Sandy Hook Shooting Documents Released

A police report into the Sandy Hook school massacre has revealed harrowing new details about the murders and the gunman's family life.

The paperwork, much of which is blacked out, includes several videos and hundreds of photographs from inside Sandy Hook Elementary and Adam Lanza's home.

It reveals how police officers were faced with terrible scenes inside the school and describes how many of the children were killed in a bathroom where they were hiding.

Lanza shot and killed his mother at their home before driving to the Newtown school, where he killed 20 children and six teachers.

A rifle magazine clip is seen on the floor in the hallway

The 20-year-old then committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a handgun as police arrived at the scene.

Included in the files were photographs showing bullet holes in walls, windows and classroom furniture.

Images of spent magazine clips and empty shell casings on the floor depict the gunman's path of destruction.

The report also included many photographs of the contents of the gunman's family house - including one of a young child holding what appears to be a gun, with ammunition in his lap.

In a letter accompanying the report, Reuben Bradford, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, praised the efforts of all those connected to the horrific shooting.

He wrote: "In the midst of the darkness of that day, we also saw remarkable heroism and glimpses of grace. We saw Sandy Hook Elementary School faculty and staff doing everything in their power to protect their charges.

A gun seen just inside one of the classrooms

"The investigation of this incident is unparalleled in the 110-year history of the Connecticut State Police."

The documents revealed that a former teacher of Lanza's was quoted as telling investigators that Lanza exhibited anti-social behaviour, rarely interacted with other students and obsessed in writings "about battles, destruction and war".

"In all my years of experience, I have known (redacted) grade boys to talk about things like this, but Adam's level of violence was disturbing," the teacher told investigators.

The teacher added: "Adam's creative writing was so graphic that it could not be shared."

The documents also filled in more details about how the shooting unfolded, teachers protected their students and the school janitor confronted the shooter.

Teachers heard janitor Rick Thorn try to get Lanza to leave the school.

One teacher, who was hiding in a closet in the maths lab, heard Mr Thorn yell: "Put the gun down!"

An aide said she heard gunfire and Mr Thorn told her to close her door.

The documents' release marks the end of the investigation into the massacre on December 14, 2012, 

Prosecutors issued a summary of the investigation last month that portrayed Lanza as obsessed with mass murders.

Lanza kept a clipping about the 2008 Northern Illinois University shooting

But the report concluded that Lanza's motives for the massacre might never be known.

Lanza "was undoubtedly afflicted with mental health problems; yet despite a fascination with mass shootings and firearms, he displayed no aggressive or threatening tendencies," it said.

Lanza was diagnosed in 2006 with "profound autism spectrum disorder, with rigidity, isolation and a lack of comprehension of ordinary social interaction and communications".

He also displaying symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kathleen Koenig, a nurse at the Yale Child Studies Center, told investigators that Lanza frequently washed his hands and changed his socks 20 times a day, to the point where his mother did three loads of laundry a day.

The nurse, who met with Lanza in 2006 and 2007, said Lanza's mother declined to give him prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication after she reported that he had trouble raising his arm, something she attributed to the drug.

Koenig unsuccessfully tried to convince Nancy Lanza that the medicine was not responsible, and the mother failed to schedule a follow-up visit after her son missed an appointment, police said.

In the documents, a friend told police that Nancy Lanza reported that her son had hit his head several days before the shootings.

And an ex-boyfriend told police that she cancelled a trip to London on the week of the shooting because of "a couple last-minute problems on the home front".

She told a friend two weeks before the shootings that her son was growing "increasingly despondent" and had refused to leave his room for three months.

They only communicated by email, with the mother saying he told her he wouldn't feel bad if something happened to her.

His isolation was so complete that he refused to leave his room during Superstorm Sandy, the report said.

Just before the shooting, Nancy Lanza was in New Hampshire. She told a lunch acquaintance there that the trip was an experiment in leaving her son home alone in Connecticut for a few days.

Photographs from inside the Lanza home show numerous rounds of ammunition, gun magazines, shot-up paper targets, large knives and swords.

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Antarctic Ship Rescue Blocked By Wall Of Ice

A Chinese icebreaker forced to abandon its attempt to rescue a stranded vessel off Antarctica is waiting for reinforcements.

