As a famous soap star in her home country, Mexican First Lady Angelica Rivera must have felt right at home during one highlight of her trip to the UK. Last night the glamorous wife of President Enrique Pena Nieto was feted at Buckingham Palace and today she dropped in on another famous stately home - Downton Abbey - to meet the stars of the costume drama. Perhaps the visit signals a new acting role for the 45-year-old beauty, who was joined on set by an elegant-looking Sophie, Countess of Wessex? Scroll down for video . Mexico's First Lady Angelica Rivera (third left) is joined by Sophie, Countess of Wessex (fourth right) on a visit to meet the cast of Downton Abbey, from left to right: Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Sophie McShera . Ms Rivera holds a bouquet of flowers at the Corporation of City of London banquet at the Guildhall . Ms Rivera looked chic in a tailored black jacket with a bold black and white gingham fishtail knee-length skirt. The mother-of-three, who is famous in Latin America for playing La Gaviota - the seagull - in the hit Mexcian soap opera Distilling Love, carried a patent leather bag and wore her hair loose. Sophie looked classic and elegant in a Prada coat that she wore for the first time on her 50th birthday in January. She teamed it with Bruce Oldfield high heeled courts, a Sophie Habsburg Design bag called Moneypenny in burgundy and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch. Her gold UFO earrings are favourites that she's worn on several occasions since 2005. The royal and Ms Rivera posed for a picture with Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Lady Cora, Hugh Bonneville aka the Earl of Grantham, Laura Carmichael who plays Lady Edith, Lady Mary actress Michelle Dockery and Sophie McShera who plays Daisy. It's not the first time Sophie has visited the set and the show's cast members have supported the Countess at events for Tomorrow's People, a charity helping disadvantaged people. Ms Rivera holds a bunch of flowers at the Lord Mayor of the City's dinner at the Guildhall . Angelica shows off her low, loose plait as she talks to Lord Mayor's wife Gilly Yarrow . Angelica and Lord Mayor's wife Gilly Yarrow talk before the official dinner at the historic Guildhall . Ms Rivera is welcomed by Gilly Yarrow (far left0, wife of the Lord Mayor of London . Angelica Rivera signs the Distinguished Visitors Book next to Gilly Yarrow, wife of the Lord Mayor of London Alan Yarrow, and her husband Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto . In November, the Countess attended a Tomorrow's People fundraiser at St George's church, London, with Downton stars including Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Penelope Wilton. However today's visit was a private one as she didn't announce it or post it on her royal diary. Ms Rivera then followed her day out on set with another lavish black tie event, this time at London's Guildhall with her husband who was resplendent in white tie and tails and

Summary: Angelica Rivera is in Britain with husband President Enrique Pena Nieto . Mexican leader and his former soap star wife arrived on Monday . Were honoured yesterday by the Queen and Prince Philip with state dinner . Tonight they attended another lavish banquet, at the Guildhall, London .


Scott Hall, who suffered from Rasmussen's Syndrome, died from a brain haemorrhage nine days after he was attacked by two teenagers . A teenager changed his Facebook status to ‘full-time killer’ after a disabled man he attacked later died of a brain haemorrhage. Scott Hall died 11 days after he was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked by the 15-year-old and an accomplice of the same age in an unprovoked attack. But despite one of the attackers taking to Facebook to mock his victim – who was known to the youth’s family – and calling himself a killer, the pair walked free from court yesterday. They were given community orders and told to attend a rehabilitation programme. The sentence followed the Crown Prosecution Service’s insistence that it could not link the attack to 28-year-old Mr Hall’s death. His family criticised the decision not to charge the youths over the death and said ‘the punishment should fit the crime’. Instead, the teenagers were taken to court to face the lesser charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ court was told that Mr Hall, who had both physical and learning difficulties, lived his final days in terror following the attack. He was confronted by the youths in Newton Hall, Durham, last July, beaten up and left unconscious. He was taken to hospital and later released. Nine days later his mother found him lying at the foot of the stairs at the family home in Framwellgate Moor, Durham. Despite being taken back to hospital and regaining consciousness, he died two days later. An inquest found that a ‘blunt force trauma’ led to Mr Hall’s death from a brain haemorrhage but said it could find no evidence the attack was directly linked. The youths, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, initially denied the assault but admitted the offence at the magistrates’ court on Wednesday. The victim’s sister Zoe Hall, 25, told the court: ‘[The defendants’] actions resulted in him being frightened for the last week of his life. He was constantly upset and couldn’t understand why someone would want to hurt him.’ Thugs: Scott Hall was kicked as he lay on the ground outside Newton Hall Library (pictured) in Durham . Chris Atkinson, prosecuting, said Mr Hall had been trying to walk away from a verbal altercation with his attackers when he was pounced on. He said: ‘He was punched in the face. That knocked him to the ground and witnesses describe both young men kicking him while he was on the ground.’ Witnesses ran to Mr Hall’s aid before he was taken to hospital and later released. ‘Mr Hall suffered from Rasmussen’s Syndrome, which affected his balance, speech and the way he walked,’ said Mr Atkinson. ‘His disability must have been apparent to his attackers.’ The youths, now 16, had no previous convictions and were said to be remorseful. Mr Hall’s family discovered they would not be charged with causing his death at an earlier hearing in January. At a hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court (pictured), both teenagers pleaded

Summary: Scott Hall, 28, died from brain haemorrhage days after he was attacked . Disabled man was punched in the face and kicked as he lay on pavement . He spent nine days living in terror before sudden bleed to brain and death . Two 15-year-olds admitted attacking Mr Hall but they will not be jailed . Both were given 12-month referral orders, rehab and community service .


Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has revealed he does not like seeing foreign-born players on Italy's national team. The former Manchester City boss was responding to this weekend's call ups of Sampdoria's Brazilian-born striker Eder and Palermo's Argentine-born midfielder Franco Vazquez to Italy's squad. Vazquez's mother is Italian while Eder gained citizenship through more distant relatives. Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini thinks that players not born in Italy shouldn't represent the national team . Speaking at a Serie A meeting Monday, Mancini said:, 'The Italian national team should be Italian. 'An Italian player deserves to play for the national team while someone who wasn't born in Italy, even if they have relatives, I don't think they deserve to.' Dozens of foreign-born players - mainly Brazilians and Argentines - have appeared for Italy over the years, highlighted by Omar Sivori and Jose Altafini in the 1960's and Omar Camoranesi during the Azzurri's 2006 World Cup victory. Franco Vasquez of Palermo is eligible to play for the national side because his mother was born in Italy . Brazilian-born Eder of Sampdoria gained Italian citizenship through some distance relatives of his .

Summary: Roberto Mancini belives foreign-born players shouldn't be called up . Franco Vasquez and Eder are in Italy's squad for the internationals . Mancini disagrees with this policy and thinks it should change . READ: Antonio Conte defends calling up foreign-born players to Italy .


Dramatic recordings from the Germanwings flight’s black box have revealed the captain’s desperate attempts to break into the cockpit to regain control of the plane. According to transcripts published today, captain Patrick Sondheimer screamed ‘Open the goddamn door!’ as his killer co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately flew the aircraft into an Alpine ravine after he had left to go to the toilet. Yesterday, it was revealed that Lubitz was living 'on the edge' because he feared that his deteriorating blurred vision would cost him his pilot's licence. Scroll down for video . Captain Patrick Sondheimer is heard with co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, pictured, who tells him he can go to the toilet at any time and he will take over the controls, noting that the pilot didn’t go to the lavatory in Barcelona . Investigation: Reports emerged that police searching the pilot's flat had found a 'small mountain of pills' and he had apparently been refusing to take his antidepressants medication. Above, Lubitz in 2013 . Search workers collect debris at the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps, above the town of Seyne-les-Alpes . The personal effects of the plane's 150 victims can be seen through the piles of rubble . Clothes from the plane's cargo lie strewn across the mountainside. Dramatic recordings from the Germanwings flight’s black box have revealed the captain’s desperate attempts to break into the cockpit to regain control of the plane . A French rescue worker inspects the remains of the Germanwings Airbus A320 at the site of the crash . Lubitz is believed to have locked his captain out after the senior officer left the flight deck, and used the flight managing system to put the plane into a descent, something that can only be done manually - and deliberately. A transcript published in today’s edition of the German newspaper Bild, reveals that the chilling recording starts with captain Sondheimer apologising to passengers for a 26-minute delay in Barcelona, and promising to make up the time on the flight to Dusseldorf. In the next 20 minutes, Sondheimer converses with co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who tells him he can go to the toilet at any time and he will take over the controls, noting that the pilot didn’t go to the lavatory in Barcelona. At 10.27am, the airliner reaches its cruising altitude of 38,000ft. The pilot prompts his first officer to prepare for the landing in Dusseldorf. The French prosecutors described Lubitz’s replies as ‘laconic’, and he is heard using words such as ‘hopefully’ and ‘we’ll see’. After the checks for landing, Lubitz says to Sondheimer again: ‘You can go now.’ Lubitz was sitting in this cockpit, pictured, when he commanded the jet to crash into the Alps at 400mph . The pilot lets another two minutes elapse, then he says to Lubitz: ‘You can take over.’ There is the sound of a seat being pushed back and the snap of a door. At 10.29am the flight radar monitors the plane descending. At 10.30am it is down by 316ft, and just a minute later, it

Summary: Lubitz tells captain Patrick Sondheimer he can go to the toilet at any time . Tells the captain he will take over controls and later says 'you can go now' Shortly afterwards there is loud bang, like someone trying to enter cockpit . Sondheimer yells: ‘For God’s sake, open the door!’ and passengers scream .


