Ukraine Observers Freed Amid New Offensive

Military observers kept prisoner in Ukraine for more than a week have been released as bloody clashes in the country show no sign of letting up.

The seven observers and their five assistants, from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, were seized in Slavyansk on April 25.

The separatists had previously accused the observers of being "Nato spies" and said they were to be used as human shields.

A prisoner-swap was thought likely, although they were set free today without any conditions.

Fresh scuffles broke out outside the burned building in Odessa on Saturday

Colonel Axel Schneider, the head of the observers, said the group had shown "strength" and said the captivity was "unforgettable for us".

The release comes as Ukraine launched a dawn military operation against separatists in the east of the country.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said troops had seized control of a television tower in Kramatorsk, near the rebel stronghold of Slavyansk.

Two of the observers pictured while they were being held in Slavyansk

"We are not stopping," Mr Avakov wrote on his Facebook page. Heavy fighting is now being reported in the town, according to Ukraine's anti-terrorist centre.

The violence comes hours after 31 people died after a building in Odessa was set on fire during clashes between protesters.

Police said some people inside the trade union building were overcome by smoke and others were killed jumping from windows as they tried to escape.

Pro-Russian and pro-Kiev activists fought running battles as the southern city saw some of its worst violence since President Victor Yanukovych was ousted in February.

Police are guarding the charred trade union building in Odessa

The Interior Ministry said a total of 42 people had died.

Sky News' Katie Stallard said emotions were running high on the city's streets on Saturday as a few hundred officers guarded the charred building and people came to lay flowers.

"There is anger toward these officers. People feel they stood by yesterday; that they did very little to protect people.

"One woman told us she saw a young man and woman jump together from this building. People here witnessed something terrible last night."

A protester throws a petrol bomb at the building during Friday's clashes

Russia said it was "outraged" and denounced the "criminal irresponsibility" of the pro-Western authorities in Kiev.

Russia's foreign ministry called on Ukraine and its "Western backers to end the anarchy and take responsibility for the Ukranian people".

At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, the UK accused Moscow of "breathtaking" hypocrisy over the latest clashes.

People wait for rescue on an upper-storey ledge during the fire

The UK's ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, said Russia had "funded, equipped and directed" some of those involved in the insurgency.

"Many" pro-Russian separatists were also said to have been killed on Friday as the Ukrainian army took control of checkpoints around Slavyansk.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were also killed as two helicopters were shot down in the city, acting president Oleksandr Turchynov said.

The Ukrainian Security Service said one was shot down with a surface-to-air missile, adding that the sophisticated weapon undermined Russia's claims that Slavyansk was simply under the control of armed locals.

Sky News Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay, in Donetsk, said the Ukraine government is in a "very difficult position".

"If they want to take control of these towns they are going to have to put a lot of soldiers on the ground and bring in police from other parts of the country. If that happens it will absolutely be violent – it will only escalate further.

"Russia has made it clear that would be a reason for them to intervene to protect ethnic Russians.

"If Kiev doesn't do that, they are going to see the eastern parts of the country drift away."

Russia has tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's border, and Kiev claims its neighbouring country is preparing to invade and that it is stoking the unrest in the east.

Moscow denies the allegations, but has warned Russia would respond to attacks on Russian citizens or interests in the east, where insurgents have seized government buildings in around a dozen cities.

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Clarkson Hits Out At BBC Over Racism Row

Clarkson Racism Row: 10 Top Gear Gaffes

Updated: 3:53pm UK, Friday 02 May 2014

As Jeremy Clarkson "begs for forgiveness" over claims he used racist language, Sky News looks at past controversies on his show.

:: Lorry load of trouble over 'prostitute' claim (series 12, November 2008)

The BBC received hundreds of complaints after Clarkson joked about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes.

"Change gear, change gear, check mirror, murder a prostitute, change gear, change gear, murder," he said. "That's a lot of effort in a day."

One MP called for Clarkson to be sacked but the BBC defended its presenter, saying viewers have "clear expectations" of his on-screen persona and humour.

:: Top Gear slammed over "vulgar" Mexico claims (series 16, December 2010)

A special episode of the show upset Mexicans by describing them as "lazy, feckless and flatulent" and branding their food "refried sick".

It claimed the Mexican ambassador to the UK would not complain as he was likely to be asleep.

In response, ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza wrote to the BBC, describing the comments as "outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable".

Ofcom found the BBC had not breached guidelines but the broadcaster admitted the language used had "reinforced" stereotypes.

:: "Slope" remark during Burma special (series 21, March 2014)

Clarkson was accused of using "casual racism" during a Top Gear special, during which he and his co-presenters built a bridge over a Burmese river.

As a man walked across the bridge, Clarkson said: "That's a proud moment but there's a slope on it."

A BBC spokesman said the show was not aware the word "slope" was considered by some to be offensive and insisted it was used to make a "light-hearted wordplay joke".

:: Mock-Nazi salute sparks anger (series seven, November 2005)

Clarkson did little to strengthen Anglo-German relations when he made a mock-Nazi salute during a segment discussing a new Mini.

He also claimed the car's in-built navigation system "only goes to Poland".

German diplomats sternly pointed out that, had his salute been on German TV, he would have faced criminal charges and even a possible six-month prison term.

The BBC said it would be dealt with under its "rigorous" complaints procedure.

