Last year, National Grid said it would use underground cables instead of pylons between Anglesey and the mainland in Gwynedd. It said this would protect the Menai Strait's natural beauty. The tunnel will be based on a network of power tunnels in central London. Plans to connect Wylfa Newydd at Cemaes Bay to a substation at Pentir, Gwynedd, have been controversial, with campaigners concerned about the impact of pylons. Aled Rowlands, external affairs manager for National Grid, said: "We are going to be using the same type of technology [that we are using under the River Thames] to go underneath the Menai. "When we've listened to local people and to those specialist bodies, they've asked us to preserve the natural beauty that's already there. "This option is more expensive than just putting cables across the top, but we think it's worth it. "We are looking at probably over £100m just for this cable tunnel to take the link from Anglesey over to the mainland and into the National Grid. "Here in London, we are digging through London clay. There are very different conditions around the Menai, with some rock and some limestone and some other things, so it's going to be a real engineering challenge for us. "But at National Grid we do have an expertise in that. "This project for 34km [in London] has taken about eight years. We think it will be... four or five to build those 4km from Anglesey across to Gwynedd." Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon Hywel Williams and AM Sian Gwenllian have met with National Grid bosses to push for undergrounding the remaining 1km of electricity connection, for which pylons are currently proposed. The National Grid has published an interactive map showing the proposed routes of the power cables.

Summary: A tunnel under the Menai Strait, which will contain cables linking Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station to the National Grid, is set to cost £100m and take up to five years to complete.


Managing director of ITV Studios Kevin Lygo will replace him next month. Fincham said it was "time to do something different" but added that while he had "no firm plans", he would consider a return to the indie sector. ITV's chief executive Adam Crozier paid tribute to Fincham as a "great creative partner" and added that he was "delighted" by Lygo's appointment. Julian Bellamy, managing director of ITV Studios in the UK, will succeed Lygo. Lygo and Bellamy start their new roles on 1 February, with Fincham staying until the end of March to complete the process of handing over the role. Fincham, former controller of BBC One, said: "This is a personal decision that I have been thinking about for a good while. "By the time I leave at Easter I will have been a channel controller at the BBC and ITV, amazing as it seems, for 11 years. Quite simply, it's time to do something different." He said he had worked at ITV "during a period of great revival", and added: "I haven't made any firm plans for the future yet, but I wouldn't rule out a return to the indie sector - I ran TalkBack for a lot longer than I've been on the broadcasting side and that indie heart has never quite stopped beating. " His commissions for ITV include Downton Abbey, Broadchurch, Long Lost Family and The Only Way is Essex. Crozier said: "Peter came to see me in September to say that he wanted to step down and whilst I am sorry to see him leave, eight years is a long time and I fully respect his desire for a new challenge." He added Lygo was "perfectly placed to lead the commissioning team as we enter this next exciting phase". Lygo - Channel 4's former director of television - said: "I've had a terrific time over the last five years building ITV Studios in the UK and internationally into the success story that it is today, but the chance to become director of television of the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster was just too good to miss." ITV also announced David McGraynor, ITV Studios finance director, was to become the chief finance and operating officer of the studios division.

Summary: ITV director of television Peter Fincham is leaving the post after eight years, it has been announced.


Business rates, charged on property in England, are due to change in April for the first time in seven years. Calculations by consultancy Gerald Eve suggest changes to the rateable value of schools mean some will face 40% bill increases. The government said its own figures suggested state schools overall would see a 2% fall in rates. Andrew Altman, a specialist schools partner at Gerald Eve, said the firm estimates that the total rates bill for schools in England is about £791m. But it estimates that this could rise by £131m to about £922m by 2021-22 as the revaluation changes work through. The figures amount to a rise of about 17% by 2021, said Mr Altman, but this "hides the fact that about a quarter of schools could see actual rate increases of about 40% in the first year". Mr Altman said he feared that council-run schools would be particularly badly hit as academies have their costs, including rates, met fully, directly from Whitehall. He said that he expected many schools to appeal against their new business rate rises and questioned why public sector properties were subjected to business rates at all. "It's circular. It's all public money. It's a very expensive tax to collect and appeal," he added. National Association of Head Teachers' general secretary Russell Hobby said a sharp increase in business rates would "add to the perfect storm school leaders are experiencing. "It cannot be right that more and more of the money to schools is being taken back to central and local government." Mr Hobby said schools were already having to find money, which would otherwise be spent on pupils, to fund the Apprenticeship Levy which also comes into force from April, as well as staff insurance contributions and pension costs. "The burden on schools is becoming too much," he added, urging the chancellor to "act in next month's Budget to ensure schools have the resources they need". In a statement, the Department for Communities and Local Government said it did not recognise the Gerald Eve figures and state schools would see a 2% fall in their bills - equivalent to £16m a year. "The revaluation of business rates means nearly three-quarters of properties will see no change or a fall in their bills," said a spokesman. The National Day Nurseries Association said its members, who operate as small businesses, feared their business rates could double. Research late last year by the Lambert Smith Hampton commercial property consultancy estimated rises of 45%, or higher in more affluent areas. NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku said these rises would be "a huge burden" when nurseries were already facing "severe financial pressure" due to the national living wage and uncertainty surrounding the financial viability of the government's plan to double the number of free childcare hours for working families.

Summary: A sharp rise in schools' business rates could push some budgets beyond breaking point, say head teachers' leaders.


The carrier reported a pre-tax loss of £19.9m in the year to 31 March, despite revenues rising 13.4% to £707.4m. Flybe said it would start to reduce the size of its fleet after it saw slowing growth in consumer demand. However, it insisted the current year was going well and efforts to turn a profit again were well underway. Flybe has struggled in the past year with a series of costly mistakes, including running too many loss-making routes and failed joint ventures. An aggressive expansion plan increased capacity on the airline by 12.3% to 12.7 million seats, but passenger numbers only rose 7.6% to 8.8 million. Six Bombardier Q400 aircraft will be cut from the fleet next year. But the City appeared pleased with the company's future plans to return to profit, with shares up 6% to 35p in early trading. The company said in a statement: "Despite the substantial progress in reducing the size of legacy fleet orders in 2015/16, Flybe has still seen significant capacity growth in a market where we witnessed slower growth in consumer demand. "New routes and increased frequencies were targeted to cover marginal costs in the early years of operation, but do not contribute significantly to overall profitability. "The capacity growth therefore had a negative effect on profitability." It added: "We will make Flybe a sustainable business that operates the best routes and at the best times to suit the needs of our customers." Its focus will be on improving its UK routes in particular, and expanding relations with regional airports. In addition to the over-capacity problems, a major IT upgrade hit profits by £4.8m last year and the company warned that an extra £6m would have to be spent cancelling costly contracts.

Summary: Regional airline Flybe has hit turbulence, running up a near £20m loss after previous expansion plans proved too ambitious.


Media playback is not supported on this device Ashton Hewitt went over to put the hosts in the lead while Angus O'Brien kicked the Dragons further ahead. Two Jack Carty penalties put Connacht back into the game at the break before Hewitt touched down once more. O'Brien's two drop-goals extended their lead but Niyi Adeolokun's try set up a tense finale for the Dragons. The hosts had led Connacht by 15 points in the second half but a late resurgence by the Pro12 champions - Adeolokun showing tremendous pace to go over with just over 10 minutes left to play - ran them close. The Dragons' win, their first in the Pro12 since beating Zebre in September, ended a run of seven consecutive defeats against Connacht, while the Irish province slipped to a second successive defeat after their loss to Leinster. Kingsley Jones' side were without four players who are part of Wales' autumn international squad with Hallam Amos and the uncapped Cory Hill for the Test against Australia on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tyler Morgan remains with Wales although he is not in the matchday squad, while Leon Brown is training with Rob Howley's squad while not being a full member. Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones told BBC Radio Wales: "It was critical. We've had a difficult start but some good performances at home. If we get the right results our way, we're only a few points behind those eighth and seventh places. "To get that tonight going into the Anglo-Welsh games was really critical for it. For an hour I was pretty composed and I'm a pretty composed coach but the last 10 minutes my legs were trembling. "We finished well in a few games at home lately. It was a tight affair and Connacht are a very good side - they'll play to the death and from anywhere and can hurt you from nothing." Newport Gwent Dragons: Tom Prydie; Pat Howard, Sam Beard, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt; Angus O'Brien, Sarel Pretorius; Phil Price, Thomas Rhys Thomas, Brok Harris, Nick Crosswell, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans (capt), Ollie Griffiths, Ed Jackson. Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Sam Hobbs, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Nic Cudd, Tavis Knoyle, Geriant Rhys Jones, Adam Warren. Connacht: Tiernan O'Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Peter Robb, Stacey Ili; Jack Carty, Caolin Blade, JP Cooney, Shane Delahunt, Conor Carey; Quinn Roux, Andrew Browne; Eoin McKeon, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (capt). Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Saba Meunargia, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, James Cannon, James Connolly, Conor McKeon, Shane O'Leary, Cian Kelleher, Referee: George Clancy (IRFU) Assistant referees: David Wilkinson (IRFU), Jason Bessant (WRU) Citing commissioner: Jeff Mark (WRU)

Summary: Newport Gwent Dragons won just their second game in the Pro12 this season as they overcame a late Connacht comeback at Rodney Parade.


