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Simmons, 52, was suspended in September for questioning the continued omissions of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.
He issued a public apology to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
"I regret my public outburst during a press conference and the revelation of the vote that took place at the selection meeting," said Simmons.
"I extend a public apology to all whom I may have offended. I have personally apologised to my fellow selectors and the WICB and now do so again publicly.
"I am looking forward to putting this behind me and doing the job I enjoy with the West Indies' senior men's teams."
Simmons played 26 Tests as an all-rounder for the West Indies between 1988 and 1997, and became head coach of their senior squads in March.
Eldine Baptiste took over from Simmons for the current tour of Sri Lanka, with the West Indies losing both Tests and all three one-day internationals before Wednesday's concluding Twenty20 match. | Former West Indies all-rounder James Simmons has been suspended for two years for questioning the selection of the team for the one-day international against Sri Lanka. | 0 | English |
Simmons, 52, was suspended in September for questioning the continued omissions of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.
He issued a public apology to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
"I regret my public outburst during a press conference and the revelation of the vote that took place at the selection meeting," said Simmons.
"I extend a public apology to all whom I may have offended. I have personally apologised to my fellow selectors and the WICB and now do so again publicly.
"I am looking forward to putting this behind me and doing the job I enjoy with the West Indies' senior men's teams."
Simmons played 26 Tests as an all-rounder for the West Indies between 1988 and 1997, and became head coach of their senior squads in March.
Eldine Baptiste took over from Simmons for the current tour of Sri Lanka, with the West Indies losing both Tests and all three one-day internationals before Wednesday's concluding Twenty20 match. | West Indies senior squads head coach Simmons apologised for criticising team selection. | 1 | English |
Convicted criminal Steven Johnson had been wanted since January 2014 after breaching the terms of his parole.
Police believe the 40-year-old went to Spain, where he posted Facebook and Twitter messages challenging officers to find him.
He was arrested in Whiston, Merseyside, on Thursday and returned to jail.
Read updates on this story and more from across Merseyside and Cheshire.
Johnson, of Prescot, was serving a sentence of six years and 11 months for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, before being released on licence.
During his time on the run, he used aliases on social media sites to post messages and photographs, including several of himself posing in front of luxury cars.
In one message, he wrote: "Just got out of bed. Going for a massage."
Merseyside Police said Johnson had now "got his wish".
Sgt Mark Worrall said: "The arrest of Johnson shows that we never give up.
"Johnson has been wanted on recall to prison for two years and he has obviously been living the high life abroad, but that has been cut short and he's now back behind bars." | A man who posed as a police officer to get a massage while on the run has been arrested. | 0 | English |
Convicted criminal Steven Johnson had been wanted since January 2014 after breaching the terms of his parole.
Police believe the 40-year-old went to Spain, where he posted Facebook and Twitter messages challenging officers to find him.
He was arrested in Whiston, Merseyside, on Thursday and returned to jail.
Read updates on this story and more from across Merseyside and Cheshire.
Johnson, of Prescot, was serving a sentence of six years and 11 months for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, before being released on licence.
During his time on the run, he used aliases on social media sites to post messages and photographs, including several of himself posing in front of luxury cars.
In one message, he wrote: "Just got out of bed. Going for a massage."
Merseyside Police said Johnson had now "got his wish".
Sgt Mark Worrall said: "The arrest of Johnson shows that we never give up.
"Johnson has been wanted on recall to prison for two years and he has obviously been living the high life abroad, but that has been cut short and he's now back behind bars." | A man wanted on recall to prison who taunted police with social media posts telling them to catch him if they can is back behind bars. | 1 | English |
Steve, who presents Deadly 60 on CBBC, says "it's pretty crazy that the word 'bullying' was bandied around."
"It's not a word that should be used lightly and certainly not one that I ever used," he said.
The pair dismissed claims earlier this month and Ola's husband James Jordan attacked Strictly producers over it.
Ola has now said that she knows people will believe how it was reported by the Daily Mail even if it wasn't true.
"Yes they do think it's true," reflects Ola, "and it is hard being on a show for nine years and suddenly being called names, it's very hard".
Steve and Ola were in the bottom two on Strictly at the weekend and then lost the dance off so have now left this year's competition.
"It's been weird for me," says Steve, "that the job I do has very little press and tabloid attention and all of a sudden having all these stories coming out and not really knowing what to do with it and how to handle it has been probably the biggest learning experience of Strictly for me".
In a joint interview, Steve went on to say that "the best thing" to do when the bullying claims surfaced "was to show that we were unified, that we were together as a team and to make sure that we just carried on smiling and carried on dancing and carried on doing our thing."
"And in some ways not to dignify it with a response," he added.
"In other ways when it's decisively brought up to answer it as truthfully as we can and I think that we've done that and it will blow over."
If you've been affected by bullying and want to find out about the help that's available, go to The Surgery's homepage on the BBC Radio 1 website.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube | The former Strictly Come Dancing host Steve Ola has said that the word bullying has been "buzzed" by the media. | 0 | English |
Steve, who presents Deadly 60 on CBBC, says "it's pretty crazy that the word 'bullying' was bandied around."
"It's not a word that should be used lightly and certainly not one that I ever used," he said.
The pair dismissed claims earlier this month and Ola's husband James Jordan attacked Strictly producers over it.
Ola has now said that she knows people will believe how it was reported by the Daily Mail even if it wasn't true.
"Yes they do think it's true," reflects Ola, "and it is hard being on a show for nine years and suddenly being called names, it's very hard".
Steve and Ola were in the bottom two on Strictly at the weekend and then lost the dance off so have now left this year's competition.
"It's been weird for me," says Steve, "that the job I do has very little press and tabloid attention and all of a sudden having all these stories coming out and not really knowing what to do with it and how to handle it has been probably the biggest learning experience of Strictly for me".
In a joint interview, Steve went on to say that "the best thing" to do when the bullying claims surfaced "was to show that we were unified, that we were together as a team and to make sure that we just carried on smiling and carried on dancing and carried on doing our thing."
"And in some ways not to dignify it with a response," he added.
"In other ways when it's decisively brought up to answer it as truthfully as we can and I think that we've done that and it will blow over."
If you've been affected by bullying and want to find out about the help that's available, go to The Surgery's homepage on the BBC Radio 1 website.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube | Steve has spoken about his disappointment that it was reported he was bullied on Strictly by his dance partner Ola. | 1 | English |
Sturrock has nearly an entire team of injured players with 10 of his first-team squad doubtful for Saturday's League Two game against Wimbledon.
To add to his woes forward Shaun Jeffers is also suspended following last weekend's red card.
"We've just got to battle through these next two games," said Sturrock.
Winger Jack Compton has also been ruled out for four weeks leaving Sturrock little choice but to ask some of his squad to play despite carrying knocks.
"I won't be able to fill it so I'll bring in one of the youth players to sit on the bench in a position we don't have many players for," Sturrock told BBC Radio Bristol.
"Jordan Gibbons is playing with an injury but he'll have to play again. It's not ideal but that is the situation we are in.
"It's quite scary when you look at the age of certain players playing every week. They deserve the experienced players to come back as quickly as possible.
"They are getting match practice and learning their trade but they are making mistakes and really we need to get a more solid team on the pitch." | Sturrock says he will struggle to fill the bench this weekend due to an injury crisis. | 1 | English |
Sturrock has nearly an entire team of injured players with 10 of his first-team squad doubtful for Saturday's League Two game against Wimbledon.
To add to his woes forward Shaun Jeffers is also suspended following last weekend's red card.
"We've just got to battle through these next two games," said Sturrock.
Winger Jack Compton has also been ruled out for four weeks leaving Sturrock little choice but to ask some of his squad to play despite carrying knocks.
"I won't be able to fill it so I'll bring in one of the youth players to sit on the bench in a position we don't have many players for," Sturrock told BBC Radio Bristol.
"Jordan Gibbons is playing with an injury but he'll have to play again. It's not ideal but that is the situation we are in.
"It's quite scary when you look at the age of certain players playing every week. They deserve the experienced players to come back as quickly as possible.
"They are getting match practice and learning their trade but they are making mistakes and really we need to get a more solid team on the pitch." | Bristol City manager Paul Sturrock says he will have to "battle through" the injury crisis as he tries to cope with the loss of two players. | 0 | English |
Mr Musk tweeted that the explosion of Falcon 9 during a routine filling operation was the most complicated in the space travel firm's history.
He said that the engines weren't on and there was "no apparent heat source".
The rocket's payload, a satellite on which Facebook had leased capacity, was destroyed in the explosion last week.
"Still working on the Falcon fireball investigation. Turning out to be the most difficult and complex failure we have ever had in 14 years," Mr Musk tweeted.
Facebook, with Eutelsat Communications, had been due to use the Amos-6 satellite for broadband internet coverage for parts of sub-Saharan Africa as part of Facebook's Internet.org initiative.
The force of the blast at Cape Canaveral shook buildings several miles away.
Mr Musk tweeted that support for the SpaceX investigation by Nasa, the US Federal Aviation Administration, and the US Air Force was "much appreciated".
The technology entrepreneur owns and leads SpaceX. Mr Musk is also chief executive of electric car company Tesla Motors and chairman of solar energy firm SolarCity. | SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has said the company is still working on the investigation into the explosion of a rocket that exploded in Florida on Tuesday. | 0 | English |
Mr Musk tweeted that the explosion of Falcon 9 during a routine filling operation was the most complicated in the space travel firm's history.
He said that the engines weren't on and there was "no apparent heat source".
The rocket's payload, a satellite on which Facebook had leased capacity, was destroyed in the explosion last week.
"Still working on the Falcon fireball investigation. Turning out to be the most difficult and complex failure we have ever had in 14 years," Mr Musk tweeted.
Facebook, with Eutelsat Communications, had been due to use the Amos-6 satellite for broadband internet coverage for parts of sub-Saharan Africa as part of Facebook's Internet.org initiative.
The force of the blast at Cape Canaveral shook buildings several miles away.
Mr Musk tweeted that support for the SpaceX investigation by Nasa, the US Federal Aviation Administration, and the US Air Force was "much appreciated".
The technology entrepreneur owns and leads SpaceX. Mr Musk is also chief executive of electric car company Tesla Motors and chairman of solar energy firm SolarCity. | An investigation into how a SpaceX rocket exploded is uncovering a "difficult and complex failure", the firm's leader Mr Musk has said. | 1 | English |
A member of the public raised the alarm after seeing the woman, aged in her 50s, fall at Peveril Point, near Swanage, on Saturday afternoon.
She was airlifted by the coastguard helicopter to King George's Field park where she was treated by paramedics.
The injured woman, who is from the Swanage area, was taken to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance.
Ch Insp Bob Acaster, of Dorset Police, said: "Emergency services worked hard in very difficult weather to rescue the woman from the cliff and bring her to safety."
Police said the woman's family had been informed. | A woman has suffered injuries falling from the cliff near Swanage. | 1 | English |
A member of the public raised the alarm after seeing the woman, aged in her 50s, fall at Peveril Point, near Swanage, on Saturday afternoon.
She was airlifted by the coastguard helicopter to King George's Field park where she was treated by paramedics.
The injured woman, who is from the Swanage area, was taken to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance.
Ch Insp Bob Acaster, of Dorset Police, said: "Emergency services worked hard in very difficult weather to rescue the woman from the cliff and bring her to safety."
Police said the woman's family had been informed. | A woman has been rescued from a cliff in Dorset after falling from a cliff. | 0 | English |
Basil Khan and Omar Mohidin were 16 when they were hit and racially abused by officers in Edgware Road, north west London in 2007, the High Court heard.
The sergeant and a constable involved were acquitted along with four colleagues in a criminal trial in 2009.
The High Court ruled the two men were racially abused and awarded damages.
The Met's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Fiona Taylor said the officers' actions had let down the public and all of the force.
Officers from the Territorial Support Group stopped the teenagers in June 2007 because they claimed that some of the group had been mouthing obscenities and making gestures at them.
Omar Mohidin was held in a police van for about five minutes while officers arrested Basil Khan who was handcuffed, strip searched and held in police custody for almost 20 hours.
Mr Justice Gilbart said Mr Khan had been wrongfully arrested and he accepted PC Mark Jones, who has since left the force, had hit Mr Khan, grabbing him around the neck and making it difficult for him to breathe.
The judge awarded Mr Khan £11,900 in damages and said Sgt William Wilson had also struck Mr Khan.
The court ruled Mr Mohidin was also falsely imprisoned for a few minutes during which time he was subjected to "racist humiliation", but that his injury amounted at most to feeling upset for a few days.
He dismissed Mr Mohidin's claim that he had suffered acute stress disorder as a result of the police action and awarded him £2,500.
The judge threw out a third civil damages claim for false imprisonment, assault and race discrimination brought by another man, Ahmed Hegazy. | Two Met Police officers who were wrongly arrested and held in custody for more than 20 hours have been awarded £11,900 in damages. | 0 | English |
Basil Khan and Omar Mohidin were 16 when they were hit and racially abused by officers in Edgware Road, north west London in 2007, the High Court heard.
The sergeant and a constable involved were acquitted along with four colleagues in a criminal trial in 2009.
The High Court ruled the two men were racially abused and awarded damages.
The Met's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Fiona Taylor said the officers' actions had let down the public and all of the force.
Officers from the Territorial Support Group stopped the teenagers in June 2007 because they claimed that some of the group had been mouthing obscenities and making gestures at them.
Omar Mohidin was held in a police van for about five minutes while officers arrested Basil Khan who was handcuffed, strip searched and held in police custody for almost 20 hours.
Mr Justice Gilbart said Mr Khan had been wrongfully arrested and he accepted PC Mark Jones, who has since left the force, had hit Mr Khan, grabbing him around the neck and making it difficult for him to breathe.
The judge awarded Mr Khan £11,900 in damages and said Sgt William Wilson had also struck Mr Khan.
The court ruled Mr Mohidin was also falsely imprisoned for a few minutes during which time he was subjected to "racist humiliation", but that his injury amounted at most to feeling upset for a few days.
He dismissed Mr Mohidin's claim that he had suffered acute stress disorder as a result of the police action and awarded him £2,500.
The judge threw out a third civil damages claim for false imprisonment, assault and race discrimination brought by another man, Ahmed Hegazy. | Payment of more than £14,000 has been awarded to two men for damages after officers were found guilty of racially abusing them as teenagers. | 1 | English |
President Robert Mugabe and his wife arrived back in Harare early on Sunday.
Mrs Mugabe, 52, is accused of assaulting model Gabriella Engels a week ago at a Johannesburg hotel where her sons were staying.
She has not commented publicly on the case.
A lawyer for Ms Engels told the BBC that they were planning to challenge the immunity decision in court.
Willie Spies said he would argue that the first lady should not have been given special treatment as she had been in South Africa on private business.
The South African government's decision came in a notice from International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, published in the Government Gazette on Sunday.
"I hereby recognise the immunities and privileges of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Grace Mugabe," she said.
On Saturday, Mrs Mugabe had been due to take part in the first ladies' programme at the Southern African Development Community heads of state summit in Pretoria, which Mr Mugabe, 93, was attending.
However, she failed to show up.
South African police had said they wanted to interview Mrs Mugabe and had set up a "red alert" at the borders to try to ensure she did not leave the country.
