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Blackpool 'Methadone' Toddler: Two Charged

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 08 Maret 2014 | 16.12

A man and a woman have been charged in connection with the death of a two-year-old girl found to have ingested methadone.

Barry Jones, 41, and Michelle King, 29, have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates Court today.

They have both been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child by means of an unlawful act contrary to Section 5 of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004.

Home where Sophie Jones had cardiac arrest in Blackpool An ambulance was called to Jameson Street on Tuesday night

Sophie Jones was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital from a house in Jameson Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, on Tuesday night but later died.

Toxicology tests have confirmed Sophie ingested the synthetic heroin substitute methadone but a post-mortem examination has failed to ascertain the cause of death.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

TV Licence Dodgers May Not Be Prosecuted

TV licence dodgers may no longer face prosecution in the courts under new plans being considered by the Government.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling says "serious work" on the plan is under way, with more than 100 cross-party MPs in support.

"The Culture Secretary (Maria Miller) and I both agree that this is a really interesting idea, particularly given the pressure on our courts system," Mr Grayling told The Daily Telegraph.

"Our departments will be doing some serious work on the proposal."

Efforts to change the law are being spearheaded by Tory MP Andrew Bridgen.

He said that for some cash-strapped families, the current law was "criminalising them for being poor".

"It is outrageous that so many people are brought into the criminal justice system through this means. I believe that non-payment should be treated in the way that parking tickets are," Mr Bridgen told the newspaper.

"It is absurd that the courts are being clogged up by such a minor offence."

Offenders currently face a £1,000 fine and a criminal record, as well as possible time in jail if fines are not paid.

Some 180,000 people faced magistrates last year after being accused of not paying the £145.50 fee, accounting for in excess of one in 10 of all criminal prosecutions.

Of those, 155,000 people were convicted and fined.

The proposed changes could see dodging payment of the TV licence become a civil matter, with a fine set by the Government.

A BBC spokesman said: "Legislation is a matter for the Government. However, changing the law could lead to higher evasion. Just a 1% increase in evasion would lead to the loss of around £35m, the equivalent of around 10 BBC Local Radio stations."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clare's Law Rolled Out To Expose Abusers

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse come into effect today.

Clare's Law, which enables people to check the police records of partners, has been launched across England and Wales after being piloted by four police forces.

The father of murder victim Clare Wood, whose name has been given to the scheme, has welcomed its introduction, describing it as "a bittersweet moment".

George Appleton Clare's killer George Appleton

Michael Brown discovered five years ago that his daughter had been raped and strangled at her Salford home by ex-boyfriend George Appleton, who set fire to her body before going on the run. He was found hanged several days later.

Appleton, who Clare met on Facebook, had a history of violence against women, including knife-point kidnapping.

Mr Brown told Sky News: "When you lose a family member in these circumstances it is always with you. To realise that the last moments of your daughter's life were kicking and screaming in a room in Salford sticks with you."

The 70-year-old said Clare's Law was "not a panacea for domestic violence" but added: "If it can help others - just one - I and all the other campaigners will have succeeded. 

"This is just another piece of armour plate for people to put on when they are in trouble."

The launch coincides with International Women's Day and also marks the introduction of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), which are designed to provide support for victims in the immediate aftermath of violent incidents.

Michael Brown, Clare Wood's father. Michael Brown has fought for a new law to help women like his daughter

DVPOs can last for up to 28 days, during which time a perpetrator can be prevented from having contact with the victim.

Speaking about Clare's Law, Home Secretary Theresa May said: "What we saw from the pilots was a real benefit for women who were able to go to the police where they had suspicions about the behaviour of their partner.

"As a result of that, they were able to make a decision about whether to stay with that partner or to leave."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tree Populations Ravaged By Winter Storms

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 07 Maret 2014 | 16.12

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

The winter storms that battered the UK have resulted in the greatest loss of trees in a generation in some areas, according to the National Trust.

