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Attacker Among Two Dead In School Shooting

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 25 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

By Sky News US Team

A school student who went on a shooting spree before killing himself wrote a series of chilling tweets in the months before he ran amok with a gun.

Jaylen Fryberg opened fire in a cafeteria, murdering one teenager and critically injuring three others at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Marysville, about 35 miles north of Seattle, Washington.

The gunman was reported to be initially "quiet" before opening fire on fellow diners.

Each of the 15-year-old's victims have gunshot wounds to the head, and the two teenage boys hurt in the attack, Nate Hatch, 14, and Andrew Fryberg, 15, were cousins of the killer.

The teenage girl who remains in a critical condition has been named locally as Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, whose uncle told local TV station KIRO that "he wasn't sure she'd make it".

Calvin Walker, who was in the cafeteria at the time, added: "I didn't think there was any hope of them being OK because of how close he shot them. I knew it was going to be bad."

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  1. Gallery: Students Distraught After High School Shooting

    Police have said two people are dead, including an armed student, after a shooting at a high school north of Seattle

  2. The attacker was named as Jaylen Fryberg

  3. He had made a number of emotional posts on Twitter in recent days

  4. The attacker took his own life in the incident at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Washington state

  5. Three young people are in a "very critical condition" and one other is in a serious condition

  6. Witnesses said the freshman took a gun out of his backpack in a cafeteria and opened fire

  7. TV footage showed students being evacuated from the school, which has about 2,500 enrolled

  8. Armed police conducted room-to-room searches with guns drawn

Another student said: "At first I thought it was just someone making a really loud noise, like a bag, like a pretty loud pop, until I heard four more after that, and I saw three kids just fall from the table like they were falling to the ground dead."

Eyewitnesses have told reporters that a new teacher at the school, Megan Silberberger, tried to intervene during the shooting spree.

They claim the Social Studies tutor managed to restrain his arms, but during the struggle, the gun fired again, leaving Fryberg with a fatal wound to the neck.

The teenager left a series of posts on Twitter before his attack which painted a picture of a boy who was familiar with using weapons.

Next to an Instagram picture of him holding a hunting rifle, he wrote: "Probably the best BirthDay present ever! I just love my parents!!!!"

In August, he issued a threat to an apparent love rival, saying: "Your not gonna like what happens next."

On 18 September he wrote: "Did you forget she was my girlfriend?" and later tweeted: "Dude. She tells me everything. And now. I... hate you! Your no longer my brother."

On Tuesday, one of a series of tweets said: "It breaks me... It actually does... I know it seems like I'm sweating it off... But I'm not.. And I never will be able to."

In his last post on Thursday, Fryberg stated: "It won't last... It'll never last..."

Fryberg was crowned the school's freshman "homecoming prince" just a week ago, according to some US media.

On Friday night, a candlelit vigil was held for the victims of the school shooting in a nearby church.

The high school is going to be closed throughout next week out of respect for the injured.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scottish Labour Leader In Shock Resignation

Johann Lamont has resigned as leader of the Scottish Labour Party, after claiming her colleagues "do not understand the politics they are facing" - with Gordon Brown a possible successor.

The Glasgow MSP used her exit to criticise the party's leadership across the UK, and accused Westminster of trying to manage Scotland "like a branch office of London".

She added: "Colleagues need to realise that the focus of Scottish politics is now Holyrood, not Westminster.

"There is a danger of Scottish politics being between two sets of dinosaurs… the nationalists who can't accept they were rejected by the people, and some colleagues at Westminster who think nothing has changed."

It marks another setback for Ed Miliband ahead of next year's General Election - already, a group of Scottish Labour activists are pushing for their party to enjoy complete autonomy from London.

Speculation over Ms Lamont's leadership has grown since the referendum, with one senior aide confessing Scottish Labour needed to rediscover its "sense of purpose".

Video: Fall-Out Over Scottish Referendum

Nicola Sturgeon, due to become the First Minister in November once she replaces Alex Salmond as leader of the SNP, warned that "Scottish Labour really is in meltdown" if rumours of its tensions with Westminster were true.

Meanwhile, a Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "Johann Lamont's resignation has shown the complete chaos at the heart of Ed Miliband's operation in the starkest possible terms.

"The man isn't fit to run a village fete, never mind the UK."

In a statement, Mr Miliband said: "Johann Lamont deserves significant credit for the successful No vote in the Scottish referendum campaign.

Video: MPs To Debate Scotland's Future

"She has led the Scottish Labour Party with determination."

Earlier this week, Scottish Labour was described as "going through a period of reflection" after the referendum, which saw large numbers of the party's supporters vote to leave the UK, despite the overall majority of Scots backing the union.

Ms Lamont, who took over as leader in December 2011, is the second Scottish party leader to resign since September's vote - and made her comments during a Daily Record interview.

The first to quit, Alex Salmond MSP, said: "The fact that Scottish Labour are now going to have their fifth leader since the SNP took office in 2007 indicates that their problems are not about personalities - they are much more deep-seated than that.

Video: Oct 13: Dev Battle Preparations

"It was always very clear that Johann Lamont was never able to be meaningfully in charge of Labour in Scotland, and that is laid bare in dramatic fashion in her resignation comments."

Gordon Brown, who is one of the favourites to succeed the mother-of-two, said: "I am sorry to hear than Johann has resigned.

"She brought determination, compassion and a down-to-earth approach to the leadership and deserves great credit for taking on the challenge after 2011.

"I wish her well in the future."

Video: Gordon Brown On Devolution

Meanwhile, Tony Blair, another former Labour Prime Minister, has had to deny rumours that he privately believes Mr Miliband will not win the next General Election.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Automatic Quarantine In US For Ebola Medics

New York and New Jersey are to begin automatically quarantining medical staff who return from areas badly affected by Ebola.

