Rugby Player Gavin Henson 'Punched In Bar'

Premiership rugby club Bath are investigating reports that new signing Gavin Henson was punched by a team-mate in a pub.

A video taken in the Pig & Fiddle in the city shows Henson apparently unconscious on the floor.

The Wales international, who joined the club last month, was involved in the alleged fracas on Wednesday night.

The Aviva Premiership club said in a statement: "Bath Rugby can confirm there was a minor incident in the city centre ... involving a few members of the playing squad.

"The club are investigating the matter as a priority and will only make a statement when further information is available."

Avon & Somerset Police received a call reporting "aggressive behaviour" that night, but while the caller was on the line the group left the pub and so officers did not attend.

Consequently no offences are being investigated.

The Pig & Fiddle declined to comment on the matter, while Henson's representatives could not be contacted.

Bath is 31-year-old Henson's fifth club in the space of two years as he seeks to revive a career that promised much in his youth.

The fly-half or centre has won two Grand Slams, but has not represented his country since winning the last of his 33 caps in 2011.

The player was the former partner of singer Charlotte Church and is the father of her two children.

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Lee Rigby's Funeral: Soldier 'A Gentle Soul'

By Mike McCarthy, North Of England Correspondent

Thousands of people lined the streets and filled Bury town centre for the funeral of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was described as a "gentle soul" and "loving father".

Crowds applauded the murdered soldier's family and comrades as they arrived at the military service at Bury Parish Church.

Relatives hugged each other on the church steps before entering the church.

His two-year-old son Jack wore a T-shirt with the words:  "My Daddy. My Hero" printed on the back.

On the front of son Jack's T-shirt were the words: "My Daddy's A Fusilier. Lee Rigby."

Mourners lined the street to the funeral to pay their respects

The father-of-one was hacked to death in broad daylight as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London in May.

Drummer Rigby's fellow soldiers from 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) held a two-minute silence in London as the funeral service began in Lancashire. 

The 25-year-old soldier's body had been guarded by comrades overnight following a vigil on Thursday.

Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson were among dignitaries who attended the service in Bury.

As the crowds outside stood in the sweltering midday heat listening via loudspeakers, Drummer Rigby's friend and fellow soldier Sean Sheer gave a eulogy that brought laughter from mourners.

Mr Sheer said he first met Drummer Rigby he found him the "most annoying, campest man I have ever met", citing his singing and love of boyband Westlife as the reason.

Mr Johnson and Mr Cameron arrived together

Mr Sheer said his comrade's young son came "crashing" into his life but Lee "took to fatherhood instantly".

"Everywhere Lee went, Jack went with him," he said.

"Lee's time on this earth was tragically cut short" but he was a "loving father and devoted husband".

"We will love you and miss you," Mr Sheer said.

Drummer Rigby's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor also delivered a eulogy, describing him as "truly charismatic".

"To be with Lee was to be where it was most fun - the centre of good times and much mischief," he said.

"Lee had a natural swagger and the confidence of someone truly comfortable in their own skin.

The Order of Service for the memorial

"He was always happy. His smile was infectious, as was his enthusiasm for soldiering and his passion for life."

Lieutenant Colonel Taylor said Drummer Rigby joined the Army in 2006 on his third attempt, fulfilling his "lifelong ambition".

 "Today we, his regimental family, salute a fallen comrade," he said.

"A talented soldier and musician. A larger-than-life character. A loyal friend and brother-in-arms. A gentle soul.

"Above all a true Fusilier - daring in all things. We all feel his loss keenly. We will remember him with pride always.

"Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with his family and friends. We will continue to do so in the years to come.

"So, thanks be to God for Lee Rigby - father, husband, son, brother, friend, Fusilier. We will remember him."

The hymns at the service were Who Would True Valour See, Lord Of All Hopefulness and I Vow To Thee My Country, and the choir sang Deep Peace Of The Running Wave.

Drummer Rigby took to fatherhood instantly, his friend said

Veterans lowered Union flags and the cortege then departed for a private family committal in Middleton, where Drummer Rigby lived.

The soldier's family had wanted a private funeral service and asked the public to show their respects by lining the streets.

Drummer Rigby served in Afghanistan as a machine gunner and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was killed.

His murder sparked nationwide shock and revulsion and led to an outpouring of support for his family from the public.

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Quarry Pool Tragedy: Second Death Within Days

A man's body has been pulled from the same quarry pool where a teenager died last weekend.

The latest victim, believed to be aged in his 20s, had reportedly got into difficulty after entering the water near Malvern in Worcestershire.

