M25 Lanes Partially Reopen After Crash Chaos

Top UKIP Official Denies Harassment Claim

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 09 Desember 2014 | 23.17

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

UKIP's general secretary has denied allegations he sexually harassed a high-profile candidate.

Roger Bird has been suspended after claims he sexually propositioned a newly recruited member on the same day he interviewed her as a prospective candidate.

Natasha Bolter - one of UKIP's most high-profile ethnic minority candidates - has now quit the party.

She pulled out of Tuesday's hustings in the target seat of South Basildon, where she was widely expected to be selected as the party's candidate.

A teacher who switched allegiance from Labour, Ms Bolter was applauded and cheered when she addressed UKIP's conference in Doncaster in September.

At the time she said: "We are an equal party, we have women at centre stage."

A spokesman for the party said: "Unfortunately, UKIP has had to suspend Mr Bird pending a full investigation into allegations made against him.

"The party has acted swiftly and decisively and will not tolerate impropriety of any kind amongst its staff."

Sky News understands that concerns about the selection process were first raised on 5 November, and an internal inquiry was launched the following day.

An initial report was produced on 11 November after an interview with Natasha Bolter.

It is understood that other people within the party contacted UKIP's chairman to express their unhappiness about the allegations during this period.

At an internal management meeting on 14 November, it was decided the claims were serious enough to bring in an independent HR consultant who was commissioned to look into the matter.

After interviews were conducted with Natasha Bolter, Roger Bird and other parties a draft report was seen by UKIP officials - including Nigel Farage - on Sunday, 7 December.

As a result, Roger Bird was suspended from the party.

A UKIP spokesman: "We don't think we could have acted any faster. We hope to complete the inquiry into Roger Bird as soon as possible."

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Police Fully Aware Of Vulnerability To Attack

The threat to kidnap and kill a West Midlands police officer sounds like it was motivated by terrorism rather than criminality, although the force won't reveal which it was.

If it was terror, what an irony that such an anonymous call could clear the streets of some bobbies at a time when senior police chiefs are complaining that Government spending cuts are making it more difficult for them to keep the public safe.

A lot of cops will see that as a small victory for the bad guys.

There must have been something credible in the call that made the force react so dramatically, demanding some officers return to base for two hours for a security briefing.

All forces must be reviewing their own security, though it's difficult to believe that any officer needs reminding of the vulnerability to physical attack from a terrorist.

We know it is not the first threat of its kind.

And it's a threat that could be easily carried out, especially by a jihadi not worried about being caught.

Several years ago forces insisted officers patrol the streets alone, instead of the traditional pairs, except in high-risk areas.

It was criticised by many officers who said they would feel more vulnerable.

Others said it was simply a move to give the impression of more bobbies on the beat while budget cuts reduced staff numbers.

And how safe would you feel today if you were on the streets of Birmingham as a less-trained Police Community Support Officer with fewer powers than a cop with a warrant card?

Many officers I know have taken basic precautions for years. They don't wear their uniform to and from work and they don't appear on the national voter list database. Some don't even tell their neighbours what they do for a living.

The police federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, has long advocated non-uniform travel.

But not wearing a uniform while off-duty is no guarantee of safety. Any clean-cut adult entering or leaving a police station could be seen as a target by a determined killer.

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Missing Madeleine: Police Question Witnesses

By Robert Nisbet, Europe Correspondent, in Portugal

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have begun interviewing 11 people considered witnesses in the seven-year mystery.

Police from the British-led investigation Operation Grange will be in attendance, but it is understood Portuguese officers from the Policia Judiciaria will lead the questioning.

Seven of the number were originally going to be questioned as 'arguidos', which means they are treated as formal suspects but have not been charged with a crime.

However, now all 11 are being interviewed as witnesses to the disappearance of Madeleine who vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007 while her parents Gerry and Kate were dining with friends nearby.

It is believed that one of the men police will question as a witness is Robert Murat who was declared an arguido by Portuguese police in the initial investigation.

He was later cleared and won substantial libel payouts from several media organisations.

Mr Murat says he is happy to help the investigation and has nothing to hide.

It is believed the interviews will be attended by Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall who will officially take over control of Operation Grange on 22 December after the departure of DCI Andy Redwood.

Earlier this year, Scotland Yard detectives returned to Portugal to help interview several people over the case.

It followed on from searches of three areas of land near the Ocean Club, the hotel where the McCanns were staying.

Portuguese and British investigators excavated an area of scrubland to the west of the resort at the start of June but found no evidence related to the case.

Portuguese police closed their investigation in 2008, but the Metropolitan Police launched its own inquiry three years later.

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Family: Four Years Of Hell And Still No Answers

Moments after Shrien Dewani was ruled not guilty of murder, his wife Anni's family told Sky News: "The justice system has failed us."