Surveys of more than 50 woodlands, parks and gardens managed by the trust have revealed that many have suffered the worst damage in more than two decades.

On some properties, the last time so many trees were uprooted was during the 'Great Storm' of 1987.

A fallen tree Many trees were blown over by the strong winds

At least a dozen storms swept in from the south west between December and February, with the west of England, Wales and Northern Ireland hit particularly hard.

But National Trust properties at Tatton Park near Manchester, Nymans in Sussex and Scotney Castle in Kent have also been affected.

Many trees were blown over rather than being snapped at the trunk, because the ground was so saturated.

Killerton Estate in Devon suffered some of the biggest losses, with more than 500 trees felled, including 20 that were significant to the landscape of the estate.

The line between Farnham and Alton blocked by a fallen tree. Pic: South West Trains A fallen tree covering a railway line in Farnham after storms in October

In Stourhead, Wiltshire, 400 trees were lost, including an oak which could have been 200 to 250 years old.

Nature and wildlife specialist at the Trust Matthew Oates said: "People love and need trees, and the loss of specimen trees in gardens and parks, and of ancient beeches and oaks in the woods and the wider countryside, hurts us all and damages much wildlife.

"Increased storminess, and the increased extreme weather events generally, are likely to stress trees further, especially veteran trees.

"We will have to think carefully about where we establish trees and what species to plant."

It is likely that nature will restore areas of damaged woodland.

The October 1987 storm brought down 15 million trees across southern England.

But the gaps in forests created new habitats for wildlife, and were eventually closed in by the growth of new trees.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Coastal Areas Bid For £64m Storm Relief Fund

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

Coastal communities affected by flooding will be able to bid for a share of a £64m fund.

The Government has said projects to strengthen flood defences will be prioritised.

The fund was originally set up to ensure investment was made in seaside towns and villages, reduce unemployment and create apprenticeships and job opportunities for young people.

During the series of winter storms many coastal communities with already fragile economies have taken a battering both physically and financially.

In Aberystwyth, in west Wales, where the Victorian promenade was badly damaged as high tides and high winds combined to create the worst storms in living memory, the race is on to repair the seafront in time for the start of the tourist season at Easter.

Damaged rail track at Dawlish The damaged rail line at Dawlish, in Exeter

Richard Griffiths who owns the Richmond Hotel on the seafront, describes how the waves broke over the promenade and through a sea wall before pummelling the front of his hotel.

He told Sky News investment in stronger defences will be essential to prevent future storms causing similar damage because tourism is a major source of income in the town.

"It's vital for the local economy that Aberystwyth is up and running. It is key to the whole area," he said.

The Government has announced that in England £17m is being allocated to flood hit areas including Great Yarmouth, Weymouth, Devon and North Tyneside.

New projects to help boost tourism across the UK include £170,000 to develop the Arran Coastal Way in Scotland, £270,000 to develop Northern Ireland's first lobster hatchery and £100,000 is being spent on a new water sports centre in Colwyn Bay in Wales.

Floodwater in Tirley, Gloucestershire Residents battle floodwater in Tirley, Gloucestershire

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: "The Coastal Communities Fund allows us to help communities across the UK to rebuild and regenerate their local economy, with projects this year supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and 1,000 training places.

"This is even more important given the extreme weather and I'm very pleased we're giving £17m of the fund to projects in areas hit by floods.

"Additionally, we have invested £5m from the fund's reserve into the government's programme for flood recovery."

But one expert has told Sky News that if, as he expects, we will see more frequent storms on the scale of those seen over the winter some communities may not withstand the damage.

Dr Stephen Tooth is a geography lecturer at Aberystwyth University. He has studied erosion and says it will be impossible to protect all coastal areas. 

He told Sky News: "There are some very difficult social and political decisions to be made here as to what we value and wish to defend. It's certainly not the case that you can protect everywhere. 