The Snow Dragon came within seven miles of the Academic Shokalskiy - a ship carrying 74 people, including scientists and some tourists - but had to turn back after the ice became too thick.

The Russian ship has been trapped off Antarctica's Commonwealth Bay since Christmas Eve.

It is being used by the Australian Antarctic Expedition to try to follow in the footsteps of explorer Douglas Mawson.

Expedition leader Professor Chris Turney told Sky News he is still hopeful they will be rescued soon.

The MV Academic Shokalskiy is trapped in Commonwealth Bay

"It (The Snow Dragon) was making great progress ... averaging two to four knots and over the night it just couldn't keep that speed up," said Professor Turney.

"It was basically just beating itself against a wall of ice. I can still see it, it is hanging in station, just off the starboard bow about seven nautical miles away.

"But it's basically waiting now for one of the other icebreaker vessels, the Australian vessel Aurora Australis, to come and help support.

Changing weather saw the ship become surrounded by ice

"Together the two - we're hoping - will be able to break in."

The Aurora Australis - which has the highest icebreaking rating of the three vessels originally asked to respond - is expected to reach the ship on Sunday.

However, it is not certain whether it will be able to get any closer than the Chinese effort.

The Snow Dragon's rescue attempt was halted for the crew's "own safety", an Australian Maritime Safety Authority official said.

Professor Turney told Sky News that the Academic Shokalskiy had first got into difficulty after satellite data showed their route onward would be safe but that a rapid change in the weather had left them surrounded by ice.

The ship is 1,500 nautical miles from Hobart in Australia. Map: AMSA

He said: "By the end of the day, the wind had picked up and the sea ice was moving around a lot and, in spite of the captain's best efforts, we realised we just couldn't get through.

"On Christmas Eve, he made the call, and issued the alert for help."

Professor Turney said the scientists on board the Shokalskiy have been taking readings and measurements so they can be compared with those taken by Mawson and his team in 1913.

Although Mawson, who was knighted later for leading his expedition, never reached the South Pole, he carried out important research and explored previously unknown lands.

The ship - which includes Britons, Australians and New Zealanders - had planned to return to New Zealand by early January.

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Weather: Thousands Still Without Power

Hundreds of flood warnings remain in place across the UK as more showers are likely to delay further the clean-up operation at flood-hit homes this weekend.

UK Power Networks has said it will compensate those affected by long-term cuts "as a gesture of goodwill".

It promised that those without power for 48-60 hours over Christmas would get £75 back, instead of the industry standard £27.

But the misery is not over for many yet, as more than 130 flood alerts are in place across central and southern England - with 34 in areas urging residents to take immediate action.

Weather forecasters say showers will mainly affect western and southern England, Wales and parts of Scotland before a light storm moves in tomorrow.

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Efforts to deal with the chaos caused by the first storm on Monday were hampered by the arrival of a second storm on Boxing Day night.

Yesterday, power companies were condemned for failing to restore supplies to thousands of people - some who had been without electricity since Christmas Eve.

David Cameron was confronted by angry flood victims in Yalding, Kent

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) said that 13,000 homes were still without power across the south of England and Wales.

More than 3,000 people in Kent, Surrey and Sussex have been without power since the Christmas Eve storm, according to UK Power Networks.

Meanwhile, about 5,000 customers in Northern Ireland were without electricity after severe gales overnight on Thursday.

And around 35,000 homes were last night without power across the Republic of Ireland after being battered by Thursday night's storm.

In the south east of England, Prime Minister David Cameron was confronted by an angry flood victim as he visited one of the villages seriously affected.

There continues to be disruption to rail services

The unnamed woman said her local council had done nothing to help those who live in Yalding, Kent, where homes had been inundated.

In a heated on-camera exchange with the PM, the woman said: "We still have no electric. We need electric.

"As I say the council, from Monday we have been trying to contact them, but they have all decided to go on their holidays. Nothing."

Mr Cameron appeared rattled as he tried to defuse the confrontation by promising to contact the council himself.

The network operator's promise to have everyone affected by the Christmas Eve storm back with power by the weekend did little to quell the anger of customers.

A tree rests on a power line in East Peckham, Maidstone, Kent

Stephanie Chapman, 54, from Yalding, said she wished she had been given more warning about the floods.

