following a pact between Hitler and Stalin. German troops occupied Estonia during World War II, before being driven out by the Soviet army. Few nations formally recognised the Soviet annexation, and Estonians consider it an illegal occupation. One of its legacies is a large Russian minority - about a quarter of the population, according to the 2011 census. In Soviet times, the influx of non-Estonians led some to fear for the survival of Estonian culture and language. The Russians' status has been a cause of controversy. Some, including the Russian government, criticise requirements needed to obtain Estonian citizenship - especially the need to show a proficiency in the Estonian language - that left most ethnic Russians stateless after independence. Estonia says the criteria for citizenship are similar to those of most nations around the world, and have been in any case gradually eased. It says the number of stateless persons has dropped by 80% between 1992 and 2013. Since independence, Estonia has politically and economically anchored itself firmly to the West, joining the EU and Nato in 2004. It sent a contingent of troops as part of Nato operations in Afghanistan. Russia's intervention in the Ukrainian crisis in 2014 has triggered some nervousness in Estonia over President Vladimir Putin's intentions towards other former Soviet states. The Estonian government has been fiercely critical of Russia's behaviour and has affirmed its pro-Nato stance in response to the events in Ukraine. Estonian governments have tended to pursue strongly free-market economic policies, privatising state enterprises, introducing a flat-rate income tax, liberalising regulation, encouraging free trade and keeping public debt low. There has also been a strong emphasis on making Estonia a world leader in technology, leading some to speak of an "e-economy". This has included creating one of the world's fastest broadband networks, offering widespread free wireless internet, encouraging technology start-ups and putting government services online. In 2007, Estonia was the first country to allow online voting in a general election. The country experienced an investment boom in the early 2000s, especially after EU membership, with high annual growth rates hovering between 7-10%. In 2008, Estonia's economy was hit by the global financial crisis. The government adopted tough austerity measures and won plaudits for getting the economy back into shape. The country joined the European single currency in January 2011. The Estonian language is closely related to

Summary: Estonia is the most northerly of the three Baltic states, and has linguistic ties with Finland.


Walter Palmer from the state of Minnesota is believed to have paid about ??32,000 to hunt lions in the wild. Cecil, the lion he shot, was a massive tourist attraction and famous in Africa for being relaxed around humans. Mr Palmer said he thought the hunt was legal and didn't know the lion was protected. Cecil's death has prompted a huge reaction from many on social media, with tens of thousands of people signing a petition asking for Cecil's killer to be punished for what he did. Hunting lions is not illegal in Zimbabwe, and in many other countries in Africa, but hunters have to have special permits from the government allowing them to kill certain animals. Some people in Zimbabwe also argue hunting can have a positive impact. They say the money paid by tourists can be used for conservation and to create jobs for local people. I don't think people should hunt animals for sport, it's wrong and what did Cecil do to Walter in the first place? Nothing! It's not fair, money can't buy what that lion gave to us, love. If Walter can't see that he should open his eyes and see what really is important in life - money or love? Daisy, Monmouthshire, Wales I believe that it is a cruel sport that shouldn't be done anywhere because the killing of animals will increase extinction. Even though the killing of animals is still done in certain countries I believe it is a cruel and unforgiving sport. From what has happened I believe that if anyone spends money to slay an animal they should still be arrested. In my opinion if anyone would want to pay to kill an animal I would consider them 'sick in the head'. Ellie, Leeds, England I think it's wrong to hunt animals for sport because the hunter doesn't benefit from it and it's strange that someone gets a buzz from taking an animal's life. I know people that hunt deer but they do it for food and appreciate the fact that they've had to kill an animal to get the meat. Jake, Essex, England It's not right to kill animals or hunt them for sport as they have a conscience and mind. They didn't do anything to harm you, so why should you harm them? Jonnie, Buckinghamshire, England Sport is about feeling good about yourself but killing the eco-system is not a sport especially when a vital animal is killed. Honor, London, England It is certainly not right to hunt animals for sport. How would the hunters feel if a lion chased after them with a weapon (or, of course, without - those teeth can be deadly anyway)? They'd be scared, stressed, and worried. These animals all have a family to go back to, just like us humans do. We can't keep thinking we're the only living things on Earth that matter. Amy, United Kingdom

Summary: A US dentist has killed a lion in Zimbabwe, Africa.