The pupil was on a bus carrying 21 students from Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire when it crashed in Birmingham. She was confirmed dead at the scene in the Castle Vale area of the city. The teenager was a pupil at John Taylor High School. Tributes have been paid to Holly, with one person writing on social media: "Absolutely heartbroken for Holly Brown. "To her family and friends, know that pupils from John Taylor, past and present are devastated RIP." A second teenage girl was taken to hospital with minor injuries and others were treated at the roadside. John Taylor High School has tweeted its thanks for support during the "desperately sad time". End of Twitter post by @johntaylorhigh West Midlands Police said the minibus was also carrying four adults - the driver and three teachers. No arrests have been made. Police said that both drivers were assisting with the "detailed and thorough" investigation. Police are investigating whether or not all those on board were wearing seat belts. Birmingham City Council confirmed one of its bin lorries was involved in the crash and they "will be fully co-operating with all investigations". In a statement, it said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of a teenage girl... on Kingsbury Road and our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those affected." In a letter home to parents, the school's headteacher explained there had been a fatal accident involving one of its Year 9 pupils and said it would offer any students struggling with the news support and comfort. Principal Mike Donoghue said: "Our thoughts, at this very tragic and sad time, are with the family, their friends and the pupils and staff involved. "I am sure that you will join everyone at John Taylor High School in supporting our community in every way you can."

Summary: A 14-year-old girl who died after a minibus carrying school pupils on a field trip collided with a bin lorry has been named in reports as Holly Brown.


Patrick Mugadza announced last week that the 92-year-old head of state would die on 17 October this year. His lawyer, Gift Mtisi, told the BBC that he was relaying a "message from God. Police would have to prove that God didn't say it". Mr Mugabe mocks frequent rumours of his death, saying he has been resurrected more often than Jesus Christ. Mr Mtisi said his client had initially been charged with undermining the authority of the president, then "criminal nuisance" and finally "insulting people of a certain race or religion". He said Mr Mugadza was laughing about the charges and would plead not guilty. "I'm still at pains to find the criminal part of it," Mr Mtisi told the BBC. He added the pastor had no regrets about making the prophesy: "He's admitting to the facts. He says he didn't lie - that's a message from God. Police will have to prove God didn't say it." Mr Mugadza of the Remnant Church held a press conference last week at which he announced his prophecy of Mr Mugabe's forthcoming demise. He was arrested at the magistrate's court in Harare where he was appearing on separate charges of wearing the national flag. This was made an offence last year, after another Pastor, Evan Mawarire, launched a campaign urging Zimbabweans to reclaim their flag. This is not Pastor Mugadza's first brush with the law. In 2005, he was arrested and detained for nearly a month after holding a placard telling Mr Mugabe his people were suffering under his rule. And on Zimbabwe's independence day last year, he gave a sermon while tied to a lamppost in Harare's main shopping mall, saying the act symbolised the lack of freedom in the country. Last September, the president was rumoured to have died after he reportedly cut short his attendance of an AU summit to fly to Dubai for a health check. Mr Mugabe later joked about the rumours, saying he indeed died but was only resurrected.

Summary: A Zimbabwean pastor who predicted the death of President Robert Mugabe has been arrested, his lawyer says.


Connie Jennings, 96, died following the crash on Friday morning, near Murthly on the A9. Ms Jennings was from West Yorkshire. She was a passenger in a Mazda CX5 which collided with a D&E Coaches single-decker bus. The driver of the car, a woman in her 60s, sustained less serious injuries. No one else was hurt in the crash.

Summary: Police have released the name of a woman who died after a collision between a car and a bus in Perthshire.


The discovery was made during an unannounced visit to HMP Bronzefield near Ashford, Surrey, in April. Nick Hardwick, the chief inspector of prisons, said it amounted to "cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment". The prison's director said it would only segregate a prisoner if it felt there was no other option available. Charlotte Pattison-Rideout, director of HMP Bronzefield, Sodexo Justice Services, said the prison had taken on board the recommendations made in the report and had already started to address them. She added that the prison's policy was always to seek reintegration where possible. Mr Hardwick said some of the issues identified in the report needed "a fundamentally different approach" at national level. In the inspection report, he said: "We were dismayed that the woman who had already been in the segregation unit for three years in 2010 was still there in 2013. "Her cell was unkempt and squalid and she seldom left it. "Although more activities had been organised for her and better multi-disciplinary support was available, she still had too little to occupy her. "Her prolonged location on the segregation unit amounted to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment - and we use these words advisedly." Mr Hardwick said the treatment and conditions of other women held for long periods in segregation was "little better". He said: "Much of this was outside the prison's direct control and required a national strategy for meeting the needs of these very complex women - as exists in the male estate." But he added that Bronzefield itself needed to do more to "ameliorate the worst effects of this national failure". The report calls for a policy to help manage women "with complex needs who cannot be supported in the prison's normal location". Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "This shocking case of treatment, which appears to amount to torture, in an English prison should shame ministers who tolerate the over-use of custody for women and consequent poor treatment. "Her Majesty's chief inspector is absolutely right that specialist care outside of the prison walls needs to be developed for the handful of women who pose particular challenges." The report said arrangements for transporting prisoners to and from the prison were unacceptable. The report said women were carried in vehicles with men and spent long periods in the van, possibly because they had to wait while male prisoners were dropped off first. Some complained they felt unsafe on the trip, it added. Positives identified by the inspectors included practical resettlement services; good reception, first night and induction arrangements; and very good support for women with substance misuse problems throughout their prison stays. Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "The Chief Inspector reports that staff are doing their best to respond to the needs of women at Bronzefield, many of whom are in poor mental and physical health, addicted to drugs and drink and traumatised by separation from their children. "But why in this day and age are women with such complex needs transported like cattle and dumped in prison,

Summary: An inmate at a women's prison was held in segregation for more than five years, an inspection report has revealed.


British producer Ronson got his first number one with Uptown Funk on 14 December, and the single has now claimed the final top spot of 2014. It was released five weeks early after it was performed by Fleur East on The X Factor, later topping the iTunes chart. Haenow had topped the Christmas chart with OneRepublic's Something I Need. Uptown Funk had dropped one place to make way for the former van driver's track over Christmas. Fellow Briton Ed Sheeran, who scores a 12th week at the top of the album charts, held on to number three in the singles chart, with Thinking Out Loud. American singer Taylor Swift moved up three places to fourth with Blank Space, while former X Factor star Olly Murs dropped one to fifth with Up, his collaboration with Demi Lovato. The only new entry went to Alesso featuring Tove Lo with Heroes (We Could Be). Sheeran's album logged sales of 211,000, his second biggest one-week sales tally since the LP's release back in June. The top five was completed by Sam Smith, Murs, George Ezra and Take That, who all held their positions.

Summary: Mark Ronson's collaboration with Bruno Mars has reclaimed the number one spot in the singles chart, pushing X Factor winner Ben Haenow down to number two.


Mr Deby took power in a coup in 1990 and later introduced elections. A referendum in 2005 scrapped a clause restricting presidents to two terms, but Mr Deby said that if he gets re-elected he will reinstate it. In the last year, Burundi, Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville have all changed their constitutions to allow their presidents to run for office again. Africa Live: BBC news updates Mr Deby said on Tuesday that reinstating term limits would provide "vitality" to the democracy. "We must limit terms, we must not concentrate on a system in which a change in power becomes difficult," he told the ruling party. "In 2005 the constitutional reform was conducted in a context where the life of the nation was in danger," he added. Africa's longest-serving leaders: The arrogance of power The Mobutu and Gaddafi effect

Summary: Chad's President Idriss Deby has announced he will run for a fifth term in April's elections.


The Serbian club had been banned for three seasons because of the issue. European football's governing body Uefa said Partizan had broken rules on unpaid debts three times in the past five years. However a Court of Arbitration for Sport statement said Partizan had provided "new evidence" to show it had paid its tax bills. The statement added: "On this basis, the parties have agreed the exclusion imposed by (Uefa) shall be deemed to have been made conditional on the club's timely payment of the other overdue payables identified as at September 30, 2016. "Taking into account the fact that FK Partizan has satisfied this condition, the club will be eligible to compete in future Uefa club competitions."

Summary: Partizan Belgrade have had their European ban lifted after providing evidence they had cleared unpaid debts.


Their name, "luk thep", literally translates as "child angels" and people believe they bring good fortune and they are pampered by their owners as if they were children. But the privileges lavished upon them have also drawn a backlash and warnings from Thai authorities. After purchasing a doll, the owner brings it to a monk who conducts a prayer and an anointing ceremony known as "plook sek". Such prayers are normally used to bless lucky amulets, which are also popular in Thailand, where ancient beliefs in magic are still prevalent. In the case of "luk thep", it is often seen as a way of animating the doll, where a wandering spirit is invited to inhabit it and give it a soul. Thai Smile Airways made news this week when it said passengers could purchase tickets for the dolls who would get their own seats, snacks and drinks. But officials have since stepped in: "Based on international aviation rules, passengers are people. So airlines aren't allowed to sell tickets for dolls," a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand was quoted as saying in The Bangkok Post. Passengers can buy a second seat under their names and place their "luk theps" there, he added. At least one eatery in Bangkok has cashed in on the trend. Neta Grill said earlier this week it is offering meals for "luk theps" at child rates, adding that the restaurant is "open to all worshippers". Several owners told BBC Thai that the doll was more than just a talisman, they treat them like their own children. "My daughter wants a sister and friend. In her school, her friends also have luk thep... so my daughter wants to have one like other people," one buyer said. Doting owners have been known to splash out on expensive accessories and jewellery for their dolls. Anthropologist Asama Mungkornchai from Pattani's Prince of Songkla University said the dolls appear to be particularly popular with middle-class women, and could "fulfill the need for motherhood" among such owners. But the fact that many say they need it for good luck and wealth also highlights "a current sense of insecurity among the Thai middle class, especially when it comes to the economy", she added. On Monday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha urged Thais not to get carried away with the trend and not to buy the dolls if they cannot afford them, reported broadcaster Thai PBS. The price of a doll can range from 1,500 baht (Â£29, $42) to tens of thousands of baht. The police have also expressed concern that doll sellers have been evading import taxes, and that the dolls could be used to smuggle drugs if they were allowed on planes. Earlier this week, police in Chiang Mai intercepted a doll loaded with 200 tablets of the popular recreational drug "yaba". Even religious questions have been raised about the appropriateness of conducting Buddhist rituals on the dolls. The trend has sparked a backlash online, with some criticising owners as being superstitious. But the National Office of Buddhism told Thai PBS the "plook

Summary: A craze for eerily lifelike supernatural dolls has swept Thailand in recent months.


