document
stringlengths 0
2.07k
| summary
stringlengths 1
299
| id
stringlengths 8
8
|
|---|---|---|
The RFL has received £15m from central government to support the bid.
A mixture of 12 rugby league and other sporting venues, including Old Trafford and Wembley, will be selected if the bid is successful in the autumn.
England, which hosted the 2013 contest, is the first country to confirm its bid with potential rival submissions from South Africa and North America.
The government will also supply an additional £10m to the RFL to benefit rugby league infrastructure in the north of England.
The RFL states 80% of World Cup games will be held in Lancashire and Yorkshire if the bid is successful, with "showpiece fixtures" in London, the Midlands and the North East. It wants to get one million supporters to attend across the 31 games.
"The idea of playing alongside my brothers and team-mates - not only on home soil, but in the country's most iconic venues in front of packed out crowds - is so exciting," said England international Sam Burgess.
The 2021 edition of the World Cup will be the biggest since 2000 with 16 teams and 31 matches. | England will bid to host the World Cup in 2021, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced. | 36672843 |
Yorkshire lost openers Alex Lees and Adam Lyth early on and spinner James Tredwell took three wickets to reduce the champions to 88-5 in Abu Dhabi.
However, Ballance (105) and Will Rhodes (95) put on 125 for the sixth wicket before Ballance was trapped lbw.
Rhodes missed out on his century as Yorkshire posted 275 before James Harris saw out an over in reply.
Yorkshire won the toss and decided to bat but, aside from England batsman Ballance and Rhodes, Lyth (13) and Andrew Gale (23) were the only men to make it into double figures.
The MCC rallied with the new ball following Ballance's departure, as Jake Ball picked up the wicket of Andrew Hodd, while Graham Onions removed Steven Patterson and Jack Brooks in consecutive balls.
Rhodes came close to hitting his maiden first-class ton during his final-wicket partnership with Karl Carver but was caught behind off the bowling of Rikki Clarke.
Middlesex seamer Harris saw out the one over the MCC had to face in reply from Brooks before stumps.
Have you added the new Top Story alerts in the BBC Sport app? Simply head to the menu in the app - and don't forget you can also add alerts for the Six Nations, cricket scores, your football team and more. | Gary Ballance scored a century for Yorkshire on the opening day of the Champion County game against the MCC. | 35856211 |
The device was found by construction workers in Paradise Street, Coventry, at 15:00 BST on Monday.
Lorry loads of sandbags were delivered to the scene before the controlled blast by the Army's bomb disposal team between 22:00 and 23:00 BST on Tuesday.
Businesses and Coventry University's Technocentre were evacuated.
A wall of sandbags, which took the best part of a day to erect, was put in place to absorb the explosion, West Midlands Police said.
The force tweeted there was some "tidying up to do", but things were expected to return to normal on Wednesday.
Thomas Joyce, who runs an MOT centre on Paradise Street, said he had to "drop everything" and evacuate when he was told about the bomb.
"I thought probably midday or 2pm we would be open for business," he said.
"It's unfortunate but it's one of those things - you can't hold back a bomb."
Luke Stanmore, one of many students who had to leave their halls of residence, said they had been given several times about when they might be able to return.
"I asked a police officer if he knew how long after the explosion we would be allowed back in, but it's up to the [Army]." | A suspected World War Two bomb has been detonated in a controlled explosion more than 24 hours after it was first discovered on a building site. | 34327038 |
They want to rearrange the site with new shops, a new square and new food and drinks outlets.
The Lotus Group and Tristan bought Junction One and The Outlet in May. Junction One currently employs about 500 people.
The Lotus group says the redevelopment will create about 475 jobs and the construction phase about 430 jobs.
Their planning application is due to be submitted in February.
Director Alastair Coulson said: "When we bought Junction One we inherited a retail park that was neglected for a number of years and suffered from a lack of investment.
"We expect that further investment will be triggered off the back of this redevelopment and indirect benefits will be numerous for the local supply chain and local area."
Junction One opened in 2004, but struggled in the economic downturn.
It was put on the market in September 2015. | The owners of Junction One retail park are planning to invest £30m redeveloping the site in Antrim. | 37985363 |
Londoner Okolie, 24, was the first member of Great Britain's 2016 Olympic boxing squad to turn professional.
Henshaw is from east Midlands and has seven wins from 10 fights.
"I want to dominate the division. I'm not afraid to let the other cruiserweights know that I'm here and I am coming for them," said Okolie.
The pair will fight on the undercard of Anthony Crolla's rematch with WBA lightweight world champion Jorge Linares and will take place at Manchester Arena.
Listen to BBC Radio 5 live's boxing podcast here as they ask whether Floyd Mayweather against Conor McGregor is going to happen? | British boxer Lawrence Okolie will make his professional debut in Manchester on Saturday, 25 March in a cruiserweight bout against Russell Henshaw. | 39266100 |
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council had a Labour majority of two following the local elections in May 2014, but Simon White became an independent in December.
Gill Burnett and Paul Waring announced they had left the party earlier.
Mike Stubbs, leader of the council, said it was a "sad day" for the party and the situation was "regrettable".
The councillors' decisions come after they failed to be reselected to represent the party when their seats are up for election in May.
Mr Waring said he felt he had been deselected because he had "openly criticised" the behaviour of others within the party.
"I would be surprised if more people don't leave in the near future," he said.
Mrs Burnett said she was "very disappointed" in the party locally.
"I feel that all the good we have achieved over the years has been eroded," she said.
"I feel that I was unfairly deselected. I have therefore cancelled my membership with the party."
Mrs Burnett said she would be standing as an independent candidate in May.
The council is made up of 60 members in total:
Mr Stubbs said: "I found out about this this morning and it's very regrettable it's come to this.
"The two councillors were deselected by their local branches six weeks ago and, despite working with them, they have chosen to leave."
In a statement, the Labour Party said: "It is regrettable two councillors have left the party this week, but we are fully determined to continue Labour's work in Newcastle, Kidsgrove and the surrounding villages to deliver excellent services and opportunities for working people." | Labour has lost control of a Staffordshire authority, after two councillors stood down from the party. | 31605571 |
Former Derby County boss Clement was appointed on Tuesday following the departure of Bob Bradley last week.
The long-serving Curtis, 62, played more than 350 games for the Swans and has been caretaker manager on three occasions and was in charge for the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
The club have so far declined to comment.
When Clement's arrival was confirmed, Swansea also announced Nigel Gibbs had been appointed assistant coach, with Karl Halabi named head of physical performance, with both arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.
Ex-Wales international Curtis has held a number of coaching roles with Swansea, and was appointed first-team coach by Michael Laudrup - a role he subsequently kept under Garry Monk, Francesco Guidolin and Bradley.
The former Leeds and Southampton forward has previously been assistant manager, youth team manager and Football in the Community officer at Swansea.
As a player he scored 32 goals during the club's promotion season in 1977-78 and was part of the team managed by John Toshack promoted to the old First Division in 1981. | Alan Curtis will not be part of Swansea City's first team coaching set-up under new head coach Paul Clement. | 38514037 |
He has released a statement saying that he has dislocated his shoulder and is facing a long recovery period.
Mr Vettriano is one of the most popular and successful artists in the world.
Paintings by the 61-year-old Fife artist, including The Singing Butler, have fetched huge sums and his prints and postcards sell in vast quantities.
A spokeswoman for the artist said that following his retrospective at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow last year there had a substantial number of inquiries regarding new paintings.
The statement from Mr Vettriano said: "As a result of a recent accident my right shoulder was dislocated and the reality is that I am going to be unable to paint in the foreseeable future.
"I am undertaking a course of physiotherapy but am facing a long recovery period. In the meantime I would like to thank the public for their continued support and interest."
Vettriano, born in 1951, left school at 16 and did not take up painting full-time until the age of 40.
The artist, who grew up in Methil, Fife, first found fame in 1989 when two of his canvases submitted to the Royal Scottish Academy sold on the first day.
His work has since featured in exhibitions in Edinburgh, London and New York. He was made an OBE in 2003.
One of his most famous paintings, The Singing Butler, sold for £744,000 in 2004 and is one of the best-selling posters in Britain.
More than 123,000 people flocked to see the retrospective at Kelvingrove between September 2013 and February 2014, making it the most visited art exhibition at the institution.
Actor Jack Nicholson and football legend Sir Alex Ferguson are among the owners of Vettriano's work. | Scottish artist Jack Vettriano has announced he is giving up painting for the foreseeable future due to a recent accident. | 32939614 |
The breakthrough came when their foreign ministers signed an accord setting out how the plant and the river would be environmentally monitored.
Argentina argued the mill polluted the river, while Uruguay said strict environmental codes were followed.
The dispute saw frequent protests on the Argentine side and strained ties.
"I'm very happy with the accord," Uruguayan President Jose Mujica said, while Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman used similar language, tweeting that "both governments are very satisfied".
Mr Timerman and his Uruguayan counterpart, Luis Almagro, signed an accord late on Sunday, finessing an earlier agreement reached by the two countries in July.
The accord sets up a scientific committee composed of experts from both nations which will monitor the pollution levels in the River Uruguay and within the mill.
The pulp mill, which opened in 2007, is located in the Uruguayan town of Fray Bentos on the banks of the River Uruguay which forms the border between the two South American nations.
Residents across the river in the Argentine town of Gualeguaychu staged frequent protests and closed the bridge that spans the river, arguing that the plant was contaminating the water.
People there say they will await the results of the first monitoring tests to decide if they will resume their actions, BBC Mundo's Veronica Smink reports.
Argentina lodged a complaint before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2006, arguing that Uruguay had broken the terms of a 1975 treaty regulating the use of the River Uruguay which forms the border between them.
In a ruling issued in April, the ICJ said that Uruguay had breached its procedural obligations to inform Argentina of its plans but had not violated its environmental obligations under the treaty and therefore the mill could continue operations. | Argentina and Uruguay both say they are happy after a deal was reached to end their long-running row over a pulp mill on the banks of their shared river. | 11764947 |
Rachael Crooks, a housing association worker who lives in Brotton, North Yorkshire, has already embraced electric technology.
She currently uses her Nissan Leaf to commute to work in Middlesbrough.
The town has outdoor chargers at a local supermarket as well as council car parks.
However, as Mrs Crooks points out: "You have to register to use the system and need to carry heavy cables with you.
"As I'm currently eight months pregnant, that's not such a good idea".
The ex-demonstration car was bought just under a year ago, and Mrs Crooks can travel about 80-100 miles on full charge.
Charging takes about four hours and can be done at the Crooks' home, which has an external power point.
Running costs come to £5 to £10 per month, although Mrs Crooks's husband, Kyle, also has a petrol car, which they use for longer journeys.
Mrs Crooks admits: "My husband wasn't originally keen on the idea of an electric vehicle but changed his mind once he saw how economical it was."
The couple's home also has solar panels generating energy that in turn goes to a converter in the attic.
This links to an electric board, and any energy that is not used is sold back to the National Grid.
Mrs Crooks feels that the government's plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars is a good idea.
She says: "It's the way ahead and won't seem so strange once the ban comes into effect.
"I decided to have an electric car as it provided value for money and also to save the environment."
By Bernadette McCague, UGC and Social News team | The government says it will ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 as part of its clean air strategy - but as they gradually disappear from our roads, how will we manage using electric vehicles on a day to day basis? | 40725716 |
Williamson, 32, was due to remain with the Championship side until January but Lascelles suffered a minor hamstring injury at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Williamson has made only two League Cup appearances for the Magpies this term and played five matches for Wolves.
