Bernie Ecclestone says Lewis Hamilton is as good as Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and all the other greats of the track. The Formula One Group chief executive was speaking in his air-conditioned office in the Sepang paddock before Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, squinting through his John Lennon glasses at the state of the sport he has spent his life moulding. F1 has taken a pounding from the public and pundits since the processional opening race in Melbourne a fortnight ago. Only 75 per cent of the cars started. Only 11 drivers finished. Several teams are on the brink of bankruptcy. Lewis Hamilton is pictured in the paddock on Friday after ending the second session on top of the timesheets . Bernie Ecclestone, 84, rates Hamilton as the best world champion Formula One has ever had . Ecclestone is ‘disappointed’ but in Hamilton he sees only positives: a distinctive character who sells the sport by his deeds at the wheel and his celebrity on the red carpet. ‘He’s the best world champion we’ve had,’ said Ecclestone. ‘As a driver he is absolutely outstanding — as good as there’s ever been. Apart from the talent, he’s a good guy, he gets out on the street and supports and promotes Formula One. He is box office, 100 per cent. ‘It doesn’t matter what comes out of Lewis’s mouth, it’s good — even if it’s silly. It’s great for the sport. I told Sebastian (Vettel) he should do what Lewis is doing — put himself out there. He won four titles but went to ground. ‘He should have done the job of world champion. He got paid money for being champion. These guys think their only job is racing a car. It goes a bit further than that. The Briton, relaxing in the Mercedes garage, is bidding to win his second consecutive championship . Hamilton has helped boost the profile of Formula One, seen here with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian . ‘Most don’t think about a life beyond Formula One. Jackie Stewart is still making quite a bit of money and he hasn’t been in a car for a few years.’ Ecclestone, 84, is criticised for selling the sport’s soul to ever higher bidders, with Baku in Azerbaijan due to be added to the calendar next year and the German Grand Prix off for this season, with no guarantee of a return. Ecclestone said that even Monza, the track central to Italy’s love affair with motor racing, could be another victim. ‘It would be terrible, but if it goes, it goes,’ he said. ‘It’s funny how these people dig up money for things like the Olympics, European athletics and God knows what else. People say we charge too much for a race, and they are probably right, but teams get 62 per cent of the profit the company makes, so if we make less money, the teams make less money.’ Hamilton ended the second session in Sepang leading the way after missing most of the morning . Hamilton parades the Union Jack after sealing

Summary: Bernie Ecclestone described Lewis Hamilton as '100 per cent box office' Formula One ringmaster believes Mercedes driver is 'great for the sport' He also criticised Sebastian Vettel for not 'putting himself out there' after winning four consecutive wold championships at Red Bull . Ecclestone, 84, speaking ahead of Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix called for sprinkler system to be introduced at six races . He wants controversial double points ruling to return to the sport, too . CLICK HERE for all the latest F1 news .


Families face a raft of price hikes from this week on everything from the cost of a bath to prescription medicines. Advice organisations fear consumers could be lulled into a ‘false sense of security’ by the current Consumer Price Index ‘zero’ measure of inflation and fail to budget for the coming rises. Increases are due in council tax, water bills, vehicle exise duty, NHS charges, stamps and even Sky television packages. Families face a raft of price hikes from this week, with increases due in council tax, water bills, vehicle exise duty, NHS charges, stamps and even Sky television packages (picture posed by model) Inflation is currently 0 per cent and is predicted to show a minus figure for March and April. The collapse in the cost of oil and petrol in the past year by around 50 per cent has had a dramatic impact on living standards - with Prime Minister David Cameron saying it has given families an extra £20 per week - while a supermarket price war has delivered savings on food. But many people have reason to dread the rising bills that will be arriving on their doormats and email inboxes over the coming weeks, many of which are being hiked by government departments and agencies. Hannah Maundrell, editor in chief of advice website money.co.uk, said: ‘Whilst we can’t ignore the fact that some of our living costs are going down, such as food and mortgage rates, others are still going up. ‘It really worries me that so much talk of 0 per cent inflation will make consumers sit on their hands in the false sense of security that prices for everything will remain static. ‘Regardless of the economic terminology, consumers still need to save money wherever they can to accommodate rising costs in some areas of their finances.’ The average council tax bill for a Band D property will go up by £16 a year to £1,484 from tomorrow, yet local authorities are still warning of massive cuts to services. Funding for arts, museums and libraries is on the chopping block, while support for home care for the elderly is also being squeezed. The NHS dental charge payable for a band one course of treatment, something like a filling, will increase by 30p from £18.50 to £18.80 (picture posed by models) For those who live in particularly valuable homes, new property taxes could be a sign of things to come with Labour and the Lib Dems going into the General Election with proposals to hit owners of expensive homes. The Lib Dems want a new annual ‘mansion tax’ on homes worth more than £2million, while Labour has proposed something similar in a policy that has angered some within the party, ranging from Lord Mandelson to MP Diane Abbott. Labour London MPs are angry at the prospect of money being raised from families in the South East through the new property tax to subsidise services, such as the NHS, in Scotland. Water bills will go up by an average of £5 a year to £401 for the average

Summary: Price hikes are due on council tax, water, NHS charges, stamps and Sky TV . Fears public could be lulled into 'false sense of security' by 'zero' inflation . Collapse in oil prices has led PM to claim families have an extra £20 a week . But many people are dreading rising bills they will receive in coming weeks .


The White House is reportedly considering a new power play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would paint Benjamin Netanyahu into a corner just days after his stunning come-from-behind victory in his country's hotly contested elections. In the final days of campaigning, Netanyahu vowed in an historic U-turn that his government would never agree to the creation of a Palestinian state. But now President Barack Obama is contemplating using the United Nations as a trump card to force the issue. Under a plan outlined by Foreign Policy magazine, the U.S. State Department would ease away from decades of opposition to a Security Council resolution demanding peace talks and a final rapprochement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The White House cautiously avoided commenting on its future plans on Thursday when it was bombarded with questions by reporters on the topic, saying only that it would 'evaluate what our path is forward' is in light of Netanyahu's comments. NOT SO FAST ... The White House is considering a Netanyahu smackdown in the form on United Nations leverage to force him into breaking a campaign promise about peace with Palestinians . WATCHING AND WAITING: State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the US is evaluating its options – leaving the door open for lifting opposition to a UN two-state solution pushed on Israel . The U.S. and Israeli leaders have a famously chilly relationship. A former top-level Obama campaign aide helped organize voters aligned with Netanyahu's political opposition – even as the president refused to meet with Netanyahu this month, saying he didn't want to influence the election's outcome. The Obama administration hoped to see Netanyahu's left-wing rival, Isaac Herzog, prevail on Tuesday. Diplomats at the UN privately learned in the run-up to Election Day that the U.S. would not press the UN Security Council on peace talks if Herzog were to win, since he would likely have carried the ball on his own. But with Netanyahu poised to organize a coalition government comprised of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties opposed to a Palestinian state, all bets are off. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday that 'we’re currently evaluating our approach. We’re not going to prejudge what we would do if there was a UN action.' The chief spokesman for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue reiterated the administration's position on Thursday and made clear that no decisions had been made yet on the United States' part. He also refused to characterize the president's reaction to Netanyahu's victory, stating that, obviously, the president was 'aware' of it when asked by a reporter if Obama was 'disappointed' with the election results. Complicating the situation, the Palestinian Authority says it might take grievances against Israel, stemming from last year's brief Gaza war, to the International Criminal Court. The Palestine Liberation Organization’s top diplomat in the United States explained to Foreign Policy that the PA could formally accuse Israel of committing war crimes when it fired rockets into populated areas in response to sustained attacks. Israel has said it did all it could to avoid casualties among civilians,

Summary: Obama may end US opposition to a UN Security Council resolution designed to force Israel into a two-state solution with Palestinians . White House is upset that Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected, especially on the U-turn promise that he wouldn't agree to a Palestinian state . Palestinian Authority threatened to file war crimes charges against Israel in the International Criminal Court, related to rocket attacks last summer . US Congress would cut $400 million in annual aid to the PA is it followed through . Obama's spokesman refused to characterize the president's reaction to Netanyahu's reelection on Thursday . He would only say that the Israeli PM's comments on Palestine had lead the president and his advisers to 'evaluate what our path is forward'


West Ham will have to pay Arsenal £10million to make full-back Carl Jenkinson's move permanent. The 23-year-old has impressed for the Hammers during his loan spell, with manager Sam Allardyce a big fan of the defender. West Ham co-owner David Gold hinted on Sunday that the club would push to make the deal permanent in the summer. Carl Jenkinson applauds the West Ham fans at the final whistle after the narrow defeat against Chelsea . Jenkinson (left), pictured vying for the ball with Cesc Fabregas, is wanted on a permanent basis by West Ham . However, Jenkinson, who has made 24 appearances this season, is valued at £10m plus by Arsenal. Under the terms of his loan, Jenkinson is unable to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday and Gold told a fan on social media: 'He will not play against Arsenal. This year.'

Summary: West Ham are keen on signing Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson . The Hammers will have to pay £10million to land the on-loan defender . Jenkinson has made 24 appearances for Sam Allardyce's side this season .