:: '"N-word" edited out of Top Gear broadcast' (series 19, February 2013)

Clarkson was accused by the Daily Mirror of using the "n-word" while filming an episode of the motoring show.

According to the paper, Clarkson "can be heard chanting, 'Eeny, meeny, miny moe...', before mumbling, 'Catch a n****r by his toe'."

Clarkson responded by saying he was "horrified" by the allegations.

The BBC launched an investigation into the episode, which was broadcast without the alleged comment.

:: Fallout from the top over India special (series 17, December 2011)

An Indian special, during which Clarkson built a toilet into the back of a Jaguar, claiming it would be "perfect" for tourists because "everyone" who visits the country suffers diarrhoea, sparked a complaint from the Indian High Commission.

It accused the show of "cheap jibes" and "tasteless humour", adding that it "lacked cultural sensitivity".

A BBC spokesman said it had not insulted Indian people or the country's culture.

:: Albanian man's 'murder' triggers complaints (series 16, February 2011)

Hundreds of people complained to the BBC after Top Gear aired a segment during which the presenters tried to squeeze an overweight Albanian man, who had ostensibly been murdered, into their boots of their cars.

The presenters pretended to have been sent to the country to test drive cars for a mafia boss.

:: Dead cow 'humour' angers viewers (series nine, February 2007)

During a one-off US special, Clarkson tied a dead cow to the roof of a Chevy Comaro before reversing the car and flinging the animal to the ground.

The stunt sparked complaints to both the BBC and Ofcom but the broadcaster insisted it was "very typical" of the show's "irreverent humour".

A spokesman added: "No offence was intended."

:: Botswana special leaves trail of controversy (series 10, November 2007)

Environmental campaigners claimed Top Gear had damaged Botswana's Makgadikgadi salt pan by blasting through it during a 2007 special.

They claimed tracks left by the team's vehicles would remain visible for decades.

However, the BBC said it was careful to avoid sensitive conservation zones.

:: Crash test damages villagers' tree (series three, November 2003)

The BBC was forced to hand over £250 to a parish council in Somerset after Clarkson damaged a horse chestnut tree while testing the strength of a Toyota Hilux.

Local people thought the damage had been caused by vandals until later recognising the tree on TV.

The show "unreservedly apologised".

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Over 2,000 Confirmed Dead In Afghan Landslide

More than 2,000 people have been confirmed dead in a landslide in Afghanistan after part of a hill above a village collapsed.

The community, in Badakhshan province which borders Tajikistan in the country's northeast, has been buried in more than 300ft of mud (100 metres).

"More than 2,100 people from 300 families are all dead," Naweed Forotan, a spokesman for the Badakhshan provincial governor, told the Reuters news agency.

There are fears of further landslides in the area

Hundreds of mud brick homes were destroyed when two landslides triggered by torrential rain hit Hobo Barik, in Argo district.

At least 100 people have been injured.

The side of the mountain collapsed as villagers were trying to recover belongings and livestock following a smaller landslip a few hours earlier.

A digger works to clear the mud

Mark Bowden, the humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, has told Sky News as many as 2,700 people could have been killed, with at least 4,500 people displaced.

Local people and dozens of police officers equipped with only basic digging tools began searching for survivors from first light on Saturday.

But it quickly became apparent there was no hope of finding anyone.

Thousands of people have been displaced

The United Nations says the focus is now on the thousands of people who have been displaced by the disaster.

A memorial service was planned for later on Saturday, and the site is expected to be designated as a mass grave, according to UN spokesman Ari Gaitanis.

He added the survivors need water, medical support, counselling, food and emergency shelter.

Afghan National Army troops in Kabul load supplies for survivors

British charities are mobilising teams to help with the rescue effort.

Save the Children sent five ambulances to the scene and are planning to distribute blankets and give medical assistance.

Other charities are monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide assistance if necessary.

There are also fears that another section of the mountainside could collapse, threatening the homeless and hundreds of rescue workers.

The US and the Nato-led coalition in Afghanistan have offered to send help

The Afghan military flew rescue teams to the search area on Saturday because the remote mountain region is served by only narrow, poor roads that have been damaged by more than a week of heavy rain.

Nato-led coalition troops are ready to assist, but have not yet been asked for help by the Afghan government.

US President Barack Obama has also offered to send help.

Seasonal rains and spring snow melt have brought destruction to large parts of northern Afghanistan, killing more than 100 people.

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First US Case Of Killer Bug Travels Through UK

Authorities in the US and UK are trying to trace passengers who travelled on the same flight from London to Chicago as a man diagnosed with a potentially deadly Sars-like virus.

The American, who fell ill after flying to the US from Saudi Arabia where he was a healthcare worker, has Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (Mers-Cov).

The passenger had flown on a British Airways flight from Riyadh to Heathrow on April 24, before transferring to Chicago.

He fell ill on April 27 and went to a hospital in Indiana with a fever, cough and shortness of breath. He is currently in a good condition.

Public Health England (PHE) has contacted UK passengers on BA Flight 262 who were sitting near the affected passenger, but stressed the risk of infection was "extremely low".

There have been 400 cases worldwide. Pic: NIAID

Britons on the flight who become unwell or experience respiratory problems have been urged to contact NHS 111.

