Alton Towers Closes Smiler Ride Over Bolt

Alton Towers has shut down its new multimillion-pound roller coaster amid reports of a metal bolt falling off the ride.

Visitors queuing for the £18m Smiler ride, which opened in May, claim they saw a piece of metal break away and land near them, leaving a gap in the track on Sunday.

Some 48 people had to be rescued from the ride, which was then closed so technical teams could investigate.

Fiona Gilbert, 20, from Wolverhampton, said: "We were stood there when all of a sudden we heard a massive clanging sound.

The ride, which cost £18m to build, was opened in May

"We turned around and there was a metal bar not even a metre away on the floor behind us. It was just under one foot long and about two inches thick."

The Staffordshire amusement park confirmed it had closed the ride while its technical team examined the roller coaster.

"On Sunday 21st July, in line with our standard procedures, Alton Towers Resort closed The Smiler to investigate a small piece of debris that had allegedly fallen from the track," said an Alton Towers spokesperson.

"At no time was any visitor at any risk, and 48 guests on the ride at the time were safely disembarked.

"As the health and safety of our guests is our primary concern, the ride will remain closed whilst the resort's technical team investigate."

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Beyonce's Hair Gets Caught In Fan During Gig

Beyonce has joked about getting her hair stuck in a fan during a concert in Montreal.

The singer got into a bit of a tangle but, proving the show must always go on, carried on singing while security struggled to set her free.

Posting on Instagram, she changed the lyrics to Halo to read: "Gravity can't begin to pull me out of the fan again.

"I felt my hair was yankin from the fan that's always hatin."

Beyonce also posted a video of the incident, which has so far got the thumbs up from more than 100,000 people.

The tangle occurred when the star went into the audience pit to perform Halo and it was all predictably caught on fans' mobile phones.

The 31-year-old is currently on the North American leg of her Mrs Carter world tour.

The tour visited Europe earlier this year but Beyonce returns to the UK next month to perform at the V Festival in Chelsmford and Staffordshire.

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Crosby: 'I Never Lobbied PM Over Cigarettes'

Tory election guru Lynton Crosby has denied talking to David Cameron about plain packaging on cigarettes.

Mr Crosby spoke out after a row erupted over Mr Cameron's announcement earlier this month that he was putting plans for standard packages on ice.

The Australian election stategist's role was questioned when it emerged that he was being paid by the Philip Morris tobacco firm as well as the Conservative Party.

Mr Crosby, who was brought in to boost Tory chances of victory in 2015, has now categorically denied having any talks with the Prime Minister about the issue.

In his first comments on the affair, made in a statement issued by his company, CTF partners, the adviser rejected any suggestion that he had exploited his position.

"The Prime Minister has repeatedly and clearly said that I have never lobbied him on anything, including on the issue of tobacco or plain packaging of cigarettes," he said.

"What the PM said should be enough for any ordinary person but to avoid any doubt or speculation let me be clear.

David Cameron insists he made the decision about packaging alone

"At no time have I had any conversation or discussion with or lobbied the Prime Minister, or indeed the Health Secretary or the health minister, on plain packaging or tobacco issues.

"Indeed, any claim that I have sought to improperly use my position as part-time campaign adviser to the Conservative Party is simply false."

The statement came hours after Labour leader Ed Miliband attacked Mr Cameron again over the relationship, accusing him of "weasel words" and "evasion".

He claimed the Prime Minister had brought "big tobacco to the heart of Downing Street" by hiring the polls expert shortly before ditching his plans on cigarettes.

Mr Cameron has insisted that Mr Crosby had "no impact or influence" on Government policy and says he alone decided not to go ahead with the measures.

It was announced on July 12 that plain packages in England would not happen until ministers had had a chance to assess a similar scheme in Australia.

Health campaigners called the move "bewildering" but some Tory MPs who oppose a "nanny state" on public health welcomed the change of heart.

Experts argue the packs could help save thousands of lives by cutting the number of young people taking up cigarettes.

Australia became the first country in the world to take such a step when it introduced the measures last December.

