Croydon Rave Death: CCTV Images Released

Police investigating the death of a teenager who died after attending an illegal rave have released photographs of seven men they want to speak to.

Rio Andrew died after falling ill at the illegal party at a disused sorting office in Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, south London, in the early hours of Sunday.

Rio Andrew collapsed at the rave and died a day later in hospital

The 15-year-old, from Notting Hill in London, was at the party with friends.

He collapsed during the event and was taken to hospital where he died on Monday.

A 19-year-old remains in hospital after also falling ill.

Scotland Yard have stressed they do not believe any of the men captured on CCTV images were involved in the teenager's death.

They have appealed for the men to come forward because they believe they might have information about disorder during and after the rave.

Commander Simon Letchford said: "The behaviour of some of those attending this illegal rave and the direct attacks on officers who were there to maintain public safety is completely unacceptable.

"We will identify all those responsible and bring them to justice."

Nine people were arrested during the rave - and a further five people have been arrested today - bringing the total to 14.

Offences range from violent disorder and money laundering to drugs offences, handling stolen goods and criminal damage.

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PM Warns Iraq Terrorists Will 'Hit UK At Home'

Timeline: How The Iraq Crisis Unfolded

Updated: 2:12pm UK, Tuesday 17 June 2014

A look back at the main events in the Iraq crisis, which has seen Sunni insurgents from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group move to within 50 miles of the capital Baghdad.

December 2011: US troops complete their withdrawal after the 2003 invasion which led to the removal of Saddam Hussein.

August 2013: More than 70 people are killed in attacks at the end of Ramadan. ISIS claim responsibility.

January 2-4, 2014: ISIS declares itself in control of the western city of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi following clashes sparked by the clearing of a Sunni-Arab protest camp.

February: al Qaeda formally disowns ISIS, which was at one time an affiliate, because of its extreme methods.

April: Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki wins the most seats in a general election.

June 10: ISIS seizes all of Nineveh province in the north, including the capital Mosul - Iraq's second city. Mr Maliki asks parliament to declare a state of emergency.

June 11: The militants launch a wave of attacks further south, taking Tikrit and freeing hundreds of prisoners in Baiji. An assault on Samarra, 70 miles (110km) north of Baghdad, is repelled by security forces.

June 12: Iraq's air force strikes fighters' positions near Mosul and Tikrit.

US President Barack Obama says he is looking at "all the options" to help the government, which fails to secure authorisation for a state of emergency.

The army abandons its bases in Kirkuk, leaving Kurdish Peshmerga troops to take control.

June 13: A top Shia cleric issues a call to arms, telling the population to take up arms and defend their country.

Mr Maliki claims government forces have started to clear cities of "terrorists" and implements an emergency plan to protect Baghdad.

President Obama rules out sending back troops to fight ISIS.

The rebels move into the towns of Saadiyah and Jalawla in eastern province of Diyala.

June 14: Iran offers to work with the US to tackle the crisis, as Britain pledges an initial £3m in emergency aid to help refugees fleeing the violence.

The Iraqi army's fightback continues, with forces retaking the towns of Ishaqi, al-Mutasim and Duluiyah in Salaheddin province.

Troops also regain much of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's home town.

US aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush is ordered to the Persian Gulf.

June 15: Photos emerge appearing to show an ISIS massacre of 1,700 captured government soldiers. Baghdad says number is exaggerated.

Reports say militants have overrun Tal Afar, the largest town in Nineveh province.

A bombing in central Baghdad leaves 15 people dead and dozens injured.

Former PM Tony Blair tells Sky News that critics who believe the violence is the result of the 2003 invasion are "profoundly mistaken".

June 16: Video footage purporting to show an ISIS fighter questioning and killing unarmed Iraqi soldiers draws condemnation.

ISIS takes control of Tal Afar and the al Adhim area of Diyala province.

US Secretary of State John Kerry says Washington is "open to discussions with Iran".

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Primodos Row: Watchdog Took Years To Warn GPs

By Jason Farrell, Political Correspondent

The Government medicines watchdog took years to warn doctors about a pregnancy test drug that may have caused deformities in babies in the womb, Sky News has learned.

The drug Primodos, a hormone pregnancy test, was prescribed by GPs across England in the 1960s and 70s - and was taken by 1.5 million British women.

But Sky News has found it was not licensed to be used in pregnancy after 1970 amid concerns about its effect on the foetus.

Freedom of Information Requests to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed letters were written to doctors - but not until five years later in 1975 when a warning was also placed on the packet. 

Then called the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the watchdog warned GPs of concerns about "an increased incidence of congenital abnormalities" in babies born to women who took the drug.

They wrote: "On the present evidence, the Committee believe that it is possible that the use of these preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy could on occasion lead to abnormalities of the foetus."

