Kenya Attack: New Video Shows Aftermath

Sky News has filmed pictures from the rear of the Nairobi shopping mall showing the devastating aftermath of last Saturday's terror attack.

Hundreds of tons of masonry, debris and metal fell down several floors after part of the roof collapsed where the car park was.

The scene has been described as a 'mini Ground Zero' by one forensic expert who spoke to Sky News.

It comes as the Foreign Office said a sixth British national had been confirmed dead following the atrocity in Kenya. The figure had earlier been lowered to five.

Burned out cars were filmed hanging precariously over the edge of the pit and the tin roof of the supermarket atrium was severely damaged.

Below the hole in the roof was where a cookery competition was taking place involving adults and children when the gunmen began shooting at them.

The air conditioning system on the left of the picture was burnt out

Some people said the roof collapse was caused by the terrorists starting a fire, others said it was the military who detonated explosives or fired rocket propelled grenades that set off the blaze.

The pictures were filmed from a private property of resident Sukhbir Singh who told Sky News he heard "really loud blasts" and "several gunshots".

He said at the part of the roof which has now fallen down he saw two or three gunmen opening fire towards children, adding "it was really really bad".

He went on: "They just came in and sprayed bullets without talking."

Sky News filmed from the rear of the shopping centre

Meanwhile, new footage from the Kenyan Red Cross shows the organisation's staff helping shoppers as they emerged from Westgate Mall during last week's terror attack.

The video was filmed on September 21 - the first day of the siege and just hours after gunmen attacked the mall with assault rifles and grenades.

The organisation's secretary general, Abbas Gullet, is a prominent figure in the footage, not just overseeing the medical care of the injured, but also providing direct medical assistance himself at times.

Mr Gullet's team of medics regularly risked their own lives to bring people out of the shopping centre.

Resident Sukhbir Singh witnessed the terror attack

One man can be seen with is hand on a body covered with a red blanket weeping, while medical teams look on.

Stretchers were repeatedly run in and out of the mall despite the ongoing attack by gunmen.

The Red Cross also helped to transport those who lost their lives in the deadly assault.

Seven days after the attack which left at least 67 people dead, there is still no clear word on the fate of dozens who have been reported missing and no details on the gunmen who carried it out.

Shoppers were told to leave the mall with their hands up

Al Shabaab said it carried out the massacre to punish Kenya for sending its troops into Somalia to fight the al Qaeda-linked militant group that had seized large parts of that country for years before being dislodged from the capital, Mogadishu.

The Kenyan Red Cross has said 59 people are unaccounted for, raising fears of bodies in the debris.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's government is facing tough questions after the reported leaking of an intelligence report dated September 13 which warned of an elevated risk and which some top officials said was treated too casually.

Senior security officials told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity that an intelligence report warning of an attack had been sent to the treasury, interior, foreign affairs and defence ministers, as well as the army chief.

"Briefs were made to them of increasing threat of terrorism and of plans to launch simultaneous attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa around September 13 and 20, 2013," according to the report, quoted in the Nation newspaper.

The report also reportedly said Israel, which has close security ties with Kenya, had warned of plans to attack Israeli property in September, a month which included several Jewish holidays.

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At Least 12 Dead In 6.8 Pakistan Earthquake

A powerful earthquake in Pakistan has killed at least 12 people just days after a tremor struck the same area killing hundreds.

The 6.8-magnitude quake hit the region of Balochistan in the south west of the country on Saturday morning sending people running into the streets in panic.

On Tuesday a 7.8-magnitude tremor rocked the same impoverished Awaran district killing 359 people, razing hundreds of mud and homemade brick homes to the ground and leaving tens of thousands with nowhere to live.

People still recovering from injuries sustained in the first disaster fled the hospital where they were being treated fearing the building would collapse.

The epicentre was 90 miles west of Khuzdar

The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at 6.8 magnitude, however, Pakistan's Meteorological Department said it measured 7.2.

The department said the epicentre was located 90 miles west of the town of Khuzdar, a short distance from the epicentre of Tuesday's earthquake.

Head of the provincial disaster management agency Abdul Latif Kakar said: "At least 12 people have died and seven were wounded."

Officials fear the number of dead could significantly increase.

There have been reports that homes still standing after Tuesday's earthquake had collapsed after Saturday's tremor.

People visit an island formed by Tuesday's tremor

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest but least populated province. The rough terrain and the lack of decent roads have made it difficult for rescue staff.

The Pakistani Air Force has been making air drops of supplies and using helicopters to ferry injured people to medical care.

However, the aid efforts have been hampered by militants who want to overthrow central government and establish a hard-line Islamic state. The separatists have fired at the military aircraft helping with the aid and rescue mission.

Around 300,000 people were affected by Tuesday's earthquake which was so strong it is believed to have caused a small island to emerge just off the coastline in the Arabian Sea.

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Iran Leader Met With Protests After US Trip

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has been met with protesters chanting "Death to America" as he arrived from New York after a historic phone call with Barack Obama.

Shoes and eggs were thrown towards his motorcade as it left Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, as some 60 hardline Islamists also chanted "Death to Israel".

They were outnumbered by 200 to 300 supporters of the president who shouted: "Thank you Rouhani."

Mr Rouhani, who was returning from a UN General Assembly meeting in New York, stood up through his car's sunroof to acknowledge the crowds.

Mr Rouhani's supporters outnumbered his opponents as he arrived home

He did not appear to have been hit by any of the projectiles. Throwing shoes is considered deeply offensive in the Middle East.

Mr Rouhani's 15-minute telephone conversation with Mr Obama on Friday was the first contact between leaders of the two countries in more than three decades.

The exchange could reflect a major step in resolving global concerns over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.

Mr Obama said he had a constructive conversation, adding: "While there will surely be important obstacles to moving forward and success is by no means guaranteed, I believe we can reach a comprehensive solution."

Surrounded by tight security, Mr Rouhani waved to crowds at Tehran airport

Both leaders will now direct their teams to work quickly to find an agreement after the first direct verbal communication between the nations' presidents since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Earlier, Mr Rouhani said he hoped talks with the US and other world powers over its nuclear programme will lead to results in "a short period of time".

He said Iran would present its plan for a resolution to the nuclear issue at discussions with the six countries scheduled for Geneva on October 15 and 16.

The six are the five permanent UN Security Council members - Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia - and Germany, known as P5+1.

Around 60 hardliners waved anti-US placards at Mehrabad Airport

Iran has insisted its nuclear programme is a peaceful attempt to generate electricity but America and its allies including Israel have long demanded a halt to Tehran's uranium enrichment, fearing it could secretly build nuclear warheads.

Mr Rouhani vowed his country would not build a nuclear bomb, adding his government would be transparent and had the backing of authorities at home to handle the nuclear issue.

In his latest comments, he said: "We say explicitly that we will be transparent; we say explicitly that we will not build a bomb. Through the P5+1 we want to provide even more assurances."

Earlier Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met US Secretary of State John Kerry along with representatives from the other P5+1 powers. That was followed by a brief bilateral meeting between Mr Zarif and Mr Kerry.