As Gareth Bale's season at Real Madrid continues to turn sour, the former Tottenham forward is continually being linked with a move away from the Bernabeu. Manchester United and Chelsea have both been credited with having an interest in bringing the world's most expensive player back to the Premier League. Sportsmail asked Chelsea fan Cody Taylor of 90min.com to give his thoughts about a possible switch to the champions elect. Gareth Bale has been criticised by supporters for his performances at Real Madrid this season . Bale performs his trademark celebration as he scored twice during Wales' 3-0 win against Israel on Saturday . Gareth Bale could be available this summer if various transfer reports are to be believed, so naturally Chelsea are being linked with an eye-watering bid - but we have to ask ourselves the question, is he necessary? On the face of it Bale is a good player. At Tottenham he dragged an average team out of hole after hole, but it's easy to be a big fish in small pond. As he's found out in Spain it's much harder in the big pond and that's what it will be like at Chelsea too. Overall he's not had the impact that the world's most expensive player should. There are plenty who would give up everything to have him, but we really don't need to be wasting time on a player that won't be a noticeable improvement, or even fit. Bale holds his hands to his head after Real Madrid were beaten by Barcelona 2-1 in La Liga . Bale leads the wild celebrations after he nets his second of the game against Israel in the Euro 2016 qualifier . Even with his array of qualities, for the money, Bale just isn't worth it. As good a player as he is, he wasn't worth the world record £86m Real paid for him in 2013, after what was effectively only one explosive season. He still isn't worth the £75m that the Spanish giants will allegedly settle for now. There's simply no room for him at Chelsea. Jose Mourinho already has a plethora of young, similarly able attacking players. Willian is not as glamorous as the rest, but even he is a crucial part of the team and the fans love him. The Brazilian doesn't score as many goals or provide as many assists as others, but he is the one above all else that never stops working hard and that type of attitude and passion is more important than everything. Bale reacts with disbelief after having a goal disallowed during the Clasico on March 22 . After the defeat by Barcelona Gareth Bale's car was attacked by angry aupporters . If Bale arrives he is unlikely to do the same and it would negatively change the whole balance of the side which Mourinho has worked hard to build. There is also Juan Cuadrado to think about. The Colombian hasn't shown anything like his best since arriving in January and isn't likely to before the end of the season. He is still

Summary: Gareth Bale has been criticised by Real Madrid supporters this season . The Wales forward has been linked with a move back to Premier League . Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Bale . Chelsea fan Cody Taylor discusses a possible switch to Stamford Bridge . Adrian Durham: Bale would be perfect for Chelsea, Arsenal or Man Utd . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


They are two of the most glamorous of Europe's royals and today was no exception for the Netherlands' Queen Maxima and Denmark's Crown Princess Mary. The two royals were visiting the carbon-neutral Samsø island, a small speck of land just off Denmark's Jutland Peninsula, and just about managed to hold on to their hats during a blustery ferry ride there. Thanks to the churning Baltic waves, the two also suffered a wobbly moment as the ferry, called Kalhave, lurched beneath them. Scroll down for video . Hats off to Mary and Maxima! The Dutch and Danish royals were glamorous in matching trilbies . 70s redux: Maxima had nailed this season's 70s trend with her tailored camel coat . Maxima, 43, was resplendent in a fitted camel wool coat-dress while Australian-born Mary, also 43, opted for a chic grey cape coat. Joined by Crown Prince Frederik, 46, and King Willem-Alexander, 47, the two royals, who are long-standing friends, traded quips as they made the crossing. Glamorous though the royals looked, they looked even more so during an evening reception celebrating Dutch culture at the Royal Library in Copenhagen. Maxima, resplendent in a russet one-shoulder floor-length gown studded with rhinestones, showed no sign of fatigue, instead displaying a gorgeous golden tan. The royal kept things informal, however, by wearing her long blonde hair loose and curled while Willem-Alexander was dapper in his dinner jacket. Stylish: Queen Maxima is glamorous in russet as she arrives at the Royal Library in Copenhagen . Convivial: King Willem-Alexander cracked a joke as he posed with the Danish royals outside the venue . Not to be outdone, Crown Princess Mary was striking in a chic strapless black dress with a flattering empire-line cut. In contrast to her Dutch counterpart, the Australian-born royal had pulled her hair into a sleek low chignon and wore eye-catching diamond-shaped gold earrings. Equally glamorous was Denmark's Queen Margrethe who donned a rose-pink gown with a white lace bodice and fur shrug. The men too looked good, with Margrethe's husband Prince Henrik natty in a dark blue dinner jacket while their son Frederik scrubbed up well in a matching number. Chic: Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Danish Queen Margrethe, Dutch Queen Maxima and Prince Henrik . Glowing: Maxima traded her usual large jewels for a discreet diamond necklace and matching earrings . The cultural celebration topped a busy day in which the two sets of European royalty experienced the best of Danish weather on a sunny but blustery ferry crossing. The Dutch royals are currently in the middle of a three-day trip that began on Tuesday with a royal welcome at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport. After spending a low-key afternoon meeting students at the University of Aalborg, things took a turn for the glamorous during their first evening, courtesy of a banquet at Christiansborg Palace. With Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and the Scandinavian country's 74-year-old monarch Queen Margrethe also in the room, the dinner saw plenty of toasts - and even better fashion. All smiles: The two royal couples appeared to be in good spirits as they arrived

Summary: Queen Maxima and Crown Princess Mary both wore trilbies for visit . They were visiting a specialised state boarding school called an efterskole . Travelled to the tiny carbon-neutral Samsø Island by ferry . Were joined by King Willem-Alexander and Crown Prince Frederik . Dutch royals are in the middle of three-day state visit to Denmark . Later attended a banquet at the Royal Library in Copenhagen .


West Brom boss Tony Pulis is keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of his goalkeeper selection for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa. The Barclays Premier League derby between the two clubs at Villa Park on Tuesday ended in a 2-1 victory for the hosts after a stoppage-time error from Ben Foster saw the Baggies and England shot-stopper give away a penalty that was converted by Christian Benteke. Pulis spoke up for Foster - who has kept six clean sheets in all competitions since the Welshman took over at Albion - after the game. Ben Foster is not guaranteed to keep his place against Aston Villa in the FA Cup quarter-finals . Foster brought down Matthew Lowton to concede a penalty against Villa in Premier League clash on Tuesday . Christian Benteke scored from the spot to give their midlands rivals a late victory at Villa Park . And while refusing to say outright whether or not the 31-year-old would keep his place at the weekend, the head coach once again had praise for Foster at his press conference on Thursday to preview the cup tie. Asked about his goalkeeper selection for Saturday's game, Pulis said: 'I'll be telling the goalkeepers first before I tell you! 'Boaz Myhill has had an injury with a finger, which we have to take into account. 'With the number of clean sheets he has kept (12 overall this season), Ben has been absolutely fantastic. 'Everybody makes mistakes. Goalkeepers get highlighted, like referees, because it can cost you games.' Baggies boss Tony Pulis has backed his No 1 without confirming Foster will keep his place on Saturday . Saido Berahino celebrates while being chased by his team-mates, after netting his 18th goal of the season . With regard to referees, another notable incident from the latter stages of Tuesday's game saw Villa defender Alan Hutton make a nasty-looking challenge on West Brom striker Saido Berahino and the pair square up to each other before each being booked. It appeared Hutton was lucky not to have been sent off by referee Jonathan Moss. And while Pulis was keen on Thursday to avoid hitting out at the official for not doing so, he did once again express his desire for there to be a referral system for managers during games where they get 'two calls' each, something he has spoken about in the past. 'I've seen the challenge back,' said Pulis. Alan Hutton appeared to raise his studs into Berahino's leg during Aston Villa's win over West Brom . Berahino goes down in pain on the touchline following Hutton's nasty challenge on Tuesday . Hutton and Berahino squared up after the challenge (left) and were both booked by referee Jonathan Moss . 'I thought Jon managed the game pretty well, and there are enough people at the moment criticising referees and looking to blame them. 'Jon didn't cost us the game on Tuesday, we cost ourselves the game. 'People make good decisions and bad decisions and you have to accept it - but I'm sure

Summary: Ben Foster's mistake led to 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in Premier League . Tony Pulis has backed England keeper but wouldn't confirm if he will start FA Cup quarter-final clash against Villans on Saturday . West Brom boss wants managers to be allowed to challenge two referee decisions during a game .


David Luiz showed he was back in a familiar place on Tuesday ahead of PSG's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Wednesday night. Luiz returns to Stamford Bridge having played there between 2011 and 2014, and is looking to spoil his former club's chances of reaching the next round. The Brazil defender posted a photograph on his Instagram and wrote: 'Right time to be back! #LondonCity #Amazing #BigBen #BeautifulDay'. David Luiz posted this on Instagram ahead of PSG's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 . Luiz moved to PSG from Chelsea in 2014 for £50million but will hope to get the better of his former club . PSG are in town to face Premier League leaders Chelsea as they go head to head in the Champions League . Luiz posted the snap after warning Chelsea they won't achieve success by simply sitting back when the two sides meet. The first leg of the Champions League tie ended 1-1, meaning a goalless draw would be enough to send Jose Mourinho's side through to the next round. But Luiz feels it would be foolish of his old club to invite pressure on themselves, considering the strength of the Ligue 1 champions' attacking options. 'I know how Jose (Mourinho) will prepare for this, he will be telling the boys to be patient and hit us on the counter attack,' Luiz told The Mirror. 'He knows that we need to score and that they don't, I know that is his way. We must be careful because I know that Chelsea have the ability to hurt on the counter attack, but they must be careful as well. 'To sit back and just defend against Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), (Edinson) Cavani and (Ezequiel) Lavezzi can also be very dangerous, so it is not just us who have to be careful.' Luiz spent three years in west London before his £50m summer transfer to the French champions .