PHE is also working with US authorities to trace any UK passengers on the onward flight - American Airlines Flight 99 from London to Chicago.

It is the first case of Mers-Cov in the US, after diagnosis was confirmed by the United States Centre for Disease Control in Indiana.

Doctor Thomas Briese, Associate Director of Columbia University's Centre for Infection and Immunity, said the case "does not mean that any epidemic is on the horizon or that it will spread".

Mers-Cov belongs to the coronavirus family that includes the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), which killed 800 people in 2003.

The man travelled on a British Airways plane from Saudi Arabia to Heathrow

Mers-Cov has been found in camels, but officials do not know how it is spread to humans.

Since mid-March, 111 people have tested positive in the Jeddah area of Saudi Arabia, World Health Organisation figures show - the biggest increase in the Mers-Cov outbreak since it was detected in April 2012.

There have been 401 confirmed cases of Mers-Cov infection in 12 countries including 93 deaths, according to the US Centre for Disease Control.

Doctor Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he was "not surprised at all" at the news, "given the amount of travel and air traffic between people in the United States and people in the Middle East".

He said: "There's no question something like this was going to happen."

It is thought that coronavirus may have come from camels

Three people have died so far in the UK as a result of the infection - including one man who died at the end of June.

PHE said the last case to be detected in the UK was in February last year.

Cases have also been reported in France, Germany, Italy and Greece, across the Middle East in Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman and in other countries including Malaysia, the Philippines and Tunisia.

PHE said the period between exposure to Mers-Cov and when symptoms might develop is up to 14 days.

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Nasa Images Capture Huge Fires In North Korea

Dozens of raging fires in North Korea have been photographed from space.

The images taken from a Nasa satellite showed vast plumes of smoke rising from across the east and southeast areas of the secretive state, near its border with South Korea.

Many of the fires appeared to be in farm lands near rivers, which the agency said may have been lit by farmers clearing debris to help fertilise the soil.

Low-lying areas appear in brown and elevated areas in green

Others were in heavily forested areas, suggesting they could be wildfires, or started by drooping wires on ageing power lines.

"Collectively, the fires were producing enough smoke to send plumes of haze drifting east over the Sea of Japan," Nasa said on its website.

The images were taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Nasa's Aqua satellite, earlier this week.

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Ukraine In Military Assault On Slavyansk

Two Ukrainian soldiers have been killed after pro-Russian forces shot down helicopters during the first major government offensive in the east of Ukraine.

A spokeswoman for the pro-Russian militants also said one of their men was killed and another injured, according to the AP news agency.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov urged local residents to stay indoors during the "anti-terrorist operation" in rebel-held Slavyansk early Friday morning.

A man, said to be one of the helicopter crew, is taken away

Posting on Facebook, he said the city was "tightly surrounded" after government troops seized nine rebel-held road checkpoints.

"Against Ukraine's special forces, terrorists used heavy artillery, including grenade launchers and portable anti-aircraft missile launchers," Mr Avakov said.

Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the insurgency-appointed mayor of Slavyansk, said self-defence forces had shot down two helicopters and taken one person hostage.

A helicopter lands at Andreevka, 7 km from the centre of Slavyansk

Shoulder-launched missiles had downed the aircraft, according to the Ukrainian defence ministry.

A third helicopter, said to be carrying carrying medical staff, was also hit and one person wounded, according to the ministry.

Ukrainian officials believe the use of such heavy weaponry proves Russian forces are in the area - something repeatedly denied by Moscow.

Ukrainian troops stand guard at a checkpoint near Slavyansk

Separatist forces were still reported to be firmly in control of Slavyansk's streets, with Ukrainian armoured vehicles restricted to the city's outskirts.

The offensive by the Ukrainian government marks the first significant military response by Kiev.

A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "punitive operation" had destroyed a peace plan agreed with Western powers in Geneva last month.

"While Russia is making efforts to de-escalate and settle the conflict, the Kiev regime moved combat air forces against peaceful settlements, began a reprisal raid, essentially finishing off the last hope for the feasibility of the Geneva accords," Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Officials have been criticised for being slow to act to stop the pro-Russian forces seizing swathes of its Donbass coal and steel belt.

The armed groups seeking union with Moscow have seized a number of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine.

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Clarkson Racism Row: 10 Top Gear Gaffes

As Jeremy Clarkson "begs for forgiveness" over claims he used racist language, Sky News looks at past controversies on his show.

Here are some of Top Gear's most infamous moments:

:: Lorry load of trouble over 'prostitute' claim (series 12, November 2008)

The BBC received hundreds of complaints after Clarkson joked about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes.

"Change gear, change gear, check mirror, murder a prostitute, change gear, change gear, murder," he said. "That's a lot of effort in a day."

Clarkson with Top Gear's the Stig, Richard Hammond, left, James May, centre

One MP called for Clarkson to be sacked but the BBC defended its presenter, saying viewers have "clear expectations" of his on-screen persona and humour.

:: Top Gear slammed over "vulgar" Mexico claims (series 16, December 2010)

A special episode of the show upset Mexicans by describing them as "lazy, feckless and flatulent" and branding their food "refried sick".

The co-hosts outside Downing St in 2011

It claimed the Mexican ambassador to the UK would not complain as he was likely to be asleep.

In response, ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza wrote to the BBC, describing the comments as "outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable".

