Savile Abuse Scandal: Helpline Calls Soar

The number of calls to a charity helpline reporting serious sex abuse of children has almost doubled following the Jimmy Savile scandal.

In June and July this year, the NSPCC received 594 calls to its 24-hour helpline that were referred to police and social services, compared with 323 in the same period last year.

John Cameron, head of the helpline, said people now seem more confident in speaking out about abuse following media coverage of Savile's posthumous unmasking as one of the UK's worst sex offenders.

More than 200 offences have been recorded against the disgraced TV presenter, who died in October 2011. Most involved children, including youngsters as young as eight.

"The number of calls we took this summer was significantly higher than last year," said Mr Cameron.

"Eight months on, we can confidently say that the Savile scandal is changing the way in which people react to abuse.

"There appears to be a clear shift and the public now seem better equipped and more confident to report their concerns.

The NSPCC received 594 calls to its helpline in June and July this year

"It's very encouraging to see that adults, including those who don't have direct responsibility for children, take action if they think a child is at risk.

"The Savile scandal has shocked the nation but has also increased public awareness of how difficult it is for children to speak out and how crucial it is for adults to report any suspicions or concerns they have straight away."

Savile was unveiled as one of Britain's most prolific sexual predators after detectives launched a national investigation into abuse claims at the end of last year.

The scandal sparked a huge police operation which has seen a number of high-profile arrests.

:: Anyone concerned about the safety of a child can contact the NSPCC by clicking here.

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GCSE Grades: Private Pupils 'Streets Ahead'

Private school pupils are far outstripping the national average when it comes to scoring the top grade in this year's GCSEs, new figures show.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) says 32% of students from fee-paying schools achieved at least one A* grade, compared with an average of 8% across all schools.

This has risen by one percentage point on last year.

The figures come the week after national results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland showed a drop in the proportion of all entries awarded the very top grade - with 8.2% scoring an A* this year compared to 8.3% in 2012.

These figures include GCSE and IGCSE (international GCSEs) results as many private schools now opt for the latter qualification.

In total, IGCSEs now account for nearly a third (32%) of exam entries among privately educated 16-year-olds, up from 24.9% last year, while pupils are taking fewer GCSEs.

On average, each pupil achieved two A* grades and seven As in their results.

Westminster School in central London scored the best grades, coming top in a new league table of private schools' GCSE and IGCSE results, based on the ISC's data.

In total, 98.16% of the school's exam entries were awarded an A or A*, with 100% gaining at least a C.

In second place this year was North London Collegiate School, a girls-only school, where 97.94% of exam entries were awarded at least an A grade, and 99.9% of entries achieved a C of higher.

Girls' schools dominated this year's private school GCSE and IGCSE table, occupying seven spots in the top 10, along with two boys' schools and one mixed.

ISC chairman Barnaby Lenon said: "It is remarkable that the proportion of entries awarded grade A* has risen, bucking the national trend where there has been a fall in the proportion attaining the top grade.

"Also noteworthy is that the typical ISC student achieves 2 A*s and 7As, providing the perfect springboard on which they can continue their education at A-level this autumn."

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Charles Bronson Supporters Want Him Freed

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

Supporters of notorious prisoner Charles Bronson have handed-in a petition at 10 Downing Street to help free him after nearly 40 years in jail.

They gathered 10,000 signatures to urge the Prime Minister to release him, calling for parole for the man known as Britain's most violent prisoner.

Friend Lorraine Etherington said: "I would love for No 10 and the politicians in positions of power to look over his case, to be big enough to look beyond the name and reputation that precedes Charlie.

"We feel he's served enough time. There are murderers who've got out after serving less time than Charlie. He hasn't killed or raped anyone."

Ms Etherington, secretary of the Charlie Bronson Appeal Fund, said Bronson had behaved well in jail in recent years and had completed a violence reduction course with help from a psychologist.

Bronson, 61, was jailed for seven years for armed robbery in 1974, but has spent almost all the time since in prison after a series of violent episodes, including hostage-taking, assault and damage.

Bronson is currently held in the isolation unit at Wakefield jail

He was jailed for life in 1999 after taking hostage prison art teacher Phil Danielson and holding him for two days. He was ordered to serve a minimum of four years, but has regularly been refused parole.

The 2009 critically-acclaimed film Bronson made a star of the actor Tom Hardy, but did little for the violent reputation of its subject, or his chances of early release.

Ms Etherington said: "The flip side of the film was that it showed Charlie only up to the year he got the life sentence, not the reformed man he is today."

The petition includes a hand-written plea to David Cameron, in which Bronson asks to be allowed to "live what's left of my life and not be buried in the prison system".

He also highlights his artistic side with references to the drawings which sell for hundreds of pounds.

Bronson is currently held in the isolation unit at Wakefield jail in a cell known as the Hannibal cage.

Whenever he leaves the cell he is accompanied by four prison officers. It used to be five officers and that, say his supporters, is a sign of the progress he is making

The movie Bronson, starring Tom Hardy, was released in 2009

Tanya Bassett, of the National Association of Probation Officers, said a petition to the Prime Minister had little chance of greeting Bronson freed early.

