Isle Of Wight Ferry Deck Collapse: Four Hurt

Four people have been taken to hospital after the upper deck of a car ferry collapsed.

Paramedics, police, fire crews and the coastguard were called to the incident at the Fishbourne terminal on the Isle of Wight at around 10.30pm on Friday.

In a statement, Wightlink ferries said: "As part of the usual disembarkation process, after vehicles on the lower deck had left the ship, the starboard forward mezzanine deck with nine cars on board was lowered.

"When it was a short distance from the deck below, it dropped a few feet and made contact with the lower deck."

An Isle of Wight Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Four patients required ambulance treatment for a variety of injuries, none of which are believed to be life threatening. All are conscious and breathing.

"All patients have now left the scene and are on their way to the hospital at Newport."

He added: "We are not aware of the nature of the injuries. It is very fortunate that it was only four people injured, all things considered."

Wightlink ferries said a full investigation into the incident is now under way.

"The incident has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Wightlink is fully co-operating with the authorities," it said.

"St Helen, in common with all Wightlink ferries, is inspected regularly by external surveyors. The last independent engineering survey of the ship, including its mezzanine decks, took place in May 2014 during her annual refit."

Portsmouth police warned of delays for people hoping to travel to the Isle of Wight from the city.

A spokesman said on Twitter: "Just liaised with Wightlinkferry (our side), there are delays for those wanting to travel tonight to the IOW due to the earlier incident."

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Heathrow Cancels Flights As Storms Forecast

Heathrow Airport has cancelled 20% of flights for two hours on Saturday afternoon after heavy rain, thunder, lightning and hail was forecast.

Sky News weathers forecasters said storms in the South and South East would move northwards across Britain during the day, bringing "torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and the risk of localised flooding".

The thundery storms came after Britain enjoyed its hottest day of the year on Friday.

A Heathrow spokeswoman said: "During thunderstorms the number of aircraft that can take off and land each hour is reduced.

Lightning over the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire

"We have therefore requested that airlines reduce their flight schedule by 20% between 4pm and 6pm.

"Passengers due to travel on July 19 are urged to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport."

Flights from Dublin, Madrid and Prague were among those cancelled, according to the airport's website. 

Manchester Airport also faced some delays after a thunderstorm caused an electrical surge that stopped some lifts and baggage systems working.

Lightning over Tilbury Docks

"We'll wait to see what happens this afternoon when we're expecting thunder," General duty manager Gary Brown said after the problem was fixed.

The Environment Agency has warned up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain could fall in an hour in some areas.

Almost every county in England and Wales is at "medium" risk of flooding, according to the EA, which has issued 59 flood alerts, warning people to be prepared.

The majority of the warnings are in the Midlands, the South East and the South West.

It will be unsettled again on Sunday with sunny spells and showers, and more heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

There is a 60% chance of a heatwave continuing until tomorrow morning, according to the Met Office.

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Last British Victims Of Flight MH17 Named

The final two British victims of doomed flight MH17 have been named as a charity revealed the entire family of a disabled child in its care is thought to have been on the plane.

John Allen, who worked at international law firm NautaDutilh, was described as a "much-loved colleague". He died on the flight alongside his Dutch wife, Sandra Martens, and their three sons - Christopher, Julian and Ian.

"He was a person with many talents, and in addition to his professional contribution to our firm he generously shared his musical and athletic abilities with us as well," the firm said.

John Allen was killed with his wife and three sons

"All of us who had the privilege of working with John during his 18 years at NautaDutilh came to know him as a kind, down-to-earth and humorous man and many of us have also lost a friend. He will be dearly missed."

The final British person onboard the flight was named on Saturday as Andrew Hoare.

The Percy Hedley Foundation, which cares for disabled people, said it has been unable to contact the family of one of the children in its care. It said it was working with authorities to try and establish what has happened to them.

The foundation has not revealed the nationality of the child or the family.

A friend of Robert Ayley, whose family earlier confirmed he was on board the Malaysia Airlines plane, has revealed the father-of-two almost missed the flight.

Bill Patteson, who was travelling with the 27-year-old around Europe visiting Rottweiler breeders, has told Sky News his friend didn't make it onto the bus to take him from his hotel to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

Six of the British victims on flight MH17

But Mr Ayley, who was originally from Guildford but moved to New Zealand as a child, managed to get there in time to board the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight, which was shot down over Ukraine with almost 300 people on board.