ENA spokesman Tony Glover apologised to those affected by the storms, but highlighted the difficulties technicians had been facing.

He said: "The problem was that not only did we have a storm followed by torrential rain, but huge amounts of flooding afterwards.

"That impacted on our ability to get to the affected areas, and to get materials that we need."

ScottishPower said it had now reconnected 14,500 customers who lost power during Thursday night's storm.

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations at Network Rail, said this week "has been one of the most challenging periods we have faced in recent times".

The Environment Agency has issued 130 flood alerts

Thursday night's storms meant that several trains were delayed yesterday morning so lines could be examined in daylight before trains set off.

The line from London to Portsmouth via Haslemere is blocked by four landslips near Liphook, and will stay closed over the weekend.

The track at Ockley between Horsham and Dorking is also closed following a serious landslip.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) warned people about going outside in the gales.

A spokeswoman said the service had taken half a dozen calls in Lancashire alone about people being blown over by the wind, though only minor injuries were reported.

Many homes have been severely damaged by the floods

NWAS said that, as a precaution, people should stay indoors, out of the windy weather.

Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye, Amber Rudd, criticised Southeastern trains for failing to provide a replacement bus service for her constituents in the commuter belt towns.

While Southern Rail was offering workers the option of commuting to London via bus and even using Twitter to post regular updates, Southeastern services, including their communications, had been "lamentable", she said.

"So Southern have really done very well," said Ms Rudd. "I think it's partly because they've got Gatwick Airport on their tail wanting a better service.

"But Southeastern has not been anywhere near as good, and I have received a lot of complaints about them. They have been just too complacent".

The RAC has reported a 20% increase in breakdowns across the country, rising to a 40% increase in the south and South East between Christmas Eve and yesterday.

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Queen's Message: Monarch Reflects On 2013

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Queen will reflect on key events of the past 12 months in her traditional Christmas broadcast, including the birth of her great-grandson Prince George and the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

In her message, recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, the 87-year-old monarch will say: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock." 

The head of the Commonwealth will also use the theme of "reflection" to look ahead to the Commonwealth Games being staged in Glasgow next year.

It is expected to be a full house at Sandringham this year with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joining the family for the festivities, including the traditional Christmas Day church service.

It will be their son Prince George's first Christmas at the Norfolk estate.

The Monarch will reflect on the birth of her great-grandson, Prince George

The Queen will refer in her message to her growing family by saying the arrival of a baby "gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope".

During the broadcast, behind-the-scenes footage will be shown for the first time of the photoshoot at Clarence House in October, shortly after the Christening of Prince George at the Chapel Royal.

One photograph taken was that of the Queen with the next three generations of monarchs including Princes Charles, William and George.

As the Queen speaks to the British people, and those of the Commonwealth, the historic photograph takes pride of place next to her at the Palace alongside a framed image of her father George VI and mother, the Queen Mother.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen and is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

It was this year recorded in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room which features a large Christmas tree decorated with coloured baubles.

During her message, the Queen is seated wearing a single crepe-wool primrose dress designed by Angela Kelly, which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011.

On her left shoulder is a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's Christening.

The message will be broadcast on Sky News at 3pm.

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Christmas Benefit Payments: Thousands Miss Out

Tens of thousands of people have not received benefit payments in time for Christmas.

The money for jobseekers, low earners and pensioners had been due to arrive in their accounts on Tuesday, but will now not arrive until Friday.

Up to 32,000 people are believed to be affected. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) blamed an administration error.

Those affected include new claimants, those owed arrears and people awarded Social Fund budgeting loans for essentials such as clothes, rent and furniture.

The DWP said that if individuals had contacted them by 5pm last night the payment would have been rushed through within three hours.

A spokesman said: "The vast majority of regular benefit payments have been made on time this Christmas.

"However due to an administrative issue, a number of one-off or more irregular payments will now be paid on December 27 rather than December 24.

"We have procedures in place to ensure that anyone who has been affected by this and who contacted us would have had their benefits paid, usually within three hours.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

A total of 32,200 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Social Fund and certain categories of pension could have been hit by the delay, the spokesman said.

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Severe Weather: Families Forced From Homes

Around 90 people are being evacuated from their homes following a severe flood warning, Dorset Police have said.