Clarkson's sillier side on show in 1998

Ofcom found the BBC had not breached guidelines but the broadcaster admitted the language used had "reinforced" stereotypes.

:: "Slope" remark during Burma special (series 21, March 2014)

Clarkson was accused of using "casual racism" during a Top Gear special, during which he and his co-presenters built a bridge over a Burmese river.

Clarkson, Hammond and May cross Tower Bridge in 2008

As a man walked across the bridge, Clarkson said: "That's a proud moment but there's a slope on it."

A BBC spokesman said the show was not aware the word "slope" was considered by some to be offensive and insisted it was used to make a "light-hearted wordplay joke".

:: Mock-Nazi salute sparks anger (series seven, November 2005)

Clarkson did little to strengthen Anglo-German relations when he made a mock-Nazi salute during a segment discussing a new Mini.

Clarkson in New Zealand in 2009

He also claimed the car's in-built navigation system "only goes to Poland".

German diplomats sternly pointed out that, had his salute been on German TV, he would have faced criminal charges and even a possible six-month prison term.

The show went on tour to Belgium last year

The BBC said it would be dealt with under its "rigorous" complaints procedure.

:: '"N-word" edited out of Top Gear broadcast' (series 19, February 2013)

Clarkson was accused by the Daily Mirror of using the "n-word" while filming an episode of the motoring show.

According to the paper, Clarkson "can be heard chanting, 'Eeny, meeny, miny moe...', before mumbling, 'Catch a n****r by his toe'."

A solemn-looking Clarkson in a video apology he posted on Twitter

Clarkson responded by saying he was "horrified" by the allegations.

The BBC launched an investigation into the episode, which was broadcast without the alleged comment.

Footage of Clarkson in which he is accused of using racist language

:: Fallout from the top over India special (series 17, December 2011)

An Indian special, during which Clarkson built a toilet into the back of a Jaguar, claiming it would be "perfect" for tourists because "everyone" who visits the country suffers diarrhoea, sparked a complaint from the Indian High Commission.

It accused the show of "cheap jibes" and "tasteless humour", adding that it "lacked cultural sensitivity".

A BBC spokesman said it had not insulted Indian people or the country's culture.

Clarkson test drives a trolley in 1997

:: Albanian man's 'murder' triggers complaints (series 16, February 2011)

Hundreds of people complained to the BBC after Top Gear aired a segment during which the presenters tried to squeeze an overweight Albanian man, who had ostensibly been murdered, into their boots of their cars.

The presenters pretended to have been sent to the country to test drive cars for a mafia boss.

:: Dead cow 'humour' angers viewers (series nine, February 2007)

The presenters in Amsterdam last year

During a one-off US special, Clarkson tied a dead cow to the roof of a Chevy Comaro before reversing the car and flinging the animal to the ground.

The stunt sparked complaints to both the BBC and Ofcom but the broadcaster insisted it was "very typical" of the show's "irreverent humour".

A spokesman added: "No offence was intended."

:: Botswana special leaves trail of controversy (series 10, November 2007)

Environmental campaigners claimed Top Gear had damaged Botswana's Makgadikgadi salt pan by blasting through it during a 2007 special.

They claimed tracks left by the team's vehicles would remain visible for decades.

However, the BBC said it was careful to avoid sensitive conservation zones.

:: Crash test damages villagers' tree (series three, November 2003)

Clarkson at a film premiere in London in 2012

The BBC was forced to hand over £250 to a parish council in Somerset after Clarkson damaged a horse chestnut tree while testing the strength of a Toyota Hilux.

Local people thought the damage had been caused by vandals until later recognising the tree on TV.

The show "unreservedly apologised".

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Clifford Jailed For Eight Years For Sex Crimes

Shamed publicist Max Clifford has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a string of sexual offences.

The 71-year-old, who was found guilty last month of eight counts of indecent assault against four women aged between 15 and 19, will have to serve at least half his sentence.

He was told by Judge Anthony Leonard: "The reason why (your crimes) were not brought to light sooner was because of your own dominant character and your position in the world of entertainment.

"Your victims thought you were untouchable, something I think you too believed."

The judge also condemned Clifford's "contemptuous attitude" and some of the assaults would be considered rape under current legislation.

He had to use guidelines in force when the offences were committed in the 1970s and 1980s.

Clifford refused to apologise to his victims when he arrived at Southwark Crown Court, defiantly telling Sky's Tom Parmenter: "I stand by everything I've said in the past."

Asked whether that included his description of the women as "liars" and "fantasists", the PR guru refused to answer and strolled away.

Speaking outside his Surrey home earlier, Clifford admitted: "It's not the best day of my life, is it?"

He added: "I just have to face up to it."

Clifford used to represent some of the UK's top celebrities, including music mogul Simon Cowell and Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis.

Both men have severed ties with his company, Max Clifford Associates, which was expected to be shut down after the judge passed sentence.

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Nigel Farage Hit By Egg On Campaign Trail

UKIP's Nigel Farage has been hit by an egg thrown by a placard-waving protester during a campaign visit to Nottingham.

The party leader was pelted as he climbed out of his car in the city centre, where he had been due to rally support for his party's EU election candidates.

The demonstrator, who gave his name as Fred, was holding a sign which read: "Ukip ... sad, scared, old men."