An ex-journalist, helicopter pilot, students and Newcastle United fans are among the other British victims.

Mr Patteson, who flew back to New Zealand the day before, said: "There were so many things that came together to make Rob be on that flight.

The Boeing 777-200 in February. Pic: Andreas Fietz

"The stars really had to align for Robert to be on that flight, even right down to the last minute.

"Everyone was hoping he'd missed the flight, but Robert being the great organiser that he was managed to get on his flight."

Mr Patteson described his friend as a "really great, confident young man" who was proud of his British roots.

Mr Ayley's wife Sharlene wrote on Facebook: "Rob was our everything. We adored him and there was no one else like him. He touched so many hearts and lives.

"We are grateful to forever have him in our hearts."

Briton Stephen Anderson was on board MH17

Mr Ayley's family said he was passionate about life and his family, adding that when it came to Rob "there were no half measures".

"He found in his boys two little people he could love, understand and trust," they said.

"When they cried they were sad, when they laughed they were happy and when they hugged it was because they loved him."

The statement added: "Sharlene and Rob are soul mates. She is his 'Princess'. She changed his life and he changed hers.

"She held his heart and he held hers. Rob will live forever in his family."

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Polar Bear Inquest: 'No Neglect' Over Death

A coroner has cleared an expedition company of neglect over its responsibility to protect a boy mauled to death by a polar bear.

Ian Singleton, assistant coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, returned a narrative verdict at the conclusion of a five-day long inquest into the death of Horatio Chapple.

Horatio died on an adventure holiday to the remote Svalbard islands in August 2011 with the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) - now renamed the British Exploring Society (BES).

The coroner found that although the group were missing items of equipment including parts of the tripwire alert system, BSES had not acted with "neglect".

Horatio Chapple was camping in the remote Svalbard islands in August 2011

He said: "I do not find that neglect is appropriate to be considered, as failure (by BSES) was not total or complete."

The Eton schoolboy, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, was sleeping in his tent when the bear went on the rampage, inflicting fatal injuries to his head and upper body on the morning of August 5.

Four others were hurt before the bear was shot dead at the camp site where the group, known as Chanzin Fire, had been staying.

Also injured during the incident were trip leader Michael "Spike" Reid, from Plymouth, Devon, Andrew Ruck, from Brighton, Patrick Flinders, from Jersey, and Scott Bennell-Smith, from St Mellion in Cornwall.

In his narrative verdict, Mr Singleton said: "On the 5th August 2011, Horatio Chapple was in a tent on a snow bridge near to the Von Post Glacier in Svalbard, Norway, as part of an expedition.

The polar bear was shot dead after the attack

"A polar bear was able to enter the camp shortly before 7.30am undetected as the tripwire alarm system around the perimeter of the camp had failed to activate due to a supporting post more likely than not being knocked over by the bear which caused the cartridge to move or fall out of the mine without it detonating.

"Horatio emerged from his tent and was in the act of standing up when the bear reared up and slammed down on him with its paws pushing Horatio to the ground where the bear then mauled his head, face and neck causing the injury which lead to Horatio's death.

"At the time of the attack the polar bear was 24 years of age, hungry and in pain from bad teeth which more likely than not made it more aggressive and unpredictable."

The Salisbury inquest heard that the tripwire system provided by BSES worked "inconsistently" and had missing parts.

This meant it had to be set up in triangle shapes rather than the expected larger rectangles and that group members had modified the triggering mechanism using paper clips.

Also, the inquest was told that the group members were also expected to be kitted out with pen flares to scare off a bear.

But there were insufficient available and were only distributed with the group leaders.

The hearing was also told that Mr Reid attempted to shoot the bear with the group's Mauser 98K but his first attempts were unsuccessful.

This was because the safety catch mechanism ejected the rounds rather than firing them.

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Police Hunt Man Who Tried To Snatch Girl, 3

Police are appealing for help to catch a man who tried to abduct a three-year-old girl as she was playing in a busy residential area.

It happened on Friday afternoon at a block of flats on Egerton Street in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

The man lifted the girl over a fence and was trying to walk off with her when he was challenged by her mother and fled.

Officers say the child did not suffer any physical harm.

The man is said to be of eastern European appearance, around 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and with black, tightly-curled hair.

He was wearing a red and white baseball cap, a red jacket and red trainers.

"We do not know what this man's intentions were, but nevertheless are very concerned about this incident," said Detective Inspector Benjamin Hart of Greater Manchester Police.