The ambulance service was called to Gullet Quarry just after 4pm on Friday and the fire and rescue service also sent two boat crews.

His body was recovered shortly before 7pm and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

The tragedy was in the same waters where 17-year-old Russell O'Neill, from Worcester, died last Saturday.

He had been swimming at the quarry when he failed to resurface and his body was recovered by a dive team.

It is the third open-water related death in the West Midlands after a man's body was recovered on Friday from the River Severn in Bridgnorth.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Group Commander George Marshall warned against people using open waters as a place to cool down on hot days.

He said: "The water may look enticing but even on a hot day it can be extremely cold, leading to sudden cramp, and subject to strong currents which can catch out even the strongest of swimmers.

"There could also be obstacles and other debris hidden under the water which could trap or injure someone.

"Many pools and quarry lakes are also very deep and certainly not safe to swim in.

"Please think twice about going into open water and if you must take a dip please do it in the safety of a public swimming pool where there are lifeguards on duty."

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Royal Baby: World Watches As Due Date Arrives

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The eyes of the world will be on St Mary's Hospital's Lindo Wing today as Kate's presumed due date arrives.

Kensington Palace has refused to comment on speculation July 13 is the Duchess' due date, conceding to reporters only that the baby is due "in July".

But that hasn't stopped the media frenzy outside the hospital.

"We've been looking at that baby bump for the past seven months and so you've got to be here to make sure you get the shot," CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata told Sky News.

He added: "The US' fascination with William and Kate goes back to their wedding day and that fairytale romance. Everyone loves Kate, and now it's the royal birth and we haven't seen one like this in 30 years. They are the closest thing we have to a royal family."

While television crews, photographers and journalists from around the world await that all important first family photo, publications such as Harper's Bazaar prepare to chronicle a moment which will be pored over for generations to come.

Kate on her last solo public engagement before giving birth

Sacha Slater, deputy editor of Harper's Bazaar, said: "We all build our excitement as the event approaches.

"In December we were just wishing her the very best, hoping it all goes well.

"Now it's actually going to happen, we're getting very excited ourselves about what we can do to reflect the excitement of our readers and stimulate the whole baby frenzy the world's going to go into in the next few days."

And that must be a daunting prospect, according to Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty magazine.

"Kate will be find it completely terrifying to come to hospital and see the world waiting for her," she said.

"Diana came out with William in her arms and when she saw the press she was terrified. She got in the car and once around the corner and she just burst into tears."

Security checks around the Lindo Wing are perhaps a sign the royal private birthing suite is soon to be occupied.

Contradicting that, however, are Prince William's plans to join his brother Prince Harry at a charity polo match in Gloucestershire on Sunday.

The Duke of Cambridge is understood to be keen to honour a match that will benefit two of his patronages: homelessness charity Centrepoint and Child Bereavement UK.

In reality the only thing we can be sure of is the future King or Queen will be born when they are good and ready.

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Dartmoor Deaths: Mum And Son Fall From Rocks

Police investigating the deaths of a woman and her young son, who died after falling 100ft from rocks on Dartmoor, have discovered a child's body at her home.

A murder investigation has been launched after the 24-year-old woman, named in reports as Katharine Hooper, and her five-year-old son Joshua died at Haytor in Devon - one of Dartmoor's most famous landmarks which is popular with walkers and climbers.

The body of a two-year-old boy, believed to be her youngest son Samuel, was later found at her home address in Dukes Close, Paignton.

Joshua was found with his mother

Neighbour Tracey Cole, told the Western Morning News: "The whole community is feeling utterly shocked and devastated. This is a close-knit community.

"We always looked after each other, especially because of the kids. With Kat we were always in and out of each other's houses. We would see each other every day.

Samuel's body was found at the family's home

"I really don't understand what happened. Kat was totally and utterly devoted to her children."

Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: "We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Katharine with Samuel

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday."

An air ambulance, a police helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group were called to the scene at 11.50am.

The family's home (Pic: Google Street View)

The Dartmoor National Park Authority asked members of the public to avoid visiting the area due to the tragedy.

Tributes were paid to the mother and child by members of the emergency services.

The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team tweeted: "The team were called to assist at a tragic incident at Haytor today. Our thoughts are with the family."

Post-mortems are due to take place. Police said the next of kin have been informed.

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Heathrow Dreamliner: Probe Into Cause Of Fire

Air accident experts are continuing their investigation into the cause of a fire on board a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet at Heathrow Airport amid concerns the aircraft type could be grounded again.

