Zanzibar Acid Attack Victim Tweets Her Thanks

Zanzibar Acid Attack: Two Held

Updated: 4:59pm UK, Friday 09 August 2013

Two girls from London who had acid thrown in their faces on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar have arrived back in Britain.

:: WARNING: This story contains a graphic image depicting acid burns

A medevac plane carrying Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, both 18, landed at RAF Northolt at lunchtime and the pair were taken away in two ambulances.

They were then transferred to the specialist burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and reunited with their families.

The teenagers were attacked by two men on a motorbike as they walked through the historic capital Stone Town on Wednesday night.

The acid was splashed over their faces, chests, backs and hands.

Their arrival back in Britain came as a Zanzibar police chief told Sky News that five people have been questioned over the acid attack.

Regional police commander Mkadam Khamis said two of the suspects are being detained for further interrogation while the other three have been released.

Police on the island have also offered a reward of 10 million Tanzanian shillings (£4,000) for information leading to any arrests. 

Sky News Foreign Affairs Correspondent Lisa Holland said there were some suggestions that one of the people held was a local shopkeeper who had been in an altercation with one of the girls a few days before.

But she added that the motive remained unclear - with other reports of eyewitnesses saying the acid was not intended for the British teenagers but someone else walking down the road.

The pair, who had been volunteering at an orphanage on the island, were taken to hospital in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland, before being flown home.

Miss Gee's mother Nicky Gee told Sky News her daughter had suffered burns to her "whole face and her whole body" in the "vicious attack".

A photograph released by the girls' families showed the injuries Miss Gee of them suffered in the attack.

The girl is shown wearing an open striped shirt and a silver necklace. What appear to be acid burns are clearly visible on her chin, neck and upper chest.

Miss Trup also reportedly received horrific burns and was said to be "inconsolable".

The young women, who are from north London and were planning to start university in the autumn, were enjoying the last week of a trip as volunteer teachers to the predominantly Muslim island when a corrosive substance was thrown at them.

The trip had been organised by i-to-i Travel, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and runs gap year trips to parts of Africa, Asia, central and South America and Australia.

Trips to teach in Zanzibar, based in Stone Town, start at £669 for two weeks, according to its website.

In its latest statement, i-to-i Travel confirmed the girls had been repatriated to the UK and said: "We welcome the proactive investigations being carried out by local authorities in Zanzibar and continue to liaise with them.

"We wish the girls a fast and full recovery and our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time."

The organisation added that it had advised all its customers still in Zanzibar "to remain vigilant" and anyone due to fly out there this weekend had been given the option to volunteer at a different project, but all had chosen to continue to travel to Tanzania.

The Foreign Office travel advice for Tanzania warns that although most visits to the country are trouble-free, "violent and armed crime is increasing".

The advice, available on its website, says: "Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country."

It adds: "In Zanzibar, incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches."

Jakaya Kikwete, Tanzania's president, is reported to have visited the women at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam and promised that the men responsible for the "shameful" attack would be found.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean around 22 miles off the mainland.

The semi-autonomous region of Tanzania is predominantly Muslim and has been the scene of some religious violence in recent years.

Earlier this year two Christian leaders were killed and in November a cleric was treated in hospital after an acid attack. This is the first such assault on foreigners in the popular tourist destination.

A further announcement from the police in Zanzibar regarding the case is expected later today.

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Labour: Miliband Told To Raise His Game

Labour MP Attacks 'Confused' Party

Updated: 4:55pm UK, Thursday 01 August 2013

A veteran Labour MP has condemned the party's "confused" stance on key issues and expressed major fears about its re-election hopes.

George Mudie, MP for Leeds East since 1992, attacked the leadership for failing to set the agenda and questioned the lack of energy.

The former minister, a close ally of Gordon Brown, said Ed Miliband's problems included being "young" and the role played by the unions in his election as leader.

"I have difficulty knowing what we stand for now," he told BBC Radio 4's The World At One.

"We are 18 months away from an election thinking that we will put out a document on all these major items and the public will say 'Oh great.'

"And I think, often, at the moment, the Government are setting the agenda, making the weather and we're responding to it.

"Tony Blair and Gordon Brown never did that... . We're not setting any agenda, we're responding to the Tories."

Mr Mudie declared that Labour had to "demonstrate to people that we are relevant to their lives" if it is to get back into power.

If the party was not "offering something different" people would "stick with what they have got", he warned.

"There has to be and there is some concern that the lead we have in the polls, first of all is not firm enough, big enough," he added.

"Will it withstand a general election discussion?

"But the real thing is, do you know, because I don't, know our position on welfare, do you know our position on education, do you know our genuine position on how we'd run the health service?

"If you're not getting a clear enough message to me, and to some of my colleagues, what are you, what kind of message do you think you're putting out there?

"I remember before we won, 1992, the five years to 1997, this place was bubbling, we were energetic, we were at them, we thought we had all the answers.

"We're not at them and we're slightly hesitant and we're slightly confused and I deeply worry about that."

His comments come after Labour saw its poll lead over the Tories slip to just three points, according to the latest survey from ComRes.

The findings will fuel disquiet within Labour that the party and its leader is not making enough headway, with the next election now under two years away.

Mr Miliband, who is currently on holiday in the south of France, also faces a battle with the unions in the coming months after vowing to reform the party's union ties.

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan insisted Mr Miliband was doing the "heavy lifting" to win the election in 2015.

"We haven't got the luxury of what George had between 1992 and 1997 of being out of power for 18 years," he said.

"Since Ed has been leader the Labour Party has been ahead in the polls. I would remind you that the Conservatives spent 13 years in opposition up to 2010, and still did not win a general election outright."

Tory chairman Grant Shapps said: "This is all starting to sound very familiar. Yet another senior figure in the Labour Party has broken ranks and condemned Ed Miliband, this time as 'hesitant and confused'.

"Ed Miliband offers weak and directionless leadership to an increasingly restless Labour Party."

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Chris Huhne Lands Top Job At Energy Firm

Disgraced former MP Chris Huhne has landed a lucrative job at a US energy firm just months after being released from prison.

The ex-energy and climate change cabinet secretary has become the European manager of Zilkha Biomass Energy, according to the company's website.

He is reported to be on a salary of £100,000 for the two-day-a-week position, which will raise questions about the links between politics and business.

Huhne and ex-wife Vicky Pryce were released from jail in May after serving 62 days of an eight-month sentence for perverting the course of justice.

They lied about who was driving when the politician was due to receive penalty points in 2003 so that he could avoid a driving ban.

Vicky Pryce is writing a book about prison

The truth emerged only years later after the then senior Lib Dem left his wife of 26 years for another woman and Pryce approached the press to get her revenge.

Huhne finally admitted his guilt on the day his trial was due to start, after failing to have the case thrown out.

Having already resigned from the Cabinet when he was charged, he then quit as a Lib Dem MP and privy councillor.