Even after this, thousands of prescriptions were given to women until 1977 when the Committee sent a second letter to GPs saying the association had been confirmed. After this prescriptions ceased.

However, the MHRA has also confirmed to Sky News that Primodos wasn't licenced to be used as a pregnancy test drug after 1970 but didn't send letters at that time.

They said: "We do not hold any such letters and are not aware that any were sent by the CSM about Primodos or hormone pregnancy tests at that time. Nor are we able to comment on whether a letter should have been sent."

The MHRA says it's not aware of letters about Primodos

For years campaigners with deformities allegedly caused by the drug have challenged the German drug company Shearing, now owned by Bayer, to accept responsibility. The company however insists no link has been shown.

Three years ago Sky News conducted an exclusive investigation speaking to retired researchers who originally raised concerns about the drug.

One of them, Dr Isobel Gal who conducted research at Queen Mary's Hospital for Children in Surrey, told Sky News how she spent a decade trying to persuade people of the link.

Documents seen by Sky News, that have been sealed in the National Archives for 30 years, show CSM officials admitted they made mistakes while rudely dismissing Ms Gal and her research.

Campaigners want the drug company to admit responsibility

They, along with other letters about the drug, were found by an alleged victim of Primodos, Nichola Walton, who suffers from stomach and spinal abnormalities.

She said: "They've covered so many things up so many times. So many victims have already passed.

"So many parents have buried their children and they've not been able to see the evidence. They've not been able to explain. I just think it is appalling."

In a statement Bayer, which took over Shering, told Sky News: "UK litigation in respect of Primodos, against Schering (which is now owned by Bayer), ended in 1982 when the claimants' legal team, with the approval of the court, decided to discontinue the litigation on the grounds that there was no realistic possibility of showing that Primodos caused the congenital abnormalities alleged."

They also said that any use of Primodos as a pregnancy test after 1970 would have been "off-label".

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Dappy Supported By Davidson At Assault Trial

Comedian Jim Davidson has attended the first day of Dappy's trial for allegedly assaulting a member of the public outside a nightclub.

The former N-Dubz singer, whose real name is Dino Costas Contostavlos, is accused of slapping George Chittock after making a celebrity appearance in the early hours of February 27.

He denies assault by beating and is standing trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

George Chittock at court

Davidson said he was attending in a show of moral support: "Dappy is a good friend of mine, we became close on Big Brother.

"I don't know what's happened in this case but I'm just here to show him my support."

Prosecutor Jaqueline Carey told the court the incident happened after Contostavlos carried out a "meet and greet" at Chicago's in Chelmsford, Essex.

In a police statement read to the court, the performer said he feared he was going to be stabbed on the night of the incident after he was "cut" four or five years earlier.

"I was scared someone was going to put a hole in me, " he said.

"I have had to deal all my life with people trying to cut me and taking cheap shots."

He added he had been attacked on three previous occasions in the 12 months leading up to the incident.

He claimed Mr Chittock had abused him three times over the course of the night, including insulting his dead father.

The pair were in a smoking area along with Contostavlos's minder and two of the club's own door staff at about 2am when he was seen to slap Mr Chittock, Ms Carey said.

The performer was arrested by police and claimed he acted in self-defence.

Ms Carey said: "When the defendant lashed out, he was not under any threat or any perceived threat of violence.

"The CCTV suggests he had no genuine and honest belief that he needed to use force to defend himself."

She said Contostavlos claimed Mr Chittock had been abusive towards him earlier in the night and repeated this in the smoking area.

Jon Harrison, defending, said early in the evening Mr Chittock told Contostavlos: "Dappy, you're a mug, I'm going to knock you out."

Mr Chittock replied: "Incorrect."

Mr Harrison asked Mr Chittock whether he had abused his client two further times over the course of the night.

He suggested that on the second occasion, Mr Chittock was ejected from a VIP area after saying to the performer: "Do you remember me, you pussy?"

Mr Chittock agreed he had been ejected from the area as the star had his photo taken with fans but said it was the result of a misunderstanding and he did not say anything abusive.

Contostavlos, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, is on unconditional bail.

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Girl, 3, Killed By Car While Riding Scooter

A three-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car while riding a toy scooter.

Rosa Simon's family have said her death has taken "much of the sparkle of life" from them.

She was on her scooter in Canterbury Gardens in the Hadleigh, Suffolk, when she was struck by a Hyundai car on Tuesday.

The driver of the car needed treatment for shock, police have said, but has not been arrested.

Rosa died in hospital on Tuesday night.

Her family said: "Rosa was a much beloved and loving daughter and sister.

"Small in size, but a giant in character, kindness and with a sheer joy at being alive.

"It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people.

