Ezequiel Lavezzi has posted a picture of himself with some of his team-mates on his official Instagram account, as Argentina linked up ahead of their international friendlies with El Salvador and Ecuador. The PSG winger is included in the national squad for the first time since the World Cup final against Germany in Rio de Janiero last July. Argentina play El Salvador on Saturday at FedEx Field in Washington, and then face Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey three days later. Ezequiel Lavezzi (back row, centre) poses with his Argentina team-mates after joining up with the squad . PSG winger Lavezzi (right) has been included in the Argentina squad for the first time since the World Cup . Lavezzi has made 37 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2007, scoring four goals . Lavezzi is joined in the squad by forwards Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Despite struggling to adapt to English football, Manchester United's Angel di Maria is also included. There was no room, however, for Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis, who was a regular starter for Argentina during their World Cup campaign. The friendly matches against El Salvador and Ecuador come as part of preparation for June's Copa America in Chilie, where Argentina will take on holders Uruguay, Paraguay and Jamaica in Group B when the tournament kicks off. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (right) dribbles with the ball away from Real Madrid's Toni Kroos (centre) Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (right) shields the ball from the oncoming Darren Fletcher (left) Manchester United winger Angel di Maria (right) has also been included in the Argentina squad this month .

Summary: Ezequiel Lavezzi has posted a picture posing with the Argentina squad ahead of their friendly matches against El Salvador and Ecuador . The 29-year-old is returning to the national side for the first time since the World Cup final against Germany last July . Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and Carlos Tevez have also been included in the squad .


A terminally ill mum is aiming to raise £250,000 for pioneering treatment in a bid to see her young daughter grow up. Alex Cole-Swann, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has cervical cancer and without the money, she fears she won't live to see her two-year-old girl start school. Friends and family of the 32-year-old mother-of-one have now launched an appeal to help her fulfill her sole wish of always being there for Willow Mae. Alex Cole-Swann, 32, and husband Nathan, 25, are hoping to raise £250k to give Alex life-saving treatment so she can see her two-year-old daughter Willow Mae grow-up . Alex's life-saving PD-L1 immunotherapy treatment it isn't available on the NHS and costs £25,000 per session . Alex, who is married to husband Nathan, said: 'All I want is to see her grow up, be there to celebrate her birthdays, walk her to school and be the Mummy she needs me to be. 'But without treatment, I won't survive. The cancer will kill me and my daughter will grow up without a Mummy.' Alex was first diagnosed with cervical cancer last April. She underwent intensive courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. But she was told three weeks ago by doctors at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield, where she was treated, that there is nothing more they can do. Determined not to just give in, Alex researched alternative treatments to help battle the cruel disease. Her quest took her to London's Harley Street where she saw a leading cancer specialist Professor. He told her about a treatment which is being used in the United States known as PD-L1 immunotherapy. It helps a person's body fight cancer cells by recognising those cells as impostors. However, it isn't available on the NHS and costs £25,000 per session. Alex will need 10 to 12 sessions. The treatment is Alex's only hope to win the battle which has left her exhausted, confused and unable to sit and play with her young daughter Willow Mae . Initially the council information officer was given the good news that the company developing the treatment are looking for patients to try it on Britain - and they were willing to treat them for free. But then came a cruel twist. Because Alex had a tube inserted directly into her kidneys as part of a previous course of treatment, she was deemed not suitable for the trial. It was then that the family decided the only course of action open to them was to pay. So they launched Quest For Life appeal in a desperate attempt to save Alex's life. The treatment is Alex's only hope to win the battle which has left her exhausted, confused and unable to sit and play with her young daughter. Her husband, Nathan, 25, a self-employed plumber said: 'It has been the worst year of our lives. 'It's been an awful emotional roller coaster as we have watched Alex fight this cruel and horrible disease.' Six months after Alex was initially diagnosed, she was given the all clear. Nathan said: 'We were so pleased – we

Summary: Alex Cole-Swann, 32, told that there is no more doctors can do on NHS . PD-L1 immunotherapy is her only hope but costs £25,000 per session . Mum of one desperate to see her two-year-old daughter grow up . Is attempting to raise £250,000 for the full course of treatment .


Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the fraternity at the center of the racist University of Oklahoma video, has its roots in the pre-Civil War Deep South. 'We came up from Dixie land,' says a ditty from an old songbook, boasting about SAE's success. Now, nearly 160 years after its founding at the University of Alabama, another song - this one chanted by members of the frat's University of Oklahoma chapter and containing racial slurs and lynching references - hearkens back to the bad old times in the land of cotton and puts a new spotlight on the group's activities over the years. SAE officials insist the chant is neither a sanctioned song nor is it taught to fraternity members. This is believed to be a portrait of the original founding members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity in 1856 at the University of Alabama . Chappell Cook (bottom row, second from right) objected to the fraternity expanding North because he believed 'agitation' over slavery would make it impossible for 'harmony' Though the fraternity has its own fraught racial history. Members originally planned to keep the fraternity on in the South. When the question of 'Northern Expansion' was brought up, one charter member - later a Confederate army surgeon - said he didn't think heading north was wise because 'the constant agitation of the slavery question' would make getting along impossible. It is claimed that the fraternity did not invite a black member until 1966 - and it took one activist brother seven ballots and a threat to ban every other new pledge before the other brothers assented. In more recent years, fraternity chapters across the country have gotten into trouble over racial incidents - including a hip hop-themed 'Cripmas party' at Clemson University and an entire chapter being suspended at Washington University at St. Louis in 2013 over allegations of racial insensitivity. If there are any other chapters that use the song, 'we need to address that with those chapters and stop it immediately to stamp out this type of behavior,' said Sigma Alpha Epsilon spokesman Brandon Weghorst. The lyrics 'are so hateful and spiteful that it's embarrassing to think that Sigma Alpha Epsilon members would even know the chant or how it goes, if they've heard it.' The fraternity was also investigating reports of other SAE incidents that may have been tainted with racism, Weghorst said. Outed: Levi Pettit was identified by his family on Tuesday night. They apologized for his 'disgusting' behavior. Right, Pettit - an accomplished golfer at his former school Highland Park - is pictured putting in a 2013 photo . Parker Rice, a University of Oklahoma freshman from Dallas, has been identified as the conductor leading the 'there will never be a n***** in SEA' chant on Saturday . SAE began on the Tuscaloosa campus on March 9, 1856, a few months after Noble Leslie DeVotie outlined his vision to a close circle of friends during a stroll along the banks of the Black Warrior River. The initial members visualized 'a bond which would hold them together for all

Summary: Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded at the University of Alabama in 1856 . Charter member rejected idea of expansion to the North because of 'agitation over the slave question' No black members invited until 1966 - and even then it took seven ballots to get him in, it is claimed . History of racist incidents at chapters in recent years - including a 'Cripmas party' at Clemson University . In October 2006, the University of Memphis chapter was investigated after a freshman member complained that his brothers made inappropriate remarks to and about his black girlfriend. Two members were later suspended. In February 2013, Washington University in St. Louis suspended its SAE chapter while investigating claims that pledges engaged in racially offensive behavior toward minorities. In December 2014, Clemson University suspended the frat after a gang-themed 'Cripmas party' at which white members dressed in T-shirts bearing images of handcuffs and the murdered rapper Tupac Shakur.


A woman suing a prestigious Silicon Valley venture capital firm in a high-profile case alleging gender bias testified on Tuesday that she did not reject the initial romantic advances of a male colleague and even discussed having children with him. Plaintiff Ellen Pao told jurors the colleague, Ajit Nazre, first approached her romantically during a trip to Germany after she had been struck by a cab. She was dazed from her injuries and couldn't object to his advances, she said. In court on Tuesday: Ellen Pao(left) leaves the courthouse during a lunch break from her trial in which she claimed her former colleague Ajit Nazre (right) made sexual advances after she was in a car accident . 'I got hit by a cab and then he tried to hit on me,' Pao said. Under further questioning by Lynne Hermle, an attorney for defendant Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Pao said she and the co-worker eventually had an affair and she told him she loved him. Pao claims in her lawsuit that she was denied a promotion at the firm because of gender bias and then fired after she complained. Her lawsuit has spotlighted gender imbalance at elite Silicon Valley investment companies that are stacked with some of the nation's most accomplished graduates - multiple degree holders from schools such as Stanford and Harvard who are competing aggressively to back the next Google or Amazon. Women, however, are grossly underrepresented in the venture capital and technology sectors. Pao addressed that issue under questioning by her attorney, saying her lawsuit was aimed in part at creating equal opportunities for women in the venture capital sector. 'I've tried many times to bring Kleiner Perkins to the right path,' she told jurors. 'I think there should be equal opportunities for women and men to be venture capitalists.' Improper treatment: Reddit interim CEO Ellen Pao is suing her former employer, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caulfield and Byers, for $16 million alleging she was sexually harassed by male officials . Pao was questioned for the first time by Hermle. Their exchanges were often tense, with Pao staring at the lawyer and pausing before responding yes or no. Hermle also showed emails to the jury in which Pao and the co-worker exchanged compliments and banter. In one email from 2006, after the affair began, Pao wrote that she was always looking out for Nazre- 'never stopped, never will.' In text messages that year, she said she didn't think he was a bad person and she wasn't mad at him for not being able to have a real relationship at the time. Pao previously testified that she began the affair after the colleague said his wife had left him. She said she broke it off several months later when she learned that was a lie. Gender equality: Ellen Pao, pictured on Tuesday, said her lawsuit was aimed in part at creating equal opportunities for women in the venture capital sector . After she ended the affair, Pao testified, the colleague retaliated by shutting her out of emails

Summary: Ellen Pao is seeking $16million in a sex discrimination lawsuit against Silicon Valley company Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield & Byers . Pao told jurors the colleague, Ajit Nazre, first approached her romantically during a trip to Germany after she had been struck by a cab . Pao, 45, was dazed from her injuries and couldn't object to his advances, she said . Pao said she and Nazre eventually had an affair and she told him she loved him but ended the relationship when she found out he was still married . Pao claims in her lawsuit that she was denied a promotion at the firm because of gender bias and then fired after she complained . I've tried many times to bring Kleiner Perkins to the right path.I think there should be equal opportunities for women and men to be venture capitalists,' she told jurors .