The plane, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, caught fire while on a remote parking stand shortly after 4.30pm on Friday, but nobody was on board and there were no injuries.

Thousands of travellers suffered long delays, though, after both runways at the airport were closed to all flights for an hour and a half while emergency crews dealt with the blaze.

The runways have reopened but Heathrow is warning there will be some disruptions to services on Saturday and is advising passengers to check with their airline before setting off.

The US National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a representative to London to assist the Air Accidents Investigation Branch with its inquiry into the incident.

Ethiopian Airlines said the aircraft had been parked at Heathrow for more than eight hours before smoke was detected.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Thomson Airways said a Dreamliner flight to Florida had to be diverted back to Manchester on Friday due to a "technical issue".

Foam surrounds the Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner

Earlier this year, Boeing temporarily withdrew the Dreamliner from service for modifications after concerns that batteries on board could cause fires.

The company's shares fell 4.7% to $101.87 on the New York Stock Exchange on news of the Heathrow incident.

Travel expert Simon Calder told Sky News: "It's entirely possible that the Dreamliner could be grounded, which I think would be unprecedented in the history of aviation to have an aircraft type be grounded twice in quick succession.

"If that were to happen, clearly, airlines would be very badly affected. They'd have to completely reconfigure their fleets."

The Ethiopian Airlines jet involved in the Heathrow fire was the first Dreamliner to fly after the aircraft type was grounded.

Earlier this week, Thomson Airways became the first British carrier to operate the Dreamliner. It has placed an order for eight of the planes.

The company had hoped to take delivery of the first of its 787s in time to start Dreamliner operations in May but these were delayed due to the battery problems.

Damage to the top of the Dreamliner's fuselage

Thomson said its Dreamliner flight to Florida was turned back to Manchester as a "precautionary measure".

A spokeswoman said: "Thomson Airways can confirm that flight TOM126 travelling from Manchester to Sanford, Florida, experienced a technical issue and the aircraft returned to Manchester Airport, as a precautionary measure.

"The safety of our customers and crew is of paramount importance and we would like to apologise for the delay caused."

The battery problems followed endless production difficulties for the Dreamliner, which has been marketed as a quiet, fuel-efficient aircraft carrying between 201 and 290 passengers on medium-range routes.

It should have entered passenger service in 2008 but it was not until October 2011 that the first commercial flight was operated by Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways.

British Airways has ordered 24 Dreamliners and Virgin Atlantic 16. It said it "remains committed" to taking the first of them in September next year.

A spokeswoman said: "Virgin Atlantic is in regular communication with Boeing to understand all the technical issues around the aircraft

"We are confident that Boeing and the relevant authorities are working hard to ensure that the appropriate action is being taken."

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Hayfever Soars As Pollen Becomes More Potent

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

The number of adults developing hayfever has soared since the 1990s, new research has shown for the first time.

Swedish scientists found that between 1994 and 2009 the proportion of adults reacting to timothy grass - one of the main causes of hayfever - almost doubled from 12% to 21%.

Even adults in their 50s are at risk, with a 10% increase in the proportion having positive skin prick tests for common allergy triggers.

The study is published in the journal Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology.

British specialists say the results mirror anecdotal reports from NHS allergy clinics that the number of older sufferers is rising - and they develop more severe symptoms.

Andrew Williams, a consultant allergy nurse at Homerton Hospital in east London, told Sky News: "When I started most of the patients would be my age or younger.

"But now there is a whole age range. Not just late teens and 20s. We are seeing people having hayfever for the first time in their 40s, 50s and even 60s."

Winnie Crabb has become a sufferer only recently

Winnie Crabb first started suffering from a runny nose and itchy eyes when she was 33.

She said: "I thought it was something you grow up with.

Pollen levels have been very high

"I know you get exposed to something and become allergic to it in childhood. But I was very surprised. I'm not happy at all."

Scientists don't know for sure why hayfever is increasing.

Beverley Adams-Groom of the National Pollen Research Unit said cleaner lifestyles may be changing our immune systems.

But climate change could also be playing a part.

Ms Adams-Groom said: "There is some suggestion that pollen is becoming more potent with global warming.

"There is more CO2 in the atmosphere and plants enjoy CO2.

"Climate change is also allowing plants to grow better and produce more pollen."

The unit has recorded the highest pollen levels in several years over the last few weeks.

The cold spring delayed plant growth so much that trees and grasses have released their pollen in a single burst, sending airborne concentrations to extraordinarily high levels.