"Tough decisions are going to have to be made at various levels as to where the investment is going to be to protect our coastline, but I think there is tacit acknowledgement that we can't defend everywhere and to some extent, some sections of coastline are going to have to be allowed to erode."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Network Rail Slammed Over Crossing Safety

By Emma Birchley, East of England Correspondent

A target of zero deaths at level crossings by the end of the decade should be set by rail regulators, according to a report by MPs.

The House of Commons Transport Committee criticised Network Rail (NR) for showing "callous disregard" for bereaved families and urged the organisation to offer apologies for the way it had handled tragedies in the past.

The report also warned that there may be many hundreds of crossings "which exceed Health and Safety Executive guidance on the acceptable level of fatality risk to the public".

Committee chairman Louise Ellman said: "The number of deaths on level crossings must come down and Network Rail must aim for zero deaths by 2020.

"NR has lowered the risk of death at a level crossing by 25% since 2008, but when suicides and trespass are excluded, level crossings still account for one half of all fatalities on the railway in recent years including nine people who died in 2012-13.

"Every one of those deaths was a personal tragedy which could have been averted. Yet looking back it's clear that on too many occasions Network Rail showed a callous disregard for the feelings of the families of people killed or seriously injured in accidents at level crossings."

The chief executive of Network Rail, Mark Carne, responded by issuing "a full and unreserved apology on behalf of Network Rail to all those whose life has been touched by a failing, however large or small, made by this company in managing public safety at level crossings and in failing to deal sensitively with the families affected".

Those families include the relatives of Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, who were killed at Elsenham in Essex in December 2005.

Railway crossing Network Rail has closed nearly 800 crossings since 2010

They have always argued that key documents were withheld at the inquest and that they faced "a conspiracy of silence".

Mrs Ellman said the lack of transparency around safety concerns at the Elsenham crossing "was particularly shocking and raises profound questions about Network Rail's internal culture and accountability".

The committee's comments have been welcomed by Olivia's father Chris.

"It totally vindicates our view that NR have not done enough in the past to improve safety on level crossings, and that they treated us very badly - not just us but other families who lost relatives in accidents.

"Other families shouldn't have to go through what we have experienced, and we welcome the fact that the committee wants to see NR transform the way it which it treats families, the way it handles legal issues and that bereaved families should be entitled to legal support at inquests."

The MPs also made it clear that they would be concerned if Network Rail executives were to receive bonuses after being prosecuted and fined £500,000 last year over safety failings at a crossing in Beccles, Suffolk.

But the company has stated that if targets are met, bonuses of as much as 60% of salary will be paid.

And that has infuriated Mr Bazlinton.

He said: "I think bonuses are wrong and until the safety issue is resolved and until the safety record is much better, they should not be paid bonuses."

Network Rail says significant progress is being made across the network.

It has closed nearly 800 crossings since 2010 and spent £130m on safety. A further 500 will be shut by 2019.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Huge Asteroid Hurtles Past Earth In Video

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 06 Maret 2014 | 16.12

By Joe Tidy, Sky News Reporter

A cloudy night across Britain did not deter stargazers from catching a rare glimpse of an asteroid the size of three double-decker buses flying close to Earth.

At its closest, Asteroid 2014 DX110 flew 216,000 miles (348,000km) from Earth - even closer than initial estimates and within the orbit of our Moon.

The 30m-wide (100ft) asteroid flew past Earth - reaching its closest point at 9.58pm on Wednesday - at a speed of more than 31,000mph (50,000 kph).

Peter Birtwhistle with the telescope he used to spot the asteroid. Peter Birtwhistle with the telescope he used to spot the asteroid

The cloudy conditions meant many astronomers endured a disappointing evening, but veteran amateur astronomer Peter Birtwhistle managed to capture footage of the space rock through the clouds.

His video footage shows it passing over - the white shading is cloud cover.

Speaking from his home observatory in Great Shefford, Berkshire, he said of the sighting: "We were lucky to catch it through the clouds but it was great to pick it up and see it fly through the field of view.