President Hassan Rouhani spoke to US President Barack Obama by phone

The two sides said the tone was positive but they remained cautious about resolving the long-running stand-off over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Mr Rouhani and Mr Zarif, both in New York to attend the UN General Assembly, have said they are eager to clinch an agreement quickly that could bring relief from what the president called "illegal" sanctions.

The sanctions have slashed Iran's vital oil exports by more than half, restricted its international bank transfers, devalued its currency and sent inflation surging.

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Kenya Attack: Sixth Briton Confirmed Dead

A sixth Briton has been confirmed dead following the Kenyan shopping centre atrocity, as officials said the figure could rise.

The Foreign Office has said it cannot rule out the possibility of further British casualties.

The figure of six British victims had earlier been lowered to five.

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Tesco Sorry Over 'Gay Best Friend' Doll

Tesco has withdrawn an inflatable figure labelled "gay best friend" and apologised for selling it.

It comes a day after the retailer was forced to remove a Halloween costume called "Psycho Ward" from its shelves after it sparked widespread criticism.

On its website Tesco said "The Inflatable g*y Best Friend" was suitable for children aged three to four and was an "amusing gift".

Tesco is no longer selling the doll. Pic: Tesco.com

"If SEX in the City and Will & Grace taught us anything, it's that g*y best friends are in this season," the description of the product said.

"We've had the manbag, we've had leg warmers and iPhone fever, now it's time for the new craze.

"Although not much can be said for his own attire, your Inflatable g*y Best Friend is ready to give you fashion advice, tell you if your bum looks big and b**ch about everyone who doesn't wear Jimmy Choo's."

A Tesco spokesperson said: "This product was uploaded to the website by a third party seller but was removed from sale immediately because we found it offensive.

"The webpage should have been removed at that time and we are looking into why it is still visible two months later.

"We have very clear guidelines for third party sellers who list items on our website, and are very sorry that on this occasion they weren't followed."

The product remains on sale on the Amazon website.

Gay rights charity Stonewall chief Ben Summerskill said selling the item was "like trying to sell ice to Eskimos".

He said: "We can't imagine why any woman would choose to buy an inflatable gay best friend when there are two million of the real thing already available in modern Britain and most of them are much better looking than Tesco's pale imitation."

Asda and Tesco apologised for the Halloween costumes

Tesco and rival supermarket chain Asda both faced a backlash on Thursday over the sale of Halloween costumes which appeared to make light of mental health issues.

Tesco said it was "really sorry for any offence caused" by its "Psycho Ward" offering, which included a bright orange boiler suit.

Asda also apologised after it advertised a fancy dress outfit featuring someone covered in blood and brandishing a machete as a "mental patient fancy dress costume".

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Global Warming '95% Certain', Say Scientists

China Is No Friend To Environment

Updated: 9:19am UK, Friday 27 September 2013

By Mark Stone, China Correspondent, in Beijing

China is not kind to the environment. It is far and away the world's biggest consumer of coal, burning three times as much of it than America in 2012.

These days, the country is responsible for a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions annually. The projections suggest it will get considerably worse over the coming years before peaking.

The causes are multiple. In Beijing, the most obvious pollutant is the traffic.

Since the 2007 UN climate report, two million more cars have been added to Beijing's roads.

There are now five million vehicles on the streets of the Chinese capital alone. All of them are filled with poor quality fuel, the fumes from which are spewed out into the city's air.

This year, the country has seen some of the worst air pollution on record.

On a bad day, you can smell the pollution. On a really bad day, you can taste it.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a safe Air Quality Index (AQI) is 25. In Beijing, in January, the index hit 900.

The 2013 "airmageddon", as it became known, could mark a turning point.

China's state-run media used to insist that the smog was "fog".

These days though, they're clear about its health implications.

China's people are increasingly asking questions and wondering aloud why their government isn't doing more to improve their environment.

The government appears to be taking their concerns seriously.

New measures are in place to limit car numbers in big cities and the quality of the fuel is being improved.

China's latest five-year plan to take on its pollution problem includes a cap on coal consumption.

To date though, it has failed to meet any of its previous pollution targets.

A "carbon cap-and-trade system" is now in place in the southern industrial city of Shenzhen.

Others are planned in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Shanghai and Beijing.

However, globally, governments have proved that implementing such measures and actually sticking to them are entirely different things.

Of course, much of the pollution may come from China, but that fact doesn't necessarily make it all China's fault.

The problem is that China is in the middle of its own industrial revolution. As long the West continues to demand its products are "Made in China" and on the cheap, we'll continue to pay the price for its pollution.

Essentially, the West has exported its own pollution to China. London's "pea-soupers" of the 1950s - a product of the UK's industrial revolution - are now being re-lived in China as it meets our demands.

And arguably, China is only adopting the same principle as the West did a century ago: the "grow first, clean up later" attitude.

But the speed at which China has industrialised has exacerbated its pollution problems.

It would be wrong though to suggest that China is doing nothing to sort out its problems and live up to its global responsibility.

It is a world leader in green technology. Chinese investment wind and solar power is second to none.

Britain, for one, recognises that. On Thursday, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey was in Beijing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government.

The MoU, on offshore wind power, is the first of its kind that China has signed with another country.

"I am delighted that the UK and China have cemented their 'Strategic Partnership on Offshore Wind' through the signing of an MoU," Mr Davey said.

"The UK has more offshore wind installed than the rest of the world combined and we have ambitious plans for the future.

"Together with China, who plans to develop 30GW of offshore wind by 2020, we want to make offshore wind a competitive low carbon energy choice.

"Our strengthened cooperation will bring significant commercial and environmental benefits for both countries."

The broad point is this: China's impact on the global environment is so huge that a substantial shift in attitude and policy here alone could be a global game changer.

The concern is that many of China's considerable commitments to change its ways are, for now at least, on paper only; paper which, incidentally, comes from trees that China is chopping down at a frightening pace.

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Woolwich Suspects Deny Lee Rigby Murder

Two men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby earlier this year.

Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale appeared at Old Bailey via videolink before their trial.

Drummer Rigby, a father of one, was stabbed as he returned to the Woolwich barracks in southeast London on May 22.

The soldier's widow Rebecca Rigby watched in tears as Adebolajo, 28, and Adebowale, 22, each denied attempting to murder a police officer on the day of Drummer Rigby's death.

They also denied conspiracy to murder on or before that day.

Adebolajo, from Romford in Essex, has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Adebowale, from Greenwich, southeast London, has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

They were remanded in custody to face trial at the Old Bailey on November 19.

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Kenya Mall Massacre: New Footage Of Survivors

Footage has emerged showing people being rescued by Kenyan forces in the aftermath of the terror attack at Nairobi's Westgate mall.

It comes as the country's interior minister Joseph Ole Lenku announced that eight suspects were being held over the massacre, and three others had been released after questioning.

The video was filmed by civilian security guards who went to the site to help.

They found a group of people hiding from the armed gang in a walk-in fridge in the building's supermarket.

"We are civilians," the guards can be heard saying. "Put your hands up, put your hands up."

The first of the group to emerge from the giant appliance then turns to the others and says, "police, police", to reassure them.