The evacuation is taking place on the River Stour near Bournemouth following the warning from the Environment Agency.

It comes as tens of thousands of people across the UK are facing a miserable Christmas Day, with flooded homes, no power - and a big struggle to get home because of travel disruption.

Dozens of homes have been left under water and many families will spend the day without electricity after torrential rain lashed the country.

Travel chaos at Gatwick Airport - pic: @walshymk

Officers have been monitoring the levels of the River Stour closely for 24 hours and people living in the threatened areas were warned of the possibility of flooding and evacuation.

Police described the rescue effort as a "multi-agency operation" and advised people who have concerns about flooding to contact the Environment Agency.

Emergency services are also making ready to evacuate people from the Beaulieu Garden Park Home in Christchurch, Dorset, after another severe flood warning - warning of danger to life - at 5.40am, the third such alert in place.

The coastguard rescued 76 people from a caravan park flooded by the River Medway at Yalding in Kent on Tuesday night.

Rescuers helped residents at the Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park leave by boat and four-wheel-drive vehicle.

By 8pm the water was chest deep, and a helicopter was brought in as a precaution while the last 21 people were led to safety.

Travellers trying to get home on Christmas Eve also battled treacherous conditions on the roads and suffered major delays as the rail network was brought to its knees.

Five people have died in the last three days because of the stormy weather.

There was chaos at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex after a power cut at the North Terminal led to cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The airport said normal service would resume today.

The Environment Agency's map shows flood warnings across England and Wales

Police officers stepped in to calm passengers as they demanded information about their flights.

Hundreds of pieces of luggage were strewn across the airport as no bags were able to be checked in.

Airline easyJet said it would be operating a limited number of Christmas Day flights from the airport to replace 83 cancelled on Tuesday because of the power cut.

These include flights to Faro, Basle, Malaga, Alicante and Amman, while passengers from a cancelled flight from Gibraltar to Gatwick will be travelling on one from Malaga.

EasyJet said it would be unable to schedule any further flights today because of limited capacity at airports and crew availability.

Passengers' luggage at Gatwick Airport

A spokesman said: "Due to the high amount of cancellations that were unavoidable on the 24th, we are currently working on a plan to repatriate all passengers back to their destinations as soon as possible.

"But please be advised this may take a couple of days whilst the programme resumes to normal operation from Thursday."

Although Wednesday has seen calmer weather, more storms are expected on Friday.

Around 50,000 homes across the UK are still without power after Monday's downpours and strong winds, the Energy Networks Association said.

Tonbridge in Kent has been hit by severe flooding - pic: Toby MacKenzie

Train services were subject to delays and cancellations with more than 200 trees falling on lines in the last 24 hours.

The Environment Agency said 150 properties had been flooded in England, mainly in Surrey and Kent, with numbers expected to rise.

Firefighters in both counties broke a five-hour nationwide strike last night to help deal with the effects of the storms.

In Surrey, residents were evacuated from their homes in Dorking, Leatherhead and Guildford, while more evacuations occurred in Tonbridge, Kent.

A police officer calms crowds at Gatwick - pic: Joe Pattinson

Some 40 properties were evacuated in Godalming because of concerns over the height of the River Wey, Surrey Police said.

In the Mole Valley, evacuations took place in Leatherhead and Dorking after the River Mole burst its banks in several areas.

Police said the Flanchford Bridge over the River Mole near Reigate had collapsed, but no one was injured.

In Dorset, fire crews had to rescue 25 people trapped in their cars by flood water.

At a Wetherspoon's pub in Tonbridge, 100 people booked in for Christmas dinner had to make alternative arrangements after it was flooded.

Fire crews rescued motorists - pic: Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

More than 300 flood alerts and warnings remain in place.

The number of warnings - the category the Environment Agency uses to alert residents that "immediate action is required" - has jumped to 105 across the UK.

There are also 211 flood alerts, which indicate "flooding is possible, be prepared".

The most severely affected areas remain the south west and south east where there are three "severe flood warnings".

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Alan Turing: WWII Code-Breaker Granted Pardon

Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing has been given a posthumous royal pardon for a 61-year-old conviction for homosexual activity.

Dr Turing, who played a pivotal role in breaking the Enigma code, arguably shortening the war by at least two years, was chemically castrated following his conviction in 1952.