"You'll get the opportunity to see something as close as this a few times a year if you are lucky."

Peter Birtwhistle examines the footage of an asteroid that passed by Earth. Mr Birtwhistle examines the footage

As well as Wednesday's event, scientists are looking forward to another surprise asteroid.

Nasa telescopes have spotted another two space rocks heading towards Earth over the next 24 hours.

One will pass five times closer than Wednesday's asteroid and is expected to be on show on Thursday evening.

Mr Birtwhistle said: "It's a busy time up there and I just hope the clouds clear so we can enjoy these rare sights."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Building Homes On Flood Plains 'To Be Blocked'

By Frazer Maude, Sky News Reporter

Developers could be blocked from building homes on flood plains under a shake-up of planning law due to be revealed today.

Planning minister Nick Boles is expected to announce changes that will mean councils are no longer forced to take other local authorities' housing allocations if it conflicts with national policy.

That would mean less pressure to build on flood plains for planners, who have long been expected to help town halls meet house-building targets.

Many hope the new guidelines will also ensure experts' advice plays a greater role in the planning process.

Owen Paterson

Among the areas worst-hit by recent flooding was Longford, near Gloucester, where David Cameron told residents in February that expert advice was always followed during the planning process.

Environment Agency figures given to Sky News show that is not always the case.

In 2012-13, applications for 560 residential properties across England and Wales were approved in areas of flood risk, against the agency's advice.

A total of 570 new homes are planned, to be built near land in Longford that has been underwater for the past few weeks.

The scheme was vehemently opposed by local residents and initially rejected, before being approved on appeal in 2008.

Longford Parish Council chairman Pete Gough told Sky News: "We thought it was a lot of nonsense, really.

Flooding in Gloucestershire An aerial shot taken over Longford in February

"We thought the Secretary of State would have intervened, and said there's lots of places you can build without building on the flood plains, or near the flood plains. It just seems so daft."

One of the main concerns of residents is not that the new properties will flood, but that by replacing fields with concrete it will create problems for other homes.

John Patterson's home in Longford flooded in 2007, and only avoided a similar fate this year by a few inches.

He told Sky News: "The water has to go somewhere. You'll get extra run off from the houses, and all the roads and infrastructure that goes with them. It's illogical, just illogical."

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is also expected to make an announcement today about the recent flooding.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Cable: Teachers Know Nothing Of World Of Work

Vince Cable has been criticised after saying teachers know "absolutely nothing about the world of work".

The Business Secretary was speaking to 600 representatives of the manufacturing industry when he made the comment.

"There has been an argument in Government about how to get the right careers advice in schools and successive governments have frankly messed this up," he said.

"We haven't got this right. But the underlying problem is of course that most teachers, particularly in the secondary sector, are graduates.

"They know how universities work, they know what you have to do to get an A-level, they know about UCAS forms - but they know absolutely nothing about the world of work."

NUT general secretary Christine Blower labelled the Lib Dem MP's remark "insulting".

"This is a crass remark, which is insulting to teachers who are workers in their own right," she said.

"As the Government's own study - published just last week - shows, teachers work an extraordinary number of hours and show real dedication to 'the world of work'.

"Indeed, the teaching profession mirrors society and many of our teachers come from diverse backgrounds with different life experiences.

"They are a resource to the young people they teach, not a hindrance."

It is not the first time Mr Cable has prompted controversy with comments not intended for wider public consumption.

In 2010, he was stripped of his role overseeing media competition after he was caught on tape saying he had "declared war" on Rupert Murdoch.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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No 10 'Covered Up Aide Child Abuse Pic Claims'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 05 Maret 2014 | 16.12

Prime Minister David Cameron's office has been accused of a cover-up after a senior aide was arrested over child sex abuse images allegations.

Patrick Rock resigned from his role as deputy head of Downing Street's policy unit almost three weeks ago, after officials were made aware of a potential offence.