An 11-year-old girl was suspended for five days for filming her teacher threatening another child in her science class last week. The Fort Pierce Elementary School science teacher, whose identity has not been revealed, has been fired following the incident and fifth grader Brianna Cooper still doesn't understand why the school has decided to punish her for doing what she thought was the right thing. 'Don’t let the size fool you. I will drop you,' Cooper recorded her teacher saying with her cell phone. Scroll down for video . Suspended:Fifth grader Brianna Cooper, 11, was suspended for five days for filming her teacher bullying another child in the class last week even though her teacher was fired for the remarks . Recording is illegal: Fort Pierce Elementary School fired the teacher but says since recording someone without letting them know is illegal that they had to suspend Brianna Cooper for taping the incident . 'Yeah right,' the young male student could be heard replying. 'You don’t know me. That's all I'm telling you. So don't give me no look,' said the Florida teacher to a student in her class. 'Biggest kid in the fifth grade and you acting like the smallest one. I wonder what your mom looks like,' continued the video. Cooper took the recording to school officials who said that recording a teacher without permission is illegal because the teacher had an expectation of privacy, reports KDVR. 'I never had anyone tell me, "you cannot record,"' said Cooper, who at 11-years-old doesn't have a full knowledge of Florida law. Brianna Cooper's mother Kassie Faulkner told KDVR she believes that her daughter's suspension sends the wrong message to students who should be 'encouraged to do the right thing.' She also fears for her daughter's test scores and says that the five days the Brianna Cooper was suspended are the days that the students are meant to be studying for the Florida Standards Assessment. An official at the school could not be reached for comment. Shouldn't be punished: Brianna Cooper's mother Kassie Faulkner says that her daughter's suspension doesn't send a healthy message to kids who now think they'll be punished for 'doing the right thing'

Summary: Brianna Cooper, 11, was suspended for five days for 'illegally filming' her teacher bullying a student in the class . 'Don’t let the size fool you. I will drop you,' Cooper recorded her teacher saying with her cell phone . The Fort Pierce Elementary school science teacher, whose identity has not been revealed, was fired following the incident . Cooper, a fifth-grader, said no one ever taught her the ins and outs of Florida law and that she didn't know she wasn't allowed to record .


This pair of cute husky puppies may look sweet as they cuddle up to groups of soldiers, but these images help prove an open secret Russia's president does not want the world to know. The shots were posted on social media by Russian troops from military unit 46108, the 5th Tank Brigade, based in Buryatia, which lies between Lake Baikal and Mongolia in the far east of Siberia. A keen-eyed blogger has used them to help prove these soldiers have been fighting and dying very far away from there in eastern Ukraine - something Vladimir Putin has always denied. They back up the account of a 20-year-old tankist who claims he was hurt fighting in a civil war which has torn Ukraine apart, according to blogger Aric Toler. A Russian soldier in the 5th Tank Brigade with two Siberian huskies, apparently at the Kusminsky military base near the Ukrainian border. This helps bolster claims of direct Russian involvement in the civil war . The dogs all have exactly the same markings, helping to provide a common thread between all the images . The brigade's stay at the base over the winter was likely in preparation for crossing the Ukrainian border and joining the fight on the separatist rebel side . This is because the shots of the Siberian huskies, unmistakably the same ones given the identical patterns on their fur, provide a common thread linking images which all purport to show the brigade members at the Kuzminsky military base in Russia near the Ukrainian border. On March 2 the tankist in question, Dorzhi Batomunkuyev, gave an explosive interview to Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta in which he claimed to have sustained injuries fighting against government forces in Ukraine. His brigade's stay at Kuzminsky over the winter, in preparation for crossing the border and joining the fight on the separatist rebel side, was a key part of the young soldier's account. In the background of the photographs with the dogs various elements of the camp - including tents, military equipment and trenches - are visible, helping to confirm its existence and the specific military units stationed there. The photographs themselves are also geotagged as being taken at the base which, along with the common thread of the two huskies and satellite imagery showing military hardware stationed in the area, makes it safe to say that members of the 5th Tank Brigade, and other Russian tank brigades, were stationed at the Kuzminsky base. In the background of the photographs various elements of the camp - including tents, military equipment and trenches - are visible, helping to confirm its existence and the specific military units stationed there . A number of images of Russian tanks with their marking obscured were posted on social network VK . A Russian tank with the identification number on its hull covered over can be seen in the background here . The ploy was most likely done to make it harder to identify the tanks as Russian when they rolled into Ukraine . According to Toler all of this gives

Summary: Shots posted on social media by Russian troops from 5th Tank Brigade . Back up the account of tankist who claims he was hurt in Ukraine civil war . Dorzhi Batomunkuyev claimed to have suffered burns near Debaltseve . Husky shots place soldiers at military base on Ukrainian border over winter . Provide common thread linking images, according to keen-eyed blogger . Help to undermine Vladimir Putin's denials of Russian involvement in war .


The widow of one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects is under investigation for allegedly assisting in buying the pressure cookers that were used to create the explosives used in the terror attack, it has emerged. Katherine Russell, 25, the widow of bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev, is suspected of accompanying her late husband to a Macy's store in Boston two months before the April 2013 attack, where Tsarnaev purchased five pressure cookers, according to ABC News, citing law enforcement sources. Tsarnaev and his brother, Dzhokhar, then planted two of the pressure cookers at the Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring 260, police say. The FBI and the US Attorneys office have not commented on an investigation involving Russell, who now lives in New Jersey with her and Tsarnaev's three-year-old daughter, Zahara. Under investigation: Katherine Russell, 25, the widow of bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev - pictured here in New Jersey in October 2014 - is suspected of accompanying her late husband to a Macy's store in Boston two months before the April 2013 attack, where Tsarnaev purchased five pressure cookers . Former life: Tamerlan Tsarnaev (right-pictured left in 2010) married Katherine Russell (pictured in her yearbook) in 2010. Russell grew up in a Christian home and later converted to Islam . However ABC has reported that a search of Tsarnaev’s home after the bombings was focused on finding clothing consistent with what was shown on a security video from the Macy's store where the cookers were bought. Russell could face charges of misprision of a felony, or failing to notify authorities of a crime about to happen. Tamerlan Tsarnaev also bought $200 worth of fireworks from a store in New Hampshire, including 48 mortar shells, some of which were used in the bombs. He was killed in a police shootout three days after the attack. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, his brother and Russell's brother-in-law, is currently awaiting federal trial for the unthinkable attack. The two-month process to select a jury for the trial was completed Tuesday, authorities said, a day before opening statements in the long-awaited case are to begin. On trial: Opening statements in the long-awaited trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev are to begin Wednesday . Unthinkable: Tsarnaev, 21, faces the death penalty if convicted of the April 15, 2013 bombings near the finish line at the Boston Marathon which left three people dead and 264 injured in the northeastern US city . Following the bombings, an attorney for Russell released a statement saying she was cooperating with the investigation. 'As a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, Katie deeply mourns the pain and loss to innocent victims, students, law enforcement officers, families and our community,' the attorney, Miriam Weizenbaum, said in the statement. Last year it was reported that Russell had remarried. In October Russell was pictured out in North Bergen, where she and three-year-old daughter, Zahara, are said to be living with her husband's sisters. Zahara was just a baby when her father caused unthinkable tragedy on April 15, 2013. As the images show, Russell, 25, continues to wear a hijab, proving that she

Summary: Katherine Russell, 25, suspected of accompanying husband Tamerlan Tsarnaev to a Macy's in Boston two months before the bombings . Tsarnaev bought five pressure cookers . Two of the cookers were planted at the marathon finish line . Russell could face now charges of misprision of a felony, or failing to notify authorities of a crime about to happen . She has never been charged in relation to the plot . Russell has since remarried and moved to New Jersey, reports say . The trial of her brother-in-law, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, will start Wednesday .


Pele will be a guest at Anfield on Sunday to watch the crunch top four battle between Liverpool and Manchester United. The Brazilian great, now 74, appeared in a TV advert with Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge ahead of last summer’s World Cup in Brazil. He is at Anfield as part of his commercial work with Subway Restaurants, who are one of Liverpool's business partners. Brazil legend Pele will be a guest at Anfield to watch Liverpool take on Manchester United on Sunday . Pele played in Liverpool, across the park at Goodison, for Brazil in 1966, but he limped off injured . It is not Pele's first visit to the city, the Brazil legend having appeared as a player for Brazil at Everton's ground Goodison Park in 1966 during the World Cup finals. However, he does not have too many happy memories of Liverpool, having been forced to limp out of the tournament after being given rough treatment by Bulgaria and Portugal. The two sides are both in the hunt for a Champions League spot, and both come into the game in good form, with Liverpool's last league defeat coming at the hands of United back in December. Juan Mata scored the final goal when the teams last met in December, making it 3-0 to United . David de Gea was in fine form for the clash of the two giants, denying Mario Balotelli on several ocassions . Balotelli has since fallen out of favour at Anfield, and is unlikely to start against United on Sunday .