A boat of delighted tourists had their holidays made, when a grey whale and her baby surfaced for a kiss during their vacation. The barnacle-encrusted sea giants were calmly swimming around the boat to the excited shrieks of watching tourists in San Igancio Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico. One lucky woman bravely leaned down to kiss the baby whale who surfaced and seemed happy to nuzzle the passengers on board the boat. The friendly grey whales migrate to the San Ignacio Lagoon to breed and give birth each year. Their trip is one of the longest migrations undertaken by a mammal, covering 12,430 miles (20,000 kilometres). The good-natured seafaring giants are not afraid of humans and commonly swim right up to human visitors, who can bravely plant a kiss on the heads of the huge 40-ton sea mammals. The plucky sea giants inquistively swim up to the boat of tourists in the Mexican San Igancio Lagoon . Having a whale of a time! The mother and baby love the attention from the adoring tourists, getting their noses and backs rubbed . Swooped in for a kiss! One brave tourist leans in to kiss the baby who is clearly loving all the attention . Source: National Geographic . The 45-foot creatures have a designated area set aside for them by the Mexican authorities, where boats can't go, allowing them to raise their offspring in peace if they wish. However the whale families are known to enjoy the attention from visiting tourist boats, and will even let people rub their tongues or kiss their heads. Mothers have even been known to raise their calves out of the water on her back to they can be closer to the boats. The footage comes after the recent tragic death of a woman who was thrown over board as a grey whale breached and hit her boat in Mexico. Two other people received 'considerable' injuries but are expected to survive. The tragedy highlights the dangers of the tourist attraction, and serves as a warning for those wanting to get up close and personal to the giant creatures. Previous to the accident, it had been announced by Mexican authorities that the grey whale population is unusually large this breeding season in the area.

Summary: The adorable moment of a brave grey whale baby being kissed by tourists . The encounter was caught on camera in San Igancio Lagoon in Mexico . Whales use the lagoon each year to breed and give birth to their young .


The Conservatives are planning a ‘kill Ukip’ campaign in the Kent constituency where Nigel Farage is standing for Parliament after he vowed to quit as party leader if he loses . Tory HQ is planning a ‘kill Ukip’ campaign in the Kent constituency where Nigel Farage is standing for Parliament after he vowed to quit as party leader if he loses. Mr Farage declared yesterday that it would be ‘curtains’ for him if he fails to win the Ukip target seat of South Thanet. He conceded it would be impossible for him to continue to dictate Ukip policy without a seat in the House of Commons. Ukip is aiming to win around half a dozen seats, but Mr Farage appears to face a tougher fight than Douglas Carswell, the Tory defector who won a big majority when he stood for Ukip in a by-election. Polls suggest he is in a three-way battle with Labour and the Conservatives. The Tories hold the seat, while Labour previously held it with slightly different borders. Conservative strategists believe Mr Farage has made a significant blunder by tying his fortunes in South Thanet to his future as party leader. ‘This is a great opportunity,’ said one. ‘We can now make this a decapitation campaign. If voters who have previously backed other parties want to stop Ukip, they can vote for us and cut the head off the snake.’ The strategist said that if Mr Farage stood down after losing the seat, Mr Carswell was likely to take over and ‘that would be the end of Ukip’. Other candidates to succeed the Ukip leader include communities spokesman Suzanne Evans and former journalist Patrick O’Flynn, both Euro MPs. Mr Farage appears at odds over several areas of policy with key members of his team, Mr Carswell, who has expressed concern about the ‘ugly nativism’ of some Ukip supporters and spoken in favour of immigration. The Clacton MP is also seen as lacking in the broad popular appeal of Mr Farage by Tory campaign chiefs. A Survation poll commissioned by a Ukip donor in South Thanet found Mr Farage to be ahead, but one previous survey had him neck and neck with the Tories and another put the Tories ahead. In an extract from a new book by the Ukip leader, The Purple Revolution, serialised in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Farage made clear he would quit as party leader if he fails to become an MP. ‘It is frankly just not credible for me to continue to lead the party without a Westminster seat,’ he wrote. ‘What credibility would Ukip have in the Commons if others had to enunciate party policy in parliament and the party leader was only allowed in as a guest? ‘Was I supposed to brief Ukip policy from the Westminster Arms? No – if I fail to win South Thanet, it is curtains for me. I will have to step down.’ Yesterday Ukip won a boost when broadcasting regulator Ofcom awarded it a second party election broadcast on commercial TV and radio on the basis that

Summary: Farage declared that it would be ‘curtains’ for him if loses in South Thanet . Tories plan to appeal to voters from across the spectrum to help defeat him .


Armed with a sharp sense of smell, dogs have a long history of detecting explosives for their human handlers, and soon there could be sniffer elephants too. Researchers have found that the large mammals excel at identifying explosives by smell, stirring speculation about whether their extraordinary ability could save lives. Elephants could be used to detect land mines in areas that have seen conflict and could even do so at a distance with the aid of drones. Researchers have found that elephants excel at identifying explosives by smell, stirring speculation about whether their extraordinary ability could save lives. A stock image is shown . The research was conducted in South Africa and involved the U.S. military. On a game reserve co-owned by Sean Hensman, three elephants passed the smell tests. Sniffing at buckets, they were rewarded with a treat of marula - a tasty fruit - when they showed that they recognised samples of TNT by raising a front leg. ‘They work it out very, very quickly,’ he said. Stephen Lee, head scientist at the US Army Research Office, which backed the study financially, said that elephants remember their training longer than dogs. Elephants could be used to detect land mines in areas that have seen conflict and could even do so at a distance with the aid of drones. This image shows an a warning sign in an area littered with explosives . Last summer, researchers confirmed that African elephants have the best sense of smell in the animal kingdom. Scientists from the University of Tokyo said elephants have the largest number of genes dedicated to smell of any mammal. They have 2,000 genes that are dedicated to scent - twice as many as dogs and five times as many as humans. Previous studies have shown that the animals have well-developed olfactory systems that include large olfactory bulbs and areas in the brain. They seem to be able to distinguish between two Kenyan ethnic groups—the Maasai, who spear elephants to demonstrate strength, and the Kamba, who pose little threat to the animals. The ability of elephants to detect explosives was first noticed in Angola - a country that many elephants had returned to after a 2002 peace deal ended a protracted war. While there was peace, the land remained sown with mine fields. Some elephants seemed to intentionally avoid them, though it might not have been a scent that kept them away - they could instead have associated those areas with danger because elephants had died there in the past. Researchers decided to investigate and in Bela-Bela, a town north of the South African capital of Pretoria, elephants named Shan, Mussina and Chishuru were administered smelling tests. The elephants detected TNT samples 73 out of the 74 times that they encountered in a line of buckets, according to Ashadee Kay Miller, a zoology student at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. They only got this wrong 3.6 per cent of the time over 502 buckets that contained the explosive, which was dissolved in acetone on filter paper. In an experiment

Summary: Research was conducted in South Africa and involved the US military . Experiment found elephants excel at identifying explosives by smell . Animals were able to find TNT among buckets filled with distracting smells . Skill could be used to find buried landmines in former areas of conflict . Drones could collect mine field scent samples for elephant analysis . Elephant's sense of smell could be used to inspire new sensors .


Green electric-powered cars are much more dangerous to pedestrians than traditional vehicles with petrol engines, a charity report said yesterday. It found that walkers are 40 per cent more likely to be run over by a quiet hybrid or electric car than by one with a petrol or diesel engine. And as the number of green vehicles grows because of Government tax breaks for eco-friendly cars, the number of injuries they cause has been rising fast, it said. Scroll down for video . Cars with electric or hybrid engines, which are much quieter than regular petrol cars, are driving a huge rise in accidents among pedestrians who do not hear them coming . The report from the Guide Dogs charity found a 54 per cent increase in pedestrian injuries in accidents involving quiet cars between 2012 and 2013. The charity – which says that guide dog owners and their animals are particularly at risk from vehicles that they cannot hear coming – called for laws to make noise generating systems compulsory on all hybrids. Guide Dogs manager James White said: ‘Quiet vehicles put pedestrians at risk outside schools, in residential areas and in our towns and cities. 'The Government is spending hundreds of millions of pounds to increase the numbers of quiet cars on the roads, and while we support the development of environmentally friendly vehicles, more needs to be done to protect pedestrian safety.’ The call for legislation was backed with a survey carried out by YouGov which found more than three quarters thought hybrids make the roads less safe for blind or partially-sighted pedestrians. Similar proportions thought quiet green cars are a threat to older people and to children. Electric cars and hybrids running under electric power move silently and are likely to surprise people on foot who expect to hear the approach of a vehicle. The visually impaired are among the worst affected by the switch to electric as guide dogs also struggle to identify the threat, with campaigners calling for noise generators to be made compulsory . Car builders and independent companies have been working on a range of artificial sound generators that would lessen the risk of accidents. Most involve speakers fixed to the car, which work in the direction the car is moving to reduce nuisance to people who are not in the way. Sounds promoted vary from a reproduction of the whine of an old electric motor through computerised squawks to a rumble reminiscent of a diesel or petrol combustion engine. EU rules say such generators must be fitted to quiet cars by 2021, but Guide Dogs said that before then there will be thousands more potentially dangerous green cars on the road. It said that car makers should ‘do the right thing and fit sound generating systems to quiet vehicles before it becomes compulsory.’ Legislation in Britain should also insist that noise-making equipment is not only fitted to a car but always switched on, Guide Dogs said. The charity’s campaign was supported by Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg. Miss Clegg, who has only peripheral vision,

Summary: Was a 54 per cent jump in accidents involving the cars from 2012 to 2013 . Visually impaired are among the worst affected, Guide Dogs report finds . Campaigners are calling for compulsory noise generators on electric cars .


Oakham Under 15s centre Tyrese Johnson-Fisher impressed with an amazing display of finishing, scoring four tries against Bishop Wordsworth's School to help his side reach their first NatWest Schools Cup final in 10 years. Johnson-Fisher is the latest in a long line of rugby stars to emerge from the independent school in Rutland, which also educated Rob Cook, Tom Croft, Ron Jacobs, Lewis Moody and Matt Smith. The teenager was effectively untouchable as he floated effortlessly between the flailing Bishop Wordsworth's challenges, feinting one way before turning another with blistering pace. Tyrese Johnson-Fisher bursts to score the first of his four tries against Bishop Wordsworth's School . The win over Bishop Wordsworth's School sees Oakham reach the NatWest Schools Cup final . Johnson-Fisher's impressive display has seen the youngster tipped to play for England in the future . Johnson-Fisher is also a decorated youth sprinter and has run 100m in 10.91 seconds . Clips of Johnson-Fisher's dazzling performance have gone viral and won him plenty of admirers . Of course, Johnson-Fisher's speed should come as no surprise, given that the youngster is also a decorated sprinter. Less than a year ago, he won the English Schools' Championships junior boys' 100 metre title with a time of 10.91 seconds. Boarding fees at Oakham school total at £29,940 per year, while day fees are £17,970 per year. Former England captain Lewis Moody (pictured here, right, in 2011) was also educated at Oakham School .

