Boy, 4, Dies After Falling From Flat Window

A four-year-old boy has died in hospital after falling from a window on the third floor of a block of flats in Glasgow, police have said.

He was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Yorkhill but doctors were unable to save him.

Strathclyde Police are investigating the incident, which happened in St Andrew's Drive in Pollokshields at around 10.20am on Friday.

Norman MacLeod, SNP councillor for the Pollokshields ward, said: "This is distressing news of a young boy in my ward.

"Clearly the proper authorities will require to undertake a full investigation into all the circumstances surrounding this incident.

"In the meantime, I hasten to extend my most profound and heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the youngster."

Scottish Conservative councillor for the area, David Meikle, said: "I'm shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic death of a young boy falling from a block of flats in Pollokshields.

"My thoughts go out to the family who have lost a child."

He added: "There needs to be a full investigation into this incident so we can get to the bottom of what happened and ensure nothing like this happens again."

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Salmonella Confirmed At Newcastle Food Festival

By Andy Hughes, Sky Tyne And Wear

Initial tests have confirmed salmonella to be the cause of a stomach bug after partygoers became ill at a street festival in Newcastle.

Up to 200 people have reported symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea after being struck down by food poisoning at an Asian food festival in Newcastle.

Around 12,000 people ate at the Street Spice Festival held from February 28 to March 2.

Organisers said they were "shocked and upset" to hear of the widespread gastric symptoms among diners.

Environmental health officers are urging anyone who has fallen ill to contact them on the phone number below.

Vegetarians Prem Kaur and her 15-year-old daughter Devindar became violently sick the day after attending the food festival.

Not everyone was hit by the bug - some people said they had a great time

The 36-year-old caterer, from South Shields, said: "I woke up the next morning and had to run to the toilet. I felt like I was going to vomit.

"My daughter was so bad we had to call an ambulance to come. This has put me off street food for life."

Her husband Malta Singh, 39, an IT consultant said: "As a concerned father and husband, seeing them in that state is very concerning.

"You've got to ask questions about the hygiene."

Dozens contacted Sky Tyne and Wear using Facebook and Twitter following the event, with some saying they had been ill for more than four days and were too ill to go to work.

Others were in touch to say they had suffered no symptoms at all and had thoroughly enjoyed the event.

More than 10,000 attended the festivities

Newcastle City Council's environmental health officers have been working closely with the Health Protection Agency to establish the source of the outbreak.

Stephen Savage, director of regulatory services and public protection, said: "The event organisers are cooperating fully and we are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak.

Street Spice organiser Bob Arora said: "I must emphasise that the Street Spice at Life Festival was held to raise money for Brain Tumour UK, and we consulted with experts throughout the project with many years of experience in the food industry. 

"We also took hygiene and food safety extremely seriously at the event with measures far outweighing normal food festival conditions, ie walk-in fridges, constant temperature probing, hot and cold water sinks, with experienced national and local exhibitors supplying their own equipment.

"Over 10,000 visitors attended the festival, the vast majority having a fantastic experience.

"I send my sincerest thoughts and apologies to anyone who has become ill and emphasise that we are currently co-operating fully with the Health Protection Agency and Newcastle Council with a view to analysing the source of the outbreak in due course."

:: To report symptoms, call Regulatory Services and Public Protection at Newcastle City Council on (0191) 278 7878

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Teen Charged With Off-Duty Policeman's Death

An 18-year-old man has been charged with killing an off-duty police officer in Wolverhampton.

PC Chris Findley, 33, died in hospital 10 days after being involved in a scuffle outside a nightclub in the town.

The officer, who was based at Sandwell police station, was off-duty at the time of the fight, in the early hours of January 28.

He was punched as he walked past the Divine Bar in Darlington Street following an argument with a man and two women who were leaving the club and suffered a serious head injury.

Mr Findley, from Wolverhampton, was left unconscious in the street after that attack at around 4.30am.

