Cook MP Billy Gordon has released a statement, claiming he is considering his options and seeking legal advice following allegations over his troubled background. The Queensland government was plunged into crisis after Mr Gordon was ordered to quit when details of his criminal past - including allegations of domestic violence - emerged. Now Mr Cook has said that he is seeking legal advice and needs time weigh up his options. Scroll down for video . Cook MP Billy Gordon has been told by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to quit . ABC journalist Jessica van Vonderen tweeted extracts from a statement she said was made by Mr Gordon in which he said he is very concerned about his future. 'I have a serious eye operation tomorrow & I need further time to consider my options, seek legal advice...' according to the tweet. 'I am presently weighing up my options... I am very concerned I should be afforded natural justice..' Mr Gordon said he would not be making any further comment to the media about his situation but stressed that he was worried about his family life. 'I am very concerned at the impact this situation is having on my children who I love very much.' Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk ordered Mr Gordon to stand down after it was reportedly revealed he had failed to inform her of his past. Ms Palaszczuk received a letter from Mr Gordon's partner accusing him of these allegations, which were revealed earlier this week . The move means there will have to be a by-election to replace him - meaning the government's one-seat majority is under threat. It emerged last week that Mr Gordon, who is the member for the seat of Cook, had been accused of domestic violence by an ex-partner. Ms Palaszczuk had referred the allegations onto Queensland Police. The premier has been accused of trying to cover up Mr Gordon's history amidst fears that his possible departure could leave the party one seat-short of governing. Ms Palaszczuk told reporters on Sunday she had spoken to Mr Gordon on the phone and had made it 'very clear' to him that his position was 'untenable'. 'To say I am disappointed today would be an understatement,' she said. 'I feel absolutely sick, disgusted. For this to happen is unbelievable.' When asked what would happen if Mr Gordon did not resign, Ms Palaszczuk said she would not discuss hypothetical situations but that she could not see how the MP could have misunderstood her. The premier said during her conversation with Mr Gordon he had apologised to her and he was 'very distraught'. Ms Palaszczuk added the Labor Party would be looking into its candidate selection process to figure out how Mr Gordon's history was overlooked. Her announcement followed Mr Gordon making a public statement about his criminal past. Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg accused the premier of casting a 'gloss' over the allegations . 'Over the last couple of days details of my personal life have been made public,' he wrote on Facebook. 'In relation to allegations of domestic violence, the

Summary: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has asked Cook MP Billy Gordon to resign . She said she had made it very clear to Mr Gordon his seat was 'untenable' It emerged last week he had been accused of domestic violence . Ms Palaszczuk had received letter from his ex-partner detailing allegations . If Mr Gordon quits, Labor will not have enough seats to govern Queensland .


Actor Martin Shaw (pictured) believes holding trees allows people to feel an ‘extraordinary energy’ As a child he admits he and his brother ‘ridiculed’ their father for being a tree hugger. But yesterday actor Martin Shaw revealed he believes holding trees allows people to feel an ‘extraordinary energy and force’. The Inspector George Gently star has also blasted rural overdevelopment and fears many areas are in danger of looking like a ‘theme park’. The 70-year-old has become a countryside campaigner and said he is infuriated by inappropriate housing developments and rural areas being ruined by signposts and car parks. He said he learned about the force of nature from his father Frank, who used to place his hands on trees to feel their energy. ‘My love of the countryside was something I got from my father. My brother and I would ridicule him slightly,’ he revealed to Countryside magazine. ‘He would walk past a tree and say, “Oh, can you feel that?” And we would go, “Feel what, Dad?” And he would place his hands on the tree and say that he could feel this extraordinary energy and force coursing up through the tree. My brother and I used to go, “Hmmm, yeah, sure, OK.” But of course he was right. ‘The rural issue that most annoys me is the inappropriate housing development. If people need houses, then absolutely we must have houses, it’s iniquitous that we don’t. However, when those houses are provided, they must be provided with a view to our heritage. ‘The suburbinasation of rural life infuriates and upsets me. You’ll find woodlands where people have found their own ways through, their own walks, for hundreds of years, and suddenly they have gravel paths and signposts and car parks. 'The countryside becomes a theme park rather than something that just is, and of itself.’ He revealed his hobby flying planes has allowed him to witness how the countryside has changed in the modern age. ‘I like to fly old aeroplanes. You really only notice the ravages of the 20th and 21st centuries when you’re close up. If you’re flying over rural areas, you’re really looking at Britain the way it was 100 years ago, or maybe even more,’ he said. The Inspector George Gently star blasted rural overdevelopment and also lamented that his hectic schedule gives him little time to explore the ‘breathtaking’ countryside where the programme is based . But the actor, who has recently been filming a new series of BBC One police drama Inspector George Gently, said his hectic schedule means he has little time to explore the ‘breathtaking’ countryside where the programme is based. He said: ‘Our filming schedule on Inspector George Gently is very intense. A typical day is prob-ably 15 hours. There is very little time to explore the country, but sometimes we are on location and it’s absolutely breathtaking. The Durham countryside has a beautiful atmosphere.’ He also has a second home in an ‘extremely remote’ part of Scotland which he describes as his ‘real retreat’. ‘You can’t even get to it

Summary: The Inspector George Gently star has also blasted rural overdevelopment . The 70-year-old has become a countryside campaigner and is infuriated by inappropriate housing developments . ‘My love of the countryside was something I got from my father,' he says . Hobby of flying planes allows him to see how countryside has changed .


The off-duty New Jersey police officer who was behind the wheel during a wrong-way crash that killed two on Staten Island last week had eight previous accidents and a DUI on his record. Linden Officer Pedro Abad Jr. killed Officer Frank Viggiano and friend Joe Rodriguez - both 28 - when he drove the wrong way after a night at a strip club and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer. Abad had his license suspended for seven months starting in October 2013 after an alcohol-related accident in Rahway, New Jersey, in February of that year. Scroll down for video . Pedro Abad Jr. (pictured both) had eight accidents and a DUI on his record before the Staten Island crash . Abad was driving four people including himself when he crashed into the truck on Staten Island on March 20 . Off-duty officer Frank Viggiano, 28 (left), was in the rear right seat and died in the crash. Patrik Kudlac, 23 (right), is now in a critical condition. He was also off duty at the time. His license was taken after a a judge found Abad refused to submit to a chemical test and was driving under the influence. Before that crash, Abad had been involved in six accidents dating back to 2005, the New York Daily News reported. He was reportedly involved in another accident, his eighth, four months after the Rahway incident. It is unclear if he was determined to be at fault in the accidents. The fatal crash on the West Shore Expressway on March 20 on State Island was his ninth accident. Abad's license was restored in March 2014, but he had to use an ignition lock until September 2014, according to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission spokeswoman Elyse Coffey. The 27-year-old cop, who was hired as a police officer in 2008, was on the force at the time of the suspension. Abad and 23-year-old Officer Patrik Kudlac were in critical but stable condition after the crash. Abad (left) posted a photo of three whiskey shots (right) to his Instagram just hours before the deadly crash . Abad's car was traveling in the wrong direction on the southbound West Shore Expressway at about 5am . The crash occurred after the three off-duty New Jersey cops and their friend left this Staten Island strip club . The truck driver suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Hours before the crash, Abad had posted a photo on his Instagram page of three shot glasses filled with what he identified as 'Jack Daniels Fire on the house.' Investigators have applied for a warrant to test Abad's blood-alcohol level. New Jersey officials said there was one other violation on Abad's record. He was cited for driving with a cellphone in August 2012. A funeral for Rodriguez will be held at on Wednesday and Viggiano’s funeral will be held on Thursday.

Summary: Linden Officer Pedro Abad Jr. had his license suspended in October 2013 . He was involved in an alcohol-related accident in Rahway, New Jersey . Abad, 27, was going wrong way when he drove into tractor trailer last week . He posted photo of three whiskey shots on Instagram hours before crash . Officer Frank Viggiano and friend Joe Rodriguez, both 28, were killed . Third officer, 23-year-old Patrik Kudlac, and Abad are in critical condition .


A Muslim college student has said he was beaten by a gang of vigilante thugs for posing with five female Hindu classmates. Muhammad Riyaz, 20, was reportedly in the corner of a photo taken in India's conservative city of Mangalore which spread on WhatsApp and came to the attention of so-called 'moral police'. Speaking from his hospital bed, he said a gang kidnapped him and beat him mercilessly, demanding to know the location of his friend who had lain across the girls' laps. Offending image: Muhammad Riyaz, 20, was reportedly the student on the left-hand side of this photo taken in Mangalore, India, which spread on WhatsApp and came to the attention of so-called 'moral police' It is believed the photograph was first circulated on February 22 after being taken at a college in the suburb of Surathkal where Mr Riyaz studied computer science. It quickly caused ripples in the morally conservative part of India, causing 'emotional outbursts' among other students, the college claimed. Events came to a head when Mr Riyaz received a phone call from friends after a vigilante group had persuaded fellow college students to identify him. He said he went to a friend's house where a gang of men appeared and dragged him into a car, driving him to the edge of the city. While they beat him - including with wooden sticks - they demanded to know where his friend was and why he, a Muslim, had taken a photo with Hindu girls, he said. His ordeal lasted several hours, after which he was abandoned three miles from home and left to find his way to getting medical help. According to The News Minute, the student said: 'We were outside near the gate, when a Maruti 800 car came and they asked me something. Then suddenly, they just hold of me and dragged me into the car. 'All of us have been very close since the first year. If we were not close, would the girls permit it? 'See the photo. They are all smiling. If it was forced, then would the girls be smiling?' Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravi Kumar told The Indian Express: 'After the photograph was circulated on social media sites, a vigilante group got other students from the college to identify the deviant youth and on learning that he was probably a Muslim, decided to attack him.' Officers say Mr Riyaz's friend has gone into hiding rather than seek police protection, afraid that he will receive the same treatment from the mob. Despite the student's ordeal, the response from his college was initially unsympathetic. The five girls and one of the boys were suspended four days after the incident, and one teacher told an Indian news channel she was 'ashamed' of the way they had behaved by posing for the photo. However, the teacher added that she felt 'really sorry' for the students in the photo, who may yet be pardoned by their school. The city is in a part of India with several right-wing conservative Hindu groups, the most extreme of which

Summary: Muhammad Riyaz was part of playful group in city of Mangalore, India . He sat next to five female classmates while a friend lay across their laps . Photo spread on WhatsApp and was noticed by so-called 'moral police' Mr Riyaz, 20, said gang beat him demanding to know where friend was . He said from hospital bed: 'If it was forced, would the girls be smiling?'


