UK Soldier 'Posed With Dead Taliban Fighter'

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

The RAF has launched a probe after photographs surfaced appearing to show a serviceman posing with a dead Taliban fighter.

The pictures were apparently taken in the wake of an attack by 15 insurgents on Camp Bastion, the main British base in Afghanistan, in September 2012.

The insurgents breached the perimeter of the base, triggering a battle involving a British RAF regiment and US marines.

Two of the marines and 14 Taliban fighters were killed in the firefight, and UK troops were also injured.

The two photographs appear to show at least one member of the RAF giving a thumbs-up sign as he kneels next to the body of a dead insurgent.

The photos were taken after an attack on Camp Bastion in 2012

It is unclear if it is the same serviceman in both of the photographs.

Sky News has learned that the individual or individuals belong to 51 Squadron.

An RAF source said he was making "no excuses" for the behaviour but said it was important to consider the context.

"This was a long, extensive firefight against a well-drilled, well-armed enemy who was trying to kill them," the source said.

He spoke of the "heat of conflict", the "relief of victory" and the "unusual adrenaline fuelled situation" in which "foolish" things happened.

Camp Bastion is the main British base in Afghanistan

The investigation will focus on whether the airman broke the rules by "mistreating" the enemy.

They may also be reprimanded for simply having and using photographic equipment.

Another photograph shows a burned-out plane in a hangar - six US Harrier jets were destroyed in the attack.

The images first appeared on the website Live Leak.

An RAF spokesman said: "Inappropriate actions will not be tolerated in the armed forces.

"The RAF is treating this incident extremely seriously and has launched a military police investigation.

"As this incident is subject to an ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

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Giro d'Italia Race Raises Hopes In N Ireland

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

The winner of the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland has said he has achieved "a dream come true" and thanked the crowds along the route for their "fantastic" support.

Svein Tuft described his Orica-GreenEdge team's performance along the 21.7km time trial course around Belfast as the "perfect ride".

While proudly wearing the pink jersey, the maglia rosa, the Canadian said: "It is a dream come true."

Tuft said he was impressed by the crowds, adding: "The entire course was lined four or five deep with people screaming and wearing pink, it was fantastic."

Stage one winner Svein Tuft celebrates

The Giro d'Italia is the second largest cycle race in the world and every second year, they stage the opening outside Italy.

With a global audience of 800 million, nowhere has been more grateful for the opportunity to create a new impression.

Opening stages include Parliament Buildings at Stormont, home of the devolved government, the Giant's Causeway and cathedral city of Armagh.

In towns along the route, election posters were replaced by pink bunting and balloons; one village dyed the sheep pink.

It reflects the colour of the newspaper behind the Italian race, contrasting the distinctive yellow of the Tour de France.

In a bid to win the leader's pink jersey, competitors were racing past loyalist murals on Belfast's Lower Newtownards Road.

On the opposite side of the road, pink bicycles had been attached to the railings of the local Presbyterian Church.

Rev Mervyn Gibson said: "There are people from all background, all denominations, all nationalities here. People from Wexford have been in the church, people from France, people from Australia, Roman Catholics, Protestants, we're not asking anyone where they're from, they're all welcome in east Belfast."

Martin McGuinness has welcomed the teams to Belfast

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sinn Fein's Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, said the race gave people a glimpse of the future.

He said: "We love our colours in Belfast but sometimes our colours divide us. It's wonderful that the colour pink has united us. Sport has united the city. Sport has united the country. We need to build on the positive energy. We need to build confidence in Belfast and what Giro's doing is giving us real confidence in the future."

When bidding to host the Giro, the devolved government estimated that it would cost £4m but generate £12m in tourism.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness suspended their recent hostilities to welcome the teams to Belfast.

The Democratic Unionist Party Leader and his Sinn Fein partner in government had clashed over the arrest of Gerry Adams.

Tensions over flags, parades and the legacy of the past continue to cast a shadow over political progress made here.

The Giro d'Italia illustrates the potential if politicians can resolve these outstanding issues and bring peace over the finishing line.

