No wonder England's renaissance man Paul Casey turned up at Doral yesterday for the WGC-Cadillac Championship with a broad smile on his face. Yes, it had to hurt a little that he had glorious opportunities to win the last two events on the PGA Tour and didn't close the deal in either instance. But this is a man who had fallen so far in America he hadn't registered a top-three finish here in five years, let alone two in a row. Now, after becoming the last man to earn a spot in this elite field and on the verge of earning his first invitation to the Masters for three years, it is not surprising the 37-year-old has no trouble dwelling on the positives. England star Paul Casey is standing on the brink of a Masters invitation for the first time in three years . 'I'm fine about not winning because the first thing was to earn loads of world ranking points to get me back into the top 50,' argued Casey, who has moved from 83rd to 45th — his highest ranking since 2012. 'I'm happy on the course, happy off it, and I really think I can build on what I have achieved these past two weeks. There's better golf ahead of me.' Casey has turned his professional life around after making what he describes as 'the hardest decision of my career'. Three months ago he resigned his European Tour membership and woke to headlines proclaiming he had spurned the chance to play in the Ryder Cup, since you have to be a member to make the team. 'I understood the stories and if it hadn't involved me, it's what I would have thought,' he said. 'But I haven't given up on the Ryder Cup. Anything but. My dream is to play in several more but I just haven't figured out how to yet. 'My energy has been focused on getting back in the top 50 because that's where I will be of most use to Europe.' 37-year-old Casey secured a third-place finish at the Honda Classic as he continues his renaissance . Casey was such a European Tour loyalist he served on any number of committees. 'It was such a difficult decision to resign that I took a few months to tell my manager Guy Kinnings because I felt I was betraying him and the Tour,' said Casey. 'But I was running out of second chances. I was going back and forth across the Atlantic and it was clearly affecting my golf. 'Now I feel so relaxed knowing I don't have to run myself ragged. I can't tell you the difference it is making.' Becoming a father has also helped. Golf author Keith Elliott highlighted long ago the positive effects the 'nappy factor' can have on a top pro and Casey is another paid-up subscriber. 'The great thing is I don't take my work home with me any more,' said Casey, who lives with wife Pollyanna and infant son Lex in Arizona. 'I used to hang around the golf course

Summary: Paul Casey is on the verge of returning to the Masters tour . Casey secured a third-placed finish at the Honda Classic . He has scaled the ranks from 83rd to 45th, his highest placing since 2012 .


KFC fight: Richard Burbage promised to take her out for a meal if she joined him at a football match . A car dealer got into a row with his wife when he promised to take her out for a meal if she went to a football match with him - then drove her to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Richard Burbage, 41, of Whiteley, Hampshire, then tried to fight an expert in martial arts who attempted to break up the argument. The father-of-three was convicted of assault and fined £320 for attacking Julian Raffle. Burbage had been arguing with his wife, Lorraine, in KFC after they had been to a football match on a Sunday afternoon. The row erupted because Burbage told his wife he would take her out for a meal in exchange for coming to the match with him. But when she discovered the meal meant being taken to KFC in Hedge End, Hampshire, the couple began arguing. Dan O’Neill, prosecuting, told magistrates that customers at the eatery became disturbed by the row. He added that customer Mr Raffle then tried to calm the couple down and intervened. Mr O’Neil said there was then a struggle between Mr Raffle and Burbage - and the car dealer twice tried to punch him. But what he did not realise was that Mr Raffle is an expert in the martial art of jiu-jitsu and when Burbage tried to upper cut Mr Raffle, he used his self-defence training to dodge the blows. When the wife discovered she was going to KFC (above) in Hedge End, Hampshire, the couple began arguing . Burbage was then arrested and charged with common assault. After admitting this at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, he was fined £200. He also had to pay £100 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. A separate allegation of assaulting his wife by beating on November 30 was dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence. Mark Rigby, defending Burbage, said: ‘He and his wife both describe the relationship as feisty, fiery and passionate. ‘What he did was wrong because he swings for him and he bites off more than he can chew because Mr Raffle is trained in jiu-jitsu. ‘With hindsight they are very embarrassed by what sparked this. She was thinking she would be rewarded with a meal and wasn’t pleased to find out that that meal would be at KFC. ‘I think the salient lesson has been learned by the defendant and his wife.’

Summary: Richard Burbage, 41, tried to fight martial arts expert who intervened . Had been arguing with wife Lorraine after they attended football match . Father-of-three convicted of assault and fined for attacking Julian Raffle .


Damien Markey (pictured) and his wife Jenny were dismissed by the University of Bolton after being accused of leaking embarrassing stories . A lecturer and his wife have been sacked from a struggling university after being accused of leaking embarrassing stories about its controversial £200,000-a-year vice-chancellor to the Press, it emerged yesterday. Damien and Jenny Markey were summarily dismissed by the University of Bolton after articles in the Daily Mail highlighted how the institution spends public money, a union said. The couple, who have three young children, deny being the source of stories revealing that the university was lending vice-chancellor Professor George Holmes £960,000 to buy a new house and spending up to £100,000 on staff away days to the Lake District. Critics had branded the expenditure a waste of money from an institution which has spent much of the 11 years since it became a university near the foot of national league tables. The latest case demonstrates how harshly public bodies treat those even suspected of being whistleblowers, let alone those who are proven to have leaked information to the media. It comes amid mounting alarm that staff in all organisations are not being protected from punishment if they report their concerns to the Press. The sackings were also branded a worrying blow against the tradition of free speech on campuses. Mr Markey, 42, was dismissed as a senior lecturer in visual effects for film and television after a 45-minute disciplinary hearing last Friday for ‘leaking information to the Press aimed at damaging the university’. According to his union he was told he had been overheard talking on his mobile phone using the words ‘boats’ and ‘lakes’, and accused of being the source of the story that the university was sending its 700 staff to a Lake District hotel in a series of away days for pep talks by Professor Holmes, who has a yacht moored nearby. The article first appeared in Times Higher Education, which yesterday said neither Mr Markey nor his wife were the source. Details of the trips had been sent to all staff, while the two-year loan to Professor Holmes appeared in university accounts. The struggling university paid up to £100,000 to send all 700 of its staff for stays at four-star Lakeside Hotel and Spa (pictured) in the Lake District . Mr Markey was also accused of making malicious statements about colleagues and bringing the university into disrepute for highlighting concerns about a shortage of equipment following an £800,000 flagship project, the union said. His 36-year-old wife, an academic administrator in the health and community studies department, was dismissed on Monday over similar allegations which she also denies. The couple have denied revealing that the university lent vice-chancellor Professor George Holmes (pictured) £960,000 to buy a new house . Mr Markey, who is said to have had an unblemished disciplinary record, was secretary of the local branch of the University and College Union (UCU) and led a walkout in 2013 in protest at a planned 1 per cent pay rise. The couple had been advised not

Summary: Damien and Jenny Markey have been dismissed by the University of Bolton . But they have denied leaking stories about struggling university to Press . University loaned vice-chancellor Professor Holmes £1m for luxury house . It also paid up to £100,000 to send all 700 of its staff to the Lake District .


All-rounder JP Duminy took a hat-trick as South Africa put one foot in the World Cup semi-finals by dismissing Sri Lanka for 133 in their last eight clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. Bidding to win their first ever knockout match at a World Cup, the Proteas bowlers removed both openers inside the first five overs and never eased up the pressure thereafter. Duminy (3-29) dismissed Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews (19) with the final ball of the 33rd over and returned to send back Nuwan Kulasekara (1) and ODI debutant Tharindu Kaushal (0) with the first two deliveries of the 35th. The ninth World Cup hat-trick left the 1996 champions reeling at 116-8 after the loss four wickets for just two runs in three overs and when Kumar Sangakkara was dismissed soon afterwards, the writing was on the wall. Sangakkara, who had been looking for a fifth successive century, scored a measured 45 from 95 balls but was forced to throw off the shackles as the wickets tumbled around him and holed out to deep third man off paceman Morne Morkel. A heavy shower appeared out of the blue as if to mourn what looks like being the final one-day innings of one of the game's great batsmen and the players came off the pitch for a 23-minute rain break. It only delayed the inevitable, however, and Lasith Malinga (3) was the last man to depart, hammering the ball to David Miller at cover off South Africa's other main spin threat Imran Tahir. Tahir took 4-26, including the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene to leave another retiring Sri Lanka batting great with a tally of four runs in his final innings in the 50-over format. Sri Lanka, who won the toss and chose to bat, were never able to score at a pace that would have put pressure on the South Africans and test their mental resolve. While Sangakkara was at the crease, though, they would have fancied their chances of putting on some kind of tally for their bowlers to defend. Once he departed and the rain cleared, however, the semi-final appointment in Auckland against New Zealand or West Indies next week would now seem to be South Africa's to keep. The Sri Lankan team practice at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of their quarter-final against South Africa . South African captain AB de Villiers (right) will be hoping to lead his team to the last four .

Summary: Sri Lanka bowled out for 133 against South Africa in Sydney . JP Duminy took a hat-trick on way to figures of 3-29 . Winner of clash at Sydney Cricket Ground will play New Zealand or West Indies in semi-final in Auckland on Tuesday .


