Concerns Over Missing 14-Year-Old Girl

Concerns have been raised for a 14-year-old girl from west London who has not been seen for more than two days.

Alice Gross, from Hanwell, was last seen at 1pm on Thursday when she left her home.

She told her family she would be home at around 10pm, but did not return.

She is described as white, 5ft 2ins tall and of slim build, with shoulder-length light brown hair.

When she was last seen she was wearing dark blue jeans, a dark green lacy cardigan and denim blue Van's shoes. She may also have had tartan-framed glasses with her.

Police are extremely concerned about Alice, who has health concerns.

Anyone with information should contact Ealing Missing Persons Unit on 0208 246 1018 or Missing People on 116000 quoting Merlin 14MIS030649.

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Arrest Warrant For Missing Ashya's Parents

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed there is a European arrest warrant out for the parents of a seriously ill boy who is thought to have been taken to Spain.

Hampshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Shead said the warrant was sought in order to give police the power to talk to the parents of five-year-old Ashya King, once they are located.

He stressed the warrant should not discourage the parents from coming forward as the priority remained the health and safety of missing Ashya, who has a brain tumour. 

Mr Shead confirmed the battery on Ashya's feeding mechanism "will have expired" and that police had a "shrinking window" to find him.

Five-year-old Ashya needs treatment for a brain tumour

In a direct appeal to Brett and Naghemeh King, he urged them not to attempt to deliver the urgent care Ashya needs themselves, as it requires specialist training and facilities.

Without it Ashya will start to dehydrate and his condition will deteriorate, Mr Shead said.

It is not known whether the King family has any spare batteries for the machine which administers food, the knowledge, or any way of recharging the battery.

Ashya was taken from the hospital by his parents Brett and Naghemeh

Mr Shead reiterated that British police were working closely with Spanish authorities after receiving positive information to suggest the family has strong links to the Marbella area and that they may be travelling there.

It is thought the family have a property in the region.

He said there had been no further sightings of the family since their car was last spotted on Friday prompting police to expand their search into Spain.

Interpol has issued a yellow alert in 190 countries

He again urged hospitals in Spain and throughout Europe to look for someone matching the little boy's description or symptoms to see if he has been admitted.

Ashya's family took him from Southampton General Hospital, where he was receiving treatment, at around 2pm on Thursday and travelled on a ferry to Cherbourg, France, two hours later.

The little boy is in a wheelchair and is being fed through a tube. He has undergone "extensive surgery" - with his last operation seven days ago.

Police were told by the hospital that the little boy was missing at 8.35pm that day - more than six hours after he was taken by his parents who are Jehovah's Witnesses.

The family, from Southsea, is travelling in a grey Hyundai I800 Style CRDI registration KP60 HWK.

Interpol has sent out a missing persons alert to its 190 member countries as concerns for the boy's welfare have grown.

Ashya is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy, cannot communicate verbally and is immobile, a police spokesman said.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said Ashya was allowed to leave the ward under his parents' supervision and hospital staff raised the alarm when his absence "became a cause of concern".

Legal experts have said that it is "unlikely" that the Kings had committed an offence by taking Ashya out of hospital.

A post on Hampshire Constabulary's Facebook page said: "This is my mother's friend, she has run away in desperation because they cannot accept that there is nothing that can be done for their son and want to look for help abroad.

"Please don't judge, they are a very sweet loving family and I can only believe they are doing this because they want to help their son."

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Raised Terror Threat Prompts Government Talks

Caution No Excuse For Chaotic Response To IS

Updated: 6:52pm UK, Friday 29 August 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

This is a Corporal Jones moment: "Don't Panic!"

But it is one that, so far, has revealed that the British approach to the rapid emergence of Islamic State from almost nil to "a deeper and greater threat than we have ever seen before" has been as chaotic as the Dad's Army character.

David Cameron has now elevated IS above al Qaeda in terms of the danger it poses to the safety of British citizens.

And the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the immediate threat level for the UK from substantial to severe – which means it's likely.

The Prime Minister will announce new measures to restrict the ability of would-be terrorists to leave the UK to get training and to return to commit atrocities.

For now, though, he has continued to rule out the use of force to battle IS in its home territory.

Instead the UK will continue to offer logistical and intelligence support to the US which has been conducting very limited air strikes against the 'Caliphate'.

If, as the PM suggested, this is to be a conflict that could last years or decades, then there is clearly no rush.