Cigarette packs and other tobacco products are now all sold in standard brown packets with only the brand name and graphic warnings visible.

A study of the early impact of the changes showed tobacco sold in standardised packaging is considered "less appealing" and makes smokers "prioritise quitting".

Labour's vice chair Michael Dugher MP called the statement "baffling" and claimed it raised more questions than it answered.

"David Cameron has refused to deny that he has had a conversation with Lynton Crosby about tobacco policy on at least 16 occasions. If Lynton Crosby is telling the truth, why on earth couldn't David Cameron say this himself?," he asked.

He added: "It's striking that while Lynton Crosby has specifically denied discussing tobacco with the Prime Minister, he has said nothing about alcohol policy, or any of the other policy areas where his reported clients have interests.

"In the interests of transparency, Lynton Crosby needs to disclose his company's full client list right now."

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Crete Stabbing: 18 Britons Held After Killing

Dozens of Britons were involved in a brawl that resulted in a teenage British tourist being stabbed to death on the Greek island of Crete, police have said.

According to a police statement the fight broke out among a group who were holidaying in the popular party resort of Malia.

The Briton suspected of the stabbing has been arrested, along with 17 others thought to have been involved in the fighting.

Police have said they are still searching for 12 other Brits.

The 19-year-old victim was found outside a closed bar on a pedestrian street at 3am local time in the town, which is renowned for its nightlife.

He had been stabbed in the chest.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Malia, Greece on July 23.

"We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family."

Malia is one of the top five destinations for hundreds of thousands of young British tourists who travel to Greece every year.

Tourism accounts for nearly a fifth of the economy in Greece, which is visited by about 16 million people a year.

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Haiku-Writing 'Serial Killer' Hunted In Japan

Detectives are hunting a poetry-writing suspected serial killer in western Japan.

A murder investigation was launched after the bodies of five people were found in a tiny mountain village in Yamaguchi province.

Three bodies were found in two houses that had been burned to the ground.

Two more people found nearby had been battered to death.

All five victims were in their 70s or 80s, police said.

The chief suspect is a 63-year-old villager, whose name has not been released.

Police said they found a haiku poem - a traditional Japanese three-line verse - stuck to the window of his home.

It read: "Setting a fire - smoke gives delight - to a country fellow."

The man has a reputation as a troublemaker in the village, Japan's popular Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said.

He once boasted to neighbours that he would escape prosecution if he killed people because he is on medication, the report added.

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Royal Baby Name: Odds In Favour Of Tradition

Thousands of punters are banking on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge picking a traditional name for their newborn son.

George is the favourite at odds of 9/4, according to Sky Bet, with James also in the running at 11/4.

Alexander, Louis and Henry are also among the top choices for those placing bets at the bookmaker.

Punters willing to take a long shot can get odds of 66/1 on Daniel, or 50/1 for Andrew - after the baby's great uncle.

The baby could have Philip as a middle name

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to follow tradition however, with most Royal infants having names that are passed down through the generations.

Charles Kidd, the editor of Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage, predicted that William and Kate would select a conventional first name for their son.

Charles is another possibility

"I do think that Prince William is quite a traditionalist - that's my feeling," Mr Kidd said.

"The fact that he chose to use the Royal dukedom (of Cambridge) and has followed Royal precedent, I wouldn't be surprised if they use a name that is already familiar in the Royal Family - something that has Royal associations."

The Royal parents may like grandfather Michael to share a name with baby

Midway through her pregnancy, Kate revealed she and William had a shortlist of names and that her friends were giving her ideas.

"We have a shortlist for both (boy and girl) but it's very difficult. My friends keep texting me names," she told a well-wisher.

And new uncle Harry may get a namecheck too

David Beckham has also had his say, jokingly suggesting to Sky News recently that David would be a good choice.

The baby, who will eventually be king, will be styled HRH Prince (forename) of Cambridge, with - when a surname is needed - Mountbatten-Windsor as his family name.

Royal babies also usually have a number of middle names. The Prince of Wales has four names, as does William.