"We are appealing to any possible witnesses to come forward and assist our investigation.

"If anyone saw a man matching this description around this area of Salford on Friday the 18 July or knows someone who fits this description and was likely to have been in or around this area, we are keen to speak to you."

DI Hart added: "I understand that this incident will cause a lot of concern in the community ... and would therefore like to reassure residents that all patrolling officers have been given a detailed description of this man, and we will do all we can to find (him)."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the investigation team on 0161 856 5470 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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MPs To Campaign For Comedians... Seriously!

By Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent

Who says politics is no laughing matter?

A group of MPs have formed a committee to campaign on behalf of Britain's comedians.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the UK Comedy Industry held its first meeting in the Commons this week and elected Scottish Labour MP Michael McCann as chairman.

But it is not just a bunch of MPs sitting around telling jokes. The deadly serious purpose of the group is to support and promote the UK comedy industry.

Former Labour minister Lord Foulkes, an ex-chairman of Hearts FC - which certainly requires a sense of humour! - was elected as vice-chair.

Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke, who once wore a tiger-striped onesie in the Commons and on TV for charity, is another vice-chair and Labour MP David Hamilton (not the TV funny man and Ken Dodd sidekick of the same name) is the group's secretary.

The meeting heard from comedian John Moloney about the industry's importance to the country's finances; its economic value, in terms of films, television and the money stand-up comedy generates for local economies.

"This a massive industry, yet, for the most part its contribution goes unrecognised and unsupported," he said.

"The creative industries in Britain employ more people than the engineering industry or the pharmaceutical industry"

Mr McCann said: "There are literally hundreds of All Party Parliamentary Groups covering a plethora of subjects.

"However, I was surprised to learn when John put the idea to me that there is no APPG supporting the UK Comedy industry.

"It seemed rather odd not to celebrate and promote the work of such an important British institution, so we've remedied that omission by starting up this new APPG.

"But the group is about much more than just celebrating the successes, it's about tackling serious issues.

"For example, British comedians have difficulty getting visas to work in the USA, Canada and Australia, while the comedians from those countries can work here, why?

"In addition, there is a VAT issue around selling tickets for comedy shows which means that there are treated differently to other creative industries, again an anomaly that needs to be examined.

"As a Parliamentarian I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to be the first chair of the UK Comedy APPG.

"Our country is very good at delivering top class comedians. We should celebrate our successes and tackle industry problems because comedy is a serious business."

In other words, this new group is no joke.

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Legal Downloads Drive To Stamp Out Piracy

Entertainment companies, broadband providers and the Government have teamed up for a major campaign to persuade UK consumers to use only legal download sites.

The Creative Content UK campaign has today announced it will provide £3.5m to help with an education awareness drive launching early next year.

It will be aimed at all potential online users, advising about trustworthy sources and giving guidance on internet safety.

Another element of the scheme will see some internet providers advising customers if their accounts are thought to be being used to access material which infringes copyright and telling them where they can find legal content.

Among those involved are music industry body the BPI, the Motion Picture Association and internet providers such as Sky, BT and Virgin Media.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "It will play a central role in raising awareness of copyright and pointing people toward legal ways to access content, and I welcome this effort."

Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the BPI, described the scheme as a "landmark initiative", adding: "It should mark a real step forward for digital entertainment in the UK."

Creative industries are estimated to contribute £71.4bn towards the UK economy.

In 2012, annual digital sales of music, video and games broke through the £1bn barrier for the first time.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Education is at the heart of this drive so people understand that piracy isn't a victimless crime - but actually causes business to fail, harms the industry and costs jobs."

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Dad Hears Of Son's Jet Death On Football Site

The father of a young British football fan on board the flight shot down over Ukraine said he found out his son was among the victims on the internet.

Barry Sweeney said he was "hurt" to have learned the news from a Newcastle United fans website.

He had spent Thursday night trying to get through to official sources on "emergency lines".

Liam Sweeney, who worked night shifts at Morrisons, was travelling with friend John Alder, in his 60s, to see Newcastle United's pre-season tour in New Zealand when the crash occurred.

The 28-year-old would have been known to many fans during his time volunteering as a steward on supporters' buses to away games.

Barry Sweeney and John Alder were heading to New Zealand

Asked how he found out, his father told Sky News that he found out the NUFC website, which posted condolences.

He said: "I got a text last night off a friend, saying they'd heard something about a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, not really thinking much about it. Then I put Sky News on and was watching that.

