Volgograd: At Least 14 Dead In Bus Bombing

At least 14 people have reportedly died in an explosion on an electric bus in the Russian city of Volgograd in the second deadly attack in the city in as many days.

Investigators have described the blast, during the morning rush-hour on a trolleybus, as "an act of terror".

Russian investigators said the bus explosion was caused by a male suicide bomber.

A statement from the Federal Investigative Committee said: "It is now possible to preliminarily say that the explosive device was set off by a suicide bomber - a man whose body fragments have been collected and sent for genetic testing."

The death toll could rise further

It comes just a day after a female suicide bomber was blamed for killing 17 people and leaving dozens more injured at the city's main railway station.

Police identified that bomber as a Dagestan national called Oksana Aslanova - who had been married to two Islamists killed by Russian forces.

She apparently detonated a bomb in front of a metal detector inside the main entrance of the station. Russian television is suggesting there may have been two attackers.

That attack was the deadliest in Russia since January 2011, when a male suicide bomber from the North Caucasus killed 37 people in the arrivals hall of a busy Moscow airport.

Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia's main investigative agency, said the latest explosion involved a bomb similar to the one used to target Volgograd railway station. The bomb contained 4kg of TNT equivalent explosive.

He said: "That confirms the investigators' version that the two terror attacks were linked. They could have been prepared in one place."

Security has been stepped up after the station blast

President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's counter-terrorism agency to step up security in Volgograd and nationwide in the wake of the two attacks, the Kremlin announced.

The explosions have put the city on edge and highlighted the terrorist threat that Russia is facing as it prepares to host the Winter Olympics in February.

Volgograd is about 400 miles northeast of Sochi, where the Games are to be held.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either of the attacks.

In July, Doku Umarov, leader of an ongoing insurgency in the nearby North Caucasus region, urged militants to use "maximum force" to disrupt the Winter Olympics, a project close to Mr Putin's heart.

Russian authorities have pledged to make the event the "safest ever".

Sky's Foreign Affairs Editor Tim Marshall said: "It's 39 or 40 days until the Winter Olympics open, this is the opportunity for the Islamic separatists in the Caucasus region to really put themselves on the world map.

"The more this sort of thing happens, if it is indeed them, the more that cause is going to get on the front pages around the world, spoil Putin's Olympics and, more seriously, the more lives it will take."

Known in Soviet times as Stalingrad, and previously as Tsaritsyn, Volgograd is a major industrial centre with a population of more than a million people.

The North Caucasus is the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, bordered by Georgia and Azerbaijan to the south.

It includes the predominantly Muslim Krasnodar Kai, Stavropol Krai, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan.

Insurgents have carried out attacks on Russian military and civilians following two wars against Chechnya in 1994-1996 and from 1999 to 2009.

The violence has spread into neighbouring republics and even Moscow as insurgents attempt to establish an Islamic state in the region.

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China: Party Officials Banned From Smoking

China's ruling Communist Party has issued an edict banning officials from smoking in public places or while performing official duties.

Until the notice from the State Council - China's Cabinet - efforts to curb smoking in public were largely limited to city and other local-level measures.

The health ministry pushed out guidelines banning smoking in venues including hotels and restaurants in 2011, but these were criticised as having no clear punishments or details on how bans would be enforced.

The new rules, which campaigners hope will bring about a nationwide law banning smoking in public places, call on officials to lead by example by stubbing out their cigarettes.

Officials are not allowed to smoke in schools, hospitals, sports venues or on public transport, according to Xinhua News.

They are also not allowed to use public funds to buy cigarettes and within Communist Party or government offices tobacco products cannot be sold or advertised.

Ray Yip, head of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's China programme, said: "This is likely a major breakthrough.

"For the first time, very high-level attention and support is being given to anti-tobacco efforts.

"This likely will lead to meaningful legislation and enforcement related to smoking."

The foundation has been working on smoking cessation campaigns in the country.

China, with a population of 1.35 billion, has more than 300 million smokers.

Experts say huge revenues from the state-owned tobacco monopoly have hindered anti-smoking measures. Smoking has been linked to an average annual death toll of 1.4 million people in China.

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NHS: Migrants To Be Charged For A&E Care

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky Political Reporter

Visitors and migrants who use NHS accident and emergency services in England are to be charged, ministers have announced.

The move is part of an extension of the NHS charging strategy intended to deter so-called "health tourists" while trying to recoup up to £500m a year.

Critics have accused the Government of trying to grab headlines rather than helping the NHS.

Ministers say no-one will be turned away in an emergency, but there will be a bill to pay afterwards for those from overseas.

Health Minister Lord Howe said: "Having a universal health service free at the point of use rightly makes us the envy of the world, but we must make sure the system is fair to the hard-working British taxpayers who fund it.

"We know that we need to make changes across the NHS to better identify and charge visitors and migrants. Introducing charging at primary care is the first step to achieving this.

"We are already looking at taking action and next year we will set out our detailed plans to clamp down on the abuse of our NHS."

Doctors' leaders warned the proposed changes could cost more to administer than they would actually raise for the NHS while deterring some people desperately in need of treatment from seeking care.

Dr Mark Porter, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) council, said: "This could mean the system of administering the new charging system will end up actually costing more to run than it collects in revenue."

The announcement has been timed less than 48 hours before restrictions on migrants from Bulgaria and Romania end.

A major influx of immigrants could put additional strain on the NHS and other public services.

Labour argue ministers are putting spin before substance.

Lord Hunt said: "Labour is in favour of improving the recovery of costs from people with no entitlement to NHS treatment. Rather than more grand-standing, the Government needs to deliver practical, thought-through changes to make that happen.

"Instead this out-of-touch government is left asking doctors and nurses to act as surrogate immigration officials."

Also under the proposed changes, migrants and overseas visitors will have to pay for primary care services such as minor surgery carried out by GPs, while prescription charges will be extended.

There will also be higher charges for services which are subsidised for patients entitled to free NHS treatment, such as optical and dental care.

But consultations with GPs and nurses will remain free of charge, to ensure initial access remains to prevent public health risks such as TB, HIV and sexually-transmitted infections.

Details of the scheme are still being worked out and ministers won't have a full plan until March.

But the Government will be hoping its crackdown down on health tourism will resonate home and abroad.

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Schumacher Fighting For His Life, Say Doctors

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher is in a coma following a skiing accident in France - and doctors say they "cannot predict his future".

The 44-year-old German is fighting for his life at a hospital in Grenoble and surgeons are working "hour by hour" to save him.

Michael Schumacher was skiing with his son at the time of the accident

At a press conference this morning, in Grenoble, doctors said he had suffered many lesions to his brain and his prognosis was unclear.

Surgeons operated to remove a blood clot in his brain and are now trying to reduce "dangerous swelling", meaning his condition could go either way. 

The hospital revealed that Schumacher was being kept in a state of hypothermia by controlling his temperature to keep it at 34C-35C (93.2F-95F).

He is under general anaesthetic in an induced coma.

"He's in a critical situation - this is considered to be extremely serious," Chief Anaesthetist Jean-Francois Payen told journalists.