But Ms Adams-Groom said there is some good news for sufferers.

The latest forecast is for pollen levels to start to decrease this weekend - and the season could be over altogether in southern parts of the UK in a week or so.

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Belfast Violence: 400 Extra Police Deployed

Around 400 extra police officers have been sent to Northern Ireland after sectarian tensions in Belfast spilled over into violence that left 32 police officers and an MP injured.

More than 600 officers from forces in England, Scotland and Wales were already in the region supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) operation.

Trouble flared in the north of the city on Friday as the Orange Order protested against the decision to ban a contentious July 12 parade from a north Belfast flashpoint.

Loyalist bandsmen played sectarian tunes at police lines while bricks and bottles were thrown.

Officers attempting to enforce the ban were pelted with masonry, bottles and other missiles during clashes with loyalists in Woodvale Road.

Officers were hit by an array of missiles including sticks and fireworks

Water cannon were used to disperse the crowd and around 20 non-lethal rounds, known as Attenuated Energy Projectiles, fired.

Democratic Unionist Party MP Nigel Dodds, who had been near the police lines talking to officers, was taken to hospital after being struck on the head by a brick during the fighting, a party spokesman said. His condition is said to be stable.

The disorder spread to east Belfast during six hours of violence.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott on Saturday condemned those responsible for the trouble.

"The scenes were both shameful and disgraceful," he said.

"We said that we were resolved to uphold the rule of law and the Parades Commission determination not to allow the return parade past the Ardoyne shop fronts. We did that. We did so impartially. We did so firmly.

"I cannot praise highly enough the courage, the professionalism and the restraint of my PSNI colleagues, and those from England, Wales and Scotland who joined us in making sure the rule of law was upheld."

Water cannon is used on loyalist protesters

He also criticised those within the Orange Order who had called for protests, saying they needed "to reflect on whether they provided the responsible leadership asked for by myself and by the (main political) party leaders".

"Some of their language was emotive and having called thousands of people to protest they had no plan and no control and, rather than being responsible, I think the word for that is reckless."

The Republic of Ireland's deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs Eamon Gilmore added: "The violence and disrespect for the rule of law we witnessed in Belfast last night is an affront to the decent people of that city and of this island.

"The rule of law must be respected, even when people disagree with lawful decisions."

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers also condemned the riots and said there was no justification for the trouble.

MP Nigel Dodds was taken to hospital after his head injury

"This sort of behaviour does nothing to promote 'Britishness' or the pro-union cause," she said.

Police were enforcing a Parades Commission ban. The ruling stops Orange Order lodges from walking on a stretch of road in north Belfast that separates loyalist and nationalist communities.

The Parades Commission - the adjudicating body set up after the Good Friday Agreement peace deal - had banned marchers from a 300-metre stretch of the Crumlin Road past the nationalist Ardoyne area.

Three lodges from the Ligoniel area had been able to walk the contested route out, but were prevented from making the return journey.

Trouble also broke out on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Bricks and bottles were thrown in both areas.

One man was arrested for disorderly behaviour and another for provocative behaviour.

Thirty-two officers were hurt during the 'serious disorder'

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, described the events as "shocking" and said the community had been "effectively terrorised".

"I think some of the scenes that we witnessed were shocking ... I hope now in the cold light of day that common sense will prevail," he said.

Mr McGuinness rejected claims of a "cultural war" being waged against the Orange Order, arguing that if that were the case, there would not have been a peaceful protest by thousands allowed in Londonderry on Friday.

"Leadership needs to be given by politicians, it needs to be given by the leadership of the Orange Order, and some of the absolutely blood-curdling remarks that were made over the course of the last 24 hours need now to be seen against the backdrop of contributing to the violence that we saw," he added.

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly also blamed the violence on the Orange Order and unionist politicians.

"Speech after speech at the various (Orange) demonstrations were clearly designed to stir up sectarian tension and have alongside the Orange Order's failure to abide by Parades Commission determinations led directly to the violence in Belfast tonight.

"No amount of hand wringing or denial in the coming days from the Orange Order and unionist politicians can alter that reality.

"People had a right to expect better, instead what we got was a very deliberate strategy with the inevitable results being seen on the streets this evening."

The Orange Order appealed for calm and asked that all parades be peaceful.

In a statement, it said: "The Parades Commission must go, but violence is not the way to achieve it. All protests must be peaceful.

"In support of the Grand Orange Lodge's appeal for calm, the Ligoniel Lodges (north Belfast) have decided to suspend their protest over the determination for the Crumlin Road."