But caution can no longer be an excuse for chaos in the response.

The world isn't the way that anyone would wish it. Not now and not for the foreseeable future.

The next generation of Britons will be facing a Malthusian struggle over resources with a hungry China, a Russia brimming with ambitious consumers, Africa's exploding population, India's intellectual empire, and global warming.

The mess that is the Middle East may have its roots in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I and sectarian rivalry – but it will be further fuelled by the competition that is going to drive conflicts for years to come.

These may involve a long-term campaign against political Islamist terror.

But that won't be the only problem the UK and her allies will face.

For proof one only has to look at eastern Ukraine.

Nato's leaders are going to meet in Wales next week to thrash out priorities and strategy for the next few years.

Cameron's recent short speech and his appearance on Monday in the Commons, is a clear sign that he's steeling himself to grasp a handful of nettles.

He's bracing the British for a long haul conflict with the IS. He's fortifying the debate over what it is to be British by insisting that adopting "British values" are not an option or a choice but "a duty".

He will soon have to help drag more money for Nato out of its members.

And he'll be ordering his security services to come up with tactics and long-term strategies to deal with the uncomfortable realities of the modern world that politicians have been refusing to confront.

These are that it's going to get more dangerous, more expensive, harder work and just tougher all around. Few politicians will want to sell that less than 12 months from an election.

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Lib Dems Promise Six Weeks' Paternity Leave

The Liberal Democrats will promise fathers an extra four weeks' paternity leave under new manifesto plans due to be announced.

The policy would extend the total parental leave to 58 weeks by extending fathers' current entitlement of two weeks to six.

Under the plans, the law would be amended to provide parental rights to cover six weeks reserved for working fathers and six weeks for working mothers.

The remaining time would be available to share between partners.

For same-sex couples, each partner would be entitled to six weeks' reserved leave, with the rest available to share.

The policy goes further than the Coalition's introduction of shared parental leave from next April.

Business and Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said shared paternal leave plays an essential part in building a stronger economy and a fairer society.

"It allows couples to choose how to split time off work to look after their new baby," she said.

"Extending paternity leave is an important next step to encouraging new dads to spend more time with their child in those vital early weeks and months after birth.

"When parents share caring responsibilities, more equality in the workplace will follow.

"It is a nonsense to think it is only the mother's job to look after children. Parenting is a shared responsibility."

A Lib Dem spokeswoman said the policy would also encourage fathers to spend more time with their children.

"It's very important to us. We have done lots in government so far to make sure fathers get more rights," she said.

"This is just the extra step in encouraging them to spend more time with their children."

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Man Fatally Stabbed On London's Portobello Road

A murder investigation is under way after a man was stabbed to death on Portobello Road in the trendy Notting Hill area of west London.

Police were called by the ambulance service at 11.49pm on Friday night to one of the capital's most famous streets.

Officers found a man in his fifties suffering stab wounds. He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene at 12.45am on Saturday morning.

The Metropolitan Police believe they know the identity of the victim but are awaiting formal identification.

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course and next of kin have not yet been informed.

No-one has been arrested over the death, police said.

An incident room has been set up in Putney and anyone with information that may help officers should call 020 8785 8963.

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Police On Alert Amid Nato Summit Protest

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky Reporter

Anti-war protesters have been demonstrating in Newport, as South Wales prepares to host the Nato summit.

Around 1,000 people gathered outside the crown court before they made their way through the city.

Anti-war protesters are gathering in calls for 'world peace and justice'

As well as a strong Welsh contingent, demonstrators came from as far as the US, Belgium, France and Ireland.

Police are expecting more demonstrations this week including one on Thursday that may be "something a little more challenging" as protesters try to get to Celtic Manor Resort, which is the focus of the summit.

Adam Johannes: 'It's really important another voice is heard'

Among those taking part in Saturday's march was veteran CND campaigner Bruce Kent.

He said: "Nato's continued expansion has brought about the current problems with Russia.

"If you put yourself in their shoes, you would be concerned at the growing military presence on your doorstep.

"We need to think about peaceful ways of resolving problems not ramping matters up further with the sabre rattling that Nato have been doing.

"We need to say no to Nato and no to nuclear weapons. The money being spent on Trident would far better served in health or education."