The decision by the health authorities follows former Doctors Without Borders medic Craig Spencer testing positive for the disease several days after he returned from Guinea.

The World Health Organisation says the number of Ebola deaths has risen to 4,922 from 10,141 cases, mostly in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Dr Spencer, 33, was able to travel on the subway and go bowling before he showed the classic symptoms of the virus and had to go to hospital.

The US government said it was considering adopting the move for the whole country after it emerged that Dr Spencer had already been checked at the border and declared safe.

Video: Ebola Response: Science Not Fear

Hours after the policy was announced, a female healthcare worker who had been quarantined when she arrived from the affected region into Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, was isolated with a fever.

She had no symptoms on arrival at the airport before being quarantined, but is now being evaluated at University Hospital, Newark.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "We've seen what happens... You ride a subway. You ride a bus. You could infect hundreds and hundreds of people."

Video: Cured Texas Ebola Nurse 'Blessed'

President Barack Obama praised New York City's quick reaction to its first Ebola case and said he has promised local officials any federal help they need.

He said the US must be guided by science and not fear as it responded to Ebola, insisting the disease can be beaten if people remain vigilant.

The president also sought to reassure members of the public by hugging Dallas nurse Nina Pham, who was one of the first to be treated for the virus in the US.

Video: Ebola: Busting The Myths

She had caught it while working as one of the medical staff treating a man who had earlier arrived from Liberia and who later died of the disease.

Ms Pham, 26, was declared cured on Friday, and gave a speech, thanking those who had treated her.

She said: "I feel fortunate and blessed to be standing here today."

Video: How Ebola Attacks The Human Body

Officials said she did not take any experimental drugs, but she did use blood plasma from previous survivor Dr Kent Brantly, who she also thanked.

Her colleague Amber Vinson, who caught the disease at the same time, was also declared cured, but was not yet well enough to leave hospital.

Dr Spencer remains in a stable condition in an isolation ward at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York undergoing treatment.

Video: Liberia Gripped By Ebola Virus Fear

The latest case comes as the World Health Organisation announced that it expects hundreds of thousands of doses of a new Ebola vaccine to be available by early next year.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

EU Wants An Extra £1.7bn Payment From UK

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 24 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

Britain is facing a demand from the European Union for an extra £1.7bn because of the success of the economy.

The increase would add almost a fifth to the UK's annual contribution of £8.6bn.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said it was fair because it was like personal taxation - the more a person earns, the more they have to pay.

Commission spokesperson  Patrizio Fiorilli said: "Britain's contribution reflects an increase in wealth, just as in Britain you pay more to the Inland Revenue if your earnings go up."

The demand is intended to reflect improvements to Britain's economy since 1995.

Video: Farage: EU Surcharge 'Outrageous'

Prime Minister David Cameron has demanded an urgent meeting of EU finance ministers to discuss the demand .

Interrupting talks at an EU summit in Brussels, he told European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso he had "no idea" of the impact the news would have on public opinion in the UK.

The change in each state's contribution is a result of changes in the way the EU calculates gross national income.

A Commission spokesman said it was mainly due to the fact that the economic strength of EU's member states had increased or decreased relative to each other.

Preliminary figures seen by the Financial Times suggest that Britain is facing the largest adjustment in the amount it is required to pay compared to other members states.

The Netherlands, another country that is being asked to pay more, is being asked for an extra £509m.

By contrast, France is due to receive a rebate of £0.8bn, Germany £618m, and Poland £250m.

Video: Osborne: Recovery At Crucial Phase

Britain's surcharge is due for payment on 1 December - just days after the crunch Rochester and Strood by-election.

The vote to decide who takes the seat hangs on a knife edge with David Cameron's Tories struggling to fight off a challenge from anti-EU UKIP.

Mr Cameron held talks on Thursday evening with Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, who is also facing a large demand for more cash, on what can be done to challenge the demands.

The surcharges are likely to overshadow a European Council summit in Brussels, where Mr Cameron is meeting leaders of the 27 other EU States, some of which are looking forward to reductions in their contributions.

Several Conservatives MEPs have already spoken out against the surcharge, saying Britain is being punished for its success.

Downing Street said the UK will be challenging the demand.

A source said: "It's not acceptable to just change the fees for previous years and demand them back at a moment's notice.

Video: Does EU Membership Benefit UK?

"The European Commission was not expecting this money and does not need this money and we will work with other countries similarly affected to do all we can to challenge this."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage told Sky News he was unhappy about the news.

"Well, we already pay £55m a day as a membership fee to this club," he said.

"To be asked for a whole load more, and given a few days in which to pay it, is pretty outrageous and I think people will be very, very angry.

"It just leaves Mr Cameron in a hopeless condition, because don't forget, one of his big claims was he'd cut the EU budget. The result of that cut was actually our contribution had already gone up a little bit and now it's gone up a load.

"The EU is like a thirsty vampire feasting on UK taxpayers' blood. We need to protect the innocent victims, who are us."


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK's EU Surcharge Row: Your Questions Answered

What is the European Commission asking for from the UK?

Britain has been told it has to pay an extra £1.7bn (€2.1bn) towards the European Union budget.

This is being called a one-off bill which would add about a fifth to the UK's annual net contribution of £8.6bn.

Why the increase?

The extra money is being demanded because the UK economy is doing better relative to other countries in Europe.

The surcharge also comes from changes in how the EU calculates countries' gross national income (GNI), including more hidden activities like illegal drugs and prostitution.

The European Commission's statistics agency Eurostat looked at how member economies have performed since 1995.

And they re-adjusted the contributions according to the pace of their growth in recent years.

A statement on the EC website read: "On 17 October the Commission adopted its draft amending budget 6 for 2014.

"Though the overall GNI-based own resource does not increase, DAB6 proposes to amend Member State's GNI contribution to the EU budget based on the latest data on the evolution of Member States' wealth."

