Newborns To Be Tested For Rare Disorders

Newborn babies will be tested for four rare disorders under a programme launched by Public Health England today.

Every child born in England will be offered screening for the life-threatening conditions homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, glutaric aciduria type 1 and isovaleric acidaemia.

Each disorder is genetic and can cause learning difficulties, development problems, lifelong disabilities and even death.

The NHS already uses a blood test on babies aged five to eight days to screen for five conditions including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.

The same test is being extended as part of the programme.

The four disorders affect the metabolism.

Affected babies cannot process certain substances in food and without a carefully managed diet can become suddenly and seriously ill.

Early detection is expected to benefit about 30 children in England each year.

The conditions that will be tested for

Sixteen-month-year-old Phoenix Thompson was diagnosed with glutaric aciduria type 1 in the initiative's pilot programme at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

His mother Michelle Thompson said: "It is unexplainable how important the screening was for us. It means Phoenix can receive the care and treatment he needs.

"It doesn't bear thinking about what would have happened if the condition wasn't picked up early."

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison added: "Expanding the screening has the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of babies born with rare genetic disorders.

"Detecting the disorders early can help prevent babies being severely disabled or even dying, which is absolutely vital for the families affected."

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Search For Cargo Ship's Crew Called Off

The search for the missing crew of an overturned cargo ship has been suspended and will not be resumed.

Two helicopters, four lifeboats and five coastguard rescue teams have been looking for the eight people who were on the Cypriot-registered Cemfjord since Saturday afternoon.

The search began after the ship's upturned hull was spotted in the waters of the Pentland Firth.

It was halted when darkness fell on Saturday and resumed again on Sunday, but there has been no sign of the crew, made up of seven Poles and one Filipino.

The coastguard however is continuing to broadcast messages to all ships asking them to look out for anything that could be related to the vessel.

The search was taking place northeast of Wick

The last confirmed sighting of the ship was at about 1pm on Friday. There was no distress call before it sank.

The 83-metre bulk cement carrier was heading to Runcorn, Cheshire, on the west coast of the UK. She was carrying 2,000 tons of cement.

The families of the missing crew have been notified.

Northern Lighthouse Board ship Pharos is due on the scene on Monday morning to do a sonar examination of the seabed where the vessel sank and assess how it is lying on the seabed.

The RNLI tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the crew of the upturned cargo ship, their family, friends and all those involved in today's search operation."

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Prince Andrew Back In UK Amid Sex Claims

Buckingham Palace says there is "no record" of the Queen ever meeting a woman who claims she was forced to have underage sex with Prince Andrew.

Sky News understands the Duke of York flew home on a private jet from a ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland, following the allegations, which were made in court papers in the US.

Buckingham Palace has in recent days issued two denials over the woman's claims.

It has "emphatically denied" the Duke had sexual contact with the woman, who has been named in reports as Virginia Roberts.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman insisted "any suggestion of impropriety with under-age minors" was "categorically untrue".

The woman's father, Sky Roberts, claimed in an interview with the Daily Mail that his daughter met the Queen during a visit to London.

However, a palace spokesman insisted: "There is nothing to suggest the claim is true. We have no record of such a meeting."

Sky Reporter Harriet Hadfield said it is likely Andrew will return to his home in Windsor, making a face-to-face meeting with the Queen unlikely as she is in Sandringham.

Scotland Yard has confirmed it has not received a complaint relating to the case, but added it would investigate if an allegation was made.

Jeffrey Epstein was jailed for 18 months in 2008

Two Sunday newspapers have published details of interviews with the woman, who reportedly named Prince Andrew in US court documents.

Her claim is part of a lawsuit in connection with American billionaire and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - a former friend of the Duke.

Andrew was photographed with Epstein in New York two years after his release from prison in 2009, and has faced criticism over their friendship.

In an interview in 2011 he denied any sexual contact with any of the young women connected to the banker.

The woman claims that between 1999 and 2002 she "was forced to have sexual relations with this prince when she was a minor" in London, New York and on a private Caribbean island owned by Epstein.

She is believed to have been 17 at the time - underage in US law.

The accusation is reportedly contained in a motion filed in a Florida court this week which is part of a lawsuit over how prosecutors handled Epstein's case.

