Lebanon: Protests After Beirut Bomb Blast

Protesters in Lebanon have burnt tyres and set up roadblocks amid growing anger over a car bomb that killed eight people, including one of the country's top security officials.

There are fears that the devastating attack threatens to bring Syria's civil war to Lebanon.

Lebanese troops stood guard at road junctions and official buildings in the capital, Beirut, as the Lebanese cabinet held an emergency meeting to decide on what, if any, action to take.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati later said the blast was linked to the civil war in neighbouring Syria and revealed that he had agreed to stay on as premier at President Michel Sleiman's request because of "national interest".

Among the victims of the Beirut blast was Brigadier General Wissam al Hassan, head of a Lebanese intelligence department and an opponent of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

Politics in Lebanon and Syria are closely connected

Brig-Gen al Hassan, 47, headed an investigation over the summer that led to the arrest of former information minister Michel Samaha, one of Mr Assad's most loyal allies in Lebanon.

Mr Samaha, who is in custody, is accused of plotting a campaign of bombings and assassinations to spread sectarian violence in Lebanon at Syria's behest.

Also indicted in the August sweep was Syrian Brigadier General Ali Mamlouk, one of Mr Assad's highest aides.

Dozens were left wounded in the blast in Beirut's mainly Christian Achrafieh neighbourhood.

Lebanon's fractious politics are closely entwined with Syria's.

The countries share political and sectarian ties and rivalries, often causing events on one side of the border to have a "knock on" effect on the other.

Lebanon's opposition is an anti-Syrian bloc, while the prime minister and much of the government are pro-Syrian.

The civil war in Syria has laid bare Lebanon's sectarian tensions as well.

Many of Lebanon's Sunni Muslims have backed Syria's mainly Sunni rebels, while Shi'ite Muslims have tended to back Mr Assad.

Brig-Gen al Hassan was a Sunni whose stances were widely seen to oppose Syria and Shi'ite Hezbollah, the country's most powerful ally in Lebanon.

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Goalkeeper Attacked: Suspect Identified

A man believed to have attacked Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during a match against Leeds has been identified by police.

The suspect, who has not yet been arrested, is thought to have run on to the field from the away end in the 77th minute, seconds after Leeds had equalised in the Yorkshire derby and knocked Kirkland to the ground.

He then returned to the stand while trouble continued around him, with a number of other travelling supporters invading the pitch.

The Football Association is also investigating crowd trouble at the match and is awaiting the referee's report.

Bottles and seats were believed to have been thrown, South Yorkshire Police said.

Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin added: "Such incidents are not acceptable and won't be tolerated. We will be working with both clubs to identify and quickly bring to justice the persons responsible.

"Thankfully, such incidents are a rarity and we see a minority spoil it for the majority of genuine supporters."

Kirkland needed treatment after the assault

Detective Inspector Mark Monteiro, said: "With the public's assistance we have clearly identified the offender who ran on to the pitch during last night's game between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Leeds United FC and who is suspected of assaulting the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper.

"We are dealing with the complaint made by the player and we are currently taking statements, collating evidence and making inquiries to locate and arrest the offender.

"We are also using CCTV footage from around the ground to identify suspects who may have been responsible for other offences before, during or after the match."

Former England international Kirkland required treatment after the attack, but was able to continue. The game ended 1-1.

In a post-match interview, Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones described Leeds fans as "vile animals", adding: "You talk about racism, the chanting, that's a form of racism.

"Then (for the Leeds players) to go and wave at them ... not in my book. You don't wave at them after that."

Riot police were present at the game and tried to diffuse ugly scenes in the away end.

Describing the scenes as an "absolute disgrace", Leeds manager Neil Warnock called for Kirkland's assailant to be given a jail sentence.

He said: "They should get the guy and prosecute him and put him in prison. He (Kirkland) went down like a ton of bricks but that doesn't make a difference. Nobody should be on the pitch doing that.

"I am not proud of being Leeds manager when I see that. I don't mind the rivalry between us - there was a great atmosphere.

"To see things like that on the field of play there is no place for it - I am absolutely embarrassed."

The visiting club issued a statement after the game, saying: "Leeds United Football Club would like to publicly apologise and condemn the action of the fan who came on the pitch and attacked Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

"The club will fully co-operate with the police and the football authorities in identifying the individual concerned."