One person is heard saying, "it's ok", as all three men walk out the fridge to safety with their hands above their heads.

It is one of dozens of incredible stories of survival that have continued to emerge since Saturday's attack, which al Shabaab, the Somali militant group, has claimed responsibility for.

Mr Lenku said the country would not bow to its demands for Kenya to pull its troops out of Somalia.

"We went to Somalia because al Shabaab was a threat to national security," he said.

"We will continue to take action on that front until our security and interests in the court are protected."

Al Shabaab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane has described the attack as a "message to Westerners", who had "backed Kenya's invasion" which he said had "spilled the blood of the Muslims for the interest of their oil companies".

The group has threatened "more bloodshed" if Kenya refuses to withdraw its troops.

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Costa Concordia: Remains Found Near Liner

Divers have found human remains near the shipwrecked cruise liner which ran aground off the Italian coast in January 2012.

Authorities say DNA tests will tell whether the remains are those of two victims whose bodies were never found.

The search for the last of the 32 dead resumed after the capsized cruise liner was hauled upright last week in a 19-hour salvage operation 20 months after the ship crashed into a reef off Tuscany on January 13, 2012.

The remains were "absolutely consistent" with the two missing people, an Indian man and an Italian woman, said Franco Gabrielli, the head of the government agency overseeing the vessel's salvage.

Relatives of the two victims - a female Italian passenger and a male Indian waiter - have been notified, Mr Gabrielli said.

Recovering the submerged bodies after 20 months under the weight of the 114,500 tonne vessel was "almost a miracle," he added.

The ship, which had been lying on its side in shallow water ever since capsizing, is due to be towed away from the Mediterranean holiday island, probably by next spring, and eventually broken up for scrap.

It capsized after crashing into a group of rocks just off the tiny island of Giglio with 4,229 people from 70 countries on board.

Ship's captain Francesco Schettino is on trial for multiple manslaughter, abandoning ship before all the passengers had been evacuated and causing environmental damage.

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Kenya Survivor 'Smeared Herself In Blood'

A survivor of the Nairobi mall attacks has described how she smeared herself with a victim's blood to play dead and fool the terrorists.

Radio presenter Sneha Kothari Mashru said a teenage boy lying next to her died of his wounds as they hid from the gunmen at the Westgate shopping centre in the Kenyan capital.

"I realised he was shot, because he was bleeding," she said.

"So I pulled out (his) phone slowly and I tried to switch it off, it was all full of blood, and I tried to switch off the phone so that it could stop ringing (in case it alerted the attackers).

"So I took a lot of his blood, (as) much (as) I could and I tried to put it on myself. I put it on my arm, a lot of the teenager's blood, and while I was trying to put it on my hand I just realised that he had stopped breathing at that time.

"So I put it on my arm, as much as I could, and I covered my face with my hair, because my hair was let loose even then, just to pretend that I'm dead or probably badly injured.

"I would still love to know who he is and everything, because his blood probably protected me from getting probably more injured or attacked."

Niall Saville and his wife Moon Hee Kang who died in the attack

Meanwhile, the family of a British man Niall Saville who was injured in the attack have paid tribute to his South Korean wife, Moon Hee Kang, who was killed.

"The Saville and Kang families are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Moon Hee.

"She was very close to the Saville family and brought so much joy to all of their lives. She and Niall had lived in numerous locations around the world together, but they always had time for both families," the statement said.

"Moon Hee was a bright, loving, kind and genuine person who will be greatly missed."

Terror group al Shabaab has claimed its militants carried out a "meticulous vetting process" to separate Muslims from non-Muslims before killing dozens of men, women and children in the mall.

Witnesses had described how the gunmen rounded up those inside centre before asking them questions about Islam.

In an email exchange with the Associated Press, the al Qaeda-affiliated terror group confirmed its fighters specifically targeted foreigners during the attack.

Security officials enter the mall to search for more evidence

"The Mujahideen carried out a meticulous vetting process at the mall and have taken every possible precaution to separate the Muslims from the Kuffar (disbelievers) before carrying out their attack," the group said.

It added: "Our targets have always been disbelievers, invaders and the apostate governments officials/troops who are allied with them."

The number killed in the attack is expected to rise from the current figure of 67, with speculation there could be additions to the six British dead.

Five terrorists were also killed in the four-day siege at the shopping centre, while 10 suspects remain in custody in relation to the incident.

A British woman reportedly linked to the attacks gained a South African passport using an assumed identity, and the document was cancelled in 2011, Kenya's home affairs minister Naledi Pandor said.

The passport was "fraudulently acquired" Ms Pandor told media, adding that the Kenyan government had not yet contacted the South African government regarding the Westgate attacks.

Former prime minister Tony Blair told Sky News that terrorists are a "cancer" who will only be defeated by better education.

Miraculous tales of survival have emerged since the attack

Speaking outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, the current envoy to the Middle East said Islamist ideology had created an enemy that was "insidious and venomous, but also difficult to beat".

"Unless we are educating people to a tolerant and respectful and open-minded approach to the world, then this cancer of these terrorist groups will continue," he said.

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has warned that such attacks may become more frequent as al Shabaab tries to reassert its dwindling power base.

"Some people sometimes mix the issues that Shabaab want an Islamic state in Somalia - that's not true. Shabaab want a unified state all over the world," he told Channel 4 News.

"They do not believe in borders, they do not believe in sovereignty, so their theme is global, it's not even regional. They may do this act again and again."

On Wednesday the group threatened that if Kenyan troops remain in Somalia, they must "be prepared for an abundance of blood".

Experts from countries including the UK, the US and Israel are helping Kenyan authorities with the forensic investigation at the mall. Explosives experts and sniffer dogs are searching for booby traps in the wreckage.

Newly-released pictures show a gaping hole in the mall's roof and mounds of rubble.

The devastation was caused after soldiers fired rocket-propelled grenades and knocked out a support column.

A Kenyan government official said the soldiers fired to distract a sniper so that hostages could be evacuated.

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'Mental' Costumes: Asda And Tesco Apologise

Supermarket chains Asda and Tesco have withdrawn Halloween costumes from sale following a barrage of criticism.

Asda's "mental patient fancy dress costume", which is designed to look like a blood-splattered straitjacket, was on sale for £20 through the supermarket's clothing arm George.

Many people took to Twitter to express their disgust at the description, including former footballer Stan Collymore - who has suffered well-documented problems with depression.

He wrote: "Dear ASDA, nice stereotype of "Mental patients". Something you'd expect from the ###. A f****** joke".

"Do you actually realise how many people are hanging themselves because of being frightened of the stigma? Wording is CLEAR. MENTAL PATIENT."

Stan Collymore was among those expressing anger over the Asda product

Charity Rethink Mental Illness posted on its Twitter account: "Hi @Asda please explain: 'Everyone will be running away from you in fear in this mental patient fancy dress'."

Former spin doctor Alastair Campbell also commented on the item on the social media website, writing: "Look what Asda's selling... what possesses these people?"

And MP Mike Thornton tweeted: "This is unbelievable!!"

Asda was quick to react to the criticism by confirming the Halloween costume had been withdrawn from sale.

