Murdered Artist's Family Join Police Appeal

The family of an artist who was found murdered while house sitting in the West Sussex village of Bosham have made an emotional appeal for help in finding her killer.

Valerie Graves' son, Tim Wood, sitting alongside his sister Jemima Harrison at a news conference, said: "This is devastating for the family and has come as a complete shock.

"We would appeal to anyone who has any information about this, no matter how trivial, to contact police to help as catch whoever has done this horrible act."

Ms Graves, 55, who had been looking after the detached home with three members of her family while the owners were abroad over Christmas, was found with significant head and facial injuries on Monday.

Police are carrying out a fingertip search around the murder scene

Det Supt Nick May said police would be "very interested" to hear about anyone who may have come home in different clothes or blood-stained clothes.

"Or was anyone asked to wash clothing or asked to dispose of clothing in unusual circumstances late on Sunday, December 29, or up until Monday, December 30?," he went on.

Police are investigating a possible break-in, he said. Officers are looking at whether the attack could have involved someone in her life now or someone she knew in the past.

Det Supt May repeated an earlier appeal for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area from late afternoon on Sunday, December 29 to around 9am on Monday, December 30.

He said Ms Graves went to bed about 10pm on Sunday and was found at about 10am the following morning, in a bedroom at the rear of the house.

Police patrols have been boosted in the area.

The house where Ms Graves was found dead on Monday

Mr Wood said his mother, who had moved back to Sussex from Scotland to look after her mother, had spent a happy Christmas with her family including two young grandchildren.

Ms Graves' family said earlier: "Val was a much-loved daughter, sister, mum and nan, who will be sorely missed by the whole family.

"Val was a free spirit who enjoyed her life and was a talented artist, about to embark on a new path involving ceramics.

"She was an eternal student who was always hungry for a new challenge."

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China Drugs Raid Nets Huge Crystal Meth Haul

Helicopters, speedboats and armed police descended on a Chinese village in a massive drugs raid which seized three tonnes of crystal meth.

Security forces and thousands of police officers surrounded the village of Boshe in the south of the country on Sunday, a location notorious for producing drugs.

A total of 182 suspects alleged to be working for 18 drug rings were arrested, according to a statement from police in Guangdong province carried by Xinhua news agency.

Officials believe more than a fifth of households in the village are involved in trafficking or production, running a "clan-based, industrialised operation with local protection".

The statement said: "The offenders have for a long time been brazenly committing crimes, avoiding investigations and even ganging up to violently oppose law enforcement."

Villagers have put up resistance to raids before, using grenades and AK-47s

The raid was part of Operation Thunder, a crackdown in the province that was launched last summer. So far 11,000 suspects have been detained and eight tonnes of drugs seized.

The coastal city of Lufeng, close to Boshe, is the source of a third of China's crystal meth supply.

Villagers have put up fierce resistance to the authorities' attempts to curtail drug production in the past.

Homemade grenades and AK-47s have been used against officers, and villagers have put nail boards on roads and hurled rocks in an attempt to stop them getting in.

According to local newspaper The Yangcheng Evening News the first person to be captured in the raid was the village's party secretary, who was allegedly protecting the operation from the authorities. Others detained included the local police chief and police officers.

Crystal meth is the second most popular drug in China after heroin, according to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

It is estimated that sales of the two drugs in the country and South East Asia totalled more than $30bn (£18bn) in 2012. 

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North Korea Ski Resort May Breach UN Sanctions

By Mark Stone, Asia Correspondent in Beijing

A new ski resort in North Korea has been supplied with equipment which may breach United Nations sanctions against the country.

Photographs of the new resort, the country's first, at Masik show newly manufactured North American and European ski equipment.

One photograph shows three modern snow ploughs. Two of them are manufactured by the Italian firm Prinoth.

Another photo shows some skiers riding on a Ski-Doo snowmobile, which is made by the Canadian firm Bombardier.

A third photograph shows state-of-the-art snow cannons, which are used to artificially create snow.

The cannons, which can be seen dotted all the way up the mountain, are made by Areco of Sweden. They cost upwards of £14,000 each.