The "Dent de Burgin" peak under which Schumacher was skiing

The doctor said that Schumacher's family were at his bedside and friends had flown in to the hospital to lend their support.

"We are working day and night at his bedside," Dr Payen said. "It is too early to say anything as far as prognosis is concerned," he added.

Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said an emergency brain scan had revealed internal bleeding, and injuries including contusions and lesions.

Michael Schumacher was staying at this exclusive chalet in Meribel

"On his arrival we examined him clinically and we realised he was in a serious condition, in a coma, with in fact cranial pressure," Dr Chabardes said.

"The brain scan showed a number of pieces of information, some intercranial haematoma but also some cerebral contusions and oedema.

"We operated urgently to try to eliminate the haematoma. After the operation we saw that we had been able to eliminate these haematoma but also sadly the appearance of various bilateral lesions.

The F1 racer was taken to hospital by helicopter

"So therefore he was taken to intensive care to try to help.

"I am very worried just like his family, we are very worried about his condition. The doctors won't tell you more because they can't tell you more, they are working hour by hour." 

Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps resort of Meribel with his 14-year-old son.

Doctors could not give a prognosis at a press conference in Grenoble

"Someone who had suffered this accident without a helmet would not have made it this far," Dr Payen said

The area where Schumacher was skiing is part of a web of trails that slice down through a vast and, in parts, very steep snowfield.

Although challenging, the runs are broad and neatly tended, and the off-piste areas - where Schumacher was found - is free of trees.

The lane to Schumacher's private chalet

The motor-racing champion was conscious when first responders arrived on the scene, although agitated and in shock, according to a resort spokesman.

He was first airlifted to a local hospital and then later brought to Grenoble for more intensive treatment, when his condition deteriorated.

The French Mountain Gendarmerie had earlier said Schumacher's life was not in danger.

The German Formula One legend skiing in Italy in 2006

Fellow drivers, politicians and friends spoke of their alarm. Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "extremely shocked along with millions of Germans". 

Schumacher's family also released a brief statement. It read: "We would like to thank the medical team who we know do everything possible to help Michael.

"We like to also thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for Michael's recovery."

The accident occurred in the resort of Meribel in France

A leading neurosurgery specialist in London has described Schumacher's condition as "very dangerous".

Christopher Chandler, of the London Neurosurgery Partnership, warned that his injuries may take several days to "reach their peak".

He said the haematoma and bruising could cause "ferocious swelling".

Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, first retired from Formula One in 2006.

Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One for Mercedes in 2010

He has been hurt seriously once before, in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

Schumacher recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback to Formula One in 2010.

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Forty Killed As Army Storms DRC Buildings

Forty gunmen have reportedly been killed in fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital Kinshasa a month after a peace deal with agreed with rebels.

The buildings, along with the army headquarters, in the capital Kinshasa were attacked in an apparent attempt to seize power by supporters of religious leader Paul Joseph Mukungubila.

Government spokesman Lambert Mende said 40 of the gunmen had been killed by security forces, adding: "We have total control of the situation."

The fighting is an attempt to seize power from President Joseph Kabila

Police had earlier put a security cordon around the state television building where gunmen had taken several hostages. Witnesses also reported shooting at the Tshatshi military camp.

There were also reports of clashes between the army and supporters of Mr Mukungubila in the eastern mining city of Lubumbashi.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has struggled to emerge from decades of violence and instability. It is home to a 21,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission.

Before transmission was shut down at state television, two gunmen appeared on camera to deliver a political message against President Joseph Kabila, who took office in 2001 after the assassination of his father Laurent.

The message said: "Mukungubila has come to free you from the slavery of the Rwandan."

Mr Mukungubila, who calls himself "the prophet of the Eternal", ran unsuccessfully for the president against Mr Kabila in 2006.

He has been an outspoken critic of a peace deal signed this month with the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.

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Jahi McMath Family Running Out Of Time

A 13-year-old girl declared brain dead could be disconnected from a breathing machine today despite her family's attempt to keep her on life support.

Under a court order, Children's Hospital of Oakland in California is allowed to remove Jahi McMath from a ventilator at 5pm local time (1am on Tuesday, UK time).

But her family believes the girl is alive and is hoping to be able to move her to another facility where she can be kept on a breathing machine.

Jahi went into cardiac arrest earlier this month. Pic: KPIX/CBS

The battle is dividing public opinion in the US.

Jahi suffered complications after undergoing a tonsillectomy at the hospital on December 9.

After she awoke from the operation, her family said, she started bleeding heavily and went into cardiac arrest.

Both the hospital and an independent paediatric neurologist from Stanford University have concluded the girl is brain dead.

The family is hoping to move her to a New York facility. 

"The family is together, and today everybody is praying and being together," Chris Dolan, the family's lawyer, told the AP news agency.

After two California care homes withdrew offers to accept her, Jahi's family views the New York option as their "last, last hope", said Mr Dolan.

The hospital said it would need to confirm there is "lawful transportation" included in any plan to transfer Jahi, and written permission from the coroner.

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Sinatra Confidant Who Lifted Lid On Star Dies

Frank Sinatra's valet and confidant for 15 years, George Jacobs, has died at the age of 87.

Jacobs offered an insider's look into the US crooner's life in his 2003 book Mr S: My Life With Frank Sinatra.

In it, he wrote about the singer's women, his dealings with the Kennedys, the Rat Pack and the Mob.

He was working for Hollywood dealmaker Irving "Swifty" Lazar in 1953 when Sinatra hired him and entrusted him with his personal affairs. He said he was "immensely proud" of his time with Ol' Blue Eyes.

Jacobs said he was later fired by Sinatra after the media reported on him dancing at a nightclub with the star's then-wife, Mia Farrow.

Despite the temper tantrums of 'Mr S', Jacobs wrote that his boss, who died in 1998, treated him well.

Jacobs wrote of Sinatra's relationship with Farrow: "Theirs had to be one of the worst, most ill-conceived celebrity marriages of all time, and after two years of one disaster after another, it was all over except for the paperwork."

He said of their nightclub dancing: "Of all the gin joints in the world, why did Mia have to walk into the Candy Store that hot night?

Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow in 1966

"But she did, and because I danced with her, and because the spying eyes of America, courtesy of an undercover scout for gossip queen Rona Barrett, were upon us, that frug, or watusi, or whatever it was, got blown up into a wild affair.

"Mr S, who was the lowest he'd ever been in the 15 years we'd been together, got even crazier. It cost me the job I loved, and it cost him a guy who loved him."

He also wrote that one of the few times he saw Sinatra cry was when Martin Luther King Jr was killed but the singer "did not shed a tear for Bobby Kennedy".

He said Mr Kennedy, a one-time US Attorney General, was "out to get Sinatra in a big way" and saw him as Al Capone - "all sex and crime".

Jacobs went on: "Frank Sinatra loved gangsters, or at least the world they lived in, just as most Americans have had a fascination with this world.