Do any other countries have to pay more?

The Netherlands has been asked to stump up an extra €642m into the EU budget.

Do any countries have to pay less?

France is set to get a rebate of €1bn and Germany is due to receive a €779m rebate as they have been overpaying.

Why is the UK government angered by the extra demand?

A Downing Street source said: "It's not acceptable to just change the fees for previous years and demand them back at a moment's notice."

Video: Farage: EU Surcharge 'Outrageous'

"The European Commission was not expecting this money and does not need this money and we will work with other countries similarly affected to do all we can to challenge this."

Britain is now facing calls to refuse to pay the extra money and David Cameron is sure to challenge the additional demand at a meeting now in Brussels.

The surprise demand was also branded "outrageous" by Eurosceptic MPs in Mr Cameron's Conservative Party.

And it will pile more pressure on the Prime Minister as he fights to defend the seat of Rochester and Strood from UKIP in a by-election on November 20.

What does UKIP think?

Leader Nigel Farage said: "David Cameron once claimed that he had reduced the EU budget - but the UK contribution went up - and now, quite incredibly, our contribution goes up a second time. It's just outrageous.

"The EU is like a thirsty vampire feasting on UK taxpayers' blood. We need to protect the innocent victims, who are us."

Maybe the UK should pay the extra money?

Lecturer Isabelle Hertner said she was in favour of the surcharge. She told Sky News: "It is fair because for many years Britain had a rebate that was negotiated by ex-PM Margaret Thatcher and paid less into the EU budget than it should have paid.

"Whereas Germany and France paid as much as it should have paid, so in a way this is a give-and-take relationship. Sometimes you pay in more, sometimes less.

"For me this is fair and it was a rule that was agreed by the British government and other EU governments in the past."

What does the European Commission say?

Patrizio Fiorilli, an EC spokesman, said the request for more funds "reflects an increase in wealth".

He said: "Just as in Britain you pay more to the Inland Revenue if your earnings go up."

The EC also said the EU budget was about €144bn in 2013 - which it claimed was very small compared to the sum of the 28 EU countries' national budgets (over €6,400bn).

It added that total government expenditure by the 28 EU countries is almost 50 times the EU budget.

When does the UK have to pay the extra money?

Britain will have to make the top up payment by 1 December.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Big Brussels Bill A Boost For Tory Opponents

David Cameron went to Brussels to fight an increase in the EU Budget - instead he was hit by a £1.7bn bill to pay for Britain's relative prosperity.

It was a typical Brussels ambush... or was it?

Officials have been pouring over the figures since 1995 to try to work out who should be paying what.

If a country's economy did better than expected, they need to cough up more. If it did worse, they get a rebate.

Number 10 knew these calculations were happening, so it hasn't come out of the blue, and it's a long-standing principle that budget contributions are dependent on Gross National Income.

What they object to, however, is the size of the bill (especially in comparison to France and Germany who are getting a rebate) and the fact it must be paid by the beginning of December.

Along with allies such as the PM of the Netherlands, David Cameron is trying to challenge the ruling. His chances of success are slim.

It should come as no surprise that this is just as much about politics as it is about money.

I've spoken to several Conservative backbenchers and ministers who are incandescent about what they see as another money grab from Brussels.

But the biggest problem for David Cameron is that the demand comes just weeks before the Rochester by election, where the Conservatives have a stiff challenge from UKIP defector Mark Reckless.

Initially, the Tories were buoyant about their chances. Now, after a poll put Nigel Farage's party 13 points ahead, they are growing increasingly nervous.

A big bill from Brussels plays directly into their opponents' hands.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Canada Killer Believed 'Devil Was After Him'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 23 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

The gunman who killed a soldier in Ottawa and stormed Canada's parliament had been put on a terror watch list, it has emerged.

The attacker, identified as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau by Canadian media, was considered "high risk" and had seen his passport confiscated to stop him travelling abroad to join Islamic State terrorists in Iraq or Syria.

But the 32-year-old was able to strike at the heart of his home country's capital, shooting dead Corporal Nathan Cirillo before he was himself gunned down by Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers as he launched his assault on parliament.

US sources said the killer was a convert to Islam from Quebec who grew up in Laval and Montreal and was called Michael Joseph Hall before he changed his name.

Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported that he was the son of Susan Bibeau, a senior civil servant with Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board, while his stepfather or adoptive father was Bulgasem Zehaf, a Libyan businessman who once owned Montreal's Cafe Tripoli.

Former neighbour Janice Purnell told CTV Zehaf-Bibeau was privately-educated and a typical teenager. She said she once called the police because he was playing loud music.

Video: How The Ottawa Attack Unfolded

Evidence has been emerging that suggests he fitted the common jihadist profile of a troubled young man who had turned to radical Islam. 

Canadian network CTV reported he had been jailed for two years for robbery and weapons possession in 2003, four years after his mother and Mr Zehaf had divorced.

Quebec court records also show that he pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to comply with a judge's order and several drug offences, including marijuana possession.

He reportedly stood trial for robbery in Vancouver in 2011 after a psychiatric assessment ruled he was fit for the judicial process.

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  1. Gallery: Tributes Paid To Canadian Soldier

    Nathan Cirillo was a member of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

  2. Hundreds of messages have been posted on a Facebook tribute page

  3. Click through for more images of Cpl Cirillo

Family friend Dave Bathurst told the CBC Zehaf-Bibeau did not appear to have extremist views, but had at times shown a disturbing side.

He said: "We were having a conversation in a kitchen, and I don't know how he worded it - he said the devil is after him."

Mr Bathurst said his friend frequently talked about the presence of Shaytan in the world - an Arabic term for devils and demons, adding: "I think he must have been mentally ill."

Bathurst last saw Zehaf-Bibeau praying in a Vancouver-area mosque six weeks ago and said that he spoke of wanting to go to the Middle East soon - although he claimed he only wanted to study Islam and Arabic.