Newcastle are one place off the bottom of the Premier League and have conceded eight goals in their last two games. | Newcastle have recalled defender Mike Williamson from his loan at Wolves after an injury to Jamaal Lascelles. | 34975051 |
He is a product of the Latics academy and scored once in six outings last season before a shoulder injury meant he missed most of the campaign.
The Wigan-born 20-year-old was part of the club's League One winning season.
"On the ball his quality is undoubted, he's a fantastic technical footballer," boss Gary Caldwell told the club website.
"He has to continue to work on his fitness for the new season, it's a massive part of football now especially in midfield." | Wigan Athletic midfielder Jordan Flores has signed a new one-year deal at the Championship club. | 36675034 |
The patient, who was 49, was being treated for kidney failure and acute respiratory syndrome.
He was flown to St Thomas' Hospital in London from Qatar in September last year.
There have now been 41 deaths from the virus, which emerged last year and is similar to those that cause Sars and the common cold.
A hospital statement said: "Guy's and St Thomas' can confirm that the patient with severe respiratory illness due to novel coronavirus (MERS-nCV) sadly died on Friday 28 June, after his condition deteriorated despite every effort and full supportive treatment."
Around the world, 77 people are known to have been infected with the virus. It causes fever, a cough and breathing difficulties. Most patients have developed pneumonia.
Cases have been confirmed in Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and the UK.
In a statement in May the World Health Organization (WHO) said: "The greatest global concern is about the potential for this new virus to spread.
"This is partly because the virus has already caused severe disease in multiple countries, although in small numbers, and has persisted in the [Middle East] region since 2012.
"Of most concern, however, is the fact that the different clusters seen in multiple countries increasingly support the hypothesis that when there is close contact this novel coronavirus can transmit from person to person." | A man infected with the novel Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-nCV) has died in a UK hospital. | 23179564 |
He was questioned in connection with two separate incidents earlier this year.
A bomb exploded outside a probation office in Crawford Square in April. Two partially exploded bombs were also found at an Army Reserve base in May.
The man was detained in the Ballymagowan area on Tuesday. | A 44-year-old man arrested in Londonderry in relation to bomb attacks in the city has been released without charge. | 35039092 |
The single features singer Anne-Marie and rapper Sean Paul, and was already number seven when it entered the Top 40 three weeks ago.
Making it to number one for Christmas is a big deal in the music industry. Every year there's fierce competition between the biggest names in pop, as they hope to get the honour of being named Christmas number one.
And this year was no different.
In the end, Rag N Bone Man took second place with the blues ballad, Human, which was behind Clean Bandit's single by 10,000 sales.
And third place went to One Direction star Louis Tomlinson with Just Hold On.
Meanwhile, X Factor winner Matt Terry fell to number eight with his debut solo written by Ed Sheeran, despite entering the charts at number three last week.
Rockabye is Clean Bandit's second chart-topper, after Rather Be in 2014.
The single isn't just Christmas number one, but has also become one of the biggest songs of 2016, with 589,000 combined chart sales.
Clean Bandit told the BBC they had "no idea" that the song was going to become such a big hit, they were just "hoping for the best and it's gone crazy."
The band's violinist, Neil Amin-Smith left the group earlier this year, but they say that new violinist they've been working with have been fantastic, and they will "keep the show on the road". | Pop group Clean Bandit have been named Christmas number one this year with their dance hit, Rockabye. | 38426208 |
Patrick Melrose.
Later this year, the Sherlock star will be taking on the role of the "outrageously funny" playboy in a new TV series written by One Day author David Nicholls.
Melrose, commissioned by Sky Atlantic and the US's Showtime network, is based on Edward St Aubyn's five semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose novels.
The first, Never Mind, was published in 1992, while the final one, At Last, appeared in 2012.
Nicholls will write all five episodes of the show, which is set in the south of France in the 1960s, New York in the 1980s and Britain in the early 2000s.
According to the official announcement, the story "hilariously skewers the upper class as it tracks the protagonist's harrowing odyssey from a deeply traumatic childhood through adult substance abuse, and ultimately, towards recovery".
Cumberbatch will serve as an executive producer through his SunnyMarch production company.
He and production partner Adam Ackland said: "We are delighted to be part of this incredible series. We have been huge fans of these books for many years and David Nicholls' adaptations are extraordinary."
Nicholls said: "I've been a huge admirer of Edward St Aubyn's novels for years, and can't wait to bring these dark, witty, brilliant books to the screen. Benedict is the perfect Patrick Melrose."
Filming is due to start in July.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Back in 2013, when he was asked in a Q&A which role he would choose if he could play any literary character, Benedict Cumberbatch came up with this name. | 39115193 |
On Wednesday, tonnes of earth engulfed the main highway leading north from Colombia's second-largest city, Medellin.
The mud from the mountainside covered an area the size of two football fields and buried two cars, a lorry and two motorbikes, rescue workers said.
Emergency workers are searching the mud for any more victims.
The landslide came down about 12km (7 miles) north of Medellin in the Copacabana area.
Landslides are common in this mountainous region of Colombia, especially following heavy rains.
Six years ago, 85 people died just a few kilometres south of Copacabana, when a landslide buried dozens of homes in the town of Bello. | A landslide on a major highway in Colombia has killed at least six people, officials said. | 37786966 |
The teenagers were caught on CCTV as they climbed up the side of Woodfarm High School in Thornliebank at about 22:00 on Friday.
They were seen to start a fire before climbing back down to the street to watch fire crews tackle the blaze.
They are described as white, aged 15 to 18, and wearing dark clothing.
One is believed to have had a grey hooded top on.
Appealing for information, Det Con Stephen Walker of Govan CID said: "Thankfully, no-one was injured in the fire which has caused significant damage to the roof and the top floor of the school.
"These youths have absolutely no regard for their own safety, nor the property or the cost or disruption their actions have caused. Indeed, they appear to stay in the area to watch as emergency services attend to deal with the fire.
"There are a number of homes near the school, thankfully, not affected by the fire, but it may be the case that neighbours saw the youths on the roof or hanging about the area either prior to or afterwards." | A school in Glasgow has been extensively damaged after two youths deliberately started a blaze on its roof. | 39015978 |
Organised by the Fire Brigades Union, the first draw of the Firefighters 100 Lottery will take place later.
Funds raised will also be used to promote education in fire safety.
Sue Veevers, whose son Stephen Hunt died in Manchester in 2013, said the scheme was "much needed and very welcome".
Mr Hunt, 38, from Bury, Greater Manchester, died after a fire at Paul's Hair World in Oldham Street.
Earlier this year an inquest jury concluded it was probable two 15-year-old girls deliberately started the fire after smoking cigarettes at the rear of the building.
Ms Veevers said: "No-one could imagine the hell our family went through after my son died.
"People assume that families such as mine are looked after following such a tragedy, but it's not always the case."
Mr Hunt was among 60 firefighters called to the hair salon blaze.
Along with a colleague, he entered the building but was later found collapsed and could not be resuscitated. He died later that evening.
Police said the case is to be reviewed to determine if any further action should be taken.
A Manchester street was named in memory of Mr Hunt in September. | The mother of a firefighter who died tackling a blaze has praised the launch of a charity lottery to support relatives of fallen rescue workers. | 37861766 |
In his regular radio address, Lee Myung-bak described the field as a "new growth engine" for the economy.
The announcement comes five years after a damaging scandal, when it was found a cloning pioneer had faked research.
Analysts say Mr Lee's pledge belies concerns that South Korea could fall far behind fast-moving rival nations.
The president said South Korea alongside the US had been a world leader in stem cell research a decade ago.
"Unfortunately, there was a disappointing incident which caused inevitable damage to the entire stem cell research community in Korea," he said, referring to the conviction of Hwang Woo-suk.
Hwang's claims he had succeeded in creating human embryonic stem cells by cloning raised hopes of finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, until revelations that his work was bogus.
The controversy caused shockwaves in South Korea, where the scientist had been widely regarded as a national hero.
As Seoul's stem cell programme faltered, other nations streamlined regulations and aggressively expanded funding for research, Mr Lee said.
"We must restore our national fame as a stem cell powerhouse," he said, adding the government would ease regulations and establish a state stem cell bank.
Scientists believe stem cells could be used as a super "repair kit" for the body, generating healthy tissue to replace that damaged by trauma or compromised by disease.
Among the conditions which scientists believe may eventually be treated by stem cell therapy are Parkinson's disease, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, burns and spinal cord damage. | South Korea's president has promised $89m (£56m) in state funds to revive the country's reputation as a world leader in stem cell research. | 14968613 |
The Condor Liberation struck the quayside at St Peter Port, in windy conditions, on Saturday afternoon.
In a statement, the company said the vessel suffered "minor damage above the waterline" and as a result, would be out of action for a couple of days.
No-one was injured but some passengers remain on Guernsey as alternative travel arrangements are made for them.
While Condor Liberation under goes repairs in Poole, Dorset, the Commodore Clipper will provide passenger services between the UK and the Channel Islands.
Sunday's sailings had already been cancelled due to forecast bad weather.
Condor Liberation completed its maiden voyage to Jersey on Friday.
The 102m (335ft) long vessel was built by Austal shipbuilders in Australia and can carry up to 880 passengers and 245 vehicles.
It is now the only fast ferry operating between Guernsey, Jersey and the UK.
Following its purchase, the firm sold the smaller Vitesse and Express ferries to Greek company Seajets, with Vitesse already delivered and Express due to follow once Condor Ferries is happy with the new ferry in service.
The Liberation is supposed to be able to operate in bigger waves than the smaller ferries, but is not yet licensed to do so.
The bigger ferry cannot operate to Weymouth so sailings to the UK port ended on Monday. | A new £50m ferry serving Poole for the Channel Islands has been damaged while attempting to dock in Guernsey. | 32094000 |
The first public "flight" on the 531ft (161m) British Airways i360 tower on Brighton seafront is at 14:00 BST, with fireworks planned for 22:00 BST.
Fireworks were to have been set off on a boat off Brighton beach but it has been unable to get to the location.
Organisers blamed high seas caused by a storm off the Sussex coast.
Visitors to the i360 ascend 450ft (137m) in a 360-degree curved-glass pod on the site once occupied by the entrance to Brighton's ruined West Pier.
The attraction itself, which is fully booked on the opening day, will operate as planned.
The fireworks will be rearranged for another date, with tickets remaining valid.
The tower, which offers views of up to 26 miles of Sussex coastline, has divided local opinion.
Valerie Paynter, of the saveHove campaign, said it was "like something springing horribly out of the earth in a horror movie".
But Glynn Jones, chairman of the West Pier Trust, thought the "vertical pier in the sky" showed "the city is, once again, embracing and celebrating world-class, stunning architecture".
Those going on board can see from Bexhill in East Sussex to Chichester in West Sussex with the South Downs to the north. | A fireworks display for the opening of the world's thinnest tall building has been called off because of bad weather in the English Channel. | 36973368 |
The original bus was on its way to Norfolk when it was engulfed in flames on the A11 near Cambridge in July.
Eunice Jokrassett, landlady of The Crown, and other villagers in Smallburgh, Norfolk, had been fundraising for the bus since February.
It was to be turned into a library, and taken to Ms Jokrassett's home country, the Ivory Coast.
An anonymous businessman, who heard the £6,000 bus had gone up in flames, stepped in and donated a replacement vehicle.
The bus will be packed up with books and school equipment that had been collected by local people.
In September, it will begin its two-week journey to the Ivory Coast.
Once there, it will travel to schools in and around Abidjan.