North Korea is subject to United Nations sanctions which ban the import of a wide range of products.

The three snow ploughs, two of them made by the Italian firm Prinoth

The latest resolution, adopted in March 2013, reaffirmed earlier resolutions.

Each one bans member states from exporting weapons and associated goods, equipment which could aid the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and "luxury goods" to North Korea.

However, the UN fails to itemise the specific items which would fall within its "luxury goods" bracket, thus providing North Korea and its suppliers with potential loopholes.

The European Union has issued its own list of "luxury goods" banned from export to North Korea. It states clearly that European companies are banned from exporting "articles and equipment for skiing, golf, diving and water sports" to North Korea.

It is almost certain that the equipment came through China. The two countries share a border across which almost all of North Korea's goods flow.

North Koreans ride a snowmobile at the resort, built by conscripts

China has its own ski resorts and it is possible that the European and North American firms thought their products were destined for China.

Speaking to NK News, a website which focuses on North Korea, the CEO of Areco Johan Erling said he had "no idea" how at least seven Areco snow cannons had turned up in North Korea.

Mr Erling told NK News that his company sells about 40 snow ploughs to its Chinese reseller every year.

Last week, the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was photographed at the opening of the new resort, the building of which is believed to have been his personal ambition. Mr Kim was educated in Switzerland, though it is not clear whether he can actually ski.

He was pictured taking a ride, without skis, on one of the resort's chair-lifts which appeared not to be new. The two-seater lift looked conspicuously dated.

Mr Kim was not seen skiing at the resort

Last year, it emerged that North Korea had tried to purchase ski-lifts from Switzerland but was blocked from doing so by the Swiss government.

A Swiss journalist who was permitted to visit the resort when it was being built claimed that the failure to secure Swiss ski-lifts prompted the North Korean authorities to relocate an old chair-lift from elsewhere in the country.

It was only long enough to stretch half way up the mountain.

The resort was built largely by hand and by conscripted soldiers to a tight deadline set by Mr Kim.

North Korea is one of the world's poorest countries. Its people remain largely cut off from the outside world.

United Nations sanctions were first imposed on the country following nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009. The latest resolution, adopted in 2013, followed the test-launch of a long range Unha-3 rocket from the country's west coast.

Sky News has contacted both Bombardier Recreational Products and Prinoth. Neither has yet responded to our emails.

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Robert Cerqua Charged With Murder Of Twin

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his identical twin brother in a fight on New Year's Eve.

Robert Cerqua, 31, is accused of inflicting serious injuries on his brother Christopher at the home they shared in Hythe, Hampshire, on Tuesday.

Police were called to the address in Langdown Road, Hythe, at 9pm.

Christopher Cerqua was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he died later.

Robert Cerqua was remanded in custody when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Trevor Vidler, chairman of the magistrates' panel, asked him if he understood the charge, to which he replied "Yes".

Mr Vidler told him: "You are being sent for trial to the Crown Court and that first hearing will be on Monday.

"You will attend for that preliminary hearing and remain in custody until that date and time. Go with the officers, please."

He is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Monday.

The murder inquiry is being led by detectives from the Hampshire Major Investigation Team.

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Wolf Of Wall Street 'Sets F-Bomb Record'

Martin Scorsese's latest film The Wolf Of Wall Street has been branded the most foul-mouthed film of all time.

The movie, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio as amoral stockbroker Jordan Belfort, tops a list of films that feature most uses of the F-word.

The Golden Globe-nominated film has 506 uses of the expletive in 179 minutes, according to Wikipedia's list, which uses several websites that monitor swearing in films.

It knocked Spike Lee's 1999 film Summer Of Sam off the top of the chart for non-documentary films.

The film joins Scorsese's earlier gangster films Casino and Goodfellas in the swearing top 10.

Last month the director warned fans about the language in his latest project during a Q&A at the Marrakech film festival.

Martin Scorsese warned that the film featured a lot of swearing

He said: "The language is very tough in that film, but not as bad as Wolf Of Wall Street, my new film.

"Much worse, much worse. I mean, they're making money."