But Zimbabwe's ZBC state broadcaster reported that President Mugabe and his wife "arrived on board an Air Zimbabwe flight early on Sunday morning".
It showed pictures of her greeting officials at Harare airport.
Ms Engels' lawyers have said their client was offered money to drop the case but she refused.
She appeared at a press conference on Thursday with a large plaster on her forehead. She has alleged that Mrs Mugabe beat her with an extension cable at the hotel where the model was staying with Mrs Mugabe's two sons.
She told the BBC: "She hit me with the plug and the extension cord. And I just remember being curled down on the floor with blood rushing down my face and down my neck."
The South African Broadcasting Corporation said the Mugabes were scheduled to attend a funeral for a state minister at Harare's Heroes Acre on Sunday. | The Zimbabwean government has refused to grant the right to travel to South Africa to see the first lady, Grace Mugabe, who has been charged with assaulting a model. | 0 | English |
President Robert Mugabe and his wife arrived back in Harare early on Sunday.
Mrs Mugabe, 52, is accused of assaulting model Gabriella Engels a week ago at a Johannesburg hotel where her sons were staying.
She has not commented publicly on the case.
A lawyer for Ms Engels told the BBC that they were planning to challenge the immunity decision in court.
Willie Spies said he would argue that the first lady should not have been given special treatment as she had been in South Africa on private business.
The South African government's decision came in a notice from International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, published in the Government Gazette on Sunday.
"I hereby recognise the immunities and privileges of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Grace Mugabe," she said.
On Saturday, Mrs Mugabe had been due to take part in the first ladies' programme at the Southern African Development Community heads of state summit in Pretoria, which Mr Mugabe, 93, was attending.
However, she failed to show up.
South African police had said they wanted to interview Mrs Mugabe and had set up a "red alert" at the borders to try to ensure she did not leave the country.
But Zimbabwe's ZBC state broadcaster reported that President Mugabe and his wife "arrived on board an Air Zimbabwe flight early on Sunday morning".
It showed pictures of her greeting officials at Harare airport.
Ms Engels' lawyers have said their client was offered money to drop the case but she refused.
She appeared at a press conference on Thursday with a large plaster on her forehead. She has alleged that Mrs Mugabe beat her with an extension cable at the hotel where the model was staying with Mrs Mugabe's two sons.
She told the BBC: "She hit me with the plug and the extension cord. And I just remember being curled down on the floor with blood rushing down my face and down my neck."
The South African Broadcasting Corporation said the Mugabes were scheduled to attend a funeral for a state minister at Harare's Heroes Acre on Sunday. | South Africa has granted immunity to Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe, and she left the country without answering questions about an assault allegation. | 1 | English |
The court in Novorossiysk gave two of the dancers 10 days in jail each, a third 15 days and two others received fines on charges of petty hooliganism.
Prosecutors had said their "erotic and sexual twerk dance" was disrespectful to historic memory and unacceptable.
Earlier this month, Russian officials closed a dance school after a similar dance video emerged on the internet.
The latest incident involves six dancers - one of them a minor who was not convicted - who had posted a video on YouTube.
"This incident of disrespect for the memory of war history is unacceptable and any attempts to desecrate sites of military glory will be stopped immediately," prosecutors said.
The sentences come as Russia prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the World War Two victory.
They also follow the incident early in April when a video clip from the Orenburg dance school on YouTube was viewed millions of times.
The video clip, entitled Winnie the Pooh and the Bees, showed a group of teenage girls dancing on stage in striped leotards, long socks and mini-skirts,
They perform hip-thrusting moves characteristic of twerking.
A committee is investigating whether the performance amounts to negligence or even "debauched action", which is punishable by a range of sanctions from community service to three years behind bars. | A Russian court has jailed three women for performing a twerking dance and disrespecting a war memory. | 1 | English |
The court in Novorossiysk gave two of the dancers 10 days in jail each, a third 15 days and two others received fines on charges of petty hooliganism.
Prosecutors had said their "erotic and sexual twerk dance" was disrespectful to historic memory and unacceptable.
Earlier this month, Russian officials closed a dance school after a similar dance video emerged on the internet.
The latest incident involves six dancers - one of them a minor who was not convicted - who had posted a video on YouTube.
"This incident of disrespect for the memory of war history is unacceptable and any attempts to desecrate sites of military glory will be stopped immediately," prosecutors said.
The sentences come as Russia prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the World War Two victory.
They also follow the incident early in April when a video clip from the Orenburg dance school on YouTube was viewed millions of times.
The video clip, entitled Winnie the Pooh and the Bees, showed a group of teenage girls dancing on stage in striped leotards, long socks and mini-skirts,
They perform hip-thrusting moves characteristic of twerking.
A committee is investigating whether the performance amounts to negligence or even "debauched action", which is punishable by a range of sanctions from community service to three years behind bars. | A Russian court has sentenced three dancers to jail for performing a dance dance dance at the World War Two memorial in the city of Orenburg. | 0 | English |
Peake won silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and is targeting a Team GB spot in Rio.
The 30-year-old aims to break the Welsh record, which she currently holds, at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.
"I've done a lot of competitions trying to get the magical bar that is the Rio qualification," Peake said.
"There's quite a few goals for the weekend.
"A personal best would be nice and would also be a Welsh record. I've equalled it so far this year so I'd really like to step that up a notch."
British Athletics has set 4.50m as the qualification standard for Rio with Peake setting a personal best of 4.40m. | Peake hopes victory will take her as step closer to Rio. | 1 | English |
Peake won silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and is targeting a Team GB spot in Rio.
The 30-year-old aims to break the Welsh record, which she currently holds, at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.
"I've done a lot of competitions trying to get the magical bar that is the Rio qualification," Peake said.
"There's quite a few goals for the weekend.
"A personal best would be nice and would also be a Welsh record. I've equalled it so far this year so I'd really like to step that up a notch."
British Athletics has set 4.50m as the qualification standard for Rio with Peake setting a personal best of 4.40m. | Welsh sprinter Katie Peake is aiming to set a new Welsh record for the 400m at the Rio Olympics. | 0 | English |
The Anglo-South African company said its current structure was "too costly" and inefficient.
Changes to the regulatory environment in Europe and South Africa had also made the business more complex to run.
It came as the firm reported a 4% rise in annual pre-tax adjusted operating profit to £1.7bn.
Old Mutual said it expected the separation of its four main units to be completed by the end of 2018.
The company plans to separate into Old Mutual Emerging Markets, Old Mutual Wealth, Nedbank Group and OM Asset Management.
Chief executive Bruce Hemphill said: "The strategy we have announced today sets out a bold new course to unlock value currently trapped within the group structure.
"We have four strong businesses that can reach their full potential by freeing them from the costs and constraints of the group.
"These businesses are performing strongly, have excellent competitive positions in sizeable markets and the underlying growth potential to flourish independently."
He said the current organisation of the group was "a costly structure with insufficient synergies to justify those costs".
The group said it had yet to decide how it would go about spinning off the units.
Old Mutual announced its strategic review in November, after former Standard Bank executive Mr Hemphill took over as chief executive.
The group, which was founded in South Africa in 1845, currently has a majority stake in South African lender Nedbank. But it plans to reduce it to a minority stake by the end of 2018.
The company's Old Mutual Wealth unit, a sponsor of England rugby union, has also received a takeover approach from private equity firms, according to reports citing unnamed sources. | South African insurance giant Old Mutual has announced plans to sell its four main business units. | 0 | English |
The Anglo-South African company said its current structure was "too costly" and inefficient.
Changes to the regulatory environment in Europe and South Africa had also made the business more complex to run.
It came as the firm reported a 4% rise in annual pre-tax adjusted operating profit to £1.7bn.
Old Mutual said it expected the separation of its four main units to be completed by the end of 2018.
The company plans to separate into Old Mutual Emerging Markets, Old Mutual Wealth, Nedbank Group and OM Asset Management.
Chief executive Bruce Hemphill said: "The strategy we have announced today sets out a bold new course to unlock value currently trapped within the group structure.
"We have four strong businesses that can reach their full potential by freeing them from the costs and constraints of the group.
"These businesses are performing strongly, have excellent competitive positions in sizeable markets and the underlying growth potential to flourish independently."
He said the current organisation of the group was "a costly structure with insufficient synergies to justify those costs".
The group said it had yet to decide how it would go about spinning off the units.
Old Mutual announced its strategic review in November, after former Standard Bank executive Mr Hemphill took over as chief executive.
The group, which was founded in South Africa in 1845, currently has a majority stake in South African lender Nedbank. But it plans to reduce it to a minority stake by the end of 2018.
The company's Old Mutual Wealth unit, a sponsor of England rugby union, has also received a takeover approach from private equity firms, according to reports citing unnamed sources. | Financial company Old Mutual has said it will split itself into four separate companies following the outcome of a strategic review. | 1 | English |
The Cheetham Hill Asda Living store will turn off escalators, screens and music for an hour on Saturday 7 May.
Customers will also be offered a picture map of the supermarket.
General manager Simon Lea came up with the idea after watching an autistic child and his mother struggle on the shop floor.
Follow the latest news updates from across Greater Manchester
"When we open the doors you will be able to hear a pin drop. That's the plan," Mr Lea told the Manchester Evening News.
"I suffered for many years with anxiety and I used to absolutely hate going into busy stores. If we can make a few small changes to give these customers a better shopping experience and make them comfortable then I know the store will be a better place to shop for everyone," Mr Lea said.
The store will open an hour early and no announcements will be made during the quiet hour between 08:00 and 09:00 BST.
Source: The National Autistic Society
Asda said it would monitor feedback from the trial and would consider rolling it out to other stores.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) said it welcomed the move as shops and other public spaces could be "extremely challenging" because of bright lights, strong smells and crowds.
NAS Campaign manager Tom Madders said: "It can cause [autistic people] to feel overwhelmed by 'too much information'. This can be excruciatingly painful or cause extreme anxiety. This may lead to a meltdown or - all too often - people avoid these places and choose not to go out at all.
"Asda's initiative is a great example of an organisation taking the trouble to understand how autistic people experience the world and we hope other retailers are inspired to follow their example." | An Asda supermarket is introducing a "quiet hour" to help autistic shoppers who can feel stressed by noise. | 1 | English |
The Cheetham Hill Asda Living store will turn off escalators, screens and music for an hour on Saturday 7 May.
Customers will also be offered a picture map of the supermarket.
General manager Simon Lea came up with the idea after watching an autistic child and his mother struggle on the shop floor.
Follow the latest news updates from across Greater Manchester
"When we open the doors you will be able to hear a pin drop. That's the plan," Mr Lea told the Manchester Evening News.
"I suffered for many years with anxiety and I used to absolutely hate going into busy stores. If we can make a few small changes to give these customers a better shopping experience and make them comfortable then I know the store will be a better place to shop for everyone," Mr Lea said.
The store will open an hour early and no announcements will be made during the quiet hour between 08:00 and 09:00 BST.
Source: The National Autistic Society
Asda said it would monitor feedback from the trial and would consider rolling it out to other stores.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) said it welcomed the move as shops and other public spaces could be "extremely challenging" because of bright lights, strong smells and crowds.
NAS Campaign manager Tom Madders said: "It can cause [autistic people] to feel overwhelmed by 'too much information'. This can be excruciatingly painful or cause extreme anxiety. This may lead to a meltdown or - all too often - people avoid these places and choose not to go out at all.
"Asda's initiative is a great example of an organisation taking the trouble to understand how autistic people experience the world and we hope other retailers are inspired to follow their example." | A supermarket is to turn off its doors and windows to allow customers to shop in a "quiet" environment. | 0 | English |
The 39-year-old has passed the Premier League and Football League's fit and proper person test and will become chairman of the West Midlands side.
He succeeds American Randy Lerner, who bought Villa for £62.6m in 2006.
Villa were relegated from the Premier League for the first time last season, finishing bottom, and have since named Roberto di Matteo as manager.
Dr Xia spent six years at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, including five months at Oxford University, before returning to China.
He made his fortune as the owner of Recon Group, a holding company that has the controlling interest in five publicly listed companies on the Hong Kong and Chinese stock exchanges, employing 35,000 people in 75 countries.
His takeover comprises a £52m purchase price and a £24m overdraft. In addition, he will contribute £60m in operating costs.
Dr Xia met the Football League's Shaun Harvey in London on Monday for formal confirmation he had passed the owners' and directors' test, after the Premier League had been satisfied in its investigations.
The new Villa vice-chairman is Chris Samuelson, an international financier who has been involved in a failed takeover at fellow Championship club Reading.
He also attempted to inject finances into Premier League Everton more than a decade ago.
The new chief executive is Keith Wyness, who filled the same role at Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, then Everton.
Samuelson was instrumental in getting Dr Xia interested in the Villa project and introduced the new owner to Wyness.
Dr Xia is expected to inject about £30m into the transfer fund available to former Chelsea, West Brom and Schalke boss Di Matteo as he rebuilds a first-team squad that won only three league games last season.
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. | Chinese businessman Xia Xiaobo has been appointed as the new owner of Aston Villa. | 0 | English |
The 39-year-old has passed the Premier League and Football League's fit and proper person test and will become chairman of the West Midlands side.
He succeeds American Randy Lerner, who bought Villa for £62.6m in 2006.
Villa were relegated from the Premier League for the first time last season, finishing bottom, and have since named Roberto di Matteo as manager.
Dr Xia spent six years at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, including five months at Oxford University, before returning to China.
He made his fortune as the owner of Recon Group, a holding company that has the controlling interest in five publicly listed companies on the Hong Kong and Chinese stock exchanges, employing 35,000 people in 75 countries.
His takeover comprises a £52m purchase price and a £24m overdraft. In addition, he will contribute £60m in operating costs.
Dr Xia met the Football League's Shaun Harvey in London on Monday for formal confirmation he had passed the owners' and directors' test, after the Premier League had been satisfied in its investigations.
The new Villa vice-chairman is Chris Samuelson, an international financier who has been involved in a failed takeover at fellow Championship club Reading.
He also attempted to inject finances into Premier League Everton more than a decade ago.
The new chief executive is Keith Wyness, who filled the same role at Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, then Everton.
Samuelson was instrumental in getting Dr Xia interested in the Villa project and introduced the new owner to Wyness.
Dr Xia is expected to inject about £30m into the transfer fund available to former Chelsea, West Brom and Schalke boss Di Matteo as he rebuilds a first-team squad that won only three league games last season.
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. | Businessman Dr Xia has completed his £76m takeover of Championship club Villa. | 1 | English |
The 30-year-old midfielder moved to McDiarmid Park for a second spell in February 2016 after a frustrating five months with Hearts.
He has scored 14 goals in 48 appearances since then, having netted twice while on loan in 2015.
"The pull of Hibernian was too much for me," said Swanson.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to play for the club and I am looking forward to this new challenge and to help achieve their goals back in the Premiership."
The Championship winners are yet to reveal details of the contract agreed with the former Dundee United, Peterborough and Coventry City player.
Saints offered the midfielder new terms, with Swanson adding: "The decision to leave St Johnstone has been a difficult one for me. I've felt settled at the Saints and really enjoyed my football, and my period at the club has been the most enjoyable and satisfying time of my career.
"So, it goes without saying, my decision to leave McDiarmid Park was not taken lightly.