"It's like an English resource centre, and will allow the children to learn about England, there are loads of books on board for children to learn the English language", said Ms Jokrassett.
In November, she and 20 people from Smallburgh will fly to the Ivory Coast to see the bus in use.
The original bus was destroyed after a blaze started in the engine compartment, the fire service said. | A double-decker bus has been donated to a pub to replace its vehicle that was destroyed in a fire. | 40885648 |
Police said the 17-year-old was walking along Great Victoria Street near the junction with Ventry Street on Monday evening, when a car containing a number of men pulled up alongside him.
The men then assaulted the victim knocking him to the ground.
It is believed a hammer may have been used to strike him on the back.
The gang left in the vehicle and the teenager was able to raise the alarm.
Police said he was taken to hospital, but his injuries were not thought to be serious. They said they were investigating a motive for the attack. | A teenager has been attacked and knocked to the ground by a gang of men armed with a hammer in Belfast city centre. | 30499808 |
The win puts her in a strong position to be selected for Rio, though her place is yet to be confirmed.
"I think I'm there, I think I'll be sculling at Rio, but I haven't been told what's happening yet," she said.
The 28-year old from Wrexham is hoping to partner Katherine Grainger in the double sculls at the Games.
Thornley claimed her third successive win at the GB Trials, winning her race by more than seven seconds.
Reigning Olympic champion Grainger missed the trials with injury.
"It puts me in a good place to win an Olympic trial," added Thornley.
"I was confident I could win the race and I had a margin I wanted to win it by ,and I missed that by a little bit.
Grainger won the double sculls with Anna Watkins at London 2012, but Watkins has subsequently pulled out of the Olympic Rowing Programme following the birth of her second child.
Thornley and Grainger were sixth i the double sculls at the World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette in 2015.
She accepts getting a medal at Rio would be a huge achievement.
"I definitely think getting onto the podium come Rio is going to be a hard thing to do," she said.
"But it's definitely something that we can do - there's the talent in the boat, we're strong and I feel like we've moved on this season and we're aiming to get on to the podium." | Victoria Thornley hopes she has booked her place at this summer's Rio Olympics after winning the single sculls at the Team GB rowing trials. | 35886839 |
Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, also known in India as Chhota Rajan or "Little Rajan", is accused of multiple murders.
Nikalje was detained when he flew into Bali airport from Sydney on Sunday.
Police were acting on a tip-off from the Australian police who say he was living there under a different name.
Nikalje, 55, is wanted in the western Indian city of Mumbai in connection with at least 17 cases of murder.
The chief of India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anil Sinha, told the Press Trust of India news agency that the Bali police had arrested "Chhota Rajan at CBI's request made through Interpol".
Bali police spokesman Heri Wiyanto told BBC News that they detained Nikalje as soon as he arrived at the Bali airport.
Mr Wiyanto said the Bali police had received the tip-off about Nikalje and his status as red notice, from Interpol.
"The tip-off came directly from Canberra to Indonesia's police headquarters in Jakarta. The headquarters then instructed Bali police to arrest Nikalje," he said.
According to Mr Wiyanto, the Bali police only sent one officer to arrest Nikalje at the airport.
"He showed no resistance at all."
Nikalje has been placed in a cell with other inmates in the Bali police office.
Mr Wiyanto said the Bali police has contacted the Indian consulate and the deportation process is now being prepared.
"But we don't know when the deportation will be conducted," he said.
Interpol's website states that Nikalje was born in Mumbai, and is wanted for multiple charges including murder and possession and use of illegal firearms. | Police in Indonesia say they have arrested an alleged Indian underworld don who has been on the run for 20 years. | 34634900 |
Navy ships had the right under international law to operate in "waters outside of other countries' territorial waters", the defence ministry said.
China is also taking part in the drill.
It has sent four ships with an estimated 1,000 sailors onboard to the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) operation.
Twenty-two countries are taking part this year and it is the first time China has been included.
The US acknowledged that it was the first time that a participating country had also sent a vessel to monitor the exercise.
Captain Darryn James, chief spokesman of the US Pacific Fleet, told agencies that China had sent a similar ship to the last Rimpac exercise in 2012.
He added that the US had taken "all necessary precautions to protect our critical information".
Some US-based media outlets have questioned the presence of the ship.
The Wall Street Journal labelled it a "party crasher" that was "enjoying an intelligence buffet at the world's largest maritime gathering", while Bloomberg quoted an analyst as saying that it sent "a bad signal".
In December 2013 the US and China squared off over a near-collision of their ships in the South China Sea.
The US said its guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens was forced to take evasive action, while Chinese media reports suggested that the US had been harassing its new aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, as it underwent sea trials. | China says it has the right to send a surveillance ship to monitor a US-led naval exercise, after US media reported the vessel's presence off Hawaii over the weekend. | 28400745 |
Police were called to the High Street in Edinburgh at about 17:55 on Wednesday following an incident near the Radisson Blu.
The injured 36-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
A man and a woman have been detained in connection with the incident. Police have appealed for witnesses. | A man has been taken to hospital with a serious head injury following an assault outside a hotel. | 38401615 |
Tyrone Dorsett, 34, struck five times at the Bangla Bazaar store in Leonard Road, Lozells, Birmingham, between 29 December and 16 January, police said.
They recovered a can that CCTV showed him drinking from and discarding before another shop robbery in Burbury Street.
He admitted 15 robberies and one count of assault with intent to rob.
Read more news for Birmingham and the Black Country
During the five robberies at the same store Dorsett, who wore a mask, made off with cash and packets of cigarettes.
He committed four robberies against the same 66-year-old man in Newtown, West Midlands Police said it discovered.
PC Sherrie Watkins, from the force's High Harm & Vulnerability Team, said: "Dorsett is a dangerous man…a bully who thinks nothing about carrying a knife in public and using it to threaten vulnerable people."
He was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court after admitting the 15 robberies and the count of assault with intent to rob between 10 November and 5 February. | A man who carried out five knifepoint robberies on a shop has been jailed for 12 years after his DNA was found on a beer can. | 40744310 |
About 20 houses were evacuated at 17:00 GMT on Sunday after the discovery of a suspicious object.
Residents were allowed back into their homes four hours later. Army bomb experts are now examining the object.
Police do not believe the motive was sectarian nor is it being linked to recent attacks in other parts of Northern Ireland.
The SDLP MLA, Gerard Diver, said he understood the device to be a pipe bomb. He described the incident as "disgusting".
"Clearly, whoever put this device (there) had no regard for the safety and well being of the people of Gelvin Gardens," said Mr Diver.
"These are lethal devices. This is a device that could kill people very easily or maim people.
"It's disgusting, repugnant and something I think this entire community rejects."
Speaking during the alert on Sunday evening, community worker Geraldine Doherty said people were very angry.
"The anger is palpable," she said.
"You have to condemn attacks like this at all times." | Police have said a viable device was found during a security alert at Gelvin Gardens, Londonderry. | 35742838 |
The developer Sirius Minerals said the go ahead had been given by the government for the port facilities at Teesside docks.
It will be linked to the mine by a 23-mile (37km) long tunnel.
The company said the mining operation would create more than 1,000 jobs, but opponents fear it will damage the landscape and wildlife.
Chris Fraser, managing director and CEO of Sirius Minerals, said he was "delighted to have secured this final approval for the project".
"Our team is currently actively engaged in the financing phase of the project and I look forward to providing further updates in due course," he added.
Plans include building a minehead at Dove's Nest Farm, Sneaton, with shafts 4,921ft (1,500m) deep.
Potash is used in fertilizer and mining is expected to begin in 2021. The company aims to initially produce 10 million tonnes of fertilizer per annum, rising to 20 million tonnes subject to council agreement.
Planning approval for the mine was granted by the North York Moors National Park Authority in June 2015 with "stringent conditions" for its construction and working.
The Campaign for National Parks said the mine was "completely incompatible with national park purposes" and the promised economic benefits would "never justify the huge damage" to the area's landscape, wildlife and tourism. | The final part of a £2.4bn potash mine development on the North York Moors has been given approval. | 36846301 |
A man and a child were taken to hospital and five others treated at Wimbledon Leisure Centre after two chemicals were accidentally mixed together, London Fire Brigade said.
The building on Latimer Road was closed and 130 people evacuated to a nearby school just after 10:15 BST.
Police cordoned off the street which reopened at 14:00 BST.
Firefighters said hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite were mixed together, making chlorine gas.
GLL, which runs the facility, said the mistake was "immediately recognised" and the leisure centre was evacuated as a precaution.
Alex Perry was putting his belongings into a locker at the centre when it was evacuated, giving people "minutes" to get out, he said.
He added: "Kids were soaking wet and going out on to the street with their swimming costumes on shivering."
A GLL spokeswoman said: "A member of staff at Wimbledon Leisure Centre accidentally mixed pool chemicals in a holding tank, the combination of which had the potential to create noxious vapours."
The site could reopen by tomorrow, she added. | More than 100 people have been evacuated from a leisure centre after breathing in chemical fumes. | 36178327 |
13 June 2015 Last updated at 12:58 BST
The Valais sheep is an unusual mountain breed from Switzerland.
The farmer, Mr Cox, thinks these sheep are easier to work with and can produce more wool than traditional breeds.
He plans to show his unusual flock off at the Royal Welsh Show in the rare breeds section. | A breed of sheep described as "the cutest in the world" has been introduced to Wales for the first time. | 33122130 |
The driverless trains will run 24 hours a day connecting the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station.
The 2.3km (1.4 mile) rail link is due to be completed by the end of 2020.
Airport bosses hope it will encourage more passengers to use public transport rather than drive.
More on this story and others from Bedfordshire
The link would means transfers will take less than five minutes compared to the current system where passengers have to wait for an airport shuttle bus, which takes about 15 minutes.
Cllr Andy Malcolm, Chair of London Luton Airport Ltd, said: "A total journey time of less than 30 minutes from St Pancras to the airport will beat the time from Liverpool Street to Stansted by 20 minutes and better the time from Victoria to Gatwick too."
Three stations plus tunnels and bridges will have to be built over a dual carriageway.
A planning application is expected to be submitted in the Autumn, with construction starting next year.
More than one million passengers used the airport last month, which bosses said was a new record. It is the fastest growing airport in the UK and is forecasting a 50% increase in passengers, to 18 million, by 2020. | Luton Airport has announced plans for a £200m tube-style link that will cut journey times to London to less than 30 minutes. | 36054196 |
The driver and a passenger of the Audi A4 got out and fled the scene in the incident, which happened at about 22:15 on Sunday in Glen Nevis Road.
The stolen car caught fire and firefighters were called and extinguished the flames.
Police Scotland said the passenger had been detained and was assisting police with inquiries.
Ch Insp Bob Mackay said: "I would urge the driver of the Audi to come forward to confirm they are safe and well." | Police have sought the driver of a stolen car that collided with a police vehicle in Caol near Fort William. | 39258227 |
Jamie Chapman pleaded guilty to 22 counts of causing or inciting sexual activity with children, including the rape of a teenage boy, and nine counts of making and distributing indecent photos, West Midlands Police said.
The 28-year-old, from Solihull, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was remanded in custody to reappear at the same court on 22 May for sentencing.
More updates on this and other stories in Birmingham and Black Country
At the time of Mr Chapman's arrest last November, police said there was no evidence to suggest inappropriate contact between him and children at the nursery where he worked. | A nursery worker has admitted 31 sex offences involving children. | 39658688 |
Rob Camm, 21, said he had wanted to do the Tough Mudder challenge since hearing about it before his accident.