"The big difference was that Mr S could get a lot closer to the flame than the rest of us. In fact, aside from the so-called gangsters that were Sinatra's friends and at least honorary Godfathers, many of his close pals in showbusiness were also somehow gang-related."

Jacobs' son, Snake Jagger, says his father died of natural causes in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday night.

He was survived by four sons and two daughters.

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Antarctic Ship: Helicopter To Rescue Passengers

Passengers on a ship trapped in Antarctic ice for nearly a week will be evacuated by helicopter as soon as possible, Russian officials say.

The majority of passengers and crew will be removed by a Chinese helicopter after the latest bid to free the vessel failed.

A picture taken from the ship shows the ice around the vessel

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy ship has been stuck since Christmas Eve after blizzard winds pushed sea ice around the ship, freezing it in place.

The ship is not in danger of sinking, and there are weeks' worth of supplies for those on board, but the vessel cannot move.

A statement by the Russian foreign ministry read: "A decision has been reached to evacuate 52 passengers and four crew members by helicopter from China's Xue Long ship, should the weather allow."

Professor Chris Turney is one of the scientists aboard the ship

It was unclear what would happen to the remaining 18 passengers on the ship.

The Australian Aurora Australis ship abandoned the latest rescue attempt because of 30-knot winds, snow showers and poor visibility.

Speaking before the rescue attempt was abandoned, Aurora Australis captain Murray Doyle said ramming the ice around the trapped ship was his "first option".

The Aurora Australis had moved back into open water but may make further rescue attempts once weather conditions improve.

A Chinese vessel, The Snow Dragon, is also in the area after it failed to reach the ice-locked ship during a rescue bid last week.

The scientific team on board the MV Akademik Shokalskiy research ship had been recreating Australian explorer Douglas Mawson's century-old voyage to Antarctica.

It left New Zealand on November 28.

Before the Australian rescue mission was called off, ship passenger Terry Gostlow said passengers were in good spirits.

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Dogs Saved From Euthanasia In America

By Amanda Walker, US Correspondent

Up to four million healthy cats and dogs are euthanised in America every year.

Certain states only allow a 10-day window for an unwanted animal to be claimed before it is put down. South Carolina is one of them - but one animal charity has made it their mission to give thousands of those dogs a second chance.

An anonymous rental van trundles down the I95 towards Washington. Inside there are over 30 very lucky dogs.

It has been a long journey from a gloomy fate in South Carolina to a new life in America's capital.

The van pulls up and the doors open to a chorus of cooing from waiting volunteers as 32 pairs of brown eyes peer out from cages.

From puppies to grown-ups, all of the dogs are ready for some fresh air and adoration. Some rush out tails wagging, while the shy ones need a little more coaxing.

But their journey is not quite complete. Most of the people waiting to greet the dogs are foster carers, the bridge to the ultimate goal: A family of their own.

Daryl is a sweet and playful black lab mix puppy. A next day adoption event will be his moment to shine and win himself a permanent home.

Up to 4 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanised in the US every year

The event gives vetted potential owners a chance to meet the dogs and decide which one suits them best.

Daryl is on his back enjoying a tummy rub - giving it his all - so much so he has won over the Shogi family.

Seven-year-old Guy Shogi has very specific requirements and Daryl fits the bill:  "I like the colour - I don't like a lot of white down the chest. I just like a little and I like when they have these socks on their feet."

His mother Jennifer said it has been a long search: "We go online - we've seen Daryl's profile - we know all about him.

"It's quite a build-up. Whose room is he going to sleep in?!"

Five years ago Lucky Dog founder Mirah Horowitz decided something needed to be done to help dogs facing euthanasia.

"The dogs end up here either because they're strays and they get picked up by animal control, or because people don't want them anymore.

"I do see more people that are surrendering their dogs, so my assumption is that the economy has definitely taken a toll particularly in the Southern areas where most of our dogs are from that are not particularly affluent."

Certain shelters in South Carolina are simply overwhelmed with unwanted dogs.

Ms Horowitz says: "They don't have that understanding about spay and neuter - they have a huge number of dogs, they have a lot of puppies and pregnant dogs that come in, and so they end up with higher euthanasia rates."

Darryl's luck is in: He is off to his new home with the Shogi family.

Over 6,000 dogs have been saved by Lucky Dog and, with no plans to change state laws, the charity's role will continue to be vital.

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Prince William To Attend Cambridge University

The Duke of Cambridge is going back to university in the New Year, Kensington Palace has announced.

Prince William will become a full-time student at Cambridge University for 10 weeks from early January until mid-March.

He will learn about the issues facing rural communities and the farming industry through 18 to 20 hours of lectures, seminars and meetings a week.

Essays and field trips are also likely to form part of the course, which is run by the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL), an institution within Cambridge University's School of Technology.

The Duke, who graduated with a geography degree from the University of St Andrews in 2005, has signed up as preparation for his future role in running the Duchy of Cornwall, which he will eventually inherit from his father.

A palace spokesman said William was "very much looking forward to" his studies.

"The executive education programme of seminars, lectures and meetings will draw on the strengths of academics across the university," the spokesman added.

"It will start in early January and run until mid-March.

"The course has been designed to help provide the Duke with an understanding of contemporary issues affecting agricultural business and rural communities in the United Kingdom."

William is set to visit Australia and NZ with Kate and George

The costs for the course, which does not lead to a formal qualification, will be met privately.

William is expected to live in Cambridge for some of the while he is studying at the university, but will still carry out a number of royal engagements.

He is due to visit Australia and New Zealand with the Duchess of Cambridge in April. The couple's son, Prince George, is expected to join them.

William gave up operational duties with the air force in September after completing a three-year tour as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

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Santa Claus' Christmas Message For Us All

Santa and his elves are putting the final touches to children's presents as he prepares for his long journey around the globe.

Letters are being opened, the last presents are being packed and Rudolph is limbering up for his annual trip.

But before setting off, Santa gave his annual Christmas message to the children of the world.

This year he asked for tolerance and friendship, saying: "I would ask the young people, which, always the young people are our future, that they should treat everybody equal.

Santa's helpers lend a hand

"They should make friends, they should support one another. If a newcomer has problems they would help each another."

Santa's village and office in Rovaniemi, northern Finland, is a popular tourist resort, with hundreds of thousands visiting every year.

Each year thousands of letters arrive in Santa's post office nearby.

After giving his annual message, Santa sets off with Rudolph

All letters are sorted by country and the resort's Santa takes time to reply to as many as he can.

Last year most of the festive post came from Italy, followed by the United Kingdom, Poland and China.

According to one of the "elves" Christina, the children are asking for toys but also for less material things.

"Toys of course but their wishes are also, they want peace in the world and they want to spend more time with their families," she said.

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Prisoners Won't Receive Parcels This Christmas

By David MacLean, Sky News

Convicted prisoners will not be able to receive parcels from their loved ones this Christmas under new rules introduced by the Government.

The rules forbid prisoners from receiving any items in the post unless there are "exceptional circumstances".

The new measures were introduced in November, meaning this is the first Christmas for which the new rules will be in effect.