Adam Johannes, from the Stop the War Coalition, said: "Some 60 world leaders will be meeting. They'll be making their voices heard and it's really important that another voice is heard, the voice of millions of people around the world who want peace and justice, who reject the policies put forward by our leaders.

"We think these protests are really important, not only in terms of showing world leaders but also in shaping public debate."

Some 150 dignitaries, including 67 heads of state, are due to meet next Thursday and Friday at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, with dinners and events also planned in Cardiff.

The summit will focus on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the situation in Afghanistan, and security challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. Representatives from all 28 Nato countries are attending.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, the police officer in charge, has described it as one of the largest security operations in British history, and "completely uncharted territory".

He told Sky News: "There is huge confidence in the UK's ability to deliver a quality security operation around major events, if you look at the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, that sort of thing.

"We know we can do it and people recognise that. All the visiting countries have concerns, which we have to give them assurance about. We work very closely to make sure we do that."

Some 9,500 police officers from across the UK have been drafted in to protect the world leaders and police any demonstrations. 

Nearly 11 miles of steel fencing has been erected around the Celtic Manor Resort, in Cardiff City centre and at Cardiff Bay, where seven Nato warships will be stationed.

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James Argent Apologises For Sparking Manhunt

The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent has said he "can't apologise enough" for the worry he caused after his family reported him missing and a police manhunt was launched.

There were concerns for the reality TV star's well-being earlier because he had not been seen since 3am on Friday at his home in Woodford Green, Essex.

Argent's father later said his son had been in touch to explain his "phone was broken and he's now on his way to Blackpool".

His agent Neil Dobias also confirmed the news: "I'm not sure of any of the details but he's called home and spoken to his mum. I just know that he's safe and well."

Argent with Towie's Tom Pearce at the National Television Awards in January

Argent tweeted afterwards: "Hi I'm so sorry to have worried everyone. I'm fine and safe but again can't apologise enough x."

He was meant to be flying out of Gatwick on Friday morning, but he did not make his flight and did not contact his family, friends or agent, who he was supposed to be meeting.

They said it was was "unusual" and very out of character.

His agent told Sky News earlier: "James was meant to meet me at the airport yesterday morning for a work trip to Majorca but he never turned up and now we are all very concerned."

Argent completing the London Marathon in 2012

The 26-year-old, who joined the Towie cast along with his best friend Mark Wright when the series first aired in 2010, is known to frequent the Brentwood area and nightclubs in Redbridge.

Argent, who has more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter, mentioned missing his ex-girlfriend and Towie co-star Lydia Bright in a tweet on Thursday.

He wrote: "I really miss my old pal @LydiaRoseBright will you hurry up and get back from Italy ASAP! #Needy x."

Their will they/won't they relationship was the focus of the Essex-based show's last series.

Argent with Lydia Bright

The response on Twitter to concerns about Argent's whereabouts was huge this morning.

Former Towie star Sam Faiers tweeted: "We're all worried come home @RealJamesArgent."

Fans also expressed their concerns on social media, with one tweeting: "I hope @RealJamesArgent is found unharmed and well!! Xx."

Another wrote: "Omg can't believe it, hope @RealJamesArgent is okay."

Later, Towie star Gemma Collins tweeted: "Arg is ok."

Argent collected Towie's Bafta Audience Award in 2011 and completed the London Marathon in just over six hours in aid of Cancer Research in 2012.

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PM 'Emotional And Nervous' About Referendum

The Prime Minister has admitted he is "emotional and nervous" about Scotland's independence referendum - but he remains confident the Union will persist.

In a revealing interview with the Scottish Daily Mail, David Cameron talked of his family roots in Aberdeenshire and his love of malt whisky.

He also describes a bracing swim he took with his close protection officers in the seas off Shetland.

The vote on September 18, which may see him become the last prime minister in the UK, has led him to claim "you can be both a very proud Scot and a very proud Brit".

The referendum is due to be held on September 18

But he also conceded: "I'm emotional and nervous

"But only nervous because it matters so much. I think the debate is going well. I think, the last few visits I've made, I've sensed that in the business community.

"The commentary has settled down, the argument is going better and I feel more confident.

"But it is a massive decision, so it''s right to be both emotional and nervous."

Debate: Better Together's Alistair Darling and First Minister Alex Salmond

A recent poll for the Mail showed the Better Together campaign's lead had been cut to six points.

In a campaign recently marred by rancour and ill-tempered protests, Mr Cameron talked of his sympathy for what he calls "the silent majority".