Ms Dewani's sister Ami Denborg was in tears as she spoke to Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford outside the court in Cape Town.

And later, in an interview with Sky News Tonight, Ms Denborg and her brother Anish Hindocha explained why the family was so distraught that a judge had decided to throw out the case against Mr Dewani without him even being called to give evidence.

"We don't care if he's innocent or guilty, we just want to know what happened to Anni," said Ms Denborg.

"The only way to find out was to hear Shrien under cross-examination under oath telling his version of events. That right has just been taken away from us.

"We've been patient because we had hoped we'd get to the truth but today we just don't know what to think - we were so disappointed and so sad because this means we'll never, ever get to find out."

Asked how the family had coped since Anni was murdered in 2010, her brother added: "It's been very tough for our family. We've had four years of hell, literally.

"To see my parents wake up at 3am or 4am every day is a nightmare. What we're trying to do is be strong in front of them but it's been very difficult to cope with."

After the trial collapsed, Ms Denborg struggled to contain her emotions as she read a family statement.

Her brother collapsed in tears as she said: "The knowledge of not knowing is going to haunt us for the rest of our lives.

"We had four years of sleepless nights and we will never be able to sleep."

Mr Dewani had declared himself a bisexual on the first day of his trial - something Anni and her family had not known.

Her uncle Ashok Hindocha said Ms Dewani would never have agreed to the marriage if she had known about her husband's "secret sex life" and confirmed the family would speak to lawyers about bringing a civil case against Mr Dewani in the UK.

Mr Hindocha added: "As far as Anni's grief-stricken parents are concerned, they would not wish the torture they have endured onto any other mother of father.

"They will live forever with the warm and magical memories of Anni, but these memories will always be tinged with the pain of the fact that closure has not been afforded them."

Mr Dewani's family hugged and cried tears of joy after the verdict was announced.

A relative who spoke through the intercom at the family's home in Bristol told Sky News: "We are very happy."

Nathi Mncube, a spokesman for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority, said he believed the authorities were right to pursue the case, despite anger at the amount of taxpayers' money spent to bring Mr Dewani before the court.

He said: "Obviously, we are very disappointed with the outcome today. When we started with the trial this is not what we set out to achieve.

"We believed there was evidence, otherwise we would not have taken the case to court."

Emotions were also running high on the steps of the courthouse, where a lobby group chanted: "Justice for Anni."

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Ebola Survivor: Band Aid Single 'Cringeworthy'

The British nurse who survived Ebola has criticised the Band Aid charity single for its "cultural ignorance" which he believes is "cringeworthy".

William Pooley was flown back to London after catching the disease in Sierra Leone but following his cure has returned to Africa once more.

He urged people who want to help fight Ebola to donate money to charities working with patients directly.

Mr Pooley criticised the lyrics in the reworked version of Do They Know It's Christmas? featuring One Direction, Bono and Ed Sheeran and put together by Bob Geldof.

"On the way into work I heard the first half of it. It's definitely being talked about here among my colleagues," he told Radio Times magazine.

"It's Africa, not another planet. That sort of cultural ignorance is a bit cringeworthy. There's a lyric about 'death in every tear'. It's just a bit much."

Asked if he had a message for British people who want to help fight the epidemic, he said: "I would say that it's a good idea to read as much as you can about what's going on in West Africa, and if you feel so inclined then donate some money to one of the charities, like King's, that are working out here, directly caring for Ebola patients."

His comments come after pop star Emeli Sande, who featured in Band Aid 30, said the song needed rewriting.

She apologised "if the lyrics of the song have caused offence" and said that new lyrics she and African artist Angelique Kidjo recorded did not make the final version.

Lily Allen said she turned down a request to sing on the record, saying: "I prefer to do my charitable bit by donating actual money".

The new recording - which became the fastest selling single of the year - marks the 30th anniversary of the song, which was originally put together to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Last month Geldof used some colourful language to dismiss criticism of the song in an interview with Sky News.

When told the song had been labelled as "trite" and "patronising" he said it was "b******s".

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Chaotic Scenes As Dewani Leaves Cape Town

Shrien Dewani has boarded a flight out of South Africa after being cleared of plotting his wife's death on their honeymoon.

The case against the 34-year-old was thrown out by Judge Jeanette Traverso, who ruled that prosecution arguments fell "far below" the level needed for a conviction for the murder of Anni Dewani.

Mr Dewani arrived at Cape Town airport with members of his family and they boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai.

It is believed they will take a connecting flight from there to Britain.

Sky's Special Correspondent Alex Crawford said the businessman, who made no comment, looked "very well" and "very relaxed" despite the chaotic scenes as he was surrounded by dozens of photographers.