Pryce pleaded not guilty, claiming she was forced to take the points by her then husband, but her story was ultimately rejected.

Huhne's biography on the Zilkha Biomass website details his work as a Government minister and previous careers in finance and journalism but does not mention his fall from grace.

It says he was appointed in July "with the remit of growing the business in the European Union".

And it hails the politician, once tipped as a future Lib Dem leader, as "one of the pioneers in calling for political action to deal with global warming".

The move has been given the go ahead by the Advisory Commission on Business Appointments, which advises the Prime Minister about former ministers' new jobs.

This is despite him being Energy Secretary until last year and having access to privileged Government information.

According to The Sun, he also met representatives from Zilkha Biomass during his time as Secretary of State.

The committee reportedly concluded that he had not been involved "in the development of policy, award of grants or regulatory work" that might have affected the company.

A spokesman told The Sun that Huhne "was not aware of any contractual relationship between his former department and ZBE and had no access to commercially sensitive information about any competitors".

Huhne had been keeping a low profile since his jail term, which he described as a "humbling and sobering experience".

Both he and Pryce, with whom he has three children, have to wear electronic tags.

Pryce, a former top economist who last month had her honour for government service revoked by the Queen, is working on a book about her experiences called Prisonomics.

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Belfast: 56 Police Hurt In 'Mindless Anarchy'

Police have confirmed the number of officers injured during rioting in Belfast was 56.

A total of four officers needed hospital treatment with one being kept in after the violence overnight on Friday.

Northern Ireland's Chief Constable described the loyalist rioters who wrecked parts of central Belfast as indulging in mindless anarchy.

Matt Baggott said protesters attacked police with missiles, including scaffolding poles and paving stones ripped up from a main shopping district.

He warned that the "prisons would be bulging" once the police had identified and arrested those responsible.

Water cannon is used to disperse protesters during rioting in Belfast

The violence erupted in the Royal Avenue area, a usually busy commercial street close to City Hall, as more than a thousand loyalist demonstrators gathered to protest at a republican rally to mark the 42nd anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

The republican parade was rerouted but some sectarian clashes still occurred as the march passed close to the loyalist protesters.

Northern Ireland's Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton had earlier said the violence had been started by "crowds intent on creating disorder."

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers described the violence and attacks on police as "shameful".

A loyalist is arrested by riot police in the centre of Belfast

She told Sky News: "I blame the people who came out on the streets and carried out this disgraceful violence. The UK government stands fairly and squarely behind Matt Baggott and his officers in Northern Ireland.

"If people on the streets think this is defending a cause then they are completely mistaken. This is not the way to support Britishness.

"They are not going to achieve anything from this other than a criminal record."

After a number of years of relative calm following the IRA ceasefire in the 1990s, Northern Ireland has seen increasing outbreaks of violence and sectarian protest. 

Last month parts of Belfast were consumed by more rioting, predominantly loyalist, when Orangemen were banned from parading past the nationalist Ardoyne area.

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Revealed: The UK's Most Wanted Tax Fugitives

By Poppy Trowbridge, Business and Economics Correspondent

A rogues' gallery of the UK's most wanted tax fugitives has been released in an effort to collect hundreds of millions of pounds in unpaid duty.

One year on from releasing the details of the UK's 20 most sought-after tax criminals, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has now added the names and photographs of 10 more fugitives to that original target list.

Those on the list are being pursued for a range of crimes, including VAT fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

Together, their crimes have cost the taxpayer close to £720m.

Among the new names on the list are Michael "Arthur" Fearon, who is wanted in connection with evasion of excise duty on nearly £8.4m of cigarettes, and is believed to be in the Republic of Ireland.

Chancellor George Osborne says tax evasion 'will not be tolerated'

Anish Anand, who is believed to be in the UK, is wanted in relation to £6m VAT and film tax credit fraud, while Michael George Voudouri is wanted in connection with a £10m VAT fraud. He is believed to be in Northern Cyrpus.

And Sumir Soni (aka John Soni, John Miller, Samir Soni, Bhader Singh), who is believed to be in Kenya, is wanted in connection with evading duty of £3.6m from the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol, and the illegal importation of nine million cigarettes.

Anthony Judge, who was wanted for his role in over £350,000 of tax fraud and had been on the run for 10 years, was detained at Heathrow Airport last month as he attempted to enter the UK on a forged passport.

He is the second of HMRC's most wanted to be captured since the rogues' gallery was first published.

In May, John Nugent was apprehended in the US after the authorities there saw the list.

The gallery has been viewed more than 1.5 million times, with new intelligence received from the public on the current whereabouts of 17 of the 20 named on the original list.

HMRC has also launched an interactive map of the world to illustrate where the tax fugitives are believed to be.

The crimes of those on the list have cost the taxpayer £720m

Chancellor George Osborne said: "Our message is clear, tax fraud and evasion is illegal and will not be tolerated.

"The Government has stepped up HMRC's enforcement activities to enable them to pursue tax cheats relentlessly around the world."

"This new list will help put more tax fraudsters in the spotlight and bring them to justice."

The Chancellor has faced public outrage in recent months over the number of large, multinational corporations operating in Britain that pay little or no corporation tax on earnings which can top billions of pounds each year.

Yet some tax experts say HMRC is missing the real problem in tackling tax avoidance.

Richard Murphy, of Tax Research UK, told Sky News: "The problem is very large companies who aren't paying very large amounts of tax that they might owe because of skilful tax avoidance by accountants and lawyers.

"The second problem is actually ordinary people avoiding and evading income tax by putting cash in their pockets … paying their builders, their plumbers, their cleaners, their tutors and everybody else without tax being paid and that is a massive problem in our economy.

"But the big problem is not this form of crime of which this list is being published about."

Taxpayers Alliance chief executive Matthew Sinclair said part of the difficulty was with the UK's "hugely complex and fundamentally dysfunctional tax system".

He said reforming taxes to make them simpler would reduce the scope for evasion and free up HMRC resources to focus on fraud.

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Hull City AFC Renamed Tigers By Owner Allam

Hull City AFC will be renamed Hull City Tigers, it has been revealed by the Egyptian-born owner who runs the risk of stoking a backlash among fans.

Owner Assem Allam has confirmed that the club will abandon the Association Football Club moniker at the start of the new season. It has been part of the Yorkshire club's name since its formation in 1904.

Mr Allam made the announcement in the Hull Daily Mail, saying: "Hull City is irrelevant. My dislike for the word 'City' is because it is common.

"City is also associated with Leicester, Bristol, Manchester and many other clubs.

"I don't like being like everyone else. I want the club to be special. It is about identity. City is a lousy identity. Hull City Association Football Club is so long."

Any references to AFC on club branding are to be phased out, although AFC will remain on the shirt crest during their first season back in the Barclays Premier League, before being removed from the 2014/15 campaign.