Summary: Chelsea face PSG at home in Champions League last-16 second leg . David Luiz returns to Stamford Bridge having played there for three years . Luiz posted a photo on Instagram on his return to London . READ: PSG players to pocket £180k EACH if they beat Chelsea . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


In a heartbreaking love letter written to mark their 13th wedding anniversary, the wife of real-life American Sniper Chris Kyle has described the moment her future husband gave her two dozen roses during one of their first dates. Taya Kyle pledged to love her late husband 'all the days of my life' in the touching tribute posted on social media two days ago. Kyle, who was the subject of last year's Clint Eastwood-directed movie American Sniper, was gunned down by fellow war veteran Eddie Ray Routh at a shooting range in Rough Creek, Texas, on February 2, 2013. Taya Kyle, pictured with her late husband Chris, posted the letter on her husband's public Facebook page . Chris Kyle (pictured in 2012) was gunned down at a Texas shooting range by a fellow army veteran . That day, Kyle had offered to help Routh deal with his post traumatic stress disorder but was instead shot dead along with his friend Chad Littlefield. Now, in the wake of a turbulent year that involved her husband's killer's trial and an appearance at the Academy Awards for the film made in his name, Mrs Kyle has written of her enduring love for her husband. Posted on Facebook, her letter said: 'I feel you in my heart and soul so strongly. I am more blessed to have been your wife than anything else in my life. 'Today, I am thinking of our new relationship, when you rented a boutique hotel room in San Diego and surprised me with two dozen long stem pink roses when we arrived. You got us tickets to a local improv type play. I knew then I was the luckiest girl in the world to be with tough, romantic, loving you. 'Today, I have a choice. I can bury myself under the covers and acknowledge the pain of missing you and mourn the future anniversaries without you. Or, I can celebrate never having a day without you in my heart because you loved me enough to leave me a lifetime of memories and beauty. 'I am somewhere in between today. I loved you yesterday, I love you know, and I will love you all the days of my life.' Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller (pictured) portrayed the couple in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film American Sniper . Eddie Ray Routh (pictured) was last month convicted of double murder and sentenced to life in prison . Kyle was considered the deadliest sniper in American history, with his kill count thought to number about 160 confirmed, with many more probable kills. Routh was convicted on February 28 of double murder and as prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty, the only possible sentence was life in prison - with no chance of parole. The verdict, which took little more than two hours for jurors to reach, came as interest in Kyle's career as the U.S. military's deadliest-ever sniper reached fever pitch. Kyle's exploits in the Iraqi desert were showcased to tens of millions of Americans just days before, when American Sniper, the movie based on

Summary: Sniper Chris Kyle's widow writes heart-breaking love letter to late husband . She posted the message to mark the couple's 13th wedding anniversary . Taya Kyle wrote that she would continue to 'love you all the days of my life' Kyle was gunned down by fellow veteran at a shooting range in early 2013 . His killer, Eddie Ray Routh, was jailed for life following his trial last month .


Charlie Lee, 19, tricked his vulnerable victim out of tens of thousands of pounds . A teenage conman was jailed for tricking a grandfather out of almost £50,000 for fake home repairs. Charlie Lee, 19, had followed his vulnerable victim home and claimed he needed tens of thousands worth of work to fix a crack in his home's foundations. A court heard Lee and his 17-year-old accomplice even sent a fake solicitor's letter demanding more and more cash from the man, 61. A judge told the baby faced pair that they had acted like 'hardened criminals' during the con. Judge Gregg Bull QC: 'It was planned and persistent. 'The victim was cajoled and threatened to give money. It is the thinking of hardened criminals.' Lee had spotted the 'lonely and vulnerable' man, who would not be named for fear of further scams, walking home from work. The conman noticed the victim stumble and decided to target him and follow him home, the court heard. Lee and his 17-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stopped the car and 'saw they could take advantage'. They offered to do some work on the roof at his home in Monmouth, South Wales, then pressed him to hand over more and more money. Newport Crown Court heard how their victim handed over £47,000 for just £2,200 worth of repairs during a three week period. Lee, who lives on a caravan site in Northampton, was jailed for 19 months and the 17-year-old received 18 months in a young offenders institute. Gwent Police DC Mark Price said: 'This was an incident where two people took extreme advantage of a someone's vulnerability to con them out of a significant amount of money. Lee had spotted the 'lonely and vulnerable' man, who would not be named for fear of further scams, walking to his home in Dixon Road (pictured) in South Shields . 'This kind of crime is dealt with robustly and we will continue the work we do locally to raise awareness of rogue trader activity and promote steps members of the public can take to better protect themselves, family members and their neighbours.' The scam comes on the eve of major government reforms that will hand millions the chance to cash in their pension pots – giving them access to huge sums previously locked away. On April 6 over-55s will be allowed to cash in all or part of their pension but the shake up has renewed fears it could trigger a flood of scams on the elderly and vulnerable whose newly-available funds will be rich pickings. Newport Crown Court heard how their victim handed over £47,000 for just £2,200 worth of repairs during a three week period .

Summary: Charlie Lee told his victim that he needed thousands of pounds of repairs . The 19-year-old claimed he found a 'crack' under his elderly target's home . Lee and an accomplice sent fake solicitor's letters demanding more cash . Conman has now been jailed for 19 months and accomplice for 18 months .


'Sadistic': Kindergarten teacher Frederick Mena, 25, is accused of digging his nails into a young student's skin in class because he wanted to see her cry . A kindergarten teacher from Miami has been charged with aggravated child abuse after police say he dug his nails into a girl's hand and leg just to see her cry. Frederick Mena, 25, was arrested earlier this month in connection to the sickening incident that allegedly took place March 5 at Silver Bluff Elementary School in Coconut Grove. According to an arrest report, Mena was teaching math to a kindergarten class when the victim, a young girl, became stymied by the material. In his frustration, according to the Miami Dade School Police, Mena dug his fingernails deeply into the child's hand and calf, breaking the skin and leaving marks. The reports states that Mena later admitted to the incident in a letter penned to the principal of the school. According to the 25-year-old's written confession, cited by NBC Miami, he injured his student because ‘for some reason,’ he had the urge to see her cry. He reportedly wrote that instead of resisting that violent urge, he decided to 'go with it.' Mena added that the child in question was too ‘sensitive,’ and he thought that inflicting pain on her might ‘toughen’ her up. Place of learning: On March 5, Mena was teaching math to a kindergarten class at Silver Bluff Elementary School in Coconut Grove, Florida, when he became frustrated that one of the students was not grasping the material . But in the end, he admitted that he hurt her to ‘plainly satisfy an ugly pleasure.’ Once the deed was done, the 25-year-old educator said he felt no emotion and no regret, reported WSVN. ‘Knowing myself and who I truly am deep down I’m just shocked thinking that I actually did this!’ he reportedly stated, according to Miami Herald. When questioned by police, Mena allegedly admitted that he wanted to take advantage of the kindergartner while she was at her lowest, and that he desired to 'punish her' and 'put her down further.' The Miami-Dade School District released a statement saying that Mena has been removed from the classroom, terminated and banned from ever working for the district again. Vicious: Mena confessed in a letter that he got the uncontrollable urge to see the child cry and put her down . Mena has been charged with felony aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm. He is being held on $10,000 bond. A judge has issued a stay away order to keep the disgraced teacher from the victim. In a social media post from 2014, Mena was described as a first-year teacher. According to his online presence, Mena has been splitting his time between teaching kindergarten and pursuing a career in hip hop.

Summary: Miami teacher Frederick Mena, 25, charged with aggravated child abuse . He penned a confession letter saying he became frustrated with the victim in class and wanted to 'punish her' and 'put her down' Mena claimed he thought hurting the child would 'toughen' her up and later felt no regret .


Children aged 11 were given a homework sheet on terrorism which asked them to describe 'Palestinian terrorist activities' and posed questions about al-Qaeda and Hamas. The document was given to pupils at New Stevenston Primary, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire and also included a cartoon image of an explosion. Parents spoke of their shock after images of the question sheet were circulated online after it was discovered. Pupils in Larnarkshire, aged seven, were given this homework sheet which asks them about terrorism, poses questions about the IRA and Hamas and included a cartoon bomb. The council said it is obsolete . The council claimed the homework sheet is obsolete and was given to pupils by accident. It is understood the authority realised it had been distributed in error before children completed any answers on the form. Youngsters who received the homework sheet were asked: 'Palestinians feel that they have the RIGHT to use terrorism against the Israelis. 'Give TWO reasons why they feel this. Use the information to help you. 'Describe two examples of Palestinian terrorist activities.' Beneath the text was a cartoon-like drawing of an explosion. It asks: 'Which of the following are TWO of the main terrorist groups in Northern Ireland? Al-Qaeda, IRA, HAMAS, UDA.' It then asks pupils: 'Match the name of LOYALIST or REPUBLICAN to the correct description of the group's aim. 'This group want N.Ireland to remain a part of the UK. Children receiving the homework sheet were asked to talk about terrorist groups in Northern Ireland . 'This group wants N. Ireland to be united with the rest of Ireland.' The UDA entered a ceasefire - officially ending its armed campaign in Northern Ireland - in November 2007. The IRA - a name given to numerous separate republican groups - similarly has been on ceasefire since 1997. The council insisted the sheet was 'obsolete' and said it was making sure all copies were withdrawn from circulation. Images of the homework - titled 'Terrorism and Terror - Case Study: Separatists' have appeared online. New Stevenston Primary School in Motherwell gave out the homework sheet to its young pupils at the school . The person who posted the image on social media - known as Sher-Locked3 - wrote: 'These are actual homework questions given to children in New Stevenston Primary School as part of their curriculum. 'It's definitely not good, it's factually incorrect and divisive. Anyone with an ounce of intellect knows that.' Sher-Locked3 added: 'I did not take the picture nor do I have a child at the school. Which of the following are TWO of the main terrorist groups in Northern Ireland? Al-Qaeda, IRA, HAMAS, UDA . Match the name of LOYALIST or REPUBLICAN to the correct description of the group's aim. 'This group want N.Ireland to remain a part of the UK. 'This group wants N. Ireland to be united with the rest of Ireland.' 'Palestinians feel that they have the RIGHT to use terrorism against the Israelis. Give TWO reasons why they feel this. Use the information to help you. Describe two examples of Palestinian terrorist

Summary: Children, 11, given a homework sheet asking about Palestinian terrorism . Sheet included bomb cartoon and questions about Hamas and al-Qaeda . It asks which are two main terrorist groups operating in Northern Ireland? Sheet given to pupils at primary school in Motherwell, North Lankarshire . It was posted on the internet and branded 'shocking' by campaigners . North Lanarkshire council said it was a mistake and sheet is now obsolete . Council is contacting all local schools to request they do not use it . It is believed homework sheet was given out to pupils by accident .


Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan side crashed to a home defeat after Chelsea loan man Mohamed Salah sealed all three points for Fiorentina at the San Siro. Both sides were in form and full of confidence after progressing to the Europa League round of 16 midweek, and Inter in particular after winning their past three league matches. But they were undone in front of their own supporters thanks to the winger. Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the winner for Fiorentina on Sunday . The winger smashed home from close range 10 minutes after the interval to make it 1-0 . Salah (third right) celebrates with his team-mates after giving Fiorentina an all-important lead . Salah scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes into the second half, following up after Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic fumbled at Manuel Pasqual's cross and only succeeded in parrying it straight to the feet of the Egypt international. It was Salah's third goal in four Serie A matches since joining Fiorentina from the Blues, also netting against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Inter, who had earlier hit the post through Fredy Guarin, went close to equalising on several occasions. They weren’t able to make their numerical advantage count, however, after Fiorentina ended the game with nine men after Nenad Tomovic and Stefan Savic were both stretchered off with injuries. Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini issues instructions during the first half of Sunday's clash . Nenad Tomovic is carried off on a stretcher for the visitors in the second half . The visitors ran towards the supporters to celebrate the impressive 1-0 win .

Summary: Fiorentina beat Inter Milan 1-0 at the San Siro on Sunday . Mohamed Salah's second-half goal was enough to earn Fiorentina victory . The Chelsea loanee has three goals in four games for the Serie A side .


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger returns to familiar surroundings on Tuesday night although it's a long, long time since he was in the Stade Louis II. Wenger managed Monaco between 1987 and 1994 - landing the Ligue 1 title in his first season and adding the French Cup a few years later - and his old club stand between the Gunners and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The team from the principality lead 3-1 after storming the Emirates three weeks ago and with the second leg set up to be a cracker, we've produced this picture special to mark the occasion and celebrate the early days of Wenger's career as a boss. Monaco was Wenger's second club after a three-year spell at Nancy. He also managed Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan after Monaco and moved to Arsenal in 1996. Arsene Wenger got off to a flyer as Monaco manager, winning the Ligue 1 title in 1988 to put the lid on a fine first season . Wenger worked with some huge names in Monaco and is pictured giving instructions to Jurgen Klinsmann who played there from 1992-94 . English pair Mark Hateley (left) and Glenn Hoddle arrived at Monaco in 1987 . Wenger has Luc Sonor (left) on one side and Roger Mendy on the other as he takes his players on a jog during a 1991 training session . Wenger was in charge when Belgian playmaker Enzo Scifo joined Monaco from Italian outfit Torino - he won the title in 1997 after Wenger left . Wenger was hoisted high after guiding Monaco to the French Cup in 1991 - they beat Marseille 1-0 at the Parc des Princes in Paris . Wenger puts his players through their paces - making full use of the security barriers in the Stade Louis II in 1992 . This one goes back a bit - it's Wenger playing AGAINST Monaco for Strasbourg during a league game in 1978 . Monaco's training sessions were not always full pelt as Wenger takes a breather during a session in 1990 . Midfielder Marcel Dib hugs Wenger after Monaco made the final of the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup by beating Feyenoord on away goals . Wenger kitted out for sessions in charge of his Monaco players - that adidas gear (right) goes down a storm now with lovers of all things retro . It would be fair to say Wenger had some hair-raising moments during his time at Monaco - if this picture from 1987 is anything to go by . Wenger with Johan Cruyff - the Dutch legend was manager of Barcelona when the current Gunners boss was in charge of Monaco . Wenger's assistant Jean Petit was well named when sitting next to his boss in the Monaco dugout. Purple shell suits? Definitely 1989 . This was Wenger during his first match in European competition as Monaco manager - a victory over Valur Reykjavik in 1988 . VIDEO 'We can do it' says Wenger ahead of Monaco crunch match .

Summary: Arsene Wenger goes back to the club he managed from 1987 until 1994 . Wenger's Arsenal side face Monaco with a place in the quarter-final of the Champions League at stake . The Gunners go in to the clash at the Stade Louis II trailing 3-1 from the first leg in north London . It will be Wenger's first time at the Stade Louis as an opposition manager . He won the Ligue 1 title during his first season there and added the French Cup in 1991 . Read: Wenger is one of the greatest ever managers but Champions League failures leave a big gap on his CV . CLICK HERE to follow the Monaco vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League action live!


It's been three weeks since Dan Osborne was heard threatening to stab his ex-girlfriend - and the mother of his one-year-old son Teddy - Megan Tomlin in an audio recording. But a second audio, handed over by Megan, 23, this week and released by The Sun On Sunday, hears the 23-year-old TOWIE star make another expletive-laden rant, threatening to end her life. Dan, who was arrested but released by Essex Police without charge after the last incident, also refers to his second child Ella, born last month with Jacqueline Jossa, as a 'mistake.' Scroll down for video . Recorded: A second audio recording has been released which hears TOWIE star Dan Osborne threatening his ex-girlfriend, and the mother of his child Teddy, during an expletive rant . Dan and Megan split in April 2013, shortly after the birth of Teddy, and the reality TV star then started dating EastEnders actress Jacqueline before announcing they were pregnant in August 2014. Now though, an audio-taped recording - heard by MailOnline and allegedly secretly taken by Megan last November at her home in front of their young son - sees Dan refer to her as his 'property' and threaten her if she moves on with another man. He is heard saying: 'I swear on this boy’s life I will end your f****** life if you shag another man. Never in your f****** life are you going to be with another man. I can swear on my son’s life.' Split: Dan Osborne and ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin split in Aprul 2013 and have a one-year-old son together Teddy . 'Shut your f****** mouth you f****** c***. If you go near another man I promise you I will stab you in the f****** throat.' Dan made similar threats of physical violence in the first tape released earlier this month but in this latest release Megan can be heard exclaiming, 'Ow, get off me!' and tells Dan to stop 'hitting' her until she seems distressed and in tears. There is no proof that Dan actually hits Megan in the recording. After asking him to leave her house, he admits, 'Yes I am horrible when you go on about other men' telling her that as long as they have a son together, Megan is his 'property' Bouncing back: Following the release of the first audio recording, in which Dan was heard denying he was dating current girlfriend and the mother of his second child Jacqueline Jossa, Dan is now back in his relationship and expected back on TOWIE . Throwback: Megan and Dan are now the parents of Teddy, who is one year old . Dan can be heard telling Megan that she can't get a new boyfriend even though he's made another girl pregnant because that was a 'mistake' and he didn't 'mean' to get 22-year-old Jacqueline pregnant. Megan tells him that it's laughable because having a child doesn't get more permanent but he says things would be different if he 'actually wanted a family with [Jacqueline]' or if he was going to 'propose' to her. 'I don't care.

Summary: Second audio-taped expletive rant released by ex Megan Tomlin . TOWIE's Dan threatens to 'end' Megan and any man she sleeps with . Swears on one-year-old son Teddy's life (his child with Megan) that she will never be with another man . Was previously arrested and released without charge for first video rant .


The captain of the Germanwings plane which crashed into the Alps tried to break down the cockpit door with an crowbar after his co-pilot locked him out, it emerged on Friday. Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz is believed to have deliberately flown the Airbus A320 into the side of a mountain after locking the captain out of the cockpit, killing himself and all 149 others on board. The flight recorder showed that Patrick Sonderheimer repeatedly knocked on the door of the cockpit as the plane began to descend. But he resorted to using a crowbar to try and get through the armoured panel as the plane plunged fatally towards the Alps. Scroll down for video . French prosecutor Brice Robin sensationally reveals that the co-pilot of the doomed Germanwings Airbus A320 locked his captain out of the cockpit before deliberately crashing into a mountain to 'destroy the plane' Audio taken from the black box voice recorder (pictured) salvaged from the obliterated wreckage of the Airbus A320 reveals that co-pilot - 28-year-old German Andreas Lubitz - locked the captain out of the cockpit . First picture: Germanwings co-pilot - 28-year-old German Andreas Günter Lubitz (above) - deliberately crashed into a mountain to 'destroy the plane', it has been revealed . Rescue workers sift through the wreckage of Germanwings Airbus A320 which was deliberately flown into the French Alps . German newspaper Bild yesterday reported that he had attempted to use an axe, and a Germanwings spokesman confirmed that such a tool was on board the aircraft. But it emerged last night that the only axe on the plane would have been in the cockpit, meaning it was out of reach of the captain. The latest revelation came after the final moments of the flight, were described in horrific detail by Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin. Data extracted from the black box recorder shows that co-pilot - 28-year-old German Andreas Lubitz - locked the captain out of the cockpit and intentionally destroyed Airbus A320 on Tuesday. Mr Brice said: 'The intention was to destroy the plane. Death was instant. The plane hit the mountain at 700kmh (430mph). 'I don't think that the passengers realised what was happening until the last moments because on the recording you only hear the screams in the final seconds'. Mr Brice said that earlier in the flight Lubitz's responses, initially courteous, became 'curt' when the captain began the mid-flight briefing on the planned landing of the plane. The captain - named by local media as German father-of-two Patrick Sonderheimer - then left the cockpit but found himself locked out when he tried to re-enter. Mr Robin said: 'We hear the pilot asking the co-pilot to take over and we hear the sound of a chair being pushed back and a door closing so we assume that the captain went to the toilet or something. 'So the co-pilot is on his own, and it is while he's on his own that the co-pilot is in charge of the plane and uses the flight management system to start the descent of the plane. 'At

Summary: Black box voice recorder reveals chilling final moments of Airbus A320 . Passengers are heard screaming just moments before the plane crashes . Black box recorded co-pilot breathing calmly as he smashed jet into Alps . Prosecutor: 'The intention was to destroy the plane. Death was instant' Co-pilot was named today as 28-year-old German Andreas Günter Lubitz .