The Wolf Of Wall Street has been slammed by some critics for glamorising the worst of Wall Street with its depictions of orgies, drug-taking and lavish spending.

Viewers have been divided on whether Scorsese is satirising or celebrating the main character's outrageous behaviour.

At a screening before the film's release, a female Oscar voter yelled "Shame!" at the 71-year-old, who has been nominated for the Best Director Academy Award seven times.

The real Jordan Belfort defrauded clients of $100m (£61m) but escaped with a 22-month jail sentence after agreeing to testify against his co-conspirators.

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Therapist Faces Autistic Boy Abuse Charges

A therapist is facing child abuse charges after he was caught on camera allegedly assaulting a three-year-old autistic boy.

Footage secretly filmed by Caeden Lowe's parents at their home in Wisconsin allegedly shows Stephen Jacobs, 27, elbowing the boy in the head, hitting him with pillows and headbutting him.

Mr Jacobs, a therapist with Autism Intervention of Milwaukee, faces felony charges of abusing a child during a therapy session.

According to the criminal complaint, he was one of several therapists providing treatment to Caeden, who suffers from severe autism and cannot communicate with his parents.

The boy's mother Stephanie said she and her husband decided to install a webcam to record his home visits when they felt his condition was not improving.

Caeden Lowe's autism has left him unable to communicate with his parents

She said she suspected something was wrong, but was shocked by what the footage revealed.

She said: "If we hadn't put a video camera downstairs we would've never known.

"It's about my son. He deserves the therapy he was promised. And he deserves more than they gave him.

"And this could be happening anywhere." 

Mrs Lowe said she had taken calls from other parents whose autistic children had sessions with Mr Jacobs.

Stephanie Lowe with her three-year-old son Caeden

Police have said the investigation remains open and that they have not had any official new cases related to Caeden.

Autism Intervention Milwaukee said it is making inquiries with its other therapists.

Mr Jacobs told investigators he was studying for a college exam on his computer and does not recall assaulting the boy.

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Weather: Flood Warnings As Tidal Surges Hit

Hundreds of homes have been flooded after rivers from the South West to Scotland burst their banks as the British Isles were hit by another violent storm from the Atlantic.

Nine severe flood warnings, which indicate a risk to life, are in place for England and Wales as heavy rain and strong winds, combined with exceptionally high tides, struck western parts.

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Where some of the high tides are on Friday night

Among the areas affected are the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Gloucestershire, and Wales.

Severe flood warning areas in Dorset Severe flood warning areas in Gloucestershire Severe flood warning areas in Wales

Emergency services are searching for an 18-year-old man who went missing while taking photographs around the River Yealm estuary at Newton Ferrers, Devon.

Harry Martin went missing in the storms

Harry Martin was last seen around noon on Thursday, walking in the direction of the coastal path near his home in Membland.

In North Wales, five people were rescued by lifeboat from a flood-hit caravan park in Gwynedd. And four people were rescued from a farm in Llanbedr, near Barmouth.

It came just hours after homes in Newport, South Wales, were evacuated because of the risk of flooding.

The three severe warnings for the South West are near Bournemouth in Dorset.

There are three in Wales, including the tidal area at Borth and the Usk estuary. And three in Gloucestershire along the River Severn and its estuary.

More than 300 flood warnings and alerts are also in place, affecting almost every region of England and Wales.

There were high tides later on the northwest coastline bringing further threats to communities, including Chester, where sand bags were laid.

Also inland, the risk was that rivers - already swollen from weeks of rain -  would rise further and burst their banks.

People were rescued from a flooded farm in North Wales. Pic: RNLI

And for counties such as Dorset and Gloucestershire that were affected earlier in the day by floods, the evening high tide means further potential problems.

In Christchurch, Dorset, the River Stour burst its banks. Sky's Stephen Douglas at the scene said: "A number of homes have been evacuated so people are listening to the warnings hoping it doesn't get any worse than this."

In Burrowbridge, Somerset, the River Parrett burst its banks as did the River Severn in Minsterworth, Gloucestershire.