A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the rule change, saying it was part of a raft of Government reforms.

But Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "These new mean and petty prison rules just add stress and strain while doing nothing to promote rehabilitation and personal responsibility."

Some 85,000 people are currently held in prisons in England and Wales.

Under the rules, prisoners are allowed just a single parcel following their conviction – which is vetted by prison staff.

Since the new rules were introduced, the trust has been contacted by more than 100 prisoners who are concerned.

The advice team said it has also been contacted by many elderly and disabled prisoners who are unable to work and cannot earn enough money to pay for items such as stationery or things to keep them occupied.

Previously the families of these prisoners could have sent them a pack of cards, board games, books or magazines.

Rates of pay for those working average around £10 a week, out of which they must pay for phone calls, TV rental, stationery, reading material and any additional food, clothes and toiletries they may need.

It costs 20p a minute to call a mobile from a prison phone during the week; and 9p a minute to phone a landline.

Exceptional items are allowed at the governor's discretion, including disability or health aids, items needed for religious observance, stamped addressed envelopes or replacement clothes where there is limited or restricted access to the laundry.

The impact of these new rules is being monitored by Ministry of Justice officials responsible for safer custody and ongoing work to reduce self-harm and suicide in prison.

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Paris Bar Pair Shot Dead At Point-Blank Range

A man and a woman have been shot dead in a Paris bar by a gunman who then fled the scene on foot.

The two were shot at point-blank range with one bullet each, police said.

They were sitting outside the Cafe Chineur in a residential area of the French capital's southern 14th arrondissement when the attack happened.

They tried to take refuge inside, but died as a result of their wounds. The two victims have not been named.

A local resident, who lives across the street from the bar, said: "I saw a trail of blood that went from the entrance to the inside."

Police investigator Jean-Jacques Herlem called the shooting "mysterious" and said no motive for the attack has yet been established.

Paris mayoral candidate Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, who lives nearby, went to the scene after learning of the shooting from friends.

"My children go to two schools in the neighbourhood. I'm shocked," she said.

"It's impossible not to make the connection with the growing concerns over security issues, even if we don't know anything at this stage."

France occasionally sees fatal attacks by armed criminals in bars, most often in southern cities such as Marseille, but sometimes also in Paris, though in places well away from the heavily policed centre favoured by tourists.

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British Airways Plane 'Crash' In Johannesburg

A British Airways plane has crashed into a building at Johannesburg Airport in South Africa.

The aircraft, carrying 182 passengers, sliced its wing through the building while taxiing on the runway, BA confirmed.

Posting on Twitter, the airline said: "One of our aircraft was damaged whilst taxiing at JNB airport. All 182 passengers disembarked safely with no injuries onboard."

There has so far been no comment made on whether anyone was injured in the building or on the ground.

The plane involved is believed to be a Boeing 747.

British Airways says nobody in the plane was injured. Pic: John Hart

Harriet Tolputt, Oxfam's head of Media, who was on the flight, posted pictures of the incident on Twitter.

She wrote: "BA plane crashes into building at J Burg airport. No one injured only the pilot's pride ... Not impressed that first class passengers get off before premium economy during an emergency."

Johannesburg Airport said it would be able to provide more information on the incident later in the morning.

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Man Throws Son Off Building And Kills Himself

A man who had recently separated from his wife threw his three-year-old son from the roof of a high-rise, before jumping to his death moments later.

Dmitry Kanarikov, 35, was killed instantly while the boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died shortly afterwards.

Kanarikov, from Brooklyn, had picked up his son Kirill from his wife at 10am on Sunday.

The wife was due to pick him up at 1pm at the station, a neutral location chosen by the couple.

It has been reported that Kirill was at the centre of a bitter custody battle, which may have triggered the apparent murder-suicide.

The New York building where the father and son died

Surveillance video seen by detectives showed the father and son walking to the building.

Moments later witnesses described seeing a body falling past their apartments.

Residents said the roof was not locked, meaning anyone who knew the way there could gain access.

One resident Jim Millman, 62, told the New York Times: "When you're up on that roof, it's an incredible panorama.

"My wife and I have said, it is so - not to say dangerous - but open."

Police believe the man was possibly drawn to the building because he had a friend who may have lived there.

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Denis MacShane Jailed Over Expenses Claims

Former Labour minister Denis MacShane has been jailed for six months after admitting making £13,000 of bogus expense claims.

The ex-MP previously pleaded guilty to false accounting by filing 19 fake receipts for "research and translation" services from 2005 to 2008.

MacShane, 65, used the money to fund a series of trips to Europe, including one to judge a literary competition in Paris.

His guilty plea followed more than four years of scrutiny into his use of Commons allowances.

Mr Justice Sweeney, sitting at the Old Bailey, stressed that this expenses case was different to others because it was not for "personal profit".

But he added: "The dishonesty involved was considerable and was repeated many times over a period.

"In your case you have no one to blame but yourself."

Flanked by two security officers, MacShane, wearing a dark suit with a blue striped tie and glasses, said "Cheers" as the sentence was delivered, before adding, "Quelle surprise" as he was led from the dock.

MacShane resigned as MP for Rotherham

Sky's Darren McCaffrey, at the court, said MacShane argued with the dock officer before sentencing after being told he could not take his luggage and mobile phone in with him.

MacShane was told he must serve half his sentence in prison and was ordered to pay costs of £1,500 within two months.

Parliamentary authorities began looking at his claims in 2009 when the wider scandal engulfed Westminster, and referred him to Scotland Yard within months.

But the principle of parliamentary privilege meant detectives were not given access to damning correspondence with the standards commissioner in which MacShane detailed how signatures on receipts from the European Policy Institute (EPI) had been faked.

The body was controlled by MacShane and the general manager's signature was not genuine. One message, dated October 2009, said he drew funds from the EPI so he could serve on a book judging panel in Paris.

It was not until after police dropped the case last year that the cross-party Standards Committee published the evidence in a report that recommended an unprecedented 12-month suspension from the House.

MacShane, 65, who served as Europe minister under Tony Blair, resigned as MP for Rotherham last November before the punishment could be imposed.

Police then re-opened their inquiry in the light of the fresh information and he was charged in May - even though the letters are still not thought to be admissible in court.

MacShane is reportedly in a relationship with Vicky Pryce, the ex-wife of former Energy Secretary Chris Huhne.

Huhne and Pryce were released from jail in May after serving sentences for perverting the course of justice.

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Delaney Brown Gets Christmas Wish For Carols

A terminally ill girl has been granted one of her final wishes after thousands of people gathered to sing Christmas carols outside her home.

Eight-year-old Delaney Brown, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia in May, has been given only days to live by her doctors.

Family members and other supporters have spent the last few weeks trying to grant as many of her wishes as possible.

On Friday - her eighth birthday - Delaney known as Laney chatted via video with singer Taylor Swift.

Over the weekend, the streets around the Brown home in West Reading, Pennsylvania, were full of people singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and Joy to the World.

A dedicated "Team Laney" Facebook page has more than 45,000 followers.