He "looked very different to the man who appeared in the dock" on Monday, Crawford added.

"He had a full police escort, with at least half a dozen police officers around him. He refused to answer any questions. He looked extremely well," she said.

Mr Dewani, of Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, had denied any involvement in the murder of his 28-year-old wife.

He said she was killed during a botched carjacking during their Cape Town honeymoon in November 2010.

The dismissal of the case led to angry scenes outside court as Mrs Dewani's family criticised the South African justice system.

In a statement read outside the court, the Hindocha family said: "The knowledge of not knowing is going to haunt us for the rest of our lives."

Mrs Dewani's sister Ami Denborg told Sky's Alex Crawford: "The justice system has failed us."

The family say they will review the case with their lawyers to see if they can file a civil lawsuit against Mr Dewani in the UK.

Three men - Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni - have already been convicted over Mrs Dewani's murder.

Qwabe is currently serving a 25-year sentence. Mngeni was serving life for firing the shot that killed Mrs Dewani, but died from a brain tumour in October.

But Judge Traverso said chief prosecution witness cab driver Tongo's claims about the murder were "riddled with contradictions" and "highly debatable".

Prosecutors claimed Dewani, who is bisexual, wanted to leave the relationship and arranged the carjacking during the couple's trip to South Africa.

But Dewani's defence team argued the case against him was weak.

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Threat Made To Kidnap And Kill Police Officer

Police in the West Midlands have had a special security briefing after a threat was made to kidnap and kill an officer in Birmingham, Sky News has learned.

The force said officers and staff had been given an "additional safety reminder" after it received "anonymous information".

Officers were told to avoid showing any of their uniform while travelling to work.

They were also advised about police station security.

West Midlands Police would not confirm the nature of the threat but said the information "continues to be assessed".

The overall threat level to police across Britain was raised to substantial in October, meaning an attack is a strong possibility.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: "There is nothing at this time to suggest there is an increased risk to members of the public.

"We have taken the opportunity to remind all employees of the need to be vigilant.

"Our priority remains serving our communities and protecting them from harm.

"Officers remain on patrol and our staff continue to respond to calls for service as usual."

Police stressed that officers had to stay past their shifts for the late-night security talk, or were spoken to before they started work - but were not taken off the streets.

Mr Forsyth confirmed to Sky News that the threat was "credible".

The alert comes after four men were charged with terror offences in October, including allegations they carried out "hostile reconnaissance" of Shepherd's Bush police station in London.

Metropolitan Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said he was assessing the situation in the capital following the West Midlands threat.

"I believe it to be an anonymous call that's been made," he said.

"One of my colleagues has talked to the Chief Constable of West Midlands this morning to find out exactly what the state of that threat is.

"And once we've assessed it, we'll decide whether or not to give any further advice."

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Tesco Refuses Executives Appeal Over Sacking

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

A number of senior managers who left Tesco after profits were overstated by £263m have been told by the retailer that they have no right to appeal over their departures.

Sky News has learnt that Tesco has informed lawyers acting for some of the executives that they cannot launch a formal appeal through the company because an ongoing Serious Fraud Office (SFO) probe has rendered it impossible for Tesco to have direct contact with them.

Last week, it emerged that Chris Bush, the UK managing director, group commercial director Kevin Grace, Carl Rogberg, the UK finance director, and John Scouler, UK food commercial director, had left Tesco approximately eight weeks after they were asked to step aside amid an investigation into the profit overstatement.

Sources said on Tuesday that at least one of the men had made enquiries through their legal representatives about their right to appeal and were informed by the company that no such appeal could be heard while the SFO investigation was taking place.

The supermarket giant's decision - which emerged as it warned on profits for the fourth time this year, sparking a further slump in its shares - may prompt a legal challenge from a number of the executives, sources indicated.

Another executive who had been asked to step aside, Matt Simister, has since returned to his role at Tesco, while Dave Lewis, the chief executive, confirmed on Tuesday that the futures of three other managers were still being assessed.

Tesco's latest impromptu trading update stunned the City with its disclosure that full-year group trading profit would not exceed £1.4bn, a figure 58% lower than last year's £3.3bn.

Mr Lewis said the worse-than-expected outcome reflected investments he was making in rebuilding Tesco's trading relationship with suppliers and in increasing employee numbers in its stores.

Shares in Tesco fell by more than 15% at one stage, although they recovered some of their losses later in the morning and were trading at around 168p, giving the company a market value of just over £15bn.

Last week, Mr Lewis said he would take direct control of the UK business although this will be a temporary move.

"Tesco is focused, and will continue to focus, on doing the right thing for customers. This means running our business in a way that everything we do creates sustainable value," he said.