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'Killer' Asian Hornet Could Threaten Honey Bees

By Siobhan Robbins, Sky News Reporter

A new "killer" hornet may soon threaten Britain's honey bees, it has been warned.

The Asian hornet has already been spotted in France and could be transported to the UK in food pallets or may even be able to fly across the Channel.

They are smaller than British hornets, with queens growing up to three centimetres long.

Their bodies are dark brown or black with a fine yellow band and their stings are up to a quarter of an inch long.

They hunt in packs and have a taste for honey bees, often targeting adults outside the hive or eating the offspring inside.

The honey bee population has declined rapidly in the last 60 years

Some experts claim they can kill up to 40 bees a day so if introduced into Britain, they could have a severe impact on the native honeybee population, which has been rapidly declining since the 1950s.

Tim Lovett from the British Beekeepers Association explained: "When bees are out foraging you'll find that the hornets will lurk around the front of the hive and try to bring down foragers as they come back to the hive.

"Having got them down on the ground they paralyse them and they will then cart them off to their own nests where they'll use them for feed for their own larvae."

Six people in France have died from anaphylactic shock after being stung by the hornets.

But Gavin Broad from the Natural History Museum says there is no need for people to worry.

An Asian hornet (left) next to a British hornet (right)

He said: "In terms of their sting it's no worse than any other hornet so if you're going to suffer from anaphylactic shock it's just as likely from as Asian hornet as from a native hornet."

The public is being urged not to kill any hornets that they find and posters are now being handed out to help people identify and report any sightings.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "There have been no confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in the UK - they are smaller than our own native hornets and are no more dangerous.

"We are aware of the potential impacts they could have on honey bees and have plans in place to eradicate them if they are identified.

"In Great Britain we would not expect Asian hornets to establish outside southern parts of England and Wales due to colder weather."

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CCTV Toddler Abduction Alert: Police Quiz Man

Police are talking to a man over a possible attempt to snatch a toddler in a busy shopping centre.

A suspect, wearing a dark coat and flat cap, is seen approaching the 21-month-old boy as he walks just behind his mother at the Derby site.

CCTV footage shows the man taking hold of the boy's hand and leading him away.

Seconds later, the mother turns around and sees the incident, which took place outside Boots in Intu shopping centre at around 10.30am on Thursday.

She confronts the man, and the pair talk briefly before he walks away.

Police released footage of the incident and urged parents to be vigilant.

They say an 80-year-old man has now contacted them, believing he is the man in the footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Lamb said: "It appears that the man shown in the CCTV footage may have been acting with good intentions, but we will be speaking to him today to ascertain the full details.

"We received a large number of calls on the back of the appeal and I would like to thank members of the public for their response.

"It was a highly unusual incident and we will be continuing our inquiries into it today."

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Powers To Seize Unpaid Tax Criticised By MPs

Plans to give HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) the power to seize money directly from the bank accounts of those who owe the taxman money have been criticised by an influential group of MPs.

The Treasury Committee said it has "considerable concern" about the idea, which it warns could result in innocent people having cash taken from them.

HMRC estimates 17,000 people a year will be affected, and says money will only be taken after four demands for payment have been ignored.

The cross-party group wants further scrutiny of Chancellor George Osborne's debt collection proposals before they are implemented, describing a "lengthy and full consultation" as "essential".

Compensation and disciplinary action are suggested by the committee as extra safeguards.

Sky's Chief Political Correspondent Jon Craig, who described the report as "damning", said the criticism could mean the policy is delayed until after next year's election. 

George Osborne announced the plans in this year's Budget

The concerns are contained in a report on this year's Budget.

In the report, the MPs say the change could be akin to the reintroduction of the discredited Crown Preference Rule by stealth.

This gave HMRC priority access to assets when companies went out of business.

"Giving HMRC this power without some form of prior independent oversight - for example by a new ombudsman or tribunal, or through the courts - would be wholly unacceptable," the MPs said.

The Chancellor argues the Department for Work and Pensions has similar powers for chasing child maintenance payments.