Charles, Philip and Michael are in the frame as possible middle names in honour of the Royal grandparent and great-grandparent and the baby's maternal grandfather.

Francis is another name considered to be a possible middle name because it has strong ties with the Duchess's family.

William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was given the female version, Frances, as her middle name.

And then, of course, there is Henry - Prince Harry's real name.

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Royal Baby Boy 'Absolutely Beautiful'

The Duchess of Cambridge's parents have visited their grandson - the future king - in hospital and afterwards Carole Middleton told the world's media he was "absolutely beautiful".

She and husband Michael arrived by black cab and spent just over an hour at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London with the new baby boy, their daughter Kate and son-in-law Prince William.

Mrs Middleton said both mother and baby were "doing really well" and she was "so thrilled".

When asked how the first-time parents were doing, she answered "fabulously".

And asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: "Amazing, it's all coming back."

Carole Middleton said the first-time parents were doing 'fabulously'

Kate and her one-day-old son, whose name has not yet been revealed, were not expected to leave hospital until later tonight or tomorrow morning.

The Duchess gave birth on Monday afternoon as the world waits for the first glimpse of the new Royal arrival.

Crowds are gathered outside the hospital in anticipation of the departure while TV crews and photographers from around the globe have their cameras at the ready to capture pictures of the third in line to the throne.

Prince William was at his wife's bedside during her labour. The Duchess spent the night in hospital, as did her husband.

Signs the Royals could be leaving sometime later in the day came as Kate's aide Alice Cook Tucker arrived at the hospital with an assistant carrying a baby car seat.

Kate's aide Alice Cook Tucker (R) arrives with her assistant

When the new family of three do leave, is not yet known how the parents will negotiate putting their newborn into a car seat, as required by law.

No such legislation existed when Prince Charles and Princess Diana left the hospital in 1982 after the birth of Prince William.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge issued a statement thanking the hospital where their baby boy was born for the "tremendous care" they received.

The Royal couple said: "We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received.

A 41-gun salute in London's Green Park

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time."

A Kensington Palace spokesman added: "Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning."

The Royal baby boy, who will be known as the Prince of Cambridge, was born at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz (3.798kg).

The Prince of Wales today said he was "thrilled and very excited" about the birth of his first grandchild.

He and the Duchess of Cornwall were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire.

Villager after villager offered Charles and Camilla their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe, which was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.

It is not known what the couple will name their child

Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.

Celebrations have taken place in London to honour the birth of the new Royal arrival.

Guardsmen marked the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace by playing 'Congratulations' and gun salutes sounded across the capital to mark the special occasion.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.

This included a 41-gun salute at London's Green Park and 62 rounds fired at the Tower of London.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not find out if their baby was going to be a boy or girl prior to the birth, meaning they are believed to have considered a stock of names for a future monarch of either sex.

George, James, Alexander, Louis and Henry are currently among the favourites at the bookmakers.

The Queen will be informed of the baby's name before it is announced, which may even be weeks away.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were said to be "delighted at the news".

William's uncle and brother of the late Princess Diana also described his joy at the new Royal baby. Earl Spencer said: "We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news."

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Royal Baby: London Events Mark Prince's Birth

Celebrations are taking place across the capital to honour the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son.

Formal events began in the morning when guardsmen marked the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace by playing 'Congratulations'.

Crowds gather at Buckingham Palace to watch a special changing of the guard

Crowds gathered to watch the ceremony and hear the band, hoping also to catch a glimpse of the easel in the forecourt of the Palace displaying the official birth announcement.

Later, gun salutes sounded across the capital to mark the special occasion.

Guardsmen perform the ceremony before playing 'Congratulations'

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.

This included a 41-gun salute at London's Green Park and 62 rounds fired at the Tower of London.

The birth was marked with a gun salute at London's Green Park

Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said.

The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a salute to welcome the baby

The bells at Westminster Abbey, where Kate and William married just over two years ago, rang out until 5pm.

Three of the bell ringers performing the task did the same for the new Prince's father more than 30 years ago.