"I want to thank the manager, Tommy Wright, who has supported me in so many ways, on and off the field.
"His trust in me on the football park allowed me to flourish. The way he treated me like an adult off the park also helped me to mature and develop as a person.
"Now that we are in the top six yet again, which is yet another fine achievement, for the next five games it's my focus to make sure I play my part in helping St Johnstone qualify for a European place."
Saints are currently fourth in the top flight, five points ahead of Hearts in the race for the final Europa League spot.
Asked what Swanson would bring to his Hibs team, head coach Neil Lennon told his club website: "Goals from midfield, hopefully, creativity,
"He's had a great season, into double figures.
"I think he sees a pass, he's a fit lad, he crosses the ball well. And, whenever I have seen him play for St Johnstone, he has probably been their best player and more likely to create something.
"And, allied to that, he is a Leith boy. He gets the club and that's always important as well."
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | St Johnstone have signed former Hibernian and Hearts midfielder Ryan Swanson on a season-long loan deal. | 0 | English |
The 30-year-old midfielder moved to McDiarmid Park for a second spell in February 2016 after a frustrating five months with Hearts.
He has scored 14 goals in 48 appearances since then, having netted twice while on loan in 2015.
"The pull of Hibernian was too much for me," said Swanson.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to play for the club and I am looking forward to this new challenge and to help achieve their goals back in the Premiership."
The Championship winners are yet to reveal details of the contract agreed with the former Dundee United, Peterborough and Coventry City player.
Saints offered the midfielder new terms, with Swanson adding: "The decision to leave St Johnstone has been a difficult one for me. I've felt settled at the Saints and really enjoyed my football, and my period at the club has been the most enjoyable and satisfying time of my career.
"So, it goes without saying, my decision to leave McDiarmid Park was not taken lightly.
"I want to thank the manager, Tommy Wright, who has supported me in so many ways, on and off the field.
"His trust in me on the football park allowed me to flourish. The way he treated me like an adult off the park also helped me to mature and develop as a person.
"Now that we are in the top six yet again, which is yet another fine achievement, for the next five games it's my focus to make sure I play my part in helping St Johnstone qualify for a European place."
Saints are currently fourth in the top flight, five points ahead of Hearts in the race for the final Europa League spot.
Asked what Swanson would bring to his Hibs team, head coach Neil Lennon told his club website: "Goals from midfield, hopefully, creativity,
"He's had a great season, into double figures.
"I think he sees a pass, he's a fit lad, he crosses the ball well. And, whenever I have seen him play for St Johnstone, he has probably been their best player and more likely to create something.
"And, allied to that, he is a Leith boy. He gets the club and that's always important as well."
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Swanson has confirmed that he is leaving St Johnstone to join Hibernian, saying he could not resist the lure of one of his ambitions. | 1 | English |
Charlton Athletic supporter Daniel Boylett, 36, of Eltham, was arrested after trouble broke out at the match on 23 September 2015.
He was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of attempted damage for the attack on Kayla. He was also found guilty of violent disorder.
Boylett was released on bail to be sentenced on 28 April.
Crystal Palace, who are nicknamed The Eagles, adopted Kayla as a mascot in 2010.
Who is Kayla the Eagle?
The court heard handler Chris Belsey was walking around the Selhurst Park pitch with the bird on his forearm at the game.
Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said "three or four fans were shouting abuse" at the pair when one leaned over the barrier and "threw a punch".
He said Mr Belsey did not know if the punch had landed and Kayla "seemed unhurt", but "due to her delicate bone structure if she had been hit with force, her bones could easily break".
Four other men were on trial with Boylett over the trouble which marred the Capital One third-round tie.
Mr Higgins said there had been trouble "before, during and after" the game.
The first scuffles broke out as police escorted Charlton supporters to Selhurst Park.
One officer suffered a cut lip after being hit by what he thought was a bottle as rival fans tried to break the police cordon, the court heard.
At the end of the match, which Charlton lost 4-1, Donegan ran at police wielding a large yellow cone and had to be "subdued with a baton strike".
After his arrest, he told police he was "annoyed" as "we just got battered. I picked it up and let my anger out".
The jury were previously directed to acquit Cowcher, Boylett, Kitto and McConville on another count of violent disorder due to insufficient evidence. | A fan has been found guilty of trying to punch Crystal Palace's eagle mascot. | 1 | English |
Charlton Athletic supporter Daniel Boylett, 36, of Eltham, was arrested after trouble broke out at the match on 23 September 2015.
He was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of attempted damage for the attack on Kayla. He was also found guilty of violent disorder.
Boylett was released on bail to be sentenced on 28 April.
Crystal Palace, who are nicknamed The Eagles, adopted Kayla as a mascot in 2010.
Who is Kayla the Eagle?
The court heard handler Chris Belsey was walking around the Selhurst Park pitch with the bird on his forearm at the game.
Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said "three or four fans were shouting abuse" at the pair when one leaned over the barrier and "threw a punch".
He said Mr Belsey did not know if the punch had landed and Kayla "seemed unhurt", but "due to her delicate bone structure if she had been hit with force, her bones could easily break".
Four other men were on trial with Boylett over the trouble which marred the Capital One third-round tie.
Mr Higgins said there had been trouble "before, during and after" the game.
The first scuffles broke out as police escorted Charlton supporters to Selhurst Park.
One officer suffered a cut lip after being hit by what he thought was a bottle as rival fans tried to break the police cordon, the court heard.
At the end of the match, which Charlton lost 4-1, Donegan ran at police wielding a large yellow cone and had to be "subdued with a baton strike".
After his arrest, he told police he was "annoyed" as "we just got battered. I picked it up and let my anger out".
The jury were previously directed to acquit Cowcher, Boylett, Kitto and McConville on another count of violent disorder due to insufficient evidence. | A man has been found guilty of throwing a baton at Crystal Palace mascot Kayla the Eagle during their Capital One Cup tie. | 0 | English |
He had been facing charges of genocide during one of the most brutal periods in Guatemala's civil war.
Doctors said he was not able to understand any charges against him.
The medical report will affect two separate trials where he is charged with ordering the murder of hundreds of farmers and over 1,000 Mayan Indians.
General Rios Montt was found guilty of genocide and war crimes two years ago, and sentenced to 80 years in prison.
The main charges were that he and his former intelligence chief ordered the army to carry out 15 massacres of Ixil Maya indigenous people in Quiche in northern Guatemala, in which around 1,700 Indians were killed.
However, a high court then threw out the charges on procedural grounds and ordered a retrial.
Another trial began in January but ended after the judge was rejected for having made public opinions about genocide in a student thesis.
A new trial was set for July. This may now not take place because of the medical examiner's report declaring the ex-leader mentally incompetent. | A former Guatemalan general, Rios Montt, who ruled the country, has been found mentally incapable of standing trial. | 1 | English |
He had been facing charges of genocide during one of the most brutal periods in Guatemala's civil war.
Doctors said he was not able to understand any charges against him.
The medical report will affect two separate trials where he is charged with ordering the murder of hundreds of farmers and over 1,000 Mayan Indians.
General Rios Montt was found guilty of genocide and war crimes two years ago, and sentenced to 80 years in prison.
The main charges were that he and his former intelligence chief ordered the army to carry out 15 massacres of Ixil Maya indigenous people in Quiche in northern Guatemala, in which around 1,700 Indians were killed.
However, a high court then threw out the charges on procedural grounds and ordered a retrial.
Another trial began in January but ended after the judge was rejected for having made public opinions about genocide in a student thesis.
A new trial was set for July. This may now not take place because of the medical examiner's report declaring the ex-leader mentally incompetent. | The former head of Guatemala's army, General Rios Montt, has been declared mentally incompetent, a medical report has found. | 0 | English |
The Royal Stoke University Hospital has been designated as a "gym" where players can train their characters and fans have been seen roaming the site.
A hospital spokesman said it was "unconcerned" as long as people played the game where it was safe.
It warned it would get the "gym" removed if fans misused the A&E unit.
"Clinical staff have stated categorically that no one should attempt to enter A&E to play the game," a spokesman said.
"Should problems arise from the public misusing A&E to play Pokemon Go then the trust will have no choice but to contact the game's developer and have the 'gym' removed."
More on this and other stories from Stoke and Staffordshire
Kevin Parker, associate chief nurse at the hospital, said he was "aware" of the game's popularity, but warned players to stay away from the "incredibly busy" A&E department.
He said: "We want the public to understand that anybody who visits the hospital solely to play the game will provide an unwanted distraction to the important work of the hospital."
However, Michelle Harris, the hospital's sustainability manager, said managers appreciated the positive aspects of the game
She said: "We recognise that the Pokemon Go game encourages walking and exercise, which is something that the trust is equally keen to promote." | A hospital has warned fans not to attempt to enter its A&E unit because of the popularity of the popular Pokemon Go game. | 0 | English |
The Royal Stoke University Hospital has been designated as a "gym" where players can train their characters and fans have been seen roaming the site.
A hospital spokesman said it was "unconcerned" as long as people played the game where it was safe.
It warned it would get the "gym" removed if fans misused the A&E unit.
"Clinical staff have stated categorically that no one should attempt to enter A&E to play the game," a spokesman said.
"Should problems arise from the public misusing A&E to play Pokemon Go then the trust will have no choice but to contact the game's developer and have the 'gym' removed."
More on this and other stories from Stoke and Staffordshire
Kevin Parker, associate chief nurse at the hospital, said he was "aware" of the game's popularity, but warned players to stay away from the "incredibly busy" A&E department.
He said: "We want the public to understand that anybody who visits the hospital solely to play the game will provide an unwanted distraction to the important work of the hospital."
However, Michelle Harris, the hospital's sustainability manager, said managers appreciated the positive aspects of the game
She said: "We recognise that the Pokemon Go game encourages walking and exercise, which is something that the trust is equally keen to promote." | A hospital has warned players of Pokemon Go not to enter the A&E unit while they play. | 1 | English |
The 31-year-old Falcons academy graduate won three Premiership titles with Leicester in his nine years away from Kingston Park.
Flood, who has been capped 60 times by England, said: "When the opportunity came on to the table, it didn't take long for me to make the decision.
"It really feels like I'm coming home, and I've watched a fair amount of Newcastle's games in recent months."
Falcons, who have now made 10 signings for the 2017-18 season, did not disclose the length of Flood's contract.
Flood, who made his Premiership debut for Newcastle in 2005, spent six season with Leicester where he went on to become club captain.
He has spent the past three seasons in the French top flight with Toulouse.
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Toby is a proven performer at the very top level, he is a local lad and it is a huge boost for us to be able to add a player of his quality to our squad.
"He has vast leadership experience, he will bring an extra dimension to our game and this really is a signing which outlines the ambition we have to rise even further up the Premiership table."
Newcastle won their final match of the Premiership season on Saturday, beating relegated Bristol 39-27 to finish eighth in the table.
"We have quality players coming through our academy and a number of major new signings joining us," Richards added.
"All the signs are really positive for next season and it is a hugely exciting time to be involved with the club." | Newcastle Falcons have signed Leicester Tigers centre Toby Flood on a two-year deal. | 0 | English |
The 31-year-old Falcons academy graduate won three Premiership titles with Leicester in his nine years away from Kingston Park.
Flood, who has been capped 60 times by England, said: "When the opportunity came on to the table, it didn't take long for me to make the decision.
"It really feels like I'm coming home, and I've watched a fair amount of Newcastle's games in recent months."
Falcons, who have now made 10 signings for the 2017-18 season, did not disclose the length of Flood's contract.
Flood, who made his Premiership debut for Newcastle in 2005, spent six season with Leicester where he went on to become club captain.
He has spent the past three seasons in the French top flight with Toulouse.
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Toby is a proven performer at the very top level, he is a local lad and it is a huge boost for us to be able to add a player of his quality to our squad.
"He has vast leadership experience, he will bring an extra dimension to our game and this really is a signing which outlines the ambition we have to rise even further up the Premiership table."
Newcastle won their final match of the Premiership season on Saturday, beating relegated Bristol 39-27 to finish eighth in the table.
"We have quality players coming through our academy and a number of major new signings joining us," Richards added.
"All the signs are really positive for next season and it is a hugely exciting time to be involved with the club." | Newcastle have re-signed Toby Flood from French side Toulouse. | 1 | English |
Glen Johnson said he was stepping down from Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust (CBPT) due to the harassment from a small number of unnamed people.
He said some had taken exception to the way the castle project was being run. It reopened in April.
The trust, made up of 250 people, secured revamp funds, with more than £6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Volunteers raised more than £200,000 to save the 900-year-old site.
Mr Johnson said: "The main reason for my resignation is to protect my family from the virtual persecution currently being dealt out by a small number of individuals who have taken exception to the castle and its trustees because the project is not precisely as they would like it."
He will continue to work as a volunteer with the group.
CBPT chairwoman Jann Tucker said: "Glen's remarkable knowledge of the castle and the history of Cardigan has played a huge part in making the site what it is today and we are pleased that he will continue to support us in the capacity of a volunteer - a role he first took up 30 years ago." | A member of a trust which secured the restoration funds of a Cardigan castle has quit due to online "persecution". | 1 | English |
Glen Johnson said he was stepping down from Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust (CBPT) due to the harassment from a small number of unnamed people.
He said some had taken exception to the way the castle project was being run. It reopened in April.
The trust, made up of 250 people, secured revamp funds, with more than £6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Volunteers raised more than £200,000 to save the 900-year-old site.
Mr Johnson said: "The main reason for my resignation is to protect my family from the virtual persecution currently being dealt out by a small number of individuals who have taken exception to the castle and its trustees because the project is not precisely as they would like it."
He will continue to work as a volunteer with the group.
CBPT chairwoman Jann Tucker said: "Glen's remarkable knowledge of the castle and the history of Cardigan has played a huge part in making the site what it is today and we are pleased that he will continue to support us in the capacity of a volunteer - a role he first took up 30 years ago." | A volunteer who helped save Cardigan Castle has resigned from his role. | 0 | English |
Four police were wounded as they tried to arrest a man in the Bavarian town of Georgensgmuend, south of Nuremberg.
The suspect, described as a member of the extremist Reichsbuerger movement, opened fire on the officers before he was eventually detained.
Officials said a permit had been revoked for the 31 guns he owned.
Local authorities had called in the police after the man repeatedly refused to co-operate with them. When a special forces team moved in early on Wednesday he began shooting through his door, officials said.
Police confirmed the officer's death on Thursday, having announced it prematurely late on Wednesday. Another policeman is being treated for serious gunshot wounds. Two others were lightly wounded.
The gunman was lightly injured in the exchange.
The Reichsbuerger ("Reich Citizens") group does not recognise the authority of the post-war German federal republic, seeing it merely as some sort of private company. It believes in the continued existence of a German empire, or Reich, dating back to 1937 or even earlier.
Its roots are said to go back some three decades.
Bavarian officials said the group's ideology was "nationalist and anti-Semitic.... clearly extreme right". Their circle had grown in recently years, they said, and included "whingers, nutcases, conspiracy theorists, but also the far-right".
The diversity of beliefs and views within the group militates against a simple hierarchical structure or clear leadership.