The chain posted on its own Twitter account: "We're deeply sorry one of our fancy dress costumes has upset people. This was an unacceptable error - the product was withdrawn immediately."

Asda added: "We'd like to offer our sincere apologies for the offence it's caused and will be making a sizeable donation to @MindCharity."

Asda was quick to respond to the criticism on Twitter

Meanwhile, Tesco has also removed a costume called "Psycho Ward" from its shelves. It was described on the website as an orange jumpsuit with the word "committed" printed on the back.

A spokesperson said it was a response to feedback from customers and apologised for any offence caused.

The costumes were withdrawn as a new survey suggests more than 30,000 people with mental health problems die every year from preventable illnesses. 

People with mental health problems are three times more likely to develop diabetes and twice as likely to die from heart disease, according to the new report from Rethink Mental Illness.

The report says mental health sufferers have higher rates of illness through side effects from medication, smoking and a lack of basic health checks.

They also make up 40% of the total smoking population but are less likely to receive support to quit.

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April Jones Funeral: Machynlleth Says Goodbye

The family of April Jones has said a final farewell to the murdered schoolgirl as the mid-Wales town that shared their grief came to a standstill.

A white horse-drawn hearse led mourners, including the five-year-old's parents Paul and Coral and their two children from their Machynlleth home to St Peter's Church.

Crowds lined the streets and filled the church and its graveyard for the long-awaited service.

Those paying their respects were asked to wear pink, April's favourite colour.

April's body has never been found

The coffin arrived at St Peter's to Emeli Sande's Read All About It played on loudspeakers outside the church.

As it was carried inside by family members, Coral wept, holding her hand to her face, comforted by Paul, while other relatives fought back tears.

A message from April's family, written on the order of service, said they "would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their overwhelming kindness, sympathy and support during this sad, sad time".

Among the crowds were members of the mountain rescue, who helped search for April.

Beginning the service, the Reverend Kathleen Rogers said: "We know that there are no words we can say at this moment to express what we are feeling.

"No words can alleviate our sorrow or take away our pain."

Two poems by a local writer - one called April and the other called An Autumn Night - were read during the service and the words of well-known hymns were changed to suit the family.

No relatives spoke at the packed service, which was organised only after the conclusion of an inquest, 10 days after which April's remains were released.

Following the service, the funeral party left the church for a private burial.

It is almost a year to the day since the five-year-old went missing - with her murderer, Mark Bridger, jailed for his entire life in May - but reminders of the youngster are visible throughout the town.

Flowers from April's grandparents

A memorial garden has been built on the estate of Bryn y Gog, close to the home where she lived for her brief life.

Earlier April's father inspected flowers and dolls left at the garden, which has become a focal point for locals.

A bench bearing her name has been placed among the trees and next to a pink playhouse.

Up in the Welsh hills overlooking her hometown, a tree has been intricately wrapped in knitted pink patches and below in the valley pink ribbons still adorn many of the shop fronts and houses.

But the town is different now, according to Councillor Mike Williams, a friend and neighbour of April's family.

He explained: "It's the magnitude of an event in which a five-year-old girl was ripped from her family, ripped from the community, in such a vile and vicious way.

"But the town has stayed together and together we will be. We will be as one and we will be always with the family in support."

April Jones' funeral reflected the wishes of her grieving parents, who had wondered for months whether it would even be possible as their daughter's body was never found apart from fragments of bone.

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Kenya: Gunman 'Could Still Be Hiding In Mall'

There are fears that one of the gunmen who launched a terror attack on a Kenyan shopping mall could still be hiding inside.

Sky's chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay said: "There is a distinct possibility that somebody could have survived, one of the gunmen could be in there.

"There have been sources saying that is something under consideration whenever the clearance operation moves further into the building."

Kenya has begun three days of mourning for the victims of the Nairobi attack, as authorities look to retrieve the bodies of victims still trapped inside.

Smoke rises from the Westgate mall in Nairobi

At least 67 people have been confirmed dead in the attack, including 61 civilians and six security officials.

Kenyan authorities say the number of dead may rise further, as bodies are feared to be trapped beneath rubble in the mall after three levels collapsed.

Six Britons - including an eight-year-old girl - are among the dead, and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has warned there may be further British victims.

A Western embassy official said the number of additional dead could reach as high as 100. Morgue workers are preparing to receive further victims.

People queue up to give blood

About 175 people were also wounded when al Shabaab militants stormed the Nairobi mall on Saturday afternoon.

More video shows the rescue of a woman and two children from the mall by a police officer.

Meanwhile a photo taken by Sky's Alex Crawford showed people lining up to give blood.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced in a televised address that troops had "shamed and defeated" the militants following a four-day siege.

Kenyan troops stormed the shopping complex

"Kenya has stared down evil and triumphed. These cowards will meet justice as will their accomplices and patrons, wherever they are," Mr Kenyatta said.

Some 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, and a further five died during the siege at the complex.

A British man arrested at Nairobi airport had no involvement in the attack, it has been confirmed.

"Now it is for the forensic and criminal experts," said police spokesman Masoud Mwinyi.

Explosives experts are searching for booby traps in the wreckage.

Teams of sniffer dogs have been taken into the building to check for explosives and to find bodies.

The attackers marched into the four-storey, part Israeli-owned mall at midday on Saturday, shooting dead shoppers with machine guns and tossing grenades.

Al Shabaab has claimed it carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenya's military intervention in Somalia.

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Ben Ainslie Steers America's Cup Comeback

Memorable Sporting Comebacks

Updated: 12:25pm UK, Wednesday 25 September 2013

Britain's Ben Ainslie and Oracle Team USA are set to achieve one of sport's greatest ever comebacks - but how does it compare to other memorable moments?

:: England (cricket), 1981 Ashes test series: When Australia declared on 401, England were bowled out for just 174 in their first innings and were 135-7 at tea on the fourth day. In what became known as the "Headingley miracle", Ian Botham hit an unbeaten 149 while Bob Willis took eight Australian wickets for just 43 runs, securing an England win by just 18 runs.

:: Manchester United (football), 1999 Champions League final: Manchester United looked certain to finish runners-up to Bayern Munich when they entered injury time 1-0 down, only for Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to score from corners in the dying minutes to win the match 2-1.

:: Liverpool (football), 2005 Champions League final: Trailing 3-0 at half-time to AC Milan, Liverpool scored three times in six minutes and won the title on penalties.

:: Lewis Hamilton (Formula One), 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix: With Britain's Lewis Hamilton languishing in sixth on the final lap at a rain-soaked Interlagos, the 2008 drivers' championship looked to be going to Ferrari's Felipe Massa. The McLaren driver, then 23, won the title at the last corner, passing Toyota's Timo Glock to secure the points he needed.

:: Europe (golf), 2012 Ryder Cup: The European side went into the final day's 12 singles matches 10-6 down but staged a remarkable fightback against the Americans, eventually retaining their title with a 14.5-13.5 win in the so-called "miracle at Medinah".

:: Nick Faldo (golf), 1996 Masters: Englishman Nick Faldo trailed Greg Norman by six strokes entering the final round at Augusta but hit a near-perfect 67 to the Australian's 78, beating his rival by five shots.