The University of Texas is investigating claims that their Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter sang the same racist song used by fraternity brothers in Oklahoma. The announcement on Tuesday comes as Parker Rice, the conductor of the University of Oklahoma chant that kicked off a national uproar, says he was taught 'there will never be a n**** SAE' by fraternity brothers. The national headquarters for SAE, one of the biggest fraternities in the US, has issued a statement denying that the racist song was part of a tradition for the organization. New investigation: Officials at the University of Texas are investigating reports that the racist song that caused outrage in Oklahoma was also sung by brothers at Sigma Alpha Epsilon on the Austin campus . Parker Rice, one of the leaders of the racist chant at University of Oklahoma SAE, said he and the other freshmen were taught the song by older fraternity brothers . However, unconfirmed reports have surfaced online that the same tune was sung by SAE brothers in Austin, Texas. And the fraternity, which traces its roots to the pre-Civil War South, admitted it is investigating reports of racist behavior at other chapters around the country. A former SAE brother at Oklahoma State University told Daily Mail Online that pledges were given 'n***** names' and made to ape picking cotton on the front lawn of the fraternity. 'Racism is part of our culture,' he said. And on Tuesday, a University of Oklahoma student told the Today show that she had heard the song two years ago and believed it was a tradition for the fraternity. University of Texas President Bill Powers on Tuesday said that the dean of students for the Austin campus would look into the reports that the same racist chant was used there, according to the Daily Texan student newspaper. The SAE fraternity was disbanded by the national headquarters and banned from campus by University of Oklahoma officials . FIJI, another fraternity on at the University of Texas, came under fire last month for throwing a 'Border control' party, which was rife with Mexican stereotypes . Rice, a freshman who was first identified by Daily Mail Online as the conductor of the racist Oklahoma chant, said in an apology statement to the Dallas Morning News that: 'Yes, the song was taught to us, but that too doesn’t work as an explanation... For me, this is a devastating lesson and I am seeking guidance on how I can learn from this and make sure it never happens again.' The song, set to the tune of 'If You're Happy and You Know It,' goes: 'There will never be a n***** SAE. You can hang him from a tree, but he'll never sign with me. There will never be a n***** SAE.' The student who spoke to Today show confirmed that she had heard the song before: 'I would definitely say this is not an isolated incident. 'It was really offensive to sit there and listen to that especially because they would just chant it and then laugh after and

Summary: University of Texas has commented on reports that the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter in Austin used the same chant as SAE brothers in Oklahoma . Parker Rice, the disgraced former SAE brother, said: 'The song was taught to us' SAE headquarters deny that the song is part of a tradition at the fraternity . However, the group is investigating reports of other instances of the song at chapters across the country .


Police say a woman in an SUV followed the mother of Eliza Delacruz as she rode the bus with her daughter in Long Beach, California, less than two hours before the three-week-old girl was kidnapped on January 3. Eliza was found dead in a dumpster near the Mexican border the following day. During the kidnapping, a man burst into the Delacruz family home and shot the infant's parents and uncle before taking the girl. Scroll down for video . Theses sketches show the woman and man being sought in connection to the abduction of Eliza Delacruz . Eliza was found dead in a dumpster the day after a man broke into her home and shot her parents and uncle . She was found in a trash bin behind a pizza restaurant in Imperial Beach, a town near the Mexican border . Sketches were released on Wednesday of both suspects. The girl's parents and uncle were critically injured, but once they recovered the mother recalled her encounter with the woman. Authorities do not think the baby's father and uncle were followed before the shooting and kidnapping. Police say the woman was driving a black Range Rover SUV and that she stopped the mother and spoke to her about her infant after they got off the bus. About two hours later, Eliza was kidnapped by the gun-toting man. She was found dead the following day in a trash bin behind a pizza restaurant 120 miles south of her home in the town of Imperial Beach. Cameras did not capture a license plate of the SUV. The FBI is assisting to see if the images can be enhanced. According to the Long Beach Police Department: 'Detectives continue to consider all possibilities as to why these crimes may have occurred. 'At this point in the investigation, a connection between the victims and suspects has yet to be identified.' Police have not determined a motive and have no indication the family was in any kind of trouble. Police say the woman was driving a black Range Rover SUV (pictured) and that she spoke to the mother . A small memorial was created near the location of the trash bin where Eliza's dead body was dumped . Imperial Beach is about 120 miles away from the home Eliza was kidnapped from in Long Beach, California . Long Beach police Lt. Lloyd Cox said: 'We've looked at narcotics, we've looked at human trafficking, we've looked at all kinds of things to see if there's any indication as to why somebody would pick this family. 'They went through a significant amount of effort and violence to take one three-week-old baby. 'Why?' The death was ruled a homicide, but details from the autopsy have been withheld because of the ongoing investigation . The family was moved to a different location Wednesday to protect them as police released the new information. The names of the baby's parents and uncle have also not been released for their safety. Cox declined to say if the family had been under police protection since the shootings.

Summary: Police say woman in SUV followed mother and daughter Eliza Delacruz . Woman stopped and talked to mother after she got off bus in Long Beach . Eliza kidnapped about two hours later by man who shot parents and uncle . She was found dead in a dumpster near the Mexican border on January 4 .


If there was one man that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side at the Nou Camp on Wednesday it was Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. The England No 1 was in sensational form as he denied Barcelona’s three-pronged attack of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez time and time again. Hart denied Messi from the penalty spot in the first-leg to give the Citizens a slim chance of progression in the second-leg, but it just wasn’t to be as Ivan Rakitic’s goal secured Barcelona’s spot in the last eight. Joe Hart denies Lionel Messi from point-blank range during the defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp . Hart scrambles back to try and deny Jordi Alba a goal as Manchester City attempt to progress . England No 1 Hart denies Brazilian ace Neymar as the former Santos man looms down on goal . When asked if he'd played as well before, Hart said: 'Not really. It's just unfortunate after the first leg. 'It's nice to save a penalty off Messi but I wanted it to count. Unfortunately, it hasn't. I'm here to make saves. A lot hit me tonight, I tried to be big. 'It was busy. Definitely busy. I tried to smother them best I could. I know full well they've got a pass at all times. That's why I tried to rush them. Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Hart dives for the ball as Argentinean wizard Messi attempts to score . Hart gets his hands to the ball as he attempts to stop Messi from tapping the ball into an empty net . ‘My job was to try and rush them. Against quality players that's difficult to do sometimes. You need a bit of luck.' ‘We look to West Brom now. Big shout to the fans who came here up in the clouds. We're going to turn up Saturday, and go again.’ Hart’s performance grabbed the attentions of the pundits, too, as the former Shrewsbury Town youngster spared his teammate’s blushes with his non-stop blocks and saves. Hart spreads himself well to try and deny Barcelona ace Neymar a goal at the Nou Camp on Wednesday . ‘This is one of the best goalkeeping displays I have ever seen. It’s absolutely magnificent. This has been one of the most incredible goalkeeping performances — for nothing,‘said Robbie Savage on Radio 5 Live. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also echoed the sentiments of the former Welsh international. Carragher said: 'Those three men, Neymar, Suarez, Messi, will never forget the name Joe Hart. I can tell you that now.' A dejected Hart leaves the Nou Camp pitch having played one of the best games of his career so far . The Manchester City players congratulate Hart as they leave the field following their Champions League exit . Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen shares a meet and greet with Hart at the final whistle .

Summary: Joe Hart impressed as Manchester City lost to Barcelona at the Nou Camp . The England No 1 produced save after save to keep the score down . Keeper denied Lionel Messi, Neymar and Louis Suarez throughout . In the end only Ivan Rakitic could get past the 27-year-old on the night . CLICK HERE for the best images from Messi's personal battle with Hart . READ: Hart backs Pellegrini to keep his job after Champions League exit .


Founder: The charity was set up by Camila Batmanghelidjh in 1996 . A leading children’s charity is facing a crisis after three of its directors resigned amid an apparent row over funding, it was revealed yesterday. Kids Company has received around £30 million of public money since 2008 and has celebrity backers including rock group Coldplay, businessman Sir Richard Branson and Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Set up by Camila Batmanghelidjh in 1996, it supports 36,000 vulnerable children in London, Bristol and Liverpool and has been championed by Prince Charles and David Cameron. But concerns about the way the charity is run are understood to have led some senior managers to raise issues with its board of trustees. The resignations of interim finance director Diane Hamilton, human resources chief Adrian Stones and director of development Mandy Lloyd then followed. A statement from Kids Company said: ‘It was with great regret that they felt unable to continue working within the organisation because of the uncertainty of funding, which led to high levels of stress in the workplace which was unsustainable.’ But a source close to the directors reportedly said: ‘These departures are a direct result of these employees’ doubts about the future of Kids Company ... The trustees were told of their doubts but they don’t seem to have reacted at all.’ Miss Batmanghelidjh, a trained psychotherapist, became known as ‘Mother Camila of Camberwell’ for her work with some of South London’s most disadvantaged children. Michael Gove is said to have tried to prevent a grant of up to £8 million being given to the charity in 2012 . Born in Iran, she is known for her colourful style. In 2013 she was named one of Britain’s 100 most powerful women by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and appointed a CBE. The Sunday Times reported that the resignations were revealed as she denied persuading Mr Cameron to intervene after then education secretary Michael Gove tried to prevent a grant of up to £8 million being given to the charity in 2012. Miss Batmanghelidjh said that an independent audit in 2014 showed ‘the charity was well run but lacked funding’. But critics have questioned whether it is over-staffed – it employs around 600 people.

Summary: Kids Company has received around £30m of public money since 2008 . The charity was founded by Iranian-born Camila Batmanghelidjh in 1996 . Three high-ranking employees have quit over the way organisation is run . The trio were said to have doubts about the future of the charity .