But the group should not be dismissed simply as an "association of crackpots", said Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. Some of its members were obviously capable of brutal violence, particularly targeting representatives of the German state, he warned. Others use their rejection in the authority of the German state as grounds to refuse to pay taxes or creditors. | A police officer has been shot dead in a German town, officials say. | 0 | English |
Four police were wounded as they tried to arrest a man in the Bavarian town of Georgensgmuend, south of Nuremberg.
The suspect, described as a member of the extremist Reichsbuerger movement, opened fire on the officers before he was eventually detained.
Officials said a permit had been revoked for the 31 guns he owned.
Local authorities had called in the police after the man repeatedly refused to co-operate with them. When a special forces team moved in early on Wednesday he began shooting through his door, officials said.
Police confirmed the officer's death on Thursday, having announced it prematurely late on Wednesday. Another policeman is being treated for serious gunshot wounds. Two others were lightly wounded.
The gunman was lightly injured in the exchange.
The Reichsbuerger ("Reich Citizens") group does not recognise the authority of the post-war German federal republic, seeing it merely as some sort of private company. It believes in the continued existence of a German empire, or Reich, dating back to 1937 or even earlier.
Its roots are said to go back some three decades.
Bavarian officials said the group's ideology was "nationalist and anti-Semitic.... clearly extreme right". Their circle had grown in recently years, they said, and included "whingers, nutcases, conspiracy theorists, but also the far-right".
The diversity of beliefs and views within the group militates against a simple hierarchical structure or clear leadership.
But the group should not be dismissed simply as an "association of crackpots", said Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. Some of its members were obviously capable of brutal violence, particularly targeting representatives of the German state, he warned. Others use their rejection in the authority of the German state as grounds to refuse to pay taxes or creditors. | An officer has died after being shot during a raid on a man linked to a far-right movement. | 1 | English |
The Edinburgh-based group said profit increased by 22.6% to £31.5m, while revenues were down 6.8%, to £242.3m.
However, total operating costs were cut by 6.7% to £191.7m.
The figures were released as Johnston confirmed that shareholders had overwhelmingly backed a deal to buy the i newspaper from ESI Media for £24m.
It said the acquisition would give the company "numerous revenue and cost synergy opportunities", contribute positively to earnings and "allow us to accelerate growth in digital, and help stabilise our circulation revenues".
In its annual results statement, the owner of The Scotsman and more than 200 other titles said "challenging trading conditions" in the second half of last year had continued into 2016.
Total revenues for the first eight weeks of this year were down 13% "against strong year-on-year comparatives" in the first quarter of 2015.
Other Johnston Press financial highlights for 2015:
In January the group revealed plans to cut editorial jobs across its operations in the UK, as part of a drive to cut costs following a decline in revenue.
Chief executive Ashley Highfield said: "We have reduced costs to maintain profitability, reset our portfolio and refocused on priority markets with attractive audiences that offer the best opportunity for growth.
"Success in driving our national display advertising business in 2015 and the rollout of our local display advertising sales force initiative gives me confidence for the future despite the fact that the market remains difficult."
The company stated that this year it would "focus on and invest in our primary brands, operating in growth markets with attractive audiences".
Johnston added: "We have identified a number of newsbrands that are now considered non-core and such will be either divested or run with less costs, reflecting the medium-term outlook for the identified assets that fall into this category.
"The company will run a formal process, with advisers, to market defined asset groups for sale during 2016. Interest by third parties, enquiring about assets, has been encouraging so far." | Cost-cutting measures helped Johnston Press achieve a rise in profit, despite falling revenues. | 1 | English |
The Edinburgh-based group said profit increased by 22.6% to £31.5m, while revenues were down 6.8%, to £242.3m.
However, total operating costs were cut by 6.7% to £191.7m.
The figures were released as Johnston confirmed that shareholders had overwhelmingly backed a deal to buy the i newspaper from ESI Media for £24m.
It said the acquisition would give the company "numerous revenue and cost synergy opportunities", contribute positively to earnings and "allow us to accelerate growth in digital, and help stabilise our circulation revenues".
In its annual results statement, the owner of The Scotsman and more than 200 other titles said "challenging trading conditions" in the second half of last year had continued into 2016.
Total revenues for the first eight weeks of this year were down 13% "against strong year-on-year comparatives" in the first quarter of 2015.
Other Johnston Press financial highlights for 2015:
In January the group revealed plans to cut editorial jobs across its operations in the UK, as part of a drive to cut costs following a decline in revenue.
Chief executive Ashley Highfield said: "We have reduced costs to maintain profitability, reset our portfolio and refocused on priority markets with attractive audiences that offer the best opportunity for growth.
"Success in driving our national display advertising business in 2015 and the rollout of our local display advertising sales force initiative gives me confidence for the future despite the fact that the market remains difficult."
The company stated that this year it would "focus on and invest in our primary brands, operating in growth markets with attractive audiences".
Johnston added: "We have identified a number of newsbrands that are now considered non-core and such will be either divested or run with less costs, reflecting the medium-term outlook for the identified assets that fall into this category.
"The company will run a formal process, with advisers, to market defined asset groups for sale during 2016. Interest by third parties, enquiring about assets, has been encouraging so far." | Johnston Press has reported a rise in full-year profits, helped by a £1.5m increase in revenues from its newspaper business. | 0 | English |
Perry Beeches III is one of a chain of six free schools. Mr Cameron described the schools as "a real success story".
But the Ofsted report said too many students were underachieving and described teaching as "inadequate".
Perry Beeches chief executive Liam Nolan said he "fundamentally disagreed" with the inspectors.
The school's headteacher, Darren Foreman, its senior leadership team and chair of governors have resigned, Mr Nolan said.
Mr Nolan has taken on the role of interim head teacher, together with Jackie Powell.
The report said: "Teaching is inadequate. Too much is dull and fails to engage students who became bored and start to fidget."
It also accused the school's leadership of having an, "unrealistic and inaccurate" view of the school and added students' behaviour required improvement.
Mr Nolan said: "This judgement makes me question Ofsted's credibility."
However he said he intended to work with Ofsted to make the school outstanding.
He described the report as an, "unfortunate blip".
He said: "Within six months you will see us back on the top."
The Perry Beeches schools are funded by central government but not run by local authorities.
Two of the other schools in the chain have been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted.
Perry Beeches III was opened by the Prime Minister in September 2013.
At the time, he said the majority of free schools were, "a real success story we should build on as a country".
A Department for Education spokesman said: "Liam Nolan and the Perry Beeches free schools are transforming the life chances of children in Birmingham, in some of the most deprived communities of the country.
"The performance of Perry Beeches I and II has set the bar for schools across the rest of the country.
"Swift action has already been taken to change the leadership of Perry Beeches III and to turn around the performance of the school." | A Birmingham free school opened by the Prime Minister is to go into special measures following a highly critical Ofsted report. | 1 | English |
Perry Beeches III is one of a chain of six free schools. Mr Cameron described the schools as "a real success story".
But the Ofsted report said too many students were underachieving and described teaching as "inadequate".
Perry Beeches chief executive Liam Nolan said he "fundamentally disagreed" with the inspectors.
The school's headteacher, Darren Foreman, its senior leadership team and chair of governors have resigned, Mr Nolan said.
Mr Nolan has taken on the role of interim head teacher, together with Jackie Powell.
The report said: "Teaching is inadequate. Too much is dull and fails to engage students who became bored and start to fidget."
It also accused the school's leadership of having an, "unrealistic and inaccurate" view of the school and added students' behaviour required improvement.
Mr Nolan said: "This judgement makes me question Ofsted's credibility."
However he said he intended to work with Ofsted to make the school outstanding.
He described the report as an, "unfortunate blip".
He said: "Within six months you will see us back on the top."
The Perry Beeches schools are funded by central government but not run by local authorities.
Two of the other schools in the chain have been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted.
Perry Beeches III was opened by the Prime Minister in September 2013.
At the time, he said the majority of free schools were, "a real success story we should build on as a country".
A Department for Education spokesman said: "Liam Nolan and the Perry Beeches free schools are transforming the life chances of children in Birmingham, in some of the most deprived communities of the country.
"The performance of Perry Beeches I and II has set the bar for schools across the rest of the country.
"Swift action has already been taken to change the leadership of Perry Beeches III and to turn around the performance of the school." | A Birmingham free school has been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted after Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "not good enough". | 0 | English |
The campaign was launched on 19 July by the Iraq War Families Campaign Group, which is made up of relatives of British troops killed in the conflict.
It aimed to reach that amount to "bring to justice those responsible for the war and the deaths of our loved ones".
The campaign was led by Reg Keys and Roger Bacon, who lost sons in Iraq.
The funding bid began after the publication last month of the long-awaited report by Sir John Chilcot into the 2003 invasion.
Chilcot report: Findings at-a-glance
The campaign group initially aimed to reach £50,000 via crowdfunding, but extended its target after raising that figure in nine hours on the CrowdJustice website.
It has now received enough backing to fund the whole campaign.
Mr Keys and Mr Bacon said in a statement: "This is great proof of the underlying support from the British people in our quest for answers and for justice.
"It is startling and humbling at the same time."
The money raised will allow the group's lawyers, McCue and Partners - currently working free of charge - to analyse the 2.6 million-word report by Sir John and prepare "a comprehensive opinion approved by expert senior counsel".
This would provide guidance on whether legal action against key people involved in the invasion of Iraq would succeed or not.
The Chilcot report did not make any findings on whether individuals acted unlawfully.
However, it rejected the legal basis for UK military action, and said then-prime minister Mr Blair overstated the threat posed by then-President of Iraq Saddam Hussein and sent ill-prepared troops into battle.
Chilcot report: Coverage in full
Mr Blair has apologised for any mistakes made, but not the decision to go to war itself.
A total of 179 British service personnel were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2009, when British troops left Iraqi soil.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians died over the period, though estimates vary considerably. | An online campaign to fund possible legal action against former Prime Minister Blair and other officials has reached its target. | 1 | English |
The campaign was launched on 19 July by the Iraq War Families Campaign Group, which is made up of relatives of British troops killed in the conflict.
It aimed to reach that amount to "bring to justice those responsible for the war and the deaths of our loved ones".
The campaign was led by Reg Keys and Roger Bacon, who lost sons in Iraq.
The funding bid began after the publication last month of the long-awaited report by Sir John Chilcot into the 2003 invasion.
Chilcot report: Findings at-a-glance
The campaign group initially aimed to reach £50,000 via crowdfunding, but extended its target after raising that figure in nine hours on the CrowdJustice website.
It has now received enough backing to fund the whole campaign.
Mr Keys and Mr Bacon said in a statement: "This is great proof of the underlying support from the British people in our quest for answers and for justice.
"It is startling and humbling at the same time."
The money raised will allow the group's lawyers, McCue and Partners - currently working free of charge - to analyse the 2.6 million-word report by Sir John and prepare "a comprehensive opinion approved by expert senior counsel".
This would provide guidance on whether legal action against key people involved in the invasion of Iraq would succeed or not.
The Chilcot report did not make any findings on whether individuals acted unlawfully.
However, it rejected the legal basis for UK military action, and said then-prime minister Mr Blair overstated the threat posed by then-President of Iraq Saddam Hussein and sent ill-prepared troops into battle.
Chilcot report: Coverage in full
Mr Blair has apologised for any mistakes made, but not the decision to go to war itself.
A total of 179 British service personnel were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2009, when British troops left Iraqi soil.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians died over the period, though estimates vary considerably. | A campaign to raise £50,000 for legal action against those involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq has raised £50,000. | 0 | English |
Turia Pitt received burns to 65% of her body and was told she would never compete again after the 2011 ultra-marathon in Western Australia.
After 200 operations, she completed the 226km (140 mile) Hawaii event on Sunday
She has been hailed on social media as an "amazing role model".
Find out how to get into triathlon in our special guide.
Ms Pitt completed a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run in a time of 14:37:30.
The mining engineer, author and motivational speaker completed the event using custom-made gear and brake levers on her bike to accommodate the severe injuries to her hands.
She also wore special race clothing to deal with the extreme heat and humidity.
"Because of my burns, I can't regulate my own body temperature so I've had to make some adjustments, or use standard tri gear in different ways," she revealed last month.
"I'm going to need things like cooling sleeves and white suits so I don't overheat."
After her encounter with the bushfire Ms Pitt spent 864 days in hospital and underwent many operations to treat her injuries.
She made her comeback in the Ironman Australia triathlon in May.
"Competing in Ironman has ultimately showed me that I literally can do anything I put my mind to," she said on her blog.
Ms Pitt was widely praised on social media as an inspiration.
"Such a great example of what can be done through hard work belief in one's self and good a support system," one person wrote on her Facebook page.
"You continue to amaze and inspire," said another. | Pitt, who suffered life-threatening burns during a race, has completed the Hawaii triathlon. | 1 | English |
Turia Pitt received burns to 65% of her body and was told she would never compete again after the 2011 ultra-marathon in Western Australia.
After 200 operations, she completed the 226km (140 mile) Hawaii event on Sunday
She has been hailed on social media as an "amazing role model".
Find out how to get into triathlon in our special guide.
Ms Pitt completed a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run in a time of 14:37:30.
The mining engineer, author and motivational speaker completed the event using custom-made gear and brake levers on her bike to accommodate the severe injuries to her hands.
She also wore special race clothing to deal with the extreme heat and humidity.
"Because of my burns, I can't regulate my own body temperature so I've had to make some adjustments, or use standard tri gear in different ways," she revealed last month.
"I'm going to need things like cooling sleeves and white suits so I don't overheat."
After her encounter with the bushfire Ms Pitt spent 864 days in hospital and underwent many operations to treat her injuries.
She made her comeback in the Ironman Australia triathlon in May.
"Competing in Ironman has ultimately showed me that I literally can do anything I put my mind to," she said on her blog.
Ms Pitt was widely praised on social media as an inspiration.
"Such a great example of what can be done through hard work belief in one's self and good a support system," one person wrote on her Facebook page.
"You continue to amaze and inspire," said another. | A British woman who was severely burned in a bushfire while competing in the Ironman triathlon has completed her return to the sport. | 0 | English |
Heard, 30, filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court citing irreconcilable differences.
They married 15 months ago and have no children.
They have recently been embroiled in a legal case in Australia after Heard took two dogs into the country illegally. She pleaded guilty in April to a charge of falsifying documents.
Depp, 52, and Heard met while co-starring in the 2011 film The Rum Diary.
In the court papers, Texan-born Heard listed the separation date as Sunday.
Celebrity news website TMZ reported that Depp had asked a judge to reject Heard's claim for spousal support.
The split comes days after the death of Depp's mother. His latest film, Alice Through the Looking Glass, is due to be released on Friday.
The Australian court case started last year when Heard brought two dogs into the country where her husband was filming the latest movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
When the case was settled, the couple released a video apology expressing remorse and advising travellers to respect Australian quarantine laws.
However, Australia's Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce had threatened to have the dogs put down, triggering a war of words with Depp that lasted for months.
The actor recently said on a US TV show that Mr Joyce looks "somehow inbred with a tomato".
Mr Joyce responded by saying he was "pulling strings" in Johnny Depp's head, like film villain Hannibal Lecter. | Film star Johnny Depp and his actress wife Heard are to divorce. | 1 | English |
Heard, 30, filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court citing irreconcilable differences.