:: Muhammad Ali (boxing), 1975: Muahmmad Ali had his boxing licence suspended for three years after refusing to serve in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After losing to Joe Frazier on his return to the sport, he beat him in a rematch in 1974 and repeated the achievement in what became known as the "Thrilla in Manila" one year later, defeating his opponent after 14 rounds.

:: France (rugby union), 1999 World Cup semi-final: With New Zealand 24-10 ahead after 44 minutes at Twickenham, the All Blacks looked to be cruising towards the final. But France, aided by fly-half Christophe Lamaison's kicking, scored 26 points in 13 minutes to win the match 43-31.

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Miliband Warns Energy Firms After Backlash

Ed Miliband has rejected warnings his plans for an energy price freeze if Labour regains power will spark blackouts.

The Labour leader told Sky News he was serious about ending the "blatant overcharging of millions" as he brushed off criticism about the pledge.

In a surprise move, Mr Miliband vowed on Tuesday to freeze gas and electricity prices for 20 months if he becomes prime minister in 2015.

He has also now written to the "Big Six" energy companies warning that they will be "part of the problem" unless they support the move.

Ed Miliband insists it is time to "reset the market"

Firms claim it could lead to energy shortages and power cuts as the industry is starved of the investment it needs and business chiefs have also been critical.

Shares in Centrica - British Gas's holding company - were down almost 4% in early trading, and shares in Southern Electric and Swalec owner SSE fell 3.6%.

Centrica chairman Sir Roger Carr said: "We are all concerned about rising prices and the impact on consumers, but we also have a very real responsibility that we find supplies to make sure the lights stay on."

Energy Secretary Ed Davey added: "When they tried to fix prices in California it resulted in an electricity crisis and widespread blackouts. We can't risk the lights going out here too.

"Fixing prices in this way risks blackouts, jeopardises jobs and puts investment in clean, green technology in doubt."

But Mr Miliband hit back, saying: "There are bound to be people coming up with scare stories ... California was a totally different approach."

Energy firms argue they need money to overhaul UK power stations

His plans would see a price freeze from 2015 until 2017 while the sector is reformed, with watchdog Ofgem axed, firms split into generation and retail arms and competition increased.

The Labour leader insists it is time to "reset the market" and told the industry he would not help guarantee funding for its development if it does not fall in line.

In his letter, he wrote: "I appreciate that you will not welcome all aspects of this package but it is my firm view that without resetting the market we are not going to see the public consent that is required to underpin the scale of taxpayer backed guarantees for which you have argued.

"I am prepared to make the case for sharing the risks of such investment, but that must be against the backdrop of a market that customers believe works for them.

"You and I know that the public have lost faith in this market. There is a crisis of confidence. We face a stark choice.

"We can work together on the basis of this price freeze to make the market work in the future. Or you can reinforce in the public mind that you are part of the problem not the solution."

Mr Miliband announced the 20-month price freeze in his conference speech as he sought to show only his party could tackle a "cost-of-living crisis".

Pitching the next election as a battle between Tories representing the "privileged few" as ordinary families and small businesses suffer, he repeatedly declared: "Britain can do better than this."

"I will lead a government that fights for you," he vowed as he insisted he would relish a contest with David Cameron based on leadership and character.

Labour claims the freeze, to last from May 2015 until January 2017, would save the typical household £120 and an average business £1,800.

Consumer group Which? has said it will "give hope to the millions worrying about how they can afford to heat their homes" but the CBI warns it will damage Labour's "pro-enterprise credentials".

The energy sector's umbrella group, Energy UK, accused Mr Miliband of "posturing to no purpose" and warned the freeze could have drastic consequences.

Chief executive Angela Knight said: "Freezing the bill, may be superficially attractive, but it will also freeze the money to build and renew power stations, freeze the jobs and livelihoods of the 600,000 plus people dependent on the energy industry and make the prospect of energy shortages a reality, pushing up the prices for everyone."

SSE claimed price freezes would lead to "unsustainable loss-making retail businesses" and suggested the Government's energy policy costs be put into general taxation instead of on bills.

"This would wipe £110 off the average person's bill and shift the cost away from those who can't afford to pay and on to those who can," a spokesman said.

Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: "We should think very, very carefully before piling more distortion on an already grossly distorted energy market. Price controls only add greater uncertainty to companies who we need to take the financial risks of energy investment.

Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "When the government fixes prices, it always ends in a disaster for consumers.

"Ed Miliband is sticking by the green taxes and expensive subsidies that drive up the price of energy, so at best this new policy would just store up massive price hikes for another day. At worst it could create a crisis and force the government to bail out the sector."

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April Jones: Donations To Sponsor African Child

Donations made at the funeral of April Jones will be used to sponsor a girl the same age as her in Africa, church officials have said.

The quiet and closely-knit Welsh market town of Machynlleth will join April's devastated family in paying their last respects to the murdered five-year-old on Thursday at midday. 

It is now almost 12 months since the youngster was snatched and killed by 47-year-old paedophile Mark Bridger - who is serving a whole life tariff for the crime.

The Rev Kathleen Rogers, who is officiating the ceremony, said donations made at the service will be be used to sponsor a child in Uganda, via the charity World Vision.

Rev Rogers said: "A five-year-old girl in a village in Uganda will be sponsored by the parish until she finishes her education," she said.

April's parents, Paul and Coral Jones made the sponsorship decision

"Other donations will be an extra gift for the girl, her family and her village to use as they need. The parish will receive regular updates and photographs about the girl as she grows up.

"In an attempt to see some good out of this tragedy, we have decided to sponsor a little girl from a village in Uganda in memory of April.

"April's parents have kindly asked that donations from her funeral be donated to this sponsorship and we are very grateful to them."

Hundreds of mourners are expected and will wear pink, April's favourite colour, or a bright item of clothing. Balloons will be released at the end of the service.

Mark Bridger is serving a whole life tariff for April's murder

Ms Rogers said she hoped it would help April's family and the local community heal.

"A funeral plays a significant part in the grieving process and the funeral of little April will be even more important for her family as the probability of such a service was very remote until the inquest two weeks ago," she added.

"Our prayer is that it will be a starting point for them as they travel the long and painful journey of healing. It will also, I think, give the community permission to bring some sort of normality back to our town."

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Kenya Mall Siege: 'Six Britons Killed'

Six Britons, including a young girl, are among the 62 people killed in the attack on a shopping mall in Nairobi.

British businessman Louis Bawa confirmed his daughter Jenah, eight, and wife Zahira were among the dead.

"The people who did this, they are vigilantes, they are animals," Mr Bawa told The Daily Telegraph.

"They are using religion as an excuse to kill people. Zahira and Jenah were Muslims, but these animals just shot them the same as all of the others."

Smoke seen billowing from the shopping complex

He said he had spoken to his daughter last week and had told her if she did well in her exams he would "buy her any present in the world."

She had replied that she wanted a pony and Mr Bawa said that she told him to "start saving up because she was going to work very hard."

Mrs Bawa was born in Kenya and moved to the UK several years ago. A relative, Shakuntna Bawa, told Sky News: "It's very hard, we can't believe it."