Mr Camm, who was injured in a car crash, is believed to be the first tetraplegic to take part in event.
He could not tackle every obstacle in Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire, but powered across muddy terrain in the wheelchair.
Competitors tackle assault course obstacles, including mud. Events are held across the world.
Speaking after the race, Mr Camm told BBC Radio Bristol he was "happy that I've done it, but a bit tired - but probably not as tired as all these guys who have been round with me".
His support team, including his father Ian Camm and cousin Simon Camm, tackled obstacles such as walls and tunnels.
Mr Camm practised by driving round the fields and the woods near his house in Breadstone, Gloucestershire, to get used to being off-road.
He said he wore a poncho for much of the way around to keep the rain off.
"This is what I wanted to do before [the accident] and it's what I'm doing now. There's no reason not to do it," he said.
Mr Camm, a keen rugby player, was paralysed in the crash in September 2013, a week before he was due to start university.
He is now studying politics and philosophy at the University of Bristol. | A man paralysed from the neck down has taken part in a 12-mile off-road race controlling a wheelchair with his chin. | 34038204 |
The dog called Kilo left an ex-soldier in hospital after the incident in June at Kinmel Bay near Rhyl.
The animal was spared after an expert at Caernarfon Crown Court said measures could be taken to prevent a repeat attack.
Owner William Robinson, 73, of Merseyside, received a three-month suspended prison term.
Robinson pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control which caused injury.
He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to victim Barry Williams from Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.
Mr Williams was attacked as he was walking his border collie at Palins Holiday Park.
Kilo was not on a lead, and grabbed Mr Williams by the arm, dragging him along the ground.
A security man had to use a metal broom to prise the dog's jaw open to free Mr Williams.
But Judge Niclas Parry said an animal behaviour expert, who was also a police dog instructor, felt that if measures were taken, the dog was suitable for a conditional destruction order.
The order means Kilo must now be muzzled, not be left unaccompanied in public, and kept under the control of Robinson's son.
"By your guilty plea you admitted responsibility for an extremely serious incident that resulted in shocking injuries," Judge Parry said.
But he said Robinson's blame was "at the very lowest end of the scale". | An American bulldog which attacked a man at a holiday park in Conwy county has escaped a destruction order. | 37386889 |
The teams' analysts and medical staff will also be able to see match footage on the devices with a 30-second delay.
Each team will be offered three tablets - one each for two team analysts and another for the team's medical staff.
The available player statistics include passing, pressing, speed and tackles.
Germany and Chile will be encouraged to provide feedback on the test. | Tablets that monitor player performance will be used by teams for the first time in a Fifa competition when Germany play Chile in Sunday's Confederations Cup final in Russia. | 40473395 |
The 500m world record holder suffered a concussion last week, and will not be able to compete in line with GB medical team's 'return to racing policy'.
Chrisite, 26, holds the number one ranking in the 500m World Cup and sits second in the 1,000m.
She has won three 500m and two 1,000m World Cup gold medals this season.
"While this is disappointing to not have Elise racing this weekend, we take any head injury seriously," said GB short track performance director Stewart Laing.
European bronze medallist Charlotte Gilmartin, 26, is targeting a first World Cup medal of the season in the 1500m.
The World Cup series will conclude in Minsk, Belarus, between 10 and 12 February. | Great Britain's short track speed skater Elise Christie has been ruled out of the fifth World Cup event of the season in Germany this weekend. | 38853132 |
Corporation tax is the tax that companies pay on their profits. The current UK rate is 21% whereas in the Republic of Ireland firms pay 12.5%.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said it was "fitting" that it happened on St Patrick's Day.
But she warned Stormont must reform welfare before the bill can progress.
A bill to allow Northern Ireland to set its own rate of corporation tax, in a bid to compete for investment with the Republic of Ireland, was a key part of the Stormont House Agreement.
The legislation to allow corporation tax powers to be devolved to Stormont was published in January.
The government aims to pass the law before May's general election.
It should allow Northern Ireland to set its own rate from April 2017. | New legislation to devolve corporation tax to Northern Ireland has been passed by the House of Lords, marking another stage in its process to become law. | 31934949 |
Called Reach Out, it includes encouraging people to offer support to those around them, whatever their age, who may be lonely.
People can also show that they want to tackle loneliness by displaying "pledges" to do so on social media.
The health board said loneliness was a potential risk to health.
Reach Out will run this year and next year.
NHS Highland's area covers the Highlands and Argyll. | NHS Highland has launched a new campaign to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the Highlands and Argyll. | 36343458 |
In an email to Papa Massata Diack, a former IAAF marketing consultant, before the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Davies wrote about the need to discuss "Russian skeletons in the cupboard" with the anti-doping team.
The Englishman said to the son of Lamine Diack - the former president of athletics' ruling body - that "we need to be smart" about releasing names.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Davies said: "I have decided to step aside until such time as the Ethics Board is able to review the matter properly and decide if I am responsible for any breach of the IAAF Code of Ethics.
"What has become apparent is that I have become the story."
Davies denied any wrongdoing and explained he had shown emails sent to Papa Massata Diack in 2013 and statements to the IAAF Ethics Board.
The email which had been obtained by the BBC contains a "very secret" five-point plan and was sent on 19 July, 22 days before the start of the 2013 World Athletics Championships.
The IAAF announced sanctions against 16 Russian athletes in the four months following the Moscow event, in which Russia topped the medals table.
Last month, they became the first country to be banned from international competition because of doping after an independent report uncovered systemic, state-sponsored cheating. | IAAF deputy general secretary Nick Davies has stepped aside while an investigation takes place over a plan to delay naming Russian drug cheats. | 35163980 |
Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club and Cairngorm Ski Club are exploring the idea with help from Snowsport Scotland.
The snowsports enthusiasts have suggested that a multi-activity centre could be created around a dry ski slope.
An online survey has been set up to gauge interest in the project.
A suitable site has still be chosen for the project.
The clubs said a dry ski slope for all levels of ability, also a cafe and facilities for tubing, mountain biking and orienteering could be built. | A dry ski slope has been proposed for Inverness or at a site close to the city. | 38828850 |
The association said it is working on a new design for the stadium and will hold a 20-week public consultation.
In a statement, it said capacity of the new design is not "pre-determined".
The multi-million pound project has been beset with problems and delays.
Planning permission for the redevelopment was overturned in 2014 after objections by local residents.
Safety concerns have also been raised about how long it would take for the new stadium to be evacuated in the event of an emergency.
Tom Daly, chairman of the Casement Park Project Board, said that the GAA were now launching "an entirely new process that will inform the design and build of the new stadium".
"We're still in the early stages, with the consultation and technical evaluations set to inform the stadium design at a later stage," he said.
Mr Daly added that a "proposed capacity" will emerge after consultation with various groups such as statutory agencies, the PSNI and the public.
DUP MLA William Humphrey, who has been scrutinising the stadium plans as part of Stormont's culture, arts and leisure committee, welcomed the move.
"I think that's progress," he said. "People need to be realistic about this.
"We can't get certification around this stadium with the capacity that is being talked about, 38,000, without the approval of Belfast City Council, without the statutory agencies agreeing and expertise of the sports ground safety authorities.
"All of that should have been happening and I'm glad it's going to happen now." | The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has said that the redeveloped Casement Park in west Belfast may not now lead to a 38,000 capacity stadium as originally planned. | 35824302 |
Nathan Wood, 16, became "disorientated" after taking the psychoactive drug N-Bomb, stripped naked and jumped into the River Dart near Totnes, Devon.
His mother Mandi Retter, 47, said her youngest son was "a loving son, full of life, quite a big character and a joker".
Coroner Ian Arrow concluded it was a drug-related death.
More on the river death inquest, and other Devon news
He said: "If he had not taken that drug that day, he would not have died that day."
Nathan had just finished his final year at King Edward VI school in Totnes and was about to start a sports adventure college course when he died in August last year.
Ms Retter said she knew her son had been smoking cannabis but was "not aware he was experimenting with any other type of substances".
A 16-year-old friend of Nathan's, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said the pair paid £5 for the small white drug which Nathan cut it in half.
He then went down to the River Dart to see friends.
One of the group, a teenage girl, said Nathan "really did not seem to be himself".
"Nathan was tripping out," she said. "I was concerned about him."
He stripped naked and the girl heard a loud splash. She said she had no real concerns although she knew he wasn't a strong swimmer.
But the group could not find Nathan despite searching the river banks.
A police diver found his body on the riverbed the next morning.
Ms Retter said Nathan's death caused her "world to fall apart" but said it would not be in vain and warned other youngsters of the consequences of experimenting with drugs. | A teenager drowned in a river after taking an LSD-style drug, an inquest has heard. | 38812545 |
The measure backed by the House of Representatives also makes it illegal to form gay groups or organisations.
The bill - which was adopted by the Senate in 2011 - is now expected to be sent to President Goodluck Jonathan to be signed into law.
It is already illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria, and homosexuals say they often suffer abuse.
The proposed bill also envisages prison sentences up to 10 years for anyone who participates in gay clubs or organisations.
A number of other African nations have already made homosexuality punishable by jail sentences. | Nigerian lawmakers have approved a bill banning same-sex marriage, setting jail terms of up to 14 years for offenders. | 22722789 |
James "Geordie" Chance, from Northern Ireland, was killed when the bus carrying 34 Brentwood School pupils crashed on a motorway on Sunday.
Two boys remain in hospital in Belgium. One of them, aged 13, is in intensive care with a head injury.
Several pupils travelled back to the UK late on Sunday night on a coach arranged by the school.
"The coach returning the remaining pupils and staff has just arrived at school safely," tweeted Brentwood School head Ian Davies.
"Thoughts and prayers still with two pupils in hospital," he added.
The Belgian authorities are working to establish details of the accident, which happened on the A18 (E40) at Middelkerke, West Flanders. Eyewitnesses said the bus crashed into a motorway bridge pillar.
One of the injured boys, 12, is being treated for a broken leg at a hospital in Bruges.
Other students, a number of whom were treated for cuts, bruising and swelling, were picked up by their parents who travelled to Belgium.
Mr Chance was believed to have been sitting in the coach's courier seat when the vehicle crashed at 09:45 local time (08:45 BST).
The BBC has been told he was a grandfather of five.
It is understood a second man from Northern Ireland was seriously injured. | Schoolchildren involved in a coach crash in Belgium in which a driver died have returned to Essex. | 33307568 |
16 October 2015 Last updated at 13:56 BST
It was discovered at Linden Gardens, off the Cliftonville Road, on Thursday.
Police said the device was viable. Residents returned to their homes late on Thursday, but a security presence remained in the area overnight.
BBC News NI's Natalie Lindo reports. | A suspected under-car booby trap bomb has been found in north Belfast. | 34553004 |
Part of a wall came away at the NCP Nottingham City site in Cumberland Place shortly after 04:00 BST.
A spokesman for NCP said the front facia had "fallen" and road closures were in place.
Structural engineers are at the scene assessing the situation. No-one was injured in the collapse.
George Cook, of Scunthorpe, had parked his car at the site and was staying nearby.
"I heard a bang at about 03:30 BST," he said.
"I was not sure what it was, I looked out the window, but couldn't see anything.
"I came back and cars were over hanging the car park. It was a bit of a shock. Thankfully one was not mine."
The spokesman for the NCP said staff were on site helping any customers who had cars inside the building.
It is not yet known when the car park will reopen, but people are being allowed in to collect their cars.