She said: "It's highly unlikely he or the Justice Secretary would intervene. There is a thorough, in-depth process for the release of prisoners and decisions are made by the Parole Board."

She said Bronson could eventually be released if he showed remorse for his crimes and completed various pre-release programmes to show he was no longer a risk to others.

Bronson supporters are current planning to launch a fourth appeal against his life sentence. If that fails they will put his case for release to the European Court of Human Rights.

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Diver Dies After Boat Trip Off Suffolk Coast

An investigation has been launched after a diver died off the Suffolk coast.

The man, believed to be 49 and from Brixton in London, was airlifted from the scene at 3.30pm on Friday but had already died by the time he reached hospital near Lowestoft.

Norfolk Police said a second diver was also taken to James Paget Hospital at Gorleston but was expected to be discharged.

Officers attended Hamilton Docks in Lowestoft to investigate and examine the diving boat.

Local media have reported that the man had gone down to a depth of 17 metres when he became unwell and had to make an emergency ascent.

The force said: "Initially it appears there were seven people on board the boat at the time of the incident and this was a recreational trip, rather than an industrial dive, that had set off from the town this morning.

"The diver that died is not thought to be local and, as is standard procedure, his death is currently being treated as unexplained."

Police are working with the coastguard and liaising with the Health & Safety Executive.

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Bernard Gallacher 'Critical' After Heart Problem

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher is in hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Gallacher is being treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and was said to be in a critical condition on Friday night, NHS Grampian confirmed.

It could not confirm any other details about the 64-year-old's condition, but it is understood to have been caused by a heart problem.

His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, is believed to be at his bedside with her mother Lesley, brother Jamie and sister Laura.

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said: "We are in touch with Bernard's wife Lesley and the Gallacher family and, obviously, we join with everyone in wishing Bernard a speedy recovery."

His nephew Stephen, who pulled out of the ISPS Handa Wales Open during his second round on Friday morning due to a back injury, said: "I understand that he is critical but stable.

"My family is in disarray at the moment and it is obviously a worrying situation. We are all anxious."

Gallacher, 64, was had a successful career as a golf broadcaster

Gallacher, who was born in Bathgate in 1949, turned professional in 1967 and became the youngest winner of the prestigious PGA Championship two years later, a record which stood until earlier this year.

He made the first of his eight Ryder Cup appearances as a player in 1969, defeating Lee Trevino 4&3 in the singles at Birkdale in a contest which famously ended in a 16-16 draw after Jack Nicklaus sportingly conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin on the 18th green of the final match.

The next seven contests all ended in defeat, the last  by a single point at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida in 1983.

Gallacher went on to captain Europe in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

His teams suffered two narrow defeats - the first in the controversial "War on the Shore" at Kiawah Island - before a memorable one-point win at Oak Hill in New York.

That victory was sealed by Philip Walton's win over Jay Haas on the 18th green of the penultimate singles match, with Walton still holding on to his putter as Gallacher hoisted him into the air in jubilation.

Gallacher went on to become a successful broadcaster and reported on 2012's dramatic 'Miracle at Medinah' European victory for BBC Radio Five Live.

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Woman In Court Charged With Child's Murder

A 34-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with murder after an eight-year-old girl was found dead in a block of flats in east London.

Police arrested Polly Chowdhury at Bedwell Court, in Broomfield Road, Chadwell Heath, on Thursday after reports that a child was injured. 

The girl, who has been named as Ayesha Ali, was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Chowdhury appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court where she was remanded in custody.

The results of a post-mortem examination have yet to be announced.

Chowdhury was taken to hospital in Romford for treatment for minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of murder after being discharged.

The death is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police's homicide and major crime command (HMCC), Scotland Yard said.

She is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

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Sabrina Moss: Police Appeal As Video Released

Police have released a video of Sabrina Moss taken a week before she was gunned down while celebrating her 24th birthday.

The film, which was shot on August 17, was released as family and friends paid tribute to the nursery teacher at a vigil one week from the day she was killed.

A friend of Ms Moss said she always loved her birthday but this year she had been having "one of the best nights".

Ms Moss was gunned down in Kilburn High Road last Saturday

Meanwhile, police continue to appeal for information and witnesses to come forward to assist them with their investigation.

Ms Moss was shot in the chest in Kilburn High Road, north west London, last Saturday, and another woman, Sabrina Gachette, also 24, remains in hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.

Police believe the pair were "in the wrong place at the wrong time" when they were injured.

Friends of Ms Moss have expressed their grief in the form of letters, in which she is described as "a really loving, caring person" and "the epitome of a brilliant mother".

Just a week before she was shot, Miss Moss and her partner moved in to a new home together with their young son.

Ms Moss's friend, named as Lisa M, said she looked "stunning" and was "smiling the entire time" as she enjoyed her birthday celebrations before she was murdered.