Summary: Brazilian legend will be a guest at Anfield for crunch clash . The 74-year-old played in the city during 1966 World Cup . Manchester United and Liverpool in battle for Champions League spot . READ: Liverpool vs Man United XIs: Steven Gerrard fails to make Jamie Carragher's team as Gary Neville picks Angel di Maria .


Rory McIlroy will set out on his quest to join the pantheon of golf's greatest-ever players in a fortnight's time. The world No 1 will arrive at Augusta National hunting the elusive Green Jacket he needs to complete a historic Grand Slam of majors. Only five players have achieved the incredible feat, post-war. But victory at the Masters will elevate the Northern Irishman into the company of legends Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy hits the gym as he prepares for the Masters at Augusta next month . The Northern Irishman has been pumping iron as he goes hunting for the elusive Green Jacket . McIlroy shows off the US Open trophy to fans back in Northern Ireland four years ago . At times, McIlroy has made it look easy. For the past 73 weeks he has been the leading golfer on the planet, landing The Open and the US PGA Championship along the way. Although the 25-year-old still has a long way to go before surpassing Woods' record of 683 total weeks as world No 1, he is undoubtedly the American's successor as golf's heavyweight star - both on and off the greens. And his obsession with the gym is giving the star more than a helping hand. 'It was when I started to notice results that I fell in love with it,' said McIlroy, who has offered a fascinating and unique insight into his preparation off the course in this new Nike training video, seen exclusively by Sportsmail. Indeed, McIlroy has bulked up considerably over the past five years with his transformation evident in both stature and presence on the course. Since 2010 he has worked closely with Dr Steve McGregor, a British exercise physiologist who has previously masterminded the fitness programmes for Manchester City and the NBA's New York Knicks. When McIlroy first started with McGregor he could barely stand 10 seconds balancing on one leg. Now, with 14 wins and four majors to his name, he has the muscle strength to last on one leg throughout an entire golf swing. McIlroy is setting out on his quest to join the pantheon of golf's greatest-ever players . The 25-year-old needs a Masters crown to complete a historic Grand Slam of golfing majors . McIlroy won the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake in July last year . 'I wasn't really big into the gym,' he admits. 'So my physical training was pretty much non-existent from when I turned pro at 18 until I turned 21. 'I had three years when I was playing professionally on the Tour, doing OK but not, I guess, maximising my potential by coming into the gym and doing the work that I needed to do. 'I ended up having a few niggles here and there – a few little injuries which, had I let them go on longer, could have turned into serious issues that could have put me out for a while. 'So it was definitely out of necessity that I started – for

Summary: The Masters gets underway at Augusta on April 9 . Rory McIlroy has his eyes on a golfing Grand Slam of majors . Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only men to achieve the feat post-war .


Education: David Cameron and his wife Samantha have accepted a place at a Church of England academy a short walk from Downing Street for their daughter Nancy . David Cameron is to become the first Conservative prime minister to send a child to a state secondary school after accepting a place at a Church of England academy a short walk from Downing Street. The Prime Minister has been privately worshipping at a London church once a week, often on a weekday morning, for several years. Now he and wife Samantha have decided to send daughter Nancy, 11, to the Grey Coat Hospital, a CofE school in Westminster, from September. It is a significant break from tradition for a Tory leader – and for the Camerons personally, given that the Prime Minister was educated privately at Eton and his wife at Marlborough College. Grey Coat Hospital is thought to have been the family’s second choice for Nancy, after another church school in West London. Like hundreds of thousands of parents, the Camerons heard this week from their local authority which of several applications had been successful. A family friend has revealed that they have now accepted a place at Grey Coat Hospital – a choice which will be seen as an indication of Mr Cameron’s confidence that he will still be in power later this year, given its proximity to Number Ten. The school is rated outstanding by education watchdog Ofsted and is one of the most sought-after state schools in the area, with seven applications for every place. Tory chief whip Michael Gove sent his daughter Beatrice there last year, when he was Education Secretary. Featuring recently in Tatler’s guide to the best state schools, its sixth-formers produced 71 per cent A* to B A-level grades last year. Many went on to Oxbridge and other elite universities. School down for video . The school is ethnically mixed, with only around a third of its pupils being white. It also prides itself on being a social melting pot, with children from council estates mingling with those of middle-class professionals. Headteacher Sian Maddrell insists on strict discipline, with pupils placed in detention if they forget books, are disruptive or even glance at the clock during lessons. They are barred from using detention time to do homework, instead being expected to read an ‘improving book’. The school’s official uniform outfitter is John Lewis, including its upmarket London department store Peter Jones. It admits girls aged 11 to 18 and boys only in the sixth form, with 151 places allocated for this year’s intake. A total of 116 are reserved for girls from practising church families, preferably with attendance for at least 40 weeks of the year for the previous five years. A further 15 go to pupils with an aptitude for languages, with remaining places filled on an open basis, with preference given to those living nearby and attending ‘feeder’ schools. Second choice: The school is rated outstanding by Ofsted and is one of the most sought-after state schools in the area, with seven applications

Summary: David Cameron accepts place at a CofE academy for daughter Nancy, 11 . From September, she will be a pupil at Grey Coat Hospital in Westminster . He's the first Conservative PM to send a child to a state secondary school . Like other parents, the Camerons heard this week from their local authority .


The conclusion of a football match, particularly monumental ones like the World Cup final, often brings new debate and inquiry, questions about players, tactics and refereeing decisions. Very rarely do they result in a government investigation. Yet that is exactly what happened after Brazil's capitulation in the 1998 final against hosts France. Quite what transpired in the hours before the match, particularly with star player Ronaldo who was taken to hospital and left off the teamsheet only to be reinstated before kick-off, is one of football's most enduring mysteries. Ronaldo pictured following Brazil's 3-0 defeat by France at the 1998 World Cup final at the Stade de France . Ronaldo looks gutted after the loss as he was not himself in a final where the pressure seemed to get to him . France vs Brazil in the 1998 final led to a government investigation about Ronaldo's involvement . France: Barthez, Thuram, Desailly, Leboeuf, Lizarazu, Deschamps (c), Karembeu, Petit, Zidane, Djorkaeff, Guivarc'h . Goals: Zidane (27, 45+1), Petit (90+3) Booked: Deschamps, Karembeu, Desailly . Sent off: Desailly . France manager: Aime Jacquet . Brazil: Taffarel, Cafu, Aldair, Baiano, Carlos, Sampaio, Dunga (c), Rivaldo, Leonardo, Bebeto, Ronaldo . Goals: NONE . Booked: Baiano . Brazil manager: Mario Zagallo . Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis . Referee: Said Belqola . Attendance: 80,000 . Civil action in a Rio court, a Rio medical council action against two team medics (both of whom were unanimously absolved of blame) and an investigation in Brazil's national congress have shed some light on the events of July 12 1998 but it continues to be a source of consternation in the country. The official records show the match ended in a 3-0 defeat for Brazil but the story of what happened in and around the Stade de France that afternoon is murkier in detail. Ronaldo, then just 21, had been outstanding all tournament in a Brazil side - including Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Bebeto - that were defending their title from 1994. The final was billed as a head-to-head between him and France's equally captivating talisman Zinedine Zidane. In the event, the France midfielder steamrollered a jaded Brazil outfit, scoring two first half headed goals in a man of the match performance with Emmanuel Petit adding a third after a late counter-attack. It was the first time France had been crowned world champions but it later transpired much of the drama had already happened, out of view of the many millions of TV viewers worldwide. The day had began in a relaxed fashion for the Brazil players. The whole squad had lunch at the Chateau de Grande Romaine, just outside Paris then returned to their rooms. Ronaldo was sharing with Roberto Carlos, neighbouring a room with Edmundo and Doriva. France's Zinedine Zidane sees his header go through the legs of Brazil's Roberto Carlos in the final . France celebrate after going 2-0 up as midfielder Zidane steamrollered a jaded Brazil outfit . France players celebrate with the World Cup trophy as they won the great competition on home soil . France

Summary: France hammered Brazil 3-0 in the 1998 World Cup final on home soil . Zinedine Zidane and Emmanuel Petit scored twice against the Brazilians . Ronaldo had a fit, frothed at the mouth and shook uncontrollably . The Brazil striker was taken to hospital and left off the teamsheets . He begged manager Mario Zagallo to let him play in the final - and he did .


Zaur Dadayev (pictured) was originally reported to have confessed to the killing, but has now claimed this confession was made under torture and threat of death . The only man to so far confess to the killing of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov has dramatically denied any guilt and claims his confession was forced under torture and threat of death. Zaur Dadayev was said to have admitted to the killing but he now claims he was told that by confessing, a friend he was with could go free. If he failed to confess he would be killed in a grenade explosion, a fate he alleged another suspect named Bislan Shavanov met in recent days. Five people have been detained in connection with Nemtsov's shooting on February 27. Dadaev was the only one who, according to a judge, confessed to the killing, though in court he didn't admit guilt. He said: 'At the time of the arrest I was with a friend, my former subordinate Ruslan Yusupov. And they said that if I confessed, he would be freed. 'Otherwise the same thing would happen to me as to Shavanov.' The official version is that Shavanov killed himself with a grenade as police came to arrest him. He added he was not guilty and the judge did not allow him to speak, he told Moskovskiy Komsomolets newspaper. Human rights experts who met Dadayev and other suspects in detention found 'traces of torture and beating' on their bodies, it was reported. 'We are carefully checking into this,' said chairman of the Moscow Public Monitoring Commission, Anton Tsvetkov. 'There are reasons that lead us to believe Zaur Dadayev confessed under torture,' said Andrei Babushkin, a member of the Kremlin's human rights council. There were 'numerous wounds' on the body of the suspect. Earlier law enforcement sources claimed forensic tests 'give reasons to believe that Dadayev was the man who shot Nemtsov'. However, the source admitted the murder weapon had not been found yet. Nemtsov - a prominent Putin foe - was gunned down close to the Kremlin on 27 February as he walked home late at night with his Ukrainian model girlfriend Anna Duritskaya. Nemtsov was gunned down close to the Kremlin last month as he walked home late at night with his girlfriend . His body sits in a body-bag as authorities work at the scene of his killing in Moscow last month . More startling revelations to be reported today included claims Nemtsov's murder was ordered by a senior security official in Chechnya. The identity of the man - named only Ruslan, and said to be a close relative of top political figures in the region - is known to Vladimir Putin and the FSB, but he has not been detained, reported Novaya Gazeta, Russia's leading investigative newspaper. The Russian president has been told in addition that three other prominent liberal figures are on a chilling Chechen 'hit list'. They are exiled Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oil tycoon who was jailed for a decade under Putin but now says he has ambitions to become

Summary: Zaur Dadayev had confessed to shooting opposition leader Boris Nemtsov . But he has now claimed this was forced under torture and threat of death . Human rights activists say his body shows signs of him being beaten . Nemtsov was gunned down as he walked home with girlfriend last month . Five people have been detained in connection with his killing . Media have claimed his death was ordered by a Chechen security official .