Another family member, Tania Bawa, described the mother and daughter as "wonderful people".

Two of the other victims, British-Australian architect Ross Langdon and his Dutch wife Elif Yavuz, were expecting their first baby in two weeks.

Mr Langdon at a conference in 2012

Mr Langdon, 33, who was born and grew up in Tasmania, designed an Aids hospital in Kenya for free and helped create eco-lodges and socially sustainable tourism.

His wife, Ms Yavuz, also 33, was a malaria specialist with a PhD in public health policy from Harvard University.

She had completed her dissertation research on malaria in eastern Africa and was working with the Gates Foundation in Kenya and the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Tanzania.

She recently met former US president Bill Clinton and posted a photograph of the meeting on her Facebook page last month.

"Elif was brilliant, dedicated, and deeply admired by her colleagues, who will miss her terribly," Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton said in a statement.

A friend of the couple, Tasmanian sculptor Peter Adams, said the pair dedicated their lives to working for a peaceful world.

Ms Yavuz meeting Bill Clinton

"Besides a personal loss for myself, this is a major global loss," Mr Adams wrote on his blog.

Mr Langdon founded his own firm, Regional Associates, in 2008. The firm said on its website: "Profoundly talented and full of life, Ross enriched the lives of all those around him."

A businessman from Leicester, Samir Bharma, said four of his young relatives, who had been taking part in the recording of a TV programme called Junior Super Chef, had been killed in the attack.

Also killed was a Peruvian public health consultant, Dr Juan Jesus Ortiz-Iruri, 63, who was due to take up a post at Liverpool School of Tropical Medical next week.

Most of those killed among the attack were Kenyans but other victims came from China, Ghana, France, the Netherlands and Canada.

Among the dead were Ghanaian poet Kofi Awoonor, 78; a Canadian diplomat, Annemarie Desloges; Mbugua Mwangi, the nephew of President Kenyatta of Kenya and his fiancee Wahito; and Radio Africa news presenter Ruhila Adatia Sood.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond warned that the number of Britons killed in the attack may rise further.

"Our current best estimate is we now have six British nationals who have died in this incident," he said, after leaving a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee in the Cabinet Office.

"Of the additional two, one is confirmed and another one we believe to be a British national and we are awaiting final confirmation but we are pretty certain we now have six British nationals who have died."

:: A helpline has been set up for people in the UK who are concerned about relatives in Kenya: 020 7008 000. 

The gunmen killed at least 62 shoppers and staff during the attack

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Kenya Siege: British Woman 'Among Attackers'

A British woman and "two or three Americans" are said to be among the militants who took part in an attack on a shopping centre in Nairobi.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed confirmed al Shabaab fighters were responsible for the attack at the Westgate building.

In an interview with the American PBS Newshour programme, Ms Mohamed said: "Both the victims and the perpetrators ... came from Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"From the information that we have, (there are) two or three Americans, and I think so far I have heard of one Brit."

Asked about the British woman, Ms Mohamed added: "A woman, and I think she has done this many times before."

Samantha Lewthwaite is known to be in East Africa

Her comments have been dismissed by an al Shabaab spokesman who said: "Those who describe the attackers as Americans and British are people who do not know what is going on."

Ms Mohamed's remarks have, however, fuelled speculation that British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite, who was married to the July 7 bomber Jermaine Lindsay, was involved.

Ms Lewthwaite, dubbed the "White Widow", is known to be in East Africa and is wanted by Kenyan police over alleged links to a terrorist cell that planned to bomb the country's coast.

In March last year officials said Ms Lewthwaite, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, had fled to Somalia and that officers were hunting a woman who used several identities, including hers.

Kenya's Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed spoke to the PBS Newshour programme

Professor David Anderson, an expert in African terrorism at the University of Warwick, said Ms Mohamed's remarks must be taken with a "pinch of salt".

He said: "It would be very unusual if a female, and a British female at that, was involved in an al Shabaab operation."

On Monday night, Ms Lewthwaite's grandmother, Elizabeth Allen, 86, of County Down, was said by a friend to be "deeply distressed" by suggestions her granddaughter had been involved in the attack.

Councillor Raj Khan, whose family knew Ms Lewthwaite's family socially in Aylesbury, said he was surprised at speculation she was involved in the attack in Kenya due to how he remembers her.

"She was an average, British, young, ordinary girl. She had a very great personality. She didn't have very good confidence.

"She was not strong-headed. And that's why I find it absolutely amazing that she is supposed to be the head of an international criminal terrorist organisation."

Ms Lewthwaite has gained "semi-mythical status" since travelling to East Africa, according to terrorism expert Raffaello Pantucci, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

Mr Pantucci said: "I don't think we've had any concrete evidence of her being involved in this incident, but the fact of her being mentioned in this context is not surprising because of her connections, and it is known that she is somewhere in East Africa."

Britain's Foreign Office would not confirm claims about the involvement of a British woman, while US officials said there was no evidence of the nationalities or identities of the attackers.

Speaking in Pakistan, Home Secretary Theresa May told the BBC: "I'm aware of the reports that there has been a British woman involved.

"At this time until we've seen the investigation completed, It's not possible to comment further. As I indicated earlier, I'm not able to give further details."

According to The Times, FBI sources are investigating claims that the terrorists were recruited in a Somali community known as "Little Mogadishu" in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Somalia's al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which began on Saturday and has left at least 62 people dead.

Kenyan security forces claim they have taken control of the shopping centre after a final assault on the militants, but heavy gunfire can still be heard coming from the complex.

Al Shabaab claims it is in control and still has hostages inside the mall.

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Kenya Siege: Heavy Gunfire Heard Inside Mall

Heavy bursts of gunfire have been heard from inside a Nairobi shopping centre as Kenyan soldiers fight with terrorists to rescue hostages.

At least 10 hostages remain inside the mall on the fourth day of the siege in which 62 people have been killed, including six Britons - among them an eight-year-old girl.

Medics who have been inside the complex warned that the numbers of dead are significantly greater than have been confirmed, and the city morgue is preparing for the arrival of a large number of bodies.

In a new Twitter feed claiming to be run by Somalia's al Qaeda-linked rebel group, al Shabaab, a post said that "the mujahideen are still holding their ground".

It warned "there are countless number of dead bodies still scattered inside the mall" and said it was "far greater than how the Kenyans perceive it".

Victims: Ross Langdon, Eliv Yavus and eight-year-old Jenah Bawa

Another post said that they were still holding hostages who were "still alive looking quite disconcerted but, nevertheless, alive".

In an audio broadcast on a pro-militant website, the al Shabaab spokesman Ali Mohamoud Rage threatened that unless Kenya pulled its troops out of Somalia it could expect further terror attacks.

The Kenyan police responded with a Twitter message in which it told people to ignore enemy propaganda and said: "Troops now in mop up operations in the building. More to follow. Be calm."

They also said that they had been defusing bombs set up by the militants inside the mall, as part of the building's roof has now collapsed.

Kenyan forces at the shopping centre early on Tuesday

The army has confirmed that three soldiers have been killed in the fighting.