DUP leader and Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson also called for calm.

"Violence and attacks on the PSNI and the wider community are wrong, can never be justified and must stop," he said.

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Heatwave: Hottest Day Of The Year So Far

It has been the UK's hottest day of the year so far after temperatures reached 30C at Heathrow and Exeter airports, according to provisional Met Office figures.

They topped the previous high of 29.9C recorded at Edenfel, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland last Monday.

The heat has prompted warnings from health authorities urging the public to take care in the potentially "dangerous" heatwave conditions.

The hot spell shows no sign of ending with temperatures set to remain in the mid-to-high 20s well into next week.

The Saltburn Inclined Tramway at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

Although temperatures in London have soared, Sky News Weather Presenter Jo Wheeler said many other places would be a few degrees cooler with isolated thunderstorms expected over northern England and the East Midlands.

The North of the UK had seen the best temperatures over the last few days, with the highest recording in the region of 29.2C in Branham, Yorkshire, on Friday.

A warning issued by the Met Office has been escalated to a level three alert for Yorkshire and the Humber, while level two alerts are in place across most of England.

"Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases," the alert said.

A spokesman for Public Health England (PHE) said: "Level two alerts are triggered as soon as the Met Office forecasts that there is a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days to have a significant effect on health.

"This will normally happen two to three days before a heatwave is expected to occur. As most deaths occur in the first two days, this is an important stage at which to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave."

Portstewart Strand on the Causeway coast - 60 miles north of Belfast

Dr Angie Bone, head of the PHE's Heatwave Plan, said: "Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.

"The elderly and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it's important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible."

More than 11 million motorists are planning to hit the road this weekend, according to the RAC.

Popular spots include the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall, the south coast of England, and Yorkshire.

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Tipton: Police Carry Out Controlled Explosion

A day after a nail bomb attack at a mosque in Tipton, police have carried out a controlled explosion on what appeared to be a small part of the device.

Police have launched a counter-terrorism investigation after the explosion near the Kanz Ul Iman Masjid mosque in Tipton, which officers said was designed to cause "serious harm".

"Following ongoing forensic searches of the cordoned area, officers have found what appears to be a potential small component part of the device in a back garden of one of the properties," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

It added that, for safety reasons, the component could not be moved - leading bomb disposal officers to carry out the controlled explosion at the scene to make the item safe.

Police have promised a 'lengthy and thorough' investigation

The statement also sought to reassure residents that the bang resulting from the controlled explosion was only due to the device being made safe.

Security has been beefed up in the West Midlands after the attack, as community leaders and police appeal for calm.

Local imam Ghulam Rasool told Sky News that the community was calm, but more vigilant.

"People are more vigilant, more prudent, there's lots of security cameras going up, CCTV cameras going up, volunteers are coming in," he said.

He noted that the attack, which came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, had disrupted some of the services.

Along with other religious leaders and police, he urged residents to stick together regardless of beliefs and backgrounds.

Forensic experts at the scene

Saying the incident would not change residents' attitudes or beliefs, he said everyone believed in shared values such as freedom of speech and religious expression.

"The people of Tipton and Sandwell will not succumb to disharmony," he said.

Forensics investigators and detectives were at the scene as they sought to piece the puzzle together.

Chief Superintendent Mark Robinson said searches were underway in and around the mosque.

"We're in a process of gathering and preserving evidence," he said, adding that some extra police had been deployed.

He asked the community to be patient for what he said would be a "lengthy and thorough investigation".

The mosque is expected to remain closed until at least Sunday evening while the investigation continues.

Imam Ghulam Rasool has appealed for calm

Residents reported hearing a loud bang in wasteland off Binfield Street, Tipton, at around 1pm on Friday that scattered nails and other debris over a large area and into local gardens.

It is understood the explosion centred on an embankment near a disused rail line running behind the mosque.

No-one was injured in the explosion but some minor damage to property was reported.

Army experts were called to the area and residents were told to stay away from the scene until it had been made safe.

The incident came on the same day murdered soldier Lee Rigby was remembered at a funeral service in Bury, Greater Manchester, and just weeks after an explosion near a mosque in the Caldmore area of Walsall.

The remains of a home-made explosive device were found on June 22 in an alleyway adjoining the Aisha Mosque and Islamic Centre in Rutter Street.

Speaking at the scene of the Tipton incident yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Cann said he was unaware of any links to the blast in Walsall.

He said a combination of factors taken together had led officers to treat the incident as an act of terrorism, including the presence of nails and the location of the incident.

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