He was bundled into a police car and driven away.

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McCanns 'Still Hope To Bring Madeleine Home'

Child Rescue Alerts: How New System Will Work

Updated: 1:14pm UK, Thursday 01 May 2014

A new warning system that can issue nationwide alerts when a child is abducted is due to go live on May 25. Sky News looks at how the system will be used.

:: What is a Child Rescue Alert?

The scheme is designed to alert members of the public to an abduction as quickly as possible.

According to the Child Rescue Alert website, "the initial hours after a child is abducted are crucial".

"A sighting by a member of the public can lead to the safe recovery of the child," it adds.

Messages can be sent by text message, email and social media.

Alerts, which can be issued nationally, locally or regionally, can also be flashed up on digital billboards and broadcast on TV and radio stations.

:: Is there any evidence such alerts work?

The British scheme is similar to the United States' Amber Alert system, which has been operating since 1996.

Since then, 679 children have been rescued, including 68 in 2012 alone.

The Netherlands issues an average of four abduction alerts every year, with children tracked down in about two-thirds of cases.

:: When will a Child Rescue Alert be issued?

Alerts will only be issued by the police when specific criteria are met.

The missing person must be under 18 years old and officers must be concerned the child is in imminent danger of serious harm or death.

They must also be able to give the public enough information to help in the search for the child.

:: When does the Child Rescue Alert system start?

The scheme is due to launch on May 25 to coincide with International Missing Children's Day.

However, members of the public can already sign up online to receive alerts.

Charlie Hedges, of the National Crime Agency, said: "The success of Child Rescue Alert is down to each and every one of us."

:: Who is behind the scheme?

Child Rescue Alert is run by CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency, and the charity Missing People.

It is backed by the parents of missing Madeleine McCann, who disappeared while on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Her mother, Kate, said: "The sooner you start the search for a missing child, the better your chance of finding them."

The scheme is funded by a £225,000 grant from the People's Postcode Lottery, as well as €100,000 (£82,175) from the EU.

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Stabbed Teacher's Family Lay Flowers At School

The family of teacher Ann Maguire have laid flowers at the entrance to the school where she was stabbed to death in front of her pupils.

Holding hands as they huddled beneath an umbrella, the 61-year-old's husband and two daughters spent several minutes reading some of the hundreds of tributes left at the gates of Corpus Christi Catholic College, Leeds.

They also visited the church next to the school, where pupils and teachers held a memorial service earlier this week.

Earlier, Mrs Maguire's family sat metres from her alleged killer, as he appeared briefly at a youth court in the city charged with murder.

Mrs Maguire's family read some of the tributes to her outside the school

The 15-year-old suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody ahead of a crown court bail hearing on Friday.

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt, in Leeds, said: "The teenager didn't have to say anything and appeared in the dock wearing a dark jumper and trousers.

"He showed no obvious signs of emotion as he was asked whether he understood the charge of murder, to which he nodded in response."

Mrs Maguire was stabbed as she taught at Corpus Christi Catholic College

Earlier, Mrs Maguire's family issued a moving tribute to "a loving wife, the best mother, a treasured sister (and) a true friend", describing her as a "shining light who brightened the world for so many".

"This horrific happening has robbed us of all of this and so much more," they said.

"We are devastated. Her selfless, genuine, caring nature will remain with us eternally."

Mrs Maguire had worked at Corpus Christi Catholic College for more than 40 years and was due to retire later this year.

She taught Spanish at the school and was also in charge of Year 11.

Headteacher Steve Mort reads messages attached to bouquets of flowers

Headteacher Steve Mort praised students for their handling of Mrs Maguire's death and thanked the public for their "overwhelming" support.

"I'm immensely proud to be headteacher at Corpus Christi," Mr Mort said.

"Our children have proven themselves to be great ambassadors for the school.

"I want to pay particular tribute to them and to the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our staff at this very difficult time."

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Peaches Geldof Death: Heroin 'Likely Contributed'

Heroin is likely to have contributed to the death of writer, model and TV presenter Peaches Geldof, an inquest has heard.

The 25-year-old was found slumped across a bed in the spare room by her husband Tom Cohen on April 7.

The musician had arrived at their home in Wrotham, Kent, with his mother, and thought Peaches was asleep.

He found their 11-month-old baby Phaedra and called to his mother to ring emergency services, the hearing in Gravesend, Kent, was told.

The inquest also heard Peaches' father Sir Bob Geldof formally identified her body.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fotheringham said a post-mortem examination was inconclusive, prompting further tests.

The picture Peaches posted with her mother

But he told the inquest: "Recent use of heroin and the levels identified were likely to have played a role in her death."

The inquest was adjourned until July 23.

Hours before she died, Peaches posted a picture of her as a youngster with her mother.

Paula Yates died from an accidental heroin overdose in 2000 at the age of 41.

Peaches' funeral was held in the village of Davington - at the same church as her mother's.

It was attended by celebrities including Kate Moss, Jaime Winstone and Jools Holland.

The mother of two's coffin included a picture of her young family.

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Minnesota Homeowner Guilty of Teen Murders

A US homeowner who shot and killed two teenagers, calling them "vermin" after they broke into his house in Minnesota, has been convicted of their murders.