"Whilst the steps we are taking to achieve this are impacting short-term profitability, they are essential to restoring the health of our business.

"We will not engage in short term actions that compromise in any way our offer for customers."

The new chief executive, whose 100th day in the role was marred by the latest profit alert, said the City would receive a further update on his plans when he presents the results of Christmas trading on 8 January.

Tesco declined to comment on the position of its former executives, none of whom could be reached for comment.

A spokesman for the SFO said its inquiry was ongoing.

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Britain To Be Battered By 'Weather Bomb'

Britons are being warned to brace themselves for a so-called "weather bomb" which is due to hit the country this week.

The Met Office has already issued a number of amber and yellow weather warnings as the cold front sweeps in, with conditions deteriorating significantly from Tuesday night.

Forecasters are warning that Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales can expect freezing winds that will peak on Wednesday.

Exposed parts of northwest Scotland could endure 80mph gales and snow on higher ground.

The rapid cyclogenesis - known colloquially as a "weather bomb" - is a deep low pressure system moving slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.

Ferry services in Scotland have been already been disrupted by the weather and the winds are expected to whip up unusually high waves, with sea swells of up to 12m in parts.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has eight flood alerts in place for the west coast.

The Forth, Kessock and Skye bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles because of the rising wind speeds.

More southerly areas of the UK are likely to be hit by a second storm due to roll in from the Atlantic on Thursday evening.

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland could all be hit by 70mph winds.

Clear skies will mean plummeting temperatures and frost for much of the country in the coming days.

Police dealt with a number of crashes as drivers were warned of treacherous conditions.

In Dumfries and Galloway, a woman died after the car she was driving was in an accident with an ambulance near Sanquhar at about 8.40am.

Police Scotland said it was too early to say whether freezing conditions contributed.

The yellow weather warnings that have been issued are the lowest category and mean people are urged to be aware of the potentially serious conditions.

Forecasters say it is too early to accurately predict whether Britain will experience a white Christmas.

:: Send us your pictures and videos by emailing news@sky.com, texting 84501 or tweeting @SkyNews

:: Full weather and travel updates at skynews.com, Sky News for iPad app, mobile devices and your local commercial radio station.

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M25 Lanes Partially Reopen After Crash Chaos

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A section of the M25 has now partially reopened after a fatal crash caused long delays on the motorway and its surrounding area.

Two lanes on the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch between junctions 26 and 27 are now working in each direction after being shut all day.

The Highways Agency said delays were down to 15 minutes and that normal traffic conditions were expected from 5.30pm.

One man, believed to be a 39-year-old from Leicester, died in the crash near Waltham Abbey.

Four others were taken to hospital following the accident at 1.50am, Essex Police said.

The crash involved several vehicles, including lorries, and some people were trapped in their cars.

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Gallery: M25 Gridlock After Fatal Crash

A serious crash in which one person died led to part of the M25 being closed. Pic: ‏@EEAST_HART

Three people were also taken to hospital. Pic: ‏@EEAST_HART

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Aerial pictures of rescue vehicles clearing the crash scene

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Debris from the crash was scattered across both carriageways

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It is understood a number of vehicles crossed the central reservation and ended up on the other side of the road.

It led to long delays on the M25 and heavy traffic in the surrounding area, with chaotic scenes reported during the morning rush hour.

Transport for London said traffic was particularly heavy on the A13, A127, A12, M11, A10 and the A406 North Circular Road as a result of diversions.

Matt Abbott, a chief reporter for various local newspapers in Essex, tweeted: "Some of the worst traffic I've seen as M25 closure has huge impact on roads in W Essex. Ongar gridlocked. I'm now at standstill in Brook St."

"Nearly 3 hours on the m25 and not completed one junction!!! #essex stretch is a nightmare," tweeted Mark Nash from Brentwood.

People heading to some of London's airports were also affected. Adrian Wood from Berkshire tweeted: "First ever flight missed!! Crash on M25".

Bus operator Arriva also reported delays to all its Watford routes.

Essex Police said debris had been scattered on both sides of the motorway and advised drivers to take alternative routes.

The East of England Ambulance Service, who first attended the accident, confirmed that one person had died.

A spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately despite the best efforts of the crew, one patient sadly died at the scene.

"Three other patients with non-life threatening injuries were taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for further care."

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Top UKIP Official Denies Harassment Claim

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 09 Desember 2014 | 23.17

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Missing Madeleine: Police Question Witnesses

Family: Four Years Of Hell And Still No Answers

Ebola Survivor: Band Aid Single 'Cringeworthy'

Chaotic Scenes As Dewani Leaves Cape Town

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Tesco Refuses Executives Appeal Over Sacking

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