Video: The Face Of Canada's Terror Fight

His case has parallels with that of Martin Couture-Rouleau, a 25-year-old convert who rammed his car into two soldiers in the Montreal suburb of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Monday - killing one of them before he was shot dead.

Rouleau also had his passport confiscated in July after he was arrested at an airport on his way to Turkey.

He was among 90 people being tracked by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on suspicion of taking part in militant activities or planning to do so.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Canada Will 'Never Be Intimidated' By Terrorists

Canada will "never be intimidated" by terrorists who seek to bring "savagery" to the country's shores, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said.

Speaking after a soldier was shot dead at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Mr Harper said terrorists would find "no safe haven" in Canada.

"Let there be no misunderstanding - we will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated," Mr Harper said.

"In fact, this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts - and those of our national security agencies - to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe here at home."

Canada will work with its allies to "fight against the terrorist organisations who brutalise those in other countries with the hope of bringing their savagery to our shores", he added.

Video: Footage Of The Ottawa Gunman

Corporal Nathan Cirillo was guarding the National War Memorial when he was shot at point-blank range at around 10am local time on Wednesday.

Witnesses say the gunman raised his arms in triumph after the shooting, which led to a lockdown in downtown Ottawa, lasting until Wednesday night.

The attacker has been named by Canadian media as Michael Zehaf- Bibeau, 32, who US agencies have been advised is a Canadian convert to Islam.

After firing upon Cpl Cirillo, the gunman entered Canada's nearby Parliament building where he was pursued by law enforcement officers.

Video: Shots Fired In Canada Parliament

People fled the building, took cover, or barricaded doors as police cordoned off the streets outside.

Officials say 58-year-old sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers shot the attacker dead outside the MPs' caucus rooms.

At least three people were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Authorities say federal government buildings remain off limits following the attack.

Video: Canadian PM: The Full Statement

The shooting occurred two days after an Islamic convert ran down two Canadian soldiers near Montreal, killing one of them.

Mr Harper said the two terrorist attacks "are a grim reminder that Canada is not immune to the types of terror attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world".

US President Barack Obama has condemned the shootings, describing them as "outrageous".

"We have to remain vigilant," Mr Obama said.

Video: How The Ottawa Attack Unfolded

"It's very important, I think, for us to recognise that when it comes to dealing with terrorist activity, that Canada and the United States (have) to be entirely in sync."

David Cameron responded to the attack on Twitter, saying: "I'm appalled by today's attack in Ottawa.

"I offer my full support to @pmharper and the Canadian people as they deal with this incident."


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tesco Profits Plunge 92% In Accounting Chaos

Tesco chairman Sir Richard Broadbent is to quit as an inquiry into its accounting practices reveals a £263m profit overstatement, resulting in a 92% fall in first-half profits.

The supermarket chain said an internal investigation by Deloitte into its procedures had found historic failures in its UK food business going back a number of years.

It had suggested in September that the error was a one-off but said today the overstatement figure reflected previous reporting periods too.

Its share price fell 7% when the FTSE 100 opened for business in the wake of the statement but later eased back.

A wider sell-off of supermarket stock saw £1bn wiped off the value of Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons combined.

Eight senior executives had been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry, which examined how Tesco logged suppliers' rebates and if they were reported in the correct accounting period.

Tesco said there was no evidence anyone at Tesco had sought to gain personally but the findings raise questions about the leadership of former chief executive Philip Clarke, who stepped down in the summer before the accounting issues were made public.

Video: Ex-Investor Wants Tesco Redress

Tesco said his pay-off - and that of former finance chief Laurie McIlwee - was being delayed until such time as inquiries were complete.

Sir Richard said his decision to stand down reflected "the important principle of accountability."

The business, which has been battling hard discounters and strong competition from other major chains, made the announcements as it confirmed the effect on its current half-year results.

Pre-tax profits fell 92% to £112m while UK trading profit was down 55.9% to £499m.

UK like-for-like sales were 4.6% lower - slightly better than expected.

Chief executive Dave Lewis said: "We know that we have got a lot of work to do.

Video: Waitrose Wins As Tesco Struggles

"We know what it is we need to do to turn the business around".

Tesco's market value - which has lost £17.6bn in the last five years - has plunged more than 50% in the past 12 months alone as a consequence of its UK dominance being eaten away by rivals.

It had previously admitted taking its eye off the ball while hunting growth overseas though its big investment in America fell flat.

The results statement said: "We have three immediate priorities. The first is restoring competitiveness in our core UK business.

The second is protecting and strengthening our balance sheet. The third is to begin the long journey of rebuilding trust and transparency in the business and the brand."

Video: How Tesco's Cheese Is Made

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Homebase: A Quarter Of Stores To Be Closed

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 22 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

The owner of the DIY chain Homebase is to close a quarter of its stores over the next three years, leaving thousands of jobs hanging in the balance.

Home Retail Group (HRG), which made the announcement as it confirmed its half-year results, said it planned to shut 25% of its 323 stores by 2018 through scheduled lease expirations and sales.

It said a review of the business had found Homebase was saddled with "inconsistent store operating standards" as well as "a large estate with low sales densities that result in a challenged financial model."

The chain, which currently employs 17,000 people, is to lose its managing director Paul Loft in the wake of the findings.

A spokesperson told Sky News: "HRG has announced a three-year plan for Homebase to revitalise the business for the future.

"Part of the plan will be to right-size the store estate through scheduled lease expiries and a series of sales to other retailers.

"Once they are identified, our colleagues will be the first to be informed about any of the affected stores, and where possible we will redeploy colleagues to other stores within the Group, or encourage retailers buying our leases to offer roles within their businesses locally".

The transformation to a greater digital offering was confirmed against a backdrop of rising sales at Homebase.