Brittany Maynard says in a video recorded 19 days before her assisted suicide death that no one should have to leave their home to legally end their life under doctor's care. The 29-year-old California woman had terminal brain cancer and moved with her family to Oregon before killing herself last November. 'Unfortunately, California law prevented me from getting the end-of-life option I deserved,' she said in the recording released Wednesday, hours ahead of a Senate health committee hearing on the issue. 'No one should have to leave their home and community for peace of mind, to escape suffering, and to plan for a gentle death.' Scroll down for video . Speaking from beyond the grave: Brittany Maynard, the terminally-ill woman who became the face of the right-to-die movement, appeared in a new video released by her family on Wednesday in support of a California bill legalizing assisted suicide. The 29-year-old moved to Oregon last year to apply for fatal drugs and died in November . Staying strong: Maynard's widow, Dan Diaz, stands to the right of a television screen airing the video at the California State Capitol on Wednesday . While Maynard appeared calm and collected through most of the video, she did turn passionate when she spoke about her state government forced her move to states in order to get the drugs she needed to end her life. 'How dare the government make decisions or limit options for terminally ill people like me,' Maynard said. 'Making aid in dying a crime creates undue hardships and suffering for many people who are terminally ill and suffering tremendously. 'The laws in California and 45 other states must change to prevent prolonged, involuntary suffering for all terminally ill Americans. 'Freedom from prolonged pain and suffering is a most basic human right,' Maynard says. While the video played, Maynard's husband Dan Diaz stood to the side and fought back tears. Tragedy: Maynard found out that she had terminal brain cancer a little more than a year after she married Diaz . When she spoke to reporters afterwards, he said that assisted suicide isn't for everyone, but that every American should have the option of dying the way they want. 'What my wife did on Nov. 1 was by her design,' Diaz said. 'She avoided a painful, drawn out process and harmed no one else.' Maynard's mother, Deborah Zieglar, also spoke, saying: 'Life is more than breathing air in and out of your body. The definition of a good life and a good death varies person to person. Californians need the freedom to deal with terminal illness as they determine.' The bill is expected to face a strong challenge, led by medical and religious groups. Opponents see huge consequences for allowing doctors to prescribe fatal drugs. Among the opponents are other terminally ill patients such as Kara Tippetts, a 38-year-old Colorado mother of four, who wrote an open letter to Maynard in October urging her not to end her life. Tippetts wrote that suffering can be 'the place where true beauty can be known.' She died

Summary: Maynard, 29, moved to Oregon from California last year when she learned she had terminal brain cancer . Oregon is one of five states where doctor assisted suicide is legal . Her family appealed to the California Legislature on Wednesday, airing a video taped days before Maynard's death in November . In the video, she asks lawmakers to pass a bill that would make assisted suicide legal in her home state .


Petty criminals were once held in chains within its walls before being sent to waiting prison ships docked on the banks of the River Thames and shipped to the colonies. Today, the 18th century former courthouse lying in the heart of old Chelsea, tucked away behind Cheyne Walk, is no longer a place fit for doomed footpads ,but a stunning £14.5million home. But if you're not sure whether you want to shackle yourself to the historic building - the only surviving local courthouse-jail in the capital - you can try before you buy for the sum of £10,000 a week. Scroll down for video . The Court House in Justice Walk, at the heart of old Chelsea in London is today on the market for £14.5million. The stunning restoration boasts seven en-suite bedrooms, as well as two additional family bathrooms . The property was built in the 18th century, at a time when Chelsea was transformed into a prosperous town across the River Thames from the city of London . Leading London property agents say more and more sellers are putting their properties on both the sales and lettings markets. Many are happy to let potential buyers let a property before deciding if they want to buy. Mark Tunstall, of 'ultra prime' specialists Tunstall Property London, said: 'The practice of 'try before you buy' is more prevalent with overseas purchasers who often look to rent a property before committing to a major financial investment. 'Someone from overseas, who is unfamiliar with areas of London and how London is as a city, often has a number of friends living in different neighbourhoods, each feeding back differing opinions on areas such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Chelsea, Marylebone and so on. 'However, it is impossible to really get a feeling for an area without living or visiting there for a period of time and this, coupled with the increase in stamp duty which has made buying a property even more expensive, often leads overseas buyers to first rent a property to get to know a certain area, location or development before committing to a substantial investment in their property of choice.' Petty criminals were once held in chains within its walls before being sent to waiting prison ships docked on the banks of the River Thames and shipped to the colonies . Now the courthouse has now been restored from one of the oldest local courthouses in London, into a luxurious seven bedroom family retreat, available for rent at £10,000 per week or to buy for £14.5 million . The main house boasts five bedroom suites, each with en-suite bathrooms, as well as luxurious floor to ceiling wardrobes and full height bespoke doors. The grand master bedroom occupies the entire top floor, serviced by his and hers luxurious en-suite bathrooms, walk in wardrobes and private studies surmounted by vast skylights and partitioning doors . Legend has it a secret underground passage is located underneath The Court House, which was used to transport the old Court's most dangerous convicts to the prison ships moored on the

Summary: The 18th century Court House lies at the heart of old Chelsea, tucked away behind Cheyne Walk . Prisoners were held in chains and tried for highway robbery and petty theft inside the courtrooms . Today the property has been transformed into a stunning home boasting seven spacious en-suite bedrooms . It is on the market for £14.5million after its current owners bought the building in 1998 for £2.8million . But if you're not sure whether you want to shackle yourself to the historic building you can try before you buy .


Ashley Young says Manchester United will go for the kill when they head to Liverpool on Sunday. After beating Tottenham last weekend, United have a chance to further strengthen their grip on fourth when they face their old rivals at Anfield. A draw would be enough to keep United two points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, but Young knows victory would put further daylight between the two teams, who both have nine matches left. Ashley Young says Manchester United will go for the kill when they head to Liverpool on Sunday . 'We will go there looking for the three points,' the United winger said. 'We are going there to win, you don't go to a place to try and draw. The performance against Tottenham was brilliant but we have a tough game coming up at Liverpool. We have got to dust ourselves down in the right way and go for the three points again.' Questions had been raised about Louis van Gaal's team selection and tactics in the wake of United's FA Cup exit to Arsenal, but everything fell into place last weekend as United put on by far their best performance of the season. United have a chance to further strengthen their grip on fourth when they face their old rivals at Anfield . Young thinks United will therefore go into Sunday's game in high spirits, but he insists confidence in the camp has never been a problem this season despite a number of uninspiring team displays. He said: 'Morale has always been high. Confidence has always been there too. 'We were obviously disappointed after the Arsenal game. I said afterwards that it will show how our team spirit and character is with how we bounce back. The Manchester United players celebrate as they beat Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford . 'I think if you look at the first 45 minutes (against Spurs) then that was exactly the right way to bounce back.' Young praised Van Gaal's methods, insisting some players had improved under the Dutchman's stewardship. He is undoubtedly one of them. The 29-year-old was expected to leave Old Trafford last summer, but he has been one of the best outfield players in the squad this season. Young praised Louis van Gaal's methods, insisting players had improved under the Dutchman's stewardship . Fellaini was heavily criticised during David Moyes' reign but had improved under Van Gaal . Marouane Fellaini is another player who seems to be improving under Van Gaal. Fellaini was heavily criticised during David Moyes' reign, but the big Belgian has earned plaudits for his performances in the no.10 role of late. 'He has been very important for us. He has been in the team and when he is in the box, I'm not sure many teams can handle him,' Young said of the £27.5million midfielder. Belgian midfielder Fellaini celebrates with Wayne Rooney after scoring the opening goal against Tottenham . 'You saw (against Tottenham) that he was fantastic at getting in the box and looking like a striker at times. 'I think he likes playing in that

Summary: Ashley Young feels Manchester United can strengthen grip on the top four . They face fifth placed rivals Liverpool at Anfield Stadium on Sunday . A draw would maintain United's two point gap ahead of Liverpool . But Young is intent on putting further daylight between the pair . READ: Pele to watch Man United face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


Christians are frightened to reveal their religious beliefs to colleagues at work, equality chiefs admit. When they do declare their Christianity, whether in the office or on the shop floor, they are often mocked or treated like bigots – and their children are even ridiculed at school. Christians also think their faith is being pushed out of its role as a cornerstone of life in Britain, according to a major study by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. And ironically, many feel they are being persecuted by the same anti-discrimination and equality laws supported by the equality watchdog. Persecuted: The study of 2,500 people found many of the Christians who took part felt they needed to hide their faith at work or at school, for fear of being called bigots or being mocked . Nearly 2,500 people of all faiths were quizzed about religion at work for the nationwide study. It follows years of conflict over Christians’ right to act in accordance with their religious beliefs. A series of high-profile court battles have left many feeling that the law is tilted against them and that gay rights trump their own. Many of the major test cases have been backed by the equality commission itself, including the successful Supreme Court case brought by a gay couple against hoteliers Peter and Hazelmary Bull, who declined to rent them a room because they were not married. The commission is currently backing a legal claim against a Belfast-based Christian-run bakery that wouldn’t bake a cake bearing a slogan that supported gay marriage. Of those who responded to the commission’s survey, 1,030 said they were Christian. The next largest group –188 – were atheist. People of other faiths made up the rest. The commission’s report said: ‘A recurring theme among some employees was the pressure they felt they were under to keep their religion hidden at work and feeling discriminated against when it came to wearing religious symbols or expressing their beliefs. This was particularly felt by Christians. ‘People reported being mocked for their beliefs, including Christians, who said their colleagues assumed they were bigoted. Some Christian-run services or businesses said they felt in turmoil about behaving in ways that they feared might breach the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in access to goods and services.’ There were also protests from some humanists and atheists, the report said, including complaints there were no humanist chaplains at hospitals. Several atheists felt left out if they worked for companies that staged events in churches. Commission chief executive Mark Hammond said of the survey: ‘What came out strongly was the widespread confusion about the law, leading to some resentment and tensions between groups, and anxiety for employers who fear falling foul of what they see as complicated equality and human rights legislation.’ He said that the commission would produce new guidance to ‘help everyone address some of the issues’. Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute – a think tank that has supported opponents of the commission in court – said: ‘It is a

Summary: Study claims Christians feel under pressure to hide faith at work . Christians also feel religion is being pushed out of 'cornerstone' role in UK . Many feel they persecuted by anti-discrimination and equality laws . But equality chief says there is widespread confusion about the law .