The Facebook page for Laney

An update on the website said: "As jingle bells and other carols were being sung for Laney she was surrounded by nurses and paramedics assessing her breathing.

"The paramedics checked her oxygen level which ended up being okay. She still requires oxygen otherwise her levels drop very fast."

Some people even rearranged their holiday plans to attend the impromptu concert.

Carol singer Renee Kirkland-Hinton told WTXF TV: "I was actually supposed to be leaving to go out of town yesterday.

"I changed my plans just to be here tonight, just to be of support and be prayerful for the family."

James Lally said: "I couldn't even put myself in that situation to understand the devastation.

"I couldn't imagine losing one of my own."

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M&S Says Sorry Over Alcohol Refusal

Marks & Spencer has apologised after a Muslim member of staff refused to sell a customer alcohol.

The retailer said that where employees have religious beliefs that restrict what foods or drinks they can handle, it tries to place them in a "suitable role".

An M&S spokeswoman said: "We regret that in the case highlighted we were not following our own internal policy."

The issue arose after an unnamed customer at a London store told the Telegraph they were "taken aback" when an "extremely apologetic" Muslim checkout worker asked for them to wait for another till to become available.

The customer told the newspaper: "I had one bottle of champagne, and the lady, who was wearing a headscarf, was very apologetic but said she could not serve me. She told me to wait until another member of staff was available.

"I was taken aback. I was a bit surprised. I've never come across that before."

Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, and some Muslims refuse to handle it.

M&S said its policy applied to staff of other religions, not just Islam.

The spokeswoman said: "Where we have an employee whose religious beliefs restrict food or drink they can handle, we work closely with our members of staff to place them in suitable role, such as in our clothing department or bakery in foods...

"As a secular business we have an inclusive policy that welcomes all religious beliefs whether across our customer or employee base.

"This policy has been in place for many years, and when followed correctly, we do not believe that it should compromise our ability to offer the highest level of customer service.

"We apologise that this policy was not followed in the case reported."

The case highlighted differences among retailers on whether religious staff should have to carry out certain jobs, the Telegraph said.

Sainsbury's guidelines say that there is no reason why staff who don't drink alcohol or eat pork on religious grounds could not handle them, the paper said, while Tesco said it made "no sense" for staff who refuse to touch items for religious reasons to work on a till.

Muslims working at Asda would not have to work on tills if they objected to handling alcohol, and Morrisons would "respect and work around anyone's wishes not to handle specific products for religious or cultural reasons", the paper added.

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Harry Hailed As Trek Soldiers Return Home

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

Prince Harry has been praised by his trekking team-mates as they received a heroes' welcome after successfully walking to the South Pole.

The injured service personnel who formed the Walking With The Wounded charity expedition arrived at Heathrow to spend Christmas at home.

While some fought back tears as they were reunited with loved ones at the airport, tributes were paid to their royal patron, who returned to Britain separately.

Speaking about the prince, British team member Guy Disney told Sky News: "He's just a really good honest bloke and brings a lot to the party.

"Harry brought a hell of a lot to the team, he carried extra weight for some of the other guys.

Prince Harry pictured during the expedition

"He was always up for a laugh and you need that, you need to keep the banter going."

Family and friends cheered and clapped as the team walked into the arrivals hall at Heathrow's Terminal 3 after a flight from Cape Town in South Africa.

The competitive element of the South Pole Allied Challenge was called off just a few days into the race after some members of the three teams began to suffer from altitude sickness.

With the British, US and Commonwealth teams instead joining forces, they completed the 210 mile course arriving at the South Pole in just 13 days.

"Arriving back here is quite surreal after the peace and quiet out in the South Pole where you're in your own mind for nine to 10 hours a day skiing, to this kind of welcome", explained Ibrar Ali.

"The way we look at it, we were just a group of guys that went off to the South Pole to raise some money for some other guys who've been injured on operations."

A total of 12 wounded servicemen and women who have overcome life-changing injuries took part in the challenge.

Sky News understands Prince Harry chose not to join the British team's welcome home in order that the focus should be on others rather than himself.

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Weather: Man Dies As Storm Batters Country

Dozens of flood alerts are in place as driving rain and winds of up to 80mph sweep across the country, bringing chaos for Christmas travellers.

The stormy weather started this morning in the South West and is moving eastwards and northwards as the day continues.

Almost all of the UK will be affected by the relentless rain falling on already saturated ground and winds whipping to 70-80mph in eastern and central areas through this afternoon and overnight.

Around 3,000 homes are without power in Cornwall and a further 2,000 in other parts of the South West after high winds brought down power lines, according to Western Power Distribution. According to Southern Electricity, there are 1,100 without power in Berkshire.

In Cumbria, police, the RAF and mountain rescue teams are searching for a man who is believed to have fallen into the River Rothay at Ambleside.

Most of the country will see rain at some point

In Horsham, West Sussex, two children were treated for minor injuries after being hit by branches from a falling tree.

The spokesman for the Met Office said a new wind speed high had been recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy, North Wales, with gusts blowing at 87mph.

Not far behind was Berry Head in Torbay, Devon, with gusts of 76mph.

The Dartford QE2 bridge is closed until 4am tomorrow morning, the M48 Severn Bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles and the Sheppey Crossing in Kent has been closed. 

An Essex police spokesman said: "The tunnels will remain open to help maintain the flow of traffic, but congestion is expected so drivers are advised to seek alternative routes if possible or avoid the Thurrock and Dartford areas of Essex and Kent."

The Met Office has issued more than 130 amber "be prepared" warnings for London, southeast and southwest England, and South Wales.

A roof blew off a property in Hatherleigh, Devon. Pic: @Orchella49

Eight areas, including four in the South West, have been issued with "immediate action required" flood warnings.

Localised flooding is possible and winds of 50-60mph are forecast in inland areas, gusting up to 80mph along the coast.

Sky News' weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said rain would be the biggest problem for most people today.

"There will be heavy downpours bringing 20-40mm of rainfall quite widely and over 60mm likely across parts of the high ground.

"As the rain is falling on already saturated ground that could cause both surface water and river flooding in these areas."

More than 100 'be prepared' alerts have been issued

:: See the latest weather forecast here

But it is the trains that are expected to bear the brunt of the nasty weather and at least 21 train companies are predicting changes to timetables and cancelled services.

An emergency go-slow limit of 50mph is likely on many routes.

Train bosses say "hundreds of engineers" will be on call over the next two days to deal with any blocked tracks or technical problems.

Passengers are being urged to check the latest information before setting out.

Network Rail Managing Director Robin Gisby said: "I want to be very clear that our priority is running as many trains as we can safely, rather than worrying about hitting the timetable bang on."

Virgin Trains is one of many operators warning of delays and disruption

Many companies have removed limits on day tickets to deter people from travelling at the height of the bad weather.

Virgin Trains is advising passengers to travel before 3pm and says advance tickets for specific trains will be accepted on any service.

It says fewer trains than normal will run between London and Manchester, and London and Birmingham - where the 50mph limit is likely to be enforced.

South West Trains is another operator warning of "significantly reduced speeds" on its network.