David Lee Cartwright, from Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, was travelling towards Mold where he worked at the town's Tesco store when the incident happened on Tuesday evening at Pontblyddyn. He died at the scene. North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash involving his red Volkswagen Bora on the A541 road at 21:50 GMT.

Summary: A 31-year-old man who died after his car crashed on a Flintshire road has been named by police.


The 24-year-old Welshman, who competes in the F42 category, managed 16.14m with his penultimate throw against his able-bodied rivals, finishing fifth. It beat his previous best of 15.93m set at last year's championships. Davies is aiming to compete in the shot at the Rio Paralympics after his discus event was removed from the competition. The Bridgend man, who has limited functionality of his right leg with missing bones and no muscle or ligament growth, took gold in the discus at London 2012 and bronze in the shot and is the current European and world champion in both events.

Summary: Paralympic champion Aled Davies improved his own shot put world record at the British Indoor Championships in Sheffield.


The suspects, 16 and 18 years old, ran away when officers arrived at their house in Broken Arrow, outside of the city of Tulsa. A child at the home was taken to hospital and is in critical condition. Another child was found unhurt. Police are investigating the deaths as homicides. The dead include both adults and children, Broken Arrow police Sgt Thomas Cooper said. Authorities say they responded on Wednesday night to a 911 call where someone called 911 but did not speak on the phone. Mr Cooper said the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the investigation. "It appears that the two suspects fled out the door sometime during our arrival. We had a canine track, and they were apprehended," Mr Cooper said. The house where the two teens were arrested was large and fairly expensive for the area, according to property records. Helen Hoagland, a neighbour, told the AP news agency that two parents and five children lived in the home and that the children were home-schooled. She said the mother was very strict. "We have a great neighbourhood. That's just crazy; it's absolutely crazy," Ms Hoagland said. Mr Cooper said Broken Arrow is "relatively safe", calling the crime "unprecedented" for the area, which has a population of about 103,000.

Summary: Two teenagers have been taken into custody after five relatives were found stabbed to death inside their home in Oklahoma.


Thomas Condliff, who weighs 22 stone (140kg) and has type 2 diabetes, is challenging a decision to refuse him a gastric bypass operation. NHS North Staffordshire says he does not meet its criteria for weight loss surgery. Decisions about exceptional funding are based on medical factors alone. Mr Condliff, 62, was initially refused funding for a gastric bypass operation because his weight/height ratio (Body Mass Index) fell below the threshold set by his local primary care trust. At 22 stone his Body Mass Index (BMI) is about 43, but in North Staffordshire only patients with a BMI over 50 are routinely treated with weight loss surgery. A decision to refuse him funding as an exceptional case was upheld in an earlier court hearing. Now Mr Condliff is taking his legal battle to the Court of Appeal in a case that has implications for many other areas. NHS North Staffordshire makes its decisions for exceptional funding on the medical condition of the patient, and rules out considering their personal circumstances. As a result of his diabetes Tom Condliff has lost the sight in one eye, and he also has kidney problems. He can no longer stand or walk for more than a short time and relies on his wife, Lana, to help him wash and dress. He says that during his legal battle his quality of life has worsened, and even an extremely calorie-restricted diet has failed to help him lose weight. "I've been given about a year to live by one of the specialists. I feel more and more poorly each day, my diabetes is way out of control." Having failed to overturn the initial decision to refuse a gastric bypass, he is now resting his hopes on asking the courts to compel the NHS to take into account the impact on his life and that of his family. "My wife barely goes out, because she doesn't want to leave me. It's awful just being locked indoors. It doesn't matter where you live, how nice it is, it's still a cage. " In the two-day hearing, the Court of Appeal will hear evidence from both sides on whether Article 8 of the Human Rights Act should be applied to how the NHS makes decisions on funding. It sets out the broad right to a family life. In common with many other primary care trusts, North Staffordshire has a policy of only considering medical evidence when it makes decisions about exceptional funding. The trust says it is part of a commitment to deal with all patients in a fair and even handed manner. In order to be granted exceptional funding a patient has to show he would have a greater than average medical benefit from any treatment. If Mr Condliff was successful, the PCT would have to look again at his case, but could still reach the same decision. It might also open the door to further legal challenges. Although this will not be considered by the court the case also highlights the variation in funding for weight loss surgery. The guidelines for

Summary: The Court of Appeal will consider if a patient's personal circumstances should influence the NHS when it decides whether to fund treatment.


Llanelli MP Nia Griffith said "everything" will be discussed in the wake of the loss of the English safe seat. She failed to give Mr Corbyn her full support in a BBC Radio Cymru interview. Mr Corbyn has said he will not step down in the wake of the loss to the Conservatives. Copeland had been held by Labour for more than 80 years - the Tories' Trudy Harrison won with 13,748 votes to Labour's Gillian Throughton's 11,601. Speaking on Post Cyntaf, Ms Griffith said: "The Conservatives are very strong at the moment so there'll be a lot of questions raised now within the party. "What's important now is discussing the whole thing and what happened in Copeland. Why has it happened and what is the best way forward?" Asked if the loss raised questions about Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, she said: "There will be a lot of discussion about every aspect of our party now and that will probably form a part of it". When asked if she would resign to trigger another leadership ballot, she added it was important the party rebuilds and needs to be better prepared for future elections. Meanwhile Gerald Jones, a Labour shadow Welsh minister, told BBC Radio Wales the result was "a significant set back for us as a party and one that we have to now rebuild from". The Merthyr Tydfil MP said the Labour party has to "take stock" with a "lot of work to do". Mr Corbyn said while it was "a day of disappointment in Copeland" he would not be quitting as Labour leader. Asked if he would fall on his sword following the defeat, he said: "No. I was elected leader of this party - I'm proud to lead this party."

Summary: Jeremy Corbyn's future will form part of discussions around the fall out of the Copeland by-election, Labour's shadow defence secretary has said.


Out of 39 mental health trusts that provided figures for their crisis teams, 27 had seen their workload increase - 70%. And some had seen referrals rise by as much as 60% - but without a comparable rise in funding. NHS England said an extra Â£400m would be spent on crisis resolution teams. BBC Radio 5 live contacted all 54 mental health trusts who run crisis teams in England. One of them, East London NHS Foundation Trust, revealed its crisis team had seen referrals increase from 7,057 to 11,368 last year, a 60% rise in demand. Camillo Parra-Braun's wife, Mariana, died by suicide at the age of 32 in October last year. Mr Parra-Braun had contacted the City and Hackney mental health home-visit team twice that day because of concerns about his wife's deteriorating mental health. He was told they were unlikely to be able to see them before 17:00 and more likely nearer 19:00. If he had urgent concerns, they said, he should contact the police. But help came too late for Mariana. Mr Parra-Braun said: "And after I learned of her death, my phone rang, and it was the crisis team, and they told me they would be arriving around 19:00." A statement from East London NHS Foundation Trust said: "We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mariana Pinto and everyone who has been affected by this tragic event. "Following the incident, the trust subsequently carried out a thorough review into the care and treatment of Mariana Pinto which involved meeting with family to discuss the case and establish their concerns. "The patient's family were also given the opportunity to contribute to the report." In 2014, a report for NHS England acknowledged the system was "stacked against" mental health. And last year a further report for NHS England said the majority of crisis teams "are not currently sufficiently resourced to operate 24/7, with caseloads above levels that allow teams to fulfil their core functions". Staff working within teams were too scared to speak publicly, but one person told BBC News anonymously: "Our referrals are increasing all the time. "And no, we do not have enough money to deal with [the] increase in referrals. "The CCG [Clinical Commissioning Group, which allocates NHS funding locally] simply does not have any money." An NHS England representative said: "NHS investment in mental health services is rising faster than for other services and this includes an additional Â£400m invested in crisis-resolution home-treatment teams from this year so that all areas are able to offer 24/7 emergency care to those who need it." In January, the government published its response to a taskforce report into the state of mental health services. It said that it would accept the recommendations in full and would deliver "additional investment of Â£1bn a year by 2020-21 to improve mental health services". "As the prime minister has said, it is this government's ambition to tackle the burning injustices that persist in our society, including the inequalities caused by poor mental health and the continued inability

Summary: Services for people who are suicidal or self-harming are facing unprecedented demand in England, a BBC Radio 5 live investigation has found.