Assem Allam celebrates after the team is promoted to the Premier League

According to the Mail's report, Mr Allam wants to market the club as Hull City Tigers locally and Hull Tigers to national and international audiences.

"In the commercial world, the shorter the name, the better. The more it can spread quickly," Mr Allam said.

He took over Hull City in 2010 following their relegation from the top flight and his investment is credited with saving the club from a significant financial crisis.

"I have always used short names in business. It gives you power in the science in marketing. The shorter, the more powerful the message. In Tigers, we have a really strong brand," Mr Allam said.

Mr Allam's son and vice-chairman Ehab Allam defended the decision to drop AFC from the club's name

He said: "AFC is redundant, it is not used by the club, the fans never mention AFC, nor do the media. We have dropped something that is redundant, that is of no value, and is of no use."

However, Ehab Allam admitted the club could not force people to accept the rebrand.

He said: "People have the right to call the club what they like, it's their club.

"We are not going to fans and saying they all have to refer to us in the same way.

"They call it what they like, we will do the same, but it is for commercial reasons that we are choosing this branding."

Managing director Nick Thompson, meanwhile, sought to quell supporter upset over the change by urging them "to judge it in the fullness of time".

Bernard Noble, of the Hull City Official Supporters' Club, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "My personal opinion is I'm disappointed because I'm a bit of a traditionalist. But this guy saved us from liquidation and administration and it's his club."

Fans expressed their anger at the change on various websites.

User Kinoftheheat said on the website Hull City Mad: "It's embarrassing and makes me feel a little further away from the club.

"I will not use the term and will not buy anything with the term on it."

User Exiled said on fan site City Independent: "We are Hull CITY, we have been for 109 years and since we played in black and amber stripes our nick name has been the tigers not the other way around.

"I fear this is going to get ugly just when we should be celebrating our finest hour.

"I'm going to say it sounds like an innocent misjudgement and one that can quickly be put right."

However TenfootTiger said on the same website: "I'm not too bothered. What's matter with you all? You're all being too conservative and Luddite-like.

"Times change, things move on and they obviously want to harness the international marketing opportunities - and what's wrong with that?

"Anyway, nothing has really changed. The name is HULL CITY TIGERS. (NOT Hull Tigers)."

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Probe Into Government's 'Go Home' Poster Van

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is investigating the Home Office poster van campaign targeting illegal immigrants.

The ASA said it had received 60 complaints, which expressed concerns that the ads were "reminiscent of slogans used by racist groups to attack immigrants in the past".

The poster van carried the slogans: "In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest." A second line on the advert claimed: "106 arrested in your area". It then encouraged illegal immigrants to text "home" to the number 78070.

The campaign attracted widespread criticism, including censure from the Business Secretary Vince Cable, who called it "stupid and offensive".

However, Downing Street insisted that it was working and that immigrants were volunteering to leave, although the Home Office did not provide figures.

The van travelled through Barnet, Hounslow, Barking and Dagenham, Ealing, Brent and Redbridge as part of a £10,000 pilot scheme, which ended at the end of last month.

Liberty's response to the Home Office 'Go Home' van

Responding to criticism, Downing Street pointed out that the scheme was cheaper than the £15,000 cost of forcibly removing illegal immigrants from the country.

They suggested the scheme could be rolled out across the country.

An ASA spokesman said: "I can confirm that the Advertising Standards Authority has launched a formal investigation into the Home Office 'Go Home' ad campaign following 60 complaints.

"Complainants have expressed concerns that the ad, in particular the phrase 'Go Home', is offensive and irresponsible because it is reminiscent of slogans used by racist groups to attack immigrants in the past and could incite or exacerbate racial hatred and tensions in multicultural communities.

A suspected illegal immigrant is arrested in Swansea in a crackdown

"Separately, some complainants have challenged whether the claim '106 arrests last week in your area' is misleading.

"They've also challenged whether it is misleading because it implies arrest is the automatic consequence of remaining in the UK without permission."

Chris Bryant MP, Labour's shadow immigration minister, said: "This is another embarrassing blow to a Government which continues to fail to deal with immigration.

"With more people absconding at the border and fewer illegal immigrants being returned, David Cameron and Theresa May can't even get the basics right, stumbling from one shambles to another.

"You've got to question the Government's competence. We need effective action on immigration not offensive stunts."

A Home Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are in contact with the Advertising Standards Authority over this investigation and will respond in due course."

The ASA's probe is in addition to another investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into a wave of immigration checks across the country.

The EHRC launched the probe after it was claimed that the spot checks - conducted at transport hubs up and down the country - were being carried out by border officials purely on the basis of ethnicity.

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Zanzibar: Two Held For Acid Attack On UK Teens

A Zanzibar police chief has told Sky News that five people have been questioned over an acid attack on two British teenagers, two of whom are being detained for further interrogation.

Regional police commander Mkadam Khamis said the other three have been released.

Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, both 18, were attacked by two men on a motorbike as they walked through the historic capital Stone Town on Wednesday night.

The acid was splashed over their faces, chests, backs and hands.

The terrified girls were taken to hospital on the mainland

Sky News Foreign Affairs Correspondent Lisa Holland said there were some suggestions that one of the people held was a local shopkeeper who had been in an altercation with one of the girls a few days before.

But she added that the motive remained unclear - with other reports of eyewitnesses saying the acid was not intended for the British teenagers but someone else walking down the road. 

The pair, who had been volunteering at an orphanage on the island, were taken to hospital in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland, and are due to be flown home today.

When they land at RAF Northolt in London it is thought they will be transferred to a specialist burns unit and reunited with their families.

Miss Gee's mother Nicky Gee told Sky News her daughter had suffered burns to her "whole face and her whole body" in the "vicious attack".

Katie Gee's mother, Nicky, told Sky News her daughter was badly burned

Miss Trup also reportedly received horrific burns and was said to be "inconsolable".   

The young women, who are from north London and were planning to start university in the autumn, were enjoying the last week of a trip as volunteer teachers to the predominantly Muslim island when a corrosive substance was thrown at them.

The trip had been organised by i-to-i Travel, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and runs gap year trips to parts of Africa, Asia, central and South America and Australia.

Trips to teach in Zanzibar, based in Stone Town, start at £669 for two weeks, according to its website.

In a statement, i-to-i Travel said the pair were released from a hospital in the country's capital, Dar es Salaam, where they had been flown for medical treatment after the "acid attack".

The family home of Kirstie Trup in north London

"All our efforts remain focused on ensuring they are supported whilst assisting them and their relatives with the arrangements for their return home," it said.

The Foreign Office travel advice for Tanzania warns that although most visits to the country are trouble-free, "violent and armed crime is increasing".

The advice, available on its website, says: "Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country."

It adds: "In Zanzibar, incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches."