Jody Cundy recognises the clock is ticking as he bids for Paralympic gold four years on from his notorious explosion at London 2012. Cundy was favourite for victory in the London 2012 C4/C5 one-kilometre time-trial at the Olympic Velodrome, only for his Games to end in an explosive rant at officials. Race commissaries deemed rider failure to be the result of a start gate issue; Cundy argued it was faulty, but his protests were dismissed. It was a seminal moment of the Paralympics, when the watching public realised Paralympians are athletes first and foremost. Joy Cundy is aiming for gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics after his dramatic disappointment at London 2012 . Now Cundy, a five-time Paralympic champion swimmer and cyclist, is going for gold at the Rio Games in 2016, with the Paracycling Track World Championships, which begin on Thursday, a key indicator. The 36-year-old from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire said: 'I've always got that missed gold in London that's always playing on the back of my mind. 'That helps me get up in the morning, continue training and make sure we put all the wrongs to right when we get to Rio. 'I seem to be still getting faster and in training I'm in better form than I was prior to London. 'I'm not getting any younger, but I'm good enough to keep going through to Rio. 'Apeldoorn's going to be the first checkpoint to see if I'm on target.' Race commissaries deemed rider failure to be the result of a start gate issue however Cundy disagreed . Cundy, favourite for gold before his false start in the 1km time trial, shows his outrage after his exit . Cundy acknowledges Tokyo 2020, when he will be 41, may be four years too far and Rio may be his last chance. He added: 'I keep thinking I'm new to the sport, but I joined the squad in 2006. This is my eighth year on the team. 'I've nearly had as many years on the cycling team as I had on the swimming team. 'It's certainly getting harder with each year I do it.' Yet Cundy is still making improvements. Despite being hospitalised to intensive care last November with a swollen epiglottis, Cundy bounced back to post a sea-level personal best in his favoured kilo event at the Newport International event in January. Cundy aims to put his blow-up in the Olympic Velodrome behind him at the Paracycling Track World Championships, which begin in the Netherlands on Thursday . The track in Apeldoorn, Holland which hosts this week's competition is not known for being fast, though, so returning with the world champion's rainbow jersey is the primary objective. Cundy is held back by a team official after the DNF . Cundy added: 'It's about winning the world title and performing as well as I can against my main competitors.' Cundy, a C4 athlete who is a below-knee amputee, races against riders with a lesser impairment than his own in Paralympic competition. The times posted are factored, but Cundy wants to be quicker than

Summary: Jody Cundy was favourite in London 2012 C4/C5 one-kilometre time-trial . Cundy blew up at officials in a heated rant at the Olympic Velodrome . Five-time Paralympic cyclist and swimmer now targeting Rio 2016 . The Paracycling Track World Championships begin on Thursday .


Adam Joseph Barney admitted 'lashing out' at the baby girl because of his frustrations over the fact she wouldn't stop crying, the dirty living conditions and her siblings misbehaving . A man has admitted killing his girlfriend's 14-month-old baby daughter by punching her with 'everything he had' in the head and stomach. Adam Joseph Barney told investigators he was caring for Kenzie Rose La Buy when he became frustrated that she wouldn't stop crying. The 24-year-old was living with his girlfriend and her children at the Western Colony Inn in Ogden, Utah, at the time of the incident in late August last year, according to Deseret News. He had been looking after the the baby girl while her mother was at work when he lost his temper and repeatedly punched her. Barney gave the attack 'everything he had', he reportedly told detectives who testified in the case, but also claimed he did not kill her on purpose. According to the prosecution's case 'Barney admitted that due to his increased frustration over the dirty living conditions, the victim crying and other two children misbehaving, he lashed out at (the girl).' He reportedly left Kenzie lying on a bed while he cleaned up, then when he placed her in a buggy he noticed she seemed lethargic and was having trouble breathing. An autopsy concluded Kenzie died of blunt force trauma to the abdomen. She had for some time before Barney called 911. He pleaded guilty in 2nd District Court on Wednesday to aggravated murder, a first-degree crime. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors will not seek the death penalty and will recommend a sentence of 25 years to life with a possibility of parole, according to court documents. Barney will be sentenced on May 13. Kenzie's father, James La Buy, told reporters at a hearing last month that he would prefer to see Barney behind bars than on death row. 'I think (the death penalty) is an easy way out, to tell you the truth,' he said.

Summary: Adam Joseph Barney was caring for Kenzie Rose La Buy in Ogden, Utah . Lost his temper with youngster and punched her with 'everything he had' Noticed she was struggling to breath but did not call 911 until some time after she had died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen, autopsy found . 24-year-old was also watching girlfriend's two other children at motel .


Famed radio presenter John Laws has again shocked listeners after he berated an elderly man who began to break down on air as he revealed he was sexually abused as a child. During the interview on Thursday morning Mr Laws called the elderly man - known as Brian - a 'wet blanket' and suggested he should 'go to the pub and have a lemonade, for god sake'. Scroll down for video . Mr Laws has come under fire after mocking an 80-year-old sexual assault victim . In the ten minute chat Brian recounted several instances where he was sexually abused when he was only eleven and fourteen years of age. Mr Laws quipped and chuckled that it 'took a little while for you to get around to talk about it.' Brian then told Mr Laws that he had in fact reported two instances to the police but he was told to 'go away and forget about it. No one would do anything about it.' It was at this stage Mr Laws added insult to injury as he told 80-year-old Brian that he should have fought the man off, as he himself had done when men had 'had a go' at him when he was younger. The disgraced shock jock called the elderly man a 'wet blanket' and suggested he should 'go to the pub and have a lemonade, for god sake'. 'Did you scream in fright? Did you yell out 'stop that you bastard'? Did you lash out with your fists? Did you hit him?' Laws asked. A meek sounding Brian responded 'no, no probably not.' 'I don't quite understand why you didn't lash out, you would have been a fairly big boy by that time. Didn't you kick or yell or scream or hit?' Mr Laws continued to press the issue and said he should have told his family or his boss, who it turns out was responsible for several of the assaults. Brian began to become audibly distressed at this stage when he explained he had no family support. 'No, we never had any uh, there was no such thing as ... family love,' Brian said. He explained that his abuse was a contributing factor to why he had no girlfriend, no romantic interests and very little human contact. Repeat offender: Mr Laws was criticised in 2013 after telling a female sexual assault victim that women who dress provocatively are 'rapebait' Mr Laws then tried to salvage the conversation saying he should have felt better after speaking to him and getting it off his chest. Brian responded that he was 'sad more than anything.' Mr Laws then shockingly claimed the interview was a waste of 'both of their time.' Brian continued to open up about his years spent in isolation after the attacks, trying to minimise human contact when Mr Laws thought it prudent to offer Brian some more sound advice. In a flood of support for Brian many twitter users have called for Mr Laws to be sacked . 'Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, why don't people

Summary: Radio presenter John Laws shocked listeners as he berated an 80-year-old sexual assault victim Brian . The man who called Thursday morning was assaulted at age 11 and 14 . He reported the incidents to police however no action was taken . Mr Laws blamed the victim and said the man should have defended himself at the time of the assault . He continued, 'Don't be a wet blanket all the time' In 2013 Mr Laws came under fire after an interview with a female sexual assault victim . He blamed the victim and called women who dress provocatively 'rapebait'


Luis Suarez should have no concerns about returning to Anfield, and should expect a warm welcome from the fans according to Brendan Rodgers. The former Liverpool striker has agreed to take part in a charity match at his old stomping ground on March 29, which will also feature club captain Steven Gerrard and retired former vice-captain Jamie Carragher, who will captain the sides. 'It'll be great. We've kept in contact since he's been away. He's a top-class player. He loved his time here at Liverpool. He always wanted to come back,' said Rodgers. Luis Suarez is going to return to Liverpool on March 29 for a charity game following his move to Barcelona . Suarez will be joined by current club captain Steven Gerrard who leaves for the MLS at the end of the season . Jamie Carragher will captain one of the teams in the match organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation . 'He's got [commitments] internationally but he's making every effort off his own bat to come back. It'll be brilliant to see him and great for the supporters.' Suarez left the Merseyside club under a dark cloud, having been banned for four months after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at last summer's World Cup in Brazil. As his switch to Barcelona was confirmed during the close season, the 2014 PFA Player's Player of the Year was unable to say farewell to his adoring fans at Anfield following a season that saw him eventually net an impressive 31 Premier League goals. However the Uruguay international will hope to get that chance later this month in the fixture organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation, depending on his international duties. Suarez left the Reds for Barcelona in the summer after a season that saw him score a total of 31 league goals . The Uruguay international left on somewhat unconventional terms during his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini . The striker scored a brace on his return to England in Barca's Champions League win over Manchester City . 'He loved Liverpool while he was here. He's gone to another country, but he's certainly adored here. The supporters loved having him here. 'Every time he stepped on to a training pitch, he gave everything. He'll probably want to win this game as well.' The Reds host Blackburn in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, and Rodgers has his eyes set firmly on the prize. 'We want to make the top four and win a trophy. The objective is clear: To arrive as high as we can, not just fourth, and to win a trophy. If we can do that, then that will be success.'