This was revealed by the Daily Mail on Monday evening and confirmed by Number 10.

Backbench Labour MP John Mann said it was "mysterious" this had not emerged earlier.

"There has been a bodged attempt at media manipulation which is wholly unacceptable from 10 Downing Street," he said.

"Of course they should have revealed it proactively."

Mr Cameron said on Tuesday he had been "profoundly shocked" by the allegations against Mr Rock, who resigned on February 12, the day before he was arrested.

"I don't think it would be right to pre-emptively brief out a criminal investigation and that's why we did not do that.

"But as soon as questions were asked, as questions would inevitably be asked, we have given very full and straightforward answers, which is absolutely the right way to answer this.

"I've been clear right along and I was told about this issue pretty much as soon as it was discovered and I have been very clear we must handle this in an absolutely correct way and I am satisfied that is what number 10 Downing Street has done."

Mr Rock, who is not married and is from west London, was involved in drawing up the Government's policy on internet pornography filters.

The 62-year-old was brought back into Downing Street in 2011 by Mr Cameron after working with him at the Home Office under Michael Howard in the 1990s.

He is reported to have been in line for a peerage.

Mr Rock was the subject of an unrelated complaint of "inappropriate behaviour" towards a female civil servant 18 months ago.

Downing Street said this was "appropriately resolved with the consent of and in consultation with the individual who raised the issue".

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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GPs To Trial Skype And Email Appointments

By Gerard Tubb, North of England Correspondent

Experimental plans to make family doctors more accessible using Skype appointments and email consultations are due to be announced within the next few weeks.

At least 40,000 patients will be covered by pilot schemes in England designed to improve access to GPs through extending opening hours, weekend opening and better use of technology.

GPs in West Yorkshire have been using video conferencing to assess patients for the past eight years through a pioneering scheme at Airedale General Hospital.

First used with patients in prisons, more recent use with elderly people in care homes has shown it can cut the number of A&E appointments by 69% and hospital admissions by 45%.

Dr Colin Renwick, a GP from Settle in North Yorkshire, has been involved with the project since 2006 and says video conferencing could easily be extended to a patient's home.

"There's no reason why you couldn't do (that)," he said.

"A lot of what you base a diagnosis on is actually what the patient is telling you on the history, and if you're listening to the patient the actual physical hands-on examination often doesn't add a lot to what they've told you."

The pilot scheme areas are due to announced later this month, with a commitment to rapid implementation and to delivering what the government calls "tangible patient benefits".

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Being Overweight 'Normalised', Health Chief Says

Being overweight has become "normal" and a "sugar tax" may be needed to tackle the problem, the chief medical officer for England has warned.

Professor Dame Sally Davies said the Government should intervene to tackle child and adult obesity by regulating the food and drinks industry to protect against the dangers of excess calorie consumption.

She told the House of Commons Health Select Committee: "We need to be both strong and prepared to regulate. I think that the science is going such that that we will find sugar is addictive.

"We haven't managed to get over to the public how calorie packed fruit juices are, smoothies are, colas and carbonated drinks. We need to have a big education to know one is fine, but not lots of them.

"We may need to move to some sort of sugar tax, but I hope we don't have to."

Sally Davies Dame Sally said being overweight has been "normalised"

A "generation" of overweight children are in danger of not living as long as their parents, Dame Sally said.

"I worry that we have re-sized a women's dress size so that a size 14 now was a size 12 when I was a student," she said.

"We have normalised being overweight.

"We have to find a new way - not of ostracising people who are obese and making them feel bad about themselves - but somehow of helping them to understand this is pathological and will cause them harm."

She also warned promoting physical education alone would not solve the problem.

In January, health experts set up the Action on Sugar campaign group, which works to reduce the amount of sugar added to food and soft drinks, and inform the public about "hidden sugars".