I never detected the slightest whiff of scandal about Powell, writes Simon Heffer . Four years before he died in 1998, Enoch Powell did me the honour of asking me to write his biography. I spoke to almost everyone alive who knew him. When he died, I had unique access to a vast collection of private papers, including numerous intimate letters. If there is anyone alive other than Enoch’s widow and daughters who knows more about him than I do, I’d like to meet him. I never detected the slightest whiff of scandal about Powell. His probity in personal and financial matters was rock solid. When on Saturday evening a fellow journalist told me of the allegations made by the Church of England, my first instinct was to laugh: but that soon changed into utter outrage when I realised he was serious. The Church has publicly accused Enoch of being involved in ritual satanic abuse on hearsay, without the slightest evidence. They might as well accuse him of having been a war criminal or an armed robber, for there would be as much truth in either allegation. The appalling slurs are just like those made against 91-year-old Lord Bramall, a D-Day veteran and former chief of defence staff, whose homes in London and North Yorkshire were gratuitously raided by police recently on the back of an unspecified allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1970s. It is not just that the bishops who have made these accusations are behaving in a remarkably un-Christian fashion by putting this smear into the public domain. But that they do not appear even to have engaged what passes for their brains, or consciences, before behaving in this grotesque and offensive fashion. Scroll down for video . Their brains should have told them that a man of Enoch’s controversial reputation would never for a moment have got away with the type of behaviour they are alleging he indulged in during the 1980s. The Establishment turned against Enoch in 1968 after the so-called Rivers of Blood speech; it would never have protected him for a second had it detected the slightest whiff of scandal. Their consciences should have told them that to make such an outrageous allegation about an enormously distinguished public figure who cannot defend himself, and which would cause the deepest distress to his family and friends, was the height of mischief and irresponsibility. It is disgraceful and destabilising for clergy to behave in this way, and the Church needs to investigate those responsible for this smear and take action accordingly. These post-Savile accusations bring to mind the hysteria surrounding allegations of satanic abuse in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including notorious cases in Rochdale and the Orkneys that involved social workers and police forcibly removing children from their homes in dawn raids. Enoch Powell, pictured making a speech in 1977, has been named in a Church of England review into historic sex abuse . When the London School of Economics investigated 84 alleged cases, it found no convincing corroborative evidence of any

Summary: Late Tory MP was one of the most prominent politicians of the 20th century . He has been named in Church of England review into historic sex abuse . Powell's name was given to police by Bishop of Durham Paul Butler .


Viewers deserted the BBC in their millions and complained in their thousands after replacing Top Gear with a documentary about the Red Arrows. The BBC cancelled last night's show and replaced it with the flying programme which pulled in just one million viewers - a fraction of the five million normally attracted to the popular motoring show. Red Arrows: Inside The Bubble was first broadcast last year and its repeat attracted just 6 per cent of viewers. Show presenter Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC last week after allegedly shouting at Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon. One report claims he split his junior colleague's lip with a punch. Clarkson was seen leaving his west London home today shortly before 2pm but simply told waiting reporters that he was 'off for lunch with a friend.' The presenter was later seen walking side-by-side with an unnamed woman. Scroll down for video . Viewers have deserted the BBC in their millions after its decision to postpone the remaining episodes of Top Gear sparking thousands of complaints and suspend Jeremy Clarkson. He is pictured outside his London home today . The presenter told waiting reporters that he was off to have 'lunch with a friend' as he left his home . Clarkson, 54, will this week be questioned by the BBC's official inquiry into the row over a steak dinner that resulted in his suspension . The presenter was later seen walking side-by-side through London with an unnamed woman (pictured) As he prepares for a quizzing which could result in him being sacked, he is apparently being supported by a woman once rumoured to be his mistress. Blonde events organiser Phillipa Sage was photographed driving away from his flat in Holland Park, west London, yesterday afternoon, and returned a few hours later. Clarkson was accused of having an affair with her in 2011, and was pictured kissing her on holiday in Greece in 2013. He has recently split from his wife of 21 years, Frances. The corporation has refused to say how many viewers have contacted it about its decision to suspend Clarkson and postpone the remaining episodes but it is believed to be in the thousands. Communications watchdog Ofcom said it had received more than 100 complaints, with a spokesman saying it will take no action as it 'can only assess a breach of the broadcasting code if a show has actually aired'. The BBC's inquiry into Clarkson's Top Gear 'fracas' has started - less than a week since it announced the presenter was suspended after allegedly punching producer Oisiin Tymon after filming for the show during a row over a hot meal at a hotel. Ken MacQuarrie, the senior BBC executive tasked with sorting out what is becoming an increasing embarrassment for the corporation, is believed to be in London and starting work. But sources close to the investigation say it is impossible to put a deadline on its work until it hears from the two men central to the inquiry - Clarkson and Tymon. A BBC spokesman said: 'The BBC's position is

Summary: Popular motoring show regularly commands a five million strong audience . BBC cancelled last night's show and aired Red Arrows documentary . The substitute programme pulled in just one million viewers, figures reveal .


Winning three Champions League titles proves that Carlo Ancelotti can be a tough operator and is no pushover when it comes to coaching, the Real Madrid coach said on Friday. Despite Real holding a two-point lead at the top of La Liga, Ancelotti has been criticised for their lull in form since the Christmas break and he has also been accused of being too soft on the players. 'I have felt supported by the club since the first day I arrived,' Ancelotti, who took charge of the club in 2013 having previously led AC Milan to two Champions League titles, told reporters. Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Dani Carvajal during Real Madrid's training session on Friday afternoon . Carlo Ancelotti (right) watches on as his players train at their ground in Valdebebas on Friday . Ancelotti rejected recent criticism and pointed to the three Champions Leagues he has won (above - 2007) Ancelotti won his first European Cup with AC Milan in 2003 after overcoming Juventus at Old Trafford . Ancelotti is thrown in the air by Real Madrid's players after guiding them to European success in 2014 . 'I have a lot of experience. I have been coaching for many years and with this 'weak' arm of mine I have managed to win three Champions Leagues.' Fans have become used to Real sweeping aside the opposition as they did during their Spanish record 22-match winning streak at the end of 2014. As a result there was discontent among the Bernabeu faithfuls when they drew 1-1 with Villarreal last weekend. In particular they took exception to the substitution of the creative Isco for Asier Illarramendi and there was a chorus of whistles. Karim Benzema trains with Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who both scored in the 2014 Champions League final . Ronaldo takes a shot while being tracked by Portugal international Pepe . Former Tottenham duo Bale and Luka Modric train ahead of their clash with Athletic Bilbao . Former Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos shows off his skills in training on Friday . Former Malaga midfielder Isco dribbles away from Jese Rodriguez during the training session . 'I have had a normal week and we are preparing well for tomorrow's game,' said Ancelotti. 'I am used to criticism, this was not the first time and it won't be the last either but it won't change my attitude. I have full confidence in the team and I will repeat that I would make the same substitution again.' Ancelotti admitted though that the team needs regain its potency in attack. 'We have been finding it more difficult to score goals as we have lost efficiency. We are not playing the ball through quickly enough from the back and we are finding it difficult to make openings when teams defend solidly,' he said. 'The game against Athletic (Bilbao this weekend) will have a high intensity as they pile on pressure very well and we need to start well.' Marcelo, Benzema and Raphael Varane in action during training on Friday afternoon . Carvajal slides in as he

Summary: Carlo Ancelotti has rejected claims that he is too easy on his players . The Real Madrid coach has won the Champions League three times . Ancelotti said those achievements prove he is no pushover . Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao this weekend in La Liga . CLICK HERE for all the latest Real Madrid news .


A mother was horrified when she opened a bag of Tesco bananas and discovered something deadly lurking inside. The fruit was infested with eggs of the Brazilian Wandering Spider, the world’s most venomous spider, which can kill a human in under an hour. Maria Layton, 43, said the eggs started to hatch after she opened the bag for her daughter Siri, six, so she immediately put the whole lot into a sealed container. Scroll down for video . Cocoon: The Tesco bananas were infested with dozens of deadly Brazilian spiders hatching from eggs . ‘I’m glad it was me rather than Siri that opened the bag,’ she said yesterday. The bite of the Brazilian Wandering Spider can also give a man a painful four-hour erection – its venom is currently being studied for use in erectile dysfunction treatments. The bananas, shipped from Costa Rica, had been bought at a Tesco store in Pontardawe, South Wales, by Mrs Layton’s husband and taken to their home in Bristol. Mrs Layton said: ‘Siri asked for a banana. The first banana had a funny bit on it, so I got another one for her and that was when I found the massive spider cocoon. ‘I remembered seeing a news story about them, so I Googled it. I went through the images and there was an image which looked very similar to mine. The spiders' nest may have been exported with the bananas, which were shipped to the supermarket from Costa Rica . ‘I was so scared – I don’t like spiders at the best of times, but have read about the Brazilian Wandering Spiders and was very frightened about the potential threat. ‘The spider cocoon started to unfurl so I put it in a sealed box and put it in the freezer as I read that is supposed to kill them.’ Shocked by the possible danger to Siri and her three-year-old sister, Phoebe, Mrs Layton contacted Tesco customer services, which told her to take the bananas, deadly spiders and all, back to the store – so that the barcode could be scanned and the store could refund her money. She said: ‘Tesco were a bit useless. I really wanted some helpful advice on how to act. ‘Tesco failed to see the potential threat to me and my family and thought I was only interested in having a pound or so back. I called Food Standards but they said it wasn’t anything to do with them, I called Trading Standards but they were shut. ‘I spent an hour and a half ringing round trying to get some help while I had this potentially killer spider in the house.’ A Tesco spokesman said: ‘Our policy is for the customer to take the product to the store where it can be investigated. We don’t have a service whereby someone can go out to the home. ‘We’ve apologised to Mrs Layton and offered a gesture of goodwill. We’ve asked her to return the product to our store so we can conduct a full investigation.’ It is not the first time

Summary: Maria Layton, 43, found deadly Brazilian Wandering Spider nest on fruit . Mother was fetching bananas for her daughter, six, when she spotted a cocoon . Bananas, shipped from Costa Rica, were bought at store in Pontardawe, South Wales, by Mrs Layton’s husband and taken to their home in Bristol . Arachnid is the most venomous in the world and its bite can be lethal . Tesco has apologised and asked Mrs Layton to return the bananas to store .