Motorists are also being urged to be take special care on the roads and check the flood updates ahead of their journey, as the AA reported it was dealing with 1,100 breakdowns every hour.

The A82 in Scotland, where there is an ice alert. Pic: @pressscotland

The Environment Agency and the AA strongly advise not entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep.

David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said: "Tragically people die because they've taken risks and attempted to drive through flood water just to save a few minutes.

"Flood water is dangerous. If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour."

The Highways Agency said high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should be especially careful in the high winds and and has put out a list of potentially treacherous routes.

John McTaggart, head of on-road services at the agency, said: "We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions.

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow the clearly signed diversion routes."

The RAC is predicting that 13 million people will take to the roads from December 24 to 26.

Thirty flights have been cancelled from Heathrow Airport.

Visitor attractions are also playing it safe, with the popular Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park staying shut on Monday as well as Kew Gardens' Christmas attraction.

Festive revellers will get a brief respite from the unsettled weather on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but the stormy conditions are due to return on Friday.

In Brighton, the council announced that the traditional Christmas Day dip would be cancelled because of the severe weather conditions.

The swim, which was also stopped last year because of dangerous weather conditions, has been running since 1860 and usually attracts scores of participants.

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Falklands Oil Threat Protest Lodged By UK

Britain has accused Argentina of "bullying tactics" over its threat to punish oil firms operating off the Falkland Islands with heavy fines, the seizure of assets and jail sentences of up to 15 years.

The Foreign Office (FCO) insisted the Falklands were not subject to a new law passed last month by the Argentine Congress, and branded it "a baseless gesture intended to deter legitimate commercial activity".

The FCO director for the Americas, Kate Smith, has now lodged a formal protest with the Argentine charge d'affaires, Oscar Horacio Galli.

It follows a law change aimed at criminalising individuals or companies involved in the oil industry within the Argentine continental shelf, without approval by Buenos Aires.

A depot for machinery and equipment in Port Stanley used in oil exploration

The Falkland Islands Government has already firmly rejected that the legislation applies to its territory and waters.

An FCO spokesman said: "Argentine domestic law does not apply to the Falkland Islands, so this is a baseless gesture intended to deter legitimate commercial activity.

"We are confident it will not succeed.

"It is shameful that Argentina is once again adopting bullying tactics in an attempt to strangle the Falkland Islands economy.

"The British Government fully supports the rights of the Falkland Islanders to develop their hydrocarbons sector for their economic benefit.

"This right is an integral part of their right of self-determination, which is expressly contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"All hydrocarbons activities on the continental shelf of the Falkland Islands are regulated by legislation of the Falkland Islands Government, in strict accordance with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea."

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Harvard Evacuated Over 'Explosives On Campus'

Staff and students have been evacuated from Harvard University after "unconfirmed reports of explosives" on campus.

The Ivy League institution has issued a warning about "unconfirmed reports" of explosives at four of its buildings.

Police, the bomb squad and bomb-sniffing dogs are on site at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus and searches of the buildings are taking place.

CNS News reports that police received the report by email.

Police gather at one of the affected buildings. Pic: Harvard Crimson

A statement on the university's website said: "The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) this morning received an unconfirmed report that explosives may have been placed in four buildings on campus -  the Science Center, Thayer, Sever and Emerson Halls.

"HUPD and Cambridge Police are on the scene. Out of an abundance of caution, the buildings have been evacuated while the report is investigated. 

"Harvard's focus is on the safety of our students, faculty and staff.  We will update the media when we have more information."

Firefighters outside a gate at Harvard Yard

The school, where final exams have begun, posted alerts on its emergency page and Twitter account.

One student said she was preparing to start an exam when a fire alarm went off and everyone was ordered to leave the hall.

Freshman Hamidah Mahmud said: "We were about to take our science final in the Science Center. We had our pencils out, we were about to start it and right when he was about to say 'go' the fire alarm started and they evacuated everyone.

Police cordoned off Science Center plaza. Pic: Harvard Crimson

"Because the Boston bombings happened so recently, I think they are taking extra precautions.

"It was pretty scary."

The Harvard Crimson newspaper reported that students have been moved to Annenberg Hall, one of the college's main eateries.

Students taking exams were moved to Annenberg Hall. Pic: Harvard Crimson

The paper said that Harvard dean of undergraduate education Jay Harris told those assembled in the hall that the morning's final exams had been cancelled.

Transport police carried out a sweep of Harvard's subway station, but it was not closed or evacuated, according to the Boston Globe.

Harvard's main campus covers 209 acres in a heavily-populated area, around 5km from downtown Boston.

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Sacked Chef Hijacks Employer's Twitter Account

A sacked pub chef has used his former employer's Twitter account to post a series of angry messages.

But bosses at The Plough pub in Oxfordshire say they had no choice but to dismiss him because he refused to work on Christmas Day - one of their busiest days of the year.

They also said his claim that the pub bought cheap meat and passed it off as premium was "outrageous and untrue".

At 7pm on Sunday, a message appeared on The Plough's account saying: "Happy Christmas everyone".

But that was followed by several messages claiming head chef Jim Knight had been sacked for asking for three days off this month, including the key Christmas Day shift.

Some of the Twitter messages posted by the chef

The first read: "We'd like to inform you that we've just fired our head chef.

"Unfortunately he wanted to have a weekend off this month and Christmas Day this year for family commitments so we thought we'd sack him. Yeah, a week before Christmas!

"We don't care that he has a 7½-month-old baby daughter."

It was followed by a derogatory comment about the source of the produce used by the pub, saying supermarket meat was passed off as premium cuts.

The pub, in Great Haseley, Oxfordshire, gained hundreds of new followers on Twitter as the controversial messages were retweeted more than 1,000 times each.

A spokesman for The Plough said Mr Knight had informed bosses he would not be working Christmas Day and other Sundays in the near future, breaking an understanding reached when he was first employed.

Landlord Steve Potts said he was left with "little choice" but to dismiss him, as all of the pub's chefs have to work on Sundays and Christmas Day.

He also said the claim about the pub's produce was "outrageous and untrue".

"Our suppliers are transparent: our meat is fresh, never frozen, and comes from Booker's in High Wycombe and from a local farmer called Peter Vogt."

He added: "I've been in this business 25 years and have a lot of contacts who have been asking me on an ongoing basis if there is a position available, as this is a fantastic pub to work for.

"Since the villagers bought it out two years ago, it's been renovated to a wonderful standard, the kitchen facilities are second to none and it must be one of the most beautiful villages in the country."

He added that Mr Knight's dismissal would not affect the Christmas Day food service.

A message posted on Mr Knight's own Twitter account read: "It's my daughter's first Christmas. I wouldn't miss that for ANYTHING.

"Thank you for the kind words. I had no idea this would escalate so quickly. See you in the job centre tomorrow. X"

It was followed by: "I would like to make it CRYSTAL CLEAR I have not "hacked" any account. I created the account with permission of my ex-employers. Night x."

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Portugal: Five Students Missing In Sea

One university student has died and five others are missing after they were swept away by a huge wave on a beach in Portugal.