She's blissfully content in a long-term relationship with Bradley Cooper, but if the Hollywood heartthrob wants to avoid getting the green-eyed monster, he may want to look away now. In her latest campaign, model Suki Waterhouse gets ups close and personal with British musician George Le Page wearing nothing but a Burberry heritage cashmere scarf. The duo can be seen in a close embrace with Suki's lipstick marks on George's cheek. The racy and flirty campaign, which promotes Burberry Kisses - the brand’s most extensive range of lipsticks - was shot in London by photographer Mario Testino, under the creative direction of Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey. Scroll down for video . Suki Waterhouse gets ups close and personal with British musician George Le Page wearing nothing but a Burberry heritage cashmere scarf in her latest Burberry beauty campaign to promote the brand's lipsticks . The make-up look for the campaign, developed by Burberry Make-up Artistic Consultant, Wendy Rowe, features radiant glowing skin with Burberry Kisses in Military Red, a signature shade from the new range - and doesn't Suki wear it well. Always one to spot new talent (Christopher has previously tapped James Bay and Tom Odell for his shows), the campaign is accompanied by the dulcet tones of British Burberry Acoustic musician, Misty Miller. Model Suki showcases radiant glowing skin with Burberry Kisses in Military Red, a signature shade from the new range - and doesn't she wear it well . Suki, whose seventh campaign this is for the luxury brand, gets up close and personal with George, who also stars in the brand's SS15 campaign alongside Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell . Suki has long been a Burberry family member and is also the face of Brit Rhythm Floral Eau De Toilette . This is Burberry stalwart Suki's seventh campaign for the luxury brand; alongside her role as the current face of new Brit Rhythm Floral Eau De Toilette and the Spring/Summer 2015 Burberry Make-up collection. George Le Page, meanwhile, who drums in Of Empires, is the current face of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2015 main campaign alongside Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Campbell and George Barnett. Buildable, moisturising and lightweight, Burberry Kisses lipsticks are designed to feel like second skin on the lips. The finish promises to be luminous and even, with lips left feeling smooth and hydrated; so will Suki be testing it out on Bradley? Suki, 23, giggles under the direction of industry heavyweight Mario Testino in these behind the scenes shots . The pair were last spotted together at the 2015 Academy Awards last Sunday. The fashionista had initially arrived separately from her boyfriend, but was later seen with him inside the venue where they comprised the perfect couple. After two years of dating, Suki and Bradley are reportedly ready to take the next big step in their relationship. The Hollywood actor, 40, is said to be on the lookout for a London pad for himself and the 23-year-old beauty as he prepares for his 12-week stint in West End show The Elephant Man from

Summary: Suki, 23, and musician George star in Burberry Kisses campaign . Flirt on set wearing nothing but a Burberry heritage cashmere scarf . Suki and Bradley have been dating for two years .


Man who would be President: Texas Senator Ted Cruz will reportedly announce his bid on Monday . Ted Cruz will reportedly announce his intention to run for President of the United States this Monday, which would make him the first officially declared hopeful in the 2016 election. The Texas Republican senator, who is still in his first term of Congress, is due to commit himself to a presidential campaign at a speech in Virginia next week, according to senior advisers. Aides in the Cruz camp spoke about his intentions to the Houston Chronicle, but insisted on remaining anonymous. Cruz will hope to triumph against other GOP front-runners such as Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and Rand Paul to win his party's nomination. The Chronicle reported that Cruz will announce at a convocation ceremony held at Liberty University, Virginia, the world's largest Christian university. Sketching out his campaign strategy, Cruz aides said he will hope to raise more than $40million to help him compete in the primary campaign. Cruz is said to be skipping the step of forming an 'exploratory committee', which Jeb Bush has already taken, and will directly announce the bid. He will hope that his conservative credentials will play well with the Tea Party wing of the GOP, and also rely on scooping up second and third-preference votes from less convinced voters. Though he lacks the clout of other candidates within Washington and the political establishment, strategists admit, they hope that with the voters of key states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, he will be able to carry the day nonetheless. However, Cruz remains an outlier in a busy Republican field. A poll earlier this month, from Quinnipiac University, gave him 6 per cent of the GOP vote. Men to beat: Jeb Bush, left, and Scott Walker, right, both command more GOP support than Cruz. Bush has formed an 'exploratory committee' for his bid, while Walker has yet to announce . In comparison, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker took 18 per cent, former Florida governor Jeb Bush won 16, with three other hopefuls still polling better than Cruz. However wins the Republican nomination will still have to win out against the Democratic contender, most likely Hillary Clinton, to take the White House next year. Nobody else has outright declared an intention to run yet. However, MSNBC reported last week that Rand Paul is planning to announce on April 7. The Kentucky senator will reportedly make the direct announcement is Louisville, which would give Cruz a two-week head start.

Summary: Texas senator will reportedly declare his candidacy in Virginia on Monday . Nobody else has officially announced a bid yet, though GOP field is busy . Jeb Bush and Scott Walker both command strong support in the party . Cruz aides reportedly admit he has low support in Washington, but hope he will play well in crucial states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina . Kentucky Senator Rand Paul will reportedly announce on April 7 . Whoever wins GOP nomination will probably have to face Hillary Clinton .


While most parents choose to enrol their children in cricket or tennis, a rising number have embraced the taboo of pole dancing as an after-school activity through a new brand of all-ages 'pole fitness' classes. The growing number of dance studios around Australia offering classes to children as young as four has sparked criticism from advocates against the sexualisation of young girls as well as the Australian Family Association, but many in the industry claim pole fitness is purely about exercise. 'Unfortunately in Australia pole is still associated for the majority as something that takes place in a strip club, [but that] is an adult stereotype that is placed on a perfectly legitimate workout,' Lisa Singh, who runs classes for children from her studio in Melbourne's east, told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video . A growing number of dance studios around Australia are offering classes to children as young as four, including Justice Hailey (above) Lisa, a former showgirl in the exotic industry, owns and operates Vertical Fitness and offers pole fitness classes for children aged four to 15 years old, including her 11-year-old daughter Justice Hailey. While the studio also offers classes for adults, she maintains that none of the moves that the juniors are taught could be considered sexual and that the activity is a fantastic activity for children and teenagers. 'For a lot of parents it can be difficult to motivate teenagers to exercise and get involved in sports, pole is just another avenue that can be utilised to help build strength, stay healthy, active and build confidence,' she said. The classes, which require parental consent, usually involve a warm up, basic gymnastic routines, spins on the pole, and pole routines, depending on age and skills level. Lisa Singh (left), who owns Vertical Fitness in Melbourne, is pictured with her daughter, Justice (centre), and partner Ro . Justice's mother is a former showgirl in the exotic industry and said pole fitness was a sport . Lisa said there was a distinction to be drawn between pole dancing and pole fitness or 'sport', which focuses on the athletic benefits of the activity rather than performers who 'adapt a more exotic dance style choreography into their classes'. But Melinda Liszewski, spokesperson for Collective Shout, a grassroots movement against the sexualisation of girls, said the sport was still connected to its strip-club association, which could place children in a vulnerable position. 'If this is purely about fitness, then why wouldn't you choose gymnastics instead of placing them in a context which they don't have enough knowledge about to consent to?' Ms Liszewski said. 'Let them be kids, instead of participating in an adultified form of gymnastics. I would question why parents would choose to put their children in such a scenario if pole dancing was purely for fitness.' But Melinda Liszewski, spokesperson for Collective Shout, a grassroots movement against the sexualisation of girls, said the sport was still connected to its strip-club association . Terri Kelleher, spokesperson for the Australian Family Association, said the argument that pole fitness was purely

Summary: Pole fitness classes are now offered for children as young as four years old . Vertical Fitness in Melbourne offers classes for children ages five to 15 . Owner Lisa Singh said the moves used in routines are not sexualised . The moves are meant to have a focus on exercise, strength, and fitness . Collective Shout has criticised the involvement of children with pole fitness . It believes children will be led to believe sexual dance moves are innocent .


England have the biggest representation on a 12-strong shortlist announced by tournament organisers for this season's RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament. Centre Jonathan Joseph, fly-half George Ford, scrum-half Ben Youngs and No 8 Billy Vunipola all feature among the group. England, despite beating France 55-35 two days ago, were pipped to the title by Ireland, with Wales finishing third. George Ford (right) has been named in a 12-man shortlist for Six Nations player of the tournament . Ford's England team-mate Jonathan Joseph (centre) also features as does Ben Youngs and Billy Vunipola . Three Ireland players make the list - captain Paul O'Connell, centre Robbie Henshaw and scrum-half Conor Murray - together with Welshmen Alun-Wyn Jones and Dan Biggar, Scots Stuart Hogg and Jonny Gray, and Italy captain Sergio Parisse. Surprise omissions, though, include Wales captain Sam Warburton and his team-mate Leigh Halfpenny, plus France wing Yoann Huget. Throughout the tournament, players were awarded (or deducted) points based on statistical performance across different categories. Six Nations analysts weighted the importance of different actions, depending on different positions, with those categories then collated to give each player an overall performance score. Public voting via the official Six Nations website closes at midnight on Wednesday. Ireland's Six Nations captain Paul O'Connell features along with Robbie Henshaw and Conor Murray .