They married 15 months ago and have no children.
They have recently been embroiled in a legal case in Australia after Heard took two dogs into the country illegally. She pleaded guilty in April to a charge of falsifying documents.
Depp, 52, and Heard met while co-starring in the 2011 film The Rum Diary.
In the court papers, Texan-born Heard listed the separation date as Sunday.
Celebrity news website TMZ reported that Depp had asked a judge to reject Heard's claim for spousal support.
The split comes days after the death of Depp's mother. His latest film, Alice Through the Looking Glass, is due to be released on Friday.
The Australian court case started last year when Heard brought two dogs into the country where her husband was filming the latest movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
When the case was settled, the couple released a video apology expressing remorse and advising travellers to respect Australian quarantine laws.
However, Australia's Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce had threatened to have the dogs put down, triggering a war of words with Depp that lasted for months.
The actor recently said on a US TV show that Mr Joyce looks "somehow inbred with a tomato".
Mr Joyce responded by saying he was "pulling strings" in Johnny Depp's head, like film villain Hannibal Lecter. | Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have filed for divorce in the US, the first divorce in the film's history. | 0 | English |
In previous years crime figures have seen a significant rise during the annual celebration.
Good weather on Saturday meant a larger number of spectators than usual turned out to the event.
However, Insp Stuart Wilson said that other than a "few minor incidents" it had passed peacefully.
He said: "The annual Guid Nychburris celebrations started early with police cyclists escorting about 200 horses through the traffic in Dumfries.
"The good weather meant that there were a large number of spectators out to watch the horses, the crowning ceremony and the parade in the centre of Dumfries but it was a good family atmosphere and there were no policing issues.
"Local police were assisted by police horses and Operational Support Division from Glasgow to make sure the crowds were safe." | Police have praised the "good family atmosphere" among the many people who turned out to watch Guid Nychburris events in Dumfries. | 1 | English |
In previous years crime figures have seen a significant rise during the annual celebration.
Good weather on Saturday meant a larger number of spectators than usual turned out to the event.
However, Insp Stuart Wilson said that other than a "few minor incidents" it had passed peacefully.
He said: "The annual Guid Nychburris celebrations started early with police cyclists escorting about 200 horses through the traffic in Dumfries.
"The good weather meant that there were a large number of spectators out to watch the horses, the crowning ceremony and the parade in the centre of Dumfries but it was a good family atmosphere and there were no policing issues.
"Local police were assisted by police horses and Operational Support Division from Glasgow to make sure the crowds were safe." | Police have said they have had no incidents at the annual Guid Nychburris parade in Dumfries. | 0 | English |
In a documentary aired on BBC Radio 4, the Smack the Pony star claims stories about "brutalised women" have become "entertainment fodder".
Dramas like The Fall, she suggests, are part of an "industry" built on "rape and the ritualistic murder of women".
The show features an interview with a young actress who says she now regrets playing a rape victim on screen.
'Sophie' said her character's rape in the unnamed drama was used as "a shock device" she now feels was gratuitous "titillation".
In an interview for Radio 4's Seriously... podcast, Mackichan said recording the interview had left both her and 'Sophie' "in floods of tears".
The actress also admits that re-watching BBC Two's The Fall in preparation for the programme "had given her nightmares".
The Fall, now in its third series, tells of a serial killer, played by Jamie Dornan, who torments and rapes his victims before murdering them.
Screenwriter Allan Cubitt is heard justifying the violence in Mackichan's documentary, saying he wished to neither "sensationalise" or "sanitise" it.
Mackichan admits The Fall - also starring Gillian Anderson - is "exciting television", but says it is nevertheless "irresponsible" for perpetuating overused stereotypes.
"We do have a lot of what I call crime porn," she continued. "I'd like there to be a real sea change... because it bleeds into our culture.
"The onus is with commissioners who commission these programmes, and with screenwriters... who are pandering to the appetite that has been created."
Alison Graham of the Radio Times is another to have spoken out recently against "graphic portrayals of brutality towards women".
"Using a savage murder of a woman as an attention-grabbing plot device... is too much," she wrote in reference to ITV drama Paranoid.
Body Count Rising can currently be heard on the BBC iPlayer. The next edition of Radio 4's Seriously... podcast is available on Tuesday.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or if you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Actress Sophie Mackichan has called for a "sea change" in the way TV is portrayed, saying crime dramas are "poop" to the culture. | 0 | English |
In a documentary aired on BBC Radio 4, the Smack the Pony star claims stories about "brutalised women" have become "entertainment fodder".
Dramas like The Fall, she suggests, are part of an "industry" built on "rape and the ritualistic murder of women".
The show features an interview with a young actress who says she now regrets playing a rape victim on screen.
'Sophie' said her character's rape in the unnamed drama was used as "a shock device" she now feels was gratuitous "titillation".
In an interview for Radio 4's Seriously... podcast, Mackichan said recording the interview had left both her and 'Sophie' "in floods of tears".
The actress also admits that re-watching BBC Two's The Fall in preparation for the programme "had given her nightmares".
The Fall, now in its third series, tells of a serial killer, played by Jamie Dornan, who torments and rapes his victims before murdering them.
Screenwriter Allan Cubitt is heard justifying the violence in Mackichan's documentary, saying he wished to neither "sensationalise" or "sanitise" it.
Mackichan admits The Fall - also starring Gillian Anderson - is "exciting television", but says it is nevertheless "irresponsible" for perpetuating overused stereotypes.
"We do have a lot of what I call crime porn," she continued. "I'd like there to be a real sea change... because it bleeds into our culture.
"The onus is with commissioners who commission these programmes, and with screenwriters... who are pandering to the appetite that has been created."
Alison Graham of the Radio Times is another to have spoken out recently against "graphic portrayals of brutality towards women".
"Using a savage murder of a woman as an attention-grabbing plot device... is too much," she wrote in reference to ITV drama Paranoid.
Body Count Rising can currently be heard on the BBC iPlayer. The next edition of Radio 4's Seriously... podcast is available on Tuesday.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or if you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. | Actress Mackichan has spoken out about the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in contemporary TV drama. | 1 | English |
Lagmar Barking, a joint venture between MAR Properties and the Lagan Developments (Holdings), owned the Vicarage Field shopping centre in Barking.
It has been bought by Benson Elliot, a UK-based private equity property fund manager.
The last accounts for Lagmar Barking showed it owed its lenders £70m.
The loan secured on the centre was bought by the US investment fund Cerberus as part of its purchase of the National Asset Management Agency's (Nama) Northern Ireland loan book in 2014.
Peter Cornforth, director of retail at Benson Elliot, said the deal was "an exciting purchase for Benson Elliot".
He added that it provided the firm with "a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of a key east London metropolitan centre".
Cerberus is continuing to rapidly work through the former Nama portfolio with a combination of asset sales, refinancings and enforcements. | A shopping centre in east London that had been owned by two property groups has been sold. | 1 | English |
Lagmar Barking, a joint venture between MAR Properties and the Lagan Developments (Holdings), owned the Vicarage Field shopping centre in Barking.
It has been bought by Benson Elliot, a UK-based private equity property fund manager.
The last accounts for Lagmar Barking showed it owed its lenders £70m.
The loan secured on the centre was bought by the US investment fund Cerberus as part of its purchase of the National Asset Management Agency's (Nama) Northern Ireland loan book in 2014.
Peter Cornforth, director of retail at Benson Elliot, said the deal was "an exciting purchase for Benson Elliot".
He added that it provided the firm with "a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of a key east London metropolitan centre".
Cerberus is continuing to rapidly work through the former Nama portfolio with a combination of asset sales, refinancings and enforcements. | A property firm that owns a shopping centre in east London has been bought by a private equity firm. | 0 | English |
The victim was queuing for food at the branch in St George's Street, Canterbury at about 02:15 GMT on Friday when the assault occurred.
Investigating officers said three men entered the restaurant and began being noisy and bumping into people.
It is believed one of the group then set light to the woman's hair.
Officers have released CCTV images of three men they are keen to speak to regarding the attack.
Det Sgt Barry Carr said: "Fortunately the fire was put out quickly and the victim was not seriously hurt, but things could clearly have turned out much worse.
"This was a nasty and extremely dangerous thing to do, and I urge anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV images to contact me as soon as possible." | A woman had her hair set alight in a "nasty and extremely dangerous" attack at a restaurant in Canterbury, police said. | 1 | English |
The victim was queuing for food at the branch in St George's Street, Canterbury at about 02:15 GMT on Friday when the assault occurred.
Investigating officers said three men entered the restaurant and began being noisy and bumping into people.
It is believed one of the group then set light to the woman's hair.
Officers have released CCTV images of three men they are keen to speak to regarding the attack.
Det Sgt Barry Carr said: "Fortunately the fire was put out quickly and the victim was not seriously hurt, but things could clearly have turned out much worse.
"This was a nasty and extremely dangerous thing to do, and I urge anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV images to contact me as soon as possible." | A woman was attacked by a group of men who set fire to her hair while she was queuing at a bank. | 0 | English |
Earlier this month, a series of character posters and the film's trailer provoked uproar on social media for their predominantly white cast.
Last week both the film's director, Alex Proyas, and studio, Lionsgate, apologised for the offence.
Proyas said it was clear "casting choices should have been more diverse".
The action movie - due to be released early next year - sees white actors such as Gerard Butler, Rufus Sewell and Geoffrey Rush take centre stage in a film about warring Egyptian gods.
The publicity material prompted actress Bette Midler to tweet: "Movie, #GodsOfEgypt in which everyone is white? Egyptians, in history and today, have NEVER been white. BRING BACK GEOGRAPHY!! It's Africa!"
'Failure'
"We recognise that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed," wrote Lionsgate in an official statement, released on Friday.
"In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologise.
"Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.​​"
A statement released by I, Robot director Proyas read: "The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse. I sincerely apologise to those who are offended by the decisions we made."
DuVernay, who became the first black female director to receive a Golden Globe nomination for the civil rights movie Selma in 2014, applauded the film-makers' honesty.
"This kind of apology never happens - for something that happens all the time. An unusual occurrence worth noting," she tweeted.
"GODS OF EGYPT makes me value [JJ] Abrams' STAR WARS choices more. Makes me cheer more for [Ryan] Coogler's CREED. We all deserve icons in our own image," she added, in a further tweet.
The criticism follows similar complaints about Ridley Scott's 2014 movie Exodus: Gods and Kings, which saw Christian Bale cast as Moses - and more recently, Joe Wright's casting of Rooney Mara as Tiger Lilly in Pan.
Gods of Egypt has a reported budget of $140m (£92m). It is scheduled for release on 26 February. | Selma director DuVernay has welcomed an apology by film-makers accused of whitewashing forthcoming movie Gods of Egypt. | 1 | English |
Earlier this month, a series of character posters and the film's trailer provoked uproar on social media for their predominantly white cast.
Last week both the film's director, Alex Proyas, and studio, Lionsgate, apologised for the offence.
Proyas said it was clear "casting choices should have been more diverse".
The action movie - due to be released early next year - sees white actors such as Gerard Butler, Rufus Sewell and Geoffrey Rush take centre stage in a film about warring Egyptian gods.
The publicity material prompted actress Bette Midler to tweet: "Movie, #GodsOfEgypt in which everyone is white? Egyptians, in history and today, have NEVER been white. BRING BACK GEOGRAPHY!! It's Africa!"
'Failure'
"We recognise that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed," wrote Lionsgate in an official statement, released on Friday.
"In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologise.
"Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.​​"
A statement released by I, Robot director Proyas read: "The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse. I sincerely apologise to those who are offended by the decisions we made."
DuVernay, who became the first black female director to receive a Golden Globe nomination for the civil rights movie Selma in 2014, applauded the film-makers' honesty.
"This kind of apology never happens - for something that happens all the time. An unusual occurrence worth noting," she tweeted.
"GODS OF EGYPT makes me value [JJ] Abrams' STAR WARS choices more. Makes me cheer more for [Ryan] Coogler's CREED. We all deserve icons in our own image," she added, in a further tweet.
The criticism follows similar complaints about Ridley Scott's 2014 movie Exodus: Gods and Kings, which saw Christian Bale cast as Moses - and more recently, Joe Wright's casting of Rooney Mara as Tiger Lilly in Pan.
Gods of Egypt has a reported budget of $140m (£92m). It is scheduled for release on 26 February. | The makers of the upcoming Ridley Scott film Gods of Egypt have apologised to people who were offended by the casting of the film's actors. | 0 | English |
Malorie Bantala, 21, was 32-weeks pregnant when she was assaulted by two people in Peckham on 15 June.
A boy, 17, was charged on Tuesday with child destruction and grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court later.
Kevin Wilson, 20, was charged in June with child destruction and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The teaching assistant, of Longfield Estate in Bermondsey, who is believed to be the baby's father, denies the charge and will face a trial in November. | A teenager has been charged with the attempted murder of a pregnant woman in East Sussex. | 0 | English |
Malorie Bantala, 21, was 32-weeks pregnant when she was assaulted by two people in Peckham on 15 June.
A boy, 17, was charged on Tuesday with child destruction and grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court later.
Kevin Wilson, 20, was charged in June with child destruction and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The teaching assistant, of Longfield Estate in Bermondsey, who is believed to be the baby's father, denies the charge and will face a trial in November. | A second person has been charged over an attack on a pregnant woman in Peckham. | 1 | English |
Phil Smith, chief executive of IT company Cisco, likened the situation to not having access to water or a road and said businesses would not be able to survive without it.
He said a fast internet connection was vital to a country like Wales with a "complex landscape".
The Welsh government insisted Wales was leading the way with broadband.
Ministers and BT are currently delivering the scheme Superfast Cymru, which will give people access to fibre broadband.
Earlier this year a Superfast Cymru spokesman said more than 80% of properties in Wales had access to the superfast broadband.
But, speaking to BBC Wales at technology conference Digital 2016 in Newport, Mr Smith said: "I'm very surprised that broadband hasn't got to the level of penetration it should.
"To be honest it's like saying you don't have a road now, or you don't have water.
"Companies, countries and individuals can't survive without broadband, it's not some optional nice thing to have, this is the way business is done.
"A country like Wales, it's got a wide population and complex landscape, it needs people to be on video, to engage anywhere in the world at any time.
"I think it's really important that the government and industry push hard to get broadband to the highest level everywhere."
A Welsh Government spokesman said an Ofcom report in August showed Wales was leading the way among the UK's devolved nations with the availability of superfast broadband.
"The Superfast Cymru programme has already made superfast broadband speeds in excess of 24Mbps available to more than 581,000 Welsh homes and businesses, including in some very rural areas, and more premises will have access as the rollout continues," he added.
"We are committed to making Wales a truly digital nation and continue to support businesses to take advantage of broadband technology which will help them to grow, to boost Wales' economic prosperity and create jobs." | A high profile figure in the world of technology has criticised poor broadband in parts of Wales. | 1 | English |
Phil Smith, chief executive of IT company Cisco, likened the situation to not having access to water or a road and said businesses would not be able to survive without it.
He said a fast internet connection was vital to a country like Wales with a "complex landscape".
The Welsh government insisted Wales was leading the way with broadband.
Ministers and BT are currently delivering the scheme Superfast Cymru, which will give people access to fibre broadband.