Home Retail said group underlying first-half profit rose 13%, particularly reflecting sales growth at Argos.

Profit before tax reached £30.9m in the six months to 30 August though its full-year result would depend on Argos' Christmas trading, HRG said.

Argos has itself undergone a turnaround, with Home Retail moving away from its traditional catalogue store offering towards digital click & collect.

Argos saw sales from mobile and tablet devices rise by 45%.

Homebase like-for-like sales grew by 4.1% over the six-month period while its improved website helped multi-channel sales rise 12%.

John Walden, chief executive of HRG, said "Homebase is a good business with the basis for future growth.

"In this context, Homebase will pursue a three-year plan through to the end of 2018 to improve the productivity of its store estate, strengthen its propositions and accelerate its digital capabilities by leveraging Argos' investments.

"This will position Homebase as a smaller but stronger business, ready for investment and growth."


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wife Held Over British Man's Murder In Bali

The wife of a British businessman who was found with his throat slashed and dumped in a Bali rice field has admitted ordering his murder, police have said.

Julaikah Noor Ellis, 45, was arrested on Tuesday night after reporting the disappearance of her 60-year-old husband Robert earlier in the day.

His body was found by a farmer in a ditch in the Bangdun region of the Indonesian island.

Mr Ellis' arms and legs had been tied up and his body wrapped in plastic. There were deep gashes in his neck.

Badung police chief Komang Suartana said marital problems and money were among the possible motives for the murder.

He told Australia's Channel Nine: "We have named suspects - one of killers called Ariel and (the) victim's wife who has (ordered) and (planned) to kill the victim.

"Based on the victim's wife's confession, she wanted to take over victim's wealth."

He added: "She says she was hurt by the victim. There were many factors, one of them that her husband was frequently cheating on her."

Mr Suartana claimed Noor Ellis, an Indonesian citizen, was at home at the couple's luxury villa when the killer she had hired slashed her husband's throat in the kitchen.

A man accused of being the killer was arrested in Padangbai, a port in eastern Bali, where he was allegedly trying to flee to Lombok island.

Two maids were also in custody, while police are still hunting a further four suspects.

Police initially said Mr Ellis was an Australian citizen, but subsequently said he was a British passport-holder who had lived in Australia for many years.

"We are coming to terms with this tragedy only very slowly," said Ross Taylor, the president of the Perth-based Indonesia Institute and who said he had known the couple for years.

Mr Taylor said dual national Mr Ellis was a successful businessman who had lived in Indonesia for many years and was well liked.

He said he had been looking at acquiring a fish processing business in Sulawesi and owned a luxury villa in the Balinese seaside district of Sanur where he had settled for the past few years.

Flowers arrived at the villa on Tuesday afternoon from friends paying their respects.


18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Foreign Criminals Costing Taxpayers £850m

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

Foreign criminals are costing taxpayers £850m a year, with thousands of offenders setting up home in the UK instead of being deported.

Of the 4,200 foreign convicts living in the community, one in six - 760 - have absconded, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report.

Among those who have absconded are 58 "high harm" individuals who have been missing since 2010, the report said.

The NAO found that despite greater resources the Home Office has made "slower than expected progress" in dealing with the problem.

The study reveals the case of a foreign national whose UK visa had expired yet authorities took no action over 14 years to remove him.

Video: How Police Stop Foreign Criminals

Even when the government first began extradition proceedings in 2007 when he was convicted of a string of sex offences, he launched a series of appeals that delayed proceedings for another seven years.

The report estimated that public bodies spent £850m in 2013/14 managing and removing foreign national offenders, working out at around £70,000 per offender.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign prisoners has risen 4% from 10,231 to 10,649 since 2006, the NAO said.

Removal numbers have fallen to 5,097 from a peak of 5,613 in 2008/09. Meanwhile, the time it takes to deport an overseas criminal is 319 days.

This comes despite a 10-fold increase in the number of Home Office staff working on foreign national offenders (FNOs), from 100 to more than 900.

1/11

  1. Gallery: Britain's Most Wanted Fugitives

    Pawel Chmielorz is a foreign criminal believed to be in the UK. He was convicted of a string of violent offences in Poland which resulted in his victims sustaining serious head injuries. He should be serving two-and-a-half years in prison.

  2. Robert Grygoruk is wanted for 24 offences including possession of a handgun, producing and supplying amphetamine, supplying 5kg of cannabis, fraud and burglary.

  3. Evaldas Rabikauskas is wanted for questioning over allegations he raped an intoxicated girl at a house in Lithuania in 2007. He is believed to have links to Hertfordshire.

  4. Ioan Cretu, 36, is wanted for murder alleged to have been committed in Romania in 2005. It is thought he may have links to London, particularly the Waterloo area.

  5. Dritan Rexhepi is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of two men and the non-fatal shooting of another in Albania in 1999. It is also alleged he broke into a home in Belgium where the occupants were tied up and threatened at knife point before cash and jewellery were stolen.

  6. Dariusz Glowacki is wanted on suspicion of child rape alleged to have taken place in Poland in 2001. Police believe he may be responsible for two other sex attacks and have links to the Acton and Slough areas.

  7. Constantin Niciu is wanted in connection with the abduction of two men who apparently refused to take part in a human trafficking operation. The victims were tied up and beaten with a plank of wood and had their car stolen.

  8. Costin Stoica is alleged to have been in the company of others who sprayed a woman in the face with a noxious substance before stealing her handbag in Romania in 2002.

  9. Krzysztof Zakrewski is alleged to have robbed and beaten a man with an accomplice in Poland in 1992.

  10. Serhat Aslan is wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old man in Turkey in 2004 following an argument.

  11. Michal Smolen is wanted for questioning over an assault alleged to have taken place in Poland in 2009.

Amyas Morse, of the National Audit Office, said: "It is no easy matter to manage foreign national offenders in the UK and to deport those who have completed their sentences.