Summary: Oakham School student Tyrese Johnson-Fisher has wowed the internet . Clips emerged of the teenager scoring four tries for his Under 15s side . He helped Oakham to their first NatWest Schools Cup final in 10 years . The teenager is also a youth title winning sprinter . Lewis Moody, Matt Smith and Ron Jacobs also attended Oakham School .


Gus Poyet is almost certain to be sacked as Sunderland manager when he meets with the club’s hierarchy on Monday. The Uruguayan will take training at the Academy of Light before talks over his future and the unraveling situation at the club. Influential sporting director Lee Congerton has advised owner Ellis Short that Poyet should be dismissed and the search has already begun for a replacement. Gus Poyet looks set to be sacked by Sunderland following the 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa . Poyet cuts a lonely figure on Saturday as Sunderland are humiliated 4-0 by Aston Villa . Fans showed their outrage as the Black Cats slumped to a record of one win in 12 Premier League games . Jermain Defoe looked dejected as Sunderland went 4-0 down before half time on Saturday . Paul Bracewell (left with U21 manager Robbie Stockdale) and Kevin Ball could take over in the short term . HULL . Chelsea (Home) - March 22 . Swansea (Away) - April 4 . Southampton (Away) - April 11 . Liverpool (Home) - April 18 . Crystal Palace (Away) - April 25 . Arsenal (Home) - May 2 . Burnley (Home) - May 9 . Tottenham (Away) - May 16 . Man United (Home) - May 24 . ASTON VILLA . Swansea (Home) - March 21 . Man United (Away) - April 4 . Tottenham (Away) - April 11 . Man City (Away) - April 25 . Everton (Home) - May 2 . West Ham (Home) - May 9 . Southampton (Away) - May 16 . Burnley (Home) - May 24 . *QPR (Home) - Date to be arranged . SUNDERLAND . West Ham (Away) - March 21 . Newcastle (Home) - April 5 . Crystal Palace (Home) - April 11 . Stoke (Away) - April 25 . Southampton (Home) - May 2 . Everton (Away) - May 9 . Leicester (Home) - May 16 . Chelsea (Away) - May 24 . * Arsenal (Away) - Date to be arranged . BURNLEY . Southampton (Away) - March 21 . Tottenham (Home) - April 5 . Arsenal (Home) - April 11 . Everton (Away) - April 18 . Leicester (Home) - April 25 . West Ham (Away) - May 2 . Hull (Away) - May 9 . Stoke (Home) - May 16 . Aston Villa (Away) - May 24 . QPR . Everton (Home) - March 22 . West Brom (Away) - April 4 . Chelsea (Home) - April 12 . West Ham (Home) - April 25 . Liverpool (Away) - May 2 . Man City (Away) - May 9 . Newcastle (Home) - May 16 . Leicester (Away) - May 24 . *Aston Villa (Away) - Date to be arranged . LEICESTER . Tottenham (Away) - March 21 . West Ham (Home) - April 4 . West Brom (Away) - April 11 . Swansea (Home) - April 18 . Burnley (Away) - April 25 . Chelsea (Home) - April 29 . Newcastle (Home) - May 2 . Southampton (Home) - May 9 . Sunderland (Away) - May

Summary: Sunderland are a point above the relegation zone . They have won just once in their last 12 league games under Gus Poyet . Ex-players Kevin Ball and Paul Bracewell lined up to take temporary charge . Dutchman Dick Advocaat is favourite for the job long-term . READ: Sunderland eye West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce . Poyet's Stadium of Darkness: Fans and senior club figures lose patience . CLICK HERE for all the latest Sunderland news .


A 15-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday in the short-lived kidnapping of a 22-month-old toddler that was caught on surveillance video in this small farming town in eastern Washington. The teenage boy, who lives in Sprague, was identified through the use of surveillance video, interviews and evidence collection, Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers said. The boy's identity was being withheld because he is a juvenile, Magers said. 'Over the past 72 hours, deputies and detectives have worked relentlessly on this case,' Magers said in a news release. Scroll down for video... Caught: Authorities have identified the attempted kidnapper in this surveillance footage as a Washington 15-year-old boy. Sprague, Washington authorities have arrested him but have declined to ID him because he is a minor . Detectives started focusing on the teen in the 24 hours before the arrest, Magers said. 'Additional evidence, interviews, DNA collection and surveillance was conducted,' Magers said. 'A search warrant was executed at the suspect's residence.' One of the kidnap victim's young siblings also positively identified the suspect, Magers said. The 15-year-old was booked into a juvenile detention facility on suspicion of second-degree kidnapping, Magers said. The Lincoln County prosecutor's office will make the formal charging decisions. Meanwhile, the brother and sister who bravely gave chase to the teen have spoken about the moments leading up to young Owen Wright being snatched. Brenden, 10, Delicia, 8, and Owen were approached by the stranger as they played in a park in the tiny town of Sprague, Washington, after their babysitter had left them unattended on Sunday. Heroes: Delicia Wright, 8, said that the kidnapper told them he was nice to kids and had been babysitting for a long time, she didn't believe him and her screams helped raise the alarm . Brave: Breden said he wasn't scared by the kidnapper and jumped into action because they he wanted his brother back so they could go to their cousin's birthday party . 'He said he was nice to kids and he had been babysitting for a long time,' Delicia told Good Morning America. Surveillance video shows the man running down the sidewalk with the toddler in his arms. In hot pursuit are Owen's brother and sister. 'I thought he was trying to kidnap him so I ran and screamed,' said Delicia. Big brother Breden said he wasn't scared by the teen and jumped into action because they had an important family function to attend. 'I was chasing him so I could get my brother back for my cousin's birthday party,' he explained. The dramatic scene ended after a pair of local teenagers also chased after the kidnapper and he set the boy down and ran off on Sunday, authorities said. Michael Wright, the father of the three children, said he was relieved that young Owen was unhurt and very proud of his other kids' bravery. 'For my kids to run after him that is an act of courage,' he said. Nicole and Michael Wright hold their 22-month-old son Owen who was abducted from Sprague City Park on Sunday. Owen's sister Delicia,

Summary: Brenden, 10, Delicia, 8, and Owen were approached by a stranger after their babysitter left them playing unattended in a park in Sprague, Washington . The teen told the older children that he was nice to kids and had been babysitting for a long time . Delicia Wright said he didn't believe him and when he picked up her younger brother she started to scream which helped raise the alarm . Older brother Breden said he wasn't scared of the man and it was important to get Owen back as they had to attend a cousin's birthday party . Father Michael Wright said he was relieved that young Owen was unhurt and very proud of his other kids' bravery . Police have no leads in their search for the stranger who is about 30 years old, 6-foot to 6-foot-2, with a thin build, brown hair and a mustache .


President Barack Obama today said the investigation into police in Ferguson, Missouri, has exposed a 'broken and racially biased system' as he prepared to mark a half-century since 'Bloody Sunday'. Addressing a South Carolina town hall, the 53-year-old leader also said the inquiry - launched in the wake of Michael Brown's 2014 death - has revealed an 'oppressive and abusive' police situation. 'It turns out they weren't just making it up. This was happening,' Obama said, making reference to the Justice Department's damning report on blacks-targeted racial bias in the St Louis suburb. He told a room of both young and old attendees that Ferguson must now decide how to move forward, adding that America's top goal should be to prevent similar circumstances elsewhere. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Speech: President Barack Obama (pictured today) has said the inquiry into police in Ferguson, Missouri, has exposed a 'broken and racially biased system' as he prepared to mark a half-century since 'Bloody Sunday' Controversy: Addressing a South Carolina town hall, the 53-year-old also said the investigation - launched in the wake of Michael Brown's death - has revealed an 'oppressive and abusive' police situation (file picture) Commemoration: Obama's comments at South Carolina's Benedict College come the day before he leads this weekend's 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday', when police beat scores of people (pictured) who were marching from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, the state capital, to protest against their lack of voting rights . 'Are they going to enter into some sort of agreement with the Justice Department to fix what is clearly a broken and racially biased system?' he asked of officials who are working in the city. Obama's comments at South Carolina's Benedict College come the day before he leads this weekend's 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday', when police beat scores of people marching from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, the state capital, to protest against their lack of voting rights. The violent images broadcast on TV helped lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. During today's gathering, Obama made his most expansive comments yet about the Justice Department report, which found systemic racial bias created a 'toxic environment' in Ferguson. The President, who arrived at Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Air Force One earlier today, said it was striking investigators had merely had to look at emails sent by police to find evidence of bias. The report cleared Darren Wilson, the white former Ferguson police officer who shot to death 18-year-old Brown, who was black and unarmed, while he was on duty in the city in August 2014. Damning report: 'It turns out they weren't just making it up. This was happening,' Obama said, making reference to the Justice Department's damning report on blacks-targeted racial bias in the St Louis suburb . Future decisions: Obama (pictured today) told a room of both young and old attendees that Ferguson must now decide how to move forward, adding that America's top goal is to prevent similar circumstances elsewhere . Shooting: But Obama said he fully supported the decision not to charge

Summary: President Obama spoke at South Carolina town hall event this afternoon . He said Ferguson police inquiry exposed 'broken, racially biased system' Also described system as 'abusive' - and said it cannot occur elsewhere . 'It turns out they weren't just making it up, this was happening,' he said . Comes one day before Obama gives his Selma 50th anniversary speech . Will mark half-century since 'Bloody Sunday' on Edmund Pettus Bridge . Police beat scores of people in 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery . During today's event, Obama also said commemoration is as much about stirring young people to change as it is about honoring past legends .