His conviction for "gross indecency" led to the removal of his security clearance and meant he was no longer able to work for Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) where he had continued to work following his service at Bletchley Park during the war.

There's been a long campaign to clear the mathematician's (far right) name

Dr Turing, who died aged 41 in 1954 and is often described as the father of modern computing, has been granted a pardon - effective from today - under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the Queen following a request from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

He said: "Dr Alan Turing was an exceptional man with a brilliant mind. His brilliance was put into practice at Bletchley Park during the Second World War where he was pivotal to breaking the Enigma code, helping to end the war and save thousands of lives.

"His later life was overshadowed by his conviction for homosexual activity, a sentence we would now consider unjust and discriminatory and which has now been repealed.

"Dr Turing deserves to be remembered and recognised for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science. A pardon from the Queen is a fitting tribute to an exceptional man."

Dr Turing died of cyanide poisoning and an inquest recorded a verdict of suicide, although his mother and others maintained his death was accidental.

Bletchley Park was Britain's main decryption base during World War Two

There has been a long campaign to clear the mathematician's name, including an e-petition backed by 37,404 signatures and private member's bill, along with support from leading scientists such as Stephen Hawking.

The Justice Secretary has the power to ask the Queen to grant a pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy for civilians convicted in England and Wales.

A pardon is only normally granted when the person is innocent of the offence and where a request has been made by someone with a vested interest such as a family member. But on this occasion a pardon has been issued without either requirement being met.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Alan Turing was a remarkable man who played a key role in saving this country in World War Two by cracking the German Enigma code.

"His action saved countless lives. He also left a remarkable national legacy through his substantial scientific achievements, often being referred to as the father of modern computing."

Iain Stewart, Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South, who was involved in the campaign to secure a royal pardon, said it was a "just reward  for a man who was stripped of his honour, his work and the loyalty he showed his nation".

The World War II Enigma decoding machine at Bletchley Park

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice chancellor of the University of Manchester, where Dr Turing had worked, also welcomed the news and said: "His legacy will live on as one of the most significant scientists of his or any other generation."

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said the granting of the royal pardon was "long overdue" and called for the same treatment to be given to others convicted in similar circumstances.

A GCHQ spokesperson said: "We are delighted about the pardon and point to the personal tribute that Director GCHQ made to Alan Turing in a speech at the University of Leeds in Oct 2012.

"Sir Iain Lobban said at the time: 'If I had to single out one piece of Turing's legacy to GCHQ today, it would be the way that his contribution was part of the irrevocable change that turned the Code and Cypher School from being the mainly cryptanalytic bureau it was between the wars to becoming the highly technological intelligence organisation that GCHQ is today'."

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Weather: Christmas Travel Plans Hit By Storms

Fire crews have rescued approximately 25 people from cars trapped in flood water in Dorset as severe weather batters the UK.

Dorset fire control said rescuers helped get people out of stranded vehicles in the Sturminster, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Wimborne areas.

In Shropshire, a woman was killed and a man seriously hurt in a car crash which happened in "difficult weather conditions".

Strong gales and heavy rains are forecast to sweep most of the country bringing travel chaos to people hoping to get home in time for Christmas.

Engineers are working to restore power to as many as 150,000 homes across the country, with no guarantee the lights will be back on in time for Christmas day.

The fatal crash in Shropshire happened near Shrewsbury just after 9.30pm on Monday.

Fire crews rescued motorists from cars Pic: Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

West Midlands Ambulance Service said in a statement: "Weather conditions at the time were very difficult.

"On arrival, crews found three cars at the scene. Firefighters were undertaking life support on a woman in one of the cars.

"Sadly despite all efforts, it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene. A man from the same car was assessed but was uninjured.

"A man in his 30s from a second car was trapped for over half an hour. He had suffered facial, hip and leg injuries. A woman in the third car was uninjured."

Five teenagers were also injured in a separate incident after their car rolled over in "wet and windy" weather conditions north of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

Some 900 passengers were stuck on the Spirit of Britain ferry outside Dover for 15 hours as it was considered too dangerous to enter Dover harbour.

The ship left Calais last night and managed to dock safely at around 7.30am.

Shortly before the ship reached Dover, Digvijay Rathod told Sky News: "Many people haven't slept. I have 53 people to take care of. There are mothers, there are children who have been sick.