A married couple who were so desperate to be parents they sold all their valuables to fund costly fertility treatment finally have the baby of their dreams - after winning a competition. Chris and Amanda Schlatter, from Nevada, had tried unsuccessfully for 12 years to fall pregnant, attempting to conceive naturally - even experimenting with fertility-boosting yoga hanging upside down after intercourse. But after finding themselves broke after almost a decade of unsuccessful attempts, the pair ended up winning the chance to have a baby in a competition run by an IVF charity - and this week celebrate the second birthday of their son Noah. Chris and Amanda Schlatter, from Nevada, celebrate their son Noah's 2nd birthday this week . Noah, pictured newborn, was conceived after Chris wrote a heartfelt plea to the charity Babyquest explaining the couples years of fertility struggles . After starting to after visiting a fertility clinic in December 2009, tests found Mr Schlatter had low testosterone levels and Mrs Schlatter was diagnosed with endometriosis, a polycystic ovary and a blocked fallopian tube. The couple started IUI – intrauterine insemination – which involves separating out the fastest moving sperm and placing them in the womb. But the costly treatment meant they were forced to sell possessions in their home to cover the $10,000 (£6000) cost. 'We became so desperate to get pregnant we sold everything of value in our home, to fund the IUI,' Mrs Schlatter, 30, said. Amanda and Chris on their wedding day: 'When I married my wife my intention was to give her the world, but instead we have known struggle' Chris said in his prize-winning letter . Left: The couple when they first met; Right: Pictured recently with Noah as he turns two . 'With each treatment I hoped we'd get pregnant. And when each one failed we'd pin our hopes on the next. But we had six goes and none of them were successful. 'My wife and I have seen hardships but none greater than what we currently face. 'In the first months of our relationship Amanda and I would sit and talk for hours about our future children. 'Our initial failures did not alarm us, our panic did not begin until we'd been trying several years. 'We understood conceiving a baby can sometimes take more time for some than others. We needed to try harder but nothing worked. 'After several failed attempts the heartbreak became more intense. 'When I married my wife my intention was to give her the world, but instead we have known struggle. 'As we read about your [the charity's] work, our hopes began to rise to know there are organisations that still exist to help people and ease the pain of others. 'The pain of infertility is brutal and the tears have been frequent. With your [the charity's] help, those tears can finally be dried.' 'I felt bitter that other people had children and felt sad and jealous when friends started having babies. 'In the end our doctor said: "Any further treatment along these lines would be a

Summary: Chris and Amanda Schlatter from Nevada tried naturally for eight years . They then sold all their possessions to fund IUI treatment . Chris, 34, and Amanda, 30, told IVF was only hope - but were broke . Couple entered a competition run by an IVF charity to win treatment . Chris's heartfelt letter of their struggle saw off other entrants . A year later, in March 2013, their son Noah was born .


Annie Power’s last hurdle fall in Tuesday’s OLBG Mares’ Hurdle has been described as the fall that saved the bookmaking industry a £40million payout by a Ladbrokes spokesman. A loss out on scale similar to that when Frankie Dettori went through the card with seven winners at Ascot in 1996 looked on the cards as punters piled cash won on the first three winners of the day trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins – Douvan, Un De Sceaux and Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen – on to 1-2 favourite Annie Power. She was well clear and heading to victory before she hit the deck with jockey Ruby Walsh. Thankfully, both Annie Power and Walsh emerged seemingly none the worse. L'Unique was another faller, but also got up. Annie Power falls at the last fence during the OLBG Mares' Hurdle as Ruby Walsh was denied another race . Walsh had stormed to the front on Annie Power and she was travelling easy ahead of the final hurdle . Walsh and Annie Power fell to the ground, but luckily both emerged seemingly none the worse . Even though Annie Power's Mullins-trained stablemate and 6-1 shot Glens Melody won the race to add to his domination of day one of the meeting, she was not as well backed. David Williams of Ladbrokes said: 'Had Annie Power won we were facing up to the worse day’s betting in our history. We were looking at a pay-out in the region of £50m. ‘We estimate the industry loss is still £10m but we have dodged the most expensive betting bullet ever. It has turned out to be a bad day at the office rather than an horrendous one.' Walsh was looking for a Cheltenham first day Grand Slam in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle Race on Tuesday afternoon . Ruby Walsh walks back to the weighing room after falling at Cheltenham - he said: 'I don't know why she did it.' Glens Melody (left, ridden by Paul Townend) went on to claim victory in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle Race . Townend celebrates after the race as stablemate Annie Power fell at the final hurdle . Walsh said of Annie Power: 'I don't know why she did it. She was a bit far away and came down under the top bar and turned over. That's racing, that happens. 'It's been a super day. Douvan was great, Un De Sceaux was brilliant, Faugheen winning the Champion Hurdle was magic. At least Annie Power got up and there'll be another day.' Walsh glides over the fence on his way to winning the Champions Hurdle on Faugheen at Cheltenham Festival 2015 . Walsh celebrates after winning his first race of the day on Douvan on Tuesday at Cheltenham Festival .

Summary: Annie Power survives horror fall at final hurdle in OLBG Mares' Hurdle on first day at Cheltenham . Ruby Walsh was looking for another win after earlier cruising on Faugheen, Douvan and Un De Sceaux . Fall estimated to have cost punters an estimated £40million with Annie Power the huge favourite . Annie Power had stormed to the front under Walsh and was still travelling easily but misjudged the obstacle . Walsh said: 'I don't know why she did it. She was a bit far away and came down under the top bar and turned over.' CLICK HERE to read how it all unfolded on day one of the 2015 Cheltenham Festival .


She is known for having a flawless face that has won her the cover of Vogue and front row seats at fashion shows. But Kim Kardashian didn't always look the way she does today. On Sunday her childhood friend Nikki Lund shared never-before-seen photos of the 34-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star taken long before she became an international sensation. Scroll down for video... Old pals: Nikki Lund (right) shared a photo with her childhood friend Kim Kardashian (left) on Sunday . The beauties today: Kim (left) in Paris on Sunday and Nikki (right) in a promo shot for her new song North 2 South - This is It which is doing well on UK charts . Lund, who dates Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora, has shared images of Mrs Kanye West before. But never has the singer, whose new song is North 2 South - This is It was released this year, shared so many. In one image Kim looked chubby faced as she shows off bangs and thinner lips. The reality diva also looked more natural with a hearty smile and lack of self-consciousness. Peace out: Lund has shared images of Mrs Kanye West before.But never has the singer, whose new song is North 2 South - This is It was released this year, shared so many . In another she looks older with thin eyebrows, bigger lips and short hair. She appeared to be about 18-years-old. A black-and-white photo shows Kim with braces on and longer hair. She had on dark lipstick and a black tank top that matched her choker. She was 19-years-old when the image was taken. Another portrait sees the two in a photo booth where Kim had bangs. Cool kids of Calabasas?: Kim, at age 19, had braces as a teen and already plucked brows while Nikki wore a nineties style choker . Hats off to them: As teenagers they knew how to do their makeup already and mug for the camera . Lund also talked to The Mirror, where she told the publication her old friend struggled after the loss of her father Robert Kardashian, an attorney, in September 2003. 'Kim was a daddy’s girl, she adored her father and when she died she was devastated,' the singer said. 'Rob was the one who would make sure she was working hard and that she was behaving herself. I don't think this whole thing would be happening to her right now if he was still alive.' Nikki also added that Kim was quiet as a child. 'She never wanted to be famous, it just kind of happened. She was always the quiet girl sitting in the corner while we were all being loud.' Ahhh, this is more like the Kim we know: The E! star looked more like herself in later snaps; here she was in a photo booth with Lund . The friend also said the mother of North West, aged one, was diligent. 'Kim was studious, she wanted to be a good student. She worked hard at school, she didn’t get straight

Summary: Kim and Nikki grew up together in Calabasas and were classmates . The photos show Kim with braces and thinner lips as well as bangs . Lund has said that Kim was 'obsessed' with Jennifer Lopez and dieted .


The most luxurious, exclusive and powerful production Range Rover ever launched has broken cover in New York – with a £150,000 price tag to match. From the company that is providing most of the villains’ cars in the new 007 movie ‘SPECTRE’, the new flagship 4X4 has been specially engineered at Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) new elite Special Vehicle Operations unit. It was unveiled today at the New York International Motor Show in the US - one of the company’s biggest export markets. Scroll down for video . The luxurious, exclusive and powerful Range Rover SVAutobiography has broken cover in New York, and comes with a £150,000 price tag . The SVAutobiography is designed to take the Range Rover to ‘another level of comfort, craftsmanship and refinement’, coming with luxurious seating and a chiller compartment . The ‘special ops’ arm of JLR has fitted the Range Rover SVAutobiography with a powerful supercharged 5-litre V8 engine which develops a staggering 539bhp of pulling-power – equivalent to five Ford Fiestas. It is the sort of power normally found in an Italian supercar - and gives the off-roader a top speed of around 150mph. But JLR stress that it isn’t just about performance on and off-road. The SVAutobiography is designed to take the Range Rover to ‘another level of comfort, craftsmanship and refinement’. A spokesman said: 'The SVAutobiography is the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model’s successful 45-year history.’ The unique front grille is finished in distinctive Graphite Atlas and polished chrome. Passengers in the back can relax in luxurious seating complete with a chiller compartment and powered deployable tables. Stowed in the boot and hand-crafted from Windsor leather, two seats can be deployed to provide comfortable chairs on the tailgate . Solid aluminium coat hooks are incorporated into the rear pillars while, on the floor, aluminium seat rail finishers and deep twist pile mohair carpet mats add to the luxurious feel. John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: ‘Range Rover originally defined the luxury SUV segment and the new SVAutobiography, developed by Special Vehicle Operations, takes Range Rover to another level of comfort, craftsmanship and refinement.' The car also has what Jaguar Land Rover is calling ‘event seating’. Stowed in the boot and hand-crafted from Windsor leather, the two seats can be deployed to provide comfortable chairs for adults who want to sit on the tailgate. A spokesman for JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division said: 'For the first time on a Range Rover, customers of the 2016 Model Year SVAutobiography are able to specify a unique duo-tone body colour option. 'The combination of Santorini Black upper body and nine colour choices for the lower body create true distinction and individualism. Finishing touc: The detailing continues to both the front and rear centre consoles, with distinctive materials for cup holders and socket covers . Distinctive: The new flagship 4X4 has been specially engineered at Jaguar Land Rover’s new elite Special Vehicle Operations unit . ‘Much of the driver’s switchgear, including the start-stop surround and rotary controls, are

Summary: Range Rover have launched their most luxurious, exclusive and powerful production vehicle in their history . The SVAutobiography costs £150,000 and comes with tailgate chairs, deep-pile carpet and a 150mph top speed . The 4X4 - which has a 5-litre V8 engine- was unveiled today at the New York International Motor Show .