Between commuting time and work hours, New York City residents have the longest work weeks among the country's 30 biggest cities, city Comptroller Scott Stringer said in a report released Tuesday. The report said a typical week for a full-time New York worker adds up to more than 49 hours, including an average of more than six hours of commuting time. That was more than four hours longer than in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the average work week was about 44 1/2 hours. Commuting time made up just under 3 1/2 hours of that. The report was based on data from the U.S. Census from 1990 and 2000 and the 2013 American Community Survey. Busy schedules: The report said a typical week for a full-time New York worker adds up to more than 49 hours, including an average of more than six hours of commuting time. Commuters are seen in New York in 2014 . Research: New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released the findings in a report on Tuesday. Stringer is seen here in this March 5, 2015 file photo . Stringer said commuting times were longer for lower-wage workers, who were more likely than higher-wage workers to live in parts of the city that aren't as well-served by public transportation. Security guards, for example, on average spent more than eight hours a week commuting. 'Nursing and home health aides and maids and housekeepers also report long commutes, while chief executives, taxi drivers and physicians and surgeons report the shortest commutes,' the report said. In a statement, Stringer said 'New York is America’s hardest working city, but it’s a one-two punch for lower wage workers, who get paid less and travel longer to get to work. 'This means employees in the Big Apple get paid less than it appears on an hourly basis, because their commutes are significantly greater than anyone else in the country.' The report found that 'In New York City, workers in the finance sector, on average, work the longest workweeks. With usual work schedules topping 47 hours, New York City financial workers spend, on average, almost four hours more per week working than do their counterparts in other large cities.' It also said that workers in advertising, media, computer, legal services, arts and entertainment, food service, and retail trade have longer hours compared to people with jobs in those industries in other major US cities. 'But longer workweeks are not characteristic of all New York City industries,' the report said. City workers in manufacturing, real estate, and health care, for example, work fewer hours in a typical week than do workers in those industries in other large cities.' Stringer said the report showed a need for the city to expand its transit networks, as well as promote flexible work arrangements along with predictable scheduling. 'If New York City is going to symbolize the American Dream, we can’t be a nightmare when it comes to long work hours and commuting,' Stringer said in the statement. 'Our residents deserve better.' Long day: Though New York workers have an average work

Summary: New York City residents have the longest work weeks among the country's 30 biggest cities, city Comptroller Scott Stringer said in a Tuesday report . A typical week for a full-time New York worker adds up to more than 49 hours, including an average of more than six hours of commuting time . That was more than four hours longer than in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the average work week was about 44 1/2 hours .


Martin Atkinson performed well in varying circumstances in this intriguing battle; there was not so much to do in the first half but the opposite in the second period. He used his experience and common sense whenever he could to ensure that his was a positive influence on the game and did well not to let the emotion of the crowd influence his decision making. The biggest call of the game was the clearest – once it became clear that both Atkinson and his assistant had seen Steven Gerrard’s stamp on Ander Herrera there could only be one outcome. Steven Gerrard can't believe it after being sent off for a reckless stamp on United's Ander Herrera at Anfield . Juan Mata (top) was on the receiving end of Gerrard's first robust challenge after coming onto the pitch . Here is the stamp from Gerrard on Herrera after both players had competed for the ball . Gerrard accepted the decision to send him off after he had only been on the field for just over 30 seconds in a post-match interview. Atkinson did not let Herrera escape as he cautioned him for the late challenge which provoked Gerrard’s retaliation. Atkinson was always going to come under pressure from Liverpool players and fans to ‘level things up’ and there were opportunities to do that the most notable 10 minutes later when Phil Jones mistimed a strong challenge on Jordan Henderson. The incident was merely a poorly timed tackle and I thought that a yellow card was appropriate but Jones could just have easily seen red. Late in the game Liverpool fans screamed for Wayne Rooney to be sanctioned when he caught Simon Mignolet but he had been blocked off by Martin Skrtel and that caused the collision. Liverpool could easily have lost a second player at the very end of the game when Skrtel followed through on David De Gea but Atkinson showed a consistent approach and let the game end in a deserved away win. GIUSEPPE LORENZO 1990 At 10 seconds, believed to be the fastest red card in professional football. The Bologna man was sent off for hitting an opponent. KEVIN PRESSMAN 2000 The goalkeeper was sent off for handling outside the area in Sheffield Wednesday’s opening game of the season against Wolves after 13 seconds — a British record. The referee shows the red card to Sheffield Wednesday's goalkeeper Kevin Pressman after 15 seconds . KEITH GILLESPIE 2007 With the ball out for a throw, the Sheffield United man came on, elbowed Reading’s Stephen Hunt and was sent off before play even re-started. Sheffield United's Keith Gillespie is sent from the pitch after receiving a red card. P.S. Amateur player Lee Todd saw red for foul language after just two seconds in a Sunday League game in 2000. After the referee blew his whistle, Todd said: ‘F*** me, that was loud’ and was promptly sent off. Gerrard clearly puts all his downwards force into Herrera's right leg after the pair collided . Steven Gerrard is shown the red card by referee

Summary: Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard sent off for stamp on Ander Herrera . Gerrard started the second-half having begun the match on the bench . Martin Atkinson sent Gerrard off after just 38 seconds of the second-half .


Hillary Clinton is not the only political heavyweight who used her personal email to discuss government affairs while in office. Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida who is considering a run for president, used his private account while he was in office to discuss a variety of topics. These included 'security and military issues such as troop deployments to the Middle East and the protection of nuclear plants.' Scroll down for video . Jeb Bush (above), the former governor of Florida who is considering a run for president, used his private account while he was in office to discuss a variety of topics . Bush (above with his family at Camp David in 2008) discussed 'security and military issues such as troop deployments to the Middle East and the protection of nuclear plants' The Washington Post reports that these emails also included 'two series of exchanges involving details of Florida National Guard troop deployments after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.' Bush aides told the paper that none of the emails contained classified information and that most of the information was already public knowledge. This comes just over a week after Bush publicly attacked Clinton for using her personal email while serving as Secretary of State. 'For security purposes, you need to be behind a firewall that recognizes the world for what it is, and it’s a dangerous world, and security would mean that you couldn’t have a private server,' said Bush in an interview with Radio Iowa. 'It’s a little baffling, to be honest with you, that didn’t come up in Secretary Clinton’s thought process.' Communications director Tim Miller said of this new report; 'This Democrat opposition research dump of a few innocuous e-mails that Gov. Bush voluntarily posted on a Web site only highlights how large the gap is between him and Clinton in the area of transparency.' This news comes just one week after Bush attacked Hillary Clinton (above) for using her personal email while Secretary of State . Johannes Ullrich, a cybersecurity expert, outlines the problem however with using a personal account, which is far easier to get in to for a hacker. 'The bigger issue here is, what else can an attacker do?' he said. 'Now I may be able to penetrate a National Guard commander’s laptop by infecting it or by impersonating Jeb Bush’s account. . . . Now you may even be able to give the order to remove troops or change deployments.' The Democratic National Committee said they still have questions for Bush, with spokeswoman Holly Shulman saying; 'The GOP presidential hopefuls’ attacks on this issue are completely disingenuous, and there are still a litany of questions Republicans need to answer, like what e-mails has Jeb Bush not turned over?'

Summary: Jeb Bush used his private account while he was governor of Florida to discuss a variety of topics . These included 'security and military issues such as troop deployments to the Middle East and the protection of nuclear plants' This news comes just one week after he attacked Hillary Clinton for using her personal email while Secretary of State .


L'equipe are reporting that Paris Saint-Germain have identified Manchester United's Angel di Maria and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as their two main transfer targets. The French paper also reports that Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, Ligue 1's top scorer with 23 goals so far this season, is also on the shortlist of the reigning French champions. Di Maria has endured an inconsistent first season at Old Trafford since switching to Manchester United in a £59.7million move from Real Madrid in August. L'equipe report that Paris Saint-Germain will target Manchester United's Angel di Maria (right) in the summer . Di Maria has endured an inconsistent debut season at United since moving from Real Madrid . Di Maria (right) has only shown glimpses of the skill that persuaded United to pay nearly £60million for him . The Argentina international started strongly under Louis van Gaal but has found starting opportunities limited lately and was sent off in United's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal for pushing referee Michael Oliver in March. As for Pogba, the France midfielder is one of the most coveted players in Europe. He has been instrumental in helping Juventus establish a 14-point advantage at the summit of Serie A, while helping his side into the quarter-final of the Champions League, where they will meet Monaco. The 22-year-old, who was on United's books, has been linked with a move to Madrid but PSG could try to edge ahead of their European rivals with a big money offer to take Pogba back to France. Lacazette, meanwhile, has spearheaded Lyon's assault on the top of Ligue 1 and the club only trail PSG by a point in the table with 30 games played. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly caught the eye of Europe's top clubs with his displays . Pogba (centre) has been essential to Juventus as they have moved 14-points clear atop Serie A . Alexandre Lacazette has scored 23 goals for Lyon and is the top scorer in Ligue 1 . If Laurent Blanc managed to snare the league's top-scorer from his title rivals, it could be a coup that would be equal in importance as any potential arrival of Di Maria and Pogba. Lacazette has undoubted scoring pedigree in France and would strengthen PSG's attack while simultaneously denting Lyon's. PSG were shackled by Financial Fair Play restrictions last summer but Blanc clearly wants to bring at least one star name to the Parc des Princes this year.

Summary: L'equipe report that PSG target three major stars to join in the summer . Angel di Maria and Paul Pogba could both be targeted by the club . Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, Ligue 1's top scorer, is also wanted .