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Two Held After Children Killed In House Fire

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder by police investigating a house fire in which a woman and two children died.

A 20-year-old woman, a boy aged four and a two-year-old girl were pronounced dead by firefighters after the blaze broke out at a property in Maes Y Groes, Prestatyn, on Friday night, a North Wales Police spokeswoman said.

Her 23-year-old partner and her 15-month-old son were taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition, she added.

Police confirmed the two people in custody are a 45-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, who live in a ground floor flat underneath the victims.

Neighbour Adele Gordon described the chaotic moments as the fire took hold: "There were people everywhere. This man came running up the street shouting 'my kids are in there, my kids are in there'.

Fire crews recovered five people from inside the property

"People started smashing the windows but the smoke was mad, I've never seen smoke like it. It was thick black smoke bellowing out of the house."

Another neighbour, Mike Foster said: "I can't believe it. I'm just in shock. I didn't even know them but I'm just so upset."

A joint investigation is being carried out by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.

A Welsh Ambulance Services spokeswoman said the man and baby were taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital.

The man was later transferred to Whiston Hospital, Merseyside, while the baby was moved to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Both were said to be in a serious condition.

Detective Superintendent John Chapman said: "We would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Maes y Groes area of Prestatyn yesterday evening to get in contact as soon as possible by calling us on 101.

"We are deploying Family Liaison Officers to work closely with the next of kin at this difficult time.

"There is a team of dedicated officers working on specific lines of enquiry in relation to this incident."

He said a "meticulous" forensic investigation of the house was under way that could take up to three days to complete.

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Mass Demonstration Against Spending Cuts

More than 100,000 people have taken part in a mass demonstration in central London against the Government's spending cuts.

Firefighters, nurses and teachers marched alongside unemployed youngsters, anti-war activists and other campaigners, while similar protests were held in Belfast and Glasgow.

The London march ended with a rally in Hyde Park, where Labour leader Ed Miliband was among the speakers.

Mr Miliband was booed by a small section of the crowd when he said his party would have to make "hard choices" if it was in government.

"I do not promise easy times," he said, but added: "We would make different and fairer choices, including on pay and jobs."

Mr Miliband went on: "This Government has shown us self-defeating austerity, by cutting too far and too fast, is not the answer."

He pledged that if he became Prime Minister he would tax bankers' bonuses, support the building of 100,000 houses and end the privatisation of the NHS.

He dubbed David Cameron "weak" and "clueless" and accused him of "clinging" to policies which were not working.

He said the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition was cutting taxes for millionaires and raising them for everyone else. "It is one rule for those at the top and one rule for everyone else."

Bob Crow, leader of the RMT rail union, was loudly cheered when he called for a 24-hour general strike.

He also called on Mr Miliband to oppose all spending cuts.

Grant Shapps, Conservative Party chairman, said: "You can't be serious about clearing the deficit when you attend a march that calls for an end to austerity."

Many of those marching said they were encouraged by the turnout.

Teacher Billie King, from Bracknell, in Berkshire, told Sky's Tom Parmenter: "To make massive cuts to people who have got so little and to make small adjustments to those who have got so much it is such an injustice."

Healthcare worker Sonny Nkazi said: "People don't come to work with a packed lunch like they used to because they can't afford the packed lunch.

"You go the shops, you can't afford to buy enough food for your family. I know things are difficult in the country but we're not supposed to be suffering this way."

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Andrew Mitchell Resigns After 'Plebs' Row

Mitchell's Resignation Letter To PM

Updated: 10:29am UK, Saturday 20 October 2012

Here is the full text of Andrew Mitchell's resignation letter to David Cameron:

Dear David,

It is with enormous regret - not least because of the tremendous support and loyalty you have shown me during recent weeks - that I am writing to resign as your Chief Whip.

Over the last two days it has become clear to me that whatever the rights and wrongs of the matter I will not be able to fulfil my duties as we both would wish. Nor is it fair to continue to put my family and colleagues through this upsetting and damaging publicity.

I have made clear to you - and I give you my categorical assurance again - that I did not, never have, and never would call a police officer a "pleb" or a "moron" or used any of the other pejorative descriptions attributed to me.