Mr Odinga, who was defeated by incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta, has accused the electoral authorities of fraud tantamount to "democracy's slaughter". But foreign observers described the election as free and fair. The international community has urged calm amid fears that the fraud claims could result in violence. The official results gave President Kenyatta about 54% of the vote, and Mr Odinga 45%. Mr Odinga, who had previously refused a court appeal against the outcome, said the opposition had collected concrete evidence of massive irregularities that were allegedly used to rig the vote. "We have now decided to move to the Supreme Court to lay before the world the making of a computer-generated leadership," he told journalists. European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan were among those who had urged Mr Odinga to seek redress through the courts. But he insisted that his decision did not mean he was giving up the fight. "By going to court we aren't legitimising misplaced calls from some observers for us to concede but are seeking to give to those who braved the long lines in the morning chill and hot afternoon... a chance to be heard." He also repeated his call for peaceful protests, saying Kenyans had the constitutional rights to demonstrate, strike and carry out acts of civil disobedience. But on Monday, Mr Odinga's strike request was largely ignored. "This is just the beginning, we will not accept and move on," he added. In 2013, Mr Odinga challenged the presidential results in the Supreme Court and lost. Now, he said, he the court had an opportunity to demonstrate its independence. "Our decision to go to court constitutes a second chance for the Supreme Court. The court can use this chance to redeem itself or, like in 2013, it can compound the problems we face as a country."

Summary: Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga says he will mount a legal challenge to the result of last week's presidential election, which he claims was rigged.


The Restore Justice campaign, spearheaded by Paul Staines who writes the Guido Fawkes political blog, calls for the death penalty to be brought back for child and police officer murderers. He cites opinion polls which suggest about half the population would like it re-introduced for murderers. This rises to 60% when it comes to child or police officer killers. Mr Staines needs 100,000 people to support his e-petition on the government website to prompt a possible parliamentary debate on the issue. The last executions in the UK took place in 1964. The death penalty was formally abolished in Britain in 1965 and in Northern Ireland in 1973. Despite it rating high on public opinion polls, it was last debated in Parliament in 1998 during the passage of the Human Rights Act. It was rejected by 158 votes. "The majority are in favour for bringing back the death penalty everywhere except in Parliament," said Mr Staines. "Politicians are complaining that there's a disconnect and that the public aren't engaged with them - maybe if they represented the views and the will of the voters, there wouldn't be such a big disconnect." He added: "The people want the death penalty, and politicians aren't prepared to vote for it. That's not right. "What I'm trying to do is get Parliament to discuss this issue between what Parliament wants and what the people want." House of Commons leader Sir George Young has warned that it would damage democracy to ignore strong opinions among members of the public "or pretend that their views do not exist". Douglas Carswell MP agreed, saying, although he was firmly against the death penalty, he was in favour of Parliament debating it and would support a referendum on whether it should be brought back. "I'm convinced that if there was a referendum on capital punishment we could win it; we could get most people to say 'no' to the death penalty. "We need to treat people as grown-ups and have the debate and not do what we have done for half a century which is to ignore the public's concern and treat them with contempt. "The important thing is we have this debate." Mr Carswell added that the reason why Parliament had not debated this topic in recent years was because it was "out of touch with the public". "The mistake MPs have made is to not trust the people and to try and ignore their concerns. We can disagree with it but we have to trust it." But Neil Durkin from Amnesty International said it was a "waste of time and money that we as a nation cannot afford". In September 2010, YouGov conducted the last opinion poll to ask directly if people want the death penalty re-instated. It suggested that 51% did. And a Mori poll in July 2010 asked people which of a list of crimes they thought should have the death penalty. For child murder, 62% supported it while a YouGov poll in November 2010 found 74% of people supported the death penalty for murder in some circumstances,

Summary: An internet campaign has reignited the debate on whether the UK government should seek the reintroduction of the death penalty.


The 23-year-old from Kinross finished second behind Kenyan Faith Kipyegon in four minutes, 19.12 seconds. That erased Yvonne Murray's 1994 effort of 4:22.60 in the Scottish rankings and moved her second on the British all-time list behind Zola Budd's 4:17.57. The new record holder said: "I am really pleased to get that Scottish record. It means a lot to me." Muir, who finished fifth in last year's World Championships, now holds the Scottish 1500m and mile records. "This is my first race of the season over this distance, so I am really pleased," she said. "Faith's been running so quick, so to get so close to her, I'm excited. Murray's husband, Tom Mooney, said on Facebook: "Yvonne says: 'Well done to you, Laura." Muir hopes to secure an Olympics place for Great Britain in Rio at the British trials in Birmingham from 24 to 26 June. The Scot started her season with an 800m victory in Montbeliard, France, last week and next competes in a week's time in a 1500m race in Stockholm. "Training's been going really, so I was expecting to run a good race," added Muir, who fits her training around her veterinary studies. She recently completed her fourth year of vet school.

Summary: Laura Muir set a new Scottish mile record with a superb run in Oslo to continue a strong start to her season.