But the committee said: "The parallel is not exact: in those cases, DWP is acting as an intermediary between two individuals."

"HMRC would be acting not as an intermediary between two individuals but rather in pursuit of its own objective of bringing in revenue for the Exchequer."

The chance of fraud and errors occurring is also highlighted, with the MPs warning this would be a "serious detriment" to taxpayers.

The report says: "This policy is highly dependent on HMRC's ability accurately to determine which taxpayers owe money and what amounts they owe, an ability not always demonstrated in the past."

A Treasury spokesperson said it was "important people pay the tax they owe on time", and added: "The proposed powers will give HMRC another tool to collect tax debt owed. 

"The current consultation includes a range of safeguards to ensure the power is tightly targeted."

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Rolf Harris Arrives For Indecent Assault Trial

Rolf Harris has arrived in court as prosecutors prepare to outline their case that he committed a string of indecent assaults.

The 84-year-old, who denies all 12 charges against him, walked into Southwark Crown Court alongside his family.

Twelve jurors were sworn in on Thursday to hear allegations the TV personality and artist committed indecent assault on four girls, the youngest of whom was seven or eight and the oldest 19.

The alleged offences date between 1968 and 1986, and some of the evidence will be about events in Australia and New Zealand.

Harris was dressed in a grey suit and multi-coloured tie as he arrived for the trial, which is expected to last six or seven weeks.

The artist was born in Perth, Australia but has lived in the Berkshire village of Bray for more than 50 years.

Harris painted a portrait of the Queen in 2005 and hosted her Diamond Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace two years ago.

His first hit was Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport in 1960 and his 40-year music career included the UK number one Two Little Boys.

His lengthy career has seen him receive a number of honours including Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours of 2012. He also has an MBE awarded in 1968, advanced to an OBE in 1977 and then further to a CBE eight years ago.

The jury of six men and six women have been warned not to research anything about Harris.

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Police To Wear Body Cameras To Boost Trust

Some 500 police officers in London will begin wearing cameras on their uniforms from today as a part of a trial aimed at increasing trust and speeding up justice for victims.

Firearms officers will also take part after criticism of the Metropolitan Police following the death of Mark Duggan.

The 29-year-old was shot dead by an armed officer in Tottenham in 2011. His death sparked mass riots which spread across the country.

A jury at his inquest in January this year ruled Mr Duggan was lawfully killed by a police marksman despite being unarmed. The verdict outraged his family and supporters who are fighting the ruling.

Armed officers will first only use the cameras in training, with a view to wearing them regularly if the pilot is successful.

Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said the move would boost transparency.

Mark Duggan was unarmed when he wsa shot in August 2011

He said: "Body-worn video will not only help us fight crime and support victims but help the Met to be more accountable.

"Our experience of using cameras already shows that people are more likely to plead guilty when they know we have captured the incident. That speeds up justice, puts offenders behind bars more quickly and protects potential victims.

"Video captures events in a way that can't be represented on paper in the same detail and it has been shown the mere presence of this type of video can often defuse potentially violent situations without the need for force to be used.

"I believe it will also show our officers at their best, dealing with difficult and dangerous situations every day but it will also provide clearer evidence when it's been alleged that we got things wrong. That has to be in both our own and the public's interest."

Officers wearing the devices will not have them permanently switched on and will have to follow specific guidelines on when they can be used.

The 10 boroughs in the capital taking part in the trial include Camden, Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Havering, Hillingdon and Lewisham.

Footage will be stored on file for a month unless it it needed as evidence in a case.

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Barclays: 20,000 Job Cuts In New Strategy

Barclays has confirmed around 20,000 job cuts under a new strategy building on its aim to become the 'go-to' bank.

The details - as reported by Sky's City Editor Mark Kleinman on Wednesday evening - were revealed following a review which aimed to reduce risk in its investment operation and cut excessive costs.

The bank's update pleased investors - with its share price rising more than 3% when the FTSE 100 opened for business.

Barclays confirmed 14,000 positions would be axed across the Group during 2014 - around half of them in the UK.