Rhys Bennett, who was 12 at the time, was chased by the dog in a Leicestershire park, pulled to the ground and bitten on his face and body. The dog handler said he had released the dog because he did not realise Rhys and his friends were children. Leicestershire Police confirmed that an out-of-court settlement had been made. However, the force has not apologised to Rhys or his family - despite this being the reason his mother began the compensation claim. The attack happened on 13 October 2007, and the family's solicitor said the time it had taken to resolve the claim had added to the trauma. Updates on this story and updates from Leicestershire "This has been a truly traumatic experience for my client," said Dianne Collins of Nelsons Solicitors. "The police dog handler concerned said that he did not recognise the people running away as children and if he had known he would not have released the dog. "However, every other officer who was present that day did identify the 'runners' as children - and yet the dog handler still released the dog." Rhys was playing with three friends in his local park in Sapcote when they tried to get into a derelict pavilion that had been boarded up. Someone called the police and the children fled when officers arrived. The dog handler released the dog and it chased the children, pulling a girl to the ground by the wrist, releasing her and reattaching to her side. The dog then released the girl and attacked Rhys. "It was terrifying. I couldn't move," said Rhys, who is now a 20-year-old engineering student. "The dog's teeth bit into my lip and there was blood gushing everywhere. I was so scared. "I was taken to hospital and it was all a bit of a blur." As well as surgery to his face he needed counselling. He became too afraid to leave the house alone and could not even look at dogs for several years. "Following the attack I was petrified of dogs and would cross over the road if one was walking towards me," he said. "I'm less scared now, but I will never forget that day in 2007 and how scared I was. I was only 12." The matter was set for a three-day trial this week but Leicestershire Police accepted the family's offer to settle for £10,000 shortly before the trial was due to start. "No admission of liability was received nor was an apology - which was all that Mrs Bennett really wanted at the beginning of the claim," said Ms Collins. "Rhys had never been in trouble with the police before and has never been in trouble with the police since." Leicestershire Police said in a statement: "The training, deployment and management of police dogs within Leicestershire Police is constantly reviewed and developed in order to maintain the highest possible standards of professionalism."

Summary: A man who needed facial reconstructive surgery after being attacked by a police dog as a child has been given £10,000 in compensation.


Winch operator Paul Ormsby and winch man Ciarán Smith have been missing since Rescue 116 crashed off the County Mayo coast on 14 March. The Irish Coast Guard said the search would now also cover coastline along Counties Donegal and Galway. Four people were on board the helicopter when it came down. Capt Dara Fitzpatrick died after she was rescued from the sea hours after the crash. The body of her co-pilot, Capt Mark Duffy, was later recovered from the wreckage. On Sunday, the wreckage of the helicopter was lifted from the Irish Sea but the two missing crew members were not found. The Irish Coast Guard, writing on social media, said underwater searches would resume on Thursday, weather permitting. The extension of the search comes after the sister of Ciarán Smith appealed for fishermen along the Irish coast to join the search. Orla Smith said that local knowledge could be crucial in finding the two men. An investigation into what happened to the helicopter is continuing. The Air Accident Investigation Unit has said there was no indication of any mechanical problems in the seconds before the impact. It is thought the inquiry into the cause of the crash on 14 March will now focus on operational issues.

Summary: The search for two Irish Coast Guard crew members missing since a helicopter crash has been extended along the Irish coast.


The firm failed to meet a deadline to provide fuel tank safety instructions to airlines, among other issues, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Boeing has agreed to pay the fine and take action to improve certification. The agency said it "does not allege that these issues created unsafe conditions". "It is imperative that everyone complies with our aviation system's high safety standards," said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "This agreement is an important step toward ensuring that Boeing fully meets all applicable compliance standards going forward." The other violations involve Boeing's delay in addressing incorrectly shaped fasteners used on airliners, as well as production quality control problems. FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: "Boeing has agreed to implement improvements in its design, planning, production and maintenance planning processes, and has already implemented several of these improvements."

Summary: Aircraft maker Boeing is to pay a $12m (£8m) fine for "multiple pending and potential enforcement cases", the US air regulator has said.


The Fringe act Dolls, who work with the Cirk La Putyka, carried out the stunt above traffic on Friday. Josa Koelbel and Bellina Sorensson, from the Czech Republic, dangled from the bridge in a bid to promote their show at the Underbelly Lafayette tent. Edinburgh City Council said the performers had failed to apply for a licence. An Edinburgh city council spokeswoman said: "The council was not made aware of this performance which was not permitted or authorised." A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Any artistic performance, event or demonstration where public safety considerations are required must obtain an appropriate licence from the City of Edinburgh Council. "Failure to obtain the necessary licence may result in a joint inquiry by the police and council licensing board into the matter." The circus was not available for comment.

Summary: A police investigation has been launched into a Fringe trapeze stunt from an Edinburgh city centre bridge.


Teresa Kidd, 44, admitted stealing the cash from Glasgow-based Maclay Murray and Spens LLP, where she worked as a purchase ledger supervisor. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how she duped bosses into signing documents that paid money into bank accounts owned by her and her then partner. Sentence on Kidd was deferred and she was remanded in custody. Sheriff John McCormick told her: "This was a complex fraud perpetrated repeatedly by a trusted employee at a firm of solicitors in Glasgow over a period of some five years." He also told her: "A custodial sentence is almost inevitable." Kidd, a grandmother, from Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire, admitted embezzling the cash between October 2006 and November 2011. The court heard how she joined the lawyers firm in 1987 where she "became a trusted member of staff" and was promoted to purchase ledger supervisor. Procurator fiscal depute Lesley Chambers told the court: "As such she was responsible for making payments to creditors, clients and other beneficiaries using money withdrawn from the corporate bank account of Maclay Murray and Spens." The court was told Kidd was in charge of staff within the purchase ledger team. Mrs Chambers said that cash paid out would be drawn up on a "purchase run document" with a list of creditors, the amounts paid and the relevant bank details. This was signed off by the financial controller who carried out random sample checks on outgoing payments. A senior member of staff would check that the amounts tallied up with the outgoing details. The court was told: "Faculty services limited regularly provide the service of advocates to Maclay Murray and Spens and as such they would subsequently submit invoices to them. "The invoices to them were typically for a four-figure sum although in this particular case sometimes they rose to £10,000 and £11,000." Mrs Chambers said that for some reason, unlike most invoices, those submitted by the faculty services did not include their bank details and employees had to manually input the details. Kidd "exploited this" and only targeted invoices relating to the faculty services to carry out her crime. She "double submitted" invoices to the law firm, one with the correct bank details so the cash was paid to faculty services, and a second invoice with her personal bank details. Mrs Chambers added: "This practise of double submitting came to light on January 12, 2012." An investigation into the matter was carried out and Kidd accepted full responsibility for what she had done.

Summary: A financial worker is facing a jail term for embezzling £176,696 from one of Scotland's top legal firms.


The Insolvency Service said enough coal would be bought to keep the ovens alight as talks with "interested parties" continue about their future. A spokesman said a further decision would be made next week. The steelworks are with receivers after owners SSI UK went into liquidation, blaming a slump in global steel prices. A statement from the Insolvency Service said: "A decision has been made to buy sufficient coal to keep the Redcar Coke Ovens going until the weekend, enabling the Official Receiver to continue discussions with interested parties about purchasing assets in working order. "A decision about purchasing further coal to keep the ovens operational beyond the weekend will be taken at the end of this week." The government has promised an Â£80m aid package to help the 1,700 workers who have lost their jobs.

Summary: Coke ovens at the SSI Steelworks in Redcar will remain lit until at the least the weekend, the site's receivers have confirmed.


Mae'r Ysgrifennydd Addysg, Kirsty Williams wedi dweud mai cau ysgolion ddylai fod y cam olaf, ar ôl ystyried yr holl effeithiau ar y gymuned leol. Am y tro cyntaf, bydd ysgolion gwledig yng Nghymru yn cael eu diffinio'n benodol, gyda Llywodraeth Cymru yn ffurfio rhestr o 'ysgolion gwledig' er mwyn eu diogelu ymhellach. Bydd newid hefyd i'r Cod Trefniadaeth Ysgolion, sef y drefn sy'n rhoi arweiniad wrth wneud penderfyniadau am ysgolion. Mae'r Ceidwadwyr yn dweud nad ydy'r rheolau'n mynd i'r afael â diffyg buddsoddiad, tra bod Plaid Cymru'n dweud bod rhaid "cydnabod y gost ychwanegol i gynghorau". Dywedodd Mrs Williams bod ysgolion gwledig "yn galon i'w cymunedau" ac y dylen nhw gael "gwrandawiad teg". Yn y gorffennol, mae cynghorau sir wedi cau rhai o ysgolion gwledig sydd â nifer bach o ddisgyblion ar draws Cymru, gyda nifer o rieni'n brwydro yn erbyn y penderfyniadau. Mae Mrs Williams hefyd yn annog ffederaleiddio ysgolion ac y bydd rhaid i lywodraethau lleol egluro pam mai cau'r ysgol yw'r cam mwyaf priodol i'w gymryd. Bydd rhaid hefyd ystyried yr effaith ar addysg y plant a threfniadau teithio'r disgyblion. Er mwyn rhoi cyfle i gymunedau gymryd rhan yn y broses o benderfynu, bydd rhaid i unrhyw ymgynghoriad gael ei gyhoeddi ar ddiwrnod ysgol. Dywedodd Kirsty Williams: "Mae'r cynigion hyn yn cryfhau'r Cod Trefniadaeth Ysgolion er mwyn sicrhau bod cynghorau'n gwneud popeth yn eu gallu i gadw ysgol wledig ar agor cyn penderfynu ymgynghori ynghylch cynnig i gau'r ysgol. "Os cynhelir proses ymgynghori i gau ysgol, mae'n rhaid ystyried pob dewis ac awgrym sy'n deillio o hynny cyn gwneud penderfyniad. "Mae'n bosibl fod hynny'n cynnwys ffurfio ffederasiwn gydag ysgolion eraill neu gynyddu defnydd y gymuned o'r adeiladau er mwyn gwneud yr ysgol yn fwy hyfyw." Y llynedd, cyhoeddodd Kirsty Williams grant newydd gwerth £2.5m y flwyddyn ar gyfer ysgolion bach ac ysgolion gwledig. Dywedodd Llyr Gruffudd, llefarydd Plaid Cymru ar addysg, ei fod yn croesawu'r cyhoeddiad ond fod angen sicrhau fod digon o gyllid ar gael. "Os ydi'r llywodraeth am fynnu cadw ysgolion bach ar agor, rhaid hefyd cydnabod y gost ychwanegol i gynghorau mewn cyfnod o gynni a thoriadau", meddai. "Byddaf yn gofyn am sicrwydd na fydd y Cod newydd yma'n golygu arian yn cael ei golli i'n hysgolion mwy trefol. Mae £2.5m yn gyfystyr â £110,000 i bob sir yng Nghymru - eith hynny ddim yn bell iawn." Ond beirniadu'r rheolau newydd wnaeth llefarydd y Ceidwadwyr, Darren Millar. "Mae diffyg gweithredu ar ran Llywodraeth Lafur Cymru i atal cau ysgolion wedi achosi torcalon a thrafferthion i ddisgyblion, rhieni ac athrawon - heb sôn am niwed i'r economi wledig. "Fydd y mesurau yma'n gwneud dim i wneud yn iawn am y boen sydd wedi'i achosi'n barod, na mynd i'r afael â'r tanfuddsoddi parhaol, sef y rhwystr mwyaf i gadw ysgolion gwledig ar agor."