A woman who spent the money she had saved for fertility treatment on a diet instead, says she has 'never been happier'. Natalie Southerden, 31, who lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire, blew £4,000 on a weight loss regime that originally put aside for fertility treatment after failing to become pregnant. In five months she transformed herself from a size 22 to a size 12/14 by losing six and a half stone and now hopes to become pregnant naturally. Scroll down for video . Natalie Southerden, 31, from Halifax, has lost more than six stone and dropped five dress sizes, after spending the £4,000 she saved for fertility treatment on a weight loss scheme (Pictured left: before and right: after the diet) Natalie's decision to lose weight was triggered by a humiliating, five-minute interview with her GP after a year of trying to conceive with husband John, 41, a music teacher who she met eight years ago. She said: 'The GP was horrible. He said he would not send me for any tests -he just took my hand and said "well you are very overweight, aren’t you?" 'I felt patronised. I knew I was overweight but I didn’t expect him to refuse to do anything for me at all.' She continued: 'I was told to go away and come back when I had lost three stone.' Natalie felt she had reached a low point in life but now admits that day was the trigger for her amazing transformation. She said: 'I felt so upset and angry, I hate going to the doctors and really had to gear myself up to go there in the first place.' Followers of the Alevere regime eat five meal replacements a day as well as three low calorie meals made with normal food. They also have skin tightening treatments to stop their skin sagging from the rapid weight loss . Natalie was a size 22 and weighed 18 and a half stone, despite being a top martial artist, practising Taekwondo regularly for 14 years, and even winning the English championship in her category. She said: 'We were fit and healthy and I felt I deserved to be tested to rule out any underlying conditions that we were unaware of, and treated with more respect. 'But I also really want to have children, so I decided I would so something about it.' Natalie initially tried a weekly slimming group and lost a stone - but it took her eight long months. She said: 'I worked out that if I carried on at that rate I would be 35 or 36 before I could conceive. 'My husband is ten years older than me so I decided I didn’t have that much time.' So Natalie made the decision to spend the £4,000 the couple had saved in case they needed fertility treatment on a new diet regime - and five months later she is a svelte size 12-14 after losing a total of six and a half stone. Natalie lost 11lb in the first week of her new weight loss regime.

Summary: Natalie Southernden, 31, blew fertility treatment savings on a £4,000 diet . She lost six stone in just five months using Alevere Weight Reduction plan . Natalie now hopes to get pregnant naturally after dropping five dress sizes .


Decorated: Andrew Seif was named Marine of the Year in 2013 and was awarded the Silver Star Medal at a ceremony last week . The Black Hawk helicopter that crashed in dense fog during a training mission in Florida was carrying seven Marines from Special Operations Command forces based in North Carolina, and four National Guard soldiers from Louisiana. All are presumed dead. More bad weather Thursday prevented the recovery of bodies and the flight recorder from wreckage 25 feet deep. At least three Marines from Michigan could be among the 11 who were killed. While the military has not officially released any names, local sources and family members have told local news outlets about loved ones that were on the doomed copter. Marine Andrew Seif was one of the eleven who lost his life. He's credited with risking his life to save a wounded team member while both faced heavy enemy fire during a 2012 deployment to Afghanistan. Seif, 27, is a critical skills operator with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command. He was named Marine of the Year in 2013 and was awarded the Silver Star Medal at a ceremony last week. Seif was recognized for aiding a wounded team member while coming under enemy fire in Afghanistan in 2012. The best: Sgt Andrew Seif, 27, was a critical skills operator with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command. He is pictured right with his wife Dawn . Dreams dashed: Bawol was set to get married to Erika Lynn Hipple in October. Another Marine, Andrew Seif was to be his best man. He was also killed in the crash . Killed: Marcus Bawol, 27, lived in Warren, Michigan. His family confirmed he's among the dead . Marcus Bawol, of Warren was also on the helicopter. Bawol 'loved everything about the military,' said his sister, Brandy Peek. 'He couldn't wait to join. He wanted to fight for our country and was always striving to be the best Marine he could be.' The 27-year-old graduated in 2006 from Warren Mott High School. Bawol played baseball and football and was a member of the school's swim team, according to district Superintendent Robert Livernois. Bawol attended Olivet College for a year, where he was a catcher on the baseball team. He had planned to marry his fiancée in October, Peek said. On Thursday, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts ordered flags in the city, just north of Detroit, flown at half-staff. Kerry Kemp was the proud father of a baby just shy of her first birthday and loved horsing around with his nephews. 'He would wrestle with them. He really got into that, the wrestling and playing. He'd carry them around on his back,' said his sister-in-law, Lora Waraksa. He was a 'proud Marine, a loving husband and most wonderful father,' she said. He also loved golfing and the ocean - he often took his nephews out to hunt for sea shells. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Lost: Kemp met his

Summary: Sgt. Andrew Seif is a highly-decorated member of the Marine Corps . On Friday, he was awarded the Silver Star -- the military's third-highest award for valor . One of the Marines killed was Kerry Kemp from Wisconsin . Another victim was Marcus Bawol, 27, from Warren, Michigan near Detroit . Trevor Blaylock from Michigan also lost his life . Military have not yet revealed the cause of the crash .


A family butcher in the Scottish borders has come up with a new way to eat Creme Eggs - inside a Scotch egg. Greig Foston and Benjamin Webb say their snack contains 1,000 calories - and is best served warm so the chocolate melts with the chilli-flavoured pork. Foston's Fine Meats in the village of Duns, Berwickshire, Scotland, is now even planning to sell mini egg sausages to add to shop's Easter offering. Foston's Fine Meats has created an unusual offering for Easter; their deluxe Creme Egg Scotch egg . Butcher Greig Foston has outdone the battered Mars Bar by creating the 1,000 calorie egg . And for for just £1.85 you too could could enjoy the Cadbury's Creme Egg surrounded by chilli flavoured sausage meat and covered in breadcrumbs. Butcher Greig Foston explained: 'We always try to think up something new and exciting for the time of year - we try to get our thinking caps on.' The 36-year-old continued: 'We came up with the sweet chilli in the sausage meat and the egg in the middle.' Asked what people think of his latest culinary creation Mr Foston said:'It's pretty spilt.' However locals seem keen to try something new. 'We made up a batch at the weekend,' he said, 'just to see what demand was like, and it sold out pretty quickly.' He said around 75 per cent of the school children who come to the shop gave it the thumbs-up. Butcher Greig Foston who has created a deluxe 'creme egg scotch egg' for Easter at Fostons Fine Meats pictured with co-creator Benjamin Webb and colleague Ruth McIntosh. The egg is best served warm so the chocolate melts with the chilli-flavoured pork . But the madcap meat-sellers are not resting on their laurels, and are working on a smaller version using a Mini Egg. Mr Foston said: 'We've got another idea - Mini Egg sausages. Pork sausage with whole Mini Eggs - the little ones coated in sugar. 'That would work well, I think, with plain sausage meat, and letting the chocolate melt inside the sugar casings of the egg,' he continued. He said a cracked black pepper and strawberry sausage produced to mark Wimbledon was also a great success. If you don't have the time to make chocolate from scratch, you can simply melt down any chocolate bar you have to make your own eggs. Once your chocolate is melted, it will need to be tempered. The cooling down process will take some time but if you want to hurry things along, just pop your chocolate into the freezer (no longer than 30 seconds). Place a stainless steel bowl over a bowl of hot water and add half of your chocolate to it. Keep aside the a quarter of the amount for the last bit of the process. Stir your chocolate so it melts - and remember to check the temperature. Bittersweet/ dark chocolate should reach a temperature of 28C-29C; milk chocolate should reach 27C-28C; and white or coloured chocolate should reach 26C-27C. Once the first batch has melted, add

Summary: Bizarre snack is on offer at Foston's Fine Meats in Duns, Berwickshire . The £1.85 egg is encased in chilli pork and coated in breadcrumbs . Family butcher plans to offer mini-egg sausages over Easter period .


A woman with a prosthetic leg is fighting back after a neighbor left a scathing note on her car when she complained they had parked in her reserved space. Ashley Brady, 26, has had to learn how to walk again after losing her right leg in an accident last summer and during the recent snowstorm, she struggled to cross the parking lot. So her apartment complex in Miamisburg, Ohio created a handicapped parking spot at the bottom of the steps to her home. But on Saturday, two days after the spot was designated for handicapped people only, she found another car there with no placard displayed in its window, WKEF reported. Shock: Ashley Brady, who lost her leg in an accident last year, found a threatening note beneath her windshield after she complained to a neighbor that they had parked in her disabled parking spot . Cruel: The note, which called her 'Handicap', told Brady to keep her hands off the person's car . So she left a note pointing out the error and warning the driver that their car would be towed if they left it there again. She was stunned when she found a note under her own windshield. 'Hey handicap! First, never place your hands on my car again! Second, honey you ain't the only one with "struggles." You want pity go to a one leg support group! You messed with the wrong one! I don't care what your note said shove it, but you touch my car again I will file a report, I am not playing! I let the office know the cry baby one leg touches my property I will cause trouble so go cry your struggles to someone who cares cause I'm walking away with both mine! - B****.' 'Hey handicap!' it read. 'First, you never place your hands on my car again! Second, honey you ain't the only one with "struggles".' The letter instructed Brady to go to 'a one leg support group' if she wanted pity and warned that the police would be contacted if Brady touched her car again. 'I let the office know the cry baby one leg touches my property I will cause trouble so go cry your struggles to someone who cares cause I'm walking away with both mine!' the letter read. Brady said she was so shocked by how rude the note was that she had to read it several times to process it. Her sister then posted a picture of the note to Facebook to highlight the struggles faced by people with disabilities and it has since been shared more than 1,600 times. Life-changing: Brady said she was relieved to get her own space because of the recent icy weather . New life: Brady shows her prosthetic, which has helped her walk again after losing her leg last summer . On the Facebook post, hundreds of people have given their support to Brady, calling for the writer of the note to be reported to the police or have their car towed. Brady quipped: 'She told me to

Summary: Ashley Brady, from Ohio, lost her leg after an accident last summer . She was overjoyed when a disabled parking spot was added to her apartment complex's parking lot last week . A car parked there without a placard so she left a note pointing out the error - and got a scathing note in return, starting: 'Hi Handicap' The note told her to go to a 'one leg support group' if she wanted pity and threatened to call police if she touched the car again . But Brady is now the one who has gone to police over the note .