Summary: 12-man shortlist was announced by tournament organisers on Monday . Billy Vunipola is the other representative to feature for England . Ireland trio Paul O'Connell, Robbie Henshaw and Conor Murray feature .


A judge in Brazil has been suspended from a trial after being caught behind the wheel of the chief suspect's Porsche. Judge Flavio Roberto de Souza was dismissed from the high-profile case of Eike Batista, a former multi-billionaire tycoon who is accused of insider trading. Officials said Mr de Souza was deemed unfit to continue sitting the trial because he was caught driving home in Mr Batista's Porsche Cayenne, estimated to be worth £100,000. Luxury: Judge de Souza was caught behind the wheel of the £100,000 Porsche Cayenne - similar to the one pictured - that he had ordered to be seized from former billionaire Eike Batista . The judge claimed that police had no appropriate place to park the car - which was confiscated after an order that he issued - so he decided it was for the best if he took it home for safe keeping. Mr de Souza's decisions in the case have now been annulled, meaning a retrial is now required. A new judge is now expected to be appointed in the case, which began last November. Mr Batista was once Brazil's richest person, with an estimated £20 billion fortune. He is accused of manipulating market charges in the sales of shares of two of his companies. The 58-year-old made his fortune in mining, oil and gas exploration. He was listed as the seventh wealthiest person in the world as recently as 2012. He has denied any wrongdoing at the case being heard in Rio de Janeiro. If convicted, he faces up to 13 years in prison. Charged: Eike Batista was once Brazil's wealthiest man. He is on trial accused of manipulating market charges in the sales of shares of two of his companies . Last month, police seized 11 vehicles, including a Lamborghini Aventador as well as the Porsche, from Mr. Batista’s homes. They also removed expensive jewellery, a grand piano and a fake Fabergé egg as guarantees to repay investors if the entrepreneur is eventually found guilty. The cars were to be sold at auction and the proceeds held by a third-party until the conclusion of the trial, an action which is allowed under Brazilian law. The piano, which was being kept at the apartment of one of Mr de Souza’s neighbours, along with one of the seized cars have been returned to Mr Batista, said a court spokesperson.

Summary: Judge Flavio Roberto de Souza suspended driving supercar home . He insisted it was for safe-keeping because police had nowhere for vehicle . Removed from trial of Eike Batista, once the wealthiest man in Brazil . Former tycoon is on trial in Rio de Janeiro accused of insider trading .


Texas police are trying to determine the series of events leading up to a 50-year-old running into a gas station Friday morning with a gunshot wound to the face. The incident occurred at a Chevron in Fort Worth about 5.30am. CCTV shows a red Toyota quickly pulling up outside the station, with a man jumping out of the car and bolting inside. Covered in blood and pleading for help, the victim told the gas station clerk to call 911. CCTV: Footage from the Chevron in the 1000 block of Bridgewood Drive in Fort Worth show the victim quickly pulling up in his red Toyota, leaving the car running as he ran inside . 'Help': The man comes running into the gas station, covered in blood, pleading for assistance . Badly injured: The footage shows the man, with an obvious injury around his mouth . 911: The victim asked the gas station clerk to call for help, and he then went back outside . The man had been shot in the face. Judging by the footage, the bullet hit him around the mouth area. However, according to NBC DFW, rather than attend to the wound, he waited outside for the police and ambulance to arrive. Then, once help arrived, the victim refused to cooperate. He would not tell police who shot him or where. It also remains unclear why he chose to drive to the gas station for assistance. Sgt. Steve Enright told WFAA that the man got into a physical altercation at a nearby apartment complex, but was then shot at another location. Scene: The incident occurred at the Chevron in the 1000 block of Bridgewood Drive in Fort Worth on Friday . Investigation: Police are now trying to piece together where the man got shot and by whom . The victim has not yet been identified. He was rushed to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. Officials say his injuries are not life-threatening.

Summary: Victim, 50, ran into a Chevron in Fort Worth, Texas, at 5.30am Friday . He was covered in blood and asked staff to call 911 . However he refused to cooperate with police . Was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries . Police believe he was shot after an altercation at an apartment complex .


A nine-year-old boy found a message in a bottle while exploring a wooded beach of a small lake island on a family vacation - and then realized it was addressed to his grandfather. Nolan Rogers had been on a fishing trip with his family on Lake Murray in South Carolina. His mother, Viki Garrick noticed her childrens' attention waning and stopped at a small island to explore. That's when Nolan came across a screw-top Dr Pepper bottle with a rolled-up letter inside sitting next to a log. Scroll down for video . Nolan Rogers was exploring a remote island in South Carolina's Lake Murray when he spotted the screw-top glass bottle with a letter inside . When Nolan's mother Viki Garrick read the letter, she immediately recognized her friend Diane Bryant's (left) handwriting. The letter was written to Nolan's grandfather, Mike Rogers (right) Nolan imagined it was a 'note from the pirates or something', and showed his parents who read the note first, according to The Slate. Garrick and her husband could only make out a few words on the yellowed paper towel, but were able to make out, 'I wish I could see you... I love you so much... I love you, Diane'. They couldn't read who the letter was addressed to, but noticed the name started with the letter 'M'. Garrick recognized the signature from an old friend of hers and immediately sent a picture of the letter to her friend Diane Bryant, who responded by saying she knew 'exactly where that came from'. In 1970, when Bryant, who's now 58, was about 13 years old, she was on an overnight church gathering on Lake Murray. The letter, found in the bottle pictured, had faded, but Garrick could read, 'I wish I could see you... I love you so much... I love you, Diane . Bryant (left) hoped that Rogers, righty, would find the letter when he was on vacation with his family later in the summer of 1970. He didn't discover the letter for another 45 years . She was missing her then-boyfriend, Mike Rogers, who wasn't allowed on the trip because he had gotten in some kind of trouble at the time. The couple had dated on and off when they were teenagers. 'He had long hair. And my dad did not like him, so therefore, I liked him,' Bryant told The Slate. 'I was his church girlfriend. I knew he had other girlfriends.' She said that as a 13-year-old, she was 'devastated' that Rogers couldn't come on the trip. So she wrote a love note - as the couple often did - and stuffed it in a bottle before tossing it in a lake, hoping Mike would find it later in the summer when he vacationed with his family,according to ABC. 'With my whole heart, I just knew one day he would find it,' Bryant said. 'I've thought about it through the years, thinking, "I wonder if anyone ever found that bottle?"' Bryant and Rogers remain friends to this day, though they are no longer romantically involved.

Summary: Nolan Rogers found the letter while fishing with his family on Lake Murray in South Carolina . His mother quickly recognized the handwriting as her friend Diane Bryant's . Bryant wrote the letter to Nolan's grandfather in 1970 when both she and Mike Rogers were 13 years old . Bryant and Rogers remained friends after they dated in the '70s, though both married different people .


Tory efforts to rein in spending and curb welfare payments have won a resounding vote of public approval, according to nation- wide research. There has been no public backlash against five years of austerity and even Labour voters support reforms to the benefits system, the British Social Attitudes Survey found. The report also said that voters have broadly accepted student tuition fees, while the majority of the population is satisfied with the NHS. David Cameron's efforts to rein in spending and curb welfare payments have won a resounding vote of public approval, according to nation-wide research . This support for what are effectively Coalition policies is not reflected in the polls, however, even though the General Election is in six weeks’ time. Over the past few months, Labour has mostly had a lead of between one and three points, on 31 to 33, with the Conservatives on 30. A Daily Mail/ComRes poll this week had both parties on 35 points. In a major vote of confidence for the Government, almost three in four people backed the benefits cap – one of David Cameron’s reforms which has been most severely criticised by the Left. Among Labour supporters two in three back the cap, which restricts handouts to the level of an average wage – currently £500 a week for a family. Despite the support for the Tory policies, Ed Miliband's Labour is still ahead in the polls . Half of voters are unsympathetic to the idea of increasing welfare handouts, with 52 per cent believing unemployment benefits are too high. And a similar percentage think that unemployed people could find a job if they wanted to. The annual report, which is based on 2,878 interviews with people across Britain in autumn last year, also revealed concerns about how welfare claimants spend their money. Six out of ten said that claimants should be able to spend benefits only on specific goods and services, as with food stamps in the US. Fewer than one in ten people think that immigrants – from the EU or elsewhere – should be able to claim welfare payments indefinitely, while even half of Labour voters would set a six-month limit on giving EU arrivals access to the full range of benefits. The findings suggest that voters have not responded to Left-wing outcries against Government cuts. However, there are warnings for the leading parties. More than nine out of ten people think the NHS is facing a funding crisis, and while a majority want to see the health service free to users and paid for out of taxes, fewer than half think it will still be so in ten years’ time. Rachel Ormston of NatCen, which carried out the research, said: ‘The public... has seemingly accepted many of the Coalition’s big reforms. In spite of the narrative of austerity... NHS satisfaction is back up, there is acceptance of tuition fees, and at least some benefits cuts are popular.’ Researchers said they had expected to find a public reaction against spending and benefit cuts. But the report said: ‘The most common

Summary: Tory efforts to rein in public spending have won public approval . Even Labour voters support reforms to benefits system, survey finds . A majority is also satisfied with he NHS and has accepted tuition fees .