Barclays share price has failed to recover from the financial crisis

A further 7,000 positions will go in the investment bank up to 2016 - but 2,000 of those had been previously announced.

In addition to the job losses, the bank's chief executive Antony Jenkins confirmed the creation of Barclays Non-Core - a unit to house "assets which do not fit the strategic objectives" of the group.

Barclays said it would look to run down or exit Risk-Weighted Assets worth £115bn from the new unit.

Mr Jenkins said: "This is a bold simplification of Barclays. We will be a focused international bank, operating only in areas where we have capability, scale and competitive advantage".

He added that Barclays would become "leaner, stronger, much better balanced and well positioned to deliver lower volatility, higher returns, and growth".

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Nigel Farage: Don't Call UKIP A Racist Party

Nigel Farage has attempted to combat claims the UK Independence Party is racist, at a chaotic meeting interrupted by protesters.

Hecklers shouted "racist" as each of the speakers took to the stage at the gathering in central London, before all those demonstrating were bundled out by security.

None remained when UKIP leader Mr Farage appeared on the platform alongside a number of the party's black and ethnic minority candidates - including former boxer Winston McKenzie.

He hit out at accusations the party had become a home for racists and said sections of the media were stirring up hatred against them.

A heckler shouts at one of UKIP's speakers

"Let this be UKIP's Clause IV moment," he told cheering supporters, in a reference to Tony Blair's famous announcement that he was scrapping Labour's commitment to nationalisation.

"I don't care what you call us. You can call us right wing, left wing. You can call us small-minded.

"I don't care what you call us but from this moment on, please, do not ever call us a racist party. We are not a racist party."

He acknowledged that remarks made by a number of the party's candidates had caused embarrassment, but said the media had wrongly portrayed them as representing the views of the party as a whole.

Protesters are removed from the meeting in Westminster

"There will always be in any system a few people who creep over the line and cause us embarrassment," he said.

"I would rather the 10 people - out of 2,234 (candidates) - who said things that are either stupid or offensive in some case - I'd rather it hadn't happened.

"The result of this has been huge sections of the British media defended their friends in the so-called main parties and the offensive, idiotic statements made by this handful of people have been lifted up and presented to the Great British public as if they represent the view of this party, which they do not.

"They never have and they never will."

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Scots Independence: Rest Of UK Firms Want Union

By Niall Paterson, Sky News Correspondent

An overwhelming majority of businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland say that Scotland should remain part of the UK, according to a survey for the British Chambers of Commerce.

The BCC, which itself remains impartial in the debate, surveyed close to 2,500 of its members, and whilst 11% said Scotland should vote yes, some 85% preferred the union to remain.

Two thirds said no new opportunities would arise in the event of a 'Yes' vote, and just over a third, 35%, said a formal currency union, a key ambition of the SNP-led campaign, would be in the best interests of the UK as a whole.

The BCC's director general John Longworth said: "Business opinion across the United Kingdom on the Scottish independence debate is far from unanimous. That's only logical, as businesses have different interests, and different views on our complex history of economic and political union.

"In the event of a 'Yes' vote, cross-border trading and currency arrangements loom large in businesses' thinking. If Scotland votes 'no', constitutional questions remain around the devolution of power and the distribution of public funding between nations."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond (R) and his deputy Nicola Sturgeon

The poll has been seized upon by those campaigning for a 'No' vote, as with a recent report from credit ratings agency Moody's which said an independent Scotland would find itself downgraded.

Edinburgh South Labour MP and Shadow Business Minister Ian Murray said: "This survey confirms what some of Scotland's largest employers like Standard Life, RBS and Shell have made clear. Breaking up the UK would create huge risks and cost jobs in Scotland.

"The majority of businesses in the rest of the UK do not support a currency union. It would be bad for Scotland and bad for the rest of the UK. That's why it is off the table.

"What people in Scotland need from the nationalists is some honesty about what would replace the pound if we leave the UK. Would we rush to adopt the euro or would we set up a separate Scottish currency? The idea that Scots can go to the polls blind on this fundamental issue isn't credible."