Earlier this year a Superfast Cymru spokesman said more than 80% of properties in Wales had access to the superfast broadband.
But, speaking to BBC Wales at technology conference Digital 2016 in Newport, Mr Smith said: "I'm very surprised that broadband hasn't got to the level of penetration it should.
"To be honest it's like saying you don't have a road now, or you don't have water.
"Companies, countries and individuals can't survive without broadband, it's not some optional nice thing to have, this is the way business is done.
"A country like Wales, it's got a wide population and complex landscape, it needs people to be on video, to engage anywhere in the world at any time.
"I think it's really important that the government and industry push hard to get broadband to the highest level everywhere."
A Welsh Government spokesman said an Ofcom report in August showed Wales was leading the way among the UK's devolved nations with the availability of superfast broadband.
"The Superfast Cymru programme has already made superfast broadband speeds in excess of 24Mbps available to more than 581,000 Welsh homes and businesses, including in some very rural areas, and more premises will have access as the rollout continues," he added.
"We are committed to making Wales a truly digital nation and continue to support businesses to take advantage of broadband technology which will help them to grow, to boost Wales' economic prosperity and create jobs." | The head of the UK's biggest IT firm has said he is "very surprised" that broadband has not been delivered to the level of penetration it should be. | 0 | English |
The Italian authorities concluded Claire Martin killed herself after suffering from post-natal depression.
Her parents, from Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, believe she was murdered because "things don't add up".
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero said there are "anomalies to explore".
Ms Martin, 30, lived with son and her in-laws in Grottaminarda, near Naples, while her partner worked in Germany.
In March 2012, Ms Martin suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck, struggled upstairs and died.
A murder investigation was launched, but 15 months later the Italian authority closed the case after it ruled she had committed suicide.
Following a recent Guardian newspaper article on her death, her father Ray Martin said: "Things don't add up.
"It's impossible to stab yourself multiple times in the neck and climb up stairs after wiping the blood clean off the knife."
Her mother Pat Martin said: "It's a continuing nightmare, nobody gives a damn."
Ms De Piero said forensic reports have been translated into English, but there are witness statements and other evidence only available in Italian.
The MP has asked for a meeting in October with the Italian government to "get the answers the Martin's need".
Mr Martin said: "We hope to meet with the magistrate, but I honestly don't know why they won't speak with us."
The Foreign Office said it would not comment on individual cases, but has provided consular assistance to the family.
It added: "We will continue to assist in any way we can, although we cannot interfere in the legal system of another country." | An MP has a bid to establish how a suicide verdict was ruled after a woman died in Italy in 2012 from stab wounds to the neck. | 1 | English |
The Italian authorities concluded Claire Martin killed herself after suffering from post-natal depression.
Her parents, from Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, believe she was murdered because "things don't add up".
Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero said there are "anomalies to explore".
Ms Martin, 30, lived with son and her in-laws in Grottaminarda, near Naples, while her partner worked in Germany.
In March 2012, Ms Martin suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck, struggled upstairs and died.
A murder investigation was launched, but 15 months later the Italian authority closed the case after it ruled she had committed suicide.
Following a recent Guardian newspaper article on her death, her father Ray Martin said: "Things don't add up.
"It's impossible to stab yourself multiple times in the neck and climb up stairs after wiping the blood clean off the knife."
Her mother Pat Martin said: "It's a continuing nightmare, nobody gives a damn."
Ms De Piero said forensic reports have been translated into English, but there are witness statements and other evidence only available in Italian.
The MP has asked for a meeting in October with the Italian government to "get the answers the Martin's need".
Mr Martin said: "We hope to meet with the magistrate, but I honestly don't know why they won't speak with us."
The Foreign Office said it would not comment on individual cases, but has provided consular assistance to the family.
It added: "We will continue to assist in any way we can, although we cannot interfere in the legal system of another country." | The family of a woman who was stabbed to death in Italy have said they are "shocked" by the lack of evidence in the case. | 0 | English |
The Office for National Statistics said industrial output fell 0.7% compared with January, when it dropped 0.3%.
Unexpectedly warm weather drove the change, because it led to a fall in electricity and gas demand, the ONS said.
Construction output fell by 1.7% in February, down from a revised January reading of zero growth.
The construction figure, the biggest drop in nearly a year, was mainly the result of a 2.6% fall in the housebuilding sector.
Meanwhile, the UK's deficit in goods and services widened to £3.7bn in February, from a revised figure of £3bn in January.
According to the ONS, the deficit was fuelled by what it called "erratic items", such as imports of gold and aircraft.
"The overall trade deficit worsened, but excluding erratic items, the picture improved, as imports fell more than exports," said ONS senior statistician Kate Davies.
Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Markit, called the figures "a disappointing package of data for the UK economy which fuels suspicion that GDP growth slowed markedly, largely due to consumers becoming more cautious".
He added: "We suspect UK GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017 slowed to 0.4% quarter-on-quarter from 0.7% quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2016 - this would be the weakest growth rate since the first quarter of 2016." | Activity in the UK's industrial and construction sectors shrank in February, new figures show. | 1 | English |
The Office for National Statistics said industrial output fell 0.7% compared with January, when it dropped 0.3%.
Unexpectedly warm weather drove the change, because it led to a fall in electricity and gas demand, the ONS said.
Construction output fell by 1.7% in February, down from a revised January reading of zero growth.
The construction figure, the biggest drop in nearly a year, was mainly the result of a 2.6% fall in the housebuilding sector.
Meanwhile, the UK's deficit in goods and services widened to £3.7bn in February, from a revised figure of £3bn in January.
According to the ONS, the deficit was fuelled by what it called "erratic items", such as imports of gold and aircraft.
"The overall trade deficit worsened, but excluding erratic items, the picture improved, as imports fell more than exports," said ONS senior statistician Kate Davies.
Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Markit, called the figures "a disappointing package of data for the UK economy which fuels suspicion that GDP growth slowed markedly, largely due to consumers becoming more cautious".
He added: "We suspect UK GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017 slowed to 0.4% quarter-on-quarter from 0.7% quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2016 - this would be the weakest growth rate since the first quarter of 2016." | UK industrial output fell in February, the biggest fall in nearly a year, according to official figures. | 0 | English |
A yellow severe weather warning has been issued as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo reach Britain.
Coastal areas and north-western parts of Wales are expected to see the worst of the weather.
The Met Office said while all of Wales will be affected, areas including Aberporth, Aberystwyth and Anglesey will likely see the strongest winds.
"Hurricane Gonzalo will run eastwards across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing strong winds and heavy rain," said a spokesperson.
"The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards."
Gusts exceeding 55mph are likely inland, with 60 to 70mph gusts in some exposed coastal areas in the west.
The forecaster warned that fallen leaves and blocked drains could increase the risk of surface water affecting roads, and advised that travel could be disrupted.
Hurricane Gonzalo caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda last week, with damage caused to houses and power lines downed.
Irish Ferries has cancelled some sailings between Holyhead and Dublin due to the adverse weather forecasts for Tuesday. | Gale force winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain will arrive in Wales on Monday evening, said the Met Office. | 1 | English |
A yellow severe weather warning has been issued as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo reach Britain.
Coastal areas and north-western parts of Wales are expected to see the worst of the weather.
The Met Office said while all of Wales will be affected, areas including Aberporth, Aberystwyth and Anglesey will likely see the strongest winds.
"Hurricane Gonzalo will run eastwards across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing strong winds and heavy rain," said a spokesperson.
"The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards."
Gusts exceeding 55mph are likely inland, with 60 to 70mph gusts in some exposed coastal areas in the west.
The forecaster warned that fallen leaves and blocked drains could increase the risk of surface water affecting roads, and advised that travel could be disrupted.
Hurricane Gonzalo caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda last week, with damage caused to houses and power lines downed.
Irish Ferries has cancelled some sailings between Holyhead and Dublin due to the adverse weather forecasts for Tuesday. | Parts of Wales are expected to be hit by the strongest winds of the Atlantic hurricane in a week. | 0 | English |
The author whose Sea of Poppies was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 2008, is being hosted as a writer-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
He has been posting regular tweets and pictures, including the dining table Nelson Mandela ate at and guest rooms foreign dignitaries have stayed in.
His latest book is on climate change.
The Twitter tour was not limited to just the interiors of the official residence.
Ghosh pointed out aspects of the famed gardens, and also drew attention to a sewage treatment plant on the premises.
The Mughal gardens are hugely popular in India, and are opened to the public once a year.
Ghosh also took the time to meet members of the president's security detail including Vikrant, the horse that leads all the ceremonial parades the president participates in.
Many social media users have thanked the author for giving them an "unseen glimpse" into the President's house, while others have been offering their own insights- and even criticisms- of the residence..
One user suggested that some of the rooms could "use more light", while others said that "heavy dusty carpeting" could "smother the will to live". | Indian author and novelist Sharmila Ghosh has been on a two-day tour of the country's President's residence in the capital, Delhi. | 0 | English |
The author whose Sea of Poppies was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 2008, is being hosted as a writer-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
He has been posting regular tweets and pictures, including the dining table Nelson Mandela ate at and guest rooms foreign dignitaries have stayed in.
His latest book is on climate change.
The Twitter tour was not limited to just the interiors of the official residence.
Ghosh pointed out aspects of the famed gardens, and also drew attention to a sewage treatment plant on the premises.
The Mughal gardens are hugely popular in India, and are opened to the public once a year.
Ghosh also took the time to meet members of the president's security detail including Vikrant, the horse that leads all the ceremonial parades the president participates in.
Many social media users have thanked the author for giving them an "unseen glimpse" into the President's house, while others have been offering their own insights- and even criticisms- of the residence..
One user suggested that some of the rooms could "use more light", while others said that "heavy dusty carpeting" could "smother the will to live". | Writer Ghosh is giving social media users a rare glimpse of what it's like inside the president's official residence. | 1 | English |
The bridge, over the River Wharfe at Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, collapsed in December 2015, affecting 79 homes and businesses.
The report, for North Yorkshire County Council, said improved defences should be a "priority".
The Environment Agency said it was preparing a funding bid for improved defences.
Read more about this and other stories from across Yorkshire
The report said heavy rain over the Christmas period fell on ground already saturated following heavy rain throughout November and December.
The level of the River Wharfe rose rapidly and overtopped the town's existing defences.
It states: "An improved system of flood defences in Tadcaster is a priority for the town.
"The current level of protection [for a one-in-25 year flood event] is low and whilst the rainfall preceding the flood was unusual, the risk of a repeat event remains."
Don Mackenzie, executive member on North Yorkshire County Council, said: "Clearly we want to see the basic defences built up higher so that we have more than the current 25 year protection. Ideally we would like to see a 100 year protection."
Nicola Eades, from Tadcaster Flood Action Group, welcomed the report.
"We are working closely with the organisations [on plans for defences] but it will be about what will be acceptable to the public."
She also said it would be dependent on what funding would be available nationally and regionally.
The report praises the Tadcaster Flood Action Group (TFAG) for its work in improving flood awareness and resilience in the town since 2015.
It concludes: "It is undoubtedly true that Tadcaster is better prepared for flooding through the actions and activities of TFAG." | A report into the collapse of a bridge which killed more than 100 people has said flood defences are "unacceptable". | 0 | English |
The bridge, over the River Wharfe at Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, collapsed in December 2015, affecting 79 homes and businesses.
The report, for North Yorkshire County Council, said improved defences should be a "priority".
The Environment Agency said it was preparing a funding bid for improved defences.
Read more about this and other stories from across Yorkshire
The report said heavy rain over the Christmas period fell on ground already saturated following heavy rain throughout November and December.
The level of the River Wharfe rose rapidly and overtopped the town's existing defences.
It states: "An improved system of flood defences in Tadcaster is a priority for the town.
"The current level of protection [for a one-in-25 year flood event] is low and whilst the rainfall preceding the flood was unusual, the risk of a repeat event remains."
Don Mackenzie, executive member on North Yorkshire County Council, said: "Clearly we want to see the basic defences built up higher so that we have more than the current 25 year protection. Ideally we would like to see a 100 year protection."
Nicola Eades, from Tadcaster Flood Action Group, welcomed the report.
"We are working closely with the organisations [on plans for defences] but it will be about what will be acceptable to the public."
She also said it would be dependent on what funding would be available nationally and regionally.
The report praises the Tadcaster Flood Action Group (TFAG) for its work in improving flood awareness and resilience in the town since 2015.
It concludes: "It is undoubtedly true that Tadcaster is better prepared for flooding through the actions and activities of TFAG." | Heavy rain which caused a road bridge to collapse, could happen again, a report has said. | 1 | English |
Moore, who is 6ft 5ins, scored 10 goals in 21 league appearances this season for Rovers and Torquay, where he had a brief loan spell earlier this term.
The 24-year-old has penned an 18-month deal at Portman Road.
Spence, 26, has signed to the end of the season having been without a club since leaving MK Dons in the summer.
The former West Ham defender played 80 times for the Dons after joining on a full-time contract, following two separate loan spells.
Both are unavailable for Ipswich's FA Cup third-round replay at Lincoln on Tuesday as they were not registered before the original tie.
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy confirmed on Saturday to BBC Radio Suffolk he was still searching for another striker despite signing Moore, having previously had an approach turned down by Preston for Jordan Hugill.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here. | Ipswich Town have signed striker Ryan Moore and striker Jack Spence on loan from fellow League Two side Preston North End. | 0 | English |
Moore, who is 6ft 5ins, scored 10 goals in 21 league appearances this season for Rovers and Torquay, where he had a brief loan spell earlier this term.
The 24-year-old has penned an 18-month deal at Portman Road.
Spence, 26, has signed to the end of the season having been without a club since leaving MK Dons in the summer.
The former West Ham defender played 80 times for the Dons after joining on a full-time contract, following two separate loan spells.
Both are unavailable for Ipswich's FA Cup third-round replay at Lincoln on Tuesday as they were not registered before the original tie.
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy confirmed on Saturday to BBC Radio Suffolk he was still searching for another striker despite signing Moore, having previously had an approach turned down by Preston for Jordan Hugill.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here. | Ipswich Town have signed striker Moore and former MK Dons defender Spence. | 1 | English |
Their 196-run first-innings lead came mainly thanks to Tom Kohler-Cadmore (102) and Ed Barnard (59).
Further contributions down the order allowed the visitors to reach 403 all out for five batting bonus points.
Glamorgan started well with Jacques Rudolph and Nick Selman putting on 74 for the first wicket, but they ended 141-3 at the close, 55 runs behind.
Worcestershire claimed three wickets for 34 runs to reduce Glamorgan to 108-3, but Colin Ingram (41 not out) and Aneurin Donald saw out the rest of the day.
Glamorgan bowler Michael Hogan told BBC Wales Sport: "It seemed to go through different stages at different times. It was a little trickier at times and then got easier as ball got softer. The boys toiled hard but it could have been a bit better.
"It was good to see Lukas Carey doing well. He has done a lot of work in pre-season and he has worked really hard on his fitness and his technique, so it is good to see him being given a chance and taking it with both hands.
"I'm fitter after a winter off, probably lacked a bit of bowling conditioning. I've had a few weeks off with injury so probably I got bit tired towards the end.