Radamel Falcao’s miserable stint at Manchester United hit a new low on Tuesday night when he was dumped into the reserves by manager Louis van Gaal. Falcao has not played a minute for United’s first team since being dragged off in the home win over Sunderland last month and was left on the bench as Van Gaal’s team were knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal on Monday night. Now the £250,000-a-week loan signing from Monaco has suffered the indignity of being made to play in the Under 21s against Tottenham. He didn’t score and was taken off as it ended 1-1. Radamel Falcao was humiliated by being dumped in Manchester United's Under 21s team on Tuesday night . Louis van Gaal could be waving goodbye to Falcao in the summer after dropping him to the reserves . The Colombia striker’s demotion underlines Van Gaal’s concern over his fitness. The United manager usually asks senior players to play at this level only if they are on their way back from injury. Falcao has been injury-free since recovering from a thigh strain in November and is unlikely to be pleased at being asked to drop down a level when he is desperate to prove he is worth a permanent deal. Falcao did not manage to get on the scoresheet against Tottenham Hotspur's Under 21s and was poor . The £250,000-a-week loanee tries to escape from Tottenham's Gongani Khumalo (left) and Grant Ward (right) Having scored only four times in six months, Falcao’s chances of being retained in the summer are almost nil. But he feels he has not always been given a fair crack of the whip by Van Gaal. Sportsmail reported earlier this year that the 29-year-old feels he has to work twice as hard to impress Van Gaal than other players. Van Gaal (back, left) did not bring on Falcao (middle, second right) in Monday night's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal .

Summary: Radamel Falcao played in the Manchester United Under 21 side on Tuesday . Manager Louis van Gaal dumped Falcao after his recent performances . Van Gaal rarely does that apart from for players coming back from injury . But Falcao has not been injured and is almost certain to leave in summer .


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists he has no regrets over his running battle against referees this season. The Blues manager has been outspoken in his views regarding Chelsea's treatment by officials, even claiming there is a 'campaign' against the Stamford Bridge club. Earlier this week the club took an unusual step of posting an article on their official website claiming they had been awarded an 'abnormally low' number of penalties this season - just two in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho has backed the club website's claim that they receive an 'abnormally low' number of penalties . Jose Mourinho leans around Nemanja Matic to watch Eden Hazard in training on Friday afternoon . Mourinho has clashed with officials several times this season, claiming there is a campaign against his team . Chelsea stars pose for a photo ahead of their trip to Hull as they hope to extend their lead at the top of the table . Juan Cuadrado runs with the ball, chased by Eden Hazard, as Chelsea were put through their paces on Friday . Gary Cahill holds off Matic, whose red card against Burnley sparked one of Mourinho's outbursts . The 'penalty puzzle' article was published this week on Chelsea's official website . Chelsea were angered last weekend by referee Mike Dean's refusal to award Branislav Ivanovic a penalty . Referee Dean had some tough calls to make in Chelsea's draw with Southampton but made most correctly . Click HERE to read what chief sports writer Martin Samuel had to say when he covered the subject in his colum last month . Mourinho is admant he was not behind the article - but insisted he has not had any second thoughts about his stance against referees this season. 'Did I know about the article? No, I’m just the first team manager,' said the Portuguese, whose side face Hull on Sunday. 'I never regret when I speak from my feelings, I never carry it, the consequences. 'Was I surprised to see article? No. Did I think it was opinionated? No. Not for me. 'I don’t think the writer is going to win the Pulitzer with that article. It’s just the numbers. Mourinho, who was asked last week if Chelsea would get another penalty this season, issues instructions . Chelsea have been awarded five penalties in eight Champions League games, including against PSG . Jose Mourinho believes his team have the advantage, but claims the Premier League title race is . Chelsea are six points clear at the top of the league after their draw against Southampton last weekend . 'You gave so much importance to that article that I read it. It’s just an objective article. The number of penalties each team have in favour or against is another stat. 'It’s been working against us since the beginning of the season. That won’t change. 'The numbers always tell the truth. It’s just pure numbers. 'No agenda, no intention. Just numbers.' Hull boss Steve Bruce was critical of Chelsea's players after the first clash between the two sides this season after

Summary: Chelsea had published article citing 'abnormally low' number of penalties . Jose Mourinho says article was 'objective' and insists he has 'no agendas' Mourinho also says title is still a 'five horse race' with Chelsea favourites . Chelsea travel to play Hull on Sunday afternoon . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea team news .


The chubby-faced boy grinning happily at the camera in a slightly-crumpled school uniform is an image that millions of families up and down the UK have sitting on their mantelpiece. But few of those children go from dodging their homework and playing hopscotch in lunch break to ruling the country. Gordon Brown has now shared the school photo that he had taken aged five when he was a pupil at Kirkcaldy West Primary School. Gordon and Sarah Brown shared their old school pictures as part of social media campaign called #UpForSchool by the initiative A World At School, which Sarah co-founded. (Pictured left: Gordon Brown, aged five, pictured right: Sarah Brown, aged 11) The former PM shared the snap as part of a social media campaign organised by his wife Sarah Brown, to push for better education for girls in the developing and third world. Sarah, who runs the charity Theirworld and is the co-founder of the initiative A World At School, also shared her old school photo on Twitter with the hashtag #UpForSchool. The aim of the campaign is to attract signatures for the initiative's upforschool.org petition, which will be delivered to world leaders in September to ensure they keep a promise they made in 2000 to get every girl and boy into school and learning by the end of 2015. The petition has already attracted three million signatures on their site. The actress and comedian Miranda Hart has also shared a picture of herself as a child with the words: 'My old school photo (hot) to support International Women's Day and #UpForSchool.' Miranda Hart as a school child left, and at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London, in June 2013, right . TOWIE star Lydia Bright's (right) mother Debbie also posted a picture of her daughter at school (left) The petition reads: 'Every child has the right to go to school, without danger or discrimination. 'Help create a message no government, politician or leader can ignore and demand that every child can go to school safely. Nothing changes without pressure. 'We are standing up to bring an end to the barriers preventing girls and boys from going to school, including forced work and early marriage, conflict and attacks on schools, exploitation and discrimination. 'All children deserve the opportunity to learn and achieve their potential.' Education of girls not only further their independence, it also cuts the rate of child deaths, teen pregnancy and helps to provide more stable families. Illiteracy among women contributes to greater numbers of preventable child deaths. A child born to literate mother is 50 per cent more likely to survive past the age of five than a child born to an illiterate mother. Left: Gordon Brown speaks at Dumbarton Town hall to No campaigners last September in Glasgow, right: Sarah Brown at a 'Girl Rising' Screening at BAFTA in April 2013 . Education also has a great impact on sexual and reproductive health outcomes for girls and women. In many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the birth rate among girls with no

Summary: Gordon and Sarah Brown have shared school pictures of themselves . It is part of social media campaign called #UpForSchool by Sarah's charity . Charity has petition asking world leaders give education to every child .


Two-goal hero Thomas Muller has admitted that his side couldn't have wished for better start after Oleksandr Kucher's red card inside four minutes for Shakhtar Donetsk gave them a man advantage and a penalty - which he dispatched confidently. Pep Guardiola's side were unforgiving after that crucial moment and struck seven past the sorry Ukrainians at the Allianz Arena. With the score poised at 0-0 after the first leg, Muller knew that his side needed a fast start and that was exactly what they got. Thomas Muller revealed that Bayern couldn't have 'wished' for a better start to the game against Shakhtar . 'We took the lead after a couple of minutes and they went a man down. If you were going to wish for anything it would be that, but it's not something we were expecting either,' he told the official Bayern website. 'Donetsk were in real trouble after the second and third goals. Their heads went down, which gave us lots of space – and we used it. 'The situation going into the game was definitely more exciting than the match itself. The course of the match was excellent for us.' The German international scored twice during the emphatic 7-0 Champions League victory at the Allianz . Muller celebrates after scoring his second goal and his side's fourth at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday .

Summary: Thomas Muller says his side couldn't have wished for a better start . Oleksandr Kucher was sent off inside four minutes at the Allianz Arena . Muller scored twice as Bayern booked their place in the quarter-finals . READ: Guardiola delighted with his side's 'dominant' performance .


Longreach in Central West Queensland is famous for Qantas Airline, also known as the Flying Kangeroo, but another airborne animal is nowhere near as popular. Grasshoppers in 'plague proportions' have destroyed hectacres of land in Longreach in recent days after a severe drought there. ‘You walk out on your garden and they just swarm up from the lawn’ one local told 7News. Scroll down for video . What used to be grassy fields is now just barren ground after the grasshopper infestation . The grasshoppers are in their hundreds of thousands 7News reported. They are finally moving on but they have laid eggs and left devastation behind. The locusts have destroyed any greenery they can find, chewing up the leaves and lawns, and stripping trees bare. 'It's at plague proportions here,' another local said. Although some insects thrive in moist conditions, heat and drought can be the ultimate survival conditions for the likes of grasshoppers. They are the most most common insects that cause problems during periods of heat and drought. The Australian Plague Locust Commission told ABC News it has been monitoring the situation, but there was no plague. All that's left on the tree is the fruits as the grasshoppers ate all the foliage . ‘What we have got is some areas where there is a localised, high-density infestation,' spokesman Chris Adriaansen said. ‘But the extent of the infestation certainly does not qualify the current population levels to plague proportions. ‘We have been watching that population very closely, obviously. We have our own field staff based at Longreach and they are very aware of what is in that area.' Heat and drought can be the ultimate survival conditions for the likes of grasshoppers . Even if the grasshoppers are about to move on they still have left a calling card that could prove disastrous in the future. ‘What we will see now is that those adults that are still in condition to do so will lay some eggs," he said. ‘We would expect that within the next two to four weeks we would start to see the third generation of nymphs coming out of the ground. ‘That generation and the extent and the density of that generation will determine what if any control is implemented.' Another worry are Kangeroos looking for food with groups of 25-30 coming in groups in and around the town. Until the grasshopper infestation it was the Flying Kangeroo that Longreach was famous for after one of the founding centres for Qantas, the Australian domestic and international airline. One of the airline's original hangars remains in use at the Longreach Airport and is listed on the Australian National Heritage List. The town is now the home of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum. Groups of kangeroos have been seen in and around the town searching for food .