Some roads in Gloucestershire were "impassable" due to flooding, including in Tewkesbury.

In Cornwall, there has been flooding in areas including Penzance, Newquay, Looe and Polperro and there have been road closures. In Devon, towns including Kingsbridge and Salcombe were affected.

But the situation in the two most southwesterly counties has been slightly better than anticipated, according to the RNLI.

Flooding in Lynmouth, north Devon

Spokesman Tom Mansell said: "There has been flooding in places like Looe, Kingsbridge and Salcombe but it is not as bad as we had been expecting."

He said a man in Cornwall had a "very lucky escape" when his car was swept away as he wave-watched.

This was the scene in Kingsbridge, Devon. Pic: norsphoto/Twitter

"People think they are in a strong metal box but moving water on tarmac becomes very buoyant," he said.

One man in Penzance was evacuated from his home after it was "severely affected" by floods.

In the South East, Yalding in Kent was deluged again overnight but not on the same scale as over Christmas.

The scene in the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire

The unsettled conditions in the UK are expected to remain for the next few days, forecasters say.

Sky's weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "The areas most at risk today will be the southwest of England where the second high tide today will be during this evening's rush hour.

Flooding in Salcombe, Devon. Pic: RNLI

"Tonight the winds will ease, but rain is expected across southern parts of England and Wales by the morning. This rain will spread north on Saturday. On Sunday more rain will spread across all parts of the UK and next week remains unsettled with further downpours."

There are also suggestions there may be snow across northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland on Saturday.

Floods in Newport, South Wales

Meanwhile, the Thames Flood Barrier in London has been closed due to a high flow of water over Teddington Weir combined with a spring tide.

It is has also been announced that December 2013 was the wettest month in Scotland since records began in 1910.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued more than a dozen flood warnings, but no severe flood warnings.

Belfast avoided the serious flooding that had been feared after a tidal surge came and went without breaching defences.

A train passes through the coast at Saltcoats in Scotland

But in Coleraine, in Co Londonderry, there were reports of flooding after the River Bann broke its banks.

On the east coast of the region, towns and villages such as Cushendall, Carnlough, Newcastle and Portaferry took a battering.

In the Irish Republic, forecasters have issued a "status orange" weather warning, with gusts of up to 80mph hitting Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

High tides, strong winds and rainfall have caused flooding in parts of Cork, Galway, Salthill, Waterford, Tralee, Clare and Mayo, while the River Shannon has burst its banks in Limerick.

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US Weather: Nine Dead As Snow Batters East

At least nine people have been killed by blizzards battering the eastern half of the US, leaving nearly two feet of snow.

Around 1,900 flights have been cancelled across the country as howling wind and sub-zero temperatures wreaked chaos.

Governors in New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency and urged residents to stay at home, while hundreds of schools were shut down in Boston and New York.

New York Gov Andrew Cuomo said: "This is nothing to be trifled with. People should seriously consider staying in their homes."

The deaths include those caused by difficult traffic conditions in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.

A massive pile of salt fell on a worker at a Philadelphia storage facility, killing him. And authorities say a woman with Alzheimer's disease froze to death after she wandered away from her rural New York home.

Forecasters say temperatures were plummeting to well below freezing, and wind chill readings could hit minus 10F (-23C).

Another wave of cold air already was blasting through the Midwest after moving down from Canada.

Outreach teams were searching streets in New York City and Boston for homeless people at risk of freezing to death.

Meanwhile, some major highways in New York state were shut down overnight, and some commuter trains around New York City were operating on a reduced schedule.

Amtrak planned to run trains on all of its Northeast lines on Friday but operate on a modified schedule, spokeswoman Christina Leeds said.

New Jersey Gov Chris Christie ordered nonessential state workers to stay at home on Friday, with state offices and courthouses closed.

The heavy weather began on Thursday, just a day after New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was sworn in to lead the nation's largest city and a few days before Boston Mayor Thomas Menino ends 20 years in office.

Mr De Blasio, who in 2010 criticized predecessor Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his handling of a post-Christmas storm, said 1,700 snowplows and 450 salt spreaders were hitting the