South Sudan: 'Ethnic Killings' As Graves Found

Mass graves have been uncovered in South Sudan amid evidence of ethnic killings in the world's newest state.

Dozens of bodies were discovered at a site in South Sudan's oil rich Unity State, as the death toll from a week of fighting increases.

Violence has flared in a power struggle between President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his ex-deputy Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer.

The bodies in the grave are thought to be among 75 Dinkas who have gone missing.

A displaced woman lies on her belongings

Meanwhile, a journalist in the capital, Juba, quoted witnesses as saying more than 200 people, mostly Nuers, had been shot by security forces.

The official total dead is 500, but the real figure is believed to be far higher, aid workers say.

Britain has sent a senior diplomat to South Sudan to assist efforts to restore peace, as the UN prepared to vote on boosting the size of its force.

Reports suggest that British nationals are among an estimated 3,000 foreigners trapped in the city of Bor, which has experienced some of the worst violence. 

South Sudan is the world's newest nation

UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the victims discovered in the grave were reportedly members of the Sudan People's Liberation Army.

She said there were unconfirmed reports of least two more mass graves in Jebel-Kujur and Newside, near Juba.

Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have fled to the countryside, leading to warnings of an imminent humanitarian disaster.

UN soldiers on guard to protect the displaced people

Tens of thousands more civilians have sought protection at badly overstretched UN bases.

At least 20,000 are sheltering at two bases in Juba, and another 17,000 in rebel-held Bor, capital of the precarious eastern Jonglei state.

"The estimated number of people displaced in the current crisis in South Sudan has risen to 81,000," a UN report said.

"Given the limited access to civilians outside population centres, the number is likely to be significantly higher."                 

Bor, around 200km (125 miles) north of Juba, is an area of special concern, with the army saying it is preparing to launch an assault to recapture the town which it lost last Wednesday.

"In Bor, the situation for the 17,000 people sheltering at the base is challenging, the lack of food and shelter is becoming urgent," the UN warned, adding there had been "large-scale looting of humanitarian compounds and civilian property" in the town.

"The situation in Jonglei deteriorated further, with reported clashes between different armed factions south of Bor ... the base is being reinforced with additional protective barriers, including the area hosting the displaced civilians," it added.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned warring factions that reports of crimes against humanity will be investigated and asked the Security Council to vote to almost double the size of the UN mission in the country.

Fighting started more than a week ago when President Kiir accused his former deputy of attempting a coup.

Mr Machar has denied the claim and has in turn accused Mr Kiir of carrying out a vicious purge of his rivals.

The country has been blighted by ethnic divisions, corruption and poverty since it won independence in 2011.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dramatic Moment Dog Rescued From Stormy Sea

Dramatic footage has been released of the rescue of a Labrador whose owner thought had died after it was swept out to sea.

The dog had been out walking with its owner when it went into the sea off Sea Palling on the north Norfolk coast and was swept away by the tide.

The man searched with the help of two kayakers for his pet, but could not spot the animal and assumed it had been swept to its death.

The dog is lifted into the rescue boat

After alerting the Coastguard following the incident on Sunday morning, the man returned to tell his wife the bad news.

However, RNLI crews took to the boats and started to search the reefs half a mile off the coast for the dog.

The crew finally heard barking coming from one of the reefs and there found the animal cold, wet and frightened, but otherwise unhurt.

A member of the crew keeps the dog warm as it returns to shore

They clambered over the rocks to coax the dog to safety before lifting her into the boat and wrapping her in a blanket.

Jake Munday, a member of the RNLI team, said: "This was one lucky dog. We're just grateful to be in the right place at the right time."

The dog, who had recently had puppies, has been reunited with its owners.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Waitrose Airbrushes Writer A Girl Called Jack

Waitrose has apologised after a writer's tattoos were apparently airbrushed out of a photoshoot for its food magazine.