The Duke is understood to be planning to attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, later this month, despite the controversy.

An associate of Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, has branded the claims against her as "untrue" and "obvious lies" after she, too, was reportedly named in the court documents.

But the woman has hit back, saying in a statement: "These types of aggressive attacks on me are exactly the reason why sexual abuse victims typically remain silent and the reason why I did for a long time.

"That trend should change. I'm not going to be bullied back into silence."

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Oldham Sponsor To Cut Ties If Ched Evans Signs

One of Oldham Athletic's main sponsors says it will be "out of the door" if convicted rapist Ched Evans is signed.

Craig Verling, a director of Verlin Rainwater Solutions which sponsors a stand at Boundary Park, said: "The club know our stance and that is if they sign or allow Ched Evans to train we will be out of the door."

The player is believed to have held fresh talks with the side, who insisted in December they would not offer him a contract or a chance to train.

Thousands of people have signed a petition against convicted Mr Evans potentially joining the club.

The letter to Oldham chairman Simon Corney - which has attracted more than 20,000 signatures since Sunday - comes as the club prepares to stage a news conference today.

Video: What Do Fans Think?

Now a local newspaper reports that Mr Corney is now "wavering" as a result of the backlash, and the decision now hangs in the balance.

Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief Gordon Taylor confirmed a League One team would make an announcement about signing the 26-year-old striker on Monday - but would not name them.

Evans was released from prison in October after serving two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence for rape.

He still protests his innocence. Oldham have yet to comment.

Video: Justice Secretary On Evans' Future

Evans had an offer to train with former club Sheffield United retracted in November following a backlash.

Tranmere and Hartlepool have also rejected the opportunity to sign him.

The PFA has said it will support Evans continuing his football career.

News of Oldham's interest has prompted a lively debate on fan forums but Sky News Correspondent Becky Johnson said it is the sponsors "we really need to watch".

Video: The Legal Position

She said: "It will be very interesting to see what sponsors here in Oldham will make of this, as we understand it is the case that Ched Evans will be coming here, because of course in the end in football it does all come down to money."

Oldham have previously signed a player convicted of a criminal offence.

Lee Hughes, who served three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, played for the club after his release in 2007.

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Second Palace Denial Over Andrew Sex Claims

Buckingham Palace has issued a second denial over a woman's claims she was forced to have underage sex with the Duke of York.

It has branded the allegations "false and without any foundation".

The denial comes after two Sunday newspapers published details of interviews with the woman, who reportedly named Prince Andrew in US court documents.

The palace said on Friday that "any suggestion of impropriety with under-age minors" by him was "categorically untrue".

In the second statement, a spokesman said: "It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with (the woman).

"The allegations made are false and without any foundation."

The woman's claim is part of a lawsuit in connection with American billionaire and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - a former friend of the Duke.

Andrew was photographed with Epstein in New York two years after his release from prison in 2009, and has faced criticism over their friendship.

In an interview in 2011 he denied any sexual contact with any of the young women connected to the banker.

Epstein was jailed for 18 months in 2008

The woman claims that between 1999 and 2002 she "was forced to have sexual relations with this prince when she was a minor" in London, New York and on a private Caribbean island owned by Epstein.

She is believed to have been 17 at the time - underage in US law.

The accusation is reportedly contained in a motion filed in a Florida court this week which is part of a lawsuit over how prosecutors handled Epstein's case.

The Mail on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror have since published details of interviews given by the woman in recent years, in which she discusses three alleged encounters with the Duke.

According to the Sunday Express, Andrew was due to fly back to Britain later following a ski trip in Switzerland.

Epstein was convicted in 2008 and spent 13 months in jail after he admitted having sex with a 14-year-old.

He had been investigated for paying underage girls to have sex with him at his luxury Palm Beach home - and 40 women had come forward as victims.

However, he cut a deal with federal prosecutors and the charges were not progressed.

Two of his victims have now brought a case against the prosecutors, claiming their rights were violated because they were not consulted on the secret deal.

The woman, referred to as Jane Doe 3 in documents, has applied to the court to be included in the lawsuit.

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Fears For Eight As Vessel Overturns Off Scotland

A major search effort has resumed in a bid to find the missing crew of an overturned cargo ship.