The offending comment and the reason for my apology to the police was my parting remark "I thought you guys were supposed to f***ing help us". It was obviously wrong of me to use such bad language and I am very sorry about it and grateful to the police officer for accepting my apology.

I am immensely grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Development Secretary for seven and a half years, both in Opposition and in Government.

I believe Britain, under your leadership, has made real progress in transforming the lives and the opportunities of some of the world's poorest people and that we will continue to do so as we deploy an expertise and commitment which show Britain at its best.

I now intend to concentrate on serving my constituents in the Royal town of Sutton Coldfield to the best of my ability and giving you the strong support you rightly deserve from all members of the Conservative Party.

With every good wish,

yours ever,

Andrew Mitchell.

In his reply, the Prime Minister said:

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for your letter. I was sorry to receive it, but I understand why you have reached the conclusion that you have, and why you have decided to resign from the Government.

I regret that this has become necessary, and am very grateful for all you have done, both in Government and in Opposition - as well as for the kind words in your letter.

I am in no doubt that your work in the field of international development has made a really important contribution - not only to the Conservative Party, but more importantly to Britain's standing in the world, and above all to international efforts to tackle deep and sustained poverty.

You brought real passion to the job in Opposition, which you turned into more than two years of very successful work in Government.

You brought immense energy and dedication to the role, a focus on the world's poorest, and decisive progress on the key issues of vaccination against preventable diseases, maternal health and family planning that make the greatest difference to the greatest number of people.

You have also brought a proper accountability and transparency to the Department for International Development's work.

Under your leadership of the Department, Britain achieved a leading global role, which will be continued as Britain chairs the United Nations High Level Panel.

As we discussed in advance of the reshuffle, I wanted you to bring your organisational skill and energy to the important job of Chief Whip. It was clear to me that you had already made a strong start.

As you have acknowledged, the incident in Downing Street was not acceptable and you were right to apologise for it.

You have much to be proud of from your service on the Frontbench both in Opposition and in Government, and in your continued service to your constituents in Sutton Coldfield. I hope that, in time, you will be able to make a further contribution to public life.

Yours

David

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Cardiff Hit-And-Runs: Police Hunt Mystery Car

Detectives investigating a hit-and-run rampage in which a mother of a disabled child was killed are appealing for information about a mystery car seen driving on the wrong side of the road shortly before the crashes.

Karina Menzies, 32, was killed yesterday and 13 people were injured when a driver brought terror to roads in Cardiff.

As it emerged today that Ms Menzies' child is on a "dream holiday" in Florida and does not know of the tragedy, police revealed new details of the investigation.

Police are continuing to question a 31-year-old man on suspicion of her murder as well as investigating reports that he deliberately knocked people down in the Welsh capital with a white Iveco van.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley confirmed reports that the suspect left his vehicle and physically assaulted people between the crashes and also carried a weapon.

Flowers outside the fire station in Ely where Karina Menzies was killed

The officer said: "We are aware the suspect assaulted people outside his vehicle," and he added police were "looking to identify and recover" the weapon.

He said no firearm was involved and there was no suggestion anyone had been stabbed.

Mr Hurley urged witnesses to get in touch and asked for information about a black Renault Clio seen driving on the wrong side of the road of Western Avenue, not far from Cowbridge Road West, where one crash happened.

The horrific events began when police received calls about an incident in Crossways Road in Ely at 3.30pm.

This was soon followed by other reports of hit-and-run collisions in several locations in the west of the city, including Grand Avenue, Cowbridge Road West and the Leckwith Retail Park.

The white van pictured after being stopped by police

There was no full registration details for the Clio but officers said it carried an 05 plate.

Fourteen people were injured in the crashes, nine remain in hospital. Five are children and two adults remain in a critical condition.

Seventy officers are working on the investigation.

Floral tributes were laid at the scene where Ms Menzies was killed.

Among those paying their respects was local Labour MP Kevin Brennan.

Police were called to five locations in Cardiff

He said: "Karina was a well-liked mother who had three children. One of her children is disabled and is currently on a dream holiday in Florida."

Ely sub-postmaster Shady Taha, 29, had just served two girls aged about 10 and a woman in her mid-20s moments before one of the hit-and-runs in Grand Avenue, immediately outside a row of shops.