"I rang a couple of numbers, spoke to a Malaysian lady…to be honest with you, a Geordie and a Malaysian lady trying to interact was a little bit difficult, but I gave her my number, hoped somebody would get back to us but they didn't.

"There was a number to text which I tried, nothing there. So basically I found out on NUFC.com this morning.

"It was impossible to believe, even when the police came this morning I thought he might have had too much to drink and he didn't get on the plane but they confirmed that he was on the plane."

Mr Sweeney added that his son was a "big friendly giant" who loved football "probably more than anything" but "was always there if you needed him".

In a separate interview the 52-year-old questioned whether he would want to go to the crash site.

"Is it worth it to see what I don't really want to see?" Mr Sweeney said.

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Newly-Listed TSB Says Yes To £1.4bn UKAR Bid

State 'Bad Bank' Plots £1.5bn Mortgage Sale

Updated: 3:07pm UK, Tuesday 03 June 2014

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

The state-owned 'bad bank' which holds the remnants of Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock is to sell a £1.5bn mortgage portfolio that will attempt to exploit buoyant demand for UK housing market assets.

Sky News has learnt that UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) has hired investment bankers at Credit Suisse to market the loans, with the agency understood to be determined to secure a sale price at close to or better than the book's par value.

Prospective buyers are likely to include investment funds and a number of UK high street lenders, sources said on Tuesday.

The auction will represent the first such transaction since July 2012, when UKAR agreed the sale of £465m of Northern Rock Asset Management (NRAM) mortgages to Virgin Money.

The proceeds of that sale were used to repay part of NRAM's loan from the Government, which enabled it to stave off outright collapse in 2008.

Since then, the most significant deal involving UKAR took place last year, when NRAM's portfolio of standalone unsecured personal loans was sold to OneSavings Bank plc and Marlin Financial Group for a combined price tag of £400m.

News of the latest sale process emerged on the day that UKAR trumpeted its return to the taxpayer of roughly a quarter of the £38.3bn loan it took on six years ago.

Richard Banks, UKAR chief executive, said the results represented "good progress" for the taxpayer-backed organisation.

"It is also pleasing to see the significant reduction in arrears due to the dedication and professionalism of colleagues proactively working with our customers to help them achieve the right outcomes."

He went on to warn, however, that the prospect of rising interest rates would be a significant obstacle for many of its 467,000 customers.

"The signs are that the UK economy is continuing to recover, both in terms of growth and employment and in the housing and mortgage markets," UKAR said.

"House prices have increased faster than expected over the past 15 months, which, combined with continued low rates of interest, is good news for our customers and has driven increased redemption activity.

"However, despite the more positive conditions, many households continue to be under financial pressure. This, together with the prospect of interest rate rises and higher mortgage payments, will be a concern for many of our customers."

That warning echoes those of leading public figures in recent weeks, with representatives of major housebuilders due to meet Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, and George Osborne, the Chancellor, this week.

UKAR declined to comment on the new mortgage sale.

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Norovirus Hits 53 People At Athletes' Village

An outbreak of norovirus has affected a total of 53 people at the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village in Glasgow, health officials have said.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said 18 security staff had reported on Friday that they were unable to work due symptoms of the virus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea.

And another five security staff called in sick today saying they had also fallen ill.

Previously, 32 workers were suspected to have been affected by the virus, but two cases were discounted.

They have all been told to stay at home until they are clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

A temporary toilet facility, identified the probable source of the outbreak, has been shut at the village in Glasgow's east end where athletes began arriving this week.

Norovirus affects between 600,000 and one million people every year

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said "every precaution" is being taken and "everyone is being very vigilant".

Public health consultant Dr Gillian Penrice said: "Village residents and workforce have been informed and issued with health information.

"There have been no reports from athletes or team officials and the Village is open and operating as normal.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely."

Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting between 600,000 and one million people of all ages every year.

The 700-house Dalmarnock facility was officially opened last Sunday and will host 4,500 competitors and another 2,300 support staff during the Games, which starts on Wednesday.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the Games organisers were confident they had identified the probable source of the outbreak - the toilet facility in use during construction work in the security area.

Mr Salmond said: "We're confident we've identified the cause of the outbreak, a temporary facility which was not as it should be.

"We've taken the measures necessary. We've got a terrific health service and they are on the job.

"We are confident that we're getting to grips with the cause. We will see more cases but it will tail off over the next few days."

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