Jack Monroe said she was "stunned" to see her body art erased without her permission from a photo used in the current issue of Waitrose Kitchen.

The 25-year-old single mother, whose blog about budget recipes for her son earned her a huge following online, said she was commissioned to contribute recipes to the magazine.

Waitrose is traditionally seen as a favourite with middle-class shoppers

She posted a photo of the offending image on Twitter and wrote: "Thanks to Waitrose Kitchen, I now know what I would look like without my tattoos."

Ms Monroe, who has almost 30,000 Twitter followers, added: "I'm missing a massive deck of cards on my shoulder and a big rose underneath it. Wow. Actually stunned."

She told Sky News: "I'm disappointed in the editorial decision to remove my tattoos.

Ms Monroe's tattoos did feature in Waitrose Kitchen's November issue

"Body art may not be to everyone's taste but there's no denying that they are very much a part of who I am - I choose to decorate myself in a similar way that some women would choose statement jewellery or designer handbags, neither of which appeal to me!

"More surprisingly is that in last month's edition of the magazine my tattoos were on full display - so to airbrush them for the following edition seems odd and inconsistent.

"I always take long sleeved tops to photo shoots to give editors the 'option' of featuring my tattoos or not - but airbrushing them out is an entirely different matter."

Waitrose Kitchen's sales rose after Pippa Middleton signed up as a writer

A Waitrose spokeswoman blamed an error in January's magazine and said a previous issue, which featured the tattoos, showed that the supermarket does not have a problem with body art.

She said: "Jack's tattoos were clearly visible in the three pictures in the November issue of Kitchen.

"Unfortunately an error was made in the January edition. We're very sorry for any upset caused."

Waitrose Kitchen - published by John Brown Media and edited by food writer and broadcaster William Sitwell - costs £1.20 and boasts 1.4 million readers.

It saw sales surge by almost 20% after hiring the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton as a columnist shortly after parting company with 72-year-old Delia Smith.

Jack Monroe started her blog after finding herself with a budget of £10 per week to feed herself and her son Johnny.

The blog's success has earned her a book deal and appearances on shows including BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and BBC One's The One Show.

Earlier this month, she announced she would be fronting a TV ad campaign for Waitrose's rival Sainsbury's.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Addison Cresswell: 'Larger Than Life' Agent Dies

Addison Cresswell, who managed the careers of Jonathan Ross and Jack Dee and was regarded as one of the most influential figures in British comedy, has died at the age of 53.

Cresswell's management company Off The Kerb had also represented Lee Evans, Jo Brand and Alan Carr and his production company, Open Mike, was behind popular TV shows such as Live At The Apollo.

He negotiated the deals which once saw Ross become one of the highest-earners on UK television - the chat show host signed a three-year contract with the BBC for around £18m which ended in 2010.

Following the fall-out from the Sachsgate scandal, Cresswell took his client to ITV where he now has another successful chat show.

A spokesman said the agent and producer "passed away in his sleep at home last night".

Cresswell, seen as a no-nonsense, forceful and larger than life character by many in the industry, got his break in the entertainment industry after becoming entertainments officer at Brighton Polytechnic where he was studying.

His first client was the poet John Hegley and he began his business working from his kitchen table.

He built his empire to such a degree that his acts - who also include Michael McIntyre - often dominate TV comedy shows.

Jonathan Ross and Jo Brand were among Cresswell's clients

His death has shocked the comedy world with many stars taking to Twitter to leave their tributes.

Stephen Fry wrote: "Oh goodness, I've just heard about Addison Cresswell a larger than life impresario manager. My deepest sympathy to all his family & friends."

James Corden tweeted: "Such sad news. An incredible man. An incredible talent. May he rest in peace x."

Omid Djalili tweeted: "Shocking news about Addison Cresswell. 52. Way too young. I miss the headlocks already RIP."

A spokesman said: "Addison will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched as a devoted mentor, a dear friend and an unforgettable character. He will be sorely missed.