South Africa skipper AB de Villiers' accomplished showing with bat and ball helped the Proteas to a 146-run World Cup victory over the United Arab Emirates in Wellington. De Villiers underpinned South Africa's innings with a sparkling 82-ball 99 as they reached 341 for six, before taking two for 15 from three overs as the UAE were bowled out for 195 in response with 15 balls remaining. De Villiers surprisingly fell one run short of his century, but will take consolation from having smashed four sixes to take his total to 20 at this showpiece - the most at the tournament - and a record 36 in 21 World Cup matches overall. South Africa captain AB de Villiers (right) inspired his country to a comfortable win against the UAE . The explosive batsman hit 99 for the Proteas as they continued they impressive form in the World Cup . De Villers also took two wickets with the ball at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Thursday . The victory was as comfortable as the margin suggests for South Africa as the UAE slumped to a fifth defeat in as many World Cup games. The Proteas, already through to the knockout phase, set the formidable target after being asked to bat first at Westpac Stadium. De Villiers shared a 108-run fourth-wicket stand with David Miller, after Hashim Amla (12), Quinton de Kock (26) and Rilee Rossouw (43) had departed, and added a further 53 in partnership with JP Duminy. Miller was dismissed one run short of his half-century at the start of the 37th over, bowled by Mohammad Naveed, who claimed figures of three for 63. De Villiers had been let off the hook on 63 when he offered a caught-and-bowled chance trying to go down the ground to Amjad Javed, and looked set to notch his hundred only to slice a wide length ball from Kamran Shazad straight to Javed at short third man. His departure signalled the arrival of Farhaan Behardien, though, and his quick-fire 64 not out from just 31 deliveries kept the South African score racing along. Farhaan Bahardien also shone for South Africa with the bat in Wellington . UAE have lost all five of their World Cup games so far this year and were 45-3 after 12.3 overs . Duminy (23) became Naveed's third victim when he was trapped lbw, but Behardien and Vernon Philander (10 not out) took the total past 300 in an unbroken 49-run seventh-wicket stand. The UAE's long-shot chances of chasing down that total were dealt a heavy blow as they slumped to 45 for three after just 12.3 overs. Morne Morkel led the early charge for the Proteas, dismissing Andri Berenger (five) and Khurram Khan (12) as he took two for four from his first four overs, while Duminy claimed Amjad Ali's (21) wicket in between. Shaiman Anwar and Swapnil Patil put on 63 in a fourth-wicket stand that provided a brief respite, but when Anwar (39) sent Imran Tahir's delivery straight to mid-wicket they began to tumble again. Saqlain Haider (seven) replaced

Summary: South Africa reach 341 for six off their 50 overs in Wellington . Proteas had already sealed qualification for the next round at World Cup . AB de Villiers hits 99 and takes two wickets in comfortable victory .


Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez's fiancée took the stand in his murder trial on Friday as a key witness who was granted immunity after charges she initially lied to a grand jury investigating the case. Shayanna Jenkins, 25, was seen entering the Fall River court in Massachusetts on Friday accompanied by her lawyer and wearing her large diamond engagement ring. She told the jury that Hernandez was intoxicated and had smoked marijuana in the hours before the slaying of her sister's boyfriend, Odin Lloyd. Jenkins said she watched her partner leave their home with alleged accomplices, Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace, on the night of the June 2013 murder. Jenkins also told jurors that she found a handgun in a kitchen 'junk' drawer before the June 17 murder of Lloyd, who was also her sister Shaneah's boyfriend. When she woke the following morning, her fiancée was not in their bedroom and she did not see him for several hours - but when she did, Hernandez was acting 'normal'. Scroll down for video . Shayanna Jenkins, fiancee of former New England Patriots football player Aaron Hernandez, testifies during his murder trial on Friday. Here, she demonstrated the length of the gun kept in their 'junk' kitchen drawer . Aaron Hernandez's fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, entered court on Friday in Massachusetts where it was expected that she would testify at his murder trial. The 25-year-old was sporting her huge engagement ring . Shayanna Jenkins' sister and the victim's girlfriend, Shaneah Jenkinds, listened to her sister describe their relationship as estranged while on the stand on Friday. Ursula Ward, the victim's mother, sits to her right . Shayanna Jenkins was granted immunity by the court in February, which meant she could be compelled to testify or face time behind bars. Jenkins cannot be charged in connection with Odin Lloyd's murder but can still face perjury charges if she is caught out lying on the stand. There had been a question about whether prosecutors would call Jenkins, who has been in a relationship with Hernandez, 25, since high school and is the mother of his two-year-old daughter. On Friday morning, she told the judge and lawyers during a session without the jury present that she had spoken with Hernandez after she found out about the murder of semiprofessional football player Lloyd. 'I asked him if he did it,' she said. 'He said ''no.''' Before Jenkins took the stand, Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh announced that a male juror had been dismissed from the case, but she didn't elaborate. He is the third juror to be dismissed from the trial. Fifteen jurors remain, and three of those will be alternates chosen randomly after closing arguments. She avoided looking at Hernandez as she testified. As she left the stand for recess, she mouthed something to him, and her face looked ashen. The 25-year-old took the stand on Friday morning, wearing a long, full pink skirt and black turtleneck sweater. Shayanna Jenkins, right, fiancee of former New England Patriots football player Aaron Hernandez, left, walks away after testifying at his murder

Summary: Shayanna Jenkins, 25, entered the Fall River court in Massachusetts on Friday morning accompanied by her lawyer . Jenkins cannot be charged in connection with Odin Lloyd's murder but can still face perjury charges if she is caught out lying on the stand. Her sister Shaneah Jenkins watched her sister testify while sitting with victim Odin Lloyd's mother and family . Shayanna said on the stand that she and her sister are 'estranged'


Sadistic ISIS fanatics are turning children into an army of hundreds of murderous monsters willing to blow themselves up, die in battle and execute hostages for their twisted cause. Extremism experts warn children are being indoctrinated and radicalised from birth, leading to a 'whole generation who will know nothing other than ISIS ideology'. Their comments follow the release of a sickening new video that purports to show a boy of about 10 years old shooting dead of a 19-year-old Israeli-Arab who was taken hostage by the terror group. Scroll down for video . Training: Video footage released by the terrorist organisation shows children carrying guns during a training session . Armed: The children learn to fire AK-47s under the guidance of Islamic State militants in an unnamed training school . Young jihadi: It seems there is no age limit to attend an Islamic State school where children are 'brainwashed' Footage purports to show the child raise his gun and aim it at Muhammad Said Ismail Musallam's forehead before shooting him at point blank range . Vile: A new video appears to show a boy of about 10 years old shoot an Islamic State hostage in the head . The footage appears to show the child, now believed to be a French citizen, raise his gun and aim it at Muhammad Said Ismail Musallam's forehead before shooting him at point blank range. The hostage seems to be shot a further three times on the ground before the boy lifts his gun to the sky in celebration, shouting 'Allahu Akbar!' and appearing to fire one final shot. The footage of a child seemingly carrying out such a brutal execution has sent shock waves around the world, but it came as no surprise to experts who have been following the brainwashing of youngsters by ISIS. Charlie Winter, a researcher at the Quilliam Foundation, a counter-extremism think tank, said: ‘It is something that has been going on for a long time now. 'It’s deeply, deeply worrying because these children are growing up without any outside influence. ‘They are kids that are being indoctrinated and radicalised from birth.' He added: ‘This is going to be a long-term problem – there is going to be a whole generation of kids in Northern Iraq and Eastern Syria who will know nothing other than Islamic State ideology. ‘I don’t think there is a choice in it for the children – they are the biggest victims in all of this.’ ‘I don’t think there is a choice in it for the children – they are the biggest victims in all of this,' said an expert . Indoctrinated: These children are learning to become Islamic State militants at a school run by the terror group . Combat training: Videos released by the group reveal the tough military training children are forced to undergo and the warped curriculum they learn in terrorist-run schools . Two boys wrestle on the floor at an Islamic State training school, where they are also taught to fire AK-47s . ISIS video claiming to show a young boy

Summary: Sickening new video appears to show a boy shooting dead an ISIS hostage . Extremism experts say children are now being indoctrinated from birth . Fears it will create 'generation who know nothing other than ISIS ideology' Videos released by militants reveal tough military training children undergo . Former child fighter was pressured into signing up for suicide missions .


Adam Johnson has been suspended by Sunderland after his arrest on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl. The 27-year-old former England winger, who earns £50,000 a week, was arrested by Durham police at his £1.85million mansion on Monday morning and later bailed. Sunderland have confirmed that Johnson, who recently became a father, will not be available for selection pending the outcome of the investigation, beginning with Tuesday’s Premier League clash at Hull. The Black Cats signed the Sunderland-born midfielder for £10m from Manchester City in 2012. Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl . Johnson (pictured playing against Switzerland in 2011) has 14 England caps to his name . The £1.85million house in the North East where Johnson was arrested on Monday . The gates at Johnson's property were shut on Monday evening following his arrest . Peterlee Police Station in County Durham where Johnson was taken after he was arrested . Johnson was released on bail on Monday night and will continue to help police with their inquiries . He has scored 20 times in 105 games for the club, including the winner at Newcastle in this season’s Tyne-Wear derby. However, he has struggled to rediscover the form which won him an England call-up in 2010. His last cap for the Three Lions came three years ago. Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before joining City in 2010, where he won a Premier League title and the FA Cup. The FA refused to comment on the arrest of the winger who has represented his country 12 times, although he failed to make the squad for the World Cup in Brazil last year. Johnson gained a reputation as a keen party-goer when he played for Manchester City five years ago. At the time, he was renting Cristiano Ronaldo’s former house near Alderley Edge and would often be seen in the village socialising with fellow players and women. ‘He liked the attention of being a well-known footballer and attracting women was not a problem,’ said one local, who did not wish to be named. ‘He would often leave his car in the village after a night out as he liked a drink and would always get a taxi home.’ Johnson pictured with his girlfriend Stacey Flounders in 2012 after Manchester City won the Premier League . Johnson has been suspended by Sunderland pending the outcome of the police investigation . But three years ago, after returning to his native North East, Johnson began dating Stacey Flounders. Miss Flounders recently posted photographs of the couple’s first child, Ayla Sofia, who was born on January 8. It was unclear if she and her daughter were at home at the time of the player’s arrest. And speaking from Miss Flounders' family home, her mother told the Daily Mirror that her daughter and Johnson were still 'very close' and 'absolutely still together'. She added: 'He is 100 per cent innocent and we will stand by him. 'He hasn't been found guilty of anything. He is a great lad