Yet there is hardly unanimity north of the border either - nor an overwhelming sense of fear that cross-border trade would come to a juddering halt.

Many here expect business to continue if not entirely as normal then with significant benefits in the longer term.

Tony Banks, chairman of Business for Scotland, a pro-independence campaign group with close to two thousand members said: "This is a survey that of course doesn't include Scottish businesses who have a rather different perception.

"Scottish independence offers real advantages to everyone, not only in Scotland but across our shared markets in Europe - that independence doesn't equal isolation and businesses here are well aware of the opportunities they can gain.

"Even the Scottish Chambers of Commerce survey issued last week conceded that 53% of its members see the opportunities that independence could bring."

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Irish Republicans Offered Boston Tapes Return

A college which interviewed republicans actively involved in the Troubles in Northern Ireland has offered to return the interviews to those who provided them.

It comes after some expressed concerns about their safety or legal exposure following the arrest of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams over the murder of widowed mother-of-10, Jean McConville.

His detention by police in Northern Ireland stemmed from allegations made by republicans in the interviews, which were part of a five-year Boston College oral history project, launched back in 2001.

When one of the interviewees, former IRA commander in Belfast Brendan Hughes, died in 2008 it emerged he had claimed Mr Adams was a senior IRA leader during the Troubles and had ordered Mrs McConville's killing.

It also emerged Old Bailey bomber Dolours Price, who died last year, had made similar allegations about the Sinn Fein leader.

Dolours Price and Brendan Hughes took part in the Boston College project

Academics, historians and journalists decided to record interviews with people, including former paramilitaries, both republican and loyalist, about their roles in the 40 years of violence.

They were assured the information they divulged would not be made public until after their deaths.

"If interviewees in the Belfast Project express their desire to have their interviews returned to them, Boston College will accommodate their request upon proper identification," the college said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Adams, who was released after four days in custody on Sunday night, said material from the interviews was used by police when they questioned him over the 1972 abduction, murder and burial.

Police officers from Northern Ireland went to court in the US and gained access to the collection of tapes last year.

The college said it was no longer bound by restrictions on what it may do with the material.

Jean McConville was kidnapped and murdered in 1972

Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn said several interviewees had already asked for the material to be returned to them, adding that the college would not be keeping its own copies.

He said: "Some are concerned for their safety, and some are concerned they could face possible PSNI actions."

Mr Adams held a news conference after he was freed, in which he said: "Let me very clear - I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Mrs McConville.

"I have worked hard with others to have this injustice redressed and for the return of the bodies of others killed during the conflict and secretly buried by the IRA, and I will continue to do so."

He added: "The IRA is gone, finished."

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Madeleine McCann: 'UK Police Searches Refused'

British police investigating Madeleine McCann's disappearance have reportedly been refused permission to search the homes of three burglary suspects.

According to local media in Praia da Luz, where the three-year-old went missing in 2007, Portuguese authorities declined requests from Metropolitan Police.

It comes after it was reported that Portugese authorities had approved plans for officers from Scotland Yard to dig for evidence in the resort.

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Ethnic Minority Population 'To Double By 2050'

The proportion of UK citizens from ethnic minority communities is set to double over the next 35 years, a report by think-tank Policy Exchange has found.

The report claims black and minority ethnic communities will make up almost a third of the UK population by 2050.

Currently eight million people, or 14% of the UK population, are from ethnic minority groups.

The report said that figure has doubled in the last decade alone and accounts for 80% of the UK's population growth.

The majority of non-white Britons identify themselves as "British only", it said.

The right-leaning think-tank used the report, In A Portrait Of Modern Britain, to highlight the growing importance of ethnic minority voters in the future.

It said the UK's five largest minority groups have "clear and meaningful" differences in experiences, traditions and attitudes, which policymakers have so far failed to address.

It warned politicians must start appealing to the differing views and concerns of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African and Black Caribbean ethnic groups over the coming years.