The group identified flavoured water, sports drinks, yoghurts, ketchup, ready meals and even bread as everyday foods that contain large amounts of sugar.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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No 10 Aide Quits Over Abuse Images Claims

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 04 Maret 2014 | 16.12

A government aide has been arrested over child abuse imagery allegations.

Patrick Rock was arrested at his home in the early hours of February 13 - hours after Downing Street reported the matter to police.

The 62-year-old, who was the deputy head of Downing Street's policy unit and a key aide of David Cameron's, had resigned the previous day.

Mr Rock, who is not married and is from west London, was one of a number of advisers and officials involved in drawing up the Government's policy on internet porn filters.

The search engine companies Google and Microsoft agreed last year to introduce changes to make it harder to find child abuse images online.

A spokesperson for Number 10 said: "Subsequently, we arranged for officers to come into Number 10 have access to all IT systems and offices they considered relevant.

"This is an ongoing investigation so it would not be appropriate to comment further, but the Prime Minister believes that child abuse imagery is abhorrent and that anyone involved with it should be properly dealt with under the law."

The spokesperson stressed the work was "led by somebody else, and decisions were taken by ministers".

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the news of the arrest, Mr Rock had particular responsibility for home affairs issues in the policy unit.

Mr Cameron brought Mr Rock back into Downing Street in 2011 after working with him at the Home Office under Michael Howard in the 1990s.

He was a protege of Margaret Thatcher and is credited with coining the phrase "cows moo, dogs bark. Labour puts up taxes".

Mr Rock stood for MP in 1984 for the Tory safeseat of Portsmouth South but after a disastrous by-election campaign he suffered a crashing defeat losing out to the then Liberal SDP Alliance candidate, Mike Hancock.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Holidaymakers Warned Over Online Scams

By Tadhg Enright, Sky News Correspondent

Police have warned holidaymakers to be wary of online booking scams after £7m was stolen by fraudsters last year.

A total of 4,500 cases of booking fraud were reported to police in 2013, with almost a third of cases involving consumers paying for holiday villas and apartments that did not exist.

A report by fraud investigators from The City of London Police said the other most common scams included fake airline tickets and some package holidays to sporting events and religious pilgrimages.

Detective Superintendent Pete O'Doherty said: "The internet has changed the way we look for and book our holidays.

"Unfortunately it is also enabling fraudsters, using online offers of villas, hotels and flights that simply don't exist or promising bookings that are never made, to prey upon those looking for that perfect break."

Laura and Seán Parks told Sky News about their ordeal after they were scammed while trying to book a Valentine's Day break while Seán, a soldier, was home on leave from Afghanistan.

Having seen an online advertisement for log cabins near Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands she was duped into paying £400 into the fraudster's bank account - only to find upon arrival that the cabins did not exist.

Seán said that booking service appeared to be legitimate: "The website looked 100%. Everything else, the invoices, they all looked genuine."

Laura added: "He was using a booking company, wasn't he? And I contacted the booking company to ask if they were aware of any of this and they weren't.

"But you have no reason to doubt anything when you have invoices coming through, and you're paying into a bank account."

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, the travel industry body the Association of British Travel Agents and the Get Safe Online campaign have urged consumers to be wary and prepared the following advice:

• Do your research: Do not just rely on one review, do a thorough online search to ensure the company's credentials. If a company is defrauding people there is a good chance consumers will post details of their experiences, and warnings about the company, online.

• Use your instincts: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Pay safe: Never pay directly into an owner's bank account. Paying by direct bank transfer is like paying by cash and the money cannot be traced and is not refundable. Where possible, pay by credit card or a debit card that offers protection.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "Fraudsters are conning unsuspecting holidaymakers and travellers out of thousands of pounds each year - leaving them out of pocket or stranded with nowhere to stay through fake websites, false advertising, bogus phone calls and email scams."

Get Safe Online chief executive Tony Neate said it was vital for holidaymakers to do their research before booking.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Childcare 'Costs Families More Than Mortgage'

Families are paying more on average for childcare than they spend on their mortgage, a new report says.