"We thought with the sun out after about 35 or 40 overs it got a bit easier, but they have got a good attack so we will have to absorb a bit of pressure. I think the boys can do the job and if the boys can build a good total we can hopefully bowl them out." | Glamorgan's hopes of reaching the County Championship quarter-finals suffered a blow as they were bowled out for just 101 by Worcestershire. | 0 | English |
Their 196-run first-innings lead came mainly thanks to Tom Kohler-Cadmore (102) and Ed Barnard (59).
Further contributions down the order allowed the visitors to reach 403 all out for five batting bonus points.
Glamorgan started well with Jacques Rudolph and Nick Selman putting on 74 for the first wicket, but they ended 141-3 at the close, 55 runs behind.
Worcestershire claimed three wickets for 34 runs to reduce Glamorgan to 108-3, but Colin Ingram (41 not out) and Aneurin Donald saw out the rest of the day.
Glamorgan bowler Michael Hogan told BBC Wales Sport: "It seemed to go through different stages at different times. It was a little trickier at times and then got easier as ball got softer. The boys toiled hard but it could have been a bit better.
"It was good to see Lukas Carey doing well. He has done a lot of work in pre-season and he has worked really hard on his fitness and his technique, so it is good to see him being given a chance and taking it with both hands.
"I'm fitter after a winter off, probably lacked a bit of bowling conditioning. I've had a few weeks off with injury so probably I got bit tired towards the end.
"We thought with the sun out after about 35 or 40 overs it got a bit easier, but they have got a good attack so we will have to absorb a bit of pressure. I think the boys can do the job and if the boys can build a good total we can hopefully bowl them out." | Worcestershire batted themselves to a good position against Glamorgan. | 1 | English |
The district council-owned building has been upgraded for the first time in more than three decades.
It includes a new 33m pool, a shallow training pool, sauna and steam room.
The sports hall has been revamped and a £250,000 climbing wall has been built at the Bridgefoot centre.
The double Olympic gold medallist said: "It's an amazing venue for these guys so that they can learn a life skill as well as having fun.
"So many pools nowadays through this whole country have been knocked down and it's incredible that they've invested the money back to make a safe place."
It is the second time Adlington has visited the centre after she opened the temporary pool provided as part of the British Gas 'Pools for Schools Programme' earlier this year.
Other athletes who joined the celebrations included water polo player, Rosie Morris, who competed as the GB goalkeeper at the London Olympics in 2012.
Zoe Reeve, former member of the GB Synchro Squad and triple Commonwealth Gold Medallist and three-time Olympian James Goddard also attended the event. | Olympic gold medallist Sarah Adlington has visited the new £1m Bridgefoot Sports Centre in Bath. | 0 | English |
The district council-owned building has been upgraded for the first time in more than three decades.
It includes a new 33m pool, a shallow training pool, sauna and steam room.
The sports hall has been revamped and a £250,000 climbing wall has been built at the Bridgefoot centre.
The double Olympic gold medallist said: "It's an amazing venue for these guys so that they can learn a life skill as well as having fun.
"So many pools nowadays through this whole country have been knocked down and it's incredible that they've invested the money back to make a safe place."
It is the second time Adlington has visited the centre after she opened the temporary pool provided as part of the British Gas 'Pools for Schools Programme' earlier this year.
Other athletes who joined the celebrations included water polo player, Rosie Morris, who competed as the GB goalkeeper at the London Olympics in 2012.
Zoe Reeve, former member of the GB Synchro Squad and triple Commonwealth Gold Medallist and three-time Olympian James Goddard also attended the event. | Olympic champion Adlington has unveiled a massive refurbishment of a district building. | 1 | English |
The old Victoria Ground, next to the A500, shut in 1997 when the club moved to the Britannia Stadium and has remained vacant ever since.
Plans for the 16-acre site include 130 homes being built initially, followed by a further 70.
David Sidaway, from the council, said he was proud to have secured investment for the "very important site".
A plan to build offices there was shelved in 2004 and in 2007 St Modwen said the recession had affected development opportunities.
Further plans for housing were announced in 2013 but never happened.
Dave Smith, from developer St Modwen Homes, said: "We understand that the Victoria Ground is an important site for both the people of Stoke-on-Trent and the city council.
"Having taken the comments from the public consultation on board, particularly for the second phase of development, we are looking forward to turning our plans for the Victoria Ground site into reality and breathing new life into the community and surrounding area."
After working with the Environment Agency over potential flooding issues, a nearby primary school to include sports pitches in the development and holding a public consultation, plans will be submitted by the end of the month, the council said. | Plans to redevelop Stoke-on-Trent's former stadium into a housing development have been submitted to the city council. | 0 | English |
The old Victoria Ground, next to the A500, shut in 1997 when the club moved to the Britannia Stadium and has remained vacant ever since.
Plans for the 16-acre site include 130 homes being built initially, followed by a further 70.
David Sidaway, from the council, said he was proud to have secured investment for the "very important site".
A plan to build offices there was shelved in 2004 and in 2007 St Modwen said the recession had affected development opportunities.
Further plans for housing were announced in 2013 but never happened.
Dave Smith, from developer St Modwen Homes, said: "We understand that the Victoria Ground is an important site for both the people of Stoke-on-Trent and the city council.
"Having taken the comments from the public consultation on board, particularly for the second phase of development, we are looking forward to turning our plans for the Victoria Ground site into reality and breathing new life into the community and surrounding area."
After working with the Environment Agency over potential flooding issues, a nearby primary school to include sports pitches in the development and holding a public consultation, plans will be submitted by the end of the month, the council said. | The old Victoria Ground is to be redeveloped into fields and 200 homes. | 1 | English |
A colony has been roosting in St Hilda's Church at Ellerburn, close to the North York Moors.
But despite the church's best efforts the bats are not moving and are soiling the altar and church furniture, leaving the church with an "appalling smell".
The creatures are protected by law and cannot be wilfully disturbed.
Volunteers at the church have been working for the past decade to keep the altar, stonework and woodwork clean.
But the bats, roosting in the higher areas of the church continually soil the interior of the building with urine and faeces.
Church warden Liz Cowley said keeping the 11th Century building in good shape was difficult.
She said: "You can see the urine marks (on the altar), they won't go away.
"If people were coming in here damaging an ancient building like this, you would say it was criminal damage.
"The smell is appalling, it's a combination of ammonia from the urine and a musty smell from the droppings that catches at the back of the throat."
Members of the church had spent £10,000 trying to get the bats to move and had paid for specially-built lofts nearby.
The Rev Paul Mothersdale, the Rector of St Hilda's Church, said a lot of money had been invested in trying to persuade the bats to move out of the church.
The Rev Mothersdale said: "We've tried to do everything that English Nature, or Natural England, have wanted us to do.
"Money has been spent, not only by the congregation, not only out of church funds, but local people have mucked in and helped.
"And yet we're no further forward, we're still as we were 10 years ago."
Lucy Bellini, of Natural England, said the bats had to be carefully monitored.
Ms Bellini said: "It is a really regionally important roost.
"Because of that we need to be sure that there are replacement roosts that are suitable and that the bats have found and are aware of and can move to before we allow the church to seal up access points and move the bats out of the church." | A congregation has spent thousands building bat lofts in an attempt to lure the creatures out of their church. | 1 | English |
A colony has been roosting in St Hilda's Church at Ellerburn, close to the North York Moors.
But despite the church's best efforts the bats are not moving and are soiling the altar and church furniture, leaving the church with an "appalling smell".
The creatures are protected by law and cannot be wilfully disturbed.
Volunteers at the church have been working for the past decade to keep the altar, stonework and woodwork clean.
But the bats, roosting in the higher areas of the church continually soil the interior of the building with urine and faeces.
Church warden Liz Cowley said keeping the 11th Century building in good shape was difficult.
She said: "You can see the urine marks (on the altar), they won't go away.
"If people were coming in here damaging an ancient building like this, you would say it was criminal damage.
"The smell is appalling, it's a combination of ammonia from the urine and a musty smell from the droppings that catches at the back of the throat."
Members of the church had spent £10,000 trying to get the bats to move and had paid for specially-built lofts nearby.
The Rev Paul Mothersdale, the Rector of St Hilda's Church, said a lot of money had been invested in trying to persuade the bats to move out of the church.
The Rev Mothersdale said: "We've tried to do everything that English Nature, or Natural England, have wanted us to do.
"Money has been spent, not only by the congregation, not only out of church funds, but local people have mucked in and helped.
"And yet we're no further forward, we're still as we were 10 years ago."
Lucy Bellini, of Natural England, said the bats had to be carefully monitored.
Ms Bellini said: "It is a really regionally important roost.
"Because of that we need to be sure that there are replacement roosts that are suitable and that the bats have found and are aware of and can move to before we allow the church to seal up access points and move the bats out of the church." | A church in York is being forced to move hundreds of bats from its altar because of a "musty smell" from the rotting wood. | 0 | English |
WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew, 34, produced an upset to stop David Haye in a heavyweight contest last month.
But when asked if he would fight WBA and IBF champion Joshua, Bellew said: "Absolutely not. I don't need that kind of fight. He's far too good for me."
His promoter Eddie Hearn said he could fight WBO champion Joseph Parker next.
New Zealand's Parker, 25, will defend his title against Romanian Razvan Cojanu in Auckland next weekend.
Speaking after Joshua's 11th-round stoppage of Wladimir Klitschko, Bellew said: "I'm still dreaming about winning the heavyweight world title but a different portion to the one AJ has."
The Liverpudlian said he was considering retirement following his surprise victory over Haye last month on his heavyweight debut.
But on fighting Parker, he added: "I say Eddie knows what he's doing."
Promoter Hearn confirmed that an all-British Bellew-Joshua fight was not on the cards.
"Tony and Joshua are good friends," he told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme on Sunday morning.
"Tony Bellew has got his eye on some of the smaller guys. Fighters like Joshua are giants and Bellew isn't, but he's in the mix we talk about for challenging for world heavyweight titles."
Bellew is not a natural heavyweight, having stepped up from the cruiserweight division to fight David Haye in March.
He weighed in at 96.6kg for that fight, while Joshua was at a career heaviest of 113 kg against Klitschko on Saturday - a difference of almost 20kg.
But also in the mix for Bellew is WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder - and the American wants a unification fight against Joshua, should he take the WBO belt off Parker.
"My plans are to get the WBO belt and once I get that, if I'm given a mandatory challenger, get that out of the way and set up a mega fight early in 2018," said Wilder. | Tony Bellew still retains hope of winning a world heavyweight title but says he will not fight fellow Briton Joshua. | 1 | English |
WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew, 34, produced an upset to stop David Haye in a heavyweight contest last month.
But when asked if he would fight WBA and IBF champion Joshua, Bellew said: "Absolutely not. I don't need that kind of fight. He's far too good for me."
His promoter Eddie Hearn said he could fight WBO champion Joseph Parker next.
New Zealand's Parker, 25, will defend his title against Romanian Razvan Cojanu in Auckland next weekend.
Speaking after Joshua's 11th-round stoppage of Wladimir Klitschko, Bellew said: "I'm still dreaming about winning the heavyweight world title but a different portion to the one AJ has."
The Liverpudlian said he was considering retirement following his surprise victory over Haye last month on his heavyweight debut.
But on fighting Parker, he added: "I say Eddie knows what he's doing."
Promoter Hearn confirmed that an all-British Bellew-Joshua fight was not on the cards.
"Tony and Joshua are good friends," he told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme on Sunday morning.
"Tony Bellew has got his eye on some of the smaller guys. Fighters like Joshua are giants and Bellew isn't, but he's in the mix we talk about for challenging for world heavyweight titles."
Bellew is not a natural heavyweight, having stepped up from the cruiserweight division to fight David Haye in March.
He weighed in at 96.6kg for that fight, while Joshua was at a career heaviest of 113 kg against Klitschko on Saturday - a difference of almost 20kg.
But also in the mix for Bellew is WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder - and the American wants a unification fight against Joshua, should he take the WBO belt off Parker.
"My plans are to get the WBO belt and once I get that, if I'm given a mandatory challenger, get that out of the way and set up a mega fight early in 2018," said Wilder. | Tony Bellew says he will not fight Anthony Joshua for the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. | 0 | English |
The site - which is owned by Google - is launching a competition for teenagers to create an experiment that could be carried out in space.
Two winning ideas will be tested by the crew of the International Space Station.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt recently criticised science and technology education in the UK.
Delivering the annual McTaggart lecture in Edinburgh, Mr Schmidt said the country needed to reignite children's passion for subjects such as engineering and maths.
In addition to having their experiment run in space, the winners will get to experience weightlessness on a zero-g airplane flight, and have the option to either undergo astronaut training in Russia, or to watch the rocket launch in Japan which takes their idea into space.
When the experiments are eventually run, the results will be streamed live on YouTube.
The competition is divided into two age groups. 14-16 years, and 17-18 years.
Alongside Prof Hawking, the judging panel consists of former Astronauts Leland Melvin, Frank De Winne, Akihiko Hoshide and noted "space tourist" Guy Laliberté. | The UK's top science expert, Prof Stephen Hawking, is to give a lecture to the UK's children. | 0 | English |
The site - which is owned by Google - is launching a competition for teenagers to create an experiment that could be carried out in space.
Two winning ideas will be tested by the crew of the International Space Station.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt recently criticised science and technology education in the UK.
Delivering the annual McTaggart lecture in Edinburgh, Mr Schmidt said the country needed to reignite children's passion for subjects such as engineering and maths.
In addition to having their experiment run in space, the winners will get to experience weightlessness on a zero-g airplane flight, and have the option to either undergo astronaut training in Russia, or to watch the rocket launch in Japan which takes their idea into space.
When the experiments are eventually run, the results will be streamed live on YouTube.
The competition is divided into two age groups. 14-16 years, and 17-18 years.
Alongside Prof Hawking, the judging panel consists of former Astronauts Leland Melvin, Frank De Winne, Akihiko Hoshide and noted "space tourist" Guy Laliberté. | YouTube has enlisted the help of Prof Hawking in the hunt for budding young scientists. | 1 | English |
Strikes planned for Christmas were suspended after the new offer was made but members rejected it by 7-1.
The strike affects "mixed fleet" staff who joined after 2010 and account for 15% of the total cabin crew.
BA said it planned to "ensure that all our customers travel to their destinations".
It said further details for customers would be published on Friday 6 January, once it had finalised contingency plans.
"We are extremely disappointed that Unite has once again chosen to target our customers," the company said.
"We are now focused on protecting our customers from this unnecessary and completely unjustified action."
The dispute concerns about 4,000 staff who have joined the airline since 2010 on "mixed fleet" contracts, who do not feel they are paid enough. About 2,500 of them are Unite members.
Earnings were advertised between £21,000 and £25,000 but, in reality, start at just over £12,000 plus £3 an hour flying pay, Unite said.
The union said its members rejected the new offer by 7-1.
"British Airways is needlessly provoking strike action by refusing to extend the mandate of the strike ballot and allow meaningful talks to take place," Unite's national office Oliver Richardson said.
"Instead of listening to why its mixed fleet cabin crew rejected the offer negotiated at Acas, British Airways has sought instead to try and bully a workforce of young men and women who are trying to eke out a living on poverty pay."