Summary: Hectacres of land in the town of Longreach have been destroyed . ‘You walk out on your garden and they just swarm up,’ one local said . Weeks of severe drought in the region has already made life difficult . Grasshoppers cause problems during periods of heat and drought . The grasshoppers appeared in hundreds and thousands everywhere .


Former Premier League star Jermaine Jenas must have left a lasting impression on Noel Gallagher during the duo's recent Match of the Day 2 appearance. Former Forest player Jenas, who had spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers among others, sat in the studio with the former Oasis man last month to evaluate the days' games. And it must have been more than just football that the duo had in common as the 32-year-old took to Twitter on Friday night to give his followers a brief glimpse behind the scenes at one of Gallagher's gigs. Noel Gallagher poses backstage with Jermaine Jenas' wife and friends at a gig at the Nottingham Arena . Jenas celebrates with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gareth Bale at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium . The former Oasis man was performing at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena, but he still had time to pose with the footballers' wife Ellie and some friends. Jenas was obviously on camera duty as the former England international, who made 21 appearances for the Three Lions scoring one goal, was nowhere to be seen in the picture. Two other people that were nowhere to be seen were MOTD2 duo Mark Lawrenson and Mark Chapman, but Nottingham-born Jenas did at least give the duo a shout-out on social media. There was no sign of Mark Lawrenson and Mark Chapman at the gig but Jenas did give the duo a shout-out . Jenas pictured in action during his time with west London outfit Queens Park Rangers in 2013 .

Summary: Jermaine Jenas enjoyed a trip backstage with Noel Gallagher on Friday . Gallagher was performing to fans at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena . Jenas was joined by his wife Ellie and some friends at the concert . The duo have remained friends since appearing on MOTD2 together .


Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey has backed Les Ferdinand after he was charged by the Football Association for abusing a match official. The FA have accused Ferdinand of using ‘abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official in or around the tunnel area’ following their defeat to Tottenham last weekend. Ferdinand, QPR’s director of football, has until 6pm on Friday to respond to the charge. But Ramsey said: ‘Les was frustrated after the game. We could’ve had two penalties. We’re talking about me keeping my job. It could’ve gone a significant way to me keeping it. QPR manager Chris Ramsey has given his support to the club's director of football Les Ferdinand . Queens Park Rangers director of football Ferdinand (left) has been charged by the FA for misconduct . The incident occurred at the end of QPR's (right) 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham on March 7 . The former QPR striker has been director of football at the club since early February . ‘Les is very passionate about the club. We lost a game we probably shouldn’t have due to two very poor decisions. It didn’t help us.’ One of the penalty appeals was when Mauricio Isla was challenged by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and the other occurred when Nabil Bentaleb appeared to block a Charlie Austin shot with his hands on the line. Referee Craig Pawson gave nothing for either decision. QPR eventually lost the match 2-1 after Spurs striker Harry Kane struck twice. Ramsey said: ’When we’re near the bottom and we’re fighting for our lives and you have two strong penalty shouts you expect people to be frustrated. Everyone was upset with the referee and how we lost the game.’ QPR owner Tony Fernandes has told Ramsey the manager’s job is his if he manages to keep the team up. But Ramsey added: ‘I’d accept keeping QPR up and to not get the job.’ QPR players trained on Friday ahead of their Saturday lunchtime kick-off against London rivals Crystal Palace .

Summary: QPR lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on March 7 . The hosts saw two penalty appeals turned down by referee Craig Pawson . QPR's director of football Les Ferdinand has been charged by the Football Association for his comment to an official after the match at Loftus Road . Ferdinand has until 6pm on Friday to respond to the charge . CLICK HERE for all the latest QPR news .


The FBI increased a reward on Monday for helping to find an American ex-agent who disappeared in Iran eight years ago. In a statement, the FBI said the U.S. government will pay up to $5 million for information that can help bring Robert Levinson home, up from $1 million. 'We ask the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to work cooperatively with us on the investigation into Robert Levinson's disappearance so we can ensure his safe return,' Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. The FBI increased a reward on Monday for helping to find Robert Levinson (seen left in 2010 and right before he went missing) who disappeared in Iran eight years ago . FBI Director James Comey said 'it is long past time for Bob to come home.' Secretary of State John Kerry urged the Iranian government to 'work cooperatively with us on the investigation.' The father of seven retired from the FBI in 1998. Levinson, disappeared from the Iranian resort of Kish Island on March 9, 2007, while on a business trip. Friends of Levinson said that, around that time, he had been investigating the counterfeiting of cigarettes, though mainly in Latin America. The FBI has been investigating Levinson's disappearance and the hunt has led them into Afghanistan and Pakistan - and back to Iran. However, two Iranian presidents - including recently-elected moderate Hassan Rouhani - have denied having any involvement in his kidnapping or knowing where he is. An Associated Press investigation published in 2013 revealed that Levinson vanished while working for the CIA on an unapproved intelligence-gathering mission. Levinson had flown to the Iranian resort of Kish Island in March 2007 on CIA intelligence-gathering business when he was kidnapped . Levinson disappeared from Kish Island, an Iranian resort in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian government has repeatedly claimed that it has no idea where he is and was not responsible for his kidnapping . 'Year after year, the family has endured the pain of his absence. It is time for him to come home,' Kerry wrote, also expressing concern for Levinson's health. In November 2010, a video surfaced in which Levinson asked for help in winning his freedom but did not say who was holding him or where he was. The Iranian government has repeatedly said it knows nothing about Levinson's disappearance or whereabouts. In 2013 Sen. John McCain said that ‘the CIA did not tell the truth to the Congress’ about Levinson. McCain said he was confident the U.S. is doing all it can to learn what has happened to Levinson, but added he was disturbed the Obama administration has not been more forthcoming with information about him. Levinson was last seen in 2010 when his captors sent a video showing him holding several signs. He had lost weight and begged for help from the U.S. government . Levinson is seen here with his daughter Samantha at one of his favorite restaurants in Orlando, Florida . He said he didn't ‘think there's any doubt’ about whether Iran knows Levinson's fate. After he vanished,

Summary: Robert Levinson disappeared from the Iranian resort of Kish Island on March 9, 2007 . Levinson vanished while working for the CIA on an unapproved intelligence-gathering mission. The father of seven retired from the FBI in 1998 . Last photos and video of a bearded, emaciated Levinson were released anonymously to his family in 2010 and early 2011 . Iran has denied that Levinson has been incarcerated by his government .


Chris Brunt has been charged by the Football Association on suspicion of using insulting language to a match official in the aftermath of West Bromwich Albion’s FA Cup defeat by Aston Villa. It is believed Brunt, West Brom captain for the game, allegedly abused referee Anthony Taylor in the tunnel following the pitch invasion by Aston Villa fans. Brunt, who has until Thursday 6pm to respond, is expected to ask for a personal hearing and cite mitigating factors. Chris Brunt (right), pictured disputing a decision with Anthony Taylor, has been hit with an FA charge for allegedly abusing the latter after Saturday's FA Cup quarter final . Aston Villa fans celebrated by racing on to the pitch following their 2-0 victory over West Brom at Villa Park . Police clash with unruly fans in the aftermath of the FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and West Brom . The national lead officer for football policing has questioned the scheduling of the match on Saturday night . The charge, if proven, could carry a two-match ban, although Brunt will hope his mitigation can reduce that. An FA statement read: ‘It is alleged that in or around the tunnel area after the end of the fixture the player used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a Match Official.’

Summary: Aston Villa's FA Cup tie with West Brom on Saturday was marred by pitch invasions and vandalism . Tim Sherwood's side won the quarter-final clash 2-0 at Villa Park . Baggies midfielder Chris Brunt has been charged on suspicion of using insulting language to referee Anthony Taylor after the match .


A schoolgirl has spoken of her 14-hour police cell ordeal after being accused of a bomb hoax that was allegedly made by a teaching assistant. Holly Littlefield says she was called 'Holly Bin Laden' when she returned to school two days after the lengthy questioning by police officers who suspected she had emailed in a bomb hoax. Zoe Gregory, a teaching assistant at Holly's school, has now been suspended amid claims she sent the threatening message to a teacher using Holly's email account. Holly Littlefield (left), 16, spent 14 hours in a police cell after she was accused of sending a bomb hoax to her school - but now teaching assistant Zoe Gregory (right) has been arrested . Holly, 16, said staff at Ormiston Victory Academy, in Norwich, phoned her mother to tell her that staff would be picking her up and taking her to school after an email was sent to a member of staff. Speaking of the moment she was met at the gates by two police officers, the traumatised pupil said: 'All they would tell me was that an email had been sent but they couldn't say any more. I assumed maybe a teacher had been called a name or something. 'When I got there the police asked me if I knew why they were here. I said no but that's when they told me a bomb hoax had been sent. 'They said they needed to take me to the station and that I should be in and out within two hours.' Holly was taken down to the station, where she spent most of the day locked up in the cells - and her mother Lesley, 43, did not know she had been arrested until five hours later. By then officers had a warrant to search her home and had seized Holly's computer and mobile phone. The schoolgirl said: 'I was horrible and I just kept crying. I thought I would be in there for half an hour and then interviewed. 'They had to move me to a different cell because there was a woman who was banging and screaming. Holly was picked up from Ormiston Victory Academy, Norwich, by police officers after the email was sent from her account . 'It was terrifiying. I just wanted to go to sleep but I couldn't. They gave me food but I just felt a bit sick. 'I have never been taken to a police station before and I've never even been in trouble before. 'It felt like I was being treated like a criminal. When they moved me from the cell one of the officers asked me if I regretted what I had done. 'I was close to saying I had done it just so they could let me go.' Holly claims she was in the cells for 12 hours before being made to give DNA, fingerprints and a mugshot before her police interview. She was interrogated for 45 minutes before being released from custody on bail 14 hours after her arrest. Holly says she was called 'Holly Bin Laden'

Summary: Holly Littlefield, 16, speaks of 14-hour police ordeal after 'bomb hoax' Schoolgirl was arrested least month after email was sent from her account . Holly says custody was 'terrifying' and now she was later bullied at school . But police now say that no further action will be taken against the pupil . Teaching assistant Zoe Gregory has been questioned and suspended . It is claimed she used one of the pupil's email accounts to send message .