He said: "All of a sudden I heard a bang. I looked out and across the road one girl was on the floor and the other girl was screaming. I heard a van speed off but I did not see it."

Lynda Paterson, who lives in Cowbridge Road West, described the scene outside her house as chaotic.

"I was going to pick my children up from school and I could see there were police and someone was lying on the floor, on the pavement."

Police examine the scene of one of the crashes

Other eyewitnesses said pedestrians were deliberately targeted by someone driving a white van.

The crime scenes included Ely fire station, an area near the Merrie Harrier pub in Llandough on the outskirts of Cardiff, where the suspect was arrested, and Leckwith Retail Park - next to the Cardiff City Stadium.

It is believed the suspect used a crook lock to assault witnesses.

There were also unconfirmed reports that officers were investigating whether the attacker was involved in a domestic incident before the rampage.

A key part of the inquiry is focused on establishing who owns the white van.

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Ben Needham's Grandfather Returns To Kos

The grandfather of missing British toddler Ben Needham has made an emotional return to the site where his grandson disappeared 21 years ago.

Eddie Needham is helping a joint force of English and Greek officers who are carrying out a fresh search on the island of Kos.

New doubts have recently emerged about whether parts of the site were examined thoroughly at the time. 

One theory police are working on is that Ben, who was 21 months old, may have been accidentally buried beneath rubble from excavators working at the spot. His grandfather was renovating an adjacent farmhouse when the boy disappeared.

Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick of South Yorkshire Police is leading the search operation. 

He said: "He (Eddie) is walking our experts right around the scene and he's giving some detailed description of exactly what it looked like back in 1991; how the earth has changed even down to what the terrain was like, whether it was just soil or farmland, whether there were crops growing.

The investigation is expected to take between seven and 10 days

"It is all important to the level of search that is being undertaken. Eddie is pivotal to this."

Mr Fenwick paid tribute to Mr Needham saying: "It is a really difficult time. I have just met him there walking around with the search advisers. He really is emotional about this. It's a difficult thing for him to go back to the scene."

Mr Needham himself put out a statement through the police saying that, although he found it difficult to return to Kos, he was "pleased" he had.

"Can I please thank the local teachers, council workers, factory workers and everyone who is giving up their own time to volunteer to help.

A computer prediction of how Ben Needham would look now

"I have in the past found it hard to return to the island but today, seeing the efforts being made by everyone, especially the search team, and seeing thesupport from all the media, I was so pleased. Many thanks."

Search specialists include a team of metal detectors and officers with specialist dogs.

Ground-penetrating radar equipment will be used once more superficial methods have finished.

The police team say they are making good progress with the operation, which is expected to last between seven and 10 days.

Ben's mother Kerry is also expected to visit the search site some time over the next few days. 

She took Ben from her home in Sheffield to Kos in 1991 "to start a new life" with her parents who had already settled on the island.

She has said that she is pleased the Greek authorities are committed to the new search but still believes Ben is alive and the operation is an important part of the "process of elimination".

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Gaddafi's Ex-Spokesman Moussa Ibrahim Captured

Muammar Gaddafi's ex-spokesman Moussa Ibrahim has been captured - exactly a year after the death of the Libyan dictator.

Ibrahim, who was the mouthpiece of the Gaddafi regime during last year's war, was caught in the town of Tarhouna, 40 miles south of Tripoli.

"Moussa Ibrahim has been arrested by forces belonging to the Libyan government in the town of Tarhouna and he is being transferred to Tripoli to begin interrogation," a statement from the prime minister's office said.

Muammar Gaddafi was captured in Sirte a year ago

Fluent in English, Ibrahim would hold regular press conferences in the luxury Tripoli hotel where journalists stayed during last year's war.

His whereabouts have been unknown since the fall of Tripoli in August 2011 but there have been past reports of his capture.

Saturday marks one year since Gaddafi's capture and death in his hometown Sirte, after he was caught hiding in a drain pipe.

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Avon Police Dive Into River After Car Plunge

At least six police officers have had hospital treatment after diving into a river just after a car crash in which a young woman died.

The victim was named locally as mother-of-one Namara Whisker, and is said to have given birth to a boy two months ago.

The other four occupants of the car survived the incident in the River Avon in Bristol.