However, he added that the union was "hopeful that a negotiated settlement which meets our members' aspirations can be achieved" and urged BA to "engage constructively". | British Airways cabin crew will stage a strike after rejecting a new pay offer. | 1 | English |
Strikes planned for Christmas were suspended after the new offer was made but members rejected it by 7-1.
The strike affects "mixed fleet" staff who joined after 2010 and account for 15% of the total cabin crew.
BA said it planned to "ensure that all our customers travel to their destinations".
It said further details for customers would be published on Friday 6 January, once it had finalised contingency plans.
"We are extremely disappointed that Unite has once again chosen to target our customers," the company said.
"We are now focused on protecting our customers from this unnecessary and completely unjustified action."
The dispute concerns about 4,000 staff who have joined the airline since 2010 on "mixed fleet" contracts, who do not feel they are paid enough. About 2,500 of them are Unite members.
Earnings were advertised between £21,000 and £25,000 but, in reality, start at just over £12,000 plus £3 an hour flying pay, Unite said.
The union said its members rejected the new offer by 7-1.
"British Airways is needlessly provoking strike action by refusing to extend the mandate of the strike ballot and allow meaningful talks to take place," Unite's national office Oliver Richardson said.
"Instead of listening to why its mixed fleet cabin crew rejected the offer negotiated at Acas, British Airways has sought instead to try and bully a workforce of young men and women who are trying to eke out a living on poverty pay."
However, he added that the union was "hopeful that a negotiated settlement which meets our members' aspirations can be achieved" and urged BA to "engage constructively". | British Airways cabin crew have voted to strike over pay, in a dispute over pay. | 0 | English |
However, the government has insisted there is a link between the attack and Syrian Kurdish fighters.
Prosecutors and security officials said DNA tests had identified the bomber as Abdulbaki Somer, born in the eastern Turkish city of Van.
Last week's bombing killed 29 people, at least 20 of them military personnel.
"The bomber's DNA matches that of Abdulbaki's father," a senior Turkish security official told Reuters news agency.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted prosecutors confirming the report.
It said that Abdulbaki Somer was believed to have joined the Kurdish militant PKK group in 2005 at the age of 16 and was based in the Qandil mountains in northern Iraq until 2014.
The agency said that Somer's father had told police that his son was behind the attack.
Following the blast in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu named the bomber as Salih Necar, a Syrian national and member of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
"Whatever the judicial inquiry concludes over the identity of the bomber, it is clear that the bomber came from Rojava, the area of the PYD," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters on Tuesday, referring to another Syrian Kurd-controlled northern Syria.
He said the bomber had entered Turkey from the region in the summer of 2014.
Turkish newspaper the Hurriyet suggested that Abdulbaki Somer may have re-entered Turkey with false papers under the name Salih Necar.
The PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish self-determination since 1984, is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey and its Western allies.
Turkey has also designated the YPG a terrorist group, but its allies, including the United States, back the YPG in its fight against so-called Islamic State (IS). | The bomber behind a deadly blast in Ankara was Turkish-born, security officials say, not from Syria as the government initially said. | 1 | English |
However, the government has insisted there is a link between the attack and Syrian Kurdish fighters.
Prosecutors and security officials said DNA tests had identified the bomber as Abdulbaki Somer, born in the eastern Turkish city of Van.
Last week's bombing killed 29 people, at least 20 of them military personnel.
"The bomber's DNA matches that of Abdulbaki's father," a senior Turkish security official told Reuters news agency.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted prosecutors confirming the report.
It said that Abdulbaki Somer was believed to have joined the Kurdish militant PKK group in 2005 at the age of 16 and was based in the Qandil mountains in northern Iraq until 2014.
The agency said that Somer's father had told police that his son was behind the attack.
Following the blast in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu named the bomber as Salih Necar, a Syrian national and member of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
"Whatever the judicial inquiry concludes over the identity of the bomber, it is clear that the bomber came from Rojava, the area of the PYD," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters on Tuesday, referring to another Syrian Kurd-controlled northern Syria.
He said the bomber had entered Turkey from the region in the summer of 2014.
Turkish newspaper the Hurriyet suggested that Abdulbaki Somer may have re-entered Turkey with false papers under the name Salih Necar.
The PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish self-determination since 1984, is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey and its Western allies.
Turkey has also designated the YPG a terrorist group, but its allies, including the United States, back the YPG in its fight against so-called Islamic State (IS). | A suicide bomber who killed at least 26 people in Turkey's capital Ankara on Sunday was born in Syria, Turkish officials say. | 0 | English |
Alexander Wotherspoon, 83, appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court charged with causing the death of Eilish Herron by driving without due care and attention.
The 17-year-old was struck by Mr Wotherspoon's car at an Asda petrol station in Linwood in September 2014.
The charge says he had failed to keep control of the car while reversing.
Mr Wotherspoon, from Houston in Renfrewshire, uses a zimmer frame to help him walk.
He denied starting the engine of his car and reversing while the driver's door was still open, failing to keep control of the car and, while it was reversing, causing it to hit the Renault Clio Eilish was filling up with petrol.
The charge states that his actions knocked her to the ground, moved her car out of the way and caused his car to reverse over her, dragging her underneath the car, "causing her to be so severely injured that she died."
The incident happened at the Asda petrol station at the Phoenix Retail Park in Linwood on 10 September 2014.
Sheriff Susan Sinclair adjourned the case for a trial to take place in August and continued Wotherspoon's bail.
Speaking previously, Eilish's mother Shanneal, 47, said: "Eilish was a really good girl, a normal teenager who loved her life, loved her family and loved her sport.
"She was my best friend, we had such a good laugh.
"I can't put into words how much she's missed in our family. We are all very close."
Eilish was a keen netball player and played for Paisley Juniors as well as volunteering as a junior coach.
After her death, Netball Scotland created the The Eilish Herron Young Coach of the Year Award, which will continue as a yearly recognition award for young coaches. | A man has appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a teenager who was hit by a car while reversing in Renfrewshire. | 0 | English |
Alexander Wotherspoon, 83, appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court charged with causing the death of Eilish Herron by driving without due care and attention.
The 17-year-old was struck by Mr Wotherspoon's car at an Asda petrol station in Linwood in September 2014.
The charge says he had failed to keep control of the car while reversing.
Mr Wotherspoon, from Houston in Renfrewshire, uses a zimmer frame to help him walk.
He denied starting the engine of his car and reversing while the driver's door was still open, failing to keep control of the car and, while it was reversing, causing it to hit the Renault Clio Eilish was filling up with petrol.
The charge states that his actions knocked her to the ground, moved her car out of the way and caused his car to reverse over her, dragging her underneath the car, "causing her to be so severely injured that she died."
The incident happened at the Asda petrol station at the Phoenix Retail Park in Linwood on 10 September 2014.
Sheriff Susan Sinclair adjourned the case for a trial to take place in August and continued Wotherspoon's bail.
Speaking previously, Eilish's mother Shanneal, 47, said: "Eilish was a really good girl, a normal teenager who loved her life, loved her family and loved her sport.
"She was my best friend, we had such a good laugh.
"I can't put into words how much she's missed in our family. We are all very close."
Eilish was a keen netball player and played for Paisley Juniors as well as volunteering as a junior coach.
After her death, Netball Scotland created the The Eilish Herron Young Coach of the Year Award, which will continue as a yearly recognition award for young coaches. | An old man has denied causing the death of a teenage girl by by reversing over her as she was filling her car up with petrol. | 1 | English |
The character with a huge papier mache head was the alter-ego of musician and comedian Chris Sievey, who died in 2010.
Fans raised £60,000 for the tribute which was made in a Czech foundry.
Hundreds of people attended an unveiling ceremony earlier, many in fancy dress for the occasion.
Neil Taylor, who helped raise the donations for the statue, said its installation would mean that "Frank will gaze on the Timperley sunset forever".
He said: "You either got the humour or you didn't get the humour.
"Frank Sidebottom created a whole world, he was just magical. He just made a very modest living entertaining people and that's what he's enjoying doing."
Sievey set his character's life in the village, where he lived himself, and, as Frank, hosted tours of the area for fans.
He often referenced Timperley in his TV and music work, notably on his 1987 release, The Timperley EP, which featured a version of The Kinks' 1967 song Waterloo Sunset with altered lyrics that referred extensively to the village.
He also covered Sex Pistols' Anarchy in the UK, changing its title to Anarchy in Timperley.
Although best known for Frank Sidebottom, Sievey also had success in the late 1970s with his punk band The Freshies, who had a hit with I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk.
His TV fame peaked in the early 1990s with his own series Frank Sidebottom's Fantastic Shed Show.
Next year Michael Fassbender will play Frank Sidebottom in Frank, a movie inspired by the character. | A statue of the character Frank Sidebottom has been unveiled in Timperley. | 1 | English |
The character with a huge papier mache head was the alter-ego of musician and comedian Chris Sievey, who died in 2010.
Fans raised £60,000 for the tribute which was made in a Czech foundry.
Hundreds of people attended an unveiling ceremony earlier, many in fancy dress for the occasion.
Neil Taylor, who helped raise the donations for the statue, said its installation would mean that "Frank will gaze on the Timperley sunset forever".
He said: "You either got the humour or you didn't get the humour.
"Frank Sidebottom created a whole world, he was just magical. He just made a very modest living entertaining people and that's what he's enjoying doing."
Sievey set his character's life in the village, where he lived himself, and, as Frank, hosted tours of the area for fans.
He often referenced Timperley in his TV and music work, notably on his 1987 release, The Timperley EP, which featured a version of The Kinks' 1967 song Waterloo Sunset with altered lyrics that referred extensively to the village.
He also covered Sex Pistols' Anarchy in the UK, changing its title to Anarchy in Timperley.
Although best known for Frank Sidebottom, Sievey also had success in the late 1970s with his punk band The Freshies, who had a hit with I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk.
His TV fame peaked in the early 1990s with his own series Frank Sidebottom's Fantastic Shed Show.
Next year Michael Fassbender will play Frank Sidebottom in Frank, a movie inspired by the character. | A statue of the late pop star Frank Sidebottom has been unveiled in Timperley, the village where he was best known for his TV and radio show. | 0 | English |
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) accused ministers of offering an "unworkable" guarantee to protect firefighters aged over 55 who fail fitness tests "through no fault of their own".
The government said it had been "clear" that the staff would get full pensions.
It said "robust" plans were in place to protect the public during the strike.
In December, MPs approved plans to make firefighters in England work until they are 60 and to increase their pension contributions.
Fire minister Penny Mordaunt said no firefighter over 55 would lose their job for losing fitness if it was not their fault.
But the FBU says it has contacted fire authorities and "a number" said they would not uphold the guarantee.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack claimed: "It is clear that when Penny Mordaunt gave the guarantee in Parliament she would have been aware that no fire authority ever planned to implement the 'guarantee'."
He said Ms Mordaunt had "misled" fire service staff and Parliament, and firefighters were "unbelievably angry with the disgraceful actions of this government".
A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said firefighters who "fail a fitness test through no fault of their own and cannot regain fitness with remedial help" would get an "unreduced pension".
The FBU said its members in Northern Ireland had ended their dispute following a "revised and improved offer with a lower pension age".
It said members in Scotland and Wales would not strike because "genuine negotiations" had taken place. | Firefighters in England and Wales are to strike on Monday in a dispute over pensions. | 0 | English |
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) accused ministers of offering an "unworkable" guarantee to protect firefighters aged over 55 who fail fitness tests "through no fault of their own".
The government said it had been "clear" that the staff would get full pensions.
It said "robust" plans were in place to protect the public during the strike.
In December, MPs approved plans to make firefighters in England work until they are 60 and to increase their pension contributions.
Fire minister Penny Mordaunt said no firefighter over 55 would lose their job for losing fitness if it was not their fault.
But the FBU says it has contacted fire authorities and "a number" said they would not uphold the guarantee.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack claimed: "It is clear that when Penny Mordaunt gave the guarantee in Parliament she would have been aware that no fire authority ever planned to implement the 'guarantee'."
He said Ms Mordaunt had "misled" fire service staff and Parliament, and firefighters were "unbelievably angry with the disgraceful actions of this government".
A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said firefighters who "fail a fitness test through no fault of their own and cannot regain fitness with remedial help" would get an "unreduced pension".
The FBU said its members in Northern Ireland had ended their dispute following a "revised and improved offer with a lower pension age".
It said members in Scotland and Wales would not strike because "genuine negotiations" had taken place. | Firefighters plan to strike in the dispute with the government over pensions. | 1 | English |
Tanks were seen on the streets and explosions could be heard throughout the day in Libya's second-biggest city.
General Khalifa Haftar, who accuses the government of supporting terrorism, began an assault against Islamist fighters in the city last month.
The government in Tripoli says Gen Haftar has no authority to act, but several army units have joined him.
The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says a battalion within one of the biggest rival militias has also defected to join the general.
The clashes on Sunday were said to have been some of the worst since Gen Haftar began his offensive against Islamists, dubbed "Operation Dignity," in May.
Residents told the BBC that explosions could be heard across the city intermittently for several hours.
An electricity plant was also hit by rockets, causing power outages in large parts of Benghazi.
Many residents who live in the area where the fighting erupted fled their homes to stay with relatives or friends in quieter neighbourhoods.
The number of casualties remains unclear but doctors in the city said at least six people had been killed and a dozen more injured.
A spokesman for Gen Haftar's force told local media that they had seized several senior Islamists as part of their offensive, but this could not be independently verified.
Since launching his offensive, Gen Haftar has rallied support from the public and members of the security forces.
He survived an assassination attempt earlier in June after a suicide bomb attack on his home in the town of Abyar, about 60km (37 miles) east of Benghazi.
Libya is still in turmoil three years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, with political, religious and political factions locked in disagreement about the country's future.
Profile: General Khalifa Haftar | Fresh clashes broke out in Benghazi on Sunday after a rogue general launched a fresh assault on Islamist militants. | 1 | English |
Tanks were seen on the streets and explosions could be heard throughout the day in Libya's second-biggest city.
General Khalifa Haftar, who accuses the government of supporting terrorism, began an assault against Islamist fighters in the city last month.
The government in Tripoli says Gen Haftar has no authority to act, but several army units have joined him.
The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says a battalion within one of the biggest rival militias has also defected to join the general.
The clashes on Sunday were said to have been some of the worst since Gen Haftar began his offensive against Islamists, dubbed "Operation Dignity," in May.
Residents told the BBC that explosions could be heard across the city intermittently for several hours.
An electricity plant was also hit by rockets, causing power outages in large parts of Benghazi.
Many residents who live in the area where the fighting erupted fled their homes to stay with relatives or friends in quieter neighbourhoods.
The number of casualties remains unclear but doctors in the city said at least six people had been killed and a dozen more injured.
A spokesman for Gen Haftar's force told local media that they had seized several senior Islamists as part of their offensive, but this could not be independently verified.
Since launching his offensive, Gen Haftar has rallied support from the public and members of the security forces.
He survived an assassination attempt earlier in June after a suicide bomb attack on his home in the town of Abyar, about 60km (37 miles) east of Benghazi.
Libya is still in turmoil three years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, with political, religious and political factions locked in disagreement about the country's future.
Profile: General Khalifa Haftar | At least six people have been killed in clashes between rival Islamist fighters in the Libyan city of Benghazi, officials say. | 0 | English |
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