West Midlands Police charged the teenager with his manslaughter on Friday.

The suspect, from Bilston, will appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on March 27, a police spokeswoman said.

She added a 20-year-old woman has been cautioned for assault while a second woman has been released without further action.

Colleagues at West Midlands Police paid tribute to the officer following his death.

Chief Inspector Paul Betts said: "It is with great sadness that friends and colleagues mourn the passing of Pc Findley.

"Chris, a 33-year-old single man, joined West Midlands Police in 2003 and completed all his police service in Sandwell.

"He will be sadly missed by all that knew him and our thoughts and condolences go out to his close friends and family at this difficult time."

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Care Home Staff 'Must Have Proper Training'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tooth Grown From Human And Mouse Cells

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

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

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

The tooth grew protective enamel and contained dentin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Falklands: Sky Poll Reveals Nations Divided

By Ian Woods, Senior Correspondent, Falkland Islands

Only 15% of Argentinians think Falkland Islanders should have a say in their own future, and a quarter still believe that the islands will one day be governed from Buenos Aires.

Those answers, in an opinion poll conducted by YouGov for Sky News, come on the eve of a referendum in which Falklanders will be asked whether they want to remain British.

It is expected to result in an overwhelming yes vote, but the islanders' enthusiasm for Britain doesn't seem to be reciprocated in the UK.

When asked what was the most important international issue affecting their country, only 1% of British respondents said the Falklands, while the figure was 24% in Argentina - just ahead of those worried about the economy.

Ballot boxes are prepared for Sunday's referendum

There was an even bigger divergence of opinion between the two countries over the rights of the people on the islands to have a say in their future.

Nearly nine out of 10 (88%) British people who were surveyed thought the islanders should have a say on who ruled them, while six out of 10 (59%) Argentinians thought they should have no say on sovereignty.

Jan Cheek, one of the eight members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, told Sky News: "Sadly that says a lot about Argentina and their view of democracy.

"It's a populist theme. We saw it used by the military junta in '82 and it's being used in the same way by Christina Fernandez de Kirchner today."

The Union Flag bunting is going up

The Argentinian president has tried to buttonhole David Cameron on the issue and has raised it at the United Nations.

"We've seen a lot of propaganda going out from Argentina. Some of it entirely false, some of it a distortion of the facts," said Ms Cheek.

"We would like people to recognise that we have the right to self-determination and we hope that democratic countries would wish to afford us the same right."

It will arguably be the most significant moment in the history of the Falkland Islands since British forces liberated them 10 weeks after they were seized by an Argentinian invasion force in 1982.

The result is not in doubt, only the precise number voting yes. And those who have organised the referendum acknowledge that they need a high turnout to send a clear message.

Dick Sawle, another member of the Legislative Assembly, said: "I think if we got 100%, people would think it was rigged. I think we will get a very high percentage, in the nineties, voting for yes."

The referendum result is a foregone conclusion

There may be a few no votes, because while nobody is thought to favour Argentinian rule, there are a few who would prefer complete independence from Britain.

"One or two people might think that no means that they could have independence immediately," said Mr Sawle.

"I don't think this country is ready for independence yet, I think we have a long way to go in terms of government structure, in terms of responsibility for elected members and so on. We're too small."

Liam Felton-Short is a typical voter. "I'm British. I'm a sixth-generation Falklander," he said. "We are a British people. We're very much proud to be so."

Sybie Summers owns a gift shop in Stanley and is angry about the detrimental effect the Argentinian government has had on her business which relies on tourism.

It's been a slow year because some cruise ships stayed away under pressure from Buenos Aires.

They were told they would not be allowed to sail in Argentinean waters if they sailed into Stanley.

"It annoys me to think what they're trying to do to our islands," said Ms Summers.

"They're trying to cut us off. And hopefully the rest of the world will realise that they just can't do that."

The anti-Falklands policy has become more inventive in recent years, with adverts being placed in British newspapers, and a video secretly shot in Stanley showing one of their Olympic athletes preparing for the London games by training on what the video said was Argentinian soil.