Jakaya Kikwete, Tanzania's president, is reported to have visited the women at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam and promised that the men responsible for the "shameful" attack would be found.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean around 22 miles off the mainland.

The semi-autonomous region of Tanzania is predominantly Muslim and has been the scene of some religious violence in recent years.

Earlier this year two Christian leaders were killed and in November a cleric was treated in hospital after an acid attack. This is thought to be the first attack on tourists.

A further announcement from the police in Zanzibar regarding the case is expected later today.

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A&E Crisis: £500m Bailout Over Two Years

Struggling A&E departments in England are to be given a £500m Government bailout to help relieve pressure over the winter months.

The funding, announced by Prime Minister David Cameron, will be spread over the next two years to prepare the service for winter and will include £15m for the troubled 111 phone service.

The emergency care system has come under intense pressure, partly due to a rise in the number of people attending A&E.

Over one million more people attend the departments than three years ago.

David Cameron on a hospital visit in Salford on Thursday

Some experts have blamed issues in primary care, saying patients feel they have nowhere to turn once GP surgeries are closed.

Major problems with the new 111 service for non-urgent care are also thought to have impacted on A&E.

Last month, MPs on the Health Select Committee said plans to tackle problems were not robust enough.

The new funding is aimed at A&E departments identified as being under the most pressure and will be targeted at "pinch points" in local services.

Hospitals have already put forward proposals aimed at improving how the service works, including taking into account how other services feed into it.

One way of relieving pressure could be to minimise A&E attendances and hospital admissions from care homes by appointing hospital specialists in charge of joining up services for the elderly.

Consultants may also be called upon to review patients arriving by ambulance at A&E so that a senior level decision is taken on what care is needed at the earliest opportunity.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the money will help units over winter

Mr Cameron said: "With over a million more people visiting A&E in the last three years, services and staff can find themselves under pressure during the busier winter period.

"While A&E departments are performing well this summer and at a level we would expect for this time of year, I want the NHS to take action now to prepare for the coming winter.

"The additional funding will go to hospitals where the pressure will be greatest, with a focus on practical measures that relieve pinch points in local services."

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "This £500m will help A&E departments to prepare for winter and give patients confidence that they can quickly access safe and reliable emergency care."

A spokesman for the British Medical Association (BMA) said: "It is right that the Government is finally listening to the concerns of doctors and patients but, at a time when they are demanding cuts of £20bn across the NHS, this is nothing more than papering over the cracks.

"It is recognition that their austerity programme has hospitals facing ever increasing demands with diminishing resources."

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Big Baby: Brit Mum Has Heaviest Born In Spain

A British woman has given birth to the biggest ever baby born naturally in Spain, a hospital has said.

Maxime Marin, 40, did not even need an epidural - a painkiller delivered into the spine during childbirth.

The baby girl called Maria Lorena Marin weighed 13lb 7oz (6.095kg) which is about twice the size of an average baby.

Hospital Marina Salud in the Mediterranean city of Denia said she was in "perfect health" following the straightforward delivery.

Ms Marin said she expected the baby, born after 41 weeks, to be "big but not that big" as her three older children each weighed more than 9lb 14oz (4.480kg) at birth.

She brushed off the five-hour labour as "simple", while the newborn's Colombian father, Jaime Marin, said everything went well.

Dr Javier Rius, head of gynaecology at the hospital, said in his 40 years of practice he had never known a baby born naturally to weigh so much.

Earlier this year, a Californian woman gave birth to a child weighing even more than Maria.

Mum Maxime Marin and her newborn Maria (Pic: Hospital Marina Salud)

Jayden Sigler was 13lb 14oz (6.293kg) when he was delivered by Caesarean section.

And George King became one of the heaviest babies born naturally in England when he was delivered earlier this year weighing 15lb 7oz (7.002kg).

Almost two-thirds of babies born in England and Wales in 2010 weighed between 6lb 9oz (2.976kg) and 8lb 13oz (3.997kg), according to the Office for National Statistics.

Of the 700,000 children born during that year, more than 460,000 were in this range.

The heaviest baby ever born weighed 23lb 12oz (10.773kg) in Canada in 1879, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

But the baby, whose mother Anna Bates had giantism - a condition characterised by excessive growth and height significantly above average, died 11 hours later.

In 1955 a baby boy weighing 22lbs 8oz (10.206kg) was born to Carmelina Fedele in Aversa, Italy.

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Biggest Baby Boom For The UK In 40 Years

The UK population has grown by more than 400,000 in a year after the biggest baby boom in 40 years.

There were 813,200 births in Britain in the year up to 30 June 2012, which is the highest level seen since 1972.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the total population rose to an estimated 63.7 million, up from 63.3 million in mid-2011.

This represents growth of 419,000 - or a rise of 0.7% - with 104,000, or around a quarter, of the surge in London alone.

It was the largest rise of any country in Europe over the year and makes the UK the third largest EU nation behind Germany and France.

There were 254,000 more births than deaths over the year and 165,600 more international migrants arriving than emigrants leaving.

Across the 12 months, 517,600 migrants arrived in the UK compared to 351,100 who left - putting net migration at an estimated 165,600 for the year.

This is slightly higher than ONS data published in May, which put net migration at 153,000 in the year to September 2012, down a third on the 242,000 the previous year.

London's population rose 104,000 - a quarter of the overall annual total

Many of the migrants to the UK are from China, India, Germany, USA, Pakistan, Poland and Australia.

The birth rate was driven up by large numbers of women in their 20s and 30s becoming mothers, along with an increase in the number of migrant families in the UK.

The number of non-UK born mothers was about 26%, according to the ONS.

The Public Administration Select Committee warned last month that migration statistics are "little better than a best guess" and could be out by tens of thousands.

The Government, which is aiming to slash the total to under 100,000 by 2015, insisted the ONS estimates were "robust" and showed its reforms were working.

According to the new figures, people aged 65 and over now number 10.8 million, making up 17% of the overall population.

A drop in the number of smokers and improvements in health treatments for circulatory illnesses has seen more men live beyond the age of 75.

This category has increased by just over 26%, or 422,353, since mid-2001 to reach 2,043,034.

Together, London, the South East and East of England accounted for 53% of the total population growth with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland providing just 8%.

London was also the top choice for international migrants, seeing a net international migration rate of 69,000, compared to Northern Ireland where it was around 400.

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Zanzibar: Two British Teenagers In Acid Attack

Two British teenagers have had acid thrown in their faces in a late night attack on the island of Zanzibar.

Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, both 18, were attacked as they walked through the streets of Stone Town, the historical centre of the capital of the east African island, by two men on a motor bike.

The acid splashed their faces, chests, backs and hands.

The pair, who had been working as volunteer teachers at an orphanage, were flown to hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for treatment after the attack on Wednesday night.

Katie Gee had been volunteering as a teacher

A close friend of Katie Gee's family told Sky News that the two girls had been walking along a street when they were subjected to a "mindless and senseless attack".