A spokesman for Nottingham City Council said as it is a privately-owned car park the council was not involved in the investigation. | Vehicles have been left dangling from the edge of a city centre car park after it partially collapsed. | 40986193 |
The only road leading to Great Western beach in Newquay was closed in February 2015 but will finally reopen on Thursday in time for Easter.
During the work it became clear the sheer cliff face needed to be secured and abseilers were brought in.
Cornwall Council said the "extremely challenging" work cost between £600,000 and £700,000. | Abseiling engineers were brought in to stabilise a dangerous cliff at a popular beach hit by a landslide. | 35882516 |
Media playback is unsupported on your device
11 April 2015 Last updated at 09:06 BST
The 71-year-old crossed the finish line in Morocco, north Africa, after running 159 miles, over six days, in sweltering temperatures.
He almost didn't make it - he nearly had to pull out on Thursday because he was feeling unwell.
His challenge has raised nearly £1m for charity and he's been telling us what it was all like... | British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has become the oldest Brit to complete the gruelling desert race, the Marathon des Sables. | 32263813 |
Ireland's McGregor, 28, claims he has signed his half of a deal to face 40-year-old Mayweather, who retired unbeaten in 2015 after 49 fights.
The American has said there is a "90% chance" he will take on McGregor if he returns to the ring.
"Success in one sport doesn't guarantee success in another," said De la Hoya.
The former six-weight world champion, who lost a close points decision to Mayweather 10 years ago, added: "It's not like McGregor would be fighting a good fighter, let alone a mediocre one - he would be fighting the best.
"It looks more and more likely that the circus known as Floyd Mayweather v Conor McGregor will be coming to town in the near future.
"One group will eventually be left to make sure this farce doesn't occur: We, the fans, who are the lifeblood of our sport.
"I fully understand the initial attraction from any fan of combat sports. McGregor is almost certainly the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter. Floyd is Floyd - the most dominant boxer of his time.
"Let's be clear, these are two different sports."
In an open letter posted on Facebook, De la Hoya, who retired in 2009, wrote: "My interest is in the health of boxing as a whole. Our sport might not ever recover.
"To use a bit of an extreme analogy, I happen to be a pretty good golfer. Would I be able to compete with Rory McIlroy, Jordan Speith or Sergio Garcia? Of course not. Nor would I think to try."
Get all the latest boxing news sent straight to your device with notifications in the BBC Sport app. Find out more here. | A fight between Floyd Mayweather and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor would be a "circus" and a "farce", says boxing great Oscar de la Hoya. | 40054489 |
Irish police received a call from Donal Billings in May 2011, saying there was a bomb on a bus in Maynooth.
A bag was found on the bus holding a bomb, gunpowder, petrol, a timing-power unit, battery and a fuse.
Mr Billings, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, was convicted of possessing explosives.
Speaking at the Special Criminal Court, the judge described it as an "outrageous, dangerous and highly irresponsible act, which recklessly exposed the 31 people on the bus, as well as the emergency services, to the very significant risk of injury or death."
He said it was no thanks to Mr Billings that this did not occur.
Billings was also found guilty of four counts of making bomb threats, including one claiming there were two mortars in Dublin Castle during the state banquet for the queen.
Threats were also made that there were bombs on another bus and at the Sinn Féin Headquarters in Dublin but none were found.
The Queen visited the Republic of Ireland in May 2011. | A 66-year-old man who made bomb threats during the Queen's visit to Ireland has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison. | 38332494 |
The DUP leader said his party will not back a budget that would contain a £500m black hole in the absence a welfare deal.
He said Stormont cannot implement a further wave of welfare reform, which is another reason why London may have to take control.
Mr Robinson was speaking on Friday's Inside Politics programme.
"Sinn Féin have to take a decision, that they are going to cut half a billion pounds of the budget in Northern Ireland, or else address the issue of welfare reform, there's nothing in between," he said.
When asked if the collapse of the executive was a realistic option, Mr Robinson said: "I don't think the [UK] government will allow that to happen, I think they will take the power back themselves, I think they will legislate for it." | First Minister Peter Robinson believes the UK government would rather take direct charge of welfare powers than witness the collapse of the Stormont Executive. | 32758936 |
The Bank of England has announced that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is to be extended.
Until now, only the first £85,000 in an account has been protected by the guarantee.
But from 3 July, anyone who has up to £1m in their account for up to six months could also get compensation.
This could include people who have a lot of money in the bank because they have just sold a house - or who have received pay-outs as a result of "life events".
The following groups of people could also benefit:
Anyone claiming compensation under the new rules will have to prove to the FSCS that they had money in the bank temporarily.
The rule change follows a consultation by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which began in October 2014. | People who have large amounts of money in their bank accounts "temporarily" will be soon protected in the event of their bank going bust. | 32147474 |
With her late husband Fred, Rimell saddled the winners of a record-equalling four Aintree Grand Nationals - ESB, Nicolaus Silver, Gay Trip and Rag Trade.
She took on the training licence after being widowed and won the 1983 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with Gaye Brief.
"She had a great life and passed away in peace," said grandson Mark Rimell.
"She was a great woman and left her mark in a great sport," he told the Press Association.
Mercy Rimell also won the Stayers' Hurdle with Gaye Chance in 1984 and the 1987 Arkle Trophy with Gala's Image.
She took over the licence from former champion jockey and trainer Fred in 1981, and retired from training in 1989.
However, she remained in the sport as an owner and breeder.
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght
Mercy and Fred Rimell were among the most formidable training combinations jump-racing has known.
This was very much a team effort, and a hugely successful one. From their base outside Worcester, names such as ESB, Rag Trade, Woodland Venture, Royal Frolic and the great champion hurdler Comedy Of Errors won a string of major prizes.
After retirement, Mercy became a racehorse owner, when in her late 80s, famously pleading for a low weight for her Grand National hope Simon because, as she put it: "I'm old, and won't be around to see him for much longer." The horse ran in 2007 and 2008. | Mercy Rimell, the first woman to train a Champion Hurdle winner, has died aged 98. | 40530207 |
The 29-year-old allegedly clambered on to the pitched roof of one of the house blocks at HMP Guys Marsh on Friday and started the blaze.
It caused damage to the Shaftesbury site and inmates in the block had to be taken to a secure area.
Dorset Police has arrested the prisoner on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
It took 21 fire engines to get the fire under control.
At the prison's last inspection in 2015, managers and staff at Guys Marsh were found to have "all but lost control".
It was described as being in "crisis" with gangs found to be operating openly in the prison. | An inmate has been arrested after a fire at on the roof of a prison forced the evacuation of 64 prisoners. | 39248789 |
4 March 2015 Last updated at 16:02 GMT
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from near the volcano.
The 2840m-high Villarrica is an active volcano with a lava lake in its crater.
It is a popular destination for hikers.
The volcano's last major eruption was in 1985 and there have been smaller eruptions since.
Watch Hayley's report above to see the incredible lava explosion. | The Villarrica volcano in Chile, South America, erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning, spewing ash and lava up to 1,000m into the air. | 31731382 |
South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) said 38 people had been treated by paramedics by 14:30 BST on Wednesday.
Thousands of people are arriving for the festival amid record temperatures and tighter security.
The gates opened at 08:00 and more than 200,000 people are expected at the event at Worthy Farm in Somerset.
People are being asked to pack light for the five-day festival and have been told to expect their belongings to be searched at the gates.
The event is being headlined by Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp will make an appearance, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to give a talk and introduce US rap duo Run The Jewels.
Half an hour after the gates opened the temperature had reached 23C (73F).
It reached 30C by 14:00 and was expected to rise further during the afternoon, making it the hottest day in the event's history.
SWAS urged people to stay safe during the heatwave conditions.
"If you are heading to the Glastonbury Festival it is really important you take plenty of water with you, wear a hat and put on suncream," a spokesman said.
Festival organisers said free sun cream was available at all information points and there were water taps in most fields.
Before Wednesday, the hottest days at the festival were in 2010 and 1989, when temperatures reached 27.3C (81.1F).
In those years, revellers were left with heat stroke and exhaustion. | Dozens of people queuing to get into Glastonbury Festival have been treated by ambulance crews as temperatures reached 30C (96F). | 40356875 |
Gillian Platt, 72, from Bolton, said it was "just unbelievable" she had been honoured for her services to floral art and the community.
Mrs Platt is a former chair of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS).
Her work has been displayed at Westminster Abbey on several occasions.
These have included the Queen's Golden Jubilee as well as providing a floral arrangement which was on the Paschal Candle in the Queen Mother's funeral at the abbey.
She admitted she was a reluctant convert to flower arranging in 1968.
"My mother and auntie were going to local authority classes and invited me along because my two children had started attending playschool - I said, 'no, I'm enjoying two hours on a Wednesday morning doing my own thing'," she said.
Mrs Platt added: "But then I succumbed and I got hooked on it."
There is an MBE too for Greater Manchester firefighter David Leneghan, 53, who helped start the UK's first children's burns camp to help them to come to terms with their injuries.
He began the first camp in 1998 and currently 150 children a year are a given a chance to spend time with peers who have experienced similar injuries. | A woman whose flowers have adorned Westminster Abbey, including the Queen Mother's funeral, has been appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours List. | 35200556 |
Neil Parsons needed 167 stitches after he was attacked at a lobster festival at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, County Durham, in April 2012.
Teesside Crown Court heard John Mullen, 50, from Manchester, missed Mr Parsons' carotid artery by millimetres.
Mullen admitted wounding with intent and was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.
The court was told Mr Parsons runs a portable toilet business and was working at the event with his son, who witnessed the attack.
After the stabbing, Mullen, from Kearsley Road, Manchester, fled the country, flying to Abu Dhabi and then Bangkok.
He was eventually arrested in February last year when he arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The hearing was told that during the event, Mr Parsons stepped in after a man was headbutted in the hotel reception and up to 20 people became involved in a scuffle which caused terrified hotel staff to lock themselves in an office for safety.
Mr Parsons suffered a 5cm (2in) V-shaped laceration in his neck and four glass fragments were stuck in the wound.
In 2014 three men were sentenced for their part in the fighting. | A man who stabbed a businessman with a champagne flute, causing him to lose six pints of blood, has been jailed. | 38909472 |
The 19-year-old will return to the Serb club on loan and join up with the Premier League side on 1 July.
"I'm very excited and so proud to be here," said Grujic, who won the Under-20 World Cup with Serbia in 2015.
The Reds outbid Anderlecht and Stuttgart and saw off interest from Russian sides CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg.
Grujic, who has also represented his country at under-21 level, has scored five goals in 22 games for Serbian Super Liga leaders Red Star this season.
He is Jurgen Klopp's first signing as Liverpool manager since his appointment in October.
"He's a good boy, a young boy but plays an important role at the moment at Red Star, who are the best team in Serbia," said the German.
"He's a tall boy, but quick and good at technical things. He can play passes and can dribble."
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Liverpool have signed Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic for £5.1m on a four-year contract. | 35244115 |
Patricia Mountbatten married celebrated film producer Lord Brabourne in 1946, and the pair had seven children.
The couple were among a seven-strong boat party blown up by the IRA at County Sligo, Republic of Ireland, in 1979.
Their son Nicholas, 14, was killed in the attack, as was Lord Brabourne's mother, Dowager Lady Brabourne, and her father Lord Mountbatten.
The Countess, then known as Lady Brabourne, was badly injured but her husband survived as did Nicholas's twin, Timothy.
Paul Maxwell, a 15-year-old local boy, was also killed.
For more than 30 years she used her experience of her loss to help other bereaved parents, through her support of the charities Child Bereavement UK and Compassionate Friends.