Byron Smith shot unarmed cousins Haile Kifer, 18, and Nick Brady, 17, a total of nine times as they crept into his Little Falls home on Thanksgiving Day in 2012.

The 65-year-old said it was self-defence and that he had been in fear of his life after previous burglaries in the area.

But prosecutors said Smith had plotted to kill the intruders, waiting with loaded guns in his basement and even parking his vehicle elsewhere to make the property appear unoccupied.

Smith said he lived in fear of being burgled

On Tuesday, a jury found Smith guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder.

The trial heard Smith had set up an audio-recording device and surveillance cameras to capture the intruders in the act.

In the recording that was played in court, Smith could be heard shooting Brady and saying: "You're dead." He then opened fire on a screaming Kifer.

As the audio continued to run, Smith was then heard saying: "I see them as vermin."

The killings prompted debate in the state about how much deadly force a householder may reasonably use.

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Actor Bob Hoskins Dies From Pneumonia Aged 71

British actor Bob Hoskins, who was best known for hit movies including Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Mona Lisa, has died at the age of 71.

The star, who won Bafta and Golden Globe awards during a career spanning four decades, died in hospital with his family at his side following a bout of pneumonia.

In a statement, his wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob.

"We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support."

Hoskins had suffered from Parkinson's disease in the later years of his life and retired from acting in 2012 after what he called a "wonderful career".

Hoskins, whose spanned four decades, died in hospital at the age of 71

He was born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on October 26, 1942, and said he got his big break by accident after he was mistakenly called for a theatre audition.

The actor's first major movie role came in 1980's Long Good Friday, in which he played Harold Shand.

As well as 1986's Mona Lisa and Who Framed Roger Rabbit two years later, he starred in Steven Spielberg's 1991 film Hook.

His distinctive gravelly, cockney accent is also remembered from a TV advertising campaign for BT, in which he told viewers: "It's good to talk."

Leading figures in the entertainment industry were quick to pay tribute to Hoskins on Twitter.

Hoskins shares a joke with Dame Judi Dench at an LA film premiere in 2005

Stephen Fry described him as a "marvellous man", writing: "Oh no, Bob Hoskins. Gone? That's awful news. The Long Good Friday (was) one of the best British movies of the modern era."

Officials at Bafta said they were "deeply saddened", while Shaun of the Dead actor Simon Pegg wrote: "Really sad news about Bob Hoskins. Great and varied career."

Nick Frost, who starred in Hoskins' final film, Snow White and the Huntsman, tweeted: "A pleasure to have shared the screen with you, mate. An actor's actor and a gentleman to boot. RIP."

Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp added: "So few cockney actors are taken seriously in acting or even given (the) opportunity. Bob Hoskins smashed the glass ceiling and rose. Respect."

More follows...

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Ukraine On Full Combat Alert Over 'Invasion'

Ukraine's military is "on full combat alert" over a possible invasion by Russian troops massed on the border, Kiev's acting leader has said.

Interim president Oleksandr Turchynov told a ministerial meeting: "Our armed forces are on full combat alert. The threat of Russia starting a war against mainland Ukraine is real."

Ukraine's government later announced the country's armed forces would hold military exercises in central Kiev on Wednesday night.

Russia has denied it has any plans to invade eastern Ukraine after its annexation of the Crimean peninsula in March.

Ukraine's acting president Oleksander Turchinov at the cabinet meeting

Kiev, however, has accused Moscow of orchestrating an armed uprising in the industrial east by Russian-speaking separatists, who have seized government buildings in a number of towns and cities.

Ukraine's army and police appear to be making little progress in a high-profile operation to prevent the rebels expanding their grip over towns in the east.

It came as the International Monetary Fund said Russia was already in recession, while citing the effect of the ongoing crisis on investment in the country.

IMF economist Antonio Spilimbergo was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying: "If we define recession as negative growth in two quarters in a row, then Russia from that point of view is experiencing recession."

The IMF has lowered its 2014 growth forecast for Russia to 0.2% from the 1.3% figure it issued on April 8, Mr Spilimbergo added.

Russia deployed around 40,000 troops to its shared border with Ukraine in March. Moscow initially claimed they were sent for exercises but later said they were ready to respond to Kiev's military offensive against pro-Kremlin rebels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists he has a "right" to send his forces into Ukraine, but has not yet done so.

Kiev and the US say Russian special forces are already active in the insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Mr  Turchynov told the cabinet meeting: "Our number one task is to prevent terrorism spreading from the Donetsk and Lugansk regions to other Ukrainian regions".

He underlined moves announced a day earlier to set up armed civilian "territorial volunteer militia" units to help beleaguered police and troops in the east.

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Bob Hoskins: Stars Mourn 'Terrible Loss'

Stars of large and small screen alike have reacted with sadness at the announcement Bob Hoskins has died.

One of the first to tweet was Stephen Fry who said: "Oh no, Bob Hoskins. Gone? That's awful news. The Long Good Friday one of the best British movies of the modern era. A marvellous man.."

The Hollywood actor James Woods said: "Actor Bob Hoskins dies at 71. Oh man, what a terrible loss. A great guy and a superb artist."

The British Academy of Film and Television Awards, of whose awards he won one and was nominated for three more, said: "We're deeply saddened to learn that Bob Hoskins has passed away."