Summary: Luis Suarez will make an incredible return to Anfield in a charity match . Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said former star will be greeted warmly . The striker moved to Barcelona but was unable to say goodbye to fans .


A Turkish Airlines flight has been forced into an emergency landing after a note with the word 'bomb' was reportedly found in the toilet. The flight from Istanbul scheduled for Sao Paulo, Brazil touched down in Casablanca, Morocco after declaring an emergency over North Africa. The airline confirmed the Boeing 777 with the flight number TK15 was carrying 256 people and made a diversion due to a 'bomb threat'. A Turkish Airlines flight has been forced into an emergency landing following a bomb scare . The action on board was reported by Istanbul-based journalist Erdem Arda Güneş . Istanbul-based journalist Erdem Arda Güneş claimed on Twitter that the diversion was due to a bomb scare after a note was discovered in the plane's toilet. The airline has not yet confirmed the bomb threat was made using a note in the toilet. However, Turkish Airlines said it is standard procedure to make an emergency landing if a threat is issued. The Boeing 777 was forced into a diversion and landed safely at Casablanca Airport . All fights in and out of Casablanca Airport were put on hold to allow the plane to land. The flight is reported to have landed safely at Casablanca and investigations are being carried out. MailOnline Travel has contacted Turkish Airlines for further comment and is awaiting a response. No further information was immediately available. It is the second incident in two days where a Turkish Airlines flight out of Istanbul has been the subject of a bomb threat. Yesterday flight TK-52 from Istanbul to Tokyo was forced to land at Ataturk Airport after the words 'C4-Cargo' were discovered written in the toilet. The words relate to the plastic explosive C-4. BGN News reported that the words were discovered by the cabin crew. They alerted the pilot who sent out a signal to make an emergency landing. After the passengers were evacuated after landing, a full sweep took place involving mobile technology, but no threat was discovered.

Summary: Plane scheduled for Sao Paulo, Brazil, diverted to Casablanca, Morocco . Turkish media reporting emergency declared after bomb threat . Plane believed to have landed safely and investigations begin .


The fate of Flight FU 9525 that was deliberately crashed into the Alps has chilling similarities to a number of other aircraft believed to have been downed by flight crew. Germanwings pilot Andreas Günter Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit before ploughing the Airbus A320 into the mountain at more than 400mph, killing all 150 on board. The final moments of the doomed jet were revealed by French prosecutors who said Lubitz's sole aim was to 'destroy the plane'. It echoes a number of recent aviation tragedies and could explain what happened to flight MH370 - which vanished last March while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. Scroll down for video . First picture: Germanwings pilot Andreas Günter Lubitz (above) locked his captain out of the cockpit before ploughing the Airbus A320 into the mountain at more than 400mph, killing all 150 on board . Germanwings pilot Andreas Günter Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit before ploughing the Airbus A320 into the mountain at more than 400mph, killing all 150 on board. Above, workers at the crash site today . Lubitz's actions could explain what happened to flight MH370 - which vanished last March while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. Above, file image of a Malaysian Airlines aircraft . Recent analysis of satellite data taken from the lost Malaysian Airlines flight indicates the aircraft may have been deliberately flown off course - suggesting the pilot took actions similar to Lubitz's. Other pilots believed to be responsible for fatal air crashes include Herminio dos Santos Fernandes, who was captain of Moza LAM flight 470 that crashed in Namibia in November 2013. Air crash investigators think the Embraer 190 jet was flown into the ground by the captain after his copilot went to the toilet, killing all 27 passengers and six crew. Fernandes was believed to have had serious personal problems at the time of his death. When his co-pilot went to the toilet, flight data information recovered from the scene found that Fernandes manually changed the aircraft's altitude from 38,000 feet to almost 600 feet below ground level. He also pushed the aircraft's throttles back to idle and selected the jet's maximum operating speed. Other pilots believed to be responsible for fatal air crashes include Herminio dos Santos Fernandes, who was captain of Moza LAM flight 470 that crashed in Namibia in November 2013. Above, the wreckage of the plane . Chillingly, the cockpit voice recorder picked up the sound of the co-pilot pounding on the door, similar to Captain Patrick Sondenheimer's attempts to regain access to the flight deck. It emerged today that co-pilot Lubitz made similar changes to his autopilot system - entering a new target altitude of just 96ft moments before the crash. The first relief officer of an EgyptAir flight was blamed when the aircraft crashed into the Atlantic approximately 30 minutes after leaving John F Kennedy Airport in New York on October 31, 1999. The Boeing 767-366 had 14 crew and 203 passengers

Summary: Andreas Günter Lubitz deliberately crashed Germanwings plane into Alps . Echoes other aviation disasters believed to have been caused by crew . Could explain final moments of Flight MH370 which vanished last March . Analysis of satellite data suggests plane was deliberately flown off course . Would suggest pilot of the doomed jet took actions similar to Lubitz's .


The mother of a man who stands accused of murdering 12 people in a movie theater gun rampage has begged prosecutors to stop pursuing the death penalty, terming their legal case a 'quest for death'. Arlene Holmes, whose son James, 27, opened fire at a busy screening of Batman film The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, also insists that she and her husband Robert 'were good parents'. The Holmes family claim that mental illness is to blame for the murder spree, which left 70 injured as well as the 12 fatalities. Scroll down for video . Begging for his life: Arlene Holmes prayed for prosecutors to stop their 'quest for death' in seeking a death penalty punishment for James Holmes, left, who killed 12 people in Aurora, Colorado, in 2012 . 'Good parents': Holmes and her husband Robert, pictured above this week, have said the killings are the fault of their son's mental illness . Massacre: James Holmes opened fire at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and injuring 70 who were watching Batman film The Dark Knight Rises . They believe their son was having a psychotic episode during the killings, and should therefore be spared death in his trial, which is due to begin on April 27. Mrs Holmes begged the prosecutors not to seek the death penalty in an entry in her prayer book, which she published earlier this month and is selling for $15. Her prayer for the prosecutor reads: 'I do not know what you have been through in life. I do not know why you want to pursue execution of a mentally ill man. 'But I pray for you, so that you will find peace in your life. I pray you will change your mind. Please stop this quest for death so you may focus on those who are alive.' She also also gave an interview on the book to the Del Mar Times local newspaper from her home in Rancho Penasquitos, California, saying that offering her son a plea deal would prevent a painful trial. 'Good parents': Holmes suggested that she and her husband Robert, right in the above image, had not done anything wrong . She said: 'This would all come to a grinding halt if [James] could plead guilty, and the DA would accept the plea for life without parole.' Mrs Holmes also defended herself and her husband from charges that they contributed to the massacre. She said: 'Because so many people like to blame the parents if a child is mentally ill, we have to reaffirm to ourselves every day that we were good parents and good people, and this still happened anyway.' Mrs Holmes did, however, say the couple feels guilt 'that we didn’t recognize he was ill and needed treatment.' On sale: Holmes published a book of prayers for people involved in the murder, which sells for $15 . According to her, the killing was completely out of character, and the first time she was aware of her son having anything to do with

Summary: Arlene Holmes, whose son James killed 12 in massacre, has spoken out . Prayed prosecutors would abandon death penalty for 2012 killings . Trial for 27-year-old's shooting spree in Aurora, Colorado, begins in April . Holmes also insisted that she and husband Robert are not to blame . Believes her son is mentally ill and as such should not be put to death .


Seven clubs are to make offers for Barcelona right back Dani Alves this summer. Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs reported to be interested in signing the Brazil international, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and his current employers Barca. Spanish newspaper Sport claim Louis van Gaal will not only offer Alves large wages, the Old Trafford manager is prepared to offer him a bonus for signing as a free agent. Seven clubs are reportedly set to make offers for Barcelona right back Dani Alves this summer . Alves blocks Isco's cross during Barcelona's win over Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday . Spanish newspaper Sport dedicated their front page to Alves being offered seven deals this summer . The 31-year-old's contract expires at the Nou Camp in June 2015, and it seems Alves has his pick of the Barclays Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1 or La Liga before he retires. Alves showed he can still perform at the top level against Manchester City in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga - both of which were televised. Alves joined Barca in 2008 from Sevilla for £23million, rising to £30m, and has made 208 appearances in La Liga for the Catalan giants. His initial contract had a buyout clause of £66m.

Summary: Barcelona right back Dani Alves' current contract ends in June 2015 . Spanish newspaper Sport say seven clubs will make offers for him . Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs mentioned .