A spokeswoman for the family said the countess died peacefully on Tuesday at her home in Mersham, Kent, surrounded by her children.
Lord Brabourne passed away 12 years ago.
She was godmother to the Prince of Wales who paid tribute to her in a statement. It reads: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of my very special godmother, Lady Mountbatten, whom I have known and loved ever since I can first remember.
"She played an extremely important part in my life and I shall miss her presence most dreadfully."
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "The Queen and the Duke are aware and have privately passed on their condolences."
When the Countess married in 1946 the then Princess Elizabeth, her third cousin, was one of her bridesmaids.
The family lived at Broadlands in Romsey, Hampshire, near Southampton, which has a hospice named after Countess Mountbatten.
The arrangements for a funeral in London followed by a burial service in Mersham, are to be announced at a later date. | Prince Philip's cousin, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, has died aged 93. | 40279925 |
Rafael suffered a fractured cheekbone in a challenge while Shaw was unable to continue because of an ankle problem.
Fellow wing-backs Ashley Young (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (groin) are already sidelined.
"It was a very physical game," Van Gaal said.
Media playback is not supported on this device
"Rafael has an injury and a fracture of his bone so it was fantastic he had the guts to play through.
"I had to change him and also Luke Shaw because he had an ankle problem. He played on also. Rafael has already gone away in a car to the hospital. I don't know how he did it. I cannot say. I will have to watch the video. Also, the same with Shaw."
Despite the withdrawal of Rafael and Shaw at the break, United improved in the second half at Huish Park as goals from Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria, on his return from a pelvic injury, secured a 2-0 victory.
Manchester United have not won the FA Cup since beating Millwall in 2004 and Van Gaal sees no reason why they cannot enjoy success in the competition this season.
"I want to win a title and the players also," the Dutchman said.
"I have been told by my assistant manager (Ryan Giggs) that Man United for over 10 years have not won the FA Cup, so maybe we can do that this year.
"But it's a very long way and the priority is also the Premier League." | Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has new injury concerns after wing-backs Rafael and Luke Shaw went off at half-time in Sunday's FA Cup third-round win at League One Yeovil. | 30674783 |
Media playback is not supported on this device
After trying their hand at skiing, and tennis, next out of the bag came cycling, fitting hand-in-hand with the of the Tour de France!
Find out how they got on in the next instalment of the 'Goz and Ros Challenge'.
For details on how to get involved in cycling, visit our guide to getting into cycling. | At the start of 2015, friends Ross Fiddes and Goz Ugochukwu set themselves the task of trying a variety of new sports throughout the year. | 33621551 |
Forest Holidays applied for permission to replace 110 of its 195 caravan and camping pitches with 16 wooden chalets at the former Eryri Forestry Park, near Beddgelert.
The plans were met with 200 objection letters and two petitions with more than 4,000 signatures.
Despite this, Snowdonia National Park Authority passed the plans at its meeting on Wednesday.
Objectors' complaints included claims it would lead to a "Center Parcs" style resort, taking trade away from Beddgelert, and increase the costs to stay, making it unaffordable for the average family.
Beddgelert community council recommended the plans be refused at a meeting in January.
The company said building cabins while cutting the number of pitches would be more in keeping with the area.
In a report to the authority, officers said: "The proposal would not result in the loss of a tourist facility, rather one with less intensive use."
The scheme will see 27 of the 248 trees on the site felled. | Controversial plans for a chalet park in Snowdonia have been approved. | 40020897 |
Stokes, 25, was injured while bowling in England's 330-run series-levelling win at Old Trafford in the second Test.
The all-rounder was replaced by Steven Finn for the third Test at Edgbaston, which started on Wednesday.
Stokes is hoping to be fit for the one-day series against Pakistan, which begins on 24 August.
He told BBC Test Match Special: "There was a possibility of being fit for the last Test but rather than risk more damage we decided to take it easy.
"I came back from South Africa and the first Test match back I did my knee. Now I've done my calf. It's been frustrating but I haven't written my summer off yet."
Stokes scored 34 in the first innings of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford and had match figures of 2-60 before leaving the field injured on day four.
This is Stokes' third notable injury in the past nine months. He damaged his shoulder in the third Test against Pakistan last October, and consequently missed the four-match one-day series and three Twenty20.
He then injured his knee in the first Test against Sri Lanka in May, which resulted in a month on the sidelines.
Stokes made his competitive return in the T20 Blast for Durham on 24 June and played five T20s and two first-class games, but was left out of England's squad for the first Test against Pakistan, which the visitors won by 75 runs. | England's Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the rest of the four-Test series against Pakistan with a right calf strain. | 36964513 |
15 January 2015 Last updated at 11:08 GMT
The 35% drop coincides with the government wanting to reduce the country's renewable energy targets.
It all means an uncertain future for wind farms in the state of South Australia, considered one of the industry's global leaders.
The BBC's Jon Donnison reports.
Watch more reports on Asia Business Report's website. | Australia has recorded its lowest investment in renewable energy since 2009. | 30825269 |
Stevie Mallan's 10th goal of the season from the penalty spot gave Saints the lead after Darren Brownlee fouled Lawrence Shankland.
The Doonhamers equalised when Gary Oliver headed in at the back post.
But within a minute Alex Cooper's cross was turned into his own net by Callum Tapping to restore the Buddies' lead.
St Mirren now trail fourth-placed Raith Rovers by 11 points with 24 still up for grabs, while Queen of the South are eight adrift of the Kirkcaldy side.
September 2003 was the last time the Doonhamers secured an away victory against St Mirren and there was no success in this eighth attempt at taking three points from Paisley.
It was on the half-hour mark when substitute Brownlee was dispossessed by Shankland and sent the on-loan Aberdeen striker tumbling as shaped to shoot.
Referee Alan Muir pointed to the spot and Mallan despatched the penalty low into the bottom left corner.
Prior to that, Queens had hit the crossbar from Kyle Jacobs' cross-come-shot but another of his deliveries helped bring the visitors level after the break.
Oliver popped up at the back post to nod in his third of the season - all the harder to take for Saints given they had just had a Shankland goal ruled out for offside moments before.
But a minute after Oliver's leveller, St Mirren regained the lead.
Cooper scampered down the left and his low, hard cross diverted off Tapping and into the back of the net.
Alan Gow almost added another for Saints at the end, but Queen of the South's Robbie Thomson made a superb diving save. | St Mirren's faint hopes of finishing fourth in the Championship were kept flickering by beating Queen of the South in Paisley. | 35733634 |
Police said Rashan Jermaine Charles was followed on foot after officers tried to stop a car in Kingsland Road, Hackney, at 01:45 BST on Saturday.
He then tried to swallow an object but died later in hospital.
Following a vigil outside Stoke Newington police station, some people threw bottles and sticks at police and set fire to rubbish bins in the road.
A mattress was placed across the road and one protester's car was parked across the street, BBC reporter Andy Moore said.
Police were monitoring the situation and would intervene if necessary, The Met said.
A spokesman for the force said no officers had been injured.
Earlier people held Black Lives Matters placards during the vigil organised by Stand Up To Racism.
Campaigners said they were "enormously concerned and angered" about the death of 20-year-old Mr Charles.
Ch Supt Simon Laurence, the borough commander for Hackney, said officers "understand they will be asked to account for their actions and they would not want it any other way".
He said the death "has had an impact on some members of the local community" and police had met with community representatives "so we can hear the community's concerns and how they are feeling."
Scotland Yard said the officer involved "intervened and sought to prevent the man from harming himself".
A force medic provided first aid at the scene before London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived.
Mr Charles was taken to the Royal London Hospital in east London and was confirmed dead at 02:55.
The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, is investigating. | Campaigners blocked a road during a vigil for a man who died after a police chase in east London. | 40711340 |
The crash happened on the A417 Reading Road in East Hendred at 09:55 BST, said police.
A Honda CBR 650 motorbike travelling towards Didcot had crashed. The 53-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Sgt Edward Crofts said: "Our thoughts are with man's family at this very difficult time." | A man was killed when his motorcycle crashed on a road in Oxfordshire. | 37668754 |
The best-selling play script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is joined on this year's shortlist by Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots.
This list includes just one novel, Sarah Perry's The Essex Serpent, and three works of non-fiction.
James Daunt, managing director of Waterstones, called it "a highly eclectic list".
Nominated by Waterstones booksellers, the six books on the shortlist are:
The Harry Potter script became the fastest-selling book this decade when it was released in July, with many shops opening at midnight - just hours after the stage play opened in London's West End.
Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots, written more than 100 years ago, was discovered in the Victoria and Albert Museum and was published in September with illustrations by Quentin Blake.
The most nominated book on the list was Sarah Perry's The Essex Serpent, a gothic tale about a village living in terror of a legendary creature.
Paul Kalanithi's memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, was written as he faced a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Christopher De Hamel's Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts mixes history, memoir, and travelogue.
The trio of non-fiction titles is completed by The Optician of Lampedusa, BBC correspondent Emma-Jane Kirby's account of one man's experience of the European migrant crisis.
"This year only the inclusion of the de facto patron saint of booksellers, JK Rowling, was predictable," said James Daunt. "Praise be to her, but I encourage all to look closely at the other wonderful books we shortlist."
The winner, chosen by a panel headed by Daunt, will be announced on 1 December.
Last year's winner was The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or if you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Two Potter publications are among the titles vying to be named Waterstones Book of the Year 2016. | 37897742 |
The 30-year-old took 50 wickets in the County Championship last season at an average of 28.64.
Anyon joined Sussex ahead for the 2010 campaign and has taken 178 first-class wickets for the county.
James Anyon has been a consistent performer for Sussex in the County Championship since joining in 2010.
"I'm delighted to have signed for another two years as I'm really happy playing my cricket down here," he said.
Anyon's best bowling figures in 2013 came in the victory over champions Durham at Hove, in which he took 5-44 in the first innings.
"On a personal note I was pleased how the season went and hopefully I can help us to finish a couple of places higher in the Championship next season," the Lancaster-born paceman added.
"We've got a really good squad together and I believe we're capable of winning trophies."
Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson said he was delighted that Anyon had extended his stay with the club.
"He had a very good year last year and is a top professional who has the potential to get better with every year," Robinson said. | Sussex seam bowler James Anyon has signed a new two-year contract and will remain at the Hove-based club until the end of the 2015 season. | 24579896 |
The juvenile female was discovered at the Holkham National Nature Reserve on the north Norfolk coast on Thursday.
The Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) carried out a post-mortem examination on the beach to establish the cause of its death.
Plans are in place to remove the carcass, the Holkham Estate said.
"Evidence from the post-mortem examination indicates that the fin whale had developed a spinal abnormality, which had potentially limited the degree of movement and brought progressive wasting of muscles and death," Rob Deaville from the CSIP said.
"The degree of muscle-wasting appeared much more profound along the tail-stock, behind a 'hump', so we speculate that the spinal abnormality had limited the degree of movement in that region in particular, which would have impacted on the animal's ability to dive and feed.
"The spinal abnormality may have been congenital, but it is certainly possible that the whale may have survived an historical traumatic event."
Dr Ben Garrod, of Anglia Ruskin University, previously said that fin whales, the second largest group in the whale family, were more often seen in the deep ocean.
"Fin whales are rarely, if ever, seen in the North Sea and are instead found off the western British Isles." | A fin whale measuring 42ft (13m) that washed up on a Norfolk beach died of starvation linked to a spinal abnormality, experts have said. | 37744737 |
According to the Prisons Reform Trust, nearly two thirds of prisons are overfull, with jails holding more than 10,000 inmates than they were built to.