According to the Family and Childcare Trust study, parents are spending more than £7,500 a year on childcare for two children - around 4.7% more than the average mortgage bill.

Its also says some families may be spending more on childcare than they do on their weekly shopping.

Information for the report came from family or children's information services at councils in England, Wales and Scotland.

Each local authority was asked to give the cost of 25 hours and 50 hours of childcare as provided by nurseries and childminders.

They were also asked to give figures on the average cost of 15 hours childcare in an after-school club, or for a childminder picking youngsters up from school.

It found a family with one two-year-old child attending nursery part-time and a five-year-old in an after-school club will be forced to spend £7,549 a year on average.

This is higher than the UK average annual UK mortgage, which the report puts at £7,207.

Education and childcare minister Elizabeth Truss insisted the cost of childcare in England had stabilised for the first time in 12 years.

"In fact, once inflation is taken into account costs for the majority have actually fallen," she said.

"This means more parents are able to access affordable childcare and support their families.

"These reductions contrast with rising costs in Scotland and Wales, highlighting the difference this Government's reforms are making."

The Department for Education said that the survey shows that the cost of nursery for a child over two was now £106.19, compared to £106.52 per week last year, which it said was a 2% reduction in real terms.

Dr Steven Toole, head of policy at 4Children, said: "The cost of childcare remains a major challenge for too many families, resulting in some parents getting into debt and others having to give up or being prevented from taking up work.

"Recent 4Children research shows the scale of the struggle parents face with childcare, with one in four saying that affordable, flexible and accessible childcare would make the most real, positive difference to their family life."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Moazzam Begg Remanded Over Terror Charges

Written By Unknown on Senin, 03 Maret 2014 | 16.12

Ex-Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg has appeared in court charged with providing terrorist training and funding terrorism overseas.

The 45-year-old British citizen, from Hall Green, Birmingham, was one of four people arrested earlier this week on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the Syria conflict.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today alongside a woman, Gerrie Tahari, 44, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, who also denied funding terrorism overseas.

Begg was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Both were arrested on Tuesday with two other men held on suspicion of facilitating terrorism overseas.

Guantanamo detainees were reportedly trained to be secret agents Begg was released from Guantanamo Bay in January 2005

The pair - a 36-year-old man from Shirley, Solihull, and a 20-year-old man from Sparkhill, Birmingham, who is the son of Tahari - remain in police custody.

Begg was held by the US government at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba for nearly three years after being arrested in Pakistan in February 2002.

He was detained on suspicion of being a member of al Qaeda before being released without charge in January 2005.

He was allowed to return to the UK where he was arrested by police before being released without charge.

Begg is a director of Cage - which campaigns "against the War on Terror" - and has always maintained that he has never been involved in any kind of terrorist activity.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

Police investigating a double murder say the two victims found in a car were stabbed to death.

Officers were called by paramedics to Montague Road, Leytonstone, northeast London, shortly before 1am on Saturday.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Post-mortem examinations found that Aaron Carriere, 21, died after being stabbed in the neck while the other, Josiah Manful, 20, died from stab wounds to the chest, shock and haemorrhaging, according to Scotland Yard.

Leytonstone double murder Flowers were left at the scene of the killings in Leytonstone

No arrests have been made and a police incident room has opened in Barking.

Part of Montague Road was cordoned off while police forensic teams combed the area, including checking gutters and drains.

Flowers have been left at the scene.

A note attached to one bunch said: "rip aaron, always in our hearts, miss you. From jordan & mum xxx."

In one tribute a person wrote: "Nothing but love my brothers, may you rest in peace. Love Tony."

Leytonstone double murder Young mourners turned up to pay their respects

One resident said: "I left and when I came back I saw it. It's horrible and I just heard what happened. I am so sorry - it's terrible."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the killings to come forward, by calling the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Connery 'Shakes And Stirs' Scotland Debate

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is urging fellow Scots to vote for independence as the opportunity is "too good to miss".