The British Film ‏Council said: "So sad to hear we lost Bob Hoskins - one of UK's truly great performers."

Within minutes of his death, Hoskins was trending at number two in Twitter's list of the United Kingdom's most talked about people.

Actor and writer Mark Gatiss, who appeared with the star in The Wind In The Willows and posted a picture, said: "So sad to hear we've lost the great Bob Hoskins. A true gent & an inspiration. Happy memories of 'the Willows' in '06."

Eighties Actor and pop star and fellow Londoner Martin Kemp said: "RIP Bob Hoskins, 'Long Good Friday' one of the best movies ever made! You will be missed!"

Gok Wan said: "RIP Mr Bob Hoskins ... You entertained me throughout my childhood ... What an incredible actor ... So sad ... X"

Comedian Andrew Collins said: "Forgive me if this has been overdone already, but Bob Hoskins, TwentyFourSeven ... seek and watch. RIP."

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Brit Oliver Gobat Feared Murdered In St Lucia

The family of a British man missing on the Caribbean island of St Lucia are awaiting the identification of a body found in the seat of his burnt-out car.

Hotelier and property developer Oliver Gobat, 38, was reported missing last Friday.

The Foreign Office is urgently investigating reports of his death.

Double Olympic decathlon gold medallist Daley Thompson paid a personal tribute to Mr Gobat on Twitter.

The retired athlete, who has carried out fitness sessions at the family's five-star Cap Maison hotel on the island, wrote: "My love and thoughts go out to friends and family of Ollie Gobat. He was a gem and his family must have been so proud of him. RIP, my friend."

Former heptathlete and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis also tweeted: "Just reading the shocking news about the death of Oliver Gobat. So very sad. My condolences to his family and friends. Such a lovely guy."

The victim was reportedly shot twice in the head before being doused with petrol and set alight, although police have refused to confirm this.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held later.

An FCO spokesperson said: "We are aware of reports and are looking into them urgently."

It is claimed residents in nearby properties reported hearing sounds of gunshots before seeing flames coming from the vehicle.

A short time later, Mr Gobat's burnt-out Range Rover was found with a body of a man in the passenger seat.

It is reported there were no keys in the vehicle and the doors were locked.

A St Lucia police spokesman said: "The badly burned body of a man was found in a car in the Cap Estate at the roadside but we have no identity for the victim.

"The homicide department are investigating the death.

"We can confirm that we are searching for a missing man called Oliver Gobat, but we cannot confirm the identity of the dead man because of the state of the body.

"We do not know Mr Gobat's whereabouts at the moment."

Mr Gobat's parents, who live in Esher, Surrey, are understood to have flown out to St Lucia.

Mr Gobat represented Surrey juniors at cricket and attended Leeds University.

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School Stabbing Prompts Teacher Tribute Tweets

The fatal stabbing of Ann Maguire at a school in Leeds has led to a public outpouring of tributes among social media users remembering their teachers past and present.

As staff and students at Corpus Christi Catholic College struggled to come to terms with the death of the 61-year-old, the hashtag #thankyouteacher set up by the @PeopleofLeeds Twitter account prompted a flood of posts.

Many were motivated to tweet their support and respect for the teaching profession in the wake of the tragedy.

Chloe Potter posted: "Such a moving, important and positive hashtag to come out of yesterday's tragedy. #thankyouteacher."

In another tweet, Emma Langley wrote: "So saddened by Mrs Maguire stabbing. Not inevitable I'd end up spending so much time in books, let alone as a career, so #thankyouteacher."

Another user tweeted: "To all my teachers, I wouldn't be here without you all. Inspired me to become one. #thankyouteacher."

The hashtag #thankyouteacher has attracted a flood of posts

Labour MP Diane Abbott also tweeted her respect for teachers, describing them as "pillars of communities across the UK".

Another user wrote: "Teachers everywhere, what you do is plant a seed that blossoms when we are adults. We thank you."

As the school in Leeds opened on Tuesday, children began arriving early to add tributes to the 200-plus bouquets of flowers covering the railings outside the gates.

Many of the students described Mrs Maguire, who had taught at the school for more than 40 years, as an inspirational teacher who went out of her way to help pupils.

One of the notes left with the flowers at the school in Leeds read: "You inspired countless generations.

"You taught four generations of our family and you were simply a totally fantastic teacher, always caring and always there to make us smile (even if you were speaking Spanish)."

Tributes have been left at the school gates as well as on social media

Former pupil Kerrianne Ayward, 17, said: "She was just lovely. She was helpful and caring and you could have a laugh with her.

"She was always there for you, even if she didn't know you very well. No one had a bad word for her - I mean no one."

Pupil Georgina Kilroy, 16, said: "I don't know anyone who didn't like her. She was spot on. You couldn't ask for a better teacher."

As she was laying flowers, former pupil Aine Arnold added: "It's more like losing a family member than losing a teacher. She was just lovely. She was wonderful. I am devastated."

Peter Masefield, 18, described Mrs Maguire as the "school's figurehead", while Georgina Kilroy, 16, added: "I don't know anyone who didn't like her. She was spot on. You couldn't ask for a better teacher."

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School Teacher Stabbing: Tributes At Memorial

By Gerard Tubb, North of England Correspondent

The Tuesday morning mass held at Corpus Christi church, next to the Catholic school where teacher Ann Maguire was stabbed to death on Monday, was packed.