Three men and four women, all in their early 20s, had rented a house for a weekend break at Praia do Meco beach in Setubal, south of Lisbon.

All seven were sitting on the beach late on Saturday night when they were dragged into the sea.

One of the men managed to swim back to shore and used a mobile phone to call emergency services.

Rescuers later found the body of one of the men and are searching for the four women and remaining man.

The search is taking place three miles south of where they were dragged in

A military helicopter and boat are being used in the search.

Commander Carlos Manuel Lopes da Costa, leading the hunt, told Portuguese newspaper Publico: "We always hope of finding anyone alive."

The search area has been increased from a three-mile radius to a five-mile radius, to between Lagoa de Albufeira and Prais dos Lagosteiros, near Cabo Espichel.

Sesimbra mayor Augusto Polvora said: "We know that the sea here is dangerous, we often have yellow flags and red flags, but it is the first time there has been an accident of this kind."

Lusofona University in Lisbon, where the students were studying, has declared three days of mourning.

The flag at the humanities and technology campus is flying at half mast.

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Groom Killed Helping Motorist Stuck In Snow

A groom was killed hours after his wedding when he and a motorist stranded in snow were hit by several vehicles.

William Riley Knight, 49, was on his way from his wedding reception to a hotel with his new bride when the accident happened.

Mr Knight, from Crown Point, Indiana, stopped his truck when the couple saw a woman whose car had slid off the road into the snow.

He pulled into a nearby driveway and left his wife Nikki Knight waiting while he went to help 42-year-old Linda Darlington.

The pair were standing at the side of the road when they were struck by one vehicle and then by two more, the Lake County Sheriff's office said.

Mrs Knight, a registered nurse, said neither her husband nor Ms Darlington had pulses when she got to the accident scene. Both were pronounced dead early on Sunday morning.

Parts of the US have been gripped by a winter freeze

She told the Chicago Sun-Times: "I went from being a newlywed to a widow in less than 48 hours - the highest high to the lowest low. It's a blur.

"He said 'we've got to stop, it's late and they need help'.

"He was the type of person who was willing to put himself on the line and support you no matter what."

Mr Knight, who went by his middle name of Riley, had served in the US Army Rangers before retiring in the mid-1990s, his ex-wife told WBBM.

He had two daughters, a stepson and stepdaughter.

All the drivers involved in the accident stayed at the scene and police said no charges had been filed.

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Andre Villas-Boas Sacked By Tottenham Hotspur

Andre Villas-Boas has been sacked as manager of Tottenham Hotspur after less than six months in the job.

The club announced it had parted company with the Portuguese by "mutual consent" after a 5-0 thrashing at home to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Last month, Spurs suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat at Manchester City, heaping pressure on Villas-Boas after a 3-0 defeat to West Ham the previous month.

According to Sky Bet, Fabio Capello is the 11/8 favourite to replace the 36-year-old, followed by Michael Laudrup (5/1), Glenn Hoddle (8/1) and Guus Hiddink (8/1).

Villas-Boas guided Tottenham to 29 wins and 12 draws during his 54 games in charge.

He steered the side to their current seventh place in the Premier League, two points ahead of Manchester United, and maintained an unbeaten record as Tottenham won their Europa League group.

However, more was expected of a team that spent £108m on seven new players during the summer following the departure of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for an enormous transfer fee.

Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, Villas-Boas said he would not stand down.

"The call to make that decision is not mine, because obviously I won't resign and I'm not a quitter," he said.

"The only thing I can do is work hard with the players to get them back on track.

"This is a top-four squad but in our Premier League form we are not there."

Villas-Boas, who lasted less than a year in his previous job at Chelsea, guided his boyhood club Porto to a trophy treble in 2011, as the Portuguese side won the league title, the Portuguese Cup and the Europa League.

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Cameron: 'Afghanistan Mission Accomplished'

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent, in Camp Bastion

British troops in Afghanistan can be proud of a "mission accomplished" as they prepare to pull out of the country next year, David Cameron has said.

On an unannounced visit to Camp Bastion in the run-up to Christmas, the Prime Minister said the Armed Forces would be able to leave after a 12-year campaign having ensured it was no longer a terrorist stronghold.

Speaking during his visit, Mr Cameron said troops could leave Afghanistan with their "heads held high".

He said: "To me the absolute driving part of the mission is the basic level of security so that it doesn't become a haven for terror.

"That is the mission, that was the mission and I think we will have accomplished that mission and so our troops can be very proud of what they have done."

David Cameron was travelling with Michael Owen and took top bunk

It is likely to be Mr Cameron's last festive trip to the country as combat troops will have withdrawn by the end of 2014.

Around 5,200 British troops are now based in Afghanistan, down from 9,000 at the start of the year.

However, there are still fears of a Taliban resurgence once Western troops pull out and the first big test for security in the country will come with next year's election.

Militants could target candidates and officials in a bid to undermine the political transition.

The withdrawal of UK troops will be paused during the election period, to try and maintain stability, however, the pace will be upped again soon after.

The Prime Minister arrives at Camp Bastion

Mr Cameron said: "I said, back in 2010, that after the end of 2014 there would not be British troops in a combat role and we will stick to that.

"We are not going to abandon this country. We are going to go on funding the Afghan National Army and police into the future.

"We will have a development programme into the future and, of course, we are providing what the president of Afghanistan asked me for, which is an officer training academy in Kabul which will help provide the backbone of the Afghan National Army for the future.

"So, we have more than played our part in helping to rebuild this country and making it safe.

"Our commitment goes on into the future but our troops have done enough and it's time for them to come home."

Last year during his Christmas visit, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Britain had "paid a heavy price" for its involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan.

Mr Cameron greets troops who will pull out by the end of 2014

There have been 446 British service personnel killed in the fighting.

Travelling with Mr Cameron this year was the footballer Michael Owen. The pair even shared a bunk bed together on the eight-hour flight in an Army plane.

The Prime Minister insisted on having the top bunk - but it was the former England player who was the top dog in the eyes of the forces.

Owen was there to launch a new partnership between the FA and Afghan football, providing training and helping the sport grow from grassroots to premier league.

Despite offering a photo opportunity for Mr Cameron, there was a serious aim.

Football is one of Britain's best-loved exports, and the military see this as a key way of strengthening relationships with the Afghans.

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Severed Hand Saved By Being Sewn To Ankle

A man who lost his right hand in an accident at work has had it successfully reattached after doctors grafted it to his ankle for a month.

Xiao Wei underwent reattachment surgery in Changsha, Hunan province, after badly injuring himself in November.

Initially, doctors said they would be unable to save his limb.

Mr Wei said: "I was just shocked and frozen to the spot, until colleagues unplugged the machine and retrieved my hand and took me to the hospital.

Xiao Wei is hopting to regain full function of his hand

"I am still young, and I couldn't imagine life without a right hand."

However, doctors at a larger hospital offered a solution and opted to sew the hand to the ankle to stop it dying while they treated his other injuries.