It was built 200 years ago and was once a grand and imposing law court, but pictures from behind this building's locked doors show how it has been to left to crumble and rot for 20 years. The Old Town Hall in Sheffield, which housed the city's crown and high court until the 1990s, has lain dormant since 1996 - but its public gallery, benches and dock are still intact, giving the appearance of a building frozen in time. The Grade II listed building's glory has faded over the years but remnants of its role as a council chamber and court are still visible among the decaying timber and rotting carpets. Scroll down for video . These haunting images from behind the locked doors of a once grand and imposing law court show how the building has been to left crumble and rot for 20 years . The court, in Sheffield, is littered with dust and dirt but is largely sound structurally despite being abandoned for almost 20 years . Neglected but not forgotten: The Old Town Hall, which housed the city's crown and high court until the 1990s, has lain dormant since 1996 . The impressive and once imposing building still has its stone pillars, an ornate reminder of what once went on in the abandoned courthouse . The Grade II listed building's glory has faded over the years, with its wallpaper peeling and holes visible in its ceilings . Meeting benches are still scattered across the main room, despite nothing having been done with the building since it last shut its doors. Even with the holes in the ceilings and peeling wallpaper, the aged building refuses to relinquish it's former grandeur - as can be seen in the wooden panelling, the ironwork on the stairs, the ornate fireplaces and huge doorways. Now campaigners battling to see the building restored to its former glory have slammed the owners' 'contempt for the city' for allowing it to stand derelict. After a meeting to discuss the building's future, the Friends Of The Old Town Hall group has now vowed to increase pressure on the owners in the coming months. The wooden panelling, the ironwork on the stairs, the ornate fireplaces and huge doorways still remain after almost two decades . Remnants of the Old Town Hall's role as a council chamber and court are still visible among the decaying timber and rotting carpets . The historic building has been owned by a pair of private, London-based businessmen since 2004, but campaigners say it is 'suffering from increased neglect' Campaigners battling to see the building restored to its former glory have slammed the owners' 'contempt for the city' for allowing it to stand derelict . The Old Town Hall's public gallery, benches and dock are still intact, giving the appearance of a building frozen in time . The historic building has been owned by a pair of private, London-based businessmen since 2004, but campaigners say it is 'suffering from increased neglect'. Group member Victoria Bayliss said: 'There is anger about what is happening to

Summary: The Old Town Hall in Sheffield was once a grand and imposing law court, but it has lain dormant for 20 years . 200-year-old building has been left to crumble and rot, but its public gallery, benches and dock are still intact . Grade II listed building's glory has faded and campaigners are now calling for the court to be restored .


A self-catering holiday close to home could be hard to beat this summer. Take family or friends away to discover shell-studded beaches that stretch for miles, heaps of historical gems swathed in myths and legends, and locations from favourite TV shows - think Poldark and Doc Martin in charming Cornwall, and Broadchurch in dazzling Dorset. Self-catering has come a long way, as competition and regulation drives owners to ever-higher standards. Self-catering has come a long way, as competition and regulation drives owners to ever-higher standards . So most cottages are now stylish sanctuaries - perfect to flop down in after sorties along the coastal path or up into the hills. And it's not just about the flexibility to feed yourselves and set your own schedule. Snaptrip has seen a 25 per cent increase in people searching for somewhere to stay close to foodie delights - renowned pubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, food fairs and markets. And there has been a 35 per cent increase in people booking activities alongside their stay - from sailing in Hampshire and Dorset, to cycling in the Brecon Beacons or horse riding in the new Forest and Scotland. A bargain struck on accommodation will free up your budget for plenty of treats, experiences and explorations. Neither are you confined to a full week's stay. 'There has been a marked shift towards short breaks taken within two hours' drive of home,' says Simon Altham, managing director of Hoseasons. 'Nearly two-thirds of our business (62 per cent) focuses on short breaks of three or four nights.' There has been a 35 per cent increase in people booking activities alongside their stay, including cycling in the stunning Brecon Beacons (pictured) The choice has widened, with a growing demand for luxury lodge breaks that offer families, friends and couples that little bit extra - stylish, modern living spaces in beautiful countryside settings, with free wi-fi, en-suite facilities and private hot tubs on the decking. And holiday parks have had a modern facelift, sprouting upmarket facilities, sailing and surfing lessons and trendy restaurants. So whether for a short break, Easter egg-scape or that full week or two's holiday, self-catering promises fun and freedom this summer. Disney's Cinderella, released on March 27, updates the classic rags-to-riches tale by featuring humble Cinders's personal journey as she wins over the heart of her prince. Be inspired to abandon everyday chores and start your own love story with a stay in a spectacular castle or historic home, from Country Cottages. Try romantic Hen Wrych Hall Tower in Abergele, north Wales, the ultimate fairytale backdrop. Your dream property, fit for a princess (or prince) awaits! Enjoy a short break sailing in Dorset with more places now offering the chance to stay for less than a week . Looking for a dramatic location? South Foreland Lighthouse, at Dover, is perched on the White Cliffs, with outstanding views of the French coastline and ships passing in the Channel. National Trust Holidays' East Cottage, adjoining the lighthouse, is very close to the Trust's newest attraction, opening this spring - the Fan Bay

Summary: Self-catering accommodation is better than ever . Enjoy the flexibility to feed yourselves and set your own schedule . Snaptrip has seen a 25% increase in people looking for accommodation . Growing demand for luxury lodge breaks that offer a little bit extra .


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence that unleashed frenzied speculation about the whereabouts and health of the Russian strongman. Looking pale, Putin met with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev at the sumptuous Konstantinov's Palace just outside Saint Petersburg, an AFP correspondent reported. Putin, commenting on suggestions that he had been forced to lie low because of ill health, said that life without gossip would be 'boring'. Scroll down for video . President Vladimir Putin on Monday reappeared in public in a meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev (left) after an unusually long 10-day absence that unleashed frenzied speculation about the whereabouts and health of the Russian strongman . The Bishkek leader claimed Putin was fit, and that rumours of his ill-health were unfounded . 'It would be boring without gossip,' Putin said in his first public appearance since March 5. He refused to explain his absence. The Bishkek leader claimed Putin was fit - and in macho mode. 'The president of Russia isn't just walking, he's hot-rodding around, driving his guests around behind the wheel,' said Atambayev. 'Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) just drove me around the territory. That's just so there's no rumours.' After studying images and video of the meeting body language expert Judi James, author of The You Code: What Your Habits Say About You, told MailOnline that the poor-health rumours might be true after all. She said: 'Putin's face looks shiny and although the smile is held in place, his eye expression lacks some of its normal steel and arrogance. 'His stride has most of its normal energy, but his left arm could be showing signs of weakness. In some poses, it hangs lifelessly down at his side and when he sits he appears to support it with his right hand, although he can clearly use it as he shows when he unbuttons his jacket. 'His leg-splay is wide, suggesting alpha confidence, and he leads the conversation with his usual determination and active head movements. 'His posture in the chair is slightly slumped to the right though and when he finishes talking his legs pump backwards and forward as though he might be keen to see an end to the meeting.' His reappearance came after it was revealed that he was ready to place his nuclear attack forces on alert when he seized Crimea a year ago. The Russian president's revelation was aired in a pre-recorded TV interview broadcast at the end of last week. After studying images and video of the meeting body language expert Judi James (pictured) told MailOnline the poor-health rumours might be true . After studying images and video of the meeting body language expert Judi James, author of The You Code: What Your Habits Say About You, told MailOnline that the poor-health rumours might be true after all. She said: 'Putin's body language is normally a blend of inscrutable facial expression tinged with the odd cynical-looking smile and swaggering machismo in terms of his gait. On the surface there is little difference in this latest appearance after

Summary: Putin reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence . He appeared in a meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev . Atambayev said Putin was 'hot-rodding around, driving his guests' Follows admission he was ready to put nuclear forces on alert over Crimea . Putin's absence occurred amid rumours of illness, a coup and a love child . But body language expert believes rumours about poor health could in fact be true .


Iowa mom Melody Lauer has a personal motto she is trying to pass on to others: 'If you have baby on one side, it’s best to have gun on the other.' The 30-year-old mother-of-three from Des Moines and former gun shop worker has started a new safety class that claims to teach women how to carry a firearm and their child at the same time. Despite being a gun enthusiast, Lauer maintains her controversial class does not encourage women to conceal a weapon, but shows them how to do so properly. 'I have seen a huge insurgence in young mothers, mothers of young children, wanting to get into firearms,' Lauer told ABC 6. Scroll down for video . Mom-and-gun enthusiast: Des Moines mother-of-three Melody Lauer has started a new gun safety class to show women how to 'responsibly' carry a firearm and their child at the same time . Armed: The 30-year-old mom first got her gun permit at 21 and quickly became obsessed with weapon safety . Family first: Melody - who has children aged nine months, three and six - feels safer carrying a gun so that she can protect her kids . Support: Lauer was encouraged was encouraged to get her first gun (right) by her husband (together-left) Popular: Lauer launched her 'Babywearing and Carrying' in February . Lauer continued: 'And what's happening is we don't have instructors that are addressing their needs. 'So they just do it. They don't do it right and then they end up having an accident.' The class is called 'Babywearing and Carrying' and the first seminar was in February. Lauer says it has quickly become quite popular and is being hailed the first of its kind. 'To our knowledge, nobody is doing this yet,' Barry Snesll, who runs Crossroads Shooting Sports shooting range in Des Moines, said. 'The interest was so great that she actually had to turn off or shut off the registration. 'Otherwise, we would have had two-three times as many people here.' Safety: Lauer's motto is iIf you have baby on one side, it’s best to have gun on the other' Pro-gun: Mother-of-three Lauer said parents should be responsible enough to learn to carry a weapon safely . Safety: Lauer became dedicated to learning the correct safety measures associated with firearms . Lauer got her gun permit at 21 to appease her husband, who said he would be more comfortable with her increasing travel commitments for work if his wife were armed. She became dedicated to gun safety and learning how to use the weapon properly. The idea for a class was then recently borne out of tragedy, she said. 'The idea for the class came out of hearing about the kid in Idaho who shot his mom recently,' Lauer told Yahoo! Parenting. 'That touched me in a very deep way because my daughter was 2 at the time. 'I thought, there’s no reason this should happen. We are adults and can be responsible.' Because of the popularity in Des Moines, Lauer is now looking at ways to expand, and

Summary: Melody Lauer, 30, is a mother-of-three from Des Moines, Iowa . She got her gun permit at 21 and has worked in a gun shop . Last month she launched a seminar called 'Babywearing and Carrying' Class claims to show women how to safely holster a gun for child safety . Lauer says the class is overwhelmingly popular and she wants to expand .