"However, too little progress has been made, despite the increased resources and effort devoted to this problem."

Conservative MP Philip Hollobone, has long raised concerns about the number of foreigners in UK prisons and failures to deport them.

He said: "Most people will be staggered that despite increasing its staffing for deportations from 100 to 900, the Home Office is not actually deporting any more FNOs than it was before.

"The public will also be concerned that at any one time over 4,000 convicted FNOs are at large within our communities and that, of these, over 700 go missing.

Video: Romanian Police Fighting UK Crime

"My view is that if you are a foreign national who commits a crime in the UK, you should be caught, convicted and sentenced with your sentence served back in your own country at the expense of your fellow nationals."

Immigration and security minister James Brokenshire MP said: "The countless appeals and re-appeals lodged by criminals attempting to cheat the system cost us all money and are an affront to British justice.

"That is why we are putting a stop to that abuse through the Immigration Act.

"New powers came into force this week to cut the number of grounds on which criminals can appeal their deportation and to end the appeals conveyor belt in the courts.

"The Immigration Act will help us deliver an immigration system that is fair to the people of this country and legitimate immigrants and tough on those who flout the rules."


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US Drops Weapons For Kurds Battling IS

Written By Unknown on Senin, 20 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

The US has airdropped weapons and supplies for Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State (IS) in the town of Kobani in Syria.

A statement from US Central Command said Air Force C-130 planes "delivered weapons, ammunition and medical supplies that were provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq and intended to enable continued resistance against ISIL's (IS) attempts to overtake Kobani".

Multiple airdrops were completed near the town, which is close to the border with Turkey and would be seen as a strategic coup for IS if it is captured.

Kurdish forces said they had received a "large quantity of ammunition" from the US airdrop.

Spokesman Redur Xelil told the Reuters news agency: "It will have a positive impact on the course of military operations and certainly we are still hoping for more support."

Video: Stuart Ramsay With 'Rag Tag' Army

The US statement said 135 airstrikes near Kobani - combined with continued resistance on the ground - had slowed IS advances and killed hundreds of its fighters.

"However, the security situation in Kobani remains fragile as ISIL continues to threaten the city and Kurdish forces continue to resist," the statement added.

The Kurds have been under IS assault for more than a month - and US Commander General Lloyd Austin has warned that the city could fall.

However, airdrops are likely to anger key ally Turkey, which has said it would oppose the US helping to arm Kurdish rebels.

1/11

  1. Gallery: The Kurdish Refugees Of Kobani

    A Kurdish refugee woman and her child from the Syrian town of Kobani rest in front of their family tent in a camp in the southeastern town of Suruc, Turkey

  2. The United States is bombing targets in Kobani to relieve the defenders of the Syrian town and give them time to organise against Islamic State militants, a senior US official said

  3. A Kurdish refugee from the Syrian town of Kobani sweeps a passage in the camp

  4. A child looks out of a tent

  5. Kurdish people watch smoke billowing from Kobani as they gather on a hill overlooking the Syrian town of Kobani

  6. A child walks through the camp in Suruc

  7. A Turkish aid worker distributes food to Kurdish refugees

  8. Kurdish refugees from the Syrian town of Kobani queue to get food

  9. Smoke rises from the Syrian town of Kobani

  10. Kurdish people shout slogans while standing upon a hill opposite the Syrian town of Kobani

  11. The graves of Kurdish people killed fighting alongside People's Protection Units (YPG) against IS jihadists in Kobani

Ankara views the main Kurdish group in Syria as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an organisation that has waged a 30-year insurgency in Turkey.

The PKK is designated a terror group by the US and NATO.

Turkey has resisted pressure from the West to take a more direct role in fighting IS in Kobani.

However, in an earlier call with Barack Obama, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to "strengthen cooperation".

Video: New Video Of The Battle For Kobani

An unnamed official said that while the results of the airdrop mission were still being assessed, it appeared "the vast majority" of the 27 bundles reached the intended Kurdish fighters.

Another official suggested "you might see more" drops in the days ahead.

:: Sky's Stuart Ramsay joined the forgotten Kurds who have held off IS for more than two years with homemade weapons and armoured cars.


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How Kurds The World Forgot Are Holding Off IS

By Stuart Ramsay, Chief Correspondent, in Sari Kani, Syria

Right now in Syria a desperate fight is under way against Islamic State (IS) forces that control so much of the north of the country.

In the east that fight is being carried out virtually unseen to the rest of the world by People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters, Syrian Kurds, who are doing so with almost no assistance.

They have been fighting IS for longer than any other group.

With home-made weapons and armoured cars and some old heavy guns, they fight in dusty villages, the countryside and larger towns to try and force IS back to the west of Syria.

Kobani has been surrounded for weeks by IS but there are many other towns that are under siege. From Sari Kani 100 miles or so east of Kobani the YPG have been taking back ground from IS.

They would dearly love to reach their colleagues in Kobani but, with no assistance, even they accept it will be an almost impossible mission.

Video: Travelling Through Syria

Always moving and repositioning themselves, the front line is a confused and confusing battle of attrition.

The men of the YPG and the women fighters of the Women's Protection Unit (YPJ) work together. There is no battlefield difference between the sexes. They all throw themselves into the fight. They are protecting their homeland and say to us that they can die at the front or at home, but either way they are prepared to die.

Against the odds and the better equipped IS forces, they have made ground and captured weapons. In a rear position they work on tanks captured from IS and they showed us the bodies of 20 IS jihadists they killed in a night operation.

We travelled from Iraq through Syria. The birthplace of IS is one of the most dangerous places on earth today. The YPG grip is tenuous and the vast open spaces are difficult to protect from IS incursions.

Video: Passports Reveal Turkey Link

These Syrian Kurds are hemmed in. The Turkish border lies to the north and its military considers the YPG a terrorist organisation.