The departures board at Waterloo station shows dozens of cancelled trains

"It's been a tough night - people just want to get home. We left Calais at 4pm and we were supposed to reach here within two hours.

"It was really choppy. Things were falling out of shelves, people were not able to stand properly. We were instructed to be seated and not move around. People were panicking a bit."

With the worst of the storms now likely to affect Scotland and Northern Ireland, the severe weather has caused four deaths.

The Environment Agency has issued hundreds of flood warnings across all of England and Wales, with a severe flood warning - the highest level warning of danger to life - in the South West, where properties are expected to flood.

Rail delays and cancellations are hitting commuters this morning and the Highways Agency has warned of widespread localised flooding and road closures.

Flooded tracks in West Horndon, Essex, show the challenge facing rail firms

There are no trains to Gatwick or Stansted airports this morning and services to Heathrow are affected by delays, while a power outage at Gatwick's north terminal added to flight problems.

By late morning, 15 flights had been cancelled at Gatwick and some others were delayed.

Passengers took to Twitter to complain, first, that there were too few announcements and secondly, that the announcements that were made were inaudible.

One angry traveller said on Twitter: "@Gatwick--Airport is a disaster zone. Power failed, no computers and baggage cannot get to planes. Floors covered with people."

A Gatwick spokeswoman said: "All North Terminal arriving flights are operating normally and all flights to and from South Terminal are unaffected.

Families in Edenbridge, Kent, say water levels are rising in their street

"We are looking into the cause of the power outage. It's definitely weather-related. We are doing everything we can to get people away for Christmas and we understand passengers' frustrations.

Southern Railway have advised passengers not to make any plans to travel today until further notice because of damage caused by the storm overnight.

South West Trains said there would be no service before 10am due to 35 trees blocking lines and flooding across the network.

Passengers on a Calais to Dover ferry spent a miserable 15 hours at sea

People travelling on First Great Western's service from London Paddington to Devon and Cornwall were left stranded at Taunton in Somerset shortly before 1am because of flooding and signal problems.

Passengers described delays after leaving London before the service was terminated at Taunton with First Great Western then having to put people on buses and taxis to get them to their destination.

Network Rail asked for passengers' patience and said in southern England the storm damage had been greater than that of the "St Jude's Storm" a few weeks ago.

Customers are being advised to check the latest travel situation before starting their journeys.

The RNLI released dramatic footage of dog rescue at sea

Tim Field from the Energy Networks Association told Sky News that it was not possible to promise that power would be restored to homes cut off by the storm in time for Christmas Day.

He said: "We've been able to restore about 60,000 properties yesterday evening and last night but with the storms that have come in, people are waking up this morning to find themselves without power.

"We've been facing some very difficult conditions. Fallen trees have brought down power lines and blocked roads, which has affected engineers' progress."

The RNLI released footage of the rescue of a Labrador swept out to sea and thought by its owner to be dead.

The pair had been out walking when it went into the waters off Sea Palling, on the north Norfolk coast, and was taken away by the tide.

The RNLI crew took to their boats and searched the reefs half a mile off the coast for the dog.

The crew finally heard barking coming from one of the reefs and there found the animal cold, wet and frightened, but otherwise unhurt.

The Environment Agency Flood Line can be contacted on 0845 988 1188 for advice and up to date information.

Christmas Day is expected to be calmer with just a few wintry showers in the north and west, while Boxing Day looks mainly fine, but stormy conditions look set to return on Friday.

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Surgeon Suspended After 'Branding Patient'

A surgeon has been suspended over an accusation that he branded his initials inside someone while operating on them.

The letters were allegedly found by a colleague during subsequent routine surgery on the unnamed patient.

It is alleged the surgeon used a beam of argon gas - for sealing vessels - to write them.

Experts say it would leave superficial burns but is not usually harmful.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it was looking in to the matter.

"Following an allegation of misconduct, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has suspended a surgeon while an internal investigation is completed," a spokesman said.

Joyce Robins, of campaign group Patient Concern, said: "This is a patient we are talking about, not an autograph book."

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British Airways Plane 'Crash' In Johannesburg

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

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

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

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

The plane involved is believed to be a Boeing 747.

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

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

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

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

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