Tributes are pouring in for Lil' Chris, the star of Channel 4 Rock School fame, who has been found dead at the age of 24. The actor, singer and TV personality, whose real name is Chris Hardman, died on Monday in his home town of Lowestoft. The news comes just months before the young star was preparing to launch a pop comeback. Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious. McBusted's Harry Judd and Strictly Come Dancing's Caroline Flack are among the celebrities who have paid tribute to the 'lovely, young lad'. Scroll down for video . Lil Chris, whose name is Chris Hardman, who made his name on Channel 4's Rock School, has died aged 24 . Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, who propelled Chris to fame on Rock School after making him the lead singer of a student band, also tweeted: 'Sad to report Lil Chris from the Gene Simmons Rock School TV show, has passed on. He was loved. RIP, Lil Chris.' He later told Mirror Online: 'Lil Chris was a kind, little soul. I will greatly miss his smile and his spirit. I knew there was something special about him as soon as I met him.' After becoming the show's breakout star, Chris was offered a solo deal, going on to release his best-known hit, Checkin' It Out, in 2006. The song, later used in Asda's George clothing campaigns, debuted at number 13 in the UK Single Chart, and shot to Number 3 the following week. The news of his death comes four months before he was due to release a comeback album, having not released one since 2008's What's It All About. In December he wrote on Twitter: 'I'm planning to come back again! Hopefully this time for a little longer! Keep sticking around for updates. (sic)' But earlier this month, the musician told his followers that he was considering giving up his career as a singer. He wrote: 'Thinking about quitting music forever...there has to come a time eventually when I have to face reality. I'm just not good enough. (sic)' The star has previously been vocal about suffering with depression, mentioning the illness in two separate tweets last year. He tweeted: 'I hope to one day create a way out of depression that doesn't mean taking your own life. The Cure.' Tragic: Police have said that the young singer's death is not being treated as suspicious . Chris had previously been vocal about suffering with depression, posting this tweet in April last year . And in another message he wrote: 'Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody.' His last tweet, on Wednesday March 18, read: 'Good morning everybody! Lovely day! Love you all x.' Today, Chris's Loserville director, Elliot Davis, told WhatsOnStage that his early fame could have triggered the illness. 'He was a super talented guy, so naturally gifted. He just had something that the nation saw and it catapulted him to early fame, which

Summary: Actor, singer and TV personality died in Lowestoft on Monday, police said . Suffolk police said Chris's sudden death is not being treated as suspicious . The young star had previously been vocal about suffering with depression . McBusted and Caroline Flack among celebrities paying tribute to the star . Rock Show's Gene Simmons also tweeted: 'He was loved. RIP, Lil Chris' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details .


President Barack Obama brought his two daughters to Selma to 'remind them of their obligations', it has been revealed, as thousands of people are commemorating 'Bloody Sunday' for a second day. The 53-year-old president and his family paid tribute to civil rights legends sung and unsung by leading a symbolic march across the Alabama town's Edmund Pettus Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Speaking on the bridge in the sunshine, Obama said of his 13-year-old and 16-year-old daughter: 'I want to say what an extraordinary honor this has been, especially to have Sasha and Malia here.' He had previously said he hoped the girls - who wore dresses and boots for the 50th anniversary march - would be reminded 'of their own obligations' to continue America's fight for civil rights. 'There are going to be marches for them to march, and struggles for them to fight. And if we've done our job, then that next generation is going to be picking up the torch, as well,' he said last month. Scroll down for video . Daughters: President Barack Obama brought his daughters, Malia (left) and Sasha (right), to Selma, Alabama, to take part in 50th anniversary commemorations to 'remind them of their obligations', it has been revealed . The next generation: The 53-year-old president (pictured with Sasha) and his family paid tribute to civil rights legends sung and unsung by leading a symbolic march across the Alabama town's Edmund Pettus Bridge . Father: Speaking on the bridge in the sunshine, Obama (right) said of his 13-year-old and 16-year-old daughter (left): 'I want to say what an extraordinary honor this has been, especially to have Sasha and Malia here' Obama is pictured during Saturday's speech, in which he honored the male and female protesters in 1965 . Earlier this week, in a radio interview with host Tom Joyner, Obama added: 'Part of what I want Malia and Sasha to understand is that this is an unfinished project,' referring to simmering racial tensions that flared up following the police killings of black men in Missouri and New York last year. Today, people from across the world were marching over the historic bridge - where police and state troopers beat and used tear gas against more than 600 protesters in 1965 - for a second day. Among them was Mercedes Binns, who lives out of state and has visited Selma a total of 17 times because of its civil rights history. She was seen punching the air with determination as she walked. Another day's marching: Crowds gather before a symbolic walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday . Dedicated: Mercedes Binns, who has been to Selma 17 times for civil rights history, walks on the bridge . Packed: Crowds gather near the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday, a day after Obama's historic speech . Iconic: Men, women and children take part in the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, Sunday . Homemade banner: Today, people from across the world were marching over the historic bridge - where police and state troopers beat and

Summary: President Barack Obama was joined by daughters in Selma on Saturday . He said he hoped the trip would 'remind them of their own obligations' First Family led symbolic march across town's Edmund Pettus Bridge . They were paying tribute to marchers on 'Bloody Sunday' 50 years ago . Obama said he was 'especially' pleased that two daughters were there . On Sunday, thousands of people marched over bridge for second day .


A controversial documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, claims the Church of Scientology broke up Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. On Monday makers of the film Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief sat down for a panel discussion, where they addressed the alleged role the church played in the demise of the Hollywood couple's marriage. Logan Hill moderated the talk, held by The New York Times, between author Lawrence Wright (who wrote the book the film is based on), filmmaker Paul Haggis, director Alex Gibney and former Scientology member Mike Rinder. Scroll down for video... Revelations: A documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival alleges that the Church of Scientology broke up Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman . In the film Marty Rathbun, formerly the second highest-ranking official, claims he had been appointed to 'facilitate the breakup' because the head of the church, David Miscavige, was suspicious of Cruise's second wife. Monday's panel discussion focused in on Rathbun's claims. 'David Miscavige [leader of the Church of Scientology] was terrified that he was losing control of Tom Cruise, because Tom Cruise is the greatest rainmaker really, for Scientology,' Gibney claimed. Panel discussion: Logan Hill moderated the talk, held by The New York Times , author Lawrence Wright, director Paul Haggis, director Alex Gibney and former Scientology member Mike Rinder on Monday . At odds: Filmmakers say church leaders were fearful of Nicole's influence on Tom, pictured in Los Angeles in 1991 . The director went on to assert that Scientology and psychiatry are opposed, adding that the actress' father 'was a psychologist in Australia.' 'Miscavige was afraid that Nicole Kidman was slowly taking Tom away from the church,' Gibney continued. 'There was a concerted effort to get him back. One of the things they did was... at Tom's behest, Marty Rathbun testifies in the film, that David Miscavige requested Marty to go and tap Nicole Kidman's phone.' Cruise's attorney, however, told E! News regarding the claims of wiretapping: 'Tom Cruise did not hire any private investigator to spy on or investigate Nicole Kidman in any way. Nor did he ask the Church of Scientology to do that. Any statement to the contrary is provably false.' Gibney's film claims that Kidman, who was raised Catholic, convinced Cruise to distance himself from the Church of Scientology between 1992 and 2001. Over: The pair divorced in 2001 and following the split, Cruise became more active in the Church of Scientology, receiving the church's Freedom Medal of Valor in 2004, pictured in 1999 . It also alleges that during the filming of Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, Cruise wasn't returning Miscavige's phone calls, even though he was the best man at the actor's wedding. Rathbun suggests, in the film, this is when the aggressive campaign to tear the couple apart began. Urging them: Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Wright publicly pressed John Travolta and Cruise to speak out about claims of abuse within the church . Gibney went on to claim during Monday's panel: 'The other, more pernicious thing that happened was that they

Summary: Going Clear, created by Alex Gibney, is an expose of the religion . Film says head of the church David Miscavige was 'suspicious' of Kidman . Marthy Rathburn, the second in command, says he was told to 'facilitate' the split . Filmmakers claim organisation wire-tapped Kidman's phone and analyzed Cruise . A rep for Cruise has denied he asked anyone to wiretap Kidman's phone . Film says church tried re-educating the pair's children so they would turn against Kidman . The church has previously denied allegations that they drove Kidman's children against her . Church of Scientology has dubbed the film 'propaganda' and baseless . The Hollywood couple divorced in 2001 - following the split Cruise became more active in the church .