What angered islanders most was that the video showed deserted streets as if the people didn't exist.

They hope that the referendum will give them a voice which the world can't ignore, even if Argentina continues to deny their right to self-determination.

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Image Shows Boy Injured In Gang Attack

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

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

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

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

Police have released this image of the boy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Brian Lynch: Police Warn Over Escaped Killer

By Clare Fallon, Sky Reporter

Police say a convicted killer who has escaped from custody in Lancashire could be a risk to the public.

Brian Lynch, 44, disappeared while on day release for the first time since he was jailed 25 years ago.

He was convicted of murder in 1988 after beating to death 21-year-old Chi Keung Yip in Manchester.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gilbert, who is leading the search for the escaped prisoner warned people not to approach him.

"Because he has been in prison for 25 years he won't know the area very well so he may approach the public and ask for directions," he told Sky News.

"I'd ask the public to be aware of his description and ask themselves whether they've been approached by this man."

Since Lynch disappeared in Preston city centre on Thursday afternoon there have been two potential sightings of him.

A man matching his appearance was seen at Preston bus station just after 3pm on Thursday.

The second potential sighting was on Stanley Grove in Penwortham at 5.15pm on the same day.

Police think he may have travelled to his home city of Manchester where he has family and friends.

Lynch had been moved to HMP Kirkham in Lancashire, which is an open, category D prison in December. 

He was on day release at the time of his escape as part of his rehabilitation preparing him for life outside prison.

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Vince Cable: Tories Waging 'Economic Jihad'

Vince Cable has accused right-wing Conservatives of waging "idealogical jihad" on public spending and warned the Liberal Democrats would block efforts to implement some cuts.

Speaking at a fringe event on the eve of the party's spring conference in Brighton, the Business Secretary also warned that Tory efforts to reduce immigration were "causing a great deal of harm to the economy".

He said: "What we have to make absolutely clear is that there is a difference between managing public spending, controlling public spending in that context - having that financial discipline - and the kind of thing that a lot of right-wing Conservatives are wishing for, which is a kind of British Tea Party."

"A kind of ideological jihad against public spending and public services."

Kicking-off the gathering last night, party leader Nick Clegg denied the Lib Dems were in crisis in the wake of sexual harassment allegations and the conviction of ex-Cabinet minister Chris Huhne.

Deputy PM Nick Clegg admitted the party had 'let people down'

But the Deputy Prime Minister did admit the party had recently "let people down" and needed to take a "long, hard look in the mirror".

"No doubt you will be aware of the recent allegations that have been made about sexual harassment in our party.

"When concerns were brought to the attention of members of my team we acted to address them.

"But this should not have just been the responsibility of a few individuals acting with the best of intentions.

"It must be the responsibility of the party as a whole to make sure we have the processes and support structures in place now and in the future.

Disgraced MP Chris Huhne was praised for his constituency record

"We didn't, and as a result we let people down. Liberal Democrats, that is not acceptable to me."

Delegates gave disgraced former energy and climate change secretary Huhne a round of applause after Baroness Shirley Williams praised his record as a constituency MP.

She described as "domestic tragedy" the situation of Huhne and Vicky Pryce, his ex-wife, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after she took speeding points on his behalf.

"We can only say of them that this is a tragedy that sometimes overcomes people; not least those in public life," she told the conference.

The party is bracing itself for showdowns with activists next week over so-called secret courts legislation and the coalition's economic strategy.

Labour has also challenged Mr Clegg to break coalition ranks by supporting the introduction of a mansion tax - long favoured by Lib Dems - in a Commons vote next week.

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Abu Qatada: Hearing Over Alleged 'Bail Breach'

A special hearing is to be held later over Abu Qatada's alleged breach of his bail conditions which could result in the radical preacher staying in custody.

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

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) is due to hold an urgent telephone hearing this afternoon to determine whether Qatada will be granted bail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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