Floral bouquets tonight marked the scene next to where the vehicle plunged into the river in the early hours of Saturday.

Ms Whisker was described as "a bubbly, lively" woman who was "the kindest person you could ever meet".

She was believed to be the front-seat passenger when the car, containing friends, left a bridge just off Passage Street in the centre of Bristol.

School friend Shawnika Sergeant, 22, said the pair had become close while studying at the then-Speedwell Technical College in Bristol.

Miss Sergeant said: "She was so pretty, bubbly and a special girl.

"I could not believe it when people started texting me this morning.

"I have known her for so long, it is hard to take."

Another woman, who arrived to pay tribute at a makeshift shrine next to the river, said she was with Ms Whisker in a Bristol nightclub until minutes before the crash happened.

The woman, who asked not to be named but said she was a distant relative, said: "We saw each other in the club, we gave each other a hug.

"I am so glad I had the chance to do that now, because I realise it was goodbye."

Another friend said Ms Whisker was a guest at her five-year-old son's Christening.

She added: "Namara has a two-month-old son, I can't believe he is going to grow up without his mummy."

Shattered glass marked the scene after the crash, with a temporary barrier in place to cover the missing section of iron railing.

Two of those rescued, a man and a woman, are helping police with their inquiries. Two other women are being interviewed as witnesses.

Inspector Paul Winship of Avon and Somerset Police said: "At least six police officers dived into the river to effect a rescue. They rescued one male and one female.

"We are obviously appealing for witnesses. It's a very busy part of Bristol even at 4 o'clock on a Saturday morning ... we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."

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Salmond Brands UK Ministers 'Lord Snooties'

Alex Salmond branded the UK Government "incompetent Lord Snooties" as he declared it was game on for the independence referendum.

The Scottish First Minister hit out at politicians at Westminster who he claimed were "unwilling to do what is best for Scotland".

With voters north of the border due to vote on the country's future in 2014, Mr Salmond insisted: "Now is the time for Scotland to choose, to seize a different future."

The First Minister used his speech to the SNP's annual conference in Perth to launch a furious attack on a UK Government hit by political woes in the last 24 hours.

Andrew Mitchell has resigned as chief whip

Andrew Mitchell stood down as chief whip after admitting the row over his confrontation with police officers in Downing Street made his position untenable.

Meanwhile Chancellor George Osborne was forced to pay a £160 upgrade for his train ticket after he was caught sitting in first class with only a standard ticket.

To cheers from the audience Mr Salmond demanded: "Why on earth do we allow this incompetent bunch of Lord Snooties to be in positions of authority over our country?"

He added: "Westminster would put this first class nation in the second class carriages."

But the SNP leader declared: "No more second best for Scotland. It is time, it is past time, for a fresh start for our nation."

Mr Salmond told the conference: "Westminster has had its chance and Westminster has fallen short.

George Osborne had to pay for a train ticket upgrade

"It's not just that in Westminster and London we have a government that is unwilling to do what is best for Scotland. It is incapable of putting the people of Scotland first."

He continued his attack, hitting out at the UK Government's stewardship of the economy and its continued support for nuclear weapons.

"We face a Westminster government that is hell-bent on pulling our society apart at the seams," Mr Salmond said.

"Austerity, a one-way street with tax cuts for the rich and benefit cuts for the poor.

"Billions to be spent on new nuclear weapons while families struggle to heat their homes.

"What kind of brave new world is this?"

In his keynote conference address the Fist Minster declared: "Westminster is beyond salvation."

But he added: "Our social democratic Scotland can still be won."

With the independence referendum taking place in two years he said the choice before voters was clear.

Mr Salmond said: "Scotland can vote no and achieve nothing.

"Or we can vote yes to get the platform that we need."

Although a poll on Thursday showed just 30% of Scots supported leaving the UK, Mr Salmond insisted there was a majority in favour of some kind of constitutional change.

He told the packed auditorium: "Many want independence. Many want more powers.

But have no doubt, once again the majority of our fellow citizens are for change."

And he said: "Over these next two years our task is clear. To tell the truth about Scotland and what we can achieve. To proclaim that we have, in ourselves, all we need to truly prosper.

"That is the platform on which we shall win independence for our country."

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