"We are devastated by losing her. Her death has robbed us of much of the sparkle of life.

"We now ask that, as a grieving family, we are given time to be with our dear family and friends."

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Kate Explores Family's Codebreaking Past

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Duchess of Cambridge has seen where her grandmother worked as part of the Second World War codebreaking teams on a visit to Bletchley Park.

Kate's paternal grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, worked as a civilian duty officer of the Government Code and Cypher School, famed for its role in breaking German Enigma codes.

The work of Second World War codebreakers is thought to have shortened the war by two years.

During the visit to Bletchley Park, the Duchess visited Hut 16, now restored as Hut 6, where documents dating back to October 1944 show her grandmother likely worked as a "Duty Officer".

Valerie Glassborow, seen centre right. (Pic: Ross Parry Syndication)

Kate also met her grandmother's former colleague and veteran, Lady Marion Body, who recalled working with Valerie Glassborow and her twin sister Mary the day they heard the war in Europe had ended.

Kate's flying-ace grandfather, Peter Middleton, also played a crucial role in Britain's war effort as part of a group of elite RAF "top guns" battling Hitler's Luftwaffe.

Kate chats to Lady Marion Body, who worked with her grandmother

Deployed in a de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber, he was among those who nudged the wings of unmanned German V1 flying bombs, diverting them away from London.

Peter Middleton married Valerie Glassborow just after the war ended in 1946 and had four children, including Michael, Kate's father.

Valerie Glassborow passed away in 2006, aged 82, but Kate's grandfather lived to 91.

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Toddler Survives Crash That Killed Relatives

A toddler is fighting for her life in hospital after she was the only survivor of a car crash that killed her mother and three other members of her family.

Eighteen-month-old Holly Hind was rescued by firefighters from the back of a wrecked vehicle that was in a smash with a tanker and a van.

Holly's mother Alison Hind, 28, her uncle Martyn Pugh, 47, and his parents-in-law Margaret, 65, and John Kehoe, 72, all died in the crash.

It happened at a notorious accident blackspot on the A44 at Llangurig near Aberystwyth, West Wales, as the family returned from a trip to the seaside.

Holly, who was pulled from the crumpled vehicle in a car seat, was flown by air ambulance to University Hospital of Wales Cardiff where she is in a serious condition but expected to survive.

Her father, Steve Hughes, 36, who was not involved in the crash, has been at her hospital bedside as she receives specialist care.

Holly's great-grandfather Emrys Davies, 80, said: "It is such a tragedy. The police came last night for Steve and he is down in Cardiff now with Holly in hospital. We are all just hoping she will be okay."

The family all lived in the village of Llanidloes in West Wales - where people told of their shock at the tragedy.

Friend Margaret Pugh said: "This is just terrrible - they were a very close and caring family. The one comfort we can take is that the little girl survived. We are all praying she will be fine."

Alison Hind and Steve Hughes have another son Ethan, six, who was in school at the time of the tragedy.

The crash happened at Llangurig in West Wales

Martyn Pugh lived with his partner Lynn Kehoe, 39, in the village of Llanidloes. He was a full-time carer for disabled Mr Kehoe who lived in a neighbouring street with wife Margaret.

He had taken the couple along with niece Alison - known as Ali - for the trip to the seaside town of Aberystwyth with baby Hollie because of the warm weather.

Llanidloes councillor Gareth Morgan said: "It is a dreadful shock - four in the car were killed but the little girl miraculously escaped.

"I often see Martyn with the little girl in the town walking their chocolate Labrador. She is a lovely child.

"They are nice people. Martyn was Mr Kehoe's carer because he hadn't been in good health for some years. He lived with their daughter Lynn who wasn't in the car at the time of the tragic accident.

"I imagine Martyn had taken his girlfriend's family out for a day trip when this terrible accident happened. They had been to Aberystwyth 29 miles away and were returning home when the accident happened.

"It was at a real accident blackspot, one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Wales. Fatal accidents have happened there far too frequently.

"But everyone here in Llanidloes uses the road regularly to get to Aberystwyth and the coast.

The tanker driver was taken from the scene by police, who are investigating the cause of the crash. 

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MP Issues Public Apology For 'Degrading' Woman

Portsmouth MP Mike Hancock has issued an apology to a vulnerable woman for an "inappropriate" relationship that "degraded" her.

In the page-long public apology, Mr Hancock admits carrying out an "unprofessional relationship" with the woman and that he lied when she launched a legal action against him, accusing her of trying to make money out of the case.

The statement comes after the woman settled her claim for sexual assault against the former Liberal Democrat, who is currently being treated for depression in the Priory Hospital in Southampton.