To the south, east and west IS controls all the land leading to Iraq and across its border.

On the newest YPG front lines we came across a seemingly rag-tag group of fighters. But while they may look so they are in fact well trained and utterly determined.

A hill-top cemetery has become a fort. They watch across the plains and the villages that IS control. They are so close they can hear the foreign languages of the IS fighters on their walkie-talkies.

Video: Kurds Face Future Without A Home

But nobody here seems in any way frightened of IS. They laugh and joke and prepare to fight. Day in, day out.

The YPG are very canny. Their front-line positions are never static for long. Their numbers are small so they move positions and manoeuvre around the battlefield looking for signs of IS weakness. Then they attack. Both sides are doing this but one gets the sense that the Kurds are more determined.

While IS have many foreign fighters the YPG also have a small contingent. Chechens, Europeans and Americans who have decided to help fight IS.

Brian Wilson is from Ohio. A divorcee with two children, this veteran of the first Gulf War and 16 years a police sheriff in the United States decided to come here a month ago and join the fight. He was shocked that the West was doing nothing to help here.

Video: Desperate Help Needed In Kobani

"They have been holding out against DASH (IS) in this area for going on two, two and a half years," he told me on the front line.

"They are outgunned. They are brave fighters. They just need more help. If they had better technology, better weapons, they could finish IS on their own. More airstrikes would be very helpful to clear out some areas."

The YPG are fighting multiple fronts on a constant basis. Sometimes they are in cities and towns, sometimes in open countryside. But they are holding on and sometimes doing better than that.

And, as they say, they will do that to the death if necessary.


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Lynda Bellingham: Actress And Presenter Dies

Actress Lynda Bellingham, best known for playing the mother in the Oxo television adverts, has died.

Bellingham died "peacefully in her husband's arms" at a London hospital, her agent said.

The 66-year-old had colon cancer and last month said she planned to end life-extending chemotherapy treatment.

The actress said she wanted to spend one last Christmas with her family after the disease had spread to her lungs and liver.

Her role as the mother in a squabbling family in the Oxo adverts made her familiar to millions in the 1980s.

Career highlights also included TV series All Creatures Great And Small, sitcom Faith In The Future, competing in Strictly Come Dancing, and starring in the stage production of Calendar Girls.

In her autobiography, the actress described her decision to end treatment for cancer, which she had been diagnosed with in July 2013.

Video: Bellingham: I'm Not The One One

"I sat down with (husband) Michael and Professor Stebbing and announced: 'The time has come to cease and desist.

"'I would love to make one more Christmas, if possible, but I want to stop taking chemo around November in order to pass away by the end of January'."

In another excerpt she wrote: "I don't want the boys or my husband to see me die a little sad old lady. I want to go out there as I am."

Speaking on ITV show Loose Women, where she was one of the presenters, she told viewers: "Grasp it all, don't be afraid, enjoy the bits you can and tell your family you love them while you have the chance."

Her pre-recorded farewell appearance on the show will go out on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Bellingham also picked up an OBE from Buckingham Palace in recognition for her 40-year career.

Her agent, Sue Latimer, issued a statement on behalf of her family: "As an actor, writer and presenter, Lynda was a consummate professional to the very end.

"Those of us privileged to have known her personally will miss the entertaining, life enhancing, true and honest friend that blessed our lives."

The family also thanked nurses "for their tremendous care and support".

Actor Simon Pegg was among those to pay tribute on Twitter - he appeared alongside the actress in 1990s show Faith In The Future.

"Lynda Bellingham, a gorgeous, brassy, funny, generous, talented human being. My first TV mother figure and a treasured friend," Pegg tweeted.

Former Loose Women star Denise Welch wrote: "I loved my friend Lynda. I will miss her so much. xx".

Carol McGiffin, who was also on the show, posted: "A very sad day indeed, rest in peace my friend @LyndaBellingham."

Bellingham was born in Montreal, Canada, but was adopted by a British couple and grew up near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

She married three times and has two sons.


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Web Trolls To Face Two-Year Jail Terms

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 19 Oktober 2014 | 18.25

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

Internet trolls who target people with abusive material online will face up to two years in jail under Government plans being set out by the Justice Secretary.

Chris Grayling said he was determined to crack down on trolling with harsh punishments because it was leading to "absolute misery for victims".

He said the venom thrown at people over the internet would never be acceptable in real life.

Mr Grayling said it was "terrible" that the model Chloe Madeley recently received rape threats after defending controversial comments made by her mother, Judy Finnigan, about convicted rapist Ched Evans.

He said: "We already have offences in place to deal with this appalling behaviour, but we've toughened up the law to make sure these crimes can be properly investigated and those who commit the most serious offences face a longer prison sentence."

Cases are currently dealt with under the Malicious Communications Act in the magistrates courts, with a maximum sentence of six months.

Video: Chloe Madeley Slams Internet Trolls

Now Mr Grayling is changing the law so the most serious cases can be passed on to the Crown Courts where they could result in much longer sentences.

It comes after Peter Nunn was sentenced to 18 weeks in jail after an online "campaign of hatred" against the Labour MP Stella Creasy.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Mr Grayling said trolls were "cowards who are poisoning our national life".

And Ms Madeley told the paper she supported the change, describing the current laws as outdated.

They were drawn up 10 years ago before Twitter existed.

She said: "The current law obviously needs to be reviewed. It needs to be accepted that physical threats should not fall under the 'freedom of speech' umbrella.

"It should be seen as online terrorism and it should be illegal."

Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Blair said trolling is "probably the most challenging thing facing policing over the next 10 years".

He told Sky's Murnaghan programme: "A huge amount of people's lives, especially young people's lives, is now lived on the internet.

"And if it's lived on the internet and there are criminals on the internet then police are going to have go into the internet."


