Care Home Staff 'Must Have Proper Training'

Compulsory training for care home staff will be introduced under Government plans to better protect the elderly from abuse and neglect, according to reports.

Health minister Norman Lamb said the lack of basic requirements for training care workers was leaving pensioners in the hands of staff who have "no idea what they are doing".

Proposals are expected to include national minimum standards for preparing new recruits to work in nursing homes.

Carers who help with tasks such as washing and dressing elderly people in their own homes will also be required to have the training, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Lamb, the Liberal Democrat care minister, said it was not acceptable that there were no "clear standards of the training that must happen in a care home".

He said: "I would not want a loved one of mine - or indeed myself - to be cared for by someone who has no training."

Criminal prosecutions must follow in the "most outrageous" cases of abuse but reforms are needed to improve the quality of care more widely in nursing homes and in pensioners' own homes, he said.

But Mr Lamb said the new regime must not create "a tick box" culture.

A Department of Health spokesperson told Sky News: "No one should feel that they or their loved ones have to settle for poor quality care.

"Whilst there are many providers that deliver high quality care, more needs to be done to make improvements across the board.

"There are no excuses for failing to keep people safe from abuse or not treating them with kindness, dignity and respect."

Campaigners want all staff to have training in dispensing medication, promoting dignity, the basics of nutrition and hydration, and using equipment such as hoists and lifts.

The reforms, expected by the end of the month, follow a number of scandals involving the treatment of the elderly.

Similar arrangements could be introduced in hospitals after Prime Minister David Cameron said he wanted to end the ability of nursing assistants to "give hands-on care in a hospital ward with no training at all", the newspaper said.

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Tooth Grown From Human And Mouse Cells

Dentists could soon tell patients to throw away their dentures after scientists discovered a way to 'grow' new teeth coated in enamel.

The technique involved growing cells from human gum tissue, then combining them with tooth stem cells taken from a mouse embryo.

These cell clusters were then transplanted by researchers into an adult mouse kidney where they subsequently grew into teeth-like structures.

The tooth grew protective enamel and contained dentin

The human-mouse hybrid teeth were also discovered to contain dentin - the key structural material of teeth - as well as hard protective enamel. There was also evidence of root formation.

The two kinds of cell used were epithelial 'surface lining' cells from human gum tissue, and mesenchymal 'tooth' cells from the mouse embryo.

Professor Paul Sharpe, who led the research at King's College said: "The human epithelial cells are capable of responding to signals from the embryonic tooth cells from the mouse to contribute to crown and root growth.

"These accessible human epithelial cells are thus a realistic source for consideration in human tooth formation."

At present it is not considered ethical or practical to use human embryos in dentistry.

"The next major challenge is to identify a way to culture adult human mesenchymal cells to be tooth-inducing," said Prof Sharpe.

"At the moment we can only make embryonic mesenchymal cells do this.

"What is required is the identification of adult sources of human epithelial and mesenchymal cells that can be obtained in sufficient numbers to make bio-tooth formation a viable alternative to dental implants."

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Abu Qatada Arrested For 'Breaching Bail'

Abu Qatada has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions, days ahead of a new Government attempt to have him deported.

The radical cleric, who has been convicted of terror charges in Jordan, was arrested by UK Border Agency officials on Friday following raids by the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism unit.

Searches at two residential homes and a business in northwest and west London began on Thursday, while a search on a third property in northwest London is ongoing, Scotland Yard said.

The searches were carried out in connection with ongoing inquiries by the Counter Terrorism Command, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said.

However, no arrests have been made in connection with the police investigation, he added.

The Home Office said: "The UK Border Agency arrested a 52-year-old man from north London for alleged breaches of his bail conditions imposed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC)."

He added that the breach will be considered by SIAC at the earliest opportunity.

Qatada was reportedly arrested by officials outside his family home in London.

The Sun newspaper showed pictures of him being escorted out of his house with his hands hidden under a jacket.

Qatada is due to appear at the Court of Appeal on Monday for Home Secretary Theresa May's attempt to overturn a judge's decision to allow him to stay in the UK.

Ms May will challenge the decision in front of three Court of Appeal judges led by Lord Dyson, the Master of the Rolls.

Once described by a Spanish judge as "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe", Qatada has used human rights laws to fight deportation for more than a decade.

SIAC decided last November that Qatada could not lawfully be deported to Jordan, where he was convicted of terror charges in his absence in 1999.

SIAC judges ruled there was a danger that evidence from Qatada's former co-defendants Abu Hawsher and Al Hamasher, said to have been obtained by torture, could be used against him in a retrial in Jordan.

He was granted bail following the ruling by three SIAC judges and released from Long Lartin prison in November last year.

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Image Shows Boy Injured In Gang Attack

Police have released an image of a teenage boy's injured face after he was assaulted by a group of men in Manchester.

The assault began when three cars pulled up on Briscoe Lane, Newton Heath, last Saturday afternoon before a gang of around 12 men got out and began attacking a group of youths.

The 15-year-old boy was attacked by up to four of the men who chased him into nearby Harringay Road.

He was later taken to hospital with facial injuries and a broken arm.

Police have released this image of the boy

A teenage girl was also hit in the face and suffered a fractured cheekbone.

After the assault, which was caught on CCTV, the boy's attackers got back into their cars before before driving off towards Ten Acres Lane.

The boy's mother, who does not wish to be named, said: "I barely recognised my boy when I saw him, such were the extent of the injuries to his face.

"I cannot believe a bunch of grown men would attack an innocent teenage boy like this.

"He was not involved in any sort of trouble yet they waded in with fists and weapons and didn't give him any chance to respond or defend himself."

Police believe the incident may be linked to a dispute the previous evening in the Newton Heath area, however neither victim is understood to have been involved in this.

Detective Constable Paddy Connell, said: "While the CCTV footage we released shows a determined effort by a group of men to get at and assault a number of teenagers, what this injury picture shows is the real consequences of their actions.

"The boy is slight in build and was chased and beaten by burly men.

"Their actions were shameless and shocking and I want people to look at the injuries to the boy's face and if they know anything to come forward.

"We think this may be linked to an incident the previous evening and earlier that day in that general area and if that is the case then they have definitely got the wrong people as neither victim was there.

"If anyone knows anything about what may have prompted this or knows who is responsible, please get in touch."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3832, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Bus Stab Teen Died Of Single Wound To Chest

Teenager Christina Edkins died from a single stab wound to the chest, a post-mortem has revealed.

The 16-year-old was killed on a busy double-decker bus as she travelled to school during rush hour in what police believe was a random attack.

Police have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses to the attack saying that there were 16 people travelling on the number 9 bus when the attack happened but that only half of them had spoken to police.

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, said: "We know there are a number of passengers who were on the bus yesterday morning when Christina was attacked while she was sitting upstairs.

"Some of these passengers were sitting downstairs on the bus and they haven't yet spoken to police. They may not even have known what happened but may have vital evidence and it is crucial they contact us as soon as possible on 101."

Police have released a CCTV image as part of their investigation

Police also released a CCTV image of a man in a black jacket with a tiger motif on the back and appealed for anyone who had seen him travelling on buses in and around Birmingham on Thursday between 6am and 1pm to contact them.

Officers are continuing to question a 22-year-old man who was arrested after a manhunt was launched following the 7.30am stabbing.

Police today provided extra patrols on public transport after attack prompted concerns among residents about knife crime and many voiced fears over travelling on the city's transport system on social network sites.

A police spokesman said: "Extra police officers will be patrolling public transport this morning in the wake of yesterday's tragedy to reassure commuters."

Christina, who was described as a "bright and popular" pupil at Leasowes High School in Halesowen, was killed shortly after she boarded the double-decker.

The stabbing happened nearly a month after the teenager had voiced concerns on Twitter about the behaviour of a passenger on another bus trip.

Christina was described as "bright and popular"

On February 8 she wrote: "This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different place."

However, police said there was no evidence to suggest Christina knew her attacker but that they were aware of her "social media presence".

Police officers stood guard at the Edkins' semi-detached house near Birmingham city centre for much of the day on Thursday while family liaison officers sought to comfort relatives.

Neil Shaw, the headteacher of Leasowes High School, led tributes to his pupil and said friends and family were "deeply saddened" by her death.

The bus on Hagley Road after the rush hour stabbing

He said: "Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike.

"We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her.

"The school is working closely with the police and a team of counsellors to provide support to our pupils and staff."

The Most Rev Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, sent his condolences in a message from Rome.

Forensic officers get to work at the scene of the attack

He said: "I am shocked to hear of the terrible attack on young Christina Edkins as she was making her way to school on a bus today.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her bereft family and with all her friends at Leasowes High School, in Halesowen.

"The loss of a young life in these tragic circumstances raises many questions about our respect for life and about safeguarding children in public places."

 

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Men Charged With Rape Of 14-Year-Old Girl

Seven men have been charged with a range of offences including the rape, attempted rape and human trafficking of a 14-year-old girl, the Crown Prosecution Service said today.

The men, arrested earlier this week in a series of dawn raids, are accused of offences said to have happened between May and November 2012.

All seven were due to appear before Thames Magistrates' Court this morning.

Kris Venkatasami, head of the Special Casework Unit and Special Operations Unit at CPS London, said: "All seven are charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child.

"Desmond Agyei is also charged with four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

"Edward Kofi Edunya and Perry Murray have also been charged with one count each of rape.

"David Sarpong has also been charged with two counts of rape and one court of attempted rape.

"Ade Atitebi has also been charged with trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation and one count of voyeurism.

"Austin Odisi has also been charged with eight counts of rape and Justin Maynard has also been charged with five counts of rape."

An eighth man arrested at the same time will face no further action, the CPS said.

The men were held in a series of dawn raids on Wednesday, when police swooped on addresses in Newham, Redbridge and Havering in east London, as well as one in Hertfordshire.

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Public Officials Admit Leaking To The Sun

Two public officials have pleaded guilty to selling information to The Sun newspaper.

Former police officer Alan Tierney has pleaded guilty to selling details about the arrests of John Terry's mother and Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood for £1,750.

Prison officer Richard Trunkfield, 31, from Northamptonshire, also admitted earning £3,350 when he leaked information about a high-profile prisoner to the tabloid.

They are among seven people appearing at the Old Bailey to face charges involving the alleged bribing of public officials.

Among those appearing are David Cameron's former head of communications - Andy Coulson - and the former Chief Executive of News International - Rebekah Brooks.

Rebekah Brooks (centre) arrives at the Old Bailey

Trunkfield, from Moulton, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office between March 2 and April 30, 2010.

Ex Surrey PC Tierney, 40, admitted one count of the offence between March 26 and April 3, 2009, and the second between December 2 and 7, 2009.

Tierney, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, was released on bail to be sentenced on March 27. Mr Justice Fulford warned him that "all options remain open".

Tierney and Trunkfield were arrested as part of Operation Elveden, which was set up to investigate allegations of newspapers paying police officers for information.

Andy Coulson (centre) was among those appearing at court

Tierney sold details about Sue Terry and Sue Poole, the mother and mother-in-law of former England football captain John Terry, being arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Surrey. They accepted cautions.

He also sold details about the arrest of guitarist Wood, 65, on suspicion of beating up his Russian lover Ekaterina Ivanova, who is in her 20s. Wood also accepted a caution.

Trunkfield leaked information about a high profile inmate while working at high security Woodhill prison near Milton Keynes. The prisoner has not been named.

Others appearing at the plea and directions hearing at the Old Bailey are John Kaye, the Sun's chief reporter, and Clive Goodman, the former Royal Editor of the News of the World.

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Tia Sharp: Stuart Hazell Denies Girl's Murder

Stuart Hazell, who is accused of murdering 12-year-old Tia Sharp, has pleaded not guilty.

The 37-year-old defendant appeared in Court One at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh prison.

He denied murdering Tia, the granddaughter of his partner Christine Sharp, between August 2 and 10 last year.

Hazel, of New Addington, south London, was remanded in custody to face trial at the same court on May 7.

Tia's body was found in the loft at the house, where Hazel lived with Sharp, a week after the girl was reported missing.

Her disappearance sparked searches by police and members of the public.

But the body was missed when the attic was first searched.

Tia's mother, Natalie Sharp, was in court with her partner, and Tia's father, Stephen Carter, watched from the public gallery.

Hazell wore a black T-shirt and gold necklace. He leant forward as the clerk asked him to confirm his name.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

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Daw Mill Mine Closes Leaving 650 Jobs At Risk

The owner of Daw Mill colliery has confirmed it will close, ending 47 years of coal production at the Warwickshire mine.

UK Coal Mine Holdings said the majority of its 650-strong workforce face redundancy.

The move comes after what the company's chief executive described as a "ferocious" underground fire at the colliery last month.

The fire - believed to be the largest in a UK coal mine in more than 30 years - is still burning at a depth of 740 metres with no signs of stopping, the company said.

"This has been a terrible week, not just for the company and its employees but also for the energy security of the country," Kevin McCullough said in a statement.

"Having successfully completed the restructuring, and being only weeks away from returning to healthy production, this ferocious fire has dealt a blow to everything we tried to achieve over the last 12 months - in just ten days."

He said the company is exploring the possibility of transferring some staff to other mines, but added: "This news is likely to see the majority of the Daw Mill workforce being made redundant."

A small team will remain on site to secure the mine over the coming months, the company said.

It added that it is in discussions with the Department of Energy and Climate Change over managing the closure of Daw Mill and seeking a way forward for its remaining collieries.

Its deep mines at Kellingley in North Yorkshire and Thoresby in Nottingham, along with its surface mines, will continue to produce coal for use in the UK's power stations.

News of the closure comes after Hargreaves Services said Maltby Colliery, which has been producing coal for more than 100 years in Rotherham, was no longer viable on health and safety grounds.

UK Coal Mine Holdings supplies about 5% of the UK's energy needs making it the country's largest coal producer.

Daw Mill has been at risk of closure since March last year when it said restructuring was needed to safeguard its future.

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Foster Care Baby Left On Bus In North London

An investigation has been launched by the council which was responsible for the welfare of Baby P after a baby in foster care was left on a bus.

Scotland Yard says officers were alerted when it was realised that the child had been abandoned on the 491 bus in north London.

The child abuse investigation unit is looking into what happened along with Haringey Council, which was criticised over its handling of the care of toddler Peter Connelly.

Police were called just after 2pm on Friday to Bull Lane, Enfield, near North Middlesex Hospital.

Baby P died in Tottenham in August 2007

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A woman, who identified herself as the child's foster carer, contacted emergency services.

"The child was checked at hospital before being handed back to the care of social services.

"Inquiries are ongoing. There have been no arrests. Social services are investigating the matter in partnership with the MPS Child Abuse Investigation Command."

Baby Peter was 17 months old when he died in Tottenham, north London, on August 3, 2007.

He suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register of Haringey Council and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over the final eight months of his life.

A series of reviews have identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved him if they had acted properly on the warning signs.

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Child Heart Surgery: Campaigners In Court Win

Campaigners have won a High Court challenge over proposed changes to children's heart surgery services in England.

Save Our Surgery (SOS), which is trying to stop the closure of the heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary, argued the consultation process leading up to the changes was "unfair and procedurally flawed".

Justice Nicola Davies, sitting at London's High Court, ruled that the challenge must succeed - but what the victory means for the future will be decided at a later date.

Outside the Royal Courts of Justice, SOS spokeswoman Sharon Cheng said  the ruling did not necessarily mean the Leeds heart unit was saved.

She said much would depend on what orders the judge decided to make when the matter returns to court later this month.

"We have won this case on every point. It doesn't necessarily mean the heart surgery is saved, but fresh reconsideration will have to be given as to what is to happen next and the fight will go on," she said.

"We knew it was time to fight because of the strength of feeling of families.

"The campaign started small, like David and Goliath, then grew and grew out of all proportions."

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Teenage Girl Stabbed To Death On Bus

A 16-year-old schoolgirl was stabbed to death on a bus in a rush-hour attack in Birmingham, according to Sky sources.

Passengers, paramedics and police officers tried to save the girl's life but nothing could be done and she died at the scene.

Officers have launched a manhunt for the suspect following the attack on the packed bus just after 7.30am. They stressed a murder investigation was under way but that it was still in "very early stages".

The girl had been on her way to school on the crowded double decker when she was stabbed. Police were called by a member of the public who was travelling on the bus along Hagley Road at 7.37am.

Forensic officers get to work at the scene of the stabbing

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, said they were looking for a man described as black, in his late teens, or early 20s and wearing a dark top with a tiger or leopard motif on the back.

Det Supt Baker said he also had either a white bandage around his right hand or was carrying a small white bag. He appealed to members of the public to help police find the man.

A spokesman said:  "At 7.37am today police received a call from a member of the public reporting that a passenger had been attacked.

The girl was stabbed on the crowded number 9 service

"Officers and other emergency services were immediately dispatched but it was clear that nothing could be done to save the victim.

"West Midlands Police have identified the victim's family and are in the process of breaking the sad news."

National Express West Midlands said the vehicle was heading out of the city when the stabbing happened.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that a tragic incident occurred on a number 9 service this morning.

Paramedics were called but nothing could be done to save the teenager

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the person involved and we will offer all possible support to the police in their investigation of this matter."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said they had been called to the scene shortly after 7.35am.

Witnesses should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Eight Men Arrested For Raping Girl Under 16

Police have arrested eight men in east London and Hertfordshire on suspicion of grooming and raping a girl under the age of 16.

The arrests were made after officers went to nine separate addresses in the east London boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Havering, and an address in Hertfordshire, about 5am today.

The detained men are aged between 21 and 24 years, police said in a statement.

The arrests are the result of an investigation launched by detectives following an allegation related to offences committed between May and November 2012.

The eight men are currently in custody at an east London police station.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Lowe from the MPS Sapphire Command said: "These arrests are part of an investigation into rape and serious sexual assault carried out by a group of men in Newham and the wider east London area.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offence or who believes they have any information to please contact police."

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Sex Attacks On Prostitutes In Manchester

Four prostitutes have been sexually assaulted in the Fairfield Street area of Manchester city centre.

Each victim was attacked separately by a man between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday.

Police have launched a probe into what they have described as "serious sexual assaults" on the sex street workers.

It is believed the attacks are linked.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the attacks - or who may have been a victim - to come forward.

They can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of serious sexual assault and is currently in police custody.

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Around 400 Jobs At Risk Despite Dreams Sale

Sun Capital Partners has bought beds retailer Dreams following its collapse into administration.

The deal, overseen by administrators Ernst & Young, saves 1,600 jobs at the chain - but around 400 positions remain at risk.

The private equity group bought the company's business and assets - including 171 stores - for an undisclosed sum.

A buyer is being sought for the remaining 95 stores, joint administrator Alan Hudson said.

He added that high street retailers have been battling with "unprecedented conditions" over recent years.

"Dreams is a well known market leader, but in common with many others has suffered as a result of this depressed retail environment, a rapid expansion of its store portfolio and onerous lease liabilities," he said.

"Whilst recent performance has improved, it has seen a decline in like for like sales across its store portfolio as well as its operating margins being squeezed.

"This has resulted in the business being unable to continue to operate outside of administration."

He said the deal with Sun Capital meant the business would continue to trade without interruption, and a buyer would be sought for the remaining 95 stores not included in the sale.

Dreams, which sells beds and related products, has 266 stores across the UK and employs around 2,000 people. 

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Pregnant Woman Murder: Ex-Boyfriend Jailed

A man who beat his pregnant ex-fiancee to death, causing the death of their unborn baby, has been jailed for at least 27 years.

Unemployed alcoholic Tony McLernon, 24, of North Grove, Harlow, in Essex, was found guilty of murder and child destruction following a trial lasting just over two weeks at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The trial heard he lured Eystna Blunnie, 20, to her death in July last year after telling friends she was trying to ruin his new relationship.

Estyna Blunnie was found dying with her unborn baby in a road

When they met in Howard Way, near her home in Harlow, he jumped on her, kicked her and left her to die in a pool of blood.

Miss Blunnie was due to give birth to a girl within days.

Ordering a minimum tariff of 27 years of a life sentence, Mr Justice Fulford said: "It is undoubtedly the case that he brutally and repeatedly attacked Eystna Blunnie during the course of their relationship.

"He told friends he wanted her significantly harmed or killed. In April he strangled her, causing the baby distress.

"This killing was not the result of an unthinking moment of anger but instead he had contemplated the attack over a long period of time.

"The killing was truly terrible. The horrific screams heard by those nearby show the suffering and pain she suffered and for some period of time she would have been aware of the fatal consequences for herself and her child.

"He has shown not the slightest shred of remorse."

McLernon showed no emotion as he was led from the dock.

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Death Rate: Britain Lagging On Life Expectancy

By Jason Farrell, Sky News Correspondent

Britons are more likely to die early than people in most wealthy nations, research suggests - and experts are warning the gap is widening.

A study has found the UK is now 14th out of 19 Western countries for life expectancy.

In 1990, Britain ranked tenth in a league table - with Alzheimer's disease, cirrhosis of the liver and drug use disorders being blamed for our falling position.

The research was published as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt prepares to address a "shocking underperformance" that is costing 30,000 lives every year.

Co-authored by Public Health England, the Global Burden of Disease Study, published in the Lancet journal, looks at the state of health in the 15 original members of the EU along with Canada, Australia, Norway and the US.

The report compares death rates, disease and health risks in 1990 and in 2010.

In these 20 years, life expectancy has increased in the UK - by an average of 4.2 years to 79.9 years - but it has failed to keep pace with other nations.

While we are living longer, we are experiencing longer periods of ill health and disability.

Obesity another major concern for health professionals

The UK is now below average compared with 18 other countries on many important indicators.

The biggest risk to health in the UK is tobacco, which accounts for 12% of the disease burden, followed very closely by high blood pressure and high body mass and then physical inactivity, alcohol and poor diet.

As a result, early death rates have not reduced among 20 to 54-year-olds for 20 years.

There have been improvements in many cancer treatments and in road safety, but there has been an increase in alcohol-related and drug-use deaths.

Among all age groups, drug disorders have risen nearly six-fold.

Co-author Professor Kevin Fenton said the report was a "wake-up call and an opportunity".

He said: "While it's encouraging that overall the health of the UK has improved substantially since the last report the pace of improvement is not enough."

Across all ages, the top eight diseases causing the most years of life lost in the UK remain largely the same as those reported in 1990.

In order, these are heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, colorectal cancer, breast cancer and self-harm.

Prof Fenton said there needed to be more focus on prevention as well as "high quality and accountable" clinical care.

The Health Secretary has previously pledged to cut the number of avoidable deaths from cancer, heart disease, strokes, respiratory and liver disease.

He now wants more people to be trained to use defibrillators and conduct CPR, while relatives of people who have died from cardiac conditions will get tests to see whether they too are at risk.

Mr Hunt said: "Despite real progress in cutting deaths we remain a poor relative to our global cousins on many measures of health, something I want to change.

"For too long we have been lagging behind and I want the reformed health system to take up this challenge and turn this shocking under-performance around."

Co-author Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said: "We should be proud that life expectancy in the UK has increased as much as it has since 1990, but we need to make sure that these extra years are healthy ones."

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Loch Ness: Tiny Monsters In 'Lost World'

Scientists exploring a "lost world" near Loch Ness have discovered a host of tiny creatures never before recorded in the UK.

Biological surveys at conservation charity Trees for Life's Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston found eight new species, bringing the total number of species recorded at the site where forest restoration is taking place to more than 2,800.

The new species discovered at the 10,000-acre estate in Inverness-shire are a sawfly, an aphid, two types of aphid parasites, three fungus gnats and a type of mite.

Biologists surveying the area found an aphid among other species

Surveys in 2012 also discovered a rare Lapland marsh-orchid, which had never been found in that area of Scotland before.

It brings the total of species recorded at Dundreggan to 2,815, including 269 plants, 341 lichens, 92 birds, 20 mammals, 354 beetles, 207 moths and 125 sawflies.

Species found at the estate include black grouse, pine martens and water voles and juniper stands, while research is on-going to establish whether the Scottish wildcat is present.

The Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston

Trees for Life's executive director Alan Watson Featherstone said: "The surprisingly rich variety of life at Dundreggan highlights the vital importance of conservation work, and of protecting and enhancing habitats across the Highlands.

"The discoveries are not only demonstrating that the estate is a special site for biological diversity - they are also revealing that there is still much to learn about Scotland's biodiversity."

Cranefly on eared willow

Some 67 species which are considered to be a priority for conservation work have been identified on Dundreggan, which the charity said had been described as a "lost world" of wildlife.

Dundreggan was bought by Trees for Life in 2008, and with the help of volunteers, the charity is planting half a million trees on the estate as part of efforts to restore the Caledonian Forest to an area of 1,000 square miles in the Highlands.

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Justin Bieber: Late Arrival At O2 Angers Fans

Justin Bieber was booed by thousands of angry parents and young fans after he arrived nearly two hours late for a sold-out concert last night.

By the time the 19-year-old Canadian singer went on stage at nearly 10.30pm, parents were waiting outside the venue expecting to pick up teenage Beliebers, as his army of fans are known.

Other parents left after just a few songs with their heartbroken children for fear of missing the last trains home on a school night.

Fans apparently tweeting from inside the venue, where the doors opened at 6.30pm, said the booing started an hour before he finally took to the stage.

Two upset Beliebers leave the O2 after the concert

Many at the O2 voiced their anger on Twitter, saying the star had let down his fans. There is still no official explanation from the singer or from the O2 for the delay.

One mother, Emma Harman, from Kent, told Sky News she was "disgusted" after her husband had been left waiting with her nine-year-old daughter, who had been taken to the concert as a birthday present.

"I am hoping he will be ashamed of his behaviour, but I very much doubt it," said Mrs Harman.

"My husband has left now having seen three songs."

Parents arrived at the O2 to collect their children before the gig started

Mother Sheena Dooner from Great Missenden took her four-year-old daughter Emilia to the concert as a late Christmas present. "It's an absolutely disgusting way to treat devoted fans," she said.

"We spent £68 per ticket plus the cost of trains and over £100 on merchandise and what did we geto to see? Very little. Never again. I think he should give something back to his fans. A refund is in order, not an apology."

Father Wayne Parsonage tweeted that he ended up missing Bieber's performance so he could make the last train home, and later added: "Disgusting!! Waste of my time and money ... never again."

Where is he? Fans wait outside Bieber's hotel in London

Former Coronation Street actor Wendi Peters tweeted that Bieber had finally come on stage at 10.24pm - nearly two hours after the advertised time of 8.30pm.

She wrote: "I shall have an extremely moody daughter tomorrow ... Livid!!"

Gemmer Ferguson from Chessington told Sky News her five-year-old daughter was falling asleep by 10pm. "I can't quite believe what just happened," she said.

"He spent more time changing his clothes and showing videos of his childhood than he did singing.

The singer tweeted he was ready for his performance yesterday afternoon

"When we complained were were told 'Justin will come out when he is ready,' but he had all day to get ready".

Amanda Finestone from Hertfordshire went along to the O2 with her nine-year-old daughter Zara. She told Sky News: "We waited and waited and there was no explanation forthcoming.

"There were children crying, children falling asleep in their seats and even children having to leave before he came on stage.

"He cut his set by half an hour so not only were we waiting we were pretty much short changed as well. But we stayed till the end because my daughter is a Belieber.

Bieber believers were treated to a set by Carly Rae Jepson as they waited

"I'm really furious because it's one thing to be late but to not explain or apologise and to have no consideration for your fans who are of school age? These are young girls; it's bad mannered.

"I would be very reluctant to spend that amount of money again to sit for two hours and do absolutely nothing."

The O2 later tweeted: "Justin Bieber is now on stage and apologises for the lateness of his show."

It later added: "Sorry to all the Justin Bieber fans for the lateness of his show tonight. The Tube will still be running when the show finishes".

But not all of Bieber's fans were furious with his performance. 14-year-old Claudia Gilling told Three Counties Radio that the singer was worth the wait.

Fans took to Twitter to vent their anger at the teenage star and the O2

"I'll still go to see him because I love Justin Bieber. He's perfect, he's really good looking and he was really good when he finally got on stage."

Bieber is also reportedly expected to face a fine after his late performance apparently broke a noise curfew.

Hours before the gig, where tickets started at £57.65, he was tweeting to his 35 million followers: "Tonight will be fun. Day 1 at the O2 Arena in London!"

The singer has three more gigs planned at the O2 on the 5th, 7th and 8th of March. Yesterday night was his first performance in the UK on his Believe world tour.

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'Fast Eddie' Admits Stealing Security Van

A British man who went by the nickname of Fast Eddie and spent almost 20 years as a fugitive in the US has admitted the theft of a security van containing £1.2m.

Eddie Maher was wanted by Suffolk Police after the Securicor van he was driving disappeared from outside a Lloyds Bank in Felixstowe, Suffolk, on January 22, 1993.

The 57-year-old, originally from South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, was arrested by US authorities in February last year and held in custody awaiting trial after denying the theft following his deportation.

But he entered a last-minute guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court in London as he was due to stand trial. He is expected to be sentenced this morning.

Maher, who used the false identities of Stephen King and his brother Michael Maher while on the run, intended to fight the allegation on the grounds that he had been forced to commit the crime after racking up "significant debts".

But Suffolk Police and the Crown Prosecution Service built up evidence proving that the former soldier and firefighter had profited to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

During his time on the run, Maher built a new life with his partner, Deborah Brett, and their son Lee, who was three-years-old at the time of the theft.

After his conviction, detectives revealed details of a series of property investments they say he funded from the proceeds of the crime in Suffolk.

Eddie Maher admitted stealing a Securicor van in 1993

This included a house in Colorado bought with $120,000 (£79,300) in cash just six months after the theft.

Later Maher built a ranch on 80 acres in Colorado before moving around various US states.

At the time of his arrest on February 9 last year, he was working as a cable engineer in Missouri.

But his attempts to escape justice unravelled as he was arrested for illegally possessing firearms.

When US authorities contacted their UK counterparts about immigration issues, it became clear he was a wanted man.

Speaking outside court, Detective Inspector David Giles, from Suffolk Police, said: "Maher said he was forced to carry out this crime and that he only got a small amount of money from it.

"He never named the people who he claimed forced him into it and never put forward a credible story.

"We have succeeded in proving that he profited substantially from the theft and was a key player in the planning and execution of it.

"Since his arrest, he has displayed no remorse for what he did - but I get the impression he has spent 20 years looking over his shoulder and hoping the law would not catch up with him."

None of the £1.2m stolen from the van, which filled 30 sacks, has ever been found.

Ms Brett, 47, Maher's sister Margaret Francis, 64, and a 54-year-old man, from Woodford Green, east London, are all on bail after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft.

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No Mandate For Police To Seek Right To Strike

Thousands of police officers in England and Wales have voted for the right to take industrial action after rows with the Government over spending cuts.

In a ballot of the Police Federation's 133,000 members, some 45,651 backed the right to strike with 10,681 against.

However, because less than half of its members voted, the organisation does not have a mandate under its own rules to push for a change in the law.

It is currently illegal for police officers to take industrial action - the last official strike was believed to be in 1919.

The low turnout avoids a new row between the coalition and police rank-and-file officers.

Steve Williams, chairman of the federation, said: "It would not be appropriate to undertake a course of action that could potentially change the employment status of more than 133,000 police officers if fewer than half of those officers have voted for us to do so."

He added that most members would consider industrial action to be a "last resort".

But he made clear that the "significant number" who did vote in favour had done so in protest at the Government's reforms.

The Federation's members were asked the question: "Do you wish for PFEW to seek the right for police officers to take industrial action?"

Its policy states that a clear mandate to seek industrial rights can only be provided by more than half of its total membership voting in favour.

The vote came after the group's officials said 20% cuts to policing and "attacks" on pensions, pay and conditions had sparked "unprecedented discontent and low morale".

Relations were further damaged by a report by former rail regulator Tom Winsor which recommended that police forces should face changes to pay, conditions and recruitment.

Suggested reforms included cutting pay for new constables by £4,000 to £19,000 and creating a fast-track to inspector scheme.

Chief constable roles should also be opened up to foreign candidates for the first time, according to the report.

Home Secretary Theresa May has said she is minded to press ahead with the radical overhaul proposed by the civilian lawyer.

A recent survey indicated just over half of police officers would consider looking for another job because of concerns about the changes.

The Federation's central committee will now discuss the ballot result before deciding its next move.

Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Damian Green said: "I am pleased the vast majority of police officers do not want the right to strike - their work is too important.

"Our police have done a fantastic job to cut crime by 10% over the first two years of this Government, despite having to play their role in cutting the country's record deficit.

"The Federation has a key role to play in driving our reforms on improving professionalism and leadership across all ranks and I look forward to working closely with them in the future."

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Queen's New Guard: 'Big Tone And Little Tone'

Queen In Hospital Over Stomach Bug

Updated: 8:49am UK, Monday 04 March 2013

The Queen is being treated in hospital "as a precaution" after suffering from the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Her Majesty, who is aged 86, spent the night at the King Edward VII's Hospital in central London.

The monarch is in "good spirits" and is otherwise in good health, according to her spokesman.

She was driven to the hospital by private car at about 3pm yesterday and is expected to remain there for a couple of days.

The spokesman said: "This is a precautionary measure. She was not taken into hospital immediately after feeling the symptoms.

"This is simply to enable doctors to better assess her."

The Queen was last in hospital in 2003 when she had a knee operation.

All official engagements planned for this week will be postponed or cancelled, Buckingham Palace said.

These include a visit to HMS Lancaster in London today, and a reception for MPs and MEPs at Buckingham Palace, which will now be hosted by another member of the royal family.

A two-day tour to Rome with the Duke of Edinburgh, which was due to begin on Thursday, has also been called off.

The Queen had been due to meet Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, who sent her his "best wishes for a speedy recovery".

Prime Minister David Cameron also wished the Queen well.

The Queen's sickness was first announced on Friday. She had been due to attend a military celebration in Swansea on Saturday for St David's Day celebrations, but was forced to cancel because of the illness.

Instead, the monarch spent the day resting at Windsor Castle.

Before her admission to hospital she presented a female member of staff an award for long service at Windsor.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and bowel. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhoea.

The two most common causes of gastroenteritis in adults in the UK are norovirus and food poisoning.

Medical experts said she would probably be treated with a drip. It is important to ensure patients are given combinations of sugar and salt to help fluids be absorbed.

Her Majesty has rarely missed a royal engagement due to ill health in recent years.

She was last forced to pull out of an investiture ceremony in October last year after suffering with a bad back.

She also missed a visit to the British Museum in October 2011 because of a cold.

The Duchess of Cambridge was treated at King Edward VII's Hospital last December for acute morning sickness.

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Queen In 'Good Spirits' As Treatment Continues

Queen Has Rarely Fallen Sick In Her Reign

Updated: 9:19am UK, Saturday 02 March 2013

During her six decades as monarch, the 86-year-old Queen has rarely taken time out of her active schedule of public engagements because of ill health.

She has had occasional problems with her back. In October, she was forced to cancel an appearance at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony, and she also had to miss a church service in Scotland a few days earlier.

In 2006, she suffered a strain to her back during her annual summer break at Balmoral which led to her cancelling a tour of Arsenal's new stadium.

A firm believer in homeopathy like her son the Prince of Wales, the Queen has often supplemented more conventional medical opinion with herbal remedies.

As a young woman, in January 1949, she caught measles and had to be separated from the newborn Charles.

The first time the Queen was admitted to hospital was in July 1982 when she had  a wisdom tooth extracted at the exclusive King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

In March 1993, she was forced to cancel several engagements because she had the flu.

However, in the same month, she refused to cancel a visit to a handbag factory despite having had three stitches in her left hand after being bitten by one of her corgis.

In January 1994, she wore a plaster cast after breaking her left wrist when her horse tripped during a ride on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The injury was not diagnosed until almost 24 hours later after she had remounted and ridden back to Sandringham unaware of the damage. Her wrist was X-rayed and set in plaster at a hospital in King's Lynn.

She was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in January 2003 for keyhole surgery on her injured right knee.

She had torn cartilage when she jarred the knee walking on rough ground during a private visit to Newmarket, Suffolk.

A 45-minute operation to remove the cartilage was a complete success and the Queen used a walking stick during convalescence when her official engagements were scaled down.

In December the same year, the Queen, then 77, returned to the King Edward VII for a similar operation on her left knee.

This time the damage appeared to be due to her advancing age or general wear and tear rather than a specific injury.

At the same time, surgeons removed minor - non-cancerous - lesions from her face in a double procedure lasting an hour and a quarter.

The Queen cancelled and postponed engagements but was fully active again in a few weeks.

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Weather: Cold Spell Set To Follow Spring Sun

Extreme UK Weather Prompts Warning

Updated: 8:59am UK, Monday 04 March 2013

The extremes of weather that Britain has experienced over the past year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate, the head of the Environment Agency has warned.

Analysis by the Government agency reveals that one in every five days last year saw flooding in England and Wales, while one in four days were spent in drought.

There was flooding on 78 days of the year, and for 95 days there was official drought declared for some areas, figures from the EA show.

Rivers such as the Tyne, Ouse and Tone went from record low levels to experiencing their highest flows since records began, in the space of four months, the agency said.

Recent Met Office analysis suggests the UK could experience a 1976-style drought every 10 years.

The EA said that with the population of London and the South East set to grow by 23% by 2035, action should be taken now.

Modelling suggests some river flows could be cut by up to 80% during the summer in the next 40 years as the climate changes, putting more pressure on businesses that rely on taking water from rivers for irrigation.

The EA has called for an increase in small-scale water storage reservoirs, which can take advantage of wet times and help farmers, commercial turf growers, golf clubs, sports stadiums and racecourses cope with dry periods.

There are currently around 1,700 such water storage reservoirs in England and Wales, supplying around 30% of irrigation needs, but they will need to increase as the UK faces more extreme weather as the climate changes, the agency said.

EA chairman Lord Smith said: "The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate.

"In 2012 we saw environmental damage caused by rivers with significantly reduced flows, hosepipe bans affecting millions and farmers and businesses left unable to take water from rivers.

"But we also saw the wettest year on record in England, with around 8,000 homes flooded.

"Interestingly 2007 - which also saw some of the most severe flooding in recent memory - also started the year with hosepipe bans.

"More of this extreme weather will exacerbate many of problems that we already deal with including flooding and water scarcity, so taking action today to prepare and adapt homes, businesses, agricultural practices and infrastructure is vital."

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PM Meets Families Facing Poverty At Food Bank

By Ian Woods, Senior Correspondent

The Prime Minister has made a secret visit to his local food bank, after criticism that Downing Street does not understand the increasing role they are playing in 'Austerity Britain'.

Mr Cameron visited the charity, which operates out of a church hall in his constituency in Oxfordshire, and spoke to volunteers who supply up to 10 families each week with emergency food parcels.

Nationally, the use of food banks has grown, with the largest operator, the Trussell Trust, now running 310 centres. The trust helped 260,000 people in the past year, an increase of 60,000 on the year before.

The Witney food bank was set up by Jo Cypher, who told Sky News: "We've had people coming in saying 'we've had a choice this week, either we buy electric, we buy gas, we pay bills, or we eat'."

Her colleague Julie Walker-Lock said they were helping a variety of people. "We're seeing from the elderly down to the families with young children. We've had a barrister in - he'd been looking after his wife and she'd passed away and he'd lost everything, and he came here, and we helped him out."

Melody Hopkins is one of the those who has used the Witney food bank. She told Sky News she was a victim of domestic violence, and then lost her job as a carer for disabled people.

More and more people are relying on food banks

Despite receiving benefits and child tax credits, she said she struggles to pay rising food and heating bills, and care for her eight-year-old son Toby who requires daily medication for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. She found it difficult to make the transition from wage earner to welfare recipient.

"My wages had stopped, so I had to wait for the benefits to kick in. We were desperate. We didn't have any food. At one point I had a fiver, in my back pocket, to just go and get some food.

"It's sad to think that I used to work, I used to do three meals a day, it was great, and now it's come down to one meal a day, because Toby gets free lunch at school. So I haven't eaten today - I'll eat later with him. I have gone without because Toby comes first ... it's sad when I can't give Toby the food he wants."

Difficulties in finding childcare after school for a child with special needs mean Ms Hopkins cannot get a full-time job, so she does voluntary work instead.

"I don't want to be on benefits. I want to go back to work and do a job. I've always worked. This is the only one or two years I haven't had a job," she said.

The food bank in Witney is housed in a church hall

Ms Hopkins added that she shops for clothes once a year, gets furniture from charity shops and avoids big supermarkets. 

"Every aisle is temptation, you need to go around those shops and not even look at the prices. I can't do that. I go in with a basket and it's the bare essentials - can we make tea out of what we've got? And you see people walking out with big trolleys and you think OK, I haven't got that, we've got what we need and we will go," she explained.

To help as many people as possible, and to avoid dependency, food banks permit only three visits per year, and recipients have to have been referred by a charity or other agency. GPs are now prescribing food as well as medicine to patients.

Dr Raj Kohli, from the Deer Park Medical Centre in Witney, told Sky News: "I do come across families who are struggling to appropriately feed their children. Particularly with fresh fruit and vegetables, it's expensive.

"We're not necessarily seeing the physical effects of malnutrition at this stage, but they are struggling. We need to look at their immediate needs, and a food bank can help their immediate needs."

Food bank user Melody Hopkins prepares a meal

Witney is not the sort of place you might expect to find poverty. The Cotswolds town has only 909 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and its unemployment rate is less than half of the national average. 

But there are enough people struggling to make ends meet to mean the food bank has become a vital resource. Even the local Brownie pack saved loose change and then put all their money together to buy tins of food to give to the poor. Shoppers and supermarkets both donate groceries which can be used in food parcels.

The volunteers at the Witney food bank were sworn to secrecy about the Prime Minister's visit, and no cameras were present.

But they said that he listened to their comments about why the food bank was needed and their fears that changes to the benefits system in April could bring a fresh influx of people who find it hard to pay their bills.

Previously, a Downing Street spokesperson has said: "Benefit levels are set at a level where people can afford to eat. If people have short-term shortages, where they feel they need a bit of extra food, then of course food banks are the right place for that. But benefits are not set at such a low level that people can't eat."

Affluent Witney is not necessarily where you would expect to find poverty

Volunteer Julie Walker-Lock told Sky News: "I think that was a very ill-informed statement they made. There is a genuine need for us to be here." 

Ms Cypher said: "We were glad he came, because I think he was blind to the fact that, like everybody else, supposedly Witney is very rich. It's actually quite the opposite. It's not.

"I think he went away with a better understanding of how the system works and why we're here. I'm hoping that we went away with some of those thoughts, and he will act on them."

For those who use the food banks, items like pasta and tins of soups can be an essential part of their diet. But sometimes it's having an occasional treat which can lift people out of depression. An unexpected Christmas hamper made all the difference to Ms Hopkins and her son.

"To everybody else they're not luxuries, but to me and my son they were luxuries. They were things I wanted to buy but couldn't afford to buy, and it brought some tears to our eyes.

"Christmas Day we just had a standard chicken. Most people have turkey, we didn't, we had tinned veg. I mean, it was OK, but we had the little extras like a cracker each, and mince pies. My son was like 'I got sweeties' and I actually wrapped them up and put them in his stocking - that's how important it is to us," she said.

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Councils 'Not Providing Enough Childcare'

More than two thirds of councils are failing to provide enough childcare for working parents, campaigners for families' rights have warned.

Only one in five local authorities have enough childcare for parents with children under two, and just one in three for school-age children, according to the Daycare Trust and Family and Parenting Institute.

And just one in seven have enough childcare for disabled children - a figure that has not improved in five years, it said.

The charity's chief executive, Anand Shukla, said the shortage is linked to the financial squeeze.

"Councils across England and Wales are failing families by presiding over a continuing shortage of high-quality, affordable childcare," he said.

"Local authorities have a legal duty to ensure a sufficient supply of childcare in their areas, but no doubt their failure to do so is linked to the tight financial squeeze they find themselves in, with ever more austere funding settlements.

"Only the Government can address this situation by investing more in providing support for parents."

Britain has some of the highest childcare costs in the world.

Figures published recently by the Department for Work and Pensions showed that a third of parents who want to work more cannot because they are unable to find affordable childcare.

The Government is set to announce childcare reforms

As part of coalition efforts to cut childcare costs, staff are to be able to take charge of six two-year-olds rather than four, while the ratio for children under the age of one will go up from three to four

But the charity's Childcare Costs Survey 2013 suggests such plans will have little impact on childcare costs.

Mr Shukla said: "Staffing costs are only part of a complicated picture, so allowing adults to look after more children at once is not only a risky idea, but an ineffective one too.

"With private and non-profit childcare providers exposed to the full force of a harsh business economy, we doubt whether parents will ever see any of the money saved by cutting nursery staff."

Ministers have still not finalised a much-heralded, wider shake-up of childcare funding and tax breaks.

The Government will make an announcement soon, a spokesman said.

"We are reforming the childcare system so that providers have more flexibility when they have highly qualified staff and childminders are better supported," he said.

"Ratio changes, which are not compulsory, will allow providers to have the flexibility to increase pay for better qualified workers.

"High quality providers will be able to expand and more childminders will enter the market - this will mean parents have more affordable childcare."

The charity's study will be published on Wednesday.

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Paul Gascoigne: I've Never Been As Bad As This

Paul Gascoigne says he is not ready to give up his fight against alcohol addiction after his emergency admission to a US rehab clinic.

The Sunday Mirror reported that the former football star told his friend Jimmy Gardner: "The drink nearly finished me off this time.

"I know I've never been as bad as this before. But I'm not ready to give up the fight.

"I'm getting better now. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there."

Friends of Gascoigne, 45, clubbed together to pay for his £6,000-a-week detox treatment, after a relapse in January.

He was transferred to a hospital following a seizure, where he spoke to Mr Gardner, 46, from his ward.

Mr Gardner told the Sunday Mirror: "Paul sounded frail and weak and scared.

"But I could hear something else in his voice too. I could hear grit and determination.

"No one knows Paul like I do and I can tell you, he's not for throwing in the towel.

"I love him to his bones. I can't think about him not being here. He'll beat the booze. He's done it before and he'll do it again."

He will now spend time in isolation in rehab, and has had his phone taken away as part of his therapy.

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Devizes: Man And Woman Found Shot Dead

The bodies of a man and woman have been found shot dead at a house in Devizes, Wiltshire police say.

The discovery was made at a house on Moonrakers Estate, shortly before 11am on Saturday.

The man has been named locally as Bill Dowling.

It is being described as an "isolated incident" and no-one else is at risk.

The families have been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that at shortly before 11am on Saturday, March 2, officers were called to a property at Moonrakers Estate, Devizes.

"On arrival the bodies of a man and a woman were found. An investigation into the circumstances of their deaths is under way.

"This is an isolated incident and we have no reason to believe that anyone else is at risk."

Cordons have been placed around the scene as investigators continue their enquiries.

More follows...

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