In it he said: "In October 2009 you first came to me as a constituent to seek my assistance as your MP and councillor. Subsequently and over several months I came to your home on several occasions, sometimes unannounced, and conducted a friendship with you that was inappropriate and unprofessional.

"I understand that you felt degraded. I did not treat you with sufficient respect. I made you feel deeply uncomfortable and discriminated against, and I crossed the line."

Mr Hancock resigned the Liberal Democrat party whip in 2013 in order to concentrate on the legal battle but he has remained as an Independent MP for Portsmouth South.

He lost his seat as a Portsmouth councillor in last month's local election after 43 years.

The woman constituent was suing Mr Hancock, accusing him of sexual assault after she contacted him for help in a neighbour dispute.

Mr Hancock had vigorously denied the claims. He was arrested by police over the allegations in 2010 but no action was taken as the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution.

In his statement he said: "I also recognise that hurtful and untrue statements were made publicly about your motivation in bringing the claim. These statements sought to discredit and undermine you.

"This never should have happened. I accept that you did not bring the claim for financial gain and any statements made to the contrary were wrong."

The MP said he had learnt from his mistakes and would not repeat them.

The Liberal Democrats have said he will be expelled from the party soon, however, Sky's Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones pointed out there were questions to answer for the party because the matter had been so protracted.

The solicitor for the woman said that Mr Hancock was no longer fit to be an MP and there were growing calls for him to step down.

However, as an independent MP, there is nothing that can be done to remove Mr Hancock from his role and no party to put pressure on him to go.

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Fatal Attack Victim Was Wearing Muslim Dress

A woman has died after being attacked in Colchester - and police say her full Muslim dress and veil may have been a factor.

The woman, who has not yet been identified, was walking on the town's Salary Brook Trail at 10.40am on Tuesday when she was violently beaten and attacked with a knife or other bladed weapon.

Paramedics tried to save her but she died at the scene from injuries to her head and body.

Essex Police have said the woman, who was in her 30s, was wearing a dark navy blue full length robe (known as an Abaya) and a patterned multi-coloured Hijab headscarf.

Detective Superintendent Tracy Hawkings said officers were keeping an open mind about the motive of the attack.

But she added: "We are conscious that the dress of the victim will have identified her as likely being a Muslim and this is one of the main lines of the investigation, but again there is no firm evidence at this time that she was targeted because of her religion."

The murder took place in Colchester

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who used the trail between 8.30am and 11am on the day of the killing.

They have also asked residents to check their gardens and rubbish bins for any discarded weapons or blood stained clothing.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers have said they are not ruling out a link between this murder and that of James Attfield, a vulnerable man with brain damage who died after being stabbed more than 100 times at a park in the town in March.

Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area.

Anyone with any information should contact the major investigation team on 01245 282103, Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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RAF Fighter Jets Sent To Head Off Russia Planes

RAF Typhoons were scrambled yesterday to intercept "multiple Russian aircraft" over Baltic airspace, it has been revealed.

A Russian SU-25 Flanker (top) with a RAF Typhoon fighter

The fighter jets from 3 (Fighter) Squadron were launched after four separate groups of aircraft were detected by air defences in international airspace near the region.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said the operation was part of Nato's ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace.

Two Russian SU-25 Flankers with a RAF Typhoon fighter (distant) A Russian SU-25 Flanker

"Once airborne, the British jets identified the aircraft as a Russian Tupolev Tu22 'Backfire' bomber, four Sukhoi Su27 'Flanker' fighters, one Beriev A50 'Mainstay' early warning aircraft and an Antonov An26 'Curl' transport aircraft who appeared to be carrying out a variety of routine training," the statement said.

"The Russian aircraft were monitored by the RAF Typhoons and escorted on their way."

Russian Beriev A50 Mainstay early warning aircraft during the mission A Russian Tu22 Backfire bomber during the operation

It added that the Typhoon pilots involved in the operation were Flight Lieutenant Mark Long of 29 (Reserve) Squadron and a French Air Force exchange pilot Commandant Marc-antoine Gerrard, who is currently attached to 1(Fighter) Squadron.

Flt Lt Long said: "The Typhoon is a superb aircraft that makes intercepting other aircraft exceptionally easy, today's interception of the Russian Flankers is all in day's work for an RAF fighter pilot."

An Antonov An26 'Curl' transport aircraft during the intercept

Typhoon Detachment Commander Wing Commander Ian Townsend said: "We regularly intercept Russian and civilian aircraft ... so this type of mission is core business for us and exactly what we were sent to the Baltic region by Nato to do.

"It was a thoroughly successful operation with both my groundcrew and aircrew performing to the exacting professional high standards I have come to expect."

The RAF also released a number of images from the operation.

The Russian Beriev A50 'Mainstay' early warning aircraft A Russian SU-25 Flanker

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