The Kenyan government insisted early on Tuesday that it was "in control" of the mall and that all hostages trapped by the attackers had been evacuated.

Government spokesman Manoah Esipisu said: "Our special forces are inside the building checking the rooms. Obviously it's a very, very big building.

Bodies arrive at the city morgue

"We think that everyone, the hostages, have been evacuated but we don't want to take any chances. The special forces are doing their job and yes, I think we are near the end."

Sky News Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay said: "The government has said it's all over … but that seems to conflict with what we are hearing both from the military sources here - one of them told me that there were at least maybe two gunmen still holed up - and indeed al Shabaab itself."

He said that he had spoken to a medic who had been inside the building and they had said the numbers of dead were "huge" and warned that the official figures would rise.

The developments came as Kenya's Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed said that a British woman and two or three Americans were among those who had attacked the centre.

Her comments have led to increasing speculation that the Briton could be the 29-year-old widow of the 7/7 bomber Jermaine Lindsay, Samantha Lewthwaite.

However, a leading terrorism expert has said her involvement is unlikely and al Shabaab has denied the claim that Britons and Americans are involved.

The extremists also appeared to verify a picture that has been circulating on the internet claiming to be taken from the shopping centre CCTV and showing the gunmen.

Smoke is seen rising from the shopping centre

The two figures in the picture are seen in black headscarves, ambling past a children's sweet stall in the mall.

According to Sky News sources, the British military is now giving assistance to Kenyan forces at the mall and has offered further assistance.

On Monday, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said: "As the Prime Minister made clear, we have said we will provide them with any assistance which they request. We haven't yet been asked to provide any assistance beyond broad background advice."

Police and volunteers react after hearing gunshots

Barack Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, said the United States stood with Kenyans against "this terrible outrage".

The atrocity is the worst in Nairobi since an al Qaeda bomb attack on the US embassy in 1998 that killed more than 200 people.

:: The Kenyan Red Cross has set up a webpage for anyone worried about friends or relatives who might be caught up in the siege.

:: A helpline has been set up for people in the UK who are concerned about relatives in Kenya: 020 7008 000.

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Miliband Addresses Labour Party Conference

Ed Miliband is vowing to stand up for small businesses and hard-working families as he delivers a crucial party conference speech.

The leader, speaking without notes, is unveiling plans for a £800m tax break for smaller firms - paid for by cancelling a 1% corporation tax cut due in 2015.

Mr Miliband, who has spent weeks working on his address after a summer of criticism about his leadership and his party's lack of direction, is focusing on the cost-of-living.

He insists he will stand up for ordinary workers rather than the "privileged few" he claims are currently the only ones benefitting from the economic recovery.

Borrowing a slogan from Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign in 1980, he will say voters should ask themselves in 2015 "am I better off now than I was five years ago?".

Ed Miliband and Justine arriving at the hall before his conference

Mr Miliband is hoping his address will encourage the party to move on from damaging revelations about the Blair-Brown years, as revealed in Damian McBride's memoir.

The first act of a Labour government if it regained power would be to reverse a hike in small business rates due in April 2015 and freeze the levy the following year, he will say.

Labour claims this will be worth £450 on average over two years to 1.5 million businesses and up to £2,000 for some.

But it will be paid for by scrapping the coalition's planned 1% drop in corporation tax, which has led to criticism from experts that the leader is "robbing Peter to pay Paul".

"We have to support our small businesses, the vibrant, dynamic businesses that will create wealth in Britain," Mr Miliband will say.

He will claim cuts in corporation tax by the coalition have already saved 80,000 big businesses £6bn, compared to a rise in business rates hitting small firms.

Ed Miliband with wife Justine at their hotel before his speech

Labour's freeze of the rates at 2014 levels for two years would affect properties and commercial premises with an annual rental value of £50,000 or less.

However, this would still allow some franchise-holders within major multinationals to benefit.

Mr Miliband will insist Labour will offer a "race to the top" instead of David Cameron's "race tot the bottom" where a few prosper but most workers suffer.

"You've made the sacrifices but you have not got the rewards. You were the first one into the recession, but you are the last one out," he will say.

He is also launching a "road map" for the construction of a generation of new towns in England to address the housing crisis, risking a backlash from countryside campaigners.

But he will caution activists that a Labour government would not have funds to lavish on spending hikes as Britain continues to rebuild following the recession.

"You know and I know that the next Labour government will face tough times, and there's no point in pretending otherwise," he will say.

The British Retail Consortium welcomed the planned cut in business rates but the Institute of Directors and British Chambers of Commerce were criticical.

IoD director general Simon Walker warned it would harm Britain's competitiveness and put off foreign investors at a time when the country had to show it was open for business.

He said: "The Government has spent three years telling the world that we are open for business, and reductions in corporation tax have been a key part of that strategy.

"It's a dangerous move for Labour to risk our business-friendly environment in this way, at the same time as announcing a new bank levy."

John Longworth, the BCC's director general, added: "Labour must realise that you can't rob Peter to pay Paul... We question why a freeze or cut in business rates for smaller firms should be offset by a delayed reduction in corporation tax.

"To create an environment where companies can thrive, both business rates and corporation tax rates have to be contained, and the broken business rates system fundamentally reformed."

Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, added: "Business leaders at firms of all sizes are crying out for a cut in business rates, but it is pure fantasy to pretend that the cost can be covered by hiking corporation tax.

"Higher taxes on profits will put at risk the investments and jobs which the economic recovery should bring with it and reduce tax revenue over time.

"It will be workers who suffer with lower wages and more pressure on their family budgets. A cut in business rates should be funded by cutting out waste and unnecessary spending rather than hiking another tax."

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Kenya Terrorists 'Were Dressed Up As Women'

Men dressed as women were among the attackers who massacred shoppers at a mall in Kenya, it has been claimed.

A government minister said that the terrorists who attacked the shopping complex in Nairobi were all men, but added that some were dressed as women.

Earlier, a white woman wearing a veil was reportedly spotted shouting orders to gunmen in Arabic during the attack on the Westgate complex in the Kenyan capital.

Some reports linked Samantha Lewthwaite, the English widow of 7/7 bomber Jermaine Lindsay, and the attack.

She is wanted by Kenyan police over links to a suspected terrorist cell.

Soldiers are moving in on the terrorists at the shopping centre

However the Foreign Office later said it was not linking the two.

Sky News' Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay said: "I saw a picture of a white woman wearing a balaclava and carrying a weapon."

Security sources say the group of attackers are from several different countries.

A commander of the group believed to be behind the attack has reportedly denied that any of militants are from the UK or US.

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Rolf Harris In Court On Child Sex Charges

Rolf Harris has appeared briefly in court charged with nine counts of indecent assault and four counts of making indecent images of a child.

The 83-year-old entertainer arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court with his wife Alwen at his side.

Wearing a dark suit, striped shirt and patterned tie, he said nothing to reporters as he walked into the building flanked by security guards.

He left court around 30 minutes later, surrounded by a throng of reporters and photographers as he climbed into a waiting car.

Harris, 83, said nothing as he walked into court

Harris is accused of assaulting two alleged victims, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time, between 1980 and 1986.

The charges of making indecent images of a child date back to last year.