Two helicopters, four lifeboats and five coastguard rescue teams are looking for the eight people who were on the Cypriot-registered Cemfjord.

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said "every effort" was being made to find them.

Pictures released by the RNLI show the Cemfjord during the rescue operation

The Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) has also deployed a team to investigate.

The search was sparked after the crew of a passenger ferry raised the alarm when they spotted the upturned hull of the vessel in the Pentland Firth, off the north coast of Scotland.

After darkness fell it was called off, although passing vessels were asked to scan the area, between Orkney and John O'Groats.

The MCA spokeswoman said: "The search has resumed this morning, with two helicopters, four lifeboats and five coastguard rescue teams. There is no sign of any of the crewmen.

The search has been taking place northeast of Wick

"It is early in the day so we will see how the day progresses, but every effort is under way."

German shipping company Brise of Hamburg confirmed that there were eight people on the ship, seven Poles and one Filipino.

A spokesman for the company said: "No distress call was received from the vessel. Bad weather prevailed in the area at the time and conditions remain difficult at the scene, with storm force winds."

Shetland Coastguard was alerted by the NorthLink ferry Hrossey which spotted the vessel around 10 miles east of the Pentland Skerries, about 15 miles from Wick.

The 83-metre bulk cement carrier had been bound for Runcorn, Cheshire, on the west coast of the UK. She was carrying 2,000 tons of cement.

The RNLI tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the crew of the upturned cargo ship, their family, friends and all those involved in today's search operation."

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Man Stabbed To Death In Manchester

A murder investigation has been launched after a 26-year-old was stabbed to death in Manchester's city centre.

The man was found at about 3.25am in Charles Street in the city centre and died later in hospital.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson of Greater Manchester Police said: "A young man has sadly died and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his relatives and friends.

"I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through and specially-trained officers are offering them whatever support we can."

She appealed for any witnesses to come forward, adding: "We are in the very early stages of the investigation and we have a team of experienced detectives working to establish the circumstances leading up to his death."

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Det Supt Rawlinson said:"Although one man has been arrested in connection with the murder, we still need to hear from anyone who was around the Charles Street area in the early hours of this morning or has any information which may assist us with our investigation.

"We will have an increased police presence in the area as we continue our investigation and to reassure local residents, so if you have any concerns or information you wish to provide please come and speak to us."

:: Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Two Charged With New Year's Day Pub Murder

Two men have been charged with murder after an alleged axe and knife attack at a Plymouth pub which left builder Tanis Bhandari dead.

Four other people were seriously injured in the "major disturbance" outside the Kings Arms in the village of Tamerton Foliot on New Year's Day.

Police said Ryan Williams, 21, and Donald Pemberton, 20, both of St Budeaux, Plymouth, have been charged with murder.

They are also accused of being in possession of an axe and a knife in a public place.

The pair are due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The violence took place outside the Kings Arms pub

Police were called to the pub, which had held a New Year's Eve disco, at around 1.30am.

Mr Bhandari was taken to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Another man, aged 21 from Plymouth, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Three others were treated in hospital.

Detective Inspector Gregg Dawe said: "An axe and knives have been recovered and searches are continuing in the Milford Lane area for any further knives that may have been used.

"I want to thank everyone who has assisted us with the police investigation so far. Searches and inquiries are continuing in relation to this incident."

A statement posted on the Kings Arms Facebook page described the incident as a "terrible attack" on a "lovely group of people on the way home from a great night in our pub".

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Arrests Over Deaths Linked To Bad Drugs Batch

Three men have been arrested by police investigating a series of suspected drugs-related deaths in Suffolk.

They were held after the recent deaths of two young men in Ipswich on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, which are thought to be related to a "dangerous batch" of ecstasy tablets.

The death of a third man in Rendlesham is also under investigation, and it emerged on Friday that the death of a fourth man in Telford, Shropshire, was also being linked to the drugs.

The three arrested men - aged 19, 20 and 26 - are all from Ipswich and were detained on Friday on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

The drugs linked to the deaths in Suffolk have been described as red and triangular with a Superman 'S' logo.

John Hocking, 20, was a labourer

Police in Shropshire said they were not officially linking the death of the 27-year-old man in Telford on New Year's Day with the fatalities in Suffolk, but admitted there "appear to be similarities".