David Cameron's party won just 16% of the ethnic minority vote in 2010

Rishi Sunak, report co-author and head of Policy Exchange's BME Research Unit, said: "These communities will continue to become an ever more significant part of Britain, especially in future elections.

"However, as our research demonstrates, ethnic minorities are not one homogeneous political group.

"From education to employment, housing to trust in the police, politicians from all parties must understand the different issues affecting individual communities."

Voting intention was found to be one of the few shared traits between the different groups.

The report said ethnic minority communities overwhelmingly identified with and voted for the Labour Party, with 68% having voted for Gordon Brown's party at the 2010 General Election.

That compared with just 16% for the Conservatives and 14% for the Liberal Democrats.

Last month Conservative MP Adam Afriyie warned the party would struggle to increase its voter base among ethnic minorities in time for the next election. 

He said even if Prime Minister David Cameron adapted his policies and "does everything perfectly" in the run-up to the 2015 General Election, the party would not be able to make significant gains.

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Ten Years In Prison For Banned Drivers Who Kill

Disqualified drivers who kill while behind the wheel are to face longer jail terms.

From next year, offenders who ignore their driving bans will be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if they cause a death on the road.

Reforms will also see drivers face up to four years in jail for causing serious injuries.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling told Sky News the tougher prison terms were aimed at acting as a deterrent.

"If you cause somebody's death, if you cause somebody serious injury, you will now go to jail for a very long period of time," he warned.

Under present regulations, there is no specific offence of causing serious injury while banned.

The current maximum sentence a motorist faces for causing death while driving when disqualified is two years in prison.

Some 16 people were prosecuted in 2012, of which 13 were convicted for the offence when disqualified, unlicensed or uninsured.

A full review of all driving offences and penalties, including those committed by uninsured and unlicensed drivers, also forms part of the announcement.

Mr Grayling said: "I want to make our roads safer and ensure people who cause harm face tough penalties.

"Disqualified drivers should not be on our roads for good reason.

"Those who choose to defy a ban imposed by a court and go on to destroy innocent lives must face serious consequences for the terrible impact of their actions."

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Rolf Harris Arrives At Court For Assault Trial

Rolf Harris has arrived at Southwark Crown Court where he faces trial for 12 counts of indecent assault.

The 84-year-old entertainer is accused of assaulting four girls, aged between seven and nineteen, between 1968 and 1986. He denies the charges.

Jury selection is expected to begin on Tuesday and the prosecution will then open its case.

The trial is expected to last more than six weeks

Harris, from Bray, Berkshire, pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges during a hearing at the court in January. He arrived at court with his wife Alwen and his security team.

His trial, in front of Mr Justice Sweeney, is expected to last more than six weeks.

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Teen Held Over Fatal Stabbing Of 17-Year-Old

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested over the murder of a 17-year-old boy in south London.

Police were called to Tilford House, Holmewood Gardens, in Brixton at 5pm on Sunday after reports of a stabbing.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination will be scheduled "in due course", a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to a South London police station for questioning.

Police are continuing to appeal for information concerning the killing.

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Gerry Adams Back On Sinn Fein Campaign Trail

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will be returning to the campaign trail today for the forthcoming local and European elections after being freed by police investigating a notorious IRA murder.

Less than an hour after he was freed from questioning, he said he was an innocent man and denied all involvement in the abduction, killing and burial of widowed mother-of-10 Jean McConville in 1972.

He offered the police his full, ongoing support but warned he was "concerned about the timing" of his arrest which came before the polls.

Sinn Fein has accused an "anti-peace process rump" within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of orchestrating the detention with the aim of damaging the party ahead of the polls.

It had also warned it would review its support for policing if Mr Adams was charged.

Armoured Land Rovers were prevented from leaving the police station

The republican party is holding a European election rally in Belfast this evening and a similar event in Dublin on Tuesday.

The decision to let him go on Sunday night after four days in custody being questioned was met with anger as loyalist protesters attempted to block the road outside the police station to stop him leaving.