Horror: Judge Susan Criss has said she believes Robert Durst left a severed cat's head on her doorstep . A judge who oversaw the acquittal of Robert Durst in a murder trial says she believes the suspected killer left a severed cat's head on her doorstep. Judge Susan Criss presided over Durst's trial in Texas when the real estate millionaire was acquitted of shooting and dismembering his neighbor in Galveston, Texas. But now, she has said she believes the real estate millionaire is a 'serial killer' and that he killed his dogs to practice cutting up corpses. Judge Criss told 'Inside Edition': 'This was a perfectly clean and preserved cat head cut up by someone who knew what they were doing laying right there.' When asked who she thought did it, Criss replied: 'I strongly believe it was Robert Durst.' Real estate millionaire Durst was arrested last Saturday in New Orleans for the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman. Durst has been charged with murder in a Los Angeles killing 15 years ago, and has been suspected — but never charged — in the disappearance of his first wife in New York. His arrest came shortly before the finale of the HBO series 'The Jinx' which detailed his links to the three killings. Judge Criss also said that she believes a young Durst killed his dogs and practiced cutting them up. She claimed: 'He had seven dogs and he named every one of them 'Igor' and they all came to some unnatural deaths. Some very bizarre unnatural deaths. Suspect: Robert Durst was arrested after he seemed to give himself away during a taped interview for an HBO documentary investigating his possible links to three killings . 'He practiced on those dogs and that's where he got some of those skills at cutting people up.' The judge was referring to remarks made by Durst's younger brother, Douglas, last year when he told an interviewer that Robert had a 'series' of seven Alaskan Malamute dogs, each named Igor, who 'all died mysteriously, of different things, within six months of his owning them.' Durst was charged on Monday in Los Angeles with first-degree murder in the shooting of Susan Berman, the daughter of a prominent Las Vegas mobster. He could face the death penalty under special circumstances that allege he ambushed her and murdered a witness to a crime. On Tuesday, Durst was transferred to a prison wing for the mentally ill in New Orleans while he awaits extradition to LA to face the first-degree murder charge. The troubled real estate heir was moved to the acute mental health facility at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in Louisiana because he is considered a suicide risk, according to the sheriff's office on Wednesday. Arrested: Durst is pictured being transported from Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to the Orleans Parish Prison after his arraignment on Tuesday . Questions also surfaced over his links to two missing California girls. But police in Oakland, California, say they have found no evidence to link him to the 1997 disappearance of

Summary: Judge Susan Criss made the gruesome discovery outside her home . She says she believes suspected murdered Durst left it for her to find . Also says she believes the troubled real estate millionaire is a 'serial killer' Claims that Durst killed and cut up seven of his pet dogs as a young man .


For most people who turn 80, it is the time to kick back, relax and enjoy a well-earned retirement. But for one karate-kicking great-grandmother in Kansas, there is no letting up. Helen Dugan, a third-degree black belt, continues to lead karate classes at the school she set up, Champs Achievers, despite passing the milestone. Battling on: Despite turning 80, Helen Dugan, owner of karate school Champs Achievers, is not letting up . Aiming high: After earning her black belt at 61, Dugan was inspired to teach others the sport in Kansas . Iron fist: Dugan set up the class for disabled children and said it was important to 'build on their strengths' The great-grandmother of 17 only took up the sport when she took two of her children to a class at the age of 47, the Kansas City Star reports. She said: 'We never had karate when I was a child, so I took my sons to a class and I realised that my two skinny sons didn't need the exercise and so I got into the back row of the class.' Her children lasted four years before as she puts it, 'they discovered girls and got married', but she 'was hooked'. Dugan, who has been married to husband Barney for 57 years, took karate classes for 14 years, earning her black belt at the age of 61. At the time she was also working as a nurse in the Center School District in Kansas City, in Missouri. Leading the way: Dugan takes a hit from seven-year-old Brayden Bond during a class in Lenexa, Kansas . Listen in: The great-grandmother quiets the class as three-year-old Aiden Degnan tries to get her attention . Friendly face: Dugan has seen her class grow in the last 20 years and it now caters for more than 50 children . Jousting: Dugan takes on five-year-old Micah Jenkins using pugil sticks during one of her sessions . Inspired to pass on her expertise to others, the mother-of-five set up a non-profit karate class called Champs aimed at helping those with a disability. Karate and other martial arts taught at the group - including judo, jujitsu, tai chi and a defensive street-fighting discipline called Guided Chaos - can improve concentration, stamina, balance, motor skills, independence and self-esteem. She said: 'I started the group because the class I was learning in had children who couldn't keep up, so I took them aside. Sometimes it was because of learning disabilities, or it was children with ADHD. 'I then started teaching them separately.' Now almost 20 years later, the group is going from strength to strength and caters for more than 50 children in the area.

Summary: Helen Dugan continues to lead karate classes despite passing age of 80 . The great-grandmother of 17 only took up the sport when she was 47 . After earning black belt at 61, set up a karate class for disabled children .


It plunges 586ft underground - twice the height of the Statue of Liberty - and the interior has been described as 'pitch black'. But these adventurers have descended into Fantastic Pit in Ellison's Cave, Georgia, famed as the deepest pit in America. Intrepid explorer Amy Hinkle and a group including Shane Streetman and Elliot Hellman tackled the pit last month and were able to produce a stunning set of photographs from their challenge. Scroll down for video . Fantastic Pit in Ellison's Cave, Georgia, USA, is 586ft deep - almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty . The climb is strictly for the experienced, and the equipment as well as the training for the descent has to be of the highest standard . The pit is part of a 12-mile-long underground system, has been on the bucket list of the explorers for some time . Amy revealed the pit, which is part of a 12-mile-long underground system, has been on her bucket list for some time. In order to capture her spectacular shots she carries a lightweight camera kit and travels with a lighting assistant, Brian Stoltz. Amy, 28, from Huntsville, Alabama, said: 'I've been doing this for quite a few years now so the depth doesn't bother me as much. 'I just think to myself 'yes, that's a deep pitch-black hole in the floor'. Fantastic Pit, that is taken on as a challenge by many thrill-seekers, is almost twice as high as the Statue of Liberty . One of the group, Amy Hinkle, insists if proper training is done, 'caving is a relatively safe sport' Climber Ken Williams gets himself warmed up, before descending the 586 feet of America's deepest pit . Intrepid explorer Amy Hinkle (pictured) and a group including Shane Streetman and Elliot Hellman tackled the pit last month . 'We communicate via radio so I can direct the lighting for the shot. 'Caving is a relatively safe sport if it is done with proper training, gear and experience.' Also in the area is Incredible Pit, the second deepest pit in the US at 440ft. Due to the technical and dangerous nature of Ellison's Cave, it is generally explored by only the most experienced and capable cavers. Beginning cavers are severely discouraged from entering and negotiating the cave. There have been a number of deaths, largely due to hypothermia, on various climbs in Ellison Cave . The vertical sections of the cave require extensive knowledge and practice of single rope technique climbing, including practice on heavy ropes and in wet environments. There have sadly been a number of fatalities concerning Ellison Cave. On March 10, 1999, a caver climbing the Incredible pit became tangled in multiple ropes and was stranded 140 feet off the cave floor underneath water falling into the pit. The incident resulted in fatality due to hypothermia. The vertical sections of the cave require extensive knowledge and practice of single rope technique climbing . The entrance to the pit is very deceiving, and you wouldn't believe it hides an underground world . Then on

Summary: Fantastic Pit in Ellison's Cave, Georgia, USA, is 586ft deep - twice the height of the Statue of Liberty . Climbers completed the descent and and produced a stunning set of photograph of the cave system . One of the group, Amy Hinkle, insists if proper training is done, 'caving is a relatively safe sport'


Bored of snippy concierges, pokey rooms and no parking? Perhaps it’s time to book into a palace. As upkeep costs spiral and monarchies dwindle, authorities are looking for inventive ways to make use of stately piles. The latest palace to be turned into a hotel is The Schobrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. It’s been operating as a museum since the 1950s, but is inviting tourists to stay in the former suite of Emperor Franz Joseph, from £1,022 (€1,398) per night for four people (£255 (€350) a night per person). Scroll down for video . The Schobrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, has opened up rooms for the public to stay in for £1,022 a night . The top floor apartment sleeps four people: it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one living room, a kitchen and sweeping views over the Gloriette, Neptune Fountain, Crown Prince Garden and 160 hectare Schlosspark. Walk over herringbone parquet floors, underneath Maria Theresa chandeliers and past delicate stucco work in a suite that ‘exudes imperial charm’, according to the website go.unusual.com on which the property is listed. Guests can to be treated like royalty too, with a private chef, limousine and butler as optional add ons . The palace was built between 1740 and 1750 but was bought beforehand by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569. The palace was built between 1740 and 1750 but bought by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569 . Guests can opt to be treated like royalty too, with a private chef, limousine, parquet floors and a butler . Franz Joseph – the longest reigning emperor of Austria – was born at the Baroque palace and spent much of his life there. In November 1918 it became property of the Austrian Republic. The Schobrunn is far from alone in its public transformation. MailOnline Travel takes a look around the other beautifully lavish residences you can check in to – no title necessary. Circagan Palace – Istanbul . Several Sultans of Turkey have passed through this magnificent property, located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The palace has 284 rooms, 31 suites and a sultan suite. Circagan Palace in Istanbul is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and has 284 rooms . The palace used to be home to sultans from the Ottoman Empire but was turned into a hotwl in 1999 . Building work started in 1836 under Sultan Abdülâziz and the inside was made from wood while the exterior was plastered in marble. Construction and decoration was finally finished in 1872, then in 1877 Sultan Murad V moved in. It wasn’t until 1999 that the palace was converted into a hotel, after a fire in 1910 and rebuilding work. Several sultans of Turkey have passed through this magnificent property after building work began in 1836 . Construction and decoration was finally finished on the hotel in 1872, and in 1877 Sultan Murad V moved in . The front desk can arrange boats, limousines and helicopters for guests to travel to and from the hotel in .