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Hannah Graham Police Find Human Remains

Police have found human remains they believe could be those of British University of Virginia student Hannah Graham.

Virginia State Police Chief Tim Longo and colleagues told a news conference further forensic tests would be conducted to establish if the remains are those of the 18-year-old.

The remains were found at around noon on Saturday by volunteers searching an abandoned property to the south of Charlottesville, a college town about 100 miles southwest of Washington.

Albemarle County's Police Chief Col Steve Sellers said: "Right now we have the discovery of human remains and a great deal of work ahead of us.

"We cannot and will not jump to any conclusions regarding today's discovery. I ask for the public's patience as we move forward and pursue what is now a new, ongoing death investigation."

Video: Graham Case 'Nowhere Near Over'

Police said a public search planned for Walnut Creek Park in Albemarle County on Sunday had been called off.

Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr, 32, has been charged with abduction with intent to defile Ms Graham, who has been missing since 13 September.

Thousands of volunteers had joined searches for the student, who was born in the UK but has lived in the US since she was five.

Virginia State Police have said Mr Matthew's arrest provided a "forensic link" to the 2009 unsolved murder of Morgan Harrington, a 20-year-old who also went missing from Charlottesville.

Video: CCTV Shows Missing Teen Running

The suspect was arrested on a Texas beach last month.

He is the last man to have been seen with Ms Graham before her disappearance.

Police believe Ms Graham met Mr Matthew at the Tempo Restaurant in Charlottesville.

Mr Matthew's father has insisted he is innocent and was probably simply trying to help Ms Graham.


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Ched Evans Rape Inquiry Will Be Fast-Tracked

A "substantive" investigation into Ched Evans' rape conviction is expected to take place "within the next few weeks", the Criminal Cases Review Commission has said.

The disgraced footballer, who continues to protest his innocence, has had his case prioritised by the body, which examines possible miscarriages of justice.

If the review goes in Evans' favour, his conviction could potentially be overturned, as the CCRC has the authority to direct cases to the Court of Appeal.

A CCRC spokesman told Sky News: "In line with our published policy on prioritisation, and in relation to the facts of the case and the issues raised in Mr Evans' application to us ... we now expect our substantive investigation to begin within the next few weeks."

"The decision to prioritise the case simply brings forward the starting point of the investigations to decide whether or not there may be grounds for us to refer the case to the court of appeal.

Video: 'Heartbreaking' If Evans Re-Signs

"It does not in any way represent a judgment by the commission as to the merits of the case or its chances of being referred."

Evans was released from jail on Friday after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a woman.

In an interview with the Sunday Mirror shortly before he was released, he said he was "ashamed" of his actions but insisted he is innocent of rape.

The 25-year-old striker added that cheating on his girlfriend, Natasha Massey, was "unforgivable".

"It was something that should never have happened," he said.

"I cheated on my girlfriend and had sex with this girl - but it was definitely consensual."

A statement posted on Evans' website from his family and girlfriend said he would "continue the fight to clear his name".

It added: "Chedwyn Evans maintains his absolute innocence and his family, friends and many who know the true facts of the case believe that his conviction was a gross miscarriage of justice."

Katie Russell, of charity Rape Crisis, told the Sunday Mirror the player's words were insulting to his victim.

"His protestations of innocence and sympathy only for his girlfriend are insulting, harmful and hurtful - not only to his victim, but also to the countless other victims of sexual violence out there," she said.

"He has never taken a moment's responsibility for his crime nor shown any regard for the terrible impact it has had on her."

The former Sheffield United player's release has divided opinion over whether he should be allowed to return to football.

1/11

  1. Gallery: Sports Stars Whose Careers Survived Criminal Convictions

    Former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams was jailed for four months in 1990 for drink-driving. After admitting to an alcohol problem he set up the Sporting Chance addiction clinic

  2. Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson served three years in prison after being convicted of rape in 1991. He returned to professional boxing after his release

  3. In 1998 ex-footballer Vinnie Jones was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage against a neighbour. He was also found guilty of an air rage incident in 2003

  4. American figure skating champion Tonya Harding received three years' probation for her part in an attack on Olympic rival Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. Others involved in the plot were jailed

  5. Boxer Adonis Stevenson served four years in prison for managing prostitutes, assaults and making threats before turning pro in 2006. He went on to become WBC world light-heavyweight champion

  6. In 2007 Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick served 21 months in prison for his involvement in illegal dog fighting. On his release he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and now plays for the New York Jets

  7. Former Chicago Bulls basketball star Dennis Rodman has made as many headlines off the court as on. In 2008 he was sentenced to community service, counselling and probation for domestic violence

  8. Scotland U21 international footballer Craig Thomson pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent behaviour with underage girls in 2011. He remains on the sex offenders register and now plays non-league football

  9. American basketball star Lamar Odom, married to Khloe Kardashian, received a three-year suspended sentence for drink-driving in 2013. His most recent team was the New York Knicks, but they released him in July

  10. Former Watford, Wigan and Middlesbrough footballer Marlon King, who has previously served time for drink-driving and sexual assault is currently serving 18 months for dangerous driving

  11. Forest Green Rovers striker Lee Hughes served three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving and played for Oldham and Notts County after his release

Many Blades fans have called for Evans to be rehabilitated but more than 151,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Bramall Lane club to block his return.

Sheffield United Community Foundation patron Charlie Webster said if Evans re-signed for the club she would be "heartbroken" and "disappointed".

She told Sky News: "It would send out the wrong message to the next generation to watch Ched Evans score a goal and cheer him on as a hero."

Ms Webster also said it would "wrong" for her to stay in her role with the foundation if the club took him back.

On Saturday, Sheffield United dismissed reports that the club has offered a new contract to convicted rapist Ched Evans as "false and damaging".

The club's co-chairmen, Kevin McCabe and Jim Phipps, said they had not yet made a decision about whether to re-employ him.


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