One of the men thought to have died from taking an ecstasy pill linked to the "dangerous" Suffolk batch has been named as 20-year-old labourer John Hocking.

The girlfriend of another man, Lithuanian Gediminas Kulokas, has told how she fought to save his life after he stopped breathing on New Year's Day, his 24th birthday.

Natasha Mumby told how she had checked on him in their lounge during the night and found him "breathing in a funny way" at the flat they shared in Provan Court, Ipswich.

"I propped him up and went back to bed. I then came back in the lounge because he was not making the breathing noise any more. He was just sitting there not breathing."

Another man from the same address, also thought to be from Lithuania, was in hospital in a serious condition, but is said to be "improving".

Justas Ropas was found dead at a house in Ipswich on Christmas Eve

The death of the third man, Justas Ropas, in Ipswich on 24 December could also be linked to the drug, according to officers.

Mr Ropas was a 22-year-old machine operator.

Suffolk Police have drawn a link between these latest drugs and dangerous pills with a similar appearance found in the Netherlands last month.

The tablets in the Netherlands had a large concentration of PMMA, which acts more slowly than ecstasy's MDMA.

This means people take more pills because they think they are not working.

Following the three deaths in Suffolk, police appealed for people to hand the drugs in at a police station, A&E department or fire station.

Officers promised those surrendering the drugs would not face prosecution and that they simply wanted to remove them from circulation.

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Palace Denies Prince Andrew Sex Claims

Buckingham Palace has issued a strongly worded denial of allegations that Prince Andrew was involved in "impropriety with underage minors".

The statement was released after the Duke of York was named in a US lawsuit.

The woman who has made the allegations claims the disgraced US banker Jeffrey Epstein loaned her out to his friends, including Prince Andrew.

Papers filed by her lawyers say she was held as a "sex slave" by Epstein from 1999 through 2002 after he "became enamoured" with her.

In the motion filed in a court in Florida, she claims she was "forced to have sexual relations with this prince when she was a minor" in London, New York and on a private Caribbean island. She is believed to have been 17 at the time - underage according to US law.

The document continues: "Epstein instructed Jane Doe #3 that she was to give the Prince whatever he demanded and required Jane Doe #3 to report back to him on the details of the sexual abuse."

Epstein spent 13 months in jail after admitting sex with a 14-year-old

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous and is referred to as Jane Doe 3 in documents, says Epstein, who has been jailed for having sex with a 14-year-old, forced her to have sexual encounters against her will between 1999 and 2002.

In the papers, she claims she was effectively recruited for Epstein's use by Ghislaine Maxwell, the daughter of the late media tycoon Robert Maxwell, when she was 15 years old.

And it is claimed in the court document that Ms Maxwell "was one of the main women whom Epstein used to procure under-aged girls for sexual activities".

The document also claims Epstein's "purposes in 'lending' Jane Doe to such powerful people were to ingratiate himself with them for business, personal, political and financial gain, as well as to obtain potential blackmail information".

Buckingham Palace said: "This relates to long-standing and ongoing civil proceedings in the United States, to which the Duke of York is not a party. As such we would not comment in detail. However, for the avoidance of doubt, any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue."

Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein is well-documented and in an interview in 2011 he denied any sexual contact with any of the young women connected to the multi-millionaire banker.

The Prince visited Epstein in New York in 2010 after he was released

Sky News Correspondent Rhiannon Mills said: "It's important to point out that we have in the past seen Prince Andrew criticised for spending time with Epstein, including in December 2010 after he was released from prison."

Epstein was jailed in 2008 and spent 13 months in jail after admitting to having sex with a 14-year-old.

He had been investigated for paying underage girls to have sex with him at his luxury Palm Beach home - and 40 women had come forward as victims.

However, he cut a deal with federal prosecutors and the charges were not progressed.

Two of his victims have now brought a case against the prosecutors claiming their rights were violated because they were not consulted on the secret deal.

Jane Doe 3 has applied to the court to be included in the lawsuit against the federal prosecutor and it is in the legal document to join the case that she makes the allegations against the Duke of York.

Sky News has attempted to reach Ms Maxwell for a response to the latest allegations.

When claims about the nature of her relationship with Epstein were reported in 2011, her lawyers issued a statement describing them as "entirely false".

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