Summary: Schobrunn Palace in Vienna has opened up emperor's suite to the public . Circagan Palace, Istanbul has 284 rooms and was home to Sultan Murad V . Highclere castle in Hampshire has opened up a self-catering lodge .


He might have only just learned to write his own name, but Wayne Rooney's five-year-old son Kai had an opportunity to show off his skills with a pen when signing autographs at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Manchester United captain's son was mascot for the 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur, and his dad's celebrity status seems to be rubbing off a little - at least in the eyes of Manchester's autograph hunters. Kai was spotted signing for fans by the Old Trafford dug-out before his dad netted United's third in the comprehensive victory that kept United in the Premier League's top four which will be remembered for Rooney's 'knockout' celebration. Kai Rooney was pictured signing autographs for one fan during Manchester United's win over Tottenham . Kai was mascot for Manchester United on Sunday and was even signing autographs for supporters . Rooney points out something in the crowd to his son ahead of scoring in United's 3-0 win over Tottenham . Wayne and Kai walk hand-in-hand out on to the Old Trafford turf ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash . Rooney wrapped up United's first-half scoring, with a celebration choreographed after Sunday newspaper reports pictured him appearing to be knocked out by his friend, Stoke City's Phil Bardsley, during an easy-going boxing session. Nabli Bentaleb presented the ball straight to Rooney 10 minutes before half-time and the United captain surged forwards to hold off two players before beating Hugo Lloris with his left instep. Rooney ran towards the corner flag, aiming three punches at thin air before falling backwards to the turf as if knocked out in a predictable but amusing celebration. It was a vital win for the home side who clung on to a two-point lead over Liverpool in fourth place, with England's two biggest clubs set to face each other at Anfield on Sunday in what is being billed as a potential Champions League qualification decider. Rooney's son, sporting a 'Kai 10' United shirt evidently drew the attention of supporters on Sunday afternoon . Rooney delivered a knockout blow to Spurs before beginning his celebration with punches to the air . Rooney falls backwards as if knocked out in a nod to the video released of him in Sunday's newspapers . Flat on his back, Rooney mocked reports of the boxing incident with Stoke City's Phil Bardsley .

Summary: Wayne Rooney's son Kai was mascot for Manchester United on Sunday . United beat Tottenham 3-0 at Old Trafford to keep control in the top four . Kai was seen signing autographs for fans at Old Trafford, just like his dad .


These captivating black and white portraits may appear centuries old but a closer inspection will reveal rather modern-looking models. The images have been taken using a Victorian photography technique and are part of a project to resurrect the earliest form of the art. Instead of the instant results of Instagram and other digital apps, each picture takes 20 minutes to develop and requires a number of chemicals. Scroll down for video . Turning back the clocks: Andy Martin uses a Victorian camera and a method called tintype photography to create these stunning portraits . The pictures are the work of Andy Martin, who has turned his back on 21st century cameras to practise tintype photography. The method was invented in 1850 and, although initially used for formal studio portraits, it became enormously popular and photographers started offering casual portraiture at events such as fairs and amusement parks. The process works by coating a metal with a chemical called collodion before placing it into a silver nitrate solution, which makes it light sensitive. The plate is then loaded into the camera and the picture is taken. The exposure time can be anything from a second to a couple of minutes, depending on the light conditions. The plate then has to be developed in a solution of iron sulphate and finished with a fixer, which makes the image fully appear. In Victorian times this would have been the deadly poison potassium cyanide, but Mr Martin opts for a less risky sodium thiosulphate. Modern models: Among his 500 portraits is a photo of musician Gruff Rhys (left) from Welsh rock band Super Furry Animals . Resurrecting early art-form: He is currently working on a project using the technique and hopes it will encourage others to have a go . The whole process has to be done in a dark room under a red light. Mr Martin's project started when he was given a worse-for-wear Victorian camera by a friend. It had been sat abandoned in an attic for at least 70 years - the stand had been destroyed by woodworm and the bellows were in tatters. After repairing it he spent a day with Sean Mackenna, a tintype expert who had honed his skills at Civil War re-enactments, learning the technique. He has now taken pictures of about 500 people, using about 1,000 plates and hopes to exhibition them and possibly even make a book. Among the photos featured is Gruff Rhys from Welsh rock band Super Furry Animals and Second World War hero Charles Eagles, who took part in the D-Day landings and was injured by an exploding mine on July 22 1944. Mr Martin, from Sunderland, said: 'It all started about five years ago when I got this camera from a friend whose uncle was having a clear out of his lock-up. 'I got in touch with this guy in London who was one of the first to resurrect the process in the UK back in the 1990s and asked if he would mind showing me the process. 'I went down to London

Summary: Andy Martin, of Sunderland, uses Victorian bellows camera in method called tintype photography - popular in 1850s . Process is all done in a dark room under a red light and uses a metal plate coated in chemicals to produce the effect . Mr Martin is trying to resurrect 150-year-old art form and says it's far more interesting than using a camera phone .


Judging by his social media activity, Mario Balotelli was very annoyed to miss Liverpool's victory over Swansea on Monday night. The 24-year-old striker was ruled out of the game at the Liberty Stadium with a stomach bug and didn't travel with the rest of the team to south Wales. And Instead he took to Instagram to post a picture of himself with the caption: 'ENJOY YOUR TIME TILL I'LL BE BACK.' Mario Balotelli shared a photo on Instagram after missing Liverpool's win over Swansea . Balotelli has scored just four times for Liverpool this season after a £16m move in the summer . Balotelli has scored just four times in all competitions this season for Liverpool since his £16million move in the summer. And the Italian striker will be targeting Liverpool's clash against Manchester United on Sunday for a return to the starting XI. Jordan Henderson's second-half goal gave Brendan Rodgers' side a hard-fought win over Swansea on Monday the drew them within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United in the race for Champions League football. Jordan Henderson lets out a roar of delight after his winner for Liverpool against Swansea . VIDEO Rodgers has eye on second place . Henderson watches his shot loop over Lukasz Fabianski and into the back of the net for Liverpool's winner .

Summary: Mario Balotelli did not travel to Wales for Liverpool's clash with Swansea . The Italian striker posted a picture on Instagram and promised to be back . Liverpool beat Swansea 1-0 thanks to Jordan Henderson's strike . Reds just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United after win . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


A 13-year-old girl who underwent gastric sleeve surgery after gaining more than 150lbs and barely being able to move her body has completed her first 5K race a year after the life-saving weight loss procedure. Alexis Shapiro, from Cibolo, Texas, who suffers from hypothalamic obesity, a condition that leaves her constantly hungry and unable to lose weight, weighed 203lbs in 2014 despite being only 4'7. After she was denied weight loss surgery by her health insurer because she was 'too young', her parents started an online crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $86,000 to cover the medical costs. 'I still really believe the surgery saved her life,' her 35-year-old mom Jenny Shapiro told People. 'I don't even know if we would be here. Seeing her do a 5K was just icing on the cake.' Scroll down for video . Making strides: Alexis Shapiro completed her first 5K race this month (pictured). Last year, the 13-year-old underwent gastric sleeve surgery to help her lose more than 50lbs . Last year, competing in a race would have been impossible for Alexis, who was almost always in pain because of her size. She began rapidly gaining weight after she sought treatment for her rare brain tumor in 2011; the surgery to remove the benign tumor caused damage to her hypothalamus and led to the development of hypothalamic obesity. After gaining 150lbs over the course of two years she developed type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related problems. Alexis had the life-saving surgery last March, but due to complications doctors were forced to perform a gastric sleeve surgery instead of the scheduled gastric bypass. Feeling better: Alexis, who suffers from hypothalamic obesity, a condition that leaves her constantly hungry and unable to lose weight, posed for the camera in a light pink crochet sweater last August . Puppy love: Alexis can be seen cuddling on the couch with her dog last month . She returned to school six months later after she lost more than 60lbs. But managing Alexis' weight is still a constant struggle. Her mom, who said 'hypothalamic obesity is a beast', admitted to the outlet that her daughter had since put eight to 10lbs back on her frame. Alexis continues to take steroids and growth hormones every day because her brain tumor surgery also left her with panhypopituitarism, a syndrome marked by decreased secretion of most pituitary hormones. Getting stronger: The teen was photographed working out in the gym last May . Vacation time: Alexis was all smiles during a trip to the beach . Although the treatments make her feel ill and cause her to miss school at least once a week, Alexis is happier than she has been in a long time. 'Alexis has a confidence about her that she didn’t have before,' Jenny said. 'She's gaining independence little by little and becoming her own person.' Jenny also noted that her daughter, who was once home-schooled, now has friends in her class. She maintained that, despite the ongoing complications Alexis is forced to deal with, the surgery was 'really good' for her.

Summary: Alexis Shapiro was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 2011 and the treatment left her with a condition called hypothalamic obesity . The teen, from Cibolo, Texas, who weighed 203lbs in 2012, had gastric sleeve surgery last March and has lost more than 60lbs .