Wei's doctor told Rex Features: "His injury was severe. Besides ripping injuries, his arm was also flattened. We had to clear and treat his injuries before taking on the hand reattachment surgery."

Nearly a month after his hand was severed, Wei had recovered sufficiently to undergo reattachment surgery.

According to doctors he will need to undergo several other procedures, but they are hopeful that he will regain full function of his hand.

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Riviera Bones Not From Missing Stephane Hirson

A pile of human bones found off the French Riviera do not include the remains of a missing Parisian teenager as previously thought, according to investigators.

Police said in November that DNA tests indicated that the remains of vulnerable 17-year-old Stephane Hirson, who disappeared from his home near Paris in 1994, were among the bones of at least four people discovered by an amateur diver in the sea close to the resort of Antibes.

But now the prosecutors' office in Grasse, which is leading a murder investigation into the case, said new tests had disproved that.

The bones include the remains of two men and two women.

The remains were found by a diver in the sea close to the resort of Antibes

Among them was a skull that had a target sign drawn on it, together with the words "death to paedophiles" written in indelible ink.

"In the end the DNA of the bone found at Antibes does not correspond to that of the young Hirson," prosecutor Georges Gutierrez said in a statement.

Tests based on the DNA of Stephane's mother had initially indicated the bones were his, but later tests on samples taken from his father showed this was not the case.

The development leaves investigators with few leads in a case that has fascinated France, following the discovery of the bones in February.

Police recovered the remains after they were found by the diver who was searching for sea urchins just off the rocky Cap d'Antibes coastline.

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Firefighters To Strike On New Year's Eve

Firefighters in England and Wales are planning to strike on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and January 3, 2014.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) say they will walk out for five hours from 7pm on December 24, for six hours from 6.30pm on December 31 and for two hours from 6.30am on January 3.

The action is being called in an escalation of their long-running dispute with the Government over pensions. The union argues that firefighters in their late 50s face being sacked or seeing their pension reduced by half because of changes in the retirement age.

FBU members in Scotland will also join the industrial action for the first time since the row flared, by joining a ban on overtime. Negotiations have been continuing in Scotland, making enough progress to avert strikes, but the union said no settlement had been made.

Firefighters have staged a number of walkouts since September

Between 7pm on December 27 and 7pm on the 29th, all firefighters in the union across England, Wales and Scotland will refuse to work voluntary overtime.

It will be the first time firefighters in the three nations will be taking industrial action in the bitter row over retirement age and pensions.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "Firefighters provide a first-class standard of service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and these strikes will remind Government just how reliant they are on our members' professionalism, commitment and flexibility.

"However, there should be no need for industrial action, and it's absurd that firefighters' concerns over pensions have not been addressed already.

"The Government must stop claiming they are negotiating when they have refused to talk for two months and insist on forcing through proposals that are unaffordable, unworkable and unfair.

"By simply conceding common sense and allowing firefighters a fair deal, the Government could end this industrial action today."

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Fake Goods Websites Seized In Cyber Sting

Officials have seized control of nearly 700 websites selling counterfeit goods in Europe and the US.

Europe's cross-border police agency, Europol, confirmed authorities now control a total of 690 sites suspected of selling fake items in Britain and other nations.

The City of London Police, which conducted the British part of the Transatlantic 3 seizure campaign, told Sky News 90 of the websites were in the UK and that there were just around 300 in the rest of Europe.

Europol told Sky News that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had teamed up with European police and Hong Kong customs authorities to seize the sites' domain names.

In total, 10 law enforcement agencies in eight countries were involved in the internet raid.

A total of 297 domains were seized in the US and 393 others in Britain, France, Spain, Romania, Hungary, Denmark, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Europol said: "During the weeks leading up to the end of the year, the market is flooded with counterfeit products being sold at stores, on street corners, and online.

"Not only ripping the consumer off and providing shoddy products, but also putting their personal financial information at risk.

"The most popular counterfeit products seized each year include headphones, sports jerseys, personal care products, shoes, toys, luxury goods, cell phones and electronic accessories."

Would-be customers to the sites have are now being redirected to a warning notice posted by the seizing agency.

The operation was launched to coincide with the big online shopping day known as Cyber Monday.

The police action comes after US officials seized hundreds of websites, many registered in China, selling fake basketball and football jerseys to US residents.

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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: No Mayday From Pilot

The pilot of the police helicopter that plunged into Glasgow's Clutha pub killing nine people made no mayday call before the crash.

Dave Miller, deputy chief inspector of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, told reporters there was no explosion and no fire before the helicopter fell onto the roof of the building causing debris to land on revellers below.

He said there was no 'black box' flight recorder on board but it does have a "significant number of modern electronic systems on board and it may be possible to recover details from those systems".

Nothing fell from the craft before the accident and the helicopter rotors were intact at the moment of impact.

The bodies of the four victims which remained trapped inside the wrecked Clydeside venue were removed after the "extensively damaged" Eurocopter craft was lifted out by crane.

Police have named five of the nine people who died in the crash

Emergency service workers then formed a guard of honour to pay their respects to victims of Friday night's crash as the bodies were driven away in private ambulances.

Pope Francis has sent a message expressing his "closeness" to the people of Glasgow following the tragedy. 

Meanwhile, relatives have expressed anger at the time it has taken to recover their love ones.

John McGarrigle, whose father, also John, is thought to be among the dead, said: "What about the dignity for the human beings underneath that police helicopter? If they've got one out, they can get the rest out."

A guard of honour marked the passing of the remaining Clutha crash victims

More than 100 people were in the pub listening to a ska band when the helicopter hit at 10.25pm.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief officer David Goodhew said rescuers had been working in very confined spaces with the danger of potential further collapse in order to find bodies and remove the helicopter.

"Crews have been tunnelling underneath the helicopter to try to find further casualties and remove those where necessary," he said.

Once the wreckage was removed, crews were immediately put back into the building to complete their search, which took under two hours.

The Eurocopter will be taken to AAIB in Farnborough for examination

Mr Goodhew said: "The building has been totally devastated. It's totally unrecognisable in most parts.

"There's a large amount of debris that's underneath the helicopter and therefore you have to dig in slowly and methodically."

He added: "It's one of the most difficult operations, I think, of this type in the country. The helicopter has landed in a building that's fully packed.

"It has been damaged in such a way that it couldn't just be lifted. It's been in an unsafe, unstable condition throughout."

The helicopter fuselage was embedded in the roof of the Clutha

Three people were killed in the helicopter - pilot David Traill, 51, and police officers Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, and Samuel McGhee, 56, from Glasgow, were among six people killed in the pub. 

Dr Jennifer Armstrong, of NHS Greater Glasgow, said 12 people remain in hospital.  

"The patients continue to be treated for a range of serious injuries including bone fractures, spinal injuries, lacerations, chest injuries and head injuries," she said.

Glasgow City Council said financial help will be made available to anyone in hardship as a result of the tragedy.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly posting sectarian and racist comments on Twitter in the wake of the Glasgow helicopter crash. He is expected to appear at Ayr Sheriff Court later.

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