Summary: Mae rheolau newydd ynglŷn â chadw ysgolion gwledig ar agor wedi cael eu cyhoeddi gan Lywodraeth Cymru.


The report on business trends from the accountancy and services group BDO said the UK economy was already showing signs of slowing ahead of the EU vote. Manufacturing had the gloomiest outlook, and job creation in the economy slowed to a two-year low. BDO's Peter Hemington said uncertainty prompted by Brexit had also disrupted investment in the UK economy. The report shows business output, which reflects company orders for the next quarter, slipped to 99 last month, compared with 99.7 in May and 100.6 in April. Meanwhile, business optimism also slid, falling to 98.9 in June from 99.4 in May. But Mr Hemington added: "In all likelihood, whatever arrangements the UK eventually arrives at with the EU won't look very different from what we have at the moment. "So businesses cannot afford to get caught up in the hysteria. They need to hold their nerve and continue to invest in the UK. "We are at a crucial moment where we must be sensible in protecting the UK economy. We need a plan of action now that gives businesses the added confidence to progress with investment plans." BDO's research is based on the results of the UK's main business surveys

Summary: Uncertainty around Brexit has dragged UK business output and optimism to three-year lows, a report suggests.


A house and a number of cars in the city's Hazelbank area have been targeted in recent days. It is believed youths fill a drain pipe with mud before launching it like a catapult at homes and vehicles. Sinn Féin councillor Eric McGinley has called on those involved to stop immediately. "Apart from the mess which has been created, there is a very real danger that an accident will occur if passing cars are struck by this debris," said Mr McGinley, "When motorists are targeted it can cause damage to the car and could scare a driver into crashing, so there are very serious implications. "Drivers have been in touch telling us that these incidents were taking place over the weekend." Mr McGinley made a further appeal to parents in the area to be aware of where and what their children are up to. "These muck bombs are going to detract from the general appearance of the area," said Mr McGinley. "So, parents need to impress upon their children the dangers of their actions. "I've been in contact with the housing executive about this and they have given me assurances that the mess will be cleaned up as quickly as possible," he added. A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: "There is a tenancy at this property and a number of issues have arisen, which we are currently working to resolve. "We have taken measures to protect our property."

Summary: Drivers are being put in "very real danger" by youths throwing so-called muck bombs in Derry, says a local councillor.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 30 January 2015 Last updated at 11:48 GMT But visitors to Niagara Falls in North America got a shock when they saw adventurer Will Gadd climbing UP a frozen section. Niagara Falls is actually a collection of three waterfalls - he made it up an icy part of Horseshoe Falls, the biggest one. Will said: "I've been ice climbing for 30 years now and this is the coolest thing I've ever done." Watch Hayley's clip to see Will in action.

Summary: When you think of waterfalls, you tend to picture stuff going down...


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the developed world. Patients are usually treated with ongoing monthly injections directly into their eyes. Australian and Chinese researchers believe gold nanoparticles could help better deliver drugs to the eye. Their study, published this week in the chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie, tested how a hydrogel filled with gold nanoparticles reacted when exposed to light. The researchers found the gel softened and released a dose of sight-restoring drug when it warmed by a only few degrees under the light. The process reversed when the light disappeared, hardening the gel and preventing the drug's delivery. The biological activity of the protein-based drug was "highly retained" after its release, the study said. Researcher Johan Basuki, from Australia's government-backed CSIRO, hoped the new drug delivery system would let AMD patients have injections less frequently - potentially once every six months. "The idea is to develop a 'drug reservoir' that can be implanted in the eye and then use visible light to trigger the drug that is embedded in the hydrogel," Dr Basuki said. "To do that we are using gold nanoparticles which have been known as a safe, inert, non-reactive component in the biomedical field." Nanoparticles, typically 1000 times thinner than a human hair, are too small to see with a microscope. The preliminary safety tests were conducted on rabbits, but further research is needed before human trials will be considered. The joint project between CSIRO and independent Chinese researchers is seeking investors to take research to the next stage. "In order to understand the function in the human body, I think we need to do a long-term study," Dr Basuki said. "The beauty of this versatile system is that the components are already FDA-approved, so they are safe for clinical use." Researchers are also investigating possible uses for the technology in agriculture, to fight cancer, and for use in personal care.

Summary: Gold nanotechnology could help reduce the number of injections needed to treat a common form of blindness, researchers believe.


If you have a picture you would like to share, please see below the images for details on how to submit yours.

Summary: Each day we feature a photograph sent in from across England - the gallery will grow during the week.


Tunnicliffe, 24, worked with Wigan boss Warren Joyce when he was coming through the Manchester United youth system. Browne, 19, made his professional debut in the Europa League this season and has also played in the EFL Trophy. "Marcus is a young player with great potential and will strengthen our group," said manager Joyce. "Ryan has got a terrific attitude first and foremost. He has built up considerable experience now in this division and we are confident he can be a really positive influence to the group in the immediate future." Both players are available for Wigan's Championship game against Brentford on Saturday. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: Wigan Athletic have signed midfielders Ryan Tunnicliffe and Marcus Browne from Fulham and West Ham on loan until the end of the season.


They studied 156 stroke patients with different patterns of brain injury. More of those with insular cortex damage successfully gave up smoking and reported fewer withdrawal symptoms than the other stroke patients. Experts say targeting this brain area may help other smokers quit. Most stop smoking medicines currently on the market work by blocking the brain's reward pathways in response to nicotine. And patches and gums aim to lessen cravings by supplying a controlled dose of nicotine as the person weans themselves off tobacco. But post-graduate researcher Amir Abdolahi and colleagues believe the insular cortex could be a valuable new target for quit smoking aids. Therapies that could hone in on this area of the brain and disrupt its role in addiction, potentially with new drugs or other techniques such as deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, should be explored, they say. "Much more research is needed in order for us to more fully understand the underlying mechanism and specific role of the insular cortex, but it is clear that something is going on in this part of the brain that is influencing addiction," Dr Abdolahi said. The research findings are published in two medical journals - Addiction and Addictive Behaviors. The patients in the study were smokers who had been admitted to hospital because of a stroke. Medical scans revealed that 38 of them had suffered damage to the insular cortex, while the remaining 118 had damage to other parts of the brain. All of the patients were encouraged by their doctor to quit smoking. The researchers followed the patients for three months to see how many actually quit, and how easy they had found it. A few dropped out of the study. Of those remaining, almost twice as many patients with strokes in the insular cortex successfully abstained from smoking for three months (22 out of 32 patients, or 70%) compared with those with strokes in other parts of the brain (38 out of 103 patients, or 37%). And they suffered less from withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, hunger, rage, sleeplessness and anxiety. The findings support those of earlier work by Dr Antoine Bechara, from the University of Southern California, who reported that stroke patients with damage to the insular cortex had said their body had "forgotten the urge to smoke". The insular cortex lies deep in the brain and has widespread connections to surrounding regions. Experts believe its primary role is to do with desires and emotions.

Summary: A particular region of the brain may drive smoking addiction, say scientists who found stroke survivors with damage to their insular cortex more easily kicked the habit.


About 170 people are set to climb the Brecon Beacons peak on Saturday. The washing line is visiting well-known sites across the UK throughout June. The chief executive of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, said she wanted people to talk about the "taboo subject" of baby death. Dr Clea Harmer said the campaign was also aimed at "provoking debate and discussion as to why do so many babies die and what can be done to reduce this number". The charity said the UK was three times slower than some European countries at lowering the baby death rate and families were often sent home with poor explanations of why their baby died. A babies remembrance service is to be held for bereaved parents at the Wenallt Chapel at Thornhill Crematorium in Cardiff on Sunday.

Summary: A washing line pegged with 15 babygrows is to be carried up Pen Y Fan to raise awareness of the number of babies who die shortly before, during or after birth in the UK each day.