The house where Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza began his murderous gun rampage has been demolished. Councillors in Newtown, Connecticut, decided to knock down the large, picturesque house on Yogananda Drive, and tear apart its foundations, to stop it being a 'constant reminder' of Lanza's brutal 2012 massacre. Lanza, 20, gunned down his mother, Nancy, inside the home before moving on to the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he murdered 20 first-graders and six members of staff. Demolition: Police watch as wrecking machinery finishes work on Yogananda Drive in Newtown, Connecticut, where Adam Lanza began the murderous Sandy Hook rampage by killing his own mother . Before: The 3,100-square-foot home was set in two acres of its own land in the exclusive town. Newtown authorities were given the house by the bank which acquired it, and voted to destroy it . Killer: Lanza, pictured above in two photos from some time before the 2012 killing, spent most of his time inside the house after dropping out of school . The killer spent most of his life at the home, which his parents bought in 1998 before they divorced. In the years leading up to the horrific shooting, Lanza spent increasing amounts of time inside its walls, where he spent hours playing video games, and would communicate with his mother by email. An exhaustive report into Lanza's life by state officials concluded that he was allowed to slip into a 'padded' world, in which he rarely had contact with the outside world - which may have contributed to the killings. No more: The home, pictured above four days after the December 2012 killing, had already been completely emptied and everything inside burned in the hope of preventing a trade in looted Sandy Hook memorabilia . Gone: Plans by the Newtown council call for the plot to be left empty and greenery planted there . Parents: Nancy Lanza, right, lived with her son in the home. Her ex-husband, Peter Lanza, left, lived in Newtown with them until he divorced Nancy . Lanza, who was on the autism spectrum and had other psychiatric problems, turned on his mother at the start of the December 14 rampage. He then drove to Sandy Hook and rampaged through classrooms, opening fire at young children and the teachers who tried to defend them. Lanza shot himself in the head just as police were arriving at the scene. Once the wreckage of the house, its driveway and foundations are removed, the space will be left empty. Demolition work began Monday, and the house has already been pulled down. Horror: Children are pictured above being led out of the school by their teachers on the day of the massacre . Aftermath: First responders are pictured above at the scene. Lanza shot himself in the head when police arrived . The town was given the 3,100-square-foot home, and its 2-acre lot, by a bank which acquired the property from the Lanzas. Bank officials had already gone inside and incinerated everything they could find, to stop any of the family's possessions becoming sick

Summary: 3,100sq ft home in Newtown, Connecticut was torn down Monday . Town council, which was given empty home, voted to destroy it . Lanza, 20, had lived there for 14 years before going on gun rampage . Killed mother Nancy at the address, then went to the school and shot 26 . Newtown residents had complained building was a 'constant reminder'


It may be home to rats and grime but a creative photographer has turned New York's subway system into his own fashion studio. Aaron Pegg, 29, who goes by his middle name Clifton, has captured beautiful models posing in one of the country's more unusual spots. From eating pizza to flashing Calvin Klein underwear, the girls make the bizarre backdrop their own by showing off the stunning clothes. A model strikes a pose between two trains on a platform of the New York subway . The red dress highlights the brightness of the corridor on this photo shoot . Clifton, who has more than 100,000 followers on his Instagram account 'underground-nyc', began taking the photographs in 2013. And since then the innovative photographer has amassed a huge following online with his arty shots - which include other mass transit systems such as Chicago. Scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan spent 18 months swabbing turnstiles, ticket kiosks, railings and benches for DNA. The boffins also found 15,152 different types of microorganisms sharing the trains with riders including the bubonic plague, dysentery and meningitis. However, New York's subway system, which carries 5.5 million passengers a week, continues to be a source of incredible artistry for Clifton. Wearing a dress, the sound of the underground is silent as many of the pictures were taken at the subway's quietest times . The New Yorker said: 'I was shooting the typical city stuff such as rooftop views, buildings, cabs and bridges until one day I almost got arrested for roof topping. 'It was too much of a close call and it was getting too cold to continue to get these views so I asked myself what can I shoot in any weather and have access to all the time? 'This led me to the subway but I couldn't just capture it on a typical day - it had to be different so I decided to capture the stations empty. The carriage awaits for his model who is showcasing the clothes on board one of the trains . 'Photography has always been a hobby and a way for me to creatively express myself but now it is turning into a business. 'I take magazine commissions and anything business related which there is a budget for.' Clifton admits he often gets unusual reactions from fellow subway riders who happen to walk in on his shoots. He added: 'I get everything from guys smiling and wanting to talk to the models to people shocked and not understanding what is going on.' Aaron Pegg, who goes by the name of Clifton, has even been snapping the models with food on the subway system . A train approaches on a dark and dingy subway platform as the model strikes a pose in a skimpy top . Taking photographs underground means rain fails to stop play as a model takes displays her outfir . From fashion to pizza, Clifton is accomplished to capturing a variety of images on the world-famous train hub . The platforms are deserted as this model takes

Summary: Photographer using world famous train hub as a backdrop for variety of photographic shoots . Confused commuters stopping in their tracks to look at striking models in various poses . Inspired to head underground during a cold snap and is now inspiring others on Instagram .


Justice Markandey Ketju said Gandhi's religious references worked to divide the Indian people, strengthening British rule . Mahatma Gandhi, the leader who helped lead India to independence over British rule, was actually an agent for the colonists, a top India judge has claimed. Justice Markandey Ketju said Gandhi deliberately tried to drive a wedge between the country's Hindu and Muslim populations, helping the British to divide and rule. The judge, who is known for making controversial statements, made his comments ahead of the unveiling of a statue of Gandhi in Parliament Square, London. They also came as Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond flies to Delhi for his first official visit, meeting with finance minister Arun Jaitley, who will come to London to see the statue unveiled. Mr Katju, 68, wrote on his personal blog: 'I submit that Gandhi was objectively a British agent who did great harm to India. 'By constantly injecting religion into politics continuously for several decades, Gandhi furthered the British policy of divide and rule.' In a separate post on the same topic, he asks: 'Does such a man, who constantly injected religion into politics, and thereby furthered the British policy of divide and rule, deserve to be called the Father of the Nation? He then goes on to quote from Gandhi's speeches and writings before adding: 'These are only some of the stupid, feudal ideas this "Father of our nation" had.' He says the fact that Gandhi peppered his speeches with Hindu phrases and terms pressed Indian Muslims into creating their own separate state, Pakistan, which was founded less than a year before Gandhi was shot dead. Mr Ketju, who has a reputation for making controversial remarks, also quoted from Gandhi's speeches and writings, before concluding: 'These are only some of the stupid, feudal ideas this "Father of our nation" had' Mr Katju, former chairman of the Press Council of India, has a large online presence - his Facebook page has been liked nearly 100,000 times, and his blog was shared by thousands of people. Mr Katju's father was deeply immersed in the Indian freedom movement, and he has made controversial statements on the topic in the past. According to The Times, he once said '90 per cent of Indians are idiots' because they vote in elections based on their religion and caste, rather than on political merit.

Summary: Judge claimed Gandhi used Hindu religion in speeches to divide India . Said spiritual leader's rhetoric helped British policy of divide and rule . Justice Markandey Ketju has a history of outspoken political comments .


Shocked students have described the moment their teacher was found hanged in a locked classroom as they arrived for school on Monday morning. Photography teacher Jillian Jacobson, 31, was discovered at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California, by her own students, who held a candlelit vigil last night for her 'beautiful soul'. Many had just arrived for school and were caught off-guard when the students who discovered popular, well-liked Mrs Jacobson burst into their classroom, clearly distressed. Scroll down for video . Tragic: Photography teacher Jillian Jacobson, 31 (left with a student) was discovered at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California, by her own students, who held a candlelit vigil for her 'beautiful soul' Authorities: Lt Eric Point of Placentia police (left) said preliminary investigations indicated a suicide. Right, an Orange County Fire Authority Chaplain pauses to speak to a student waiting for a ride after the school shut . One sophomore, named only as Holly, told the Orange County Register: 'I was in the class next door when I saw her students run out of the room with pale faces. 'Then teachers were running, then firefighters.' Freshman Tessa Hoover, who was in the classroom next door, added: 'We didn't know what was happening. 'Our teacher ran out of our class, then into the room next door. Then she started screaming. 'Right away we knew something really horrible had happened.' She told the Register her digital media arts teacher returned and locked the door before they were ushered into the gym a few minutes later. Devastating: A 31-year-old California teacher identified by her students as Jillian Jacobson (left and right) was discovered on Monday morning hanging in a classroom. It was distressed students who raised the alarm . Reaction: Lr Eric Point speaks to members of the media outside the school where the teacher was found . Fortitude: Assistant Superintendent Candi Plahy said school was due to resume today to help students cope . Frank Leon, 16, said his teacher left to unlock Jacobson's classroom and he heard 'screaming, crying,' he told the LA Times. 'It freaked the hell out of me.' He added that his teacher was screaming 'Oh my God, oh my God!' Last night more than 100 candles, flowers, cards and trinkets had been placed outside the school gates as students paid tribute to Mrs Jacobson on Twitter. 'We love you Mrs Jacobson,' wrote one. 'You'll never be forgotten.' Another, Mitch Brick, posted a photo of a sunset as he wrote: 'Mrs Jacobson has taught me so much about photography, much love sent out to her, rest in peace. 'Mrs. Jacobson told me that to be a good photographer, you need to get creative and think outside the box.' Kiley Sullivan wrote: 'My heart goes out to El Dorado High School Such a horrible thing to hear. Photo was my favorite class because of her. RIP Mrs Jacobson.' And Amber Guttilla said: 'For those who did not know Mrs Jacobson, there was not a teacher on this planet who cared more for her students. 'Her compassion knew

Summary: Devastated students identified the teacher as married Jillian Jacobson . She taught photography at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California . They found her in locked classroom yesterday as they arrived for school . 'Our teacher ran out of class', said one. 'Then she started screaming' Jacobson was married and lived with her 34-year-old husband in Anaheim . Her father killed himself, but she showed no previous signs of depression . Students held candlelit vigil for what they called her 'beautiful soul'