A 72-year-old woman created her own 'no parking' zone outside her home after becoming frustrated with the number of cars being left in front of her driveway. The grandmother, who does not want to be named, said she took action after being repeatedly blocked in by parents on their way to pick up and drop off their children at a nearby school. She paid to have a white line painted on the road in front of her home on Culmington Road, Birmingham, and 'no parking' written on the pavement. Action: The 72-year-old woman, who does not want to be named, paid to have a white line painted on the road in front of her home on Culmington Road, Birmingham, and 'no parking' written on the pavement . The woman also placed traffic cones on either side of her driveway. Parents of pupils at Albert Bradbeer Primary School, which is less than half a mile away, have branded her decision 'ludicrous'. The grandmother-of-five called the police during a dispute last week with a couple who she claims parked in front of her home twice on the same day. She said: 'The couple deliberately came and parked and blocked me in. They have children at the school - two little children - and I went to see who was parking there and blocking me in. 'In the afternoon he came back again. I said "You again? I'm calling the police".' She claimed the man started racially abusing her and mimicking the way she talked. She added: 'I had to get the police involved. They told me to put something visible up so people would know there's no parking.' 'I have lived here 20 years and this is the first time I have had any trouble. 'Sometimes you overlook things. I don't mind people parking on the public bit but not parking on my driveway that I paid to make.' Parents at the school have branded the woman's decision 'extreme'. One mother, Katey Large, who walks her children to school along the road every day, said: 'There have been days when the lady who lives there sits outside in a chair underneath the window and tells people they can't park there and she's gone to extremes now by painting that on the road. 'People with drop kerbs don't want people parking on them but to go to the extreme of painting it yourself is ludicrous. 'As if Birmingham doesn't have enough litter on the streets, we're are teaching people it's OK to paint lines on the footpath. It's crazy.' Taking a stand: The grandmother-of-five also placed traffic cones on either side of her driveway . 'Ludicrous': Parents of nearby Albert Bradbeer Primary School have branded her measures 'extreme' But she added: 'You quite often see parents in the morning walking up the road and sniggering, but if it was outside their house they wouldn't be laughing about it.' A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: 'She doesn't have the right to paint on the road because road markings are subject to traffic laws. 'If it's

Summary: 72-year-old woman became frustrated at cars parked in front of her drive . Said parents taking their children to nearby primary school blocked her in . Paid to have line painted on the road and 'no parking' written on pavement . The grandmother-of-five also placed two traffic cones outside her home . Parents who use the Birmingham road described measures as 'extreme'


A man has been arrested for allegedly killing his nine-week-old stepdaughter while her mother was in hospital. Police arrested Manuel Mikes, 33, after emergency crews responded to reports of an unresponsive baby at a home in Millville, New Jersey early on Friday. The baby was found unconscious and was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.45am, the South Jersey Times reported. Arrest: 33-year-oold Manuel Mikes, pictured, allegedly murdered his partner's baby daughter, who was found with blunt-force trauma to her head, while the mother was in hospital . Scene: The unresponsive baby girl was found in a home on this block in Millville, New Jersey on Friday . Police initially thought that the child may have suffocated during the night while laying on an air mattress with Mikes, Lieutenant Jody Farabella of the Millville Police Department said. But medical examiners discovered blunt-force trauma to the back of the child's head and have ruled the death a homicide. Mikes, from Millville, has been charged with murder and child endangerment. He is being held on $1 million bail in the Cumberland County Jail and will be arraigned on Tuesday afternoon. An investigation by the police department remains underway. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Millville Police Department on 856-825-7010. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Manuel Mikes was arrested after the baby girl was found unresponsive and pronounced dead in his New Jersey home on Friday morning . The child had suffered blunt-force trauma to the back of her head .


A foetus at 24 weeks. New advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists rules against so-called souvenir scans before 10 weeks . Souvenir scans of the unborn baby should not be carried out in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, say doctors. Such keepsake images are shown off by proud parents-to-be, who can buy special wallets and photo frames to mark every stage of pregnancy. But new advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists rules against the growing trend when there is no medical reason for doing an early-stage scan. A new scientific review says ultrasound – which uses high-frequency sound waves to provide images of the foetus – could expose it to unknown risks. Although there is no evidence of harm, the ‘precautionary principle’ should apply, it says. Dr Christoph Lees, Reader in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine at Imperial College London and lead author of the paper said the review looked specifically at the first 10 weeks in the womb. Normally a scan would be ordered only for a potential problem identified by a clinician and in those circumstances it was perfectly safe, he said. But an increasing number of clinics were offering keepsake images from as early as six weeks, he said. He said: ‘Ultrasound scanning in the embryonic period is an invaluable resource in several important scenarios where the embryo is at possible risk. ‘There are presently no grounds for questioning the safety of diagnostic ultrasound in this context. ‘However, ultrasound imaging is increasingly being used without obvious medical justification and we have to be aware of the possibility of subtle long-term adverse effects, particularly in the first weeks of gestation when the embryo is potentially the most vulnerable.’ A pregnant woman looks towards a scan of her unborn baby. An increasing number of clinics are offering keepsake images from as early as six weeks . Dr Christoph Less of Imperial College is the lead author of the paper which advises against scans of foetuses during the first 10 weeks in the womb unless they are done for medical reasons . The review was produced by the Scientific Advisory Committee at the RCOG to provide doctors with up-to-date information about the issue. The US Food and Drug Administration issued similar advice in December, saying excess ultrasound at any stage in pregnancy should be avoided. Dr Lees said one of the possible harms might come from the slight heating effect produced by ultrasound which was more easily dissipated by the placenta after 10 weeks of pregnancy. He said the safest period for taking souvenir scans was 20 weeks of pregnancy and beyond. The review highlights the various types of ultrasound, including B-mode – the most commonly used form of ultrasound in obstetrics – colour and pulse wave Doppler. Colour and pulsed wave Doppler involve greater average intensity and power outputs than B-mode and are not recommended at all during the first 10 weeks. Additionally, there has been a move to perform 3D and 4D ultrasound scans earlier in pregnancy, states the paper. Colour and pulsed wave

Summary: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists rules against trend . Some clinics are offering keepsake images from as early as six weeks . Advice says early-stage scans should not be done without medical reason . Slight heating effect produced by ultrasound is one subtle side effect . Colour and pulsed wave Doppler scans have such intensity and power output they are not recommended at all during first 10 weeks .


One of at least four airmen captured by Al Qaeda militants after their Syrian Air Force helicopter crash-landed has appeared in a new propaganda video that calls for the release of a radical cleric. The pilot, who was captured near Jabal al-Zawiya in Idlib province, is seen looking dazed with bandages wrapped around his head as notorious jihadi Abdullah al-Muhaysini rants alongside him while wielding a massive knife and an assault rifle. Al-Muhaysini, who has long been affiliated with Al Qaeda-linked groups in Syria, suggests the life of the airman will only be spared if the Syrian regime releases notorious jihadi Abu Mus'ab as-Suri, who is wanted in Spain for suspected links to the 1985 El Descanso and 2004 Madrid bombings. Scroll down for video . Fear: The captured pilot is seen looking dazed with bandages wrapped around his head as notorious jihadi Abdullah al-Muhaysini rants alongside him while wielding a massive knife and an assault rifle . Threatened: The pilot, who was captured near Jabal al-Zawiya in Idlib province yesterday, appeared in the video released by Al Qaeda-linked militants from Jabhat al-Nusra this morning . The video shows the airman looking dazed as he sits on the floor of a darkened room with the notorious black and white banner of Al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra behind him. Clearly suffering injuries as a result of the helicopter crash, the pilot still has bloodied bandages wrapped around his head. The footage is decidedly amateur, is clearly filmed on either a mobile phone or a cheap recording device - making it look nothing like the slick, professionally edited videos put out by Nusra's rival jihadi group Islamic State. Nevertheless, the sight of Al-Muhaysini standing over the pilot and ranting about his possible murder while wielding a large knife has the same chilling impact as any ISIS release. Al-Muhaysini's primary demand is that the Syrian regime release Abu Mus'ab as-Suri - a notorious Al Qaeda linked militant who was arrested in Pakistan in 2005 and later rendered to his homeland. Aleppo-born As-Suri - who holds Spanish citizenship remains a wanted man in Spain on suspicion of taking part in the Islamic Jihad Organization's 1985 bombing at Madrid's El Descanso restaurant, which left 18 dead. He is also wanted as a possible witness to the Al Qaeda-inspired coordinated bombings on the Madrid's train system, which killed 191 people and left more than 2,000 injured in March 2004. 'Technical malfunction': People gather around a helicopter reportedly belonging to Syrian regime forces that crashed in Jabal al-Zawiya yesterday . Gathered around: Islamist rebels captured four crew members when the helicopter crashed, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said . The airman was one of six people on board the Syrian Air Force helicopter when it crashed in a rebel-held area of north-western Syria, near Jabal al-Zawiya in Idlib province yesterday. It experienced a technical malfunction and made an emergency crash-landing according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's state news agency confirmed that a helicopter had crashed after a mechanical problem and said the authorities

Summary: Airman was seen in video released by Al Qaeda affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra . Notorious militant Abdullah al-Muhaysini stands over him wielding a knife . Jihadi calls for the release of another Al Qaeda extremist, Mus'ab as-Suri . Airman was among at least four people captured near Idlib yesterday . The regime helicopter suffered a 'technical malfunction' and crash-landed . A fifth airman was immediately killed by the militants and a sixth is missing .