Mr Adams, 65, told a news conference in west Belfast: "Let me be very clear - I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Mrs McConville.

"I have worked hard with others to have this injustice redressed and for the return of others killed during the conflict and secretly buried by the IRA, and I will continue to do so.

"While the past needs to be dealt with and Sinn Fein is up for doing this, including the issue of victims and their families, there can be no going back.

"Peace needs to be built with a determination and a consistent focus."

He also revealed he did not eat during the first two days of his detention.

He said: "The old guard which is against change, whether in the PSNI leadership, within elements of unionism or the far fringes of self-proclaimed but pseudo-republicans - they can't win.

"The dark side of the British system cannot be allowed to deny anyone - Catholic, Protestant or dissenter - from our entitlement to a rights-based citizens-centred society as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.

"I've never disassociated myself with the IRA, and I never will. But I'm glad that I an others have created a peaceful and democratic way forward for everyone. The IRA is gone, finished."

As Mr Adams gave a news conference at a west Belfast hotel, Mrs McConville's son Michael called for an independent body to investigate the allegations made against Mr Adams "so there is no political pressure on the police".

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Elena Baltacha Dies After Cancer Battle

Former British tennis number one Elena Baltacha has died of liver cancer at the age of 30, her family have announced.

She died peacefully at her home early on Sunday morning, they said.

Baltacha was diagnosed with the illness in January, just two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her coach Nino Severino.

"We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement released by her family.

"She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."

Husband Nino Severino says he is heartbroken

Kiev-born Baltacha retired from professional tennis last November after struggling to overcome a series of injuries.

The daughter of former Ipswich, St Mirren and Inverness footballer Sergei, she reached a career-high world ranking of 49 in 2010, and beat the likes of Li Na and Francesca Schiavone.

Baltacha was British number one from December 2009 to June 2012 - 132 weeks - and she won 11 International Tennis Federation titles.

She played 39 times for Britain in the Fed Cup from 2003 to 2012 and was also part of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.

She was diagnosed at the age of 19 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system.

Her agent and friend Eleanor Preston told Sky News that Baltacha was a "fighter on and off court" and for that reason her "spirit and memory will live on".

The Lawn Tennis Association says she was a 'shining light'

"She was somebody who achieved an awful lot despite having a very serious liver condition which she struggled with since she was 19," she said.

"For that reason she should be held up as a real role model for everybody, for the way she overcame those obstacles and went on to achieve great things, and throughout it all without having the slightest ounce of pity or ego about it."

Among those from the Tennis world to pay tribute was former world number one and multiple Wimbledon champion Billy Jean King who said:  "Saddened to hear about Elena Baltacha's passing.

"My fondest memory with Bally was sharing a wonderful chat when we met the Queen at Wimbledon." 

The current women's British number one Laura Robson paid tribute to her "teammate" on Twitter.

Baltacha's friend Andy Murray is to play in a fundraiser in her memory

She said: "Impossibly sad. Forever a teammate. Sweet dreams Bally."

The Lawn Tennis Association's head of women's tennis, Iain Bates, said in a statement: "Today we have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis - a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend."

In 2010, Baltacha launched the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which helps children from all backgrounds to learn and play tennis.

The previously announced Rally For Bally - a fundraiser due to be played in June - will still go ahead, now in her memory.

Her childhood friend Andy Murray had committed to play in the event along with Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman.

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'Break-In' Murder: 13-Year-Old Charged

A 13-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Martin Thomas, who died from a stab wound during a suspected break-in at his home in southwest London.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has been remanded in custody to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy has already appeared in court charged with murder and has been remanded in custody.

A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old both arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail.

Mr Thomas, 39, was pronounced dead at his home in Huntingfield Road, Roehampton, on April 22.

A post-mortem revealed he died from a stab wound that punctured his lung.

Police are continuing to appeal for information surrounding his murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlie King, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said earlier: "At this early stage we are keeping an open mind about any possible motive.

"Members of the public have already provided us with accounts of three young men seen loitering in the area prior to the incident. I am directly appealing to these young men to come forward and speak us.