They said that the girls were still in hospital waiting for a return flight to London where they would continue to be treated in hospital for their injuries.

They added that the girls had both had an amazing experience during their time in Zanzibar and that they were aware how to dress and behave appropriately in a Muslim country.

The two teenagers, from London, were with the volunteering organisation i-to-i as part of a four-week trip.

Kirstie Trup was also injured in the attack

They had been due to return home from the island, a popular destination for gap-year travellers, to the UK on Sunday.

In a statement the organisation said: "The motive for the attack is as yet not known and we will await the report from the local authorities in Zanzibar before any comment can be made.

"The female clients had been volunteer teachers on Zanzibar and were in the final week of their trip.

"The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us and our own investigation will be launched as soon as it is possible to do so."

The street in Stone Town where the attack took place

Their parents are understood to have been informed and the teenagers are expected to fly back on Thursday.

Deputy Police Commissioner Mkadam Khamis said: "Police in Zanzibar have launched a manhunt, and we ask for public assistance in identifying the attackers."

He added: "The motive for the attack on the volunteers, aged 18 years, has not been established."

Saleh Mohammed Jidawi, a senior health ministry official, said that the women's wounds were "not life threatening".

The assault is the first against foreigners in the popular tourist destination, however, there have been a series of local attacks in the archipelago, mainly on grounds of religion.

A Muslim cleric was subjected to an acid attack in November. In February a Catholic priest was shot dead and in December another priest was shot and wounded.

But police described the attack on the British teenagers as an "isolated incident" and refused to link it to rising religious tensions between Muslims and Christians.

The Indian Ocean islands, famed for their white sand beaches and historical buildings in Stone Town, listed as a world heritage site by Unesco, are mainly Muslim, with 3% of the 1.2 million people Christian.

The attack on the island, 22 miles off the coast of Tanzania, came at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as people began to celebrate the Eid holiday.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of an incident and are providing consular assistance."

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Outcry As Girl Called 'Sex Predator' By Judge

David Cameron has said it was inappropriate for a paedophile's 13-year-old victim to be described in court as "predatory".

Following an outcry from children's charities and campaigners, the Prime Minister agreed the justice system had to stand up for victims.

And he welcomed the review of the eight-month suspended sentence given to Neil Wilson, 41, which meant he walked free from court on Monday.

The Attorney General is looking at the case and will decide if it should ask the Court of Appeal to consider whether the punishment was unduly lenient.

Prosecutor Robert Colover reportedly told Snaresbrook Crown Court in London: "The girl is predatory in all her actions and she is sexually experienced."

Passing sentence, Judge Nigel Peters then said he had taken into account that the girl looked and behaved "a little bit older" than she was.

"The girl was predatory and was egging you on. That is no defence when dealing with children but I am prepared to impose a suspension," he said. 

Wilson, now living in York, had watched the girl strip out of her school uniform at his home in Romford, Essex, before she performed a sex act on him.

He admitted two counts of making extreme pornographic images and one count of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Peters told Wilson: "Allowing her to visit your home is something we have to clamp down on and in normal circumstances that would mean a significant term in prison."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the language used by its prosecutor was "inappropriate".

A spokesman said: "The transgressor in this case was the defendant and he bears responsibility for his criminal acts."

Mr Cameron said the CPS was "absolutely right".

"It isn't appropriate. We need a criminal justice system that stands up properly for victims," he said.

"The victims of crime should always be at the centre of our thinking and I am pleased the CPS has made that statement.

'Completely appalling': Caroline Criado-Perez

"I am also pleased that the Attorney General has said he is personally going to look into this case."

More than 4,000 people have already signed a petition set up by a campaigner working on behalf of sex abuse victims calling for a review.

She wrote on the Change.org website: "I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I could have been that 13-year-old girl who the judge and prosecutor described as 'predatory'.

"I have seen first-hand how this kind of victim-blaming prevents women from coming forward and protects men who commit these crimes."

The NSPCC warned that the case was part of a wider pattern about how child sex abuse cases are treated in the courts.

Alan Wardle, head of corporate affairs, said: "It was quite clear in the case the predator was the man who was in the dock, not a 13-year-old child, and it is quite clear that a 13-year-old child cannot be complicit in her own abuse.

"Making sure that judges and barristers in all these cases are properly trained and understand the nature of child sexual abuse and how children are groomed in these sort of cases is important."

A spokesman for Barnardo's added: "It is plain wrong to imply in any way that the experiences of sexually exploited children are something they bring on themselves."

Victim Support's chief executive Javed Khan said: "Victims of sexual abuse should be praised for their bravery in coming forward, not censured and have their credibility called into question - least of all by the prosecution.

"It is traumatic enough for anyone who is brought to court to face their abuser, but particularly so when this is a young vulnerable person. It is completely unacceptable for victims to be blamed in any way for the abuse they have suffered."

Caroline Criado-Perez, who received rape threats following her calls for Jane Austen to be the face on the £10 bank note, called the judge's decision "completely appalling".

She told Sky News: "It's really worrying that we're in the 21st century and we're still suggesting victims can be complicit in their abuse which is basically what calling a 13-year-old child a sexually predator is.

"I don't think you can ever call a child a sexual predator because they are a child. They are below the age of consent. We have laws specifically because of this kind of thing so that you can't say a child is responsible for her abuse.

"This adds to the horror that has happened to her. She has been abused and now we are blaming her for it. It's just unconscionable."

The Attorney General said a decision on whether the case is referred to the Court of Appeal will be made within 28 days.

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Herne Hill Flood As Water Main Bursts

Residents in a part of London woke up to find their properties several feet under water in a scene one man described as "apocalyptic".

The street was covered by water several feet deep. Pic: Crispin Sugden

The flooding hit Half Moon Lane in Herne Hill due to a burst water main and people were being advised to stay in their homes.

Fire crews, using special dingy-style boats, have been working to clear the water estimated at one metre deep and covering about 100 metres (328ft) of road.

The water comes in one house. Pic: Crispin Sugden

One of those affected by the flooding was Simon Eckel, landlord of the Half Moon pub.

He told Sky News the cellar was totally immersed in water up to 3m (9ft) high and there had also been about a metre (3ft) of water on the ground floor at one point.

Pic: Crispin Sugden

He said: "There's mud everywhere. I started hearing a car alarm about 5.15am and thought someone was trying to break in.

"Water was pouring into the cellar and it kept on rising."

Fire crews at the scene. Pic: Oscar Eckel

Mr Eckel estimated the cost of the damage would run into many thousands of pounds.

Another local resident Crispin Sugden tweeted: "Epic burst water main. For a second it was apocalyptic."

London Fire Brigade said: "Fire crews are attending a suspected burst water main on Half Moon Lane in Herne Hill.

A van tries to make its way through the water. Pic: Oscar Eckel

"Over 100m of road is flooded, and the water is a metre deep in some places. The large water main has now been switched off and the water is slowly receding."