"He leaves behind a proud legacy in his tireless charity work, initiating and organising the annual Channel 4 Comedy Gala in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was his dearest wish to raise enough to fund the opening of a brand new wing of the hospital, a goal that is now in sight.

He added: "He is survived by his beloved wife, Shelley, his dogs Bonnie and Nessie and many, many pet fish."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Northern Ireland Talks End Without Deal

Talks being held throughout the night in Northern Ireland aimed at finding a solution to peace process issues have ended without agreement.

The marathon session in Belfast between Stormont's five executive parties and chaired by US former diplomat Richard Haass broke up at 4am.

It had been hoped that a resolution over flags, parades and other matters connected with the troubles of the past could be found before Christmas.

Mr Haass and co-chairwoman Meghan O'Sullivan, a US foreign affairs expert, had hoped to return to the US with an agreement.

Instead, they will fly back home for Christmas empty handed and will instead ask all those involved a number of questions, the answers to which will, they hope, lead to another draft set of proposals - the fifth - that may bring a deal closer.

The pair have said they will consider returning next weekend if an eleventh hour deal can be struck.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness appointed Richard Haass to the job

Emerging from the meeting at the Stormont Hotel, Mr Haass insisted the process was not dead.

"I am not in the business of doing post mortems here because the patient is still alive," he said.

Mr Haass said there continued to be "significant differences and divisions" among the parties on all three issues being discussed.

While some progress had been made on parades and dealing with the past, there was no immediate prospect of a deal on flags, he said.

"The work done on flags is quite disappointing by any measure," he explained. "But the other two areas have been, I believe, quite impressive and I believe it would be a real shame not to be able to turn that work into a reality."

He added: "We would like to think there is reason to return....Let me be clear about this - we don't have an agreement, (but) in no way have we given up the possibility of still reaching an agreement before the end of the year."

Mr Haass has already said that neither he nor Ms O'Sullivan will be able to continue to be involved in the process beyond the end of the year because of other commitments.

As the talks were going on, a gun attack was carried out at a police station in Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh, according to members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. No injuries were reported.

Justice Minister David Ford's office tweeted: "Those who tried to kill police officers in Lisnaskea are to be condemned. They have nothing positive to offer."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alan Turing: WWII Code-Breaker Granted Pardon

Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing has been given a posthumous royal pardon for a 61-year-old conviction for homosexual activity.

Dr Turing, who played a pivotal role in breaking the Enigma code, arguably shortening the war by at least two years, was chemically castrated following his conviction in 1952.

His conviction for "gross indecency" led to the removal of his security clearance and meant he was no longer able to work for Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) where he had continued to work following his service at Bletchley Park during the war.

There's been a long campaign to clear the mathematician's (far right) name

Dr Turing, who died aged 41 in 1954 and is often described as the father of modern computing, has been granted a pardon - effective from today - under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the Queen following a request from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

He said: "Dr Alan Turing was an exceptional man with a brilliant mind. His brilliance was put into practice at Bletchley Park during the Second World War where he was pivotal to breaking the Enigma code, helping to end the war and save thousands of lives.

"His later life was overshadowed by his conviction for homosexual activity, a sentence we would now consider unjust and discriminatory and which has now been repealed.

"Dr Turing deserves to be remembered and recognised for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science. A pardon from the Queen is a fitting tribute to an exceptional man."

Dr Turing died of cyanide poisoning and an inquest recorded a verdict of suicide, although his mother and others maintained his death was accidental.

Bletchley Park was Britain's main decryption base during World War Two

There has been a long campaign to clear the mathematician's name, including an e-petition backed by 37,404 signatures and private member's bill, along with support from leading scientists such as Stephen Hawking.

The Justice Secretary has the power to ask the Queen to grant a pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy for civilians convicted in England and Wales.