During the hearing, Sonia Woodley QC, defending, said Harris had indicated he would plead not guilty.

The Australian-born artist, musician and TV presenter was questioned under caution last November by officers working on Operation Yewtree, the investigation into abuse claims against Jimmy Savile.

He was arrested in March and charged in August.

The allegations against him have no connection to Savile.

Harris, who has lived in Bray, Berkshire, for more than 50 years, has been in the public eye for decades.

He fronted the popular TV programme Animal Hospital and had several musical hits, many of which featured his famous wobble board.

He painted a portrait of the Queen in 2005 and performed at her Diamond Jubilee concert last year.

His next court appearance will be at Southwark Crown Court on October 7.

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Esme Smith Found Safe After 11-Day Search

Missing 14-year-old Esme Smith, from Surrey has been found safe in north London, say police.

The schoolgirl disappeared 11 days ago.

She was last seen by friends after school in her home town of Farnham on Thursday, September 12. She told them she was going to Woking 16 miles away and then on to a party.

But instead the teenager, described as "extrovert, vivacious, (and) normal", changed out of her school uniform and caught a train from Aldershot just after 4pm and arrived at London Waterloo about an hour later.

The secondary school pupil was pictured on CCTV as she walked down steps near Charing Cross station in London at about 5.30pm that day.

Esme's safe return is thought to be as a direct result of media appeals

A police spokesman said: "A call was made to Surrey Police by the Metropolitan Police around 9.40am today to say that the 14-year-old, who went missing on September 12, was at a north London police station.

"Her safe return is thought to be as a direct result of the media appeals, and the media and public are thanked for their assistance."

Her father Mark Smith, who works at Nato's Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway, said the family had been "worried sick" by her disappearance.

More than 4,000 people had "liked" a Facebook page called Find Esme Smith, dedicated to raising awareness of her disappearance and her sister Sian released a video appeal asking her to return.

In it, Sian said: "We just want her back. I think she's maybe met somebody out there or planned to meet somebody. We just don't know at the moment, and that's the worrying thing. She's not in trouble. We just want her back. We are incredibly worried."

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Kenya Stand-Off: Major Explosions And Gunfire

Four huge explosions have been heard followed by a barrage of gunfire at the Westgate shopping complex in Nairobi where 62 people, including four Britons, have died in a raid by Islamic militants.

Black smoke is pouring from the centre as Kenyan troops lay siege to the four-storey building while military and police helicopters circle above.

A security official told reporters at the scene: "It is us who caused the explosion, we are trying to get in through the roof."

However, a Kenyan minister said the smoke had been caused by the al Shabaab militants setting fire to mattresses as a decoy.

Sky's Stuart Ramsay said he had been told that some of the terrorists had blown themselves up while others has been "taken out" by special forces.

He added: "Things have heated up a lot. This appears to be the op trying to get to those hostages but it's going to be very difficult and very dangerous."

Aerial view of the smoke rising from the shopping centre

Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said he expected security forces to end the siege soon. Two of the attackers had been killed in the assault and several injured, and there was no way out for the others.

"We think the operation will come to an end soon," he told a news conference. "We are in control of all the floors, the terrorists are running and hiding in some stores ... there is no room for escape."

Kenya's police chief David Kimaiyo admitted some hostages had still not been rescued, but insisted: "We're increasingly gaining advantage of the attackers."

Defence chief General Julius Karangi said the militants were "a multinational collection from all over the world".

One of the Britons killed in the raid, which began on Saturday, has been named as Ross Langdon, who had dual Australian nationality.

Mr Langdon and Eliv Yavus. Pic: Windgrove: Life on the Edge blog

The 33-year-old architect died alongside his Dutch wife Eliv Yavus who was pregnant and due to give birth in two weeks.

Colleagues of Mr Langdon told Sky News: "We were shocked at the news. Ross was the kind of guy who restored your faith in humanity - what a senseless waste."

The Kenyan Defence Force said earlier on its Twitter feed it was making every effort to bring the situation "to a speedy conclusion".

It said it had secured most of the shopping mall, and many of the hostages had been rescued.

Officials said up to 15 attackers were still inside the building. They have been using the hostages as human shields and have threatened to kill them.

Kenyan troops take cover as they await developments

Al Shabaab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage warned the hostages would "bear the brunt of any force directed against the mujahedeen".

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said there have been "numerous offers of assistance from friendly countries" to end the stand-off, but that for now it remains a Kenyan operation.

However, a Kenyan security source confirmed that Israeli agents were "rescuing the hostages and the injured". The Westgate shopping complex is part Israeli-owned.

Britain's SAS is also reportedly helping out in an advisory role, along with US agents.

The Kenyan Red Cross says 62 people have been killed, at least 63 remain missing and around 200 have been injured. Five of these are said to be from the US.

Troops make their way to the shopping mall

Police have conceded the number of dead could be "much, much higher", after reports emerged that there are multiple fatalities still inside the centre.

The Foreign Office, which confirmed four Britons were among those killed, warned that number was likely to rise.

Also killed were two Canadians, two French citizens, two Indian citizens, a South Korean, a South African, a Dutch woman and the former UN envoy Kofi Awoonor.

Prime Minister David Cameron is cutting short a visit to Balmoral to chair a meeting of the emergency response committee Cobra in London later today. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond chaired a Cobra meeting this morning.

Mr Cameron has described the attack on the shopping complex as "despicable" and an act of "appalling brutality".

Samantha Lewthwaite: Is she involved?

Meanwhile, some reports are linking a female British terror suspect nicknamed the "White Widow" to the plot, although the Foreign Office has denied it is investigating these claims and the Kenyan authorities say all the attackers are male.

Samantha Lewthwaite, who was married to July 7 bomber Jermaine Lindsay, is wanted by Kenyan police over links to a suspected terrorist cell.

In March 2012 it was reported that Lewthwaite, 29, who is originally from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, had fled across the border from Kenya to Somalia.

Stuart Ramsay said: "We know that she'd been in the area. She has been linked to a number of attack in east Africa and they have been trying to capture her.

"Interestingly she has been used in the past with planning and propaganda, not actual assaults, although there is some evidence she has been linked to at least one.

Sky's Stuart Ramsay reporting on the siege

"It is difficult to know whether or not it is her. The government have said there have been reports of more than one woman involved.

"Al Shabaab is thought to consist of foreign nationals as well as people from Somalia. I've heard reports of one Briton being involved and someone from Canada as well."

Mr Kenyatta said one of his nephews and his nephew's fiancee were among the people confirmed killed.

"They shall not get away with their despicable and beastly acts," the president said in an emotional speech to the nation. "We will punish the masterminds swiftly and indeed very painfully."

The attack is the worst in Nairobi since an al Qaeda bomb attack on the US embassy in 1998 that killed more than 200 people.

Judges at the International Criminal Court have adjourned the trial of Kenyan vice president William Ruto for a week to allow him to return home and help deal with the crisis.

The Kenyan Red Cross has set up a webpage for anyone worried about friends or relatives who might be caught up in the siege.

:: A helpline has been set up for people in the UK who are concerned about relatives in Kenya: 020 7008 000. 

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