The surrogate says they deliberately left Gammy behind, but took his healthy twin sister. The couple deny this. It later emerged that the man had previously been convicted for child sex offences. Officials say they have now managed to reach the couple, but have no major concerns at present. The contact follows days of speculation over the couple's whereabouts. In a separate discovery, nine babies were found in a Bangkok flat, with a lawyer claiming they were all surrogate babies fathered by a Japanese businessman. Child protection officers reached the Australian pair after trying for the past few days. Western Australia Child Protection Minister Helen Morton told Fairfax Radio on Thursday: "We've had telephone contact with the family and we're in the process of putting other arrangements in place." The department had no "major" concerns at present, but would consider how to ensure the safety of the baby girl, Gammy's sister, she said. She urged the media to give the family "privacy and confidentiality" in the meantime, adding that at this stage there was no evidence of anything illegal about the surrogacy arrangements. According to court documents, the man was convicted in the 1990s for the sexual assault of several young girls. However, his adult son, who did not wish to be named, told local media that the man was a "good father" who had changed. "He's just got a massive heart. He's made mistakes, we've accepted it... he's made up for them," he said. The case of baby Gammy has made international headlines and caused uproar in Australia. Besides Down's syndrome, the six-month-old has a congenital heart condition and a lung infection. Surrogate mother Pattharamon Chanbua, who has been looking after Gammy, said the couple had asked her to have an abortion when she was told of the child's condition four months after becoming pregnant. She said she refused, as it was against her Buddhist beliefs. Abortion on the grounds of foetal impairment is illegal in Thailand. Ms Chanbua, 21, has said the father met the twins, but only took care of the girl. The parents have told local media in Australia that they did not know of his existence, and claimed that the allegations made by Ms Chanbua are lies. Meanwhile, Thai authorities say they have found six boys and three girls, all aged two or younger, in a condominium in Bangkok. The children were accompanied by several nannies and a pregnant woman. A Thai lawyer told police he was representing a Japanese man, who was father to all the surrogate babies, telling the Bangkok Post that the surrogacy arrangements were all legal. Deputy national police chief Aek Angsananont told Reuters news agency: "We are questioning the nannies, as well as asking for co-operation from the Japanese embassy, to help conduct DNA testing. "If the Japanese man admits that all the children are his babies, we would ask him why he wanted to have so many babies." Commercial surrogacy is not illegal in Thailand, although the authorities are now seeking to tighten regulations. Thailand is a popular destination for surrogacy

Summary: Australia's child protection services have contacted a couple accused of abandoning a baby with Down's syndrome to his surrogate mother in Thailand.


Rex Tillerson, who has no previous political experience, will be visiting countries in the shadow of North Korea's nuclear programme. Global superpower China may be the key to that problem, and to stability in the region, but relations with the US are strained at the moment, partly over comments Mr Tillerson himself has made. His first true test as a diplomat is a potential powder keg. So is the former oil boss up to the task? Rex Tillerson has kept a remarkably low profile in his first month or so in office, giving no press briefings in six weeks, and sticking to prepared statements. Any hopes that reporters might see him in action on this Asia trip were dashed, however, when it emerged he wouldn't be bringing the state department press corps along. Instead, Mr Tillerson will be taking a single reporter from a conservative website, the Independent Journal Review - because of the small plane being used, the state department said. The journalist, Erin McPike, recently wrote about Tillerson in a piece on "Exxon Mobil's special treatment from the White House". The trip is seen as important because Mr Tillerson will be trying to conduct high-level diplomacy in a region shaken by his president's public comments. Donald Trump has tweeted that China needs to be "taken on" and decried the country's "military complex" in the South China Sea. The president has said that South Korea "makes a fortune on us" while the US defends it, and has accused Japan of "currency manipulation". Such remarks have led to uncertainty in the region about the direction of US foreign policy, something Mr Tillerson will have to deal with. Mr Tillerson's trip starts with Japan, which is likely to be the easiest leg of the journey. He is scheduled to meet the foreign minister, as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - who Trump has already met, and "had a great time" with. But the military threat from North Korea is likely to dominate the discussion. The secretive isolationist nation has continued its development of nuclear weapons despite sanctions and threats from the international community. Two nuclear explosion tests and more than 20 missile launches in the past year have increased tensions. Both Japan and South Korea, which are US military allies and host US troops, are within missile distance of North Korea. But it is China, as North Korea's only ally on earth, which holds the power to affect change. Donald Trump has accused China of ignoring the North Korea situation, and essentially allowing it to worsen. But Beijing has taken relatively strong steps in recent weeks. Early in March, it asked Pyongyang to stop its missile tests to "defuse a looming crisis", and earlier dealt its ally a severe economic blow by banning coal imports. Mr Tillerson is likely to urge China to do even more. But at the same time, he'll have to smooth over another row that the US is involved in. The United States has deployed the Thaad missile defence system (that's Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) in South

Summary: The new US secretary of state is heading off on his first trip to Asia, where diplomatic tensions run high.


Researchers studied more than 1,000 fossils of the Montsechia Vidalii species as part of the study. The plant resembled a pond-weed but bore fruit containing a single seed - the defining characteristic of a flowering plant. The scientists say it grew in Spanish lakes more than 125 million years ago. "A 'first flower' is technically a myth, like the 'first human'," botanist David Dilcher says in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "But based on this new analysis, we know now that Montsechia is contemporaneous, if not more ancient, than Archaefructus," a similar aquatic plant found in China. Scientists have known about the Montsechia Vidalii species for a long time. Its fossils were first discovered more than a century ago in the limestone deposits of the Iberian Range in central Spain and in the Montsec Range of the Pyrenees. But Mr Dilcher said many of the fossils were misinterpreted, because Montsechia "possesses no obvious 'flower parts' such as petals or nectar-producing structures for attracting insects".

Summary: Botanists in the US say an ancient plant that grew underwater in what is modern day Europe may have been the world's first known flowering plant.


Police found the injured 18-year-old after they were called to Hertford Road, Enfield, on Saturday at 22:30 BST over reports of a fight. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead an hour later. Two others also suffered stab wounds. In a separate incident, a man was shot and stabbed to death in broad daylight near Bow Road Tube station. The victim, 41, was killed in Eagling Close on Saturday afternoon in what police described as a "violent murder". Two men have been arrested and are in custody at east London police stations. The two teenagers who were stabbed in Enfield were found in Palmers Lane. The 17 and 19-year-olds were taken to hospital but their injuries are not being treated as life-threatening. Scotland Yard said no arrests have been made and have appealed for witnesses. In another incident earlier, a man was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed in the head and neck in Enfield. Police said they believe the victim, who is thought to be aged in his 30s, was attacked following an "altercation" with a group of men in Exeter Road. No arrests have been made.

Summary: A man has been stabbed to death and two others injured during a large brawl in north London.


According to reports, he was a member of the firm's UK team. He was understood to have been attending the Cannes Lions event, an annual gathering of people in the advertising and marketing industry. In a statement, Google said: "We lost a loved and respected member of our team. We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with his family and friends." No further details about the employee have been made public out of respect for his family.

Summary: A Google executive has been killed in an accident in Cannes, France, the search company has confirmed.


Spanish forward Jose Callejon scored the winner for the Naples-based club, who are now one point behind second-placed Roma with four games left. The top two qualify for the Champions League group stage. Inter are now without a win in six league games and are in seventh spot in the Serie A table. Earlier, Roma lost 3-1 to Lazio in the Derby della Capitale to leave leaders Juventus four points away from being crowned champions of Italy for a sixth successive season. AC Milan's hopes of securing a Europa League third qualifying round spot were dented as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at relegation-threatened Crotone. Milan, who are sixth, finished the game with 10 men after Slovakia midfielder Juraj Kucka was dismissed in the 90th minute. Palermo secured only a fourth league win of the season to stave off relegation for at least one more game. The next-to-bottom side beat eighth-placed Fiorentina 2-0 but are still 10 points from safety with four games to go. Former Roma striker Mattia Destro scored twice as Bologna hammered Udinese 4-0 while there were also wins for Chievo, Cagliari and Sassuolo. Match ends, Inter Milan 0, Napoli 1. Second Half ends, Inter Milan 0, Napoli 1. Attempt saved. Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Éver Banega with a cross. Foul by Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli). Roberto Gagliardini (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Amadou Diawara (Napoli). Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli). Antonio Candreva (Inter Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Marco Andreolli (Inter Milan). Attempt blocked. Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Substitution, Napoli. Arkadiusz Milik replaces Dries Mertens. Corner, Inter Milan. Conceded by Kalidou Koulibaly. Substitution, Inter Milan. Marco Andreolli replaces Jeison Murillo. Attempt missed. Marko Rog (Napoli) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left misses to the left. Assisted by Dries Mertens. Offside, Napoli. Kalidou Koulibaly tries a through ball, but José Callejón is caught offside. Attempt blocked. Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Marko Rog (Napoli) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Marko Rog (Napoli). Danilo D'Ambrosio (Inter Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing. Substitution, Inter Milan. Éver Banega replaces Éder. Substitution, Napoli. Allan replaces Marek Hamsik. Attempt saved. Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Danilo D'Ambrosio with a cross. Attempt missed. Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli) right footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Dries Mertens. Attempt blocked. Marek Hamsik (Napoli) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

Summary: Napoli increased the pressure on Roma in the race for a Champions League group stage place with a narrow victory at Inter Milan.


Addicks supporters have staged a series of protests aimed at the Belgian businessman in recent months, prompting a statement claiming some fans "want the club to fail". "Whether you like protests or not, the fans feel they need to be heard," Powell told BBC Radio London. "They want answers and, quite clearly, they are not getting them." Some Charlton fans have formed a campaigning group called CARD (Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet) which is calling for the the Belgian to sell the club. Several protests took place at their last home match against Middlesbrough including a mock funeral, beach balls being thrown onto the pitch to halt the game and a walk-out by supporters in the second half. Last month Duchatelet, who has a network of clubs around Europe, told the South London Press he has "empathy" for the fans, but was not prepared to sell. Powell had three stints as a player at The Valley and was manager when Duchatelet took over the club in January 2014 - only to be dismissed in March that year. "They made the statement last week which I don't think any supporter could understand," Powell, 46, added. "It quite clearly shows there is no synergy between the owners, the higher management and the fans. "I don't know what will happen. I'm sure many thousands of Charlton fans would like that question to be answered. "The only person who can answer that question in Roland Duchatelet - but he hasn't. I think it is right for him to say 'This is my plan for your football club.'"

Summary: Former Charlton boss Chris Powell says fans deserve to know what owner Roland Duchatelet has planned for the club.