A pardon is only normally granted when the person is innocent of the offence and where a request has been made by someone with a vested interest such as a family member. But on this occasion a pardon has been issued without either requirement being met.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Alan Turing was a remarkable man who played a key role in saving this country in World War Two by cracking the German Enigma code.

"His action saved countless lives. He also left a remarkable national legacy through his substantial scientific achievements, often being referred to as the father of modern computing."

Iain Stewart, Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South, who was involved in the campaign to secure a royal pardon, said it was a "just reward  for a man who was stripped of his honour, his work and the loyalty he showed his nation".

The World War II Enigma decoding machine at Bletchley Park

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice chancellor of the University of Manchester, where Dr Turing had worked, also welcomed the news and said: "His legacy will live on as one of the most significant scientists of his or any other generation."

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said the granting of the royal pardon was "long overdue" and called for the same treatment to be given to others convicted in similar circumstances.

A GCHQ spokesperson said: "We are delighted about the pardon and point to the personal tribute that Director GCHQ made to Alan Turing in a speech at the University of Leeds in Oct 2012.

"Sir Iain Lobban said at the time: 'If I had to single out one piece of Turing's legacy to GCHQ today, it would be the way that his contribution was part of the irrevocable change that turned the Code and Cypher School from being the mainly cryptanalytic bureau it was between the wars to becoming the highly technological intelligence organisation that GCHQ is today'."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Care Home Christmas Tree Theft Caught On CCTV

Police are hunting for a woman who was caught on CCTV stealing a Christmas tree from a care home in London.

The video shows the woman entering the sheltered housing building in Camberwell, southeast London, on the pretence of visiting someone.

However, no one at the home for vulnerable adults knew who she was.

After a short time in the building, the suspect picked up the small tree, which had a star on the top, and walked out of the main entrance with it.

It was the only Christmas tree in the home and had been donated by a member of staff.

No one at the care home knew the woman

Police have now issued an appeal for information from anyone who saw the incident on December 15.

PC Lorna Clark said: "This is a particularly callous crime especially at this time of year involving some of our more vulnerable members of society.

"If anyone is able to identify the female or has any information about the theft they are asked to contact police on 020 8721 2446 or 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Surgeon 'Burned Initials On Patient's Liver'

A surgeon has been suspended over an accusation that he branded his initials on a patient's liver.

The letters were allegedly found by a colleague during subsequent routine surgery on the unnamed patient.

It is alleged the surgeon used a beam of argon gas - for sealing vessels - to write them.

Experts say it would leave superficial burns but is not usually harmful.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it was looking in to the matter.

"Following an allegation of misconduct, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has suspended a surgeon while an internal investigation is completed," a spokesman said.

Joyce Robins, of campaign group Patient Concern, said: "This is a patient we are talking about, not an autograph book."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Christmas Travel Plans Hit By Storms

Travellers are still struggling with transport problems after a night of widespread storms caused flooding and power outages and toppled hundreds of trees.

Earlier there were no train services to or from Gatwick airport in West Sussex and power problems at its north terminal meant that only British Airways flights were departing.

But 11 BA flights have been cancelled and passengers have been told the power supply problems mean they will not be able to travel with their luggage.

The airline said bags will be sent to them as soon as possible but after Christmas Day, meaning many will have to choose between leaving Christmas presents behind or cancelling their trip altogether.

Fire crews rescued motorists from cars Pic: Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

EasyJet, which is flying from the south terminal, has cancelled 38 flights.

Passengers at the airport have complained of a lack of information and spoken of four-hour delays.

In Dorset fire crews rescued around 25 people from cars trapped in floodwater.

Fire control said rescuers helped people who were stranded inside vehicles in the Sturminster, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Wimborne areas.

Some have been forced to leave their homes as water levels rise, while many villages in the South East have found themselves under water. A severe flood warning has been issued for Leatherhead in Surrey.

The south of the country has had some respite from the stormy weather but parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland are still being battered by strong gales and heavy rains.