Watford fan Nick Cruwys (pictured) was left fighting for his life after he was attacked following a match with Wolves. A 13-year-old has now been arrested by police investigating the incident . A 13-year-old boy has been arrested by detectives investigating an attack which left a football fan fighting for his life in hospital. West Midlands Police said officers arrested the youngster on suspicion of assault at an address in Wolverhampton, just before 5am today. The boy is the second person to be arrested by detectives investigating an attack on 44-year-old Watford supporter Nick Cruwys in Wolverhampton on Saturday, after an 18-year-old man was detained yesterday. That man has since been bailed until April 8. Police described the latest arrest as 'significant'. Mr Cruwys was tripped and kicked in the head in an unprovoked attack in the street, following Watford's 2-2 draw with Wolves. The father of two, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was attacked in Little's Lane, Wolverhampton, shortly after 5pm as he made his way to the railway station with friends. An online appeal to raise funds to help Mr Cruwys, set up by a Wolves fan, has now raised more than £25,000. After the latest arrest, police directly appealed to anyone involved in the attack to 'do the right thing' and hand themselves in. Detective Inspector Toni Naylor, of West Midlands Police, said: 'We are pleased with how the investigation is progressing and the arrest of a second suspect is significant. 'But this is not the end of our inquiry, it's only the beginning. 'I am now appealing to anyone who was involved in the incident to think about their actions and to do the right thing and contact us or hand themselves in to a local police station. 'We will leave no stone unturned to find the people involved and by coming forward you will be in a position to give your side of the story.' CCTV from outside the football stadium shows the victim laying stricken on the ground after the attack . Mr Cruwys suffered serious injuries in an attack outside Wolves' Molineux Stadium (pictured in file photo) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Watford supporter Nick Cruwys was attacked after match on Saturday . Police arrested an 18-year-old yesterday who has since been bailed . Officers investigating incident have now arrested a 13-year-old boy .


A Mexican trying to enter the US for a heart and liver transplant has been denied a visa for the second time, he and his family announced Wednesday. Jose Chua Lopez, 20, has suffered from a heart defect from birth and was hoping to enter the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has an appointment in 10 days. 'My world has fallen down,' Chua said. 'This needs to be fixed quickly.' World has fallen: Jose Chua Lopez, 20, and his mother, Myra Lopez Martinez, said he had been denied a visa for the second time that would have allowed him to seek treatment for heart and liver conditions . His mother, Myra Lopez Martinez, said her son could die if he cannot receive the transplants. A spokeswoman for the State Department, Jen Psaki, said people at the department are looking into the case, though the department did not have a comment on Chua's case. Consejo de Latinos Unidos, which is based in the US where it helps uninsured people secure medical care, stepped in to try to get Chua to the Mayo Clinic. The organization's director, Kevin Forbes, said the case was mishandled at the US Consulate in the northern city of Hermosillo, where Chua lives. He said that consulate officials processed an application for a tourist visa when they should have told Chua to apply for a humanitarian visa and that they then failed for weeks to respond to queries about his status. 'We have dealt with around two dozen similar international cases,' Forbes said. 'They have never denied us a visa. It's the first time this has happened.' Struggle: Chua's friends and family raised $15,000 to pay for an evaluation leading up to the treatment, and though the operation could millions more, Chua's mother says they will try . Weakened: Chua's heart has only one ventricle, which causes circulation problems, and at this point, in spite of several heart surgeries, his liver has also been damaged . Come together: Chua and his family have held fundraisers, such as Coffee for a Life, where several musical acts played to raise money for the treatments . Big hopes: Chua wants to overcome his health problems and hopes to become a doctor . Long road ahead: Chua's family says the transplant will cost much more, and even as they are looking for help to fund it, they are unsure about how to pay the high cost . Forbes said the family would file a visa application on humanitarian grounds shortly and he hopes the problem will be resolved in two or three days. He called the situation an 'absolute abomination.' Chua's heart has only one ventricle, causing circulation problems that mean blood reaches only one of the four chambers, said Dr Ernesto Duarte, who treats him. Chua underwent three open-heart surgeries between the ages of 5 months and 12 years, including a cardiac implant that stopped working properly in 2013. At this point Chua's liver has also been damaged, so he needs a double-organ transplant, a procedure that is not performed in

Summary: Jose Chua Lopez, 20, has an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota in 10 days . The State Department on Tuesday denied his visa, which was reportedly processed as a tourist visa instead of humanitarian visa . Chua has had three open heart surgeries since he was five months old . His liver has been damaged by his poor heart condition and also needs to be transplanted .


This is the moment a group of weaver hungry ants entered into a tug of war after they captured a fly and desperately fought to have it for their dinner. The bright orange bugs were photographed in Tiruvalla, India as they battled with one another to take the stricken horse fly back to their nest. Photographer Sreekumar Mahadevan Pillai said he took the photograph in his back garden, where a massive teak tree acts as a home for millions of half-inch long weaver ants. Pulling it apart: This is the moment a group of weaver hungry ants entered into a tug of war after they captured a fly and desperately fought to have it for their dinner . Not giving up: The photographs begin by showing two highly aggressive weaver ants fighting over the captured fly, before they are joined by a third . Battle: Photographer Sreekumar Mahadevan Pillai said he took the photograph in his back garden, where a massive teak tree acts as a home for millions of half-inch long weaver ants . The photographs begin by showing two highly aggressive weaver ants fighting over the captured fly, before being joined by a third. Pulling their prey taught, the ants use all their strength to try to win the meal for themselves. The trio clearly take too long battling one another however, as minutes later they are joined by dozens more weaver ants who swarm over the horse fly and the surrounding teak tree twig. The battle for the horse lasted more than an hour before the weaver ants eventually compromised and settled down to eat the bug together. They took so long fighting one another that Mr Pillai was able to take dozens of photographs. Speaking of the battle, the 39-year-old neurosurgeon said: 'There is a huge teak tree leaning over my terrace which hosts millions of weaver ants.' Aggresive: Pulling their prey taught, the ants use all their strength to try to win the meal for themselves . Overwhelmed: The trio clearly take too long battling one another however, as minutes later they are joined by dozens more weaver ants who swarm over the horse fly and the surrounding teak tree twig . Hungry: The battle for the horse lasted more than an hour before the weaver ants eventually compromised and settled down to eat the bug together . Stunning: The ants took so long fighting one another that Mr Pillai was able to take dozens of photographs . Weaver ant colonies can be extremely large, consisting of more than a hundred nests spanning numerous trees and containing more than half a million workers. 'Weaver ants are very aggressive insects and it is common to see them carrying dead bugs and worms. These ants stayed in position for a while allowing me to take some good pictures, Mr Pillai said. 'I was really happy with this shot, I knew that I had captured a unique moment,' he added. 'As a result of rapid urbanisation, our children are not able to watch and learn from insects such as ants

Summary: Bright orange weaver ants fought one another to take home a horse fly . Inch-long bugs pulled the animal taught as they battled for their dinner . Fight took more than an hour allowing Indian photographer Sreekumar Mahadevan Pillai to take dozens of photographs . They eventually compromised and decided to eat the horse fly together .


Students are being encouraged to go to summer school… at GCHQ. Britain’s spy centre is offering a £2,500 bounty to attract would-be surveillance sleuths to take a ten-week course. Intelligence chiefs at the listening post are aiming to recruit a new generation of computer wizards to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime. The 70 or so candidates who successfully apply for the course will be given a glimpse into the latest cyber-technologies as well as learning new skills including cyber-security and hacking. Britain’s spy centre )pictured above) is offering a £2,500 bounty to attract would-be surveillance sleuths to take a ten-week course . The top-secret Cheltenham-based spy agency, which provides electronic surveillance of the nation’s enemies, have taken the unprecedented step to help deliver its mission to keep the UK safe. The Government is increasingly concerned that terrorists and enemy countries could seek to mount a crippling cyber-attack to bring down Britain’s economy, energy supply and national defences at the click of a mouse. Attackers ranging from lone criminals to rogue states seek to steal industrial secrets or spread mayhem and fear. A report recently found that four in every five big firms in the UK experienced some sort of serious cyber-security breach last year. US movie giant Sony Pictures was also hacked by North Korea. But experts say there is a dire shortage of specialists able to defend Britain’ s computer systems from increasingly sophisticated assaults by hostile states and terrorists. Agents at GCHQ unveiled plans for the summer school, the first of its kind, amid mounting warnings that Britain is one of the world’s major cyber-crime targets, and needs a new type of army to wage war against its digital foes. The course, which will run from July 6 to September 11, is aimed at computer science students in their first or second year at university who have an interest in cyber beyond that of their studies and are skilled in at least one computer language. The summer school will feature lessons from GCHQ’s own cybersecurity experts, as well as guest speakers from some of the world’s leading technology companies. To qualify for a place on the Cyber Insiders Summer School, students will need advanced coding skills, as well as the ability and tenacity to solve a variety of complex problems. Intelligence chiefs at the listening post are aiming to recruit a new generation of computer wizards to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime (file image) On the course they will work with a wide range of technologies, from legacy systems that have been in use for a number of years to the most up-to-date mobile technology. They will learn new technical skills in areas such as cyber security, ethical hacking, penetration testing and security networks. They will also learn about GCHQ’s role in defending the UK against cyber threats. The programme will culminate in a ‘live’ war games-style exercise where they will be able to put the skills that they’ve learned into practice. Those who successfully complete the course could land a job at the spy agency. A GCHQ

Summary: Britain's spy centre offering youths a £2,500 to train at summer school . Bosses hope it will attract next generation of surveillance sleuths . Successful candidates will be shown all the latest cyber-technologies . The move comes amid growing threat of cyber-terrorism, say experts .