A burglar who stole a pet parrot worth £600 left a shocking ransom note in his cage, threatening to kill the bird if his owner went to police. Cara Cosson, 45, of Oakley, Bedford, was out at work when a raider kicked in the back door of her three-bedroom home and stole JoeJoe the African grey - but took nothing else. The unknown criminal left a menacing note made from letters cut from magazines, saying: ‘Want your bird back alive text [phone number]. Contact police bird dies a slow agonising death!’ Bizarre: The unknown criminal left a menacing note made from letters cut from magazines, saying: 'Want your bird back alive text [phone number]. Contact police bird dies a slow agonising death!' Miss Cosson ignored the threat and called police, who arrested a man in his 40s before bailing him. But JoeJoe, 16, is still missing and she fears she will never see her pet again. Now, she has made the ransom note public in a bid to highlight her case - and said fellow animal-lovers have offered to hire a private investigator to track down the bird. Contracts officer Miss Cosson said: ‘Everybody in the bird world knows about it and there has been no sign of a bird like JoeJoe being sold. I think the person who stole him still has him. This is not a conventional bird theft. 'I released the letter because I thought if people saw the circumstances they would realise just how serious this is. It is getting harder as time goes on. It is things like going home and him not saying anything. 'The house is so quiet without him. I am even considering moving house now because of the memories that I have of the theft - but I am never going to give up on JoeJoe.’ Miss Cosson has had a pet bird since she was a child and is well-known locally as a parrot breeder. She has owned JoeJoe since he was 14 weeks old - and said he loves reggae and Motown music. Parrot: Cara Cosson was out at work when a raider entered her home and stole JoeJoe the African grey . JoeJoe dances along to music and his favourite songs are Needle in a Haystack by The Whispers and Heat Wave by Martha and the Vandellas, according to Miss Cosson. His owner, who lives alone, said he whistles the tune of Summertime by Nina Simone, meows like a cat and enjoys drinking Earl Grey tea. She has even consulted a clairvoyant who said that the bird could be returned to her by May. Miss Cosson added: ‘JoeJoe is not a pet, he is family. He is a real character and everyone who had met him loves him. It feels to me that my child has been kidnapped, to want of a better word. People will think it is just a bird but he’s not.’ The burglary took place on February 20 and Miss Cosson believes she knows who was behind it - because nothing else was touched. She suspects

Summary: Cara Cosson was at work when raider stole JoeJoe the African grey . Criminal left a menacing note made from letters cut from magazines . But Miss Cosson ignored threat and called police, who arrested a man . But JoeJoe is still missing and she fears she will never see him again .


A Milwaukee police officer fired last year after he killed a mentally ill black man during a scuffle won’t get his job back, a panel of police commissioners ruled on Monday. Christopher Manney shot Dontre Hamilton 14 times last April during a confrontation that started with the officer supposedly making a welfare check on the homeless man. According to Manney, Hamilton, who had been sleeping in a downtown park, grabbed the officer's baton and attacked him with it. Dontre Hamilton's mom Maria, center, hugs a supporter after a panel of three Fire and Police Commission members upheld the firing of police officer Christopher Manney during a hearing in Milwaukee on Monday . Christopher Manney, left, shot Dontre Hamilton, right, 14 times last April during a confrontation that started with the officer supposedly making a welfare check on the homeless man . The three-commissioner panel found that Manney violated department protocol when he tried to search the man moments before they began fighting. Hamilton’s family and friends cheered when the ruling on Manney's firing was announced. Prosecutors ruled the shooting was justified, but Chief Ed Flynn fired Manney, saying he improperly initiated a pat-down. Department investigators contend Manney couldn't explain why he felt the need to pat Hamilton down beyond a general belief that homeless and mentally ill people often carry knives. Hamilton had paranoid schizophrenia, but his family has said he wasn't dangerous. 'No one suspected him of committing a crime,' Mark Thomsen, an attorney representing the department, said in closing arguments on Monday. 'There wasn't a basis for (the pat-down).' Milwaukee Police Officer Fitchett testifies during the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission hearing for Christopher Manney who lost his job after firing 14 shots in the death of Hamilton in April 2014 . Thomsen had argued that officers can frisk someone only if they reasonably suspect the person is armed and poses a threat. He maintained that Manney never clearly explained how he felt threatened. Manney's attorney had argued that 'the good of the service' did not require that the officer be fired. 'I want to be a cop. It's who I am. I've helped people my whole life,' Manney told the panel. Prosecutors' decision in December not to charge Manney with a crime touched off days of peaceful rallies that saw protesters compare Hamilton's death to Michael Brown's fatal shooting at the hands of a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri. Dontre Hamilton's brother, Nate Hamilton, told reporters after the panel's first ruling on Monday that the family was happy with the decision. 'There's still more to come,' he added. 'I'm just not going to be satisfied until all officers respect us, respect people, respect our constitutional rights.' Christopher Manney, who was fired after the fatal on-duty shooting of Dontre Hamilton, - he has maintained that he had done nothing wrong . Maria Hamilton, right, mother of Dontre Hamilton, listens during Monday's disciplinary appeal. With her, are Dontre Hamilton's brothers Dameion Perkins, center, and Nate Hamilton . The U.S. Justice Department has said it will review the shooting to determine whether

Summary: Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney was fired after he shot Dontre Hamilton 14 times during a scuffle last April . On Monday a panel of police commissioners refused his request to get reinstated because he had violated department protocol . Manney was making a welfare check on the homeless man when he decided to search Hamilton and a confrontation ensued . Prosecutors ruled the shooting was justified, but Chief Ed Flynn fired Manney, saying he improperly initiated a pat-down .


Jonny Evans' wife, Helen, had to leap to the defence of the Manchester United defender in a rather awkward phone-in conversation with celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan. Mrs Evans, a presenter on the club's MUTV channel, dealt with the rather unwanted and uncomfortable call on Thursday night while sat alongside former Red Devils defender David May. As she previewed United's FA Cup sixth-round tie at home to Arsenal, Morgan shifted the conversation on to her husband's 'spitgate' (a term used by Morgan) incident with Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse last week. Helen Evans has defended her husband, Jonny, during a phone-in conversation with Piers Morgan . Evans, a presenter on Manchester United's TV channel MUTV, spoke to the celebrity Arsenal fan on Thursday . Jonny Evans (left) appears to launch spit in the direction of the Newcastle's Papiss Cisse, who then retaliates . Evans and Cisse clashed near the halfway line at St James' Park following the unpleasant exchange . Manchester United defender Evans received a six-match ban from the FA after the ugly incident . Tempers threatened to boil over as team-mates from Newcastle and United gathered following the incident . Arsenal (h) March 9, FA Cup*; . Tottenham (h) March 15 . Liverpool (a) March 22 . Aston Villa (h) April 4 . Man City (h) April 12 . Chelsea (a) April 18 (*Possible replay or FA Cup semi-final could mean he is available for the Chelsea game) A disciplinary panel ruled that Evans and Newcastle rival Cisse had spat at each other in an incident missed by referee Anthony Taylor during the St James' Park clash. Cisse was banned for seven games (he was given an extra match as it was a second suspension of the season) by the Football Association, while Evans was handed a six-match ban - despite fiercely denying the charge. And the 27-year-old's wife reiterated his stance when Morgan quizzed her over his innocence. 'That's definitely the case [he had no idea about the spitting incident], he didn't even know that he had got spat back at until after the game when he had watched the footage,' she told Morgan. 'People can believe what they want but that's the truth. 'Jonny spat on the floor and it was obviously near [Papiss] Cisse so unfortunately it was just the way that the camera looked at it and saw it and also the way that Cisse saw it, but what can you do.' Evans, nee McConnell, met the defender shortly after she landed her dream job for the club's official TV channel. There is no right of appeal so Evans will not be able to contest the decision by the three-man panel . The couple started dating shortly after in 2011 and got married two years later at Clough Presbyterian Church in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Last year they became parents for the first time following the birth of baby Lottie in May. Her husband's ban, which starts against the Gunners on Monday, could see him miss the FA Cup semi-final in April should United overcome their north