Of the 30 most crowded, 15 are rated as "of serious concern" or "of concern" - the two lowest performance ratings.
The proportion is almost twice as high as the rest of the estate, with 31 of the 117 prisons being similarly rated.
85,000 prison population in England and Wales
10,442 more people incarcerated than prison estate capable of housing
77 of 117 prisons are overcrowded
20,000 people sharing a cell designed for fewer occupants
The report, compiled from analysis of Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data, found the three most overcrowded prisons - Leeds, Swansea and Wandsworth - rated as "of concern".
Five of the six jails whose performance is described as being "of serious concern" - Doncaster, Bristol, Isis, Hewell, and Wormwood Scrubs - are overcrowded.
Only one of the eight prisons rated as having "exceptional performance" - Whatton - is overcrowded.
The Prison Reform Trust said overcrowding "cripples the system's ability to provide a decent and constructive public service".
Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "The bleak state of our prisons is a political failure, shared by all governments of the last two and a half decades.
"Three years of austerity have now brutally exposed the system's inherent vulnerability, and a comprehensive strategy to control the demand for prison, and so to end overcrowding, must form part of this government's response."
A MoJ spokeswoman said it was "clear that our prisons are in need of reform" and it was investing £1.3bn in building new prisons with 10,000 new places. | The most overcrowded prisons in England and Wales are twice as likely to be rated as failing, a new report claims. | 38236554 |
Rescue workers are searching for other people feared trapped in the debris.
The landslide hit a camp housing construction workers in Tawang district, a tourist spot in the state, early on Friday.
Landslides are common in parts of India but usually occur during the monsoon rains from June to September.
The workers, who were building a hotel, were asleep when the landslide hit their camp in Tawang district, located at an altitude of more than 3,000m (9,800ft).
"Three labourers survived and have received minor injuries. A total of 20 workers were at the spot when the massive landslide struck the construction site," Anto Alphonse, superintendent of police for Tawang, told AFP news agency.
There have been heavy rains in the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, which lies on the Tibetan border and is claimed in part by China. | A landslide triggered by torrential rains in the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh has killed at least 15 people, officials say. | 36108799 |
Ross Davidson, 45, a teacher at a school in North Ayrshire, was arrested on Wednesday.
The alleged offences took place between May and July 2014, according to the Crown Office.
A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council confirmed that a teacher had been suspended from his post.
He added: "It would not be appropriate for the council to comment further on matters relating to an individual employee."
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed that they had made an arrest.
"We can confirm that on Wednesday 19 April, a 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with an offence contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland Act 2010," she said.
A report was submitted to the procurator fiscal, she added.
The fiscal at Kilmarnock received the report, according to the Crown Office.
A spokesman said: "The procurator fiscal at Kilmarnock received a report concerning a 45-year-old male, in connection with alleged incidents between May and July 2014.
"The accused was liberated from custody pending further inquiries." | A teacher has been suspended following his arrest in connection with a stalking offence, BBC Scotland has learned. | 39671643 |
Charles Brooke Pickard, 43, disappeared from Castlecove on the Ring of Kerry in April 1991.
Several people saw him being abducted by up to five men close to his home. He was then driven away in his own van.
It was found burnt out at Shronaloughnane Forest three weeks later.
No trace has ever been found of Mr Pickard.
Police have said that new information has led them to begin excavating a site to close to where his van was found.
Mr Pickard, who was originally from Leeds, moved with his wife from England to Ireland in the mid-1980s and bought a farm in Castlecove. He was the father of four children.
Members of the Irish Defence Forces are assisting the new search which began on Tuesday morning.
It is expected to last at least a week.
Superintendent Flor Murphy has appealed for further information from the public.
"There are people who may not have been in a position to assist the investigation twenty five years ago but with the passage of time their circumstances may have changed," said Supt Murphy.
"Relationships, friendships, associations and loyalties may have changed and people may be in a better position to help us now. " | Police in the Republic of Ireland have begun excavating a site in County Kerry for a man who was abducted 25 years ago. | 37346855 |
Sales of "everyday biscuits", a segment that also includes Rich Tea, have sunk by almost one million packets a week.
Researchers Kantar Worldpanel say sales of cereal bars and Jaffa Cakes are up, as are chocolate-coated biscuits.
"It's part of the changing nature of snacking," says Kantar's Retail Insight chief, Fraser McKevitt.
The UK biscuit business is worth £2.4bn - down about 0.3% on last year. "It's not a story about a decline in the purchasing of biscuits - it's the changing tastes," he says.
Sales in the "everyday" category fell 7.1% and are now worth about £300m.
The "Children's biscuits" category, which includes Jammie Dodgers, fell 2.8% to £110m.
One of the big biscuit winners over the past 12 months has been the premium "special treats" category, where brands Bahlsen and Fudges have done well, Mr McKevitt says.
"There are more people saying to themselves: 'If I'm going to eat fewer biscuits, then when I do I'm going to treat myself'," he says.
The biggest sub-sector in the biscuit market is the "healthier" category. This continues to grow, up 1.3% to £517m in the last year.
Cereal bars and most biscuits made with oats did better. BelVita bars saw a £5.6m rise in sales.
"We saw a similar change in tastes with fizzy drinks," says Mr McKevitt. "Biscuits are inherently a sugary product. Brands across all categories are changing recipes to take out sugar, salt and fat."
One growth market to watch for is the so-called "nibbles range": one-bite wonders sold in assortment packs.
"It's not just biscuit tastes that are changing," Mr McKevitt explains. "The shape and size are changing too." | Sales of custard creams and the humble digestive biscuit are crumbling as Britons opt for healthier and more indulgent treats. | 38223242 |
It has increased its contribution offer for plans for Reston and East Linton from 50% to 60%.
It would see about £6m going towards the scheme in the Borders and £7m for the East Lothian project.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said the Scottish government was a "strong supporter" of the schemes.
"Currently, we fund new stations via the Scottish Stations Fund with central government funding limited to 50%; the balance being matched by contributions from promoters, whether local authorities or private developers," he said.
"Recognising the budgetary pressures facing all parties concerned, I have written to both local authorities outlining my two potential solutions to the current funding shortfall.
"My first option seeks to address the shortfall by increasing the central government contribution to an unprecedented 60%, the second by incorporating the stations within a larger programme of works."
He said that with either option he would be seeking a "long-term commitment" from the councils for "improved connectivity". | The Scottish government has offered an "unprecedented" level of support towards reopening stations in the Borders and East Lothian. | 37939808 |
Local people told reporters that the animal appeared to have been foraging for water, and then got its head stuck inside the vessel.
The confused and frightened animal wandered around the village as residents took pictures and videos.
Wildlife officials eventually tranquilised the leopard and used a saw to remove the pot from its head. They told the local media that it seemed none the worse for its ordeal.
A recent wildlife census estimates that India has a leopard population of between 12,000 and 14,000 animals. | A male leopard spent five hours with its head stuck in a metal pot in a village in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. | 34409635 |
Police were called to Botanic Gardens shortly before 16:00 BST after reports of an "altercation" in the park.
The man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm while the girl, who is 17, was detained on suspicion of common assault.
Police said they were aware "there may have been other assaults in the area" and have appealed for witnesses.
The have also asked any witnesses who filmed the attacks to contact detectives. | A teenage girl and a 25-year-old man have been arrested over assaults at a Belfast park on Thursday afternoon. | 39811017 |
William Flannigan is alleged to have mislead buyers of homes at Lakeminster Park in Beverley, East Yorkshire.
Hull Crown Court heard claims the developer was the target of a "carefully worked out strategy".
Mr Flannigan, 51, of Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow, denies 10 counts of fraud by misrepresentation.
Christopher Harding, for the defence, told the jury of a plan "formulated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and [Hull law firm] Gosschalks to attack Mr Flannigan ... with the intention to deflect scrutiny and public concern away from the council".
The park owner is alleged to have sold properties as permanent homes knowing they only had planning permission to be used for holiday purposes.
Under cross-examination, Peter Ashcroft, the council's former head of planning, dismissed the suggestion Humberside Police had been involved by the council to avoid it facing any legal action.
He said Lakeminster Park had been "a serious breach of planning policy, which could have set a very dangerous precedent for other holiday homes".
The court also heard the law firm had only become involved because residents were advised to take legal advice after being told their homes did not have valid planning permission.
The judge reminded the jury its "primary concern is what residents were told about the purchase of the homes. Eventually that's what you're going to decide".
The park on the outskirts of Beverley was home to about 200 people.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council took action to evict the residents of the 76 properties after the authority rejected retrospective planning permission in 2012.
The case continues. | A holiday park owner accused of mis-selling chalets was the victim of a plot to deflect scrutiny away from a council, a court has heard. | 39355713 |
Swansea council put the barriers up on Sunday, two weeks after the death of off-duty Sgt Louise Lucas.
Sue Mann said the barriers should continue into Dillwyn St as the same traffic system was in operation.
The council is meeting on Tuesday to consider changes to the road system.
At present traffic travels in one direction on one side of the dual carriageway, and in two opposite directions on the other.
Ms Mann, 48, from Killay, was on her way out to meet a friend in the city centre when she was hit by a taxi as she tried to cross the two-direction side of the road.
She said: "The road was completely desolate and no traffic. Next thing I knew a taxi just suddenly was there and all I can remember is my head was on the bonnet of the taxi."
She needed stitches and suffered from shock following the incident.
Ms Mann thinks the barriers do not go far enough and would like to see them extended.
"Maybe they have put them up because of that poor policewoman, but I doubt they have put them all the way around to Tesco," she added.
Sgt Lucas was the second person to die on the Kingsway in two years. In 2013, Daniel Foss, 37, was killed after also being hit by a bus.
The coroner investigating Mr Foss's death said the road had a "serious design issue" and called for urgent action. | A woman who was knocked down on The Kingsway in Swansea nine months before a police officer died there after being hit by a bus has claimed new safety barriers do not extend far enough. | 32286229 |
David Cameron announced on Monday the UK would accept up to 20,000 people from camps surrounding Syria with priority given to vulnerable children.
First Minister Carwyn Jones will hold a Wales summit on the refugee crisis next week.
The WRC is happy to take its share, but it wants it to happen more quickly.
Hannah Wharf, policy manager for the WRC, said: "We welcome the UK government's commitment and this rapid change in political and social support for the resettlement and relocation of refugees from Syria.
"But 20,000 over five years isn't fast enough and we can't wait until 2020 for this to happen. This needs to happen in the next year or so.
"At the moment Wales takes 8% of refugees who seek asylum across the UK.
"We don't know the details of how that will pan out with this new scheme unfolding but we do know that Wales is ready to take its fair share of 8% of 20,000 - that's just about 1,600 refugees to be taken across Wales.
"Local authorities have been having ongoing conversations across Wales about how best to support people who come into local communities.
"We know there's a huge surge of support."
Local authorities in Wales have said they are willing to "play their part" but asked for help to meet the costs.
The Welsh government has said the UK government should pay as the matter is not devolved. | Wales could take 1,600 Syrian refugees over the next five years as part of Britain's response to the crisis, the Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) said. | 34184059 |
21 July 2016 Last updated at 08:00 BST
Over the past forty years whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises have been monitored all around the coast.
Sea Watch hope to improve the protection of whales and dolphins around Britain and Ireland by keeping track of them and teaching people about the threats they face.
So Martin's been to Cardigan Bay in Wales - home to the UK's largest population of Bottlenose dolphins - to join in with an annual watch.
But will they spot any dolphins? | Scientists from the Sea Watch Foundation want to get you guys, and grown ups, out and about around the UK learning more about marine mammals. | 36853190 |
The 24-year-old Spaniard, who has agreed a three-year deal, scored seven goals in 26 games last season.