John Radford is in a critical condition after being airlifted to hospital following the incident last week. The 69-year-old is the chairman of Huddersfield and District Cyclists and was promoting a campaign calling for better investigation of road accidents. Two men have been arrested and bailed in connection with the collision. The route passed the scene of Mr Radford's accident on the Huddersfield Road in New Mill. The ride was organised by Mr Radford's two daughters. His daughter Helen Gorman said the last week had been "horrendous" and that she hoped the ride would raise awareness of cycle safety. Ms Gorman said: "If this and the campaigning can stop any other family going through what we've been through this week, and what we are going to have to go through over the next few months if dad pulls through, if it helps anyone else then it will be worth it." The ride raised money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. West Yorkshire Police said a 21-year-old man and a 43-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing injury by dangerous driving. The pair have been released on bail.

Summary: Hundreds of cyclists took part in a charity ride in Huddersfield to support a cyclist who was left in a coma following a collision with a car.


Work to build the Pontio centre at Bangor University began in 2012 - and it is already a year late opening. The new centre houses a theatre, digital cinema, students' union, bars and restaurant and business innovation spaces. A full programme of artistic events is due to get under way from December. Prof Jerry Hunter, the university's pro vice chancellor, said it was a "great pleasure" to finally make public some of the "fantastic facilities" on offer. "It has been a difficult journey, but now we have created a transformational centre for innovation in science and the arts in Bangor," he said. The centre is on the site of the former Theatr Gwynedd which closed in 2008, and was demolished to make way for the new project. But it has been blighted by delays along the way, and a planned autumn 2014 opening had to be abandoned.

Summary: A £50m arts and innovation centre project in Gwynedd is finally getting its finishing touches, university officials have said.


Dyfed-Powys PCC Christopher Salmon has called on the Welsh government to adopt the same plans floated in England. It follows a report in The Times that PCCs would replace fire authorities under UK government plans to be announced next month. The Welsh government said it would be better to devolve policing. Mr Salmon welcomed the initiative and said: "Joining up budgets and accountability is the best way to join up services for the public. "Bringing emergency services together will help local areas innovate to improve safety for the public. "Wales must not be left behind. "Fire and rescue services are currently under Cardiff control [Welsh government]. I call on our partners in the Welsh government to demonstrate their commitment to devolution and explore ways to devolve fire and rescue services to PCC areas in Wales." A Welsh government spokesperson said: "We fully support greater co-ordination between the emergency services, but we do not believe that giving police and crime commissioners responsibility for the fire service in Wales is the best way to achieve that. "Devolving responsibility for policing to the Welsh government would allow us to facilitate closer joint working across all three blue light services better than passing responsibility for fire and rescue services to PCCs."

Summary: The control of fire services in Wales should be offered to police and crime commissioners (PCC), it has been argued.


The Irish News says in the last three years the equivalent of 15,000 tins of beer have been seen seized from the streets of Belfast's Holylands. The paper says in the same period 1,800 complaints of anti-social behaviour have been made. These included drunkenness, verbal abuse and "loud partying". Police and other agencies are preparing for large crowds coming to the area on St Patrick's Day, it adds. Both the News Letter and Mirror lead with intra-loyalist violence in Carrickfergus. "Loyalist war warning" is the Mirror's front page headline. The paper says there are fears that the murder of loyalist Geordie Gilmore will spark a feud within the UDA. Police have dismissed claims that they have lost control of paramilitary gangs in the area, the paper adds. Meanwhile, the News Letter leads with the fact that one of the bullets fired during the murder of Mr Gilmore passed through the door of a nearby house. Inside, the paper reports that police are concerned by the possibility of retaliation by associates of Mr Gilmore. It also quotes local MP Sammy Wilson, who says he fears a serious escalation in the feud and urged young people thinking of getting involved to think of their future. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph, Jim McDowell says that the UDA's motto is Quis Separabit: Who shall come between us. "Now, once again, they only have to look in the mirror to find the answer," he says. The front page of the Telegraph features claims of bullying at the NI Prison Service. It says that that an industrial tribunal has heard that former Maghaberry deputy governor Gary Alcock made tapes of a prison service director allegedly bullying him. Mr Alcock claims he was treated badly because he was chairman of the Prison Governors' Association. He told the tribunal that the alleged bullying left him "terrified, anxious, lying awake in a pool of sweat in my bed". All four papers also feature the tragedy of the Irish coastguard helicopter crash, in which Capt Dara Fitzpatrick was killed and three other crew members remain missing. The Belfast Telegraph says Capt Fitzpatrick helped to save many lives in Northern Ireland. Both The Irish News and News Letter say she was well-known for her starring role in a fly-on-the wall TV show about the service. The Mirror says the helicopter showed no signs of being in trouble before it went missing 10 miles off the coast of County Mayo. Finally, plans for Northern Ireland's first green burial site have prompted fears of paganism in County Down, the papers report. A group called Down to Earth is behind the proposal close to the spot were St Patrick was buried in Downpatrick. However, all four papers report that some residents in the area have raised concerns about "pagan elements", potential contamination of Lough Money and the upkeep of the site. Down to Earth's Ciara Campbell Crawford says she thinks "people are afraid of the unknown" and that people of faith would be welcomed to the site. "It is just a calm and peaceful place where

Summary: Binge drinking in an area of south Belfast, a loyalist feud in Carrickfergus and claims of bullying make the front pages on Wednesday.


Sturridge, 25, is not in Hodgson's latest squad after suffering a thigh strain on England duty last month. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers criticised England's handling of the player, and did not want him to be called up for games against San Marino and Estonia. "It's simply a fact, an unfortunate fact, that he's not recovered," Hodgson said of Sturridge's absence. "There's no problems or conflict there at all." Sturridge has missed Liverpool's last six games but there is a chance he could return on Saturday, against West Brom in the Premier League. But Rodgers said he would not be able to play in the Euro 2016 qualifiers with San Marino on Thursday, 9 October and three days later against Estonia. "I've had good communication with Roy and we spoke at length on the situation," said Rodgers, whose side were beaten 1-0 by Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday. "It was amicable. There is no issue. "We had agreed it was probably too soon for Daniel to meet up with England irrespective of whether he was involved this weekend or not. "Every individual player is different. I respect he (Hodgson) had work to do internationally but my thoughts are with Liverpool players and what their needs are. "Daniel hasn't trained with the team at all since the injury with them and it was probably not the right time to go with them. "I've not spoken to Daniel. My focus is on Liverpool, it is not on England. I spoke to him about being available for Liverpool but I can't think about England when he is not ready to play for Liverpool." Hodgson said there had been "no question" of selecting Sturridge for the double-header. "He's not played for Liverpool at all since picking up the injury with us. As I understand it he's still got some work to do before he's fully fit," Hodgson said. "It's a great blow to us, Liverpool and the player, because he was anxious to be a part of these two games." Sturridge has made 16 appearances for England since making his debut almost three years ago, scoring five goals - his most recent coming in the 2-1 defeat by Italy at the World Cup in June. England won their opening Euro 2016 qualifier 2-0 against Switzerland last month.

Summary: England manager Roy Hodgson has rejected talk of a rift with Liverpool over injured striker Daniel Sturridge.


John Fleming, of Anstruther-based ICS Fisheries Ltd, stole nearly £500,000 during the six-year scam. He reclaimed VAT on expenses his business had never incurred. Fleming, 59, from Balmullo, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge under the Value Added Tax Act committed between May 2007 and July 2013. His lawyer said he had managed to pay back the cash in full by selling property he owned, but a sheriff said the scam was too serious for him to avoid jail. Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court: "The business owned by the accused is involved in the sale of fish, which is zero-rated for VAT. "As a result, the accused is lawfully entitled to claim back any VAT incurred by him in the expenses involved in the sale of this fish. "All invoices showed exorbitant levels of haulage costs being claimed by him against his alleged purchase of huge quantities of fish. "The accused's computer was later analysed and it was uncovered that these false invoices had in fact been created by the accused on it before he had submitted them on to his accountants and induced them to make the false claim on his behalf." Defence solicitor David Bell said: "It appears the haulage company were not charging VAT and he was assuming it was included and was claiming it back. "He then realised they were not adding VAT and he spotted the loophole and then exploited it over a lengthy period. "He employs six people in the business and fears it will fold without him as he is heavily involved." Sheriff Alastair Carmichael jailed Fleming saying: "This was a fraud carried out by you on public funds, so it was a fraud on the whole community."

Summary: A Fife fisheries boss who faked invoices to scam "astronomical" sums from the taxman has been jailed for two years and eight months.


A hospital trust official emailed mid Wales politicians to say it had failed to recruit foreign nurses because it could not get Home Office approval. Nursing is not on the Shortage Occupation List, giving priority to migrants with specific qualifications. UK ministers said they took independent advice on the list and the long-term aim was to "train our own nurses". Health Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We have argued in favour of including nursing on the list. It seems essential to me. It is just a wrongheaded focus on the wrong issue that is leading them to refuse to do that. I've argued as well for a separate Welsh Shortage Occupation List." Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, which serves mid Wales patients, could not recruit the nurses because it had been unable to get certificates of sponsorship from the Home Office, according to the email. Trust Communications director Adrian Osborne sent the message to MPs and AMs in mid Wales, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. He wrote: "Alongside our local recruitment and training programmes, we had also implemented an international recruitment programme focused on the Philippines. "This has faced delays as we have not been successful in securing Certificates of Sponsorship from the Home Office to bring these nurses to our wards. "This is because nursing is neither on the Shortage Occupation List, nor do these posts secure enough points for them to be a priority for the Migration Advisory Committee." Lib Dem AM William Powell has written to the UK government calling for a change to the policy. "The Tories' irresponsible and illogical attitude to immigration is contributing to an NHS staffing crisis in Wales," he said. "What kind of government wants to stop vitally needed nurses coming to work in our country? This is reckless in the extreme. "Of course we need to be training nurses in this country and we need a clear strategy to train our workforce for the future, but patients need support now, not in ten years' time." In a letter to Mr Powell, Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said: "The UK government believes that in the past it has been too easy for employers to bring in workers from overseas rather than take the long-term decision to train our workforce here at home. "The long-term aim is that we train our own nurses in this country. "A number of health professional jobs, such as doctors in emergency medicine, are recognised shortage occupations, but the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recently recommended against adding nurses to the Shortage Occupation List."