Summary: Manchester United host Arsenal in their FA Cup tie on Monday night . Man Utd will be without Jonny Evans who starts his six-match ban . Evans was found guilty of spitting at Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse . Cisse was also found guilty of spitting and handed a suspension . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA) has said it is investigating New Orleans' second goat beheading in two months - this one with a samurai-style sword. LSPCA Spokeswoman Alicia Haefele said that on Tuesday, the LSPCA received a 12-second cellphone video showing young men around a kiddie pool where a goat is pulled into the air. She said one man cuts off its head with the sword while the others cheer. Attack: The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA) has said it is investigating New Orleans' second goat beheading in two months - this one with a samurai-style sword . The LSPCA described the video in a Wednesday release, saying 'While the men stand in a circle around the plastic swimming pool, string is tied around the goat’s neck and hanged from an above object. One man then beheads the goat while the other men cheer in the background and record the felony act with cell phones. 'Once beheaded, the goat’s legs continue to move while the body lies in the swimming pool and the head still hanging from the string. A few seconds later, the man who beheaded the goat picks up the body and the video clip ends.' Haefele said this killing appears unrelated to the January 28 beheading of a baby pygmy goat. But she says it makes investigators wonder if the killings are part of a bigger trend. Within hours, the LSPCA increased a reward for information about the case from $3,000 to $13,000. Destinie Hammond, a SPCA Communications Associate, told the New York Daily News 'If it turns out that this goat was killed for the purpose of consuming, that is not against the law; that's legal. Hammond told the newspaper 'The fact that it was filmed is, of course, horrendous, but it was a very quick and clean kill so if it turns out that this was for consumption, unfortunately we can't really do anything about it.' Investigation: The LSPCA has said the organization, along with New Orleans and Tulane police, went to a home on Broadway street (pictured) but 'did not discover any evidence linking to the cellphone video' The LSPCA said in a separate Wednesday release 'A tip was received by the Louisiana SPCA this afternoon stating the body of a goat was in the backyard of a house in the 700 block of Broadway Street.' 'The Louisiana SPCA, New Orleans Police Department and Tulane University Campus Police arrived on scene and did not discover any evidence linking to the cellphone video.' The LSPCA said that tips can be submitted to the organization by dialing 504.368.5191 ext, 100. Tulane spokesman Michael Strecker said in the release 'Tulane University is fully investigating this matter. At this time we have no evidence to suggest that this video involves or is related to any member of the Tulane community. 'We urge anyone who has any information regarding this video to contact the Tulane Police Department at 504-865-5381.' The LSPCA said the New Orleans Police Department has no current

Summary: The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has said it is investigating New Orleans' second goat beheading in two months . The LSPCA says it received a 12-second cellphone video showing young men around a kiddie pool where a goat is pulled into the air . One man reportedly cuts off the goat's head with a samurai sword, while the others cheer . Within hours, the LSPCA increased a reward for information about the case from $3,000 to $13,000 . The LSPCA went with New Orleans and Tulane police to a home following a tip but 'did not discover any evidence linking to the cellphone video'


Tory peer Lord Ashcroft has quit his seat in the House of Lords – saying he no longer has the time to devote enough time to the role. The former party treasurer said he was resigning with immediate effect, as he believed it was his 'duty' to step down 'at the right time'. Even though he will no longer be able to attend Lords debates, is still a life peer and will still be named 'Lord Ashcroft'. Tory peer Lord Ashcroft has quit his seat in the House of Lords – saying he no longer has the time to devote enough time to the role . On a statement posted on his website, he said: 'Earlier this year Baroness D'Souza, the Lord Speaker, said that any member of the House of Lords who can 'no longer contribute meaningfully' should retire. 'She added that since the House has close to 800 members, 'retirement at the right time should be seen as a condition of membership of the House of Lords – a duty as well as a right'. 'I agree with the Speaker, and have concluded that my other activities do not permit me to devote the time that membership of the Lords properly requires. 'Accordingly, I have today written to the Clerk of the Parliaments giving notice of my resignation from the House of Lords with immediate effect.' Even though the former Tory treasurer will no longer be able to attend Lords debates, he will remain a life peer and will still be named 'Lord Ashcroft' Lord Ashcroft, who remains a life peer, said he intended to continue his involvement in politics through his polling organisation and his publishing interests. The peer's decision to resign from the Lords means he could take back up his 'non-dom' tax status - meaning he would not have to pay UK tax on overseas earnings. The peer announced in 2010 that he would abandon his 'non-dom' status to comply with new House of Lords rules, which prevent non-doms from sitting in the upper house.

Summary: The former party treasurer said he was resigning with immediate effect . Millionaire pollster said he did not have the time to devote for the role . However he will still be a life peer and will still be named 'Lord Ashcroft'


A shocking report from investigators at the Social Security Administration has found that 6.5 million dead people are still listed on the benefit agency's rolls, listed at age 112 or older. Illegal immigrants and thieves are taking advantage, according to the SSA's Office of Inspector General. The IG set out to find out if death dates were being entered into computers for people who had 'exceeded maximum reasonable life expectancies.' If found millions who the government officially considered at least as old as the oldest living human currently alive. US Social Security numbers belonging to 6.5 million dead people were still listed as active – not deceased – when the Social Security Administration's inspector general investigated . YOUNG'UNS: Some of the still-active SSNs belonged to people who were born before teh US Civil War . Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano launched the 'E-Verify' system in 2011, which screens out illegal immigrants during hiring, but some have been using still-valid SSNs belonging to dead Americans . Bureaucrats never added their Social Security Numbers to the government's 'Death Master File,' so it's possible benefits have been paid erroneously for decades. The Gerontology Research Group reported in October 2013 that there weer only 35 people on earth who were confirmed to be age 112 or older. The inspector general did not say how many benefit checks were sent to the 6.5 million Americans whose Social Security accounts should have been closed out years ago. But the IG's report, just one page in length confirms only that payments have been 'terminated' for 410,074 of the affected accounts. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton told Daily Mail Online in a telephone interview that he was outraged by the possibility 'that there are dead people getting government checks.' 'Now we've got 6.5 million walking dead,' he said, 'and frankly – are these Zombie Americans voting? are they working? Are illegal immigrants using their SSNs to get jobs?' Indeed, 'thousands of the SSNs could have been used to commit identity fraud,' the inspector general's report concludes. 'We obtained information indicating a man opened bank accounts using several different Social Security numbers,' according to the IG, which said two of them belonged to people born in 1869 and 1893.' And between 2008 and 2011, employers trying to screen out illegal immigrants during hiring submitted 4,024 'E-Verify' requests to the federal government representing 3,873 people who used SSNs that belonged to people born before June 16, 1901. WIsconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson told CNS News that it's 'incredible that the Social Security Administration in 2015 does not have the technical sophistication to ensure that people they know to be deceased are actually noted as dead.' Johnson chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee. The committee's ranking Democrat, Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, noted that 'a few thousand' of the deceased people who still had active Social Security numbers were born before the Civil War. 'Preventing agency errors by keeping track of who has died is a relatively simple problem,' he said. 'WALKING DEAD': Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said the federal government si

Summary: Some people with active Social Security numbers were born before the US Civil War . Bureaucrats never entered millions of numbers into the government 'Master Death File' At least one person opened up bank accounts with a number that was never closed out . Employers submitted thousands of 'E-Verify' requests when job-seekers – possibly illegal immigrants – used the numbers of dead people when . Think tank leader says 'walking dead' and 'Zombie Americans' could be voting and working illegally'


Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth denounced the ugly nature of American politics Tuesday while eulogizing Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich, suggesting that political bullying and an anti-Semitic whisper campaign led his friend to kill himself. Danforth expressed 'overwhelming anger that politics has gone so hideously wrong' as he spoke at a memorial services that drew many of Missouri's top elected officials and hundreds of others to the Episcopal church that Schweich had attended in suburban St. Louis. 'Words do hurt. Words can kill,' Danforth said. 'That has been proven right here in this state.' Schweich, 54, fatally shot himself last Thursday in what police say was an apparent suicide at his home in Clayton. He left behind a wife, two children and an apparently rising political career. Missouri's top elected officials and hundreds of others gathered Tuesday at The Church of St Michael and St George in Clayton for the memorial services of state Auditor Tom Schweich . Former U.S. Senator John Danforth (left) delivered the euology at the service, and said campaign bullying was to blame for Schweich's (right) suicide. Schweich was running for governor at the time of his death . He had launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for governor just a month before his death and was already locked in a contentious primary with Catherine Hanaway, a former Missouri House speaker and U.S. attorney. Danforth, who is an ordained Episcopal priest, served 18 years as a Republican senator before retiring in 1995 and remains one of the more respected elder statesmen of Missouri politics. Danforth said he had talked with Schweich two days before his death. He said Schweich was upset about a radio ad from a political action committee that mocked his physical appearance and suggested he was a pawn of Democrats who would 'quickly squash him like the little bug that he is' in a general election. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay stands at the rear, right, of an overflowing Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton, Mo., on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, for the funeral for Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich, who fatally shot himself last Thursday in what police say was an apparent suicide at his home in Clayton. (AP Photo/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Robert Cohen, Pool) Former Sen. Danforth leaves The Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton, Missouri, after delivering the eulogy at the funeral for Schweich. Even though Schweich was an ordained Episcopal priest, he was allegedly mocked for his Jewish ancestry during the race . Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder leaves church on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, after attending Schweich's funeral . Former U.S. Sen. Christopher 'Kit' Bond also attended the Tuesday services for Schweich . But Danforth said Schweich was particularly distraught by what he perceived to be an anti-Semitic whispering campaign by the chairman of the Missouri Republican party, who Schweich said had been telling people that Schweich was Jewish. Schweich was Christian, but had some Jewish ancestry and had said his grandfather had long-encouraged him to stand up to anti-Semitism. The party chairman, John

Summary: Schweich shot himself several times last Thursday at his home, just minutes after calling to schedule an interview with local reporters . At his Tuesday funeral, former U.S. Senator John Danforth said political bullying was to blame for Schweich's suicide . Schweich was reportedly taunted with anti-Semitic comments during his campaign for governor . The auditor was a Episcopal priest in the Christian faith, but had some Jewish ancestry .