He said: "A lot of Scots are very proud of their joint identities.

"The thing that struck me in Shetland is that you can be a very proud Shetlander and you can be a very proud Scot and a very proud Brit.

A Yes result would see Mr Cameron become the last prime minister of the UK

"The silent majority are proud of these dual identities or even triple identities, and that perhaps makes them less vociferous about any one particular part. I also think there are so many bits of the UK that just work, and a lot of people recognise that."

Mr Cameron also spoke of his own Scottish ancestry.

"I've always been very conscious as a Cameron of having Scottish blood and Scottish heritage,' he said.

"But I never over-claim, because nothing's more annoying to Scots than having people come up from the South and say 'actually, I'm really Scottish after all'.

"But I am. If you look at the blood lines, there's a lot of Scottish blood in these veins."

Earlier this week, Mr Cameron made the business case for voting No at the CBI dinner in Glasgow.

The Prime Minister is expected to make another trip to Scotland before the referendum.

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Branson Banks On £2bn Virgin Money Float

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

Sir Richard Branson is poised to pull the trigger on a stock market listing of Virgin's banking arm that City insiders predict could value it at up to £2bn.

Sky News has learnt that directors of Virgin Money are in talks with advisers about announcing an intention to float as soon as early October, as they look to exploit strong current trading and investors' appetite to buy shares in the company.

A final decision about the timing of an initial public offering (IPO) will not be taken for several weeks and it remains a strong possibility that Virgin Money could opt to wait until next year, according to people close to the company.

If it does press the button on a listing this year, Virgin Money, which has more than four million customers, would become the third so-called challenger bank to sell shares on the London Stock Exchange this year.

OneSavings, which does not offer current accounts, listed during the spring, while TSB was spun out of Lloyds Banking Group as part of the bank's state aid settlement with Brussels triggered by its taxpayer bailout in 2008.

Aldermore, another new lender, is also planning a flotation this autumn and could announce its plans at around the same time as Virgin Money.

Sir Richard's plan to float his banking business has been well-flagged, although it was not expected to happen as soon as this year.

Sources said that Virgin Group, which owns just over 46.5% of Virgin Money, planned to retain a large a shareholding as possible after a flotation.

WL Ross, the investment vehicle of billionaire US financier Wilbur Ross, also wants to hold onto the vast majority of its 45% stake, meaning that the free float of Virgin Money shares after the sale of new equity is likely to be close to the minimum requirements under City rules.

Virgin Money has been performing strongly in recent months, according to insiders, with a new current account making strong progress in Scotland and Northern Ireland before its wider nationwide launch.

The product, branded Essential, is designed to build a substantial presence in the current account sector at a time when ministers are attempting to foment greater competition.

Last month, Virgin Money announced a deal to raise £160m in the debt markets in order to repay part of a financing package taken on when it acquired Northern Rock from the Government in 2011.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Virgin Money's chief executive, said in July that 200 new jobs would be created by the business this year.

"We have grown the business strongly, exceeding market growth in both our core mortgage and savings business, and returned to profitability," she said.

"We have achieved this whilst maintaining the strength and quality of our balance sheet."

The bank added that it had grown mortgage balances by over 40% to exceed £20bn, significantly ahead of market growth, while savings balances had increased by more than 30% to over £21bn.

Last year, Virgin Money made an underlying profit of £53.4m in 2013, compared to a £2.5m loss the year before.

Chaired by Sir David Clementi, the former Prudential chairman, Virgin Money is expected to add further board members ahead of a listing.

The bank declined to comment on Saturday on the potential timing of a flotation, which is being handled by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs.

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Man Charged After Galloway Allegedly Attacked

A 39-year-old man has been charged with a religiously-aggravated assault after Respect MP George Galloway was allegedly attacked in a London street.

Mr Galloway was taken to hospital after the alleged incident in Goldborne Road, Notting Hill on Friday evening.

A spokesman for the politician told Sky News the Bradford West MP suffered a suspected broken jaw and rib as well as severe bruising to his face and head.

Mr Galloway was released from St Mary's Hospital, Paddington on Saturday morning.

The Metropolitan Police said Neil Masterson, of Camden Hill, London, will appear before Hammersmith Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The force said he was charged with "assault by beating which is religiously aggravated on a male in his 60s and also common assault on a male in his 40s".

It was understood the second charge related to a member of the public who stepped in.

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