Summary: The UK government's immigration policy is contributing to an NHS staff crisis, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have said.


The victim, a 33-year-old man, was left in a serious condition in hospital after a "violent attack" on Friday, police said. A 29-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court later. The incident took place after the victim left a friend's flat in Argyle Street at about 18:30 on Friday. He returned to the flat around 01:20 on Saturday, having suffered serious injuries. The man was rushed to the town's Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment and police appealed for information.

Summary: A man has been arrested over an attempted murder in Paisley.


It appears to tell a simple story from an American high school, but also has a hidden meaning revealed at the end. The unexpected message has propelled the short film to more than two and a half million views on YouTube in just three days. Spoilers follow below - you may want to watch the video to the end first. It was created by the Sandy Hook Promise group, set up by family members of the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. On December 14, 2012, 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School by 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who had killed his own mother earlier that morning. He was a former student of the school. "When you don't know what to look for or can't recognize what you are seeing, it can be easy to miss warning signs or dismiss them as unimportant," said Nicole Hockley from Sandy Hook Promise, whose son Dylan died in the shooting. "Everyone has the power to intervene and get help. These actions can save lives." In the aftermath of the 2012 shooting, Barack Obama called for action on gun control, despite the political difficulties. But three years later, he called gun control the greatest frustration of his presidency, as the US Congress repeatedly blocked moves to tighten restrictions. The gun control movement reached a peak in the summer when more than 200 Democratic politicians staged a sit-in at the House of Representatives to demand a vote on restricting firearm purchases, in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida. The Gun Violence Archive non-profit organisation maintains a "mass shooting tracker" of attacks where four or more people were shot in a single incident. It estimates that so far in 2016, 425 people have been killed in 362 mass shootings in the United States. It says there were 333 mass shootings last year, and 275 two years ago. The new President-elect Donald Trump, however, frequently expressed support for the second amendment - the right to bear arms - during his campaign, saying his rival Hilary Clinton wanted to abolish it. On one occasion, he caused a significant controversy when he suggested gun rights supporters could somehow stop Ms Clinton's campaign. In May, the National Rifle Association, a pro-gun lobby, endorsed Mr Trump for president.

Summary: A video telling the story of two schoolchildren forming a friendship - with a twist - has gone viral online.


Replays showed the Wales international was onside when he struck during Monday's 0-0 Premier League draw. Rugby officials have access to instant replays of incidents during matches. "To look at a video for 20 seconds would maybe have changed the outcome of the game," said Ramsey, 24. He added: "We can take a leaf out of rugby's book. They do it really well. "You see on the screens, they go up there for 20 seconds and they get the decision right in the end. Football can learn something from that." Ramsey's effort would have given the Gunners an early lead at Emirates Stadium on Monday. Television replays indicated he was in line with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel when he collected Santi Cazorla's pass and finished past keeper Simon Mignolet. Speaking after the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said assistant referee Simon Bennett had got the decision wrong. It was the second time in two games the Reds have benefitted from a contentious offside decision. On 17 August, what proved to be striker Christian Benteke's winner against Bournemouth at Anfield was wrongly allowed to stand despite team-mate Philippe Coutinho being in an offside position. Football's lawmakers the International Football Association Board delayed trials of video technology for at least least 12 months at a meeting in February. The Dutch FA had wanted to extend its trial of having a video official in the stadium watching replays and advising the referee on key decisions via a headset. Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said at the time: "It's a question of making the biggest decision ever in the way football is played."

Summary: Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey wants football to follow rugby's lead on video technology after he had a goal controversially disallowed for offside against Liverpool.


The 23-year-old has scored six goals in 25 games since initially joining Wycombe on loan in July and has now signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Harriman, who is equally capable in defence or midfield, made just three first-team appearances for the R's. "He's got everything you want from a professional," boss Gareth Ainsworth told the club website. "He gives his all, he's got bags of ability and he's a great character to have around the club. "To be able to keep him here is a fantastic piece of business and I'm grateful for the support of the board who have enabled me to make Michael a permanent signing." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League Two side Wycombe Wanderers have signed utility man Michael Harriman from QPR for an undisclosed fee.


Argentina said dialogue and diplomacy were the only ways to promote democracy in Venezuela. Venezuela's foreign minister said Mr Trump's words had been hostile and disrespectful and risked destablising Latin America. Violent demonstrations since April have left more than 120 people dead. President Nicolas Maduro's new constituent assembly - which can rewrite the constitution and could override the opposition-controlled parliament - has been widely criticised as anti-democratic. Mercosur - which includes the region's largest economies Argentina and Brazil as well as Paraguay and Uruguay - indefinitely suspended Venezuela's membership last week. Other Latin American countries also condemned Mr Trump's comments, including Mexico, Colombia and Peru, which said Mr Trump's threat was against UN principles. Peru has been a fierce critic of Mr Maduro's government. On Friday Peru expelled Venezuela's ambassador after Caracas sent an "unacceptable" response to regional condemnation of its new constituent assembly. Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has urged Mr Maduro to resign and called him a dictator. On Friday evening Mr Trump told reporters the US had "many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary". "The people are suffering and they're dying," he added. The US recently imposed sanctions on President Maduro, branding him a dictator. The White House later said that Mr Maduro had requested a phone call with the American president. In response, the White House said Mr Trump would gladly speak to his Venezuelan counterpart, when democracy had been restored in the country. The Venezuelan opposition accuses Mr Maduro of trying to cling on to power, but he says the new assembly will bring peace to the country.

Summary: The South American trading bloc Mercosur has condemned President Trump for saying he was considering military action in the Venezuela crisis.


A suicide attacker detonated a vehicle and a fierce gun battle followed. Officials say the attack is now over and the area has been cleared. A Taliban spokesman said the group carried out the attack. It comes a week after it said it was launching its "spring offensive", warning of large-scale attacks. Tuesday's bombing happened during the morning rush hour in Pul-e-Mahmud, a busy neighbourhood where homes, mosques, schools and businesses nestle close to the Ministry of Defence, other ministries and military compounds. Soldiers and security officers are reported to be among the casualties, but the majority are civilians. The blast shattered windows up to 1.6km (one mile) away. The Associated Press quoted a police officer as saying it was one of the most powerful explosions he had ever heard, and he could not see or hear anything for 20 minutes after. It appears the initial blast cleared the way for Taliban fighters to enter the area - a commonly used tactic. "One of the suicide attackers blew up an explosives-laden truck in a public parking lot next to a government building," Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told AFP news agency. "The second attacker engaged security forces in a gun battle before being gunned down," he added. Hours after the assault was declared over, another blast rocked Kabul. Police told a BBC reporter in Kabul it was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). "It was as huge as in the morning," said Afghan MP Elay Ershad. "So everyone [is] scared of this situation." Casualties are high because the assault happened in a densely packed neighbourhood during rush hour. Usually the Taliban does not say it is behind such attacks, which cause large numbers of civilian deaths. But today they did because the target was high-profile and it appears that, for them, hitting the target was worth the civilians killed and wounded. What we hear less of are similar planned attacks that are foiled by the Afghan security forces, and there are plenty. But preventing such attacks altogether is next to impossible. The country has been at war for three decades, explosives are easily available and bomb-making skills are common. The Taliban's "spring offensive" is part of a propaganda war. The group fights all year round and so do the Afghan security forces. It is the story of the past 37 years. In a statement on its Pashto-language website, the Taliban said several militants successfully breached the defences of the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's main spy agency which protects high-ranking government officials It is unclear precisely how many attackers were involved and the Taliban have been known to exaggerate details. The presidential palace - only a few hundred metres from the blast - condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". "Such cowardly terrorist attacks will not weaken the will and determination of Afghan security forces to fight against terrorism." A tweet from President Ghani's office's official account suggested the attack "clearly shows the enemy's defeat in face-to-face battle with ANSDF" - the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. But

Summary: At least 28 people have been killed and 329 injured in a huge explosion in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, police and officials say.


Media playback is not supported on this device Carey's penalty in the second period of extra-time sealed a 1-0 win at Newport County in a dour second round replay. "We're going to go there and try and get a result," 27-year-old Carey said. "No-one will give us a shot at getting a result, but we've showed we can battle as a team and it's the FA Cup so you never know." The win meant the Pilgrims, who were beaten in last season's League two play-off final, reached the third round of the FA Cup for just the second time since 2010. "My whole family are mainly Liverpool fans, so I'm sure some of them will make the trip over," added the Irishman, who is rated as one of Argyle's top players, having scored 10 goals in 27 games this season. "It's a great win for the club and as a team we stuck together and dug it out. "We're getting stronger and harder to beat, we had our bad patch, but hopefully we can go on a run now because we're full of confidence and we've started to learn how to grind games out. "The main aim this season is to get promoted - we can enjoy that day (at Liverpool) when it comes - but first of all we need to go back to the league and rack up more points and that's what we'll do, but the FA Cup won't be a distraction whatsoever." Argyle striker Ryan Donaldson will miss the tie at Anfield with a broken jaw. The 25-year-old was injured in an accidental clash in training ahead of the Newport replay. "It's really disappointing for him as he'd got himself into the side," boss Derek Adams said. Fellow forward Jimmy Spencer is also on the sidelines after he broke his ankle in a training ground slip.

Summary: Liverpool-supporting Plymouth Argyle midfielder Graham Carey hopes they can cause an FA Cup upset when they visit Anfield in round three.