The Half Moon pub was among the properties hit. Pic: Oscar Eckel

A spokesperson said: "Our crews are well equipped to deal with floods, and we have lots of specialist skills and equipment used at the scenes of incidents like this one.

"The most important thing for us is making sure that people are safe, so people who live in the affected street are being advised to stay in their homes until the water is cleared.

Pic: Oscar Eckel

"Then we will be helping to clear water out of basements, homes, and local businesses."

"Two fire engines from Brixton and West Norwood fire stations are at the scene with two fire rescue units from Lewisham and Battersea fire stations. Fire crews are using special dinghy-style boats to get around the flooded area."

An aerial image of the flooding. Pic: Met Police

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Missing Rania Alayed: Police Hunt For Campervan

Detectives investigating the murder of mum-of-three Rania Alayed have released a picture of a white campervan they believe could be connected to her disappearance.

Greater Manchester Police also revealed they have been searching a stretch of the A19 near Thirsk in North Yorkshire for her body.

The white campervan travelled from Manchester to that area of the A19 at about the same time the 25-year-old mother disappeared.

Ms Alayed was reported missing from her home in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, on July 2, having been last seen in public on the evening of June 7.

Her husband, Ahmed Khatib, and brother-in-law, Muhanned Mahmood Al Khatib, have been charged with her murder.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw this campervan on Saturday June 8

Police believe the campervan stopped at a layby on the northbound carriageway by the side of the A19 between 3am and 5am on Saturday June 8.

They have sent out letters to 350 motorists who are known to have driven in the area at that time to see if they have any information on the campervan.

Ms Alayed previously lived in Cleveland in northeast England and moved to Manchester in January.

Her disappearance was described by police as "extremely out of character".

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Marsh, of Greater Manchester Police's major incident team, said: "I cannot begin to imagine the hurt Rania's family are experiencing knowing she is still missing.

Officers believe the campervan stopped at a layby on the A19

"Since Rania disappeared in June we have been working tirelessly to find her, and will continue to do so.

" … We are hoping to hear from anyone who saw this white campervan and, in particular, if they saw it parked by the side of the road or in a layby.

"I understand there might not be anything unusual about a campervan parked on a layby in the early hours and I recognise it might not have struck you as significant at the time.

"However, we have reason to believe that Rania's body could be located near to this stretch of road and this is where we have been concentrating our searches.

"I am also interested to hear from anyone walking in the area or working who may have seen some suspicious activity or come across any unusual areas of ground such as a disturbance, cut vegetation. The area in question is in excess of 15 miles long and we have a large amount of ground to cover."

Anyone with information on the movements of the campervan, or who saw Rania after 7pm on June 7, is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4711.
 

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Bristol Zookeeper Suspended For 'Punching' Seal

A zookeeper has been suspended after allegedly punching a seal.

Bosses at Bristol Zoo Gardens have launched an investigation into what happened.

It has been alleged that a senior animal keeper lashed out at the South American fur seal, which belongs to the same family as sea lions, when handlers tried to weigh it and it refused to co-operate.

A source told The Sun: "The keepers were weighing the sea lions. The senior keeper had taken one off the scales and put the next sea lion on - but the junior keeper forgot to recalibrate the scales.

"As he went to take it off the sea lion then put its flipper on the scales and it is alleged the senior keeper hit it."

The zoo's head vet has examined all of the seals at the popular tourist attraction and they remain on public show in their enclosure.

A Bristol Zoo Gardens spokeswoman said: "A senior animal keeper at Bristol Zoo Gardens has been suspended pending further investigation of an alleged animal welfare incident that has recently come to light.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, Bristol Zoo is currently unable to discuss the details of the incident.

"However, the zoo has acted rapidly and comprehensively by instigating an immediate, formal and extensive investigation in line with its internal policies and legal welfare requirements.

"Michelle Barrows, head of veterinary services, has examined the seal family and all individuals are behaving normally, engaging happily and playfully with keepers and guests in their enclosure.

"The animal has been, and continues to be, on full public show.

"Bristol Zoo would like to make it very clear that it has a zero tolerance towards such behaviour and takes its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation seriously."

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Two Young Men Drown In Scotland Reservoir

A man and teenager who drowned in a reservoir in Scotland have been identified by police.

The bodies of Sean Marshall, 20, and Ross Munn, 17, were pulled from Mill Glen Reservoir near Ardrossan in North Ayrshire by specialist police divers shortly before midnight.

A search and rescue operation was launched at around 8pm on Monday night after the pair were seen getting into the water but failed to resurface.

A police underwater unit and helicopter were supported by around 10 firefighters and Coastguard staff. Two fire and rescue crews from Ardrossan and Ayr went to the scene, along with a Zodiac water rescue boat from Ayr.

Police said the families of Ross, from Ardrossan, and Mr Marshall, from Saltcoats, have been told of their deaths.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding what happened and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Mill Glen is a small reservoir with an earth embankment dam located about a mile northeast of Ardrossan.

Superintendent Neil Kerr warned people of the dangers of  playing or swimming in open water during warm weather.

"It may look calm on the surface, but there may be strong undercurrents," he said.

"The water can also be very cold and deep, and there are often sudden drops and underwater obstacles and undergrowth that you cannot see, causing even the strongest of swimmers to get into difficulty very easily."

Carlene McAvoy, Scotland's community safety development officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "When the weather hots up, we understand the temptation to go swimming in open water, like a reservoir, but there are many issues that people may not be aware of.

"Things to remember are that the water might be a lot colder and deeper than you expect, and there may be strong currents and underwater debris, which may lead to even the most experienced swimmer getting into difficulties.

"Consider how you are going to get out of the water before you get in, and be honest about your swimming ability."

She advised only swimming at "properly-supervised sites", such as beaches, lidos or swimming pools.

The latest fatalities takes this summer's death toll from swimming accidents to 18.

Some 13 of those occurred during the July heatwave, which was Britain's longest spell of hot weather for seven years.

Last week a 16-year-old's body was recovered from the River Tay near Perth, just days after two teenage friends died when one of them went bathing in the River Wear at Washington, Tyne and Wear, and the other jumped in to save her.

Police have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of entering rivers to cool off during the hot weather.

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Owners Of Killer Dogs May Face Life In Prison

Dangerous Dogs: The Victims

Updated: 11:51am UK, Tuesday 06 August 2013

Some 16 people have been killed by dogs in the UK since 2005. Here is a list of the cases...

May 2013: Clifford Clarke, 79, was outside his home in Clubmoor, Liverpool. Breed of the dog, belonging to a neighbour, was believed to have been a bull masitff crossed with either a Presa Canario or a bandog.

March 2013: Jade Lomas-Anderson, 14, from Wigan, Greater Manchester. Attacked by four or five dogs at a friend's house. Two were believed to have been bull mastiffs, two were Staffordshire bull terriers.