As a testament to her popularity among generations in the local community, the usually sparse congregation was swelled by hundreds of pupils past and present who came to pay their respects.

There were few tears at the service.

Instead, many of the teenagers said they were there to celebrate a teacher who had helped them personally in both their school work and their lives.

One of the many handwritten tributes to school teacher Ann Maguire

Parish priest Monsignor Paul Fisher offered prayers for Mrs Maguire and her family, telling the congregation: "Today we pray for the light of hope - hope for ourselves that we will eventually come to terms with what has happened."

He alluded only briefly to the horror of what happened just a few hundred yards away in the school's languages block.

"We offer prayers too for the family of the man who unfortunately did what he did," he said.

Prayers were also said for the family of the boy who stabbed the teacher

Pupils walking back from the service passed the hundreds of flowers lining the pavement underneath the school railings.

One message, written by a boy preparing for exams, appeared to sum up the attitude of many in the school community.

It read: "To Mrs Maguire. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will put all my effort into my exams for you. Rest in peace."

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Leeds Teacher Died From Multiple Stab Wounds

A post-mortem examination has found a teacher killed at a Leeds school died from multiple stab wounds.

Ann Maguire, 61, who taught at Corpus Christi Catholic College for more than 40 years, had been due to retire in September.

Police say they will be interviewing the 15-year-old held in connection with her death at some point during the day.

Due to his age, officers said this would have to be handled sensitively.

The students who witnessed the incident are being interviewed by specialist officers.

The authorities have also stressed the fatal stabbing is an isolated incident.

The school community has been stunned by the murder of the popular teacher

Detective Superintendent Simon Buldon said: "This is clearly an unprecedented and tragic incident that's left the school and wider community in a state of shock."

The school's chair of governors Martin Dowling said: "This has been a shocking but isolated incident.

"Ann was a wonderful, dedicated teacher and will be remembered fondly by all of us."

School head Steve Mort said: "Ann Maguire was a wonderful, caring individual. She was an outstanding teacher and an outstanding leader.

"She'd been a cornerstone of the school community for 40 years, she'd touched the hearts of three generations of pupils."

Mr Mort also did not think detectors were necessary, adding that the school was a "safe environment".

Police retained a presence at the school following the fatal stabbing

He added: "And I think ultimately Ann Maguire herself, if she was asked that question, would strongly oppose any suggestion that we should have metal detectors in this school."

The school opened as normal on Tuesday to allow staff and students to remember Mrs Maguire, and support each other.

Children began arriving early to add tributes to the more than 200 bouquets of flowers that cover the railings outside the gates.

Mrs Maguire was also remembered at a service in the neighbouring Corpus Christi Church.

Monsignor Paul Fisher said: "Today we pray for the light of hope: hope for ourselves that eventually we will come to terms with what has happened.

"We offer prayer too for the family of the man who unfortunately did what he did."

Head teacher Steve Moat and students lay flowers in church

Officers were called to the school just before noon on Monday after a report a member of staff had been stabbed. A knife was recovered from the scene.

Around 30 pupils witnessed Mrs Maguire, who is believed have two grown-up daughters, being stabbed repeatedly in class.

Some reported hearing screams as other members of staff rushed to her classroom and restrained her attacker.

Her death is the first time a teacher has been stabbed to death in a British classroom.

Head teacher Philip Lawrence was murdered outside a school in Maida Vale, London, in 1995 when he went to help a pupil who was being attacked.

A recent Sky News investigation revealed almost 1,000 pupils were caught with weapons including guns, axes and a meat cleaver in schools in the last three years.

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Max Clifford Found Guilty Of Sex Charges

PR guru Max Clifford has been found guilty of a string of sex attacks on teenage girls.

The 71-year-old became the first person to be convicted under the high profile Operation Yewtree sex crime investigation at Southwark Crown Court.

He was found guilty of eight indecent assaults, cleared of two and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on one other.

The guilty verdicts relate to four women, aged between 15 and 19 at the time of the offences, between 1978 and 1984.

Clifford has described the charges as a 'nightmare'

The verdicts were taken in a hushed but packed courtroom, given by the forewoman of the jury on its eighth day of deliberations.

Clifford sat still in the dock impassively as the jury forewoman returned the verdicts.

He could be seen breathing deeply as he listened through a hearing loop.

He walked out of the courtroom with friends and supporters in complete silence, one of them patting him on the shoulder as he walked.

The trial heard from Clifford's daughter Louise who said he was 'her rock'

Clifford was released on bail until his sentencing on Friday, but Judge Anthony Leonard QC warned him this is no reflection on the sentence that will be passed.

He said: "You must realise that the fact I have given you bail is no indication of what the final sentence will be."

Clifford repeatedly denied the claims, calling his arrest and prosecution "a nightmare" and protesting his innocence.

Jurors in the trial - - six men and four women - had started an eighth day of deliberation this morning.

They were sent out on April 15 at the end of a six-week trial in which Clifford was accused of manipulating seven girls and women into performing sex acts between 1966 and 1984.

He was arrested by detectives from Operation Yewtree in December 2012, and charged in April the following year.

The investigation, Scotland Yard's inquiry into historic allegations of sexual offences, was prompted after claims were made against the late DJ Jimmy Savile.

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