"I am also urging anyone who may have more information regarding this incident to contact us."

:: Anyone with information should call police on 0208 721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Leeds Teacher Death: Man Charged Over Message

One man has been charged and another arrested in connection with what police describe as "malicious communications" following the murder of teacher Ann Maguire in Leeds.

Mrs Maguire, 61, was stabbed to death in front of her students at Corpus Christi Catholic College last Monday, where she had taught for more than 40 years.

West Yorkshire Police said Jake Newsome, 21, from the Harehills area in Leeds, has been released on bail after being charged for the alleged abuse.

He is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A 42-year-old man, from Port Talbot, South Wales, has also been arrested and remains in custody.

Today prayers have been said at dozens of churches across West Yorkshire for the family of the dedicated Spanish teacher and mother-of-two.

Mrs Maguire was stabbed during a lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College

The Catholic Diocese of Leeds wrote to around 90 churches and urged them to pray for Mrs Maguire, who was due to retire in September.

A spokesman for the diocese said: "We are asking everybody to remember Ann Maguire in their prayers, and to remember her family who will be under pressure and stress at this time.

"She was amazingly well known in the local community for what she had done for young people.

"Everybody is so hurt by what has happened and taking time to recover.

"This is a time to remember her. We are talking about three generations of people - children, parents and grandparents - whose lives she has touched.

"She made a major difference to a lot of people's lives through the care she gave them and her teaching.

"Part of her philosophy was to make sure that students achieved their best, and this is a chance to remember her."

A book of condolence has also been opened at the cathedral in Leeds for those who want to express their sympathies.

A 15-year-old boy is in custody charged with Mrs Maguire's murder.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video-link at Leeds Crown Court on Friday. There was no application for bail.

The case was adjourned until July 11 for a plea and case management hearing.

A date for the start of the murder trial was set for November 3.

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Gerry Adams 'Questioned For 17 Hours A Day'

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is being questioned for up to 17 hours a day during his interrogation by police in Northern Ireland, Sky News understands.

Mr Adams is undergoing a fourth day of questioning after being arrested in connection with the 1972 murder of mother-of-10 Jean McConville.

Sources close to the 65-year-old have told Sky News Ireland Correspondent David Blevins that "most of the questions are about IRA membership".

On Friday, officers were granted another 48 hours to quiz the Sinn Fein leader at Antrim police station. They must now charge or release him by 8pm tonight.

Sky's Blevins said: "Perhaps police could send a file to the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland and let them decide.

"There is one other option... detectives could go back to the High Court and make another application to extend the period of detention. In other words, ask for more time."

Martin McGuinness says the arrest is politically motivated

Mr Adams vehemently denies allegations that he ordered the murder of Ms McConville.

His party colleague Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has alleged some people in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are "hostile" to the peace process.

Speaking on Saturday at the unveiling of a mural of Mr Adams in Belfast, he claimed they were "using dirty tricks" and "deliberately and cynically exploiting" the killing of Ms McConville.

Mr McGuinness has claimed a "cabal" within the PSNI is behind the arrest, with the intention of damaging the process and inflicting political scars on Sinn Fein in the upcoming local government and EU elections.

But Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford told Sky News: "I see no evidence that there's political policing in Northern Ireland.

"I do see evidence of a lot of politicians trying to politically interfere with what's being done by policing."

Sinn Fein has warned it will review its support for the police if the veteran leader is charged but Mr McGuinness said he and colleagues would not be making a "knee-jerk" decision.

However, he suggested they would "reflect" on their endorsement of the PSNI if such a situation came to pass.

Michael McConville says he knows who killed his mother

No one has ever been charged with the murder of 37-year-old Mrs McConville, who was snatched from her home in front of her children. Her body was finally discovered in 2003 on a beach 50 miles from her home.

Mrs McConville's son, Michael McConville, told Sky News he knows who killed his mother but would never tell police for fear his children or other members of his family would be shot.

But his elder sister, Helen McKendry, has told journalists she no longer feared reprisals and is prepared to name the people responsible.

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