"The facilities are great," he told the club website. "I've been particularly impressed by the family feeling here."
Juanma becomes Hearts' second striker signing in a week after the arrival of Gavin Reilly from Queen of the South.
The Spaniard began his career with Jove Espanol in his homeland before moving to Denia, Alaves and Asteras Tripoli before switching to their Greek top-flight rivals last year.
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson said: "We spent a lot of time over the summer speaking to Juanma and meeting him.
"We thought it was going to get done a few weeks ago and we had some issues with the contractual situation in Greece, but we finally got it over the line.
"He'll be a big asset for us. He brings physicality and he'll hopefully bring goals as well.
"He's a good player, technically very good, great in the air and has good link-up play - and he's a great character." | New Hearts striker Juanma Delgado believes he has joined a "big club" after leaving Greek Superleague outfit Kalloni for Scotland's top flight. | 33274279 |
Twenty thousand properties in Lancashire were left without power after a high voltage fault.
The Metrolink suspended all tram lines due to lightning strikes and Manchester Airport had to divert incoming flights.
Surface water caused delays on the roads and to trains in the region.
Electricity North West said homes in Colne, Burnley and Nelson have been affected by the power cut.
The Environment Agency issued a number of flood warnings for south Manchester, with Fallowfield, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and Rusholme among the areas affected.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported "high numbers" of 999 calls made after the storms hit.
GMFRS said it received 106 calls between 18:30 and 20:00 from people reporting flooding and weather related issues.
They included a woman and children trapped inside a car in flood water under a railway bridge in Stockport and electrical faults caused by flooding water.
Manchester Airport was unable to accept any incoming flights during the height of the storm and had to divert a number of planes to other airports.
Manchester City's Champions League group clash at home to German side Borussia Mönchengladbach was postponed less than half an hour before kick off due to a flooded Etihad Stadium pitch.
It has been rearranged for 19:45 BST on Wednesday.
The cosmetics counters at Manchester's Harvey Nichols department store were flooded as well.
Meteorologist Mark Wilson said there was a lot of rain in a "very short space of time" in the region and "a lot" of thunder and lightning.
Mr Wilson said: "Prestbury had 32.4mm of rain in an hour - which is pretty exceptional."
He added the band of rain and thunderstorms looks set to push eastwards into Yorkshire and up to Scotland over the course of the night. | Torrential storms have struck the north west of England's transport system and caused the postponement of Manchester City's Champions League game. | 37356375 |
Logan Peters was arrested in Plymouth on 7 May on suspicion of criminal damage. He was charged and released but was found dead the next day.
The IPCC will consider a complaint from the 22 year old's family that excessive force was used during the arrest.
IPCC Commissioner Tom Milsom will oversee the investigation.
Mr Milson, who will meet Mr Peters's family as part of the investigation, said: "I would like to assure them that we will look at the force used at arrest and all of the actions and decisions taken in relation to the risk assessments during Logan's time in custody.
"Additionally, we will look at the communication processes between the custody staff, and the period of detention, to determine whether all national and force policies and guidelines were adhered to." | The way police treated a man who was found dead at his home in Cornwall less than 24 hours after being released from custody is being investigated. | 27932463 |
The Aberdeenshire station was once used by the Royal family when they travelled to nearby Balmoral.
Although no longer used as a rail station, it housed a tourist centre, retail units and a restaurant - all of which were destroyed by the blaze.
Plans have now been submitted that would see the station recreated.
Parts of the Royal Waiting Room were salvaged from the fire and a replica Royal carriage which had been on display was relatively undamaged.
The new planning application would see the station building reinstated - including the VisitScotland information centre, public library and restaurant - as well as the waiting room and carriage.
There would be a new exhibition space extending along the old platform and over the tracks, taking the form of railway sheds.
A new public square is proposed in front of the station, linking it to the nearby Victoria and Albert Halls and creating a destination point for the Deeside Way.
The plans have been submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority by Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and a firm of architects.
It is hoped that work could start in November, with the station and exhibition space expected to be open towards the end of 2017.
Originally built in 1866, the station underwent a complete refurbishment in 2001 and was leased by Aberdeenshire Council to VisitScotland. | A £3m plan has been unveiled to reinstate the historic Old Royal Station building in Ballater that was devastated by fire last year. | 36413732 |
East Timor wants the court to decide who owns a large undersea oil and gas field.
East Timor says a 2006 treaty for revenue sharing was unfairly forced upon the newly independent nation.
Australia says the international court has no jurisdiction over the dispute.
On Monday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) "held that it was competent to continue with the conciliation process" brought by East Timor against Australia in April.
The Greater Sunrise oil and gas field lies between the two nations.
East Timor - also known as Timor Leste - welcomed the decision by the PCA - the world's oldest arbitration tribunal.
"Just as we fought so hard and suffered so much for our independence, Timor-Leste will not rest until we have our sovereign rights over both land and sea," said Xanana Gusmao, the independence resistance hero and former prime minister.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said her country accepted the decision.
"We are committed to working together to strengthen our relationship and overcome our differences in the Timor sea," she said. | The international court of arbitration in the Netherlands has agreed to take up a decade-long maritime boundary dispute case between Australia and East Timor. | 37426653 |
Danny Johnson got his 12th goal of the season as he drilled home CJ Hamilton's cutback to put Gateshead in front.
Josh Gillies added a second soon after as he shot into the top corner, before Bromley pulled one back through substitute Adam Coombes.
But Gillies made the game safe after the break as he lobbed goalkeeper Alan Julian from a tight angle.
Gateshead move up to ninth place in the division, while Bromley stay in 13th position. | Gateshead ended their five-match winless run in the National League as they comfortably beat Bromley. | 36061127 |
In a statement released by his lawyer, Alan Gross said he suspended his fast because his mother, 91, had asked him to end it, but added that "there will be further protests to come".
Mr Gross, 64, began fasting on 2 April to protest against his treatment by both the Cuban and US governments.
He was jailed for 15 years for taking internet equipment to Cuba illegally.
"My protest fast is suspended as of today," Mr Gross said in the statement.
"There will be no cause for further intense protest when both governments show more concern for human beings and less malice and derision toward each other," he added.
He had stopped eating after his last solid meal a week ago "to object to mistruths, deceptions, and inaction by both governments".
The case of Mr Gross is seen as a major obstacle to better US-Cuban ties. The two countries have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1961.
Mr Gross was arrested in 2009 while working for a firm under contract with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Cuba considers USAID's programmes as illegal attempts by the US to undermine the island nation's Communist government. | A US contractor who has been in jail in Cuba for more than four years has ended his week-long hunger strike. | 26997267 |
Sussex resumed their second innings on 42-2, but Chris Nash and Luke Wells both fell to Hardus Viljoen for 23.
Craig Cachopa, who top-scored with 34, was caught behind off Matt Coles as the hosts were bowled out for 189 at Hove.
With two matches remaining, Kent are 24 points behind leaders Essex - who beat Worcestershire by an innings and 161 runs at Chelmsford.
Victory was Kent's first win in nine Championship matches at Sussex while the home side, who have three matches remaining, are off the pace in the race for promotion to Division One.
Sussex coach Mark Davis told BBC Sussex:
"To lose in seven sessions is not good enough, we accept that. That said, we played a very young side.
"We've had a few injuries, so we've got few young guys in.
"I've said all year that we weren't going to get any loan players, we wanted to see what our players could do.
"But yes, it was poor batting. We shouldn't lose that number of wickets that quickly. We will address it and have done after this innings already." | Kent boosted their chances of promotion as they beat Sussex by an innings and 127 runs inside three days. | 37248033 |
The assailant was shot by the head of security at the Tekoa settlement, south of Jerusalem, after attacking the 30-year-old woman at a warehouse.
The woman was said to be in a moderate and stable condition in hospital.
The attack comes less than 24 hours after an Israeli woman was killed at another West Bank settlement.
Dafna Meir, a 39-year-old mother-of-six, was stabbed to death inside her home at Otniel after a struggle with the assailant, who reportedly fled to the nearby Palestinian village of Khirbet Karameh.
The Israeli military launched a manhunt following the attack, setting up roadblocks and telling residents to lock themselves inside their homes.
There were conflicting reports about the condition of the man who stabbed the woman at the Tekoa industrial zone on Monday.
Palestinian health ministry officials initially reported that he had died of his wounds, but later said he was in a serious condition in hospital.
The Israeli military confirmed he was receiving treatment in Jerusalem.
Twenty-seven Israelis have been killed in stabbing, shooting or car-ramming attacks by Palestinians or Israeli Arabs since October.
At least 155 Palestinians have also been killed during that time. Israel says most were assailants, shot by their victims or security forces as they carried out attacks. Others have been killed in clashes with Israeli troops. | A pregnant Israeli woman has been stabbed and wounded by a Palestinian man in a settlement in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military says. | 35342435 |
A bomb was left under a car belonging to a married couple who were both serving in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The device was made safe outside their home in Eglinton, near Londonderry.
The men, aged 29 and 32, were detained in Dublin by Gardaà (Irish police) under a European Arrest Warrant.
They were also questioned about possession of explosives with intent to endanger life in connection with the attempted bombing on 18 June 2015.
Both men are due to appear before the High Court in Dublin later. | Two men have been arrested in Dublin in connection with the attempted murder of two police officers in Northern Ireland almost two years ago. | 39363992 |
The 25-year-old Scot revealed the news on social media site Twitter and said he had been cleared to resume training.
Jamieson described his medical care at Royal United Hospital Bath as "amazing".
"Not really sure the reasons behind it happening, but I went into an irregular beat after reaching 203 heart rate in a session (max is 193)," said Jamieson.
"Specialist said he's only seen this three times, all Olympic medallists - pretty cool!"
Jamieson came to prominence by finishing second in the 200m breakstroke at London 2012 and most recently won silver in the same even at the Beijing World Cup.
A British Swimming spokesperson said: "Michael experienced a minor irregularity in his heart rhythm this week and was seen immediately by specialists.
"He has been cleared to train following medical treatment and is already back in the water." | Olympic silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson says doctors had to restart his heart on Wednesday morning. | 25166619 |
Goosen is reportedly returning to South Africa to become a commercial director.
"We regret that so obviously talented a young player has been misguided and abandoned professional rugby," said Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti.
"Racing 92 reserves the right for a judicial follow-up to both Johan Goosen and those who advise him."
Goosen has won 13 caps for South Africa, most recently starting at full-back in his team's 27-13 defeat by Wales last month.
He was voted the Top 14's player of the year last season after helping Racing to the French top-flight title.
Goosen has struggled with injury during his career but had been fully fit this year and returned to the South Africa side this summer, winning six more caps for the Springboks. | South Africa international Johan Goosen has angered his French club Racing 92 by announcing his retirement from the sport at the age of 24. | 38345300 |
Leanne Wood said Plaid faced a "big mountain" but it was not impossible to become Wales' biggest party.
It goes in to next year's Assembly elections as the third biggest party, behind Labour and the Tories.
Ms Wood will deliver a speech on Saturday at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, the biggest in the party's history.
"There are many things that we can learn from the SNP experience, not least the way in which they replaced the Labour government back in 2007 and have turned a lot of the problems around that were in Scotland back then," she said.
"We can learn lessons from Scotland there - where there is a strong party, a national party of government, then there can be real success and we can do the same for Wales." | Plaid Cymru's leader has said her party can learn from the SNP how to overtake Labour and get into government. | 34556016 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.