Engineers are working to restore power to as many as 130,000 homes across the country, with no guarantee the lights will be back on in time for Christmas Day.

UK Power Networks has said it will buy Christmas dinner for anyone who is still without power on Wednesday.

A number of train companies were unable to run any early-morning trains and when services did eventually start they were subject to delays and cancellations.

Network Rail (NR) said more than 200 trees had come down on lines during the last 24 hours and there had been "a further 100 major incidents discovered on top of that".

The departures board at Waterloo station shows dozens of cancelled trains

It added that in southern England the storm damage had been greater than that of the 'St Jude's Storm' a few weeks ago.

Customers are being advised to check the latest travel situation before starting their journeys.

Some 900 passengers were stuck on the Spirit of Britain ferry outside Dover for 15 hours as it was considered too risky to enter the harbour.

The ship left Calais last night and managed to dock safely at around 7.30am.

Shortly before the ship reached Dover, Digvijay Rathod told Sky News: "Many people haven't slept. I have 53 people to take care of. There are mothers, there are children who have been sick.

Flooded tracks in West Horndon, Essex, show the challenge facing rail firms

"It's been a tough night - people just want to get home. We left Calais at 4pm and we were supposed to reach here within two hours."

The Environment Agency has issued hundreds of flood warnings across all of England and Wales, with a severe flood warning - the highest level warning of danger to life - in the South West, where properties are expected to flood.

People travelling on First Great Western's service from London Paddington to Devon and Cornwall were left stranded at Taunton in Somerset shortly before 1am because of flooding and signal problems.

Passengers described delays after leaving London before the service was terminated at Taunton with First Great Western then having to put people on buses and taxis to get them to their destination.

Tim Field from the Energy Networks Association told Sky News that it was not possible to promise that power would be restored to homes cut off by the storm in time for Christmas Day.

Families in Edenbridge, Kent, say water levels are rising in their street

He said: "We've been able to restore about 60,000 properties yesterday evening and last night but with the storms that have come in, people are waking up this morning to find themselves without power.

"We've been facing some very difficult conditions. Fallen trees have brought down power lines and blocked roads, which has affected engineers' progress."

The Environment Agency Flood Line can be contacted on 0845 988 1188 for advice and up to date information.

Christmas Day is expected to be calmer with just a few wintry showers in the north and west, while Boxing Day looks mainly fine, but stormy conditions look set to return on Friday.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dog Owner Is Second To Die Trying To Rescue Pet

Two men have been killed in the space of two days trying to rescue their dogs from fast-flowing river waters as storms caused hazardous conditions across Britain.

A 46-year-old man was swept away by the current after he leapt into the River Lemon after his pet in Newton Abbot at 11.15am on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said he was later spotted some distance downstream by police officers, who managed to retrieve him from the river.

An air ambulance took him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

The dog escaped from the water unharmed.

Much of the country has been battered by wind and rain

The man had entered the water by the Asda store at Bakers Park, where his family are believed to have been shopping at at the time.

It followed an incident in the River Rothay in Ambleside, Cumbria, on Monday, which saw a 48-year-old man lose his life.

Simon Martindale was seen with his dog in the river at approximately 2.25pm before being swept away by the fast-moving water.

His body was found at 3.30pm following a multi-agency search.

Again, the dog managed to get out of the water.

The storms have so far claimed five lives and the Environment Agency has issued scores of flood warnings across all of England and Wales.

Police have warned people against entering fast-flowing water "for any reason".

A woman died in a river in Gwynedd, North Wales, another woman was killed in a car crash in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and a man died in a multiple-collision crash near Bodmin in Cornwall on Sunday night.

A body has also been found in a stream in Horton, Telford, Shropshire.

Police said it was not known how long the body had been in the water or whether the death was related to the recent weather conditions.

Flooding in Guildford in Surrey

:: See the latest weather forecast here

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

23.21 | 0 komentar | Read More