The skills that come with lumberjack sports are traditionally left to big, burly men wielding axes and monstrous saws. But this is changing with women donning their 'lumberjill' boots and proving their place in the male dominated sports. Erin LaVoie from Washington has two world records and a multitude of wins under her belt but she insists her win at Sydney's Royal Easter show is one of the biggest. Scroll down for video . Erin LaVoie from Washington has won the Ladies Single Handed Sawing Championship at Royal Easter Show . The 32-year-old competes in single handed sawing that sees competitors cut through 300 millimetre logs . Erin already has two world records under her belt and owns a CrossFit gym in Washington . On Sunday she won the Ladies Single Handed Sawing Championship that sees competitors slice through 300 milimetre logs with huge cross cut saws. 'The Easter show is one of the biggest competitions so it was a huge deal for me,' Erin told Daily Mail Australia. The 32-year-old also competed in the wood chop category which is usually her forte, but she says that she did not have a prime block of wood and this makes it much more difficult to carve up the log. Erin also competes in the wood chopping category . 'My fastest chop is 24 seconds and I have two world records in the underhand chop which are around 30 seconds,' she said. Whilst the quality of the piece of wood quality is the luck of the draw, the technique and equipment are not with top of the line axes costing up to $600. 'The axes and saws are not cheap, but they have to be top notch if you want to win,' Erin said. 'The maintenance of them is expensive too and you need to know where to go.' Women's prevalence in the sport is still scarce and many females must compete against males in order to be involved at all. 'I still compete against men in many competitions,' Erin said. 'It's obviously really tough as they can deliver so much power, but this means it's so much more rewarding when you win.' Women's involvement largely started with the Jack and Jill sawing division that sees a man and a woman working as a team to slice through the log. 'Mostly women get into it because their husbands need a partner for Jack and Jill so they train up their wives,' Erin said. 'But I do it because I love it and it's my thing.' Erin grew up with brothers and loved to do male things so when she noticed the lumberjack team training down the hall at her school, she signed up. After a short amount of time she was travelling and competing in various chopping and sawing competitions - and winning. Erin also competes against men and admits she loves the feeling of pride when she beats them . Her fastest woodchop is 24 seconds and she holds two world records in the underhand chop of 30 seconds . Although she owns

Summary: Erin LaVoie from Washington has taken out the Ladies Single Handed Sawing Championship at Sydney's Royal Easter Show . She also holds two world records for the underhand wood chop division . While Lumberjacks are commonly men, women participants are on the rise . A Junior Development Program has also been added to this years' show . It includes only two females who are sisters from New South Wales .


White House hopeful Ted Cruz says he's already received more than $1 million in donations since his Tuesday announcement that he would run for president. The Republican lawmaker made the disclosure during a Tuesday evening interview with Fox News host Megyn Kelly after she read aloud several not-so-rave reviews of his candidacy. 'If you want a quick indication of the support we're seeing - the incredible grassroots support - it's been 36 hours since we launched the campaign. In the first day, over 140,000 people have come to our website TedCruz.org,' the Texas senator said. 'In the first day we've raised over $1 million,' he continued. 'In one day.' Scroll down for video . 'If you want a quick indication of the support we're seeing - the incredible grassroots support - it's been 36 hours since we launched the campaign. In the first day, over 140,000 people have come to our website TedCruz.org,' he said. The Republican lawmaker made the disclosure during a Tuesday evening interview with Fox News host Megyn Kelly after she read aloud several not-so-rave reviews of his candidacy . A Politico report from Tuesday that said the freshman senator had raised just $500,000 was using an outdated number, Cruz contended, and the amount of money his campaign has raised now tops $1 million. Noting that he's not the favorite candidate of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. and 'crony capitalists,' Cruz said the ground swell was coming from grassroots supporters. 'Our campaign is based on courageous conservatives across this country, men and women goin' to TedCruz.org and contributing. And that's where we're getting the support,' he told Kelly. Cruz formally announced his entry into the 2016 contest for White House on Monday morning before a crowd of 10,000 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In making himself an official candidate for higher office Cruz also made himself a target for criticisms from the media and fellow competitors for the Republican nomination, namely Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. Paul, who plans to make his own announcement in less than two weeks on April 7, insinuated in a Monday interview with Kelly that Cruz is too divisive to attract the kind of support the GOP needs to claim victory in the 2016 general election. The freshman lawmaker argued in plain terms that Tea Party Republicans would be better off selecting him as the party's nominee over Cruz and other conservatives because unlike them he's earned the respect of minorities and other urban community dwellers. Cruz said Tuesday during an early-morning appearance on the Today show that he was confident in his ability to put back together the broad national coalition of women, young people and moderate Democrats that swept Ronald Reagan into power in 1980. He hammered his point home to Kelly during his Tuesday evening appearance on his Fox News program, The Kelly File. 'I like Rand Paul, he's a friend of mine, I respect him, we fought side by side for liberty, we'll keep fighting side by side for liberty,' he said of his colleague, before shifting gears and explaining that

Summary: In the first day, over 140,000 people have come to our website TedCruz.org. In the first day we've raised over $1 million,' he said. 'In one day' Cruz told Fox News' Megyn Kelly the ground swell was coming from 'courageous conservatives across this country' The Texas Republican formally announced his entry into the 2016 contest on Monday morning before a crowd of 10,000 at Liberty University . Asked by Kelly 'what do you like best about yourself that makes you think you could hold this job,' Cruz said: 'I love the Constitution'


The 26-year-old wife of former Real Housewives of New York star Aviva Drescher's 79-year-old father George Teichner has revealed intimate details about the couple's 'steamy' marriage, insisting that, despite their 53-year age gap, the couple's love life is more passionate than ever. Dana Lavette Cody, who married reality star George in an intimate ceremony in Malibu last year - which his daughter Aviva chose not to attend - explained to Daily Mail Online that, before meeting George, she was close to giving up on the idea of finding a soul mate who would live up to her standards. 'Before George, I only ever dated men my age or younger and I’d never had an orgasm,’ Dana, who is from Miami, says. Scroll down for video . Beach babes: Dana Lavette Cody, 26, married George Teichner, 79, in Malibu last year - and insists the couple are happier than ever, despite the 53-year age gap . Ageless love: Dana and George, pictured on their wedding day, met when George paid a visit to his wife's salon for a pedicure . ‘I began to think sex was overrated. But then I met a man 53 years older than me and finally I see what all the fuss is about. ‘My husband has the stamina of a 20-year-old. George thinks nothing of making love to me for at least five hours every night and he wears me out!’ The couple's unconventional romance began in March 2011, when George, who appeared on a number of episodes of Real Housewives before his daughter Aviva was fired from the reality series last year, walked into Dana's Miami salon for a pedicure. Thanks to his healthy tan, the manicurist admits that she thought the infamous playboy - who became renowned among Real Housewives viewers and castmembers alike for his 'sickening', 'inappropriate' and 'disgusting' behavior towards women - was as young as 60 years old. And when George asked her for an email address following his appointment, Dana insists that she had no idea he was looking to pursue anything other than a business relationship. But two months later, he surprised her by asking her out on a date. ‘I won’t lie, at first it never even crossed my mind to see George as anything other than a successful businessman who could help me grow my business,' she says. 'But I couldn't see the harm in in saying yes.’ The pair shared a romantic candlelit meal and Dana began to feel a mutual attraction. ‘The more time I spent with George, the more I began to fancy him,' she recalls. Happy couple: The pair married in an intimate ceremony on the beach in Malibu, which George's daughter, former Real Housewives of New York star Aviva Drescher, chose not to attend . Moving on: George's first wife, Aviva's mother, passed away a number of years ago . ‘I loved how intelligent, successful and charismatic he was and suddenly the age difference didn’t seem to matter so much.’ And while George's over-the-top sexual antics were the source of much horror among Aviva's

Summary: Dana Lavette Cody married George in an intimate ceremony in Malibu last year . Aviva, who is 20 years older than her new stepmother, chose not to attend the couple's wedding, however Dana insists she gave them her blessing . According to Dana the couple are happier than ever - and are 'desperately' trying for a baby .


They've been madly in love since they laid eyes on each other as children, but it hasn't always been a smooth ride for this couple. Kirstie and Lyle Fisher were forced to keep their feelings secret for a number of years as they battled their biggest dilemma - the fact they happened to be first cousins. The Perth couple, who are busy raising their three children, are now unashamed of their romance after finally going public with their relationship seven years ago. 'We're happy, we aren't hurting anyone by being together and our kids are fine and healthy... We were meant to be together,' Ms Fisher told Daily Mail Australia. Lyle and Kirstie Fisher from Perth in Western Australia have been together for seven years and are raising three children together - they also happen to be first cousins . 'People are allowed their opinions but we don't care what anyone else thinks.' Kirstie, 29, says it took a long time to realise not everyone would be accepting of their partnership after they dealt with disapproving family members and friends who abandoned them. 'The worst comment I've had is that our kids will grow two heads and we should go to Tasmania,' she said. 'Even last week I had a confrontation with a woman at my children's school. She told me I should be shot and my kids taken away from us. 'If what everybody said bothered us, we wouldn't be together. The fact is without Lyle, I am not a complete person. 'I love Lyle and I won't stop loving him.' Kirstie and Lyle, whose father's are brothers and grew up in different states, first met at a family wedding in Perth when she was nine years old. 'I thought he was cute, I didn't care that he was my cousin,' she said. 'But then he had to go back to Melbourne with his family and we didn't really talk again until I was 15. He got my mobile number off my brother and we started texting and chatting over MSN.' Lyle and Kirstie whose father's are brothers first met at a family wedding in Perth when she was nine years old because they lived in different states . The couple tried to suppress their feelings when they were teenagers and eventually kept their feelings secret from their family for a number of years . Kirstie said she constantly pushed her feelings for Lyle aside because she knew they were related. 'Growing up you're always told they are your cousins, so you automatically assume if they're family then it is illegal to be together,' she said. When Kirstie turned 17, their aunty passed away and Lyle spent a week in Perth for the funeral. 'Up until my aunt's funeral there was the occasional time where I wished we weren't cousins. But we grew closer and by then I knew he wasn't just a cousin. 'I had really strong feelings for him.' Their first kiss was in Kirstie's bedroom while they were watching TV one night. 'I'm the only girl of three

Summary: The pair first met when Kirstie was nine years old at a family wedding . The first cousins tried to fight their feelings but they still fell in love . Perth couple have been together now for seven years . It took a long time for people to finally accept them as a couple . Kirstie's father hasn't spoken to the pair since they went public . He called their relationship 'disgusting' when they told him about it .