An elderly widow has been evicted from her home of 46 years because her son could not afford to pay the mortgage. Pensioner Mary Heywood, 84, from Southampton, was forced to pack her belongings and leave her house after her son, Philip, could not afford the mortgage repayments on the home. Once the pensioner was ushered by bailiffs into a waiting taxi, locksmiths moved in and changed the locks on the £190,000 terraced house as building society Nationwide took possession of it. Widow Mary Heywood, 84, (pictured) was forced to leave her house and was ushered by bailiffs into a taxi (pictured) after her son could no longer afford to pay the mortgage on her home of 46 years . The moment her son Philip (pictured left) and Mrs Heywood (right) are evicted from the Southampton home . Nationwide have said they offered numerous times to come to an arrangement with the family living at the property when they began struggling with mortgage repayments. Mrs Heywood and her son Philip, 54, got behind on payments when Mr Heywood got into financial difficulties. Mrs Heywood bought the house with her late husband Ernest in 1969. Mrs Heywood bought the house (pictured) with her late husband Ernest in 1969 . Their only son Philip, a self employed computer programmer, took charge of the mortgage payments from his elderly father in 2004. But he cut back his working hours when his father was hospitalised and eventually died in 2011, aged 84. Mr Heywood said he struggled to cope with the loss of his father, and work began to dry up as the debts rose to tens of thousands of pounds. He said the eviction was the climax of a legacy of huge debts racked up following the death of his father. He said: 'It's my fault that it's got to this point, I've handled things badly and perhaps I've made some bad decisions. 'I just wish that I could turn back time. I've lived here almost all my life so it's part of my life.' Building society Nationwide said it took action after serving its fourth and final eviction notice and making continued attempts to forge a deal. Nationwide reclaimed the house after Mr Heywood failed to find the money, a new job or alternative employment. A spokeswoman for Nationwide said the organisation had shown 'significant forbearance' over a long period of time. They said: 'This is a case where we have gone above and beyond what would be expected of a reasonable lender and have made numerous attempts to help Mr Heywood find a solution which works for him and for the society. 'We do, though, owe it to our wider membership to ensure that we do not sustain losses from such situations as, over time, this will affect the viability and sustainability of their building society.' It is unclear where Mr Heywood and his mother are staying. A spokesman for Southampton City Council urged the elderly woman to get in touch with them. She said: 'We will do our best to help a

Summary: Widow Mary Heywood, 84, has been evicted from her home of 46 years . Bailiffs ushered her out after her son could not afford to pay her mortgage . The £190,000 house has been possessed by building society Nationwide . Nationwide said they have repeatedly offered to come to an arrangement with the family when they began struggling with mortgage repayments . Southampton City Council have urged the pair to get in touch with them .


A Chinese policeman and father-to-be has been killed by a driver who sped off claiming he was being picked on. Video footage shows traffic officer Mao Shenquan, 32, being dragged along the road by the red BMW after he stopped the driver for trying to turn left in the wrong lane. The SUV had illegally driven onto a zebra crossing and was told to reverse backwards by the police officer who was on duty in the Minhang District of Shanghai. Trapped: The police officer is trapped and dragged along at speed by the red BMW, suffering fatal injuries . Driver Sun Haojie, also 32, ignored the officer and started performing the illegal manoeuvre when Mao made a grab for him, the People's Daily Online reports. The car drove away, pulling the officer at speed for 10 metres until he fell and hit the ground. Witness Liu Zhengjin, who was in another car when the incident happened, said Sun did not stop. 'In that moment I saw the car make a sudden left turn and the police officer reached out to grab the door but the speed of the car was very scary and did not stop,' she said. Shanghai police spokesman Liang Pai said the young officer suffered massive head injuries after either striking his head on the ground or getting hit by the wheels of the car. Doing his job: The young officer is pictured from the car's dashcam moments before he is dragged along by the driver and fatally injured . He said: 'The CCTV cameras as well as Mr Sun's own dashboard camera revealed that he was twice told not to turn left at different points on the road, and at the second point he ignores the advice causing the accident.' Driver Sun told officers he had always made the illegal turn on the road without incident so he felt that he was being targeted by police when he was stopped and stepped on the accelerator. He said it was only after he sped off, that he saw lots of people behind him and realised that it was serious. On camera: CCTV captures the traffic officer talking to the driver about an illegal manoeuvre seconds before he drives off, fatally injuring Mao Shenquan . Stop: Suspecting the driver is about to do the illegal turn anyway, Mao goes back to chat to the driver . Dragged: Officer Mao gets caught and can be seen trying to keep up with the car as it drives away . Left for dead: The driver continues, dragging the officer for 10 metres before he falls off and suffers fatal injuries . Tragic: The officer lies dying in the street as the red BMW is driven off. Mao Shenquan could not be saved and the driver was later arrested . 'At that moment my mind went blank,' he said. Sun drove off leaving the officer lying motionless on the ground but later returned to the scene and handed himself in to officers. The level-three superintendent was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

Summary: Traffic cop had stopped driver who was making illegal turn . He drove off at speed with the officer trapped in the car window . Father-to-be suffered fatal injuries after being dragged for 10 metres . Driver drove off but later turned himself into police in Shanghai . Authorities pledge crackdown after spate of similar incidents .


The Belgian Deputy Prime Minister has been accused of racism after blacking up his face during a charity event in Brussels. Foreign Minister Didier Reynders painted his face and dressed up as an '19th century African nobleman' as he joined charity organisation Les Noirauds (The Blacks) for a fundraising rally. The 56-year-old liberal politician later posted pictures of himself during the event on social media, captioned: 'The singing blacks'. Ciriticised: Belgium's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders posted this picture of himself on Twitter after he appeared at a charity event dressed as a '19th century African nobleman' Reynders has since faced criticism from minority organisations and prominent Belgians of African descent, who have said the minister's behaviour was 'unacceptable'. Wouter Van Bellingen, the director of Minority Forum, called the Deputy PM's actions 'deplorable', adding that Belgium still lacks a national anti-racism plan, despite making a commitment to devise one 14 years ago. Peter Bouckaert, from Human Rights Watch, tweeted: 'Belgium FM @Dreynders I have question: will u wear #blackface outfit 2 next meeting with African leaders? Shame on you!'. Twitter user Olivier Wah added: 'Considering what Belgium did in The Congo, this sucks to the max, right? No shame?' 'In other civilised countries his political career wouldn't . survive this, but in Belgium he just continues,' said . Nigerian-born author Chika Unigwe. Under fire: Reynders has been criticised by minority organisations and prominent Belgians of African descent, who have called his actions 'unacceptable' Questionable actions: The liberal Deputy PM, pictured far right, captioned this image 'les noirauds en ballade', which rouchly translated means 'the singing blacks' Other users of the microblogging site called the Foreign Minister's actions 'racist' and 'disgusting'. Les Noirauds is an organisation under royal patronage founded in 1876, which collects money for children's charities. Members of Les Noirauds blacken their faces and dress in white top hats, ruffled collars, bright green trousers and stockings, emulating what they call #19th century African noblemen'. The group, accompanied by Reynders, appeared during a charity rally in Brussels last Saturday accompanied by a band dubbed the 'Conservatoire Africain' (African conservatory). Despite the criticism on Twitter, very little response has come from withing the Belgian political sphere, with even the left-leaning Green Party saying Les Noirauds were innocuous folklore. Reynders, who on his website stresses the importance of . Central Africa in Belgium's foreign policy, posted pictures of . himself with blackened face on his blog and Twitter, describing . how he collected funds for children's charities. The Democratic Republic . of Congo, is the largest country in central Africa and was a Belgian colony until 1960. Millions of Congolese . are estimated to have died and the country was decimated in the . late 19th and early 20th centuries when Belgian King Leopold II . ran Congo as his personal fiefdom.

Summary: Didier Reynders, 56, blackened up his face for Brussels charity event . Joined fundraising group dressed as '19th century African noblemen' The Deputy PM and Foreign Minister has since been accused of racism .


The Melbourne Islamic State jihadi who had his bloodied dead body posted on social media had reportedly committed a string of criminal offences before he fled to the Middle East. New details have emerged that Suhan Rahman, who was killed while fighting in Syria last week, was sentenced to 80 hours of community service for attempting to pervert the course of justice and witness intimidation in 2013, according to The Australian. The 23-year-old, who was previously pictured with Sydney terrorist Mohamed Elomar, also faced a number of charges including assault and unlicensed driving, where he was hit with a $1000 fine. Melbourne Suhan Rahman was reportedly a convicted criminal before he fled the country for the Middle East . The revelation comes just less than a week after a woman claiming to be the wife posted her deceased husband Rahman on Twitter, announcing that he had been killed fighting for the IS. His twisted wife said: ‘May Allah accept my husband, Abu Jihad al Australi.’ ‘Promised Allah and fought in the front lines until he obtained shahadah,’ she added. Rahman, who had been fighting under the name Abu Jihad al Australi, previously threatened a terrorist attack on Australia claiming he would 'bring the war home' to the west in January. ‘Spill blood young Aussies,’ he wrote on Twitter. His last known location was Raqqa, an Islamic State stronghold in Syria. The woman, named Zumarul Jannah, who claimed to be his wife said: ‘Alhamdulillahi rabbil alimeen, I'm the most content I have ever been in my life ♡.’ A researcher at the London based terrorist research centre ICSR posted this photo of Rahman on Twitter . A woman claiming to be Suhan Rahman's wife posted a bloodied photo of her dead husband on Twitter. A rifle was placed on his body . The woman who claimed to be Rahman's wife said: 'I'm the most content I have ever been in my life.' ‘And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead,’ she added. She also posted a photo of a man that looks like Rahman praying. The 23-year-old was pictured with Sydney terrorist Mohamed Elomar earlier this year and was also friends with playboy Melbourne jihadi Mahmoud Abdullatif. Rahman and Abdullatif regularly conversed via Twitter before Abdullatif was reported dead in January. In November Rahman confessed to Abdullatif it was his ‘first time using twitter its tripping out bruv [sic]’. Abdullatif replied: ‘Lol I know I still don’t how to use it.’ The woman asked for Allah to 'accept' her husband, who she called Abu Jihad al Australi . The 23-year-old (left) was pictured with Sydney terrorist Mohamed Elomar (right) earlier this year . ‘Ye how do I retweet to others and what duz dat mean.’ Rahman asked. ‘I’ll explain when I come home insha Allah,’ Abdullatif responded. Along with his recent postings on Twitter, Rahman also uploaded one photograph of himself wielding a high-powered silver rifle AK47. Referencing the terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hedbo in January, where two Islamist gunmen killed editor

Summary: Suhan Rahman has been revealed as a convicted criminal, report says . It follows after the 23-year-old was killed while fighting in Syria last week . Rahman had been fighting under the name Abu Jihad al Australi . In January he threatened to 'bring the war home' to Australia . A woman claiming to be his wife posted a photo of his dead body . Rahman was friends with playboy Melbourne jihadi Mahmoud Abdullatif . He was also pictured with Sydney terrorist Mohamed Elomar .