"Sabrina always loved her birthday but this year I can happily say she had one of the best nights. She looked stunning, she was smiling the entire time and wouldn't move from the dance floor," she said.

Her friend Shona said: "My dear Sabrina and I had 14 wonderful years of true friendship. I remember giving you the nickname 'bean' - I will miss you Sabrina so much. You mean the world to me - you were a really loving, caring person."

She was celebrating her 24th birthday with friends when she was shot

Her friend Natalie described Miss Moss as a key member of their group of friends. "Sabrina was the string that tied us together. There's a hole within the girls, without her there's no structure," she said.

Charlotte recalled a holiday the group of friends enjoyed together, adding that people never know what life has in store for them.

"We were so carefree and had so many laughs on that holiday. Little did we know, this world we live in would take something beautiful away from us," she said.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "A week on since this tragic event my team of detectives continues to appeal for witness to come forward and assist us with our investigation.

"From the extensive enquiries that we have carried out we know that there were a number of people in Messina Avenue at the junction with Kilburn High Road shortly before the shooting and there is a possibility that they would have seen two men loitering close to some cars parked in Messina Avenue.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses

"The two males were wearing dark clothing and hooded tops, with one wearing a lighter coloured top than the other."

Martell Warren, 22, has appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody and must appear at the Old Bailey on a date to be fixed.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room at Hendon on 020 8358 0300 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Kent Fire: Huge Plume Of Smoke Seen For Miles

People have been told to keep their doors and windows closed after a huge tyre fire in Kent sent plumes of black smoke into the sky that could been seen over 20 miles away.

The flames rose above some buildings. (Pic: @SAchrisINuk)

Twelve fire engines and more than 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze which broke out on an industrial estate in Gravesend.

Twitter users reported that the smoke could be seen by beachgoers in Southend in neighbouring county Essex.

Some witnesses said canal water was being used. (Pic: @bultifish)

And passengers on planes flying into and out of London airports could also reportedly see the plume.

Kent Fire and Rescue said crews were using three main jets to tackle the fire, which also involved caravans and other vehicle parts.

The size of the fire as seen from a helicopter. (Pic: MPSinthesky)

One person posted that water from the adjacent canal was being used to douse the flames.

Roads around the area have been closed and drivers have been warned about poor visibility due to the thick smoke.

Photographs showed firefighters standing on top of what looked like a large gas container while assessing the blaze. The gas containers have not been affected.

Train passengers could see the smoke. (Pic: @jacksona69)

There are no reports of any injuries and Kent Police are also at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police helicopter has also flown to the area to assist the fire brigade.

Firefighters could be seen standing on a gas tank. (Pic: @mark_fellows)

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Spain: British Man Held Over Father's Death

A British tourist has been arrested on suspicion of killing his 69-year-old father during a fight at a holiday camp in a Spanish beach resort.

A security guard reportedly called police to the Castell Montgri camp in the village of L'Estartit near Girona after an argument broke out between the man, 45, and his father. It is not thought any weapons were used in the lethal attack.

Police discovered the suspect's father lying on the ground with serious head injuries and he was taken to hospital where he died later.

A police spokesman said: "Officers from the Mossos d'Esqudra have arrested a 45-year-old British man in connection with the death of his 69-year-old father.

The Castell Montgri holiday camp is located in the town of L'Estartit

"The victim was taken by emergency services to hospital to be attended for the wounds he suffered, while local police in Torroella de Montgri arrested the alleged perpetrator for domestic violence.

"The victim died this morning and investigators from the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan regional police) took on the case."

An autopsy is due to take place today to confirm the cause of death.

The Castell Montgri holiday camp is located at the foot of the Rocamaura mountain next to the town of L'Estartit in the Costa Brava region of northeast Spain. This resort is popular with British tourists during the holiday season.

Police have yet to name the deceased or his son.

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Queen's Daimler Snapped-Up For £45k

The Queen's Daimler limousine has been sold by auction house Historics in Surrey to a mystery buyer for £45,000.

The 2001 Super V8 LWB limousine was owned, and driven, by Her Majesty for three years until 2004.

It has a special space for a handbag and had "one careful lady owner". Sporting a British Racing Green livery, the car was tested over 2,500 pre-delivery miles before being handed over to the Queen.

A further 11,000 miles were covered while the car was with Her Majesty before it was returned in 2004 to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, with whom it is still registered.

The car  comes with all its specifications, including original tyres, and with a mileage of 15,242. One feature is a factory-adapted centre armrest that has a sliding holder specifically designed for the Queen's handbag.

The Queen's handbag is never far from her side

The vehicle's ashtray was crafted to house the security lighting controls, which remain fully functioning.

This includes a set of blue flashing strobes occupying the front fog lamp inserts, alternate flashing headlamps and alternate flashing rear lights.

A further feature is a pair of neon blue lights by the rear view mirror, which were used to identify the vehicle in which the Queen was travelling when approaching her destination.

In the vehicle's capacious boot, the fittings can still be found for direct contact to the Home Office and Downing Street, although the working components have been removed.

Inside, there are deep lambswool floor rugs.

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