Tourists watch the gun salute performed at the Tower of London

When the Duke of Cambridge was born in June 1982, Clarke Walters helped ring a peal at the gothic church in central London in honour of the newest member of the royal family.

Mr Walters said it was "wonderful" to now be performing the peal for William's own baby son.

The HAC's notice. Pic @HRP_Palaces or Historic Royal Palaces

He also rang the celebratory bells for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding at the Abbey in April 2011.

The complex peal is made of 5,000 thousand changes and known as the Cambridge Surprise Royal. The tune was a deliberate choice but its name entirely coincidental.

Londoners and tourists are in a celebratory mood

Historically,  the Abbey's bells are rung for significant royal occasions. For William's birth, a Yorkshire Surprise Royal was chosen.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall who conducted William and Kate's wedding service, said: "We assure Their Royal Highnesses of our prayers and very best wishes. The birth of any child brings great joy to families and friends.

"This birth, of a child destined one day to be monarch, will rightly be celebrated throughout the United Kingdom and Realms, the Commonwealth and beyond."

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Body In Suitcase: Man Held Over Murder

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman's body was found in a suitcase near a sports ground in north London.

Earlier, detectives investigating the murder urged anyone who saw someone moving a heavy black trolley case to come forward.

Police were called to search among trees near a sports ground in Hendon, late on Sunday afternoon where they found the body of a young white woman.

"The homicide and serious crime command are still in the early stages of this investigation and urgently require the assistance of the public to help us establish the circumstances around the murder of this young woman," said Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall said.

The body was found in the Thornfield Avenue area

"We are specifically appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious towards the latter part of last week. Did you see anyone moving a heavy black trolley-type suitcase on or after July 18, especially around the Thornfield Avenue/Dollis Road entrance of the wooded area?

"We are also interested in hearing from anyone who is concerned about any young adult females who have gone missing from the immediate area recently."

A post-mortem was due to take place and the woman has not yet been identified.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher, borough commander for Barnet, said: "The discovery of the body of a young woman hidden in a suitcase is a tragic and shocking thing to happen. I am sure local people will be feeling unsettled by this news.

"Crimes of this serious nature are incredibly rare in our borough, which may only add to local concern over what has happened. I would like to reassure the local community that we are working closely with specialist homicide teams to establish the full circumstances surrounding this murder."

Police patrols have been stepped up in the area where the body was found.

Anyone with any information can call police on 020 8785 8334, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

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PC Keith Blakelock: Man Charged With Murder

A 44-year-old man has been accused of murdering PC Keith Blakelock, who died during riots in Tottenham, London, in 1985.

Nicholas Jacobs is due to appear in court on Wednesday after being charged on Tuesday.

PC Blakelock was stabbed dozens of times while trying to protect firefighters as they tackled a blaze at a supermarket during the height of the unrest.

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service London, said: "Following a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have decided that Nicholas Jacobs should be charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock during the disorder at Broadwater Farm in October 1985.

Police officers on the Broadwater Farm estate following the 1985 riots

"We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute.

"We have also concluded that no further action should be taken against five other individuals suspected of taking part in the death of PC Blakelock as there is insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution."

Three men - Winston Silcott, Mark Braithwaite and Engin Raghip - were convicted in March 1987 of PC Blakelock's murder but all three convictions were quashed four-and-a-half years later after forensic tests on pages of key interview records suggested they had been fabricated.

In 2003, Scotland Yard reopened the murder investigation after a review indicated there were possible new lines of inquiry and in 2010 14 men were arrested in connection with his death and the attempted murder of his colleague PC Richard Coombes.

Nine were told in August 2011 that they would face no further action and Scotland Yard said on Tuesday that another four had also been released from bail.

Prosecutors have advised that a fifth person should also face no further action.

A statement on behalf of PC Blakelock's family said: "The family of PC Keith Blakelock have never given up hope in getting justice for him.

"We welcome this news, and extend our eternal gratitude to the Metropolitan Police Service."

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