November 2012: Harry Harper, eight days old, from Ketley, Shropshire. Attacked by a Jack Russell in his cot.

October 2012: Gloria Knowles, 71, from Morden, south London. Suffered a heart attack when savaged by her daughter's dogs when she went to feed them. Two were Bordeaux bulldogs, two were American bulldogs and one was a mongrel.

January 2012: Leslie Trotman, 83, of Brentford, west London. He was in his garden when a neighbour's Pitbull-type dog escaped and attacked him.

December 2010: Barbara Williams, 52, Wallington, Surrey. Attacked by a Belgian mastiff in a garden.

April 2010: Zumer Ahmed, 18 months, from Crawley, West Sussex. Killed when her uncle's American bulldog got into the house.

November 2009: John Paul Massey, aged four, from Wavertree, Liverpool. Killed at home by his uncle's pitbull-type dog.

May 2009: Andrew Walker, 21, Blackpool, Lancashire. Bitten more than 50 times by his flatmate's two Alsatians.

February 2009: Jaden Mack, three months old, from Caerphilly, South Wales. Stafforshire bull terrier and Jack Russell attacked him on a table at home after his grandmother fell asleep.

January 2009: Stephen Hudspeth, 33, Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier and died days later from blood poisoning.

January 2008: James Redhill, 78, Plaistow, east London. His own pet Rottweiler attacked him in the street.

December 2007: Archie-Lee Hirst, one year old, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Attacked by a Rottweiler at his grandparents' home.

January 2007: Ellie Lawrenson, five years old, St Hellens, Lancashire, Attacked at her grandmother's home by her uncle's Pitbull-type dog.

September 2006: Cadey-Lee Deacon, five months, from Leicester. Taken from her Moses basket by two Rottweilers in the living area of her grandparents' pub.

November 2005: Liam Eames, one year old, from Leeds. Attacked at home by the family's American bulldog.

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Lake Woman: Police Issue Photograph Of Dress

Detectives are hoping that a photograph of a dress worn by a woman found floating in a university lake may help to identify her.

Officers have not been able to identify the woman since her body was recovered from the beauty spot at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, on Thursday.

They have launched a nationwide search after ruling out the possibility that she was a student or member of staff at the university and say there are no links to any missing people inquiries in Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire.

The dress is black with a large peach or cream rose pattern and a slightly gathered neckline and hem. It is a size 10 and has ties on the shoulders but has no labels indicating where it was bought.

"This is a fairly distinctive dress and we're keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a woman matching the description and wearing this item in the area around the university in the early part of last week," said Detective Inspector Richard Graveling, from Norwich CID.

"We are unable to establish where the dress was purchased and would be keen to hear from any retailers who believe they stock the item."

The woman, who was spotted floating face down in the water by an angler, was 5ft 7ins, slim and in her late 30s or early 40s. She had short, dark brown hair with a natural wave, which had been dyed auburn or dark red.

A post-mortem has failed to establish the cause of death and further tests are being carried out.

DI Graveling added: "There is no evidence at this stage to suggest the woman was the victim of violence or that a third party was involved. However, we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances surrounding the discovery."

Anyone with information should contact Norwich CID on 101.

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Man Charged After Bull Gores Rambler To Death

A man has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence in connection with the death of a rambler who was killed by a bull.

Roger Freeman, 63, was killed by the animal while walking with his wife along a public footpath through a field in Stanford on Soar, Leicestershire, on November 12, 2010, Nottinghamshire Police said.

He died at the scene from multiple injuries.

His wife, Glenis Freeman, who was 67 at the time, was critically injured and spent three weeks in hospital.

Alison Norton, specialist prosecutor handling special crime in the Crown Prosecution Service, said it was in the public interest to charge Paul Waterfall, 39, who was responsible for Underhill Farm, in Stanford on Soar, and its livestock at the time of the incident.

"This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Roger Freeman."

Waterfall has been bailed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 21.

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Train Delay: Passengers Stuck For Six Hours

First Great Western has apologised after hundreds of passengers were left stranded on a broken-down train for almost six hours.

The company admitted the delay was "unacceptable" after a fractured air pipe caused the brakes to lock on its service from Penzance to London Paddington.

Just under 500 people were on board when it stalled near Pewsey, Wiltshire.

The train arrived at Paddington at around 10.15pm on Sunday - five hours and 40 minutes after its expected arrival time, First Great Western said.

Sue Evans, a spokeswoman for First Great Western, said: "I'm really sorry for the significant delay experienced by our customers on the 11am train from Penzance to London Paddington this afternoon.

First Great Western has apologies for the long delay to passengers

"A delay of this magnitude is unacceptable and a full investigation will be carried out following today's train failure. The train suffered a fractured air pipe, which automatically applied the brakes as a safety measure.

"Our priority was to make sure our customers were looked after on the train and to get them moving as soon as we could. After extensive work to the train to get it moving, customers were met at Reading and London Paddington to make sure they could get to where they needed to go.

"We have already spoken to many customers but would urge everyone on the train to send us their details so that full refunds can be given in recognition of the poor service."

Many passengers took to Twitter to express their anger at the delay.

Jeremy Taylor wrote: "6 hours in a field on broken down First Great Western train today. Bad luck or incompetence?"

Judith Davey wrote: "Exeter - Paddington train broke down for 6 hours today - no water, toilets not working and poor info on journey status."

Mike Haydock tweeted: "Horrific journey with @FGW - train just started moving again after a five-and-a-half-hour standstill."

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Fracking: 'Fear Of Unknown' In Countryside

Fracking is causing a "fear of the unknown" in the British countryside and people need more information, a Conservative former minister has warned.

Nick Herbert, an ex-justice minister, claimed the controversial technique was considered the next biggest threat after unwanted housing developments.

Mr Herbert did not condemn fracking but made clear his constituents in the West Sussex seat of Arundel and South Downs have deep concerns about it.

The practice involves fracturing rock deposits deep below the ground with high-pressure blasts of water and chemicals.

Ministers believe it could lead to major cuts in energy bills by reducing the UK's reliance on other sources but campaigners are fighting drilling.

Former minister Nick Herbert

Protests were held at a site in Balcombe, West Sussex, last week as test drilling began despite energy company Cuadrilla insisting its current operations will not involve fracking there.

Mr Herbert told the Telegraph: "There is a lot of concern about the impact of new housing in West Sussex. This (fracking) is seen as a second threat to the countryside.

"People are worried about the implications and they don't have enough information to know how damaging it will be. It is the fear of the unknown that is exacerbating local concerns.

"People understand the national arguments about the need for secure and cheap energy, but they don't know how much this is going to damage the local environment.

"What you are talking about here is very beautiful and tranquil countryside that people are keen to preserve. At the moment it is unknown - we just don't know what the potential impact and scale of this is. There does need to be more information."