The Hollywood star claimed a "new nation" with more hope would be created if Scotland backs leaving the UK in September's referendum.

Sir Sean, who does not live in the country but is a well-known supporter of independence, said a Yes vote would "capture the world's attention".

He said: "I fully respect the choice facing Scotland in September is a matter for the people who choose to work and live there - that's only right.

"But as a Scot with a lifelong love of Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss.

He added: "Scotland has the chance to make a step change."

Sir Sean said a Yes vote would mean a "renewed focus on our culture and politics, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to promote our heritage and creative excellence".

The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Costume Institute Annual Gala - Arrivals David Bowie wants Scotland to remain part of the UK

He explained: "Simply put there is no more creative an act than creating a new nation."

The movie star, 83, said he was "particularly excited" about the prospects that independence could offer the film and creative industries.

He claimed these could be boosted by more investment, helping to create jobs north of the border with the "international promotion of Scotland as an iconic location".

Writing in an article in the Sun on Sunday and the New Statesman, he said a bigger and more confident film and broadcast sector could help bring about an inflow of resources and new jobs and training.

But the Better Together campaign - which wants Scotland to stay in the UK - says independence would mean losing jobs, and create more uncertainty, instability and barriers for business.

Last month, singer David Bowie, in a message read by model Kate Moss at the Brit Awards, urged Scots to remain a part of the UK, saying: "Stay with us Scotland."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Floods Fund: £2m To Support Tourism Firms

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 02 Maret 2014 | 16.12

Tourism businesses affected by the recent flooding are to get a £2m boost from the Government.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller says the money will fund experts who will visit affected areas and offer practical advice to tourism firms such as how to access business support measures.

The advice sessions will be hosted by VisitEngland and run throughout March.

The fund comes on top of  the £10m set aside by Prime Minister David Cameron last month to help flood-hit businesses generally.

Ms Miller said: "We want to help all those tourism businesses that have been affected by the horrendous floods get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

"Experts will be put on the ground to help small businesses with practical advice and communications while a bespoke Easter marketing will bring people back to the areas hit."

Welcoming the funding, VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "Our message to customers is 'Business as usual'.

"Despite many areas having been affected by bad weather and some travel disruption, the tourism infrastructure is largely unaffected."

VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: "International tourism is worth around £1.5bn to the economies of south west England and Wales.

"We are already getting out the message that it is a great time to travel to Britain and will be intensifying that activity over the coming months."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

:: Watch Sky News' special programme 'Battered Britain: From The Air' about the effect of the recent storms on the UK's landscape on Sunday, March 2, at 4pm.


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Moazzam Begg Remanded Over Terror Charges

Ex-Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg has appeared in court charged with providing terrorist training and funding terrorism overseas.

The 45-year-old British citizen, from Hall Green, Birmingham, was one of four people arrested earlier this week on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the Syria conflict.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today alongside a woman, Gerrie Tahari, 44, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, who also denied funding terrorism overseas.

Begg was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Both were arrested on Tuesday with two other men held on suspicion of facilitating terrorism overseas.

Guantanamo detainees were reportedly trained to be secret agents Begg was released from Guantanamo Bay in January 2005

The pair - a 36-year-old man from Shirley, Solihull, and a 20-year-old man from Sparkhill, Birmingham, who is the son of Tahari - remain in police custody.

Begg was held by the US government at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba for nearly three years after being arrested in Pakistan in February 2002.

He was detained on suspicion of being a member of al Qaeda before being released without charge in January 2005.

He was allowed to return to the UK where he was arrested by police before being released without charge.

Begg is a director of Cage - which campaigns "against the War on Terror" - and has always maintained that he has never been involved in any kind of terrorist activity.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

Leytonstone Murder: Victims Stabbed To Death

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Leytonstone double murder

Police forensic teams combed the scene of the double murder


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