The sight of birds pecking at seed or nuts from a garden feeder fills many people with joy. Now, a device called the Crow Box could enable bird watchers to make money from their hobby, as well as watch birds develop new skills. The training aid can be used to teach crows to collect coins in return for peanuts, or simply test the intelligence of wild corvids. The Crow Box training aid can be used to teach crows to collect coins in return for peanuts, or simply test the intelligence of wild corvids. People who want to train crows can follow the open-source instructions to make their own box (pictured left) which includes a perch and funnel to dispense tasty peanuts (right) Research has shown that crows have a reasoning ability rivalling that of a human seven-year-old, and the birds can solve tasks previously only thought solvable by people and apes. The box is similar to a vending machine for birds, but crows have to use their brains to earn treats. So far, the Brooklyn-based maker of the box has managed to train captive crows to retrieve coins in return for peanuts and hopes that wild crows will learn the same tricks. The sealed wooden and plastic box comprises food dispensers, a 12 volt power supply, two motors, cables and sensors. It is powered and run by a laptop that can be placed up to 50ft (15 metres) away. Research has shown that crows (stock image) have a reasoning ability rivalling that of a human seven-year-old, and the birds can solve tasks previously only thought solvable by people and apes . An experiment by the University of Cambridge has proved that members of the crow family, known as corvids, aren’t just among the cleverest birds, they are smarter than most mammals and can perform tasks that three and four-year-old children have difficulty with. Scientists said that, while having very different brain structures, both crows and primates use a combination of mental tools, including imagination and the anticipation of possible future events, to solve similar problems. Other experiments involving the same family of birds found that Caledonian crows can use up to three tools in sequence to obtain food, which the University of Oxford’s Behavioural Ecology Research Group said is the first demonstration of spontaneous sequential tool use in a species other than humans. A study also found that rooks can use stones to raise the level of water in a vessel in order to bring a floating worm into reach. Urban-living carrion crows have been witnessed learning to use road traffic for cracking nuts. The device has a perch, a food tray and a funnel, designed to test a crow’s cognitive abilities and incentivise them to learn new tricks. There are four steps (illustrated) to training crows to find coins, involving peanut rewards . To begin training, the device pushes a few peanuts and two coins into the feeder tray whenever a crow leaves the machine, which ensures food is always on offer and the sound of the machine is linked to

Summary: Crow Box training aid is designed to teach corvids to collect coins . Four step process involved bribing the birds with peanut treats . It's proved successful in captivity and project has been rolled out online . There are open source instructions so people can make their own box . Results will be used to work how humans can work better with the birds .


A terrified woman who knew her sister-in-law had been murdered by their mother-in-law kept quiet about the crime for seven years because she was scared she would suffer the same fate. Sarbjit Athwal eventually found the courage to speak out about the so-called 'honour killing' and bring her murderous mother-in-law to justice. Now she has shared her story with the Crime and Investigation network show Britain's Darkest Taboos as she hopes her experience will encourage other victims trapped in violent marriages to speak out. Scroll down for video . Survivor: Sarbjit Athwal lived in fear of her murderous mother-in-law for years but finally spoke out . Sarbjit, now aged 45, was 19 when she had an arranged Sikh marriage and was sent to live with her new husband, Hardave, and his family in Hayes, Middlesex. She said she had no say in the decision and had huge reservations about her new family. 'I felt like I was being pressured and I had to think about my parents as well. I didn't want to let them down and I had to think about the honour or the shame I would bring to the family if I had said no. 'So, I accepted what was being offered and I said yes, and went ahead with it,' she explains. Sarbjit struggled to settle into her new home where her mother-in-law Bachan Athwal ruled the roost. 'Honour killing': Sarbjit, left, on her wedding day with her sister-in-law Surjit who was murdered by their mother-in-law and her husband when she tried to get a divorce . But she did find companionship in her new sister-in-law Surjit, 18, who was married to her husband's brother, Sukhdave. Both Surjit and Sarbjit were made to feel worthless and their lives were no longer their own. Sarbjit said: 'My role in the family after I got married was to cook and clean, take care of the family, take care of the extended family if they were coming round, cooking and cleaning and then accompanying our mother-in-law to other occasions. She was constantly in charge, and she did rule the house and she would tell us what to do instead of discussing it with us.' When Surjit and Sarbjit both had children, their mother-in-law took over their upbringing as well. Sarbjit recalls: 'There were times where we breastfeeding and she would look at us and she would say, "‘the babies are not happy. Maybe we should put them on the bottle." 'When we were out one day, I rushed home to feed my baby, and the baby was sleeping. I was going to wake her up and feed her, and she said, "oh, I've already fed her." 'That was really shocking for me. I really felt upset thinking, even that right has been taken away from me.' While Sarbjit felt powerless, her sister-in-law Surjit started rebelling against their treatment. She cut her hair, started wearing make-up and made new friends she started going out drinking with. Her husband and mother-in-law started beating her because they said such behaviour brought them shame -

Summary: Sarbjit Athwal, 45, knew her sister-in-law, Surjit, had been murdered . Killing was carried out on the orders of her mother-in-law Bachan Athwal . Bachan told her Surjit had been 'drugged, strangled and thrown in a river' 'Honour killing' took place as Surjit wanted to divorce Bachan's son . Sarbjit feared she would be next if she reported the murder . Eventually found the courage to speak out years later . Bachan and her son were jailed for life in 2007 . Now Sarbjit has trained to become PCSO . Wants to help others escape violent marriages .


A seven-year-old boy suffered a deep wound above his eye after he was mauled by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross he was trying to cuddle. McKinley Worthington was bitten by the dog during a family day out at a pub near his home in Bolton, Greater Manchester last April. CCTV footage shown to Bolton Magistrates' Court shows the schoolboy being licked by the landlady's dog before it turns and bites him as he leans in for a cuddle. Mauled: McKinley Worthington, right with his father, Aaron, was bitten by the dog during a family day out at a pub near his home in Bolton, Greater Manchester last April. Left, the boy was left with a wound above his eye . Family day out: McKinley was with his sister, Maisie and parents Sammi-Jo and Aaron, pictured together . The dog's owner, Margaret Wilson, who runs the Oddfellows Arms in Bolton, Greater Manchester was convicted of having a dog dangerously out of control last week. She was fined £200 and ordered to pay £520 in costs, but her dog, named Caine, will not be destroyed. Instead it must wear a muzzle in public places and in the pub area at all times. McKinley's mother, Sammi-Jo Gledhill, said after the hearing that her son started screaming 'I am going to die' as blood poured from the wound above his eye. He was taken to hospital where he was given eight stitches - leaving him with a scar above his eye. McKinley is now petrified of dogs and tells his mother he looks 'ugly' because of the scarring. He also refuses to leave the house without his cap on. McKinley and his three-year-old sister, Maisie, had been taken to the pub with their mother and father, where the dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross, was allowed to walk around freely. Margaret Wilson, pictured last week outside court, was convicted of having a dog dangerously out of control. Right, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed like the one that attacked McKinley . Footage taken from a security camera shows McKinley on his knees trying to get the dog to play with him at around 7pm - seven hours after the family arrived at the pub. Initially the dog is seen licking McKinley's face, but then bites the schoolboy when he leaned in for a cuddle. Witness Trevor Oliphant said: 'When the little lad came in the dog went to his bed. The wee lad went to follow him and I said "I think he is tired". It appeared the dog didn't want to play with him.' Wilson denied wrongdoing claiming the boy's injuries were caused accidentally. McKinley was taken to hospital where he was given eight stitches, leaving him with a scar above his eye . She said her dog had always been allowed downstairs in the pub and had never had a problem with the animal previously. She said she was aware of Miss Gledhill and her children in the pub but 'hadn't felt the need' to take Caine upstairs and 'had no worries about him at

Summary: McKinley Worthington, 7, was attacked by dog while at a pub with family . CCTV footage shows the animal licking McKinley before turning and biting . Schoolboy received eight stitches on his face and may be scarred for life . Dog's owner, landlady Margaret Wilson was convicted and fined £200 .


They may be more used to brandishing a bat than swinging a club, but cricket legends were out in force for the celebrity Pro-Am event at the BMW New Zealand Open. Stars from the crease were drafted in to play the tournament in Queenstown since it coincides with the 2015 Cricket World Cup, with organisers admitting they chose 'to go with it rather than try to compete against it'. Former Australian spinner Shane Warne posted an Instagram picture from the event that resembled a Who's Who of cricketing greats from all over the world, including Ricky Ponting, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Nathan Astle, Mark Richardson and Graeme Swann. (L-R) Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Graeme Swann, Nathan Astle and Mark Richardson line up for the New Zealand Open Pro-Am . England legend Ian Botham (left) poses with course owner Sir Michael Hill (centre) and Richards . Richards shares a joke with scratch golfer Ponting (right) who has tipped Warne for glory . (L-R) Botham, Swann and Astle appeared in good spirits before teeing off in Queenstown . Former New Zealand cricketer Mark Richardson speaks to the press at the BMW New Zealand Open . Ponting, who played at Milbrook last year along with returning England legend Ian Botham, has employed his father as caddie to keep him from losing his cool out on the course. 'I'll just give the club to him as quick as I can so he puts it back in the bag and it doesn't end up disappearing into the lake or anything,' he told Stuff NZ. Despite being a scratch golfer, the former Australia captain has tipped Warne, who plays under an 11 handicap, as a contender to win. 'Warnie will be up there in the end ... I hope he's not,' he said. Warne plays a practice round with Lara at The Hills course, which features an underground clubhouse .

Summary: BMW New Zealand Open coincides with the 2015 Cricket World Cup . Legends including Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Nathan Astle, Mark Richardson and Graeme Swann are in Auckland . Scratch golfer Ricky Ponting has tipped Warne as a contender .