Summary: Sunderland's Adam Johnson arrested at his mansion by police on Monday . The 27-year-old subsequently released on bail . The Black Cats signed Johnson from Manchester City three years ago . The winger was arrested on suspicion of having sex with an underage girl . Sunderland suspend Johnson pending the outcome of a police investigation . Player's girlfriend to stand by him, her family insists he is '100% innocent' Gus Poyet: Johnson arrest was my toughest day in management . READ: Johnson was arrested for underage sex after 'teenager boasted about relationship and her father found out'


Oxbridge has been branded ‘institutionally racist’ and a ‘finishing school for the private school system’ by one of its own academics. The devastating criticism was delivered by Professor Diane Reay, who accused the universities of ‘accentuating elitism’ among the privileged. She added that black and white working class students were still small in number and marginalized, despite drives to attract more youngsters from poorer backgrounds. Oxbridge has been branded ‘institutionally racist’ and a ‘finishing school for the private school system’ by a Cambridge University (pictured) academic . The professor of education at Cambridge University called for further measures to ensure more students from disadvantaged backgrounds were admitted. In a report by the race relations think tank the Runnymede Trust, Professor Reay said working class students at Cambridge saw the university as a ‘a white, middle class bubble’. She said her research suggested that ‘positive discrimination’ was at work in Oxbridge, bestowing advantage on the already advantaged. Figures released last year showed Oxford has the lowest proportion of state school pupil entrants – 57.4 per cent – of any university in England, once small and specialist higher education institutions are excluded. At Cambridge, 63 per cent of undergraduates admitted were from state schools. In the Runnymede report, Aiming Higher: Race, Inequality and Diversity in the Academy, Professor Reay suggested varying success rates of different applicant groups demonstrated ‘institutional racism’. Policies such as rarely accepting candidates with less traditional qualifications, not catering for part-time students and not allowing undergraduates to work during term time effectively rule out the majority of working class and particularly black and ethnic minority candidates, she said. In 2013, 25.4 per cent of white students applying to Oxford won a place. The success rate of Bangladeshi and Pakistani students was under seven per cent, while black Caribbean students had a 14.3 per cent conversion rate and Black African students a 13 per cent success rate. The devastating criticism was delivered by Professor Diane Reay, who accused the universities of ‘accentuating elitism’ among the privileged (file picture of Oxford University) At Cambridge, black Caribbean applicants had a 24.3 per cent chance of success compared to 29 per cent for White applicants. The figure for black African students was 9.2 per cent, and Bangladeshi and Pakistani students 13.8 and 13.6 per cent respectively. She said: ‘Oxbridge remains the equivalent of a finishing school for the private school system, polishing, refining and accentuating the elitism and sense of superiority acquired in earlier schooling.’ The academic suggested that affirmative action, such as quotas for certain groups, were needed to counteract ‘the growing class and race inequalities that are pervasive across the higher education sector’. Both universities said they ‘strongly rejected’ the professor’s allegations and outlined the millions of pounds they spend on encouraging students from poor and ethnic backgrounds to apply and on supporting them once they were there. A Cambridge University spokesman said extensive efforts were made to encourage more applications from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and that such students represented 16 per cent of the intake, which is in line with

Summary: Oxbridge branded 'institutionally racist' by one of its own academics . Cambridge professor Diane Reay said universities were 'finishing schools' She says working class students are small in number and marginalised .


West Brom's Chris Brunt has requested a personal hearing after being charged by the Football Association for allegedly verbally abusing a match official. The midfielder is alleged to have used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour in the tunnel after Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter final defeat to Aston Villa. A Baggies statement published on Friday read: 'Chris Brunt has requested a personal hearing after being charged by The Football Association. Chris Brunt (right), pictured disputing a decision with Anthony Taylor, has been hit with an FA charge . Brunt has requested a personal hearing after being charged by the Football Association . 'The midfielder will continue to be available for selection, including Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke, until a date for the hearing is finalised.' Referee Anthony Taylor sent off Albion's Claudio Yacob and Villa's Jack Grealish during the game, which sent Villa through to the semi finals where they will play Blackburn or Liverpool. An FA statement on Brunt, released on Monday, said: '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.' Both Albion and Villa are also awaiting the results of FA and police investigations after crowd trouble at Villa Park where home fans twice invaded the pitch. Aston Villa fans celebrated by racing on to the pitch following their 2-0 victory over West Brom at Villa Park . Seats were thrown from the West Brom section in the North Stand into the Villa fans during the second half with boss Tony Pulis insisting anyone found guilty should be banned for life. It was the second time the teams had played each other in a week after Villa's 2-1 Premier League win.

Summary: Chris Brunt charged by the FA for allegedly verbally abusing an official . West Brom midfielder alllegedly used abusive and/or insulting words . He has requested a personal hearing following the charge .


Horses played a crucial role ferrying supplies to Australian troops during World War One and carrier pigeons kept commanders in touch with soldiers fighting on the front lines. But did you know domestic cats and dogs, kangaroos and even glow worms were enlisted by Australian troops in their efforts to win the war? New research has uncovered the extent to which a range of animals helped our troops in amazing historical photographs. Of the 130,000 horses sent to battle in WWI only one horse, named Sandy, made it back to Australian shores . Ben Mercer, Content Director at genealogy organisation Ancestry.com, said a renewed interest Australia's war-time history prompted him to start researching the role of animals in the Great War, which led him to the discovery of a rich photographic history. Mr Mercer said horses played a vital role in WWI with around 130,000 sent overseas to support Australia’s war effort. Originally intended to play a cavalry role, it was soon realised the horses were not suited to the terrain and the men would have a better chance fighting on foot. ‘The horses went from being cavalry-based to assisting with transport and communication. They became very important to moving supplies and men from behind the lines to the battlefield.’ Horses usually drink about 30 litres of water a day but when resources were stretched at the height of the the animals often went 60 hours without life-sustaining fluids while carrying over 130 kilograms each of equipment, food, water and supplies. At war's end, just one horse, named Sandy, made it back to Australian shores. The rest were put down or handed off to British units and used in Palestine. Horses usually drink about 30 litres of water a day but in the height of the war when resources were stretched, horses often went 60 hours without water carrying over 130 kilograms of equipment, food, water and supplies. Camels were also the perfect candidate for long haul trips where it was required to pull heavy loads across long distances with very little food and water . With a lack of water in the field camels were prime candidates for long haul trips where it was required to pull wounded men and heavy loads across long distances as they are genetically equipped to survive on little food and water. Man’s best friend also found his way on to the battlefield, not only as a war-time companion, but to to carry important messages and sniff out explosives or injured soldiers. Their superior strength, agility, territorial nature and trainability made them the perfect candidate for their jobs on the field. Dogs strength, agility, territorial nature and trainability gave them the edge on the battle field . ‘Very often the phone lines on the Western front would be destroyed in artillery barrages. Men who acted as runners would be shot so dogs were used when all else failed to carry those really important messages.’ Dogs became such an important part of life on the battle field that soldiers made specialised gas masks to ensure the pooches

Summary: Simpson's donkey at Gallipoli was not the only animal hero that helped Australian troops during the conflit . A whole range of animals were used on the battlefields and made a significant contribution . Horses and donkeys carried wounded soldiers or equipment, while cats played a crucial rat-catcher role . Pigeons carried vital messages from the frontlines to commanders when lines were cut and runners weren't viable . Innovative soldiers would collect glow worms and put them in jars to use them as lights on the field . Even kangaroos shipped from home became companions for soldiers recuperating from their wounds .


A single tuna roams a once-flourishing tank at an aquarium in Japan after more than 150 of its fishy friends died unexpectedly. Workers at Tokyo Sea Life Park are scratching their heads after the most recent death on Tuesday, leaving just one lonely tuna in the vast doughnut-shaped tank. Researchers are trying to find out the cause of their deaths, and one option being explored is poisoning. Unexplained:The cause of the deaths of more than 150 fish is being explored, but is not currently known . Lone fish: Just one lonely tuna remains in the vast doughnut-shaped tank at Tokyo Sea Life Park in Japan . A spokesman for the tourist attraction said: 'We have had the tuna tank since the aquarium opened in 1989 but never experienced this kind of mass-dying. 'We are studying what caused the fish deaths, but we haven't figured it out yet. We suspect that it could be due to new factors that were not present before.' The tank's lighting and other factors that could have caused stress among the fish, or the presence of a poisonous substance in the water are being considered. The 2,200-tonne tank once housed 69 bluefin tuna, 52 eastern little tuna and 38 oriental bonito. In December, the tank's population suddenly started plunging with just 30 fish alive by mid-January. Researchers are trying to find out the cause of their deaths, and one option being explored is poisoning . 'The second last one that just died apparently crashed into the acrylic wall twice,' the spokesman added. 'It suffered a broken backbone, which was unfortunate but not very unusual for tuna kept in a tank. 'An earlier examination has found some sort of virus among some of the dead fish, but it wasn't the kind that is usually fatal in fish farms.'

Summary: More than 150 fish died at an Japanese aquarium and only one survived . Workers at Tokyo Sea Life Park do not yet know what caused their deaths . Poisoning and factors that could have caused fish stress being explored . Tank contained 69 bluefin and 52 eastern little tuna, plus 38 oriental bonito .