Mert Tanay has been banned from driving for three years after he was caught speeding at 124mph on the M20 with his six-year-old son as passenger . A reckless father sped along a crowded motorway at 142mph as his six-year-old son sat terrified in the passenger seat. Mert Tanay weaved in and out of traffic in his powerful BMW 323 and even failed to realise he had sped past a police car that had been chasing another speeding vehicle on the M20 at Harrietsham, Kent. Police chased the 26-year-old for 10 miles to catch him and when he pulled over officers said his son looked terrified and was shaking in the passenger seat. Tanay had told police he was driving at such speed because he was 'distracted' thinking about his forthcoming wedding in six months time. The incident took place on September 28, Canterbury Crown Court heard. Tanay has been banned from driving for three years. He was eventually stopped by police after being seen speeding on the coastbound carriageway near Harrietsham. Alex Rooke, prosecuting, said: 'He was driving so fast as to be considered dangerous, well in excess of 100 miles per hour. 'According to the officer his speed was excessive on what was a crowded motorway. 'He showed little regard for the welfare of his passenger and other road users for a prolonged spell of driving.' At one point Tanay was clocked at 141.6 mph as he tore along the coastbound carriageway last September. Scroll down for video . He admitted dangerous driving and was banned for three years and ordered to carry out 50 hours unpaid work. Tanay, of Enfield, Middlesex, was also ordered to take an extended driving test to retain his licence by Judge Nigel van der Bijl . Defending Paul Hogben said: 'Thankfully there was no accident, injuries or damage but he is a man with a full-time job and is due to be married at the end of this month.' Police speed cameras captured Tanay speeding at 140mph as he tore past them in his powerful BMW . Kent Police have released a video of the chase as a warning to other motorists. Sergeant Chris Wade said: 'The speed and manner of Mert Tanay's driving in this case showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users, not to mention that of his young passenger who looked very shaken by his experience. 'Tanay's actions on what is a busy motorway fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. 'Educating drivers in an attempt to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Kent's roads is a vitally important part of our role.'

Summary: Mert Tanay was driving along M20 with his six-year-old son as passenger . He accelerated to 142mph in his BMW, weaving inbetween other cars . Police caught him on camera and it took 10 miles to chase and stop him . Tanay claimed he had been 'distracted' by thoughts of his future wedding . His six-year-old son was said to be 'shaken' by experience as a passenger .


Stoke City manager Mark Hughes will be given money to spend in the summer to maintain his side’s ambitions for European football after signing a new four-year contract. The 51-year-old has penned fresh terms which commit him to the Britannia Stadium until the summer of 2019. He has been in talks for some time but was always positive about extending his stay. ‘I’m delighted to have signed a new contract,’ Hughes said yesterday. ‘It’s exciting times for Stoke City. Everyone can see there’s more progress to be made and we want to see how far we can take the club.’ Mark Hughes has signed a new contract with Stoke City to keep him at the Britannia until the summer of 2018 . Stoke currently sit 10th in the Barclays Premier League this season under manager Hughes . Hughes has only spent £6.2million in four transfer windows since replacing Tony Pulis but guided Stoke to their highest Premier League finish and points total last season, and is on course to improve again this campaign. Bojan, a £800,000 signing from Barcelona, was a huge success before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January. Hughes added: ‘This season has been more difficult due to circumstances, like injuries to key players, but we’ve still been very competitive. We can do even better next season with a little bit more investment.’ Bojan soars away in celebration after scoring against Rochdale in the FA Cup match at Spotland Stadium . Bojan was in fine form for Stoke City before a knee injury sustained in the cup ruled him out of action .

Summary: Mark Hughes signed a new four-year contract with Stoke City on Friday . Hughes will have funds in the summer as they chase Europa League spot . Stoke currently sit 10th in the Premier League with 42 points . CLICK HERE for all the latest Stoke City news .


A grandmother from Italy has accidentally poisoned herself, her partner, their son, grandchildren and one of their friends by making them hot chocolate from sachets that was 25 years out of date. The 77-year-old woman, named only as Mrs. Rosetta, from the northeastern town of Vicenza, made the drink after her grandchildren and their friend, aged between nine and 12, asked for it, making extra cups for her son, her husband and herself. Shortly afterwards, all of them were taken to hospital with stomach upsets and vomiting, which authorities traced to the sachets, which expired in 1990, according to Il Giornale Di Vicenza. The woman, named as Mrs Rosetta, 77, was taken to hospital with vomiting and a stomach upset along with her husband, son, two grandchildren, and their young friend . It is thought that Mrs Rosetta bought the drink some time in the late 80s, before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square protests, and while Margaret Thatcher was still Prime Minister. The chocolate powder had then laid at the bottom of her cupboard, forgotten, until one day earlier this month when one of her grandchildren asked for it to drink. Discovering the sachets at the back of the cupboard, she promptly mixed it into warm milk and served it, with disastrous results. According to Il Mattino her husband began suffering from vomiting and a stomach upset around an hour after drinking the chocolate, followed by herself, the children, and finally her son. The pensioner, from the town of Vicenza, is thought to have bought the sachets some time in the late 80s - before the fall of the Berlin Wall and while Margaret Thatcher was still Prime Minister . All of them had to be rushed to the emergency room for treatment, with one of the youngsters being kept in for 20 days, reports Corriere Del Veneto. While it appears to have been an accident, the grandmother has been charged with causing injury, with a file passed to prosecutors for consideration. Hot chocolate mix usually contains powdered cocoa and sugar, which do not usually go off but will decrease in quality over time, and powdered milk, which can go off after long periods. Powdered milk is particularly prone to curdling over long periods if exposed to heat or moisture, or if the packaging is torn.

Summary: Woman, named as Mrs Rosetta, 77, made drink using chocolate sachets . Husband, son, two grandchildren and their friend all got food poisoning . Police traced cause to hot chocolate sachets which expired in 1990 . Sachets likely bought in late 80s, while Thatcher was still Prime Minister .


Diego Forlan has called time on a highly successful international career with Uruguay, a decision that the striker says has left him in a state of 'mourning'. Forlan won 112 caps for his country, scoring 36 goals - a total bettered only by Barcelona forward Luis Suarez. He represented his country at three World Cups and was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. VIDEO Scroll down to see Diego Forlan score a thumping 30-yard free kick . Uruguay's Diego Forlan (left) tussles for the ball with Ireland's Keith Fahey during a friendly match in 2011 . Forlan won the Golden Ball Award for his performances at the World Cup in South Africa back in 2010 . Forlan's tally of 36 goals for Uruguay is bettered only by Barcelona forward Luis Suarez who has 43 . The 35-year-old, who now plays his club football with Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka, told The National: 'The national team has been a big part of my life for a long time and I'll miss it. 'I feel like I'm in mourning at the moment, but I've had time to prepare for this decision. It wasn't something I decided overnight and I could see that things were changing after the World Cup in Brazil, with fresh blood brought in.' But the forward insists that he will remain a passionate supporter of his country. 'I'll love watching Uruguay on television and I'm still playing club football. I love this game, I'm still in fine shape and I've just started a new season in Japan.' Prior to joining Cerezo Osaka, Forlan's club career had seen him play for some of Europe's top teams, including Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Forlan scores a goal past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina while playing for Atletico Madrid in 2010 . Forlan has a shot at goal while playing for Manchester United in the Champions League back in 2002 .

Summary: Diego Forlan has called time on his 12-year Uruguay career . The striker won 112 caps and scored 36 goals since his debut in 2002 . He says he wants to allow younger players to progress to the senior side . Forlan is now playing club football with Cerezo Osaka in Japan . His previous clubs include Manchester United and Atletico Madrid .


The bloody arrest of a University of Virginia student has sparked massive protests and led Governor Terry McAuliffe to call for an investigation into the incident. A video showing 20-year-old Martese Johnson bleeding from his head while being held down by an officer in Charlottesville has been shared widely online and provoked accusations of police brutality. Johnson, a junior at the university, was arrested by Alcoholic Beverage Control at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday near The Corner, a popular off-campus hub, his lawyer and police said. Scroll down for video . The violent and bloody arrest of a University of Virginia student has sparked protests and led Gov. Terry McAuliffe to call for an investigation. Pictured: A photo taken of the arrest shows Martese Johnson being held down by police with blood on his face . Johnson, seen here at a protest on Wednesday night, was charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice and was released early this morning - he has not yet entered a plea to the charges . A thousand students gathered on the prestigious campus to demand justice for Johnson. Johnson, who had 10 stitches across his forehead, joined the protests, although he did not refer directly to the incident on advice of his lawyer . On Wednesday night, students gathered at the campus to demand justice for Johnson. There was also a separate match through the town . He was charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice and was released early this morning - he has not yet entered a plea to the charges. On Wednesday night, a thousand students gathered on the prestigious campus to demand justice for Johnson. Johnson, who had 10 stitches across his forehead, joined the protests last night, although he did not refer directly to the incident on advice of his lawyer. 'Regardless of your personal opinions and the way you feel about subjects to please respect everyone up here, we're all part of one community,' he told the crowd. People take to the streets to protest - it is thought they were separate to the students . The hashtag #JusticeForMartese was posted some 70,000 times on Twitter . Johnson kept touching his face where he received stitches from the early Wednesday morning scuffle with police and there are reports that he began to cry and wipe away tears as crowd cheers in support . A crowd later marched through Charlottesville, some bearing signs with 'Black Lives Matter' and made their way to police headquarters . 'And we deserve to respect each other especially in times like this, thank you.' He kept touching his face where he received stitches from the early Wednesday morning scuffle with police and there are reports that he began to cry and wipe away tears as crowd cheers in support. School President Theresa Sullivan made a brief appearance on the grassy field, but only spoke to several reporters and did not make any formal remarks to the crowd. The hashtag #JusticeForMartese was posted some 70,000 times on Twitter and a crowd later marched through Charlottesville, some bearing

Summary: Martese Johnson, a junior, was arrested after being denied entry a bar . Video showing 20-year-old Johnson bleeding from his head while being held down by an officer has been shared widely online . Johnson received 10 stitches and was released late on Wednesday night . The hashtag #JusticeForMartese was posted some 90,000 times on Twitter . Hundreds of students gathered on UVA's campus Wednesday night . Johnson joined rally and reportedly began to cry and wipe away tears . A woman was put in the chokehold by police during the march . Virginia ABC has put the officers on admin duty during investigation . Governor Terry McAuliffe's office asked for state police to conduct a probe . His lawyer says he was not trying to use a fake id card as reported .