British scientist David Nutt (above) has claimed the terminally ill should take hallucinogenic drug LSD. He said that the way we currently deal with death is to 'poison people with opiates' A British scientist has claimed the terminally ill should be given hallucinogenic drug LSD. David Nutt, a former government drug tsar, thinks that psychedelic trips might be able to lead to long-term benefits in a person’s thinking. The 63-year-old said that using the drug is the 'great unanswered question in neuroscience'. Professor Nutt was sacked from his job as the Government's chief adviser on drugs in 2009 after saying ecstasy and LSD were less harmful than alcohol. But he maintains that psychedelic trips might help terminally ill patients feel at one with the world. 'The way we deal with death is to poison people with opiates so that they can’t think,' The Independent reported him saying. 'But on LSD it’s as if they have died, as if they’ve gone out to another place. They exist beyond their body. 'That experience can give them a sense of perpetuity, of permanence, of being part of the cycle of life.' At a briefing in London this week, he spoke out against restrictions on research on recreational drugs which he called 'the worst censorship in the history of science'. But having been turned down by 'classic funders', he raised the more than £32,000 on crowdfunding site Walacea.com. In the controversial study 20 British volunteers will be the first in the world to have their brains scanned while high on LSD. Early results are said to be 'exciting' but the full findings must wait until more funding can be found to complete the research. He compared current attitudes to studying recreational drugs with the Catholic church's clampdown on pioneering Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in the 17th century. He said: 'The only comparable example is when the Catholic church banned the telescope in 1616. 'We've banned research on psychedelic drugs and other drugs like cannabis for 50 years. 'Truly in terms of the amount of wasted opportunity, it's way greater than the banning of the telescope. This is a truly appalling level of censorship.' In the controversial study, 20 British volunteers will be the first in the world to have their brains scanned while high on LSD . The LSD study involved giving the volunteers injections of a 75 microgram dose of LSD before probing the activity of their brains. Two kinds of scans were used, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (Meg), which measures small magnetic fields generated in the brain. None of the participants reported having a bad experience, but three described some anxiety and temporary paranoia. Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, also from the Imperial College team, said the dose of LSD given to the volunteers was a 'tiny speck'. But he added: 'The effects are quite profound. It would be described as a moderate dose, but a moderate dose of LSD can still produce a profound state of consciousness. 'I wouldn't say that it's a dangerous experiment, but I would say that LSD has

Summary: David Nutt was sacked from his chief adviser post five years ago . Professor claims psychedelic trips might lead to long-term benefits . He is also trying to reveal what the human brain looks like on LSD . Refused money from official sources but raised cash on crowd-funding site .


Heart disease kills one in every six men and one in every 10 women in the UK . Don’t put it off because you can’t see it. Take a moment to consider your heart - the most precious of muscles. Cardiovascular diseases killed 17.5 million people in 2012 - that's 30 per cent of all deaths. That’s enough to send your heart rate rocketing to a dangerous level – but the good news is there's a lot you can do to keep healthy. When it comes to keeping your heart in tip-top condition, there are some factors such as genetics that you can’t change. If you have a family history of heart disease, then you are at increased risk yourself. However, there is plenty you can do to decrease your risk whether you have a family tendency or not. Here are some simple changes you can start making today to reduce your risk of heart problems in the future... DITCH THE FAT-FREE DIET . You have probably been advised to cut out saturated fats and replace butter with unsaturated fat spreads. This is because a diet high in saturated fats is thought to be one factor that leads to high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood... which in turn may cause narrowing of the arteries and heart attacks. However, there is now some controversy as to whether these dietary changes make much difference to your risk of heart disease. A recent overview of multiple studies found no evidence that restricting saturated fat and increasing polyunsaturated fat consumption lowered the risk of developing heart disease. The jury is still out on this one, and it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to eat high fat doughnuts, pastries, chips and other sources of processed, saturated fat. However, butter, cheese and cream in small quantities may not be the complete villains they were thought to be. Much-maligned butter may not be the dietary villain we once thought, says Dr Sally Norton . KNOW YOUR WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO . The association between heart disease and being overweight is extremely strong. Not least because obesity puts you at risk of type 2 diabetes which, in itself, increases the risk of heart disease and multiple other conditions. If you carry more weight around your waist than your hips you are even more at risk. To calculate your waist to hip ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A high ratio (over 0.85 for women or one for men) means increased risk of health problems such as heart attacks, high blood pressure or diabetes… even if you aren’t that overweight. Dr Sally Norton reveals her top tips to help people keep their hearts healthy. She notes the association between heart disease and being overweight is 'extremely strong', urging people to watch their waistlines . REALISE IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET ACTIVE . Don’t despair if you are a couch potato – it’s never too late to start. As well as helping with that weight loss, a recent study showed that you could get the same heart

Summary: Heart disease is the biggest killer globally, causing 30% of all deaths . But there are simple steps that can reduce your risk, says Dr Sally Norton . Cut out sugar, cut back on salt and avoid bacon and processed meat . It's also never too late to get active - or quit smoking, she says .


He's the man who is currently setting social media alight every Sunday evening - and whose chiselled abs and Mr Darcy smoulder have won him a legion of female fans. But while Aidan Turner was unknown to many prior to his turn as the troubled Ross Poldark in the BBC drama of the same name, the 31-year-old is no stranger to success. Yet although he may look familiar to some, others might find him hard to place - unless you're a fan of fantasy films and supernatural drama that is. Turner plays Ross Poldark who's lost his love, Elizabeth (played by Heida Reed, left) to another man . Irish actor Aidan Turner, who plays dashing Captain Ross Poldark, sets pulses racing on the BBC show . For before donning the tricorn hat and brooding scowl of the landowner who returns to Cornwall to find his true love is engaged to another man, Turner was busy fighting evil in Middle Earth. The 5ft 10in Turner was digitally shrunk for his role as Kili, one of two dwarf brothers who set out alongside Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo Baggins in a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy. But with Martin Freeman playing Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage's brooding dwarf chieftan stealing all the screen thunder, you might have missed Aidan's fantastical role - had he not also enjoyed a plotline that involved flirting with Tauriel the elf, played by Evangeline Lilly. Action stations: From left, John Callen, Dean O'Gorman, Aidan Turner, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Adam Brown, Jed Brophy, Peter Hambleton, Ken Stott and Stephen Hunter in a scene from The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies film . He became famous as vampire John Mitchell in the BBC3 supernatural housemates dramedy Being Human . But it seems training to play the warrior dwarf may have helped sculpt the abs that have become famous in their own right. Turner told Empire about the prep needed for the trilogy: 'A lot of going to the gym; a lot of movement classes. Dwarves are just weighed down by everything,' he said. 'They’re not sluggish, they just have this work-horse mentality. When they get going they’re unstoppable.' Turner even popped up in The Tudors in one episode as a richly-dressed character called Bedoli . As John Schofield, Hattie Jacques' lodger and lover, Turner had to don Sixties clothing . Aidan Turner and Dean O'Gorman as brothers Kili and Fili respectively in a scene from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey . Since graduating from The Gaiety School of Acting in 2004, the Dubliner has enjoyed an eclectic range of parts and notched up a number of award nominations. His career in television began in 2007 when he embraced 16th century-style costume to appear in one episode of the television series The Tudors. More period work was to follow when he was chosen to play pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the six-part BBC series the Desperate Romantics, followed swiftly by appearances as Ruairí McGowan on The Clinic. But Turner finally had a change

Summary: Irish heartthrob has set pulses racing and social media alight . Before current costume drama, the 31-year-old played a flirtatious dwarf . Also appeared in BBC's Being Human and The Tudors . Hunk played Hattie Jacques' young lover opposite Ruth Jones in TV series .


Liverpool are the biggest English club when measured solely by the number of major trophies won, all-time. With 18 league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European Cups and three UEFA Cups, they have lifted 41 major honours in their history, two more than their closest rivals in this regard, Manchester United, who have 39. United have more league titles, 20, and 13 of those have been won since Liverpool’s last league title in 1989-90. They also have more FA Cup wins than Liverpool (11), but fewer League Cups (four), fewer European Cups (three) and fewer other European trophies (one, the Cup-Winners Cup of 1990-91). The silverware has been totted up as part of a Sportsmail study to explore which English clubs are the ‘biggest’; 59 different teams of the current 92 in the top four divisions have been considered, having played in England’s top division for at least a season. John Barnes and Peter Beardsley celebrate in 1990 with the last league trophy to head to Liverpool . Steven Gerrard hoists Old Big Ears aloft after that famous night in Istanbul . Crowds . We ranked all clubs on the size of their average gates during this season to reflect contemporary pull. Then we ranked each club by the size of their biggest historic gates. Their overall crowd rank is an aggregate of current pull and also potential based on past highs. Global fanbase . We added up the total number of fans and followers for each club on Facebook and Twitter — by far the most popular global social media platforms. Every club has official accounts. Trophies . We counted ‘major’ trophies won by each club, giving points for each; 10pts for each European Cup/Champions League win, 8pts for each top-division English title, 5pts for each FA Cup or other European trophy win, and 3pts for each League Cup win. No ‘one-off’ trophies such as the Charity Shield are considered because they are not the product of multi-match competitions. And being a losing finalist does not count for points either — here at Sportsmail, winning is everything, second is nowhere. Average league finish . The average league finish position for each of the clubs since 1888-89. Player quality . We counted the number of players from each club who have played for England, all-time, ranking the clubs by total. This reflects historic ‘bigness’. We then ranked the clubs by the number of players provided to the 2014 World Cup — a measure of modern ‘bigness’. The overall ranking is an aggregate of these two. Income . We ranked the clubs by their income for the most recent season available. The biggest clubs have generally had the most money and been able to buy and pay the best players. The trophies considered as ‘major’ are those earned through playing a whole season, tournament or competition, so no ‘one-off match’ silverware has been included, such as the Charity Shield or Super Cup, nor have we counted silverware won in events that have ever been ‘one-off match’ occasions - like the

Summary: With 18 league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European Cups and three UEFA Cups, Liverpool have lifted 41 major honours . United have more league titles, 20, and 13 of those have been won since Liverpool’s last league title in 1989-90 . Sportsmail's HOW BIG IS YOUR CLUB? Study finally settles great debate .