His comments come amid increasing signs of unease among MPs about the innovative method of extracting gas from shale deposits deep under the ground.

Another Tory MP, Eric Ollerenshaw, has suggested the development of shale gas facilities could create a new "North-South divide".

The Lancaster and Fleetwood MP warned that the North of England would not be prepared to absorb the potential environmental damage while the South reaped the financial rewards.

A young anti-fracking protester in Balcombe last week

He spoke out after Tory peer Lord Howell of Guildford sparked outrage by suggesting fracking should be confined to "desolate" parts of the North.

Lancashire has been identified as one of the areas with the most potential for hydraulic fracking, with a recent report suggesting there could be 1,300 trillion cubit feet of shale gas present.

Mr Ollerenshaw said: "We want [a] level playing field across the country. We do not want ... that the North gets the dirty end and the South sucks up all the energy."

Liberal Democrat party president, Tim Farron, has also said that a "short-sighted" rush to exploit deposits could cause long-lasting damage to the countryside.

"I am afraid the Government has seen flashing pound signs and has not considered the long-term threats fracking poses to the countryside," he said.

"I think this is a very short-sighted policy and we will all be left to live with the consequences."

Energy minister Michael Fallon was this weekend reported to have relished the prospect of fracking under the "chattering class" commentators in The Weald in the affluent South East.

The Mail on Sunday reported he told a private meeting that "the beauty" of drilling in Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey was that "of course it's underneath the commentariat - all these people writing leaders saying 'Why don't they  get on with shale?' We are going to see how thick their rectory walls are, whether they like the flaring at the end of the drive!"

A spokesman for the energy department did not dispute the paper's account of the comments, but said: "Fracking will only be allowed in the Weald if it is safe and poses no risk to the environment."

Friends of the Earth's policy and campaigns director Craig Bennett said: "Michael Fallon's unguarded comments will resonate across the UK and fuel more opposition to the Government's disastrous support for fracking.

"Ministers must pull the plug on shale gas and oil extraction, especially as there's plenty of evidence they won't lead to cheaper fuel bills.

"We need an energy policy based on cutting waste and developing the nation's huge renewable power potential - not one that wrecks our clean and pleasant land and pumps more pollution into our atmosphere."

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Flood Warning As Heavy Rain Sweeps Across UK

A huge rain band spreading from southwest England to southern Scotland has brought a warning of possible flooding from the Met Office.

A "be aware" alert has been issued for the western half of England, Wales and the Borders, with up to 2.3ins (60mm) of rain possible in parts of the South West.

The warning also covers Todmorden in West Yorkshire, which was hit by up to 18in (46cm) of water a week ago after a cloudburst and torrential rain.

While the heavy rain is bad news for most it could help England's campaign to retain the Ashes, forcing a draw in the third Test.

Rain threatens to settle the outcome of the third Ashes Test

Old Trafford woke to persistent rain which will linger throughout the afternoon, only clearing by early evening, says Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock.

For other areas, she said: "A band of slow-moving rain will extend from southwest England to southeast Scotland today, bringing tricky driving conditions and localised flooding.

"The heaviest rain will affect northern and western parts of England and Wales - here we could see up to two inches of rain in places."

Pennock added: "It's a very different story for Ireland and much of Scotland - there it will be drier and brighter with sunny spells.

Walden, near Todmorden, suffered severe flooding. Pic: Twitter/@jams1999

"Tuesday and Wednesday will be an improving story for most with drier conditions, some sunshine and temperatures peaking around 24C in the South East."

The rain and cooler temperatures follow weeks of hot weather which saw Thursday, August 1, become the hottest day of the year so far in the UK, when 34.1C was recorded at Heathrow.

The previous highest temperature was 33.5C which was recorded at both Northolt and Heathrow on July 22. 

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Ian Tomlinson's Family Welcome Police Apology

Ian Tomlinson's family have said Scotland's Yard public apology for his death is "as close as we are going to get to justice".

Police apologised for the death at the G20 protests in 2009 as they confirmed an out-of-court settlement has been reached with Mr Tomlinson's relatives.

The 47-year-old was hit with a baton and shoved by Pc Simon Harwood during the demonstrations in the City of London and later collapsed and died.

Mr Harwood was found not guilty of manslaughter last year but was later thrown out of the police for gross misconduct after disciplinary proceedings.

In its statement, Scotland Yard paid tribute to Mr Tomlinson's widow Julia and family for enduring the pain of his death "with dignity".

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Maxine de Brunner said: "I take full responsibility for the actions of Simon Harwood on 1 April 2009.

Pc Simon Harwood

"His actions fell far below the standard we expect from our officers. I accept the finding of the inquest that Mr Tomlinson was unlawfully killed.

"As the jury found, 'at the time of the strike and push, Mr Tomlinson was walking away from the police line. He was complying with police instructions to leave Royal Exchange Buildings. He posed no threat'.

"Today, I apologise unreservedly for Simon Harwood's use of excessive and unlawful force, which caused Mr Tomlinson's death, and for the suffering and distress caused to his family as a result."

Mrs Tomlinson described the last four years as "a really hard uphill battle" and said the family would never understand the trial verdict.

But welcoming the apology, she said: "It will always be painful for us that Ian died so violently, but at least he is at rest now, and the force has publicly acknowledged the truth.

"We hope that lessons have been learned and that other families will be spared the tragedy and ordeal that we have had to face.

"We loved Ian and will always keep his memory alive by talking about him and sharing our memories with each other as we finally start looking to the future again."

Immediately after Mr Tomlinson's death, officers claimed they had come under a hail of bottles as they tried to help him.

A detective inspector also incorrectly briefed a pathologist that he had fallen in front of a police van.

But the fatal encounter was caught on film by a New York hedge fund manager, who passed the footage to the Guardian newspaper.

It showed the newspaper seller walking away from a group of police officers and falling to the ground after he was hit and shoved by Mr Harwood.

The first post-mortem found he had died from a heart attack but later it was determined he had suffered internal injuries.

His widow described the video as "shocking" and said the family should never have had to go to court to establish that he was unlawfully killed.

Ms De Brunner apologised for the police's "ill-considered comments" immediately after Mr Tomlinson died and for how the family found out the truth through the press.

She also conceded mistakes were made in allowing Mr Harwood to move between the Met and Surrey Police despite a controversial disciplinary record.

The officer was due to face internal disciplinary proceedings in 2001 while working for Scotland Yard after he was accused of unlawful arrest, abuse of authority and discreditable conduct.

They were discontinued when he retired on medical grounds but he rejoined the force as a civilian worker and then became a police officer for Surrey.

He was later allowed to rejoin the Met in 2004 as part of its Territorial Support Group, specialising in public order.

"It is clear that insufficient recording and checks meant that detailed information regarding the officer's misconduct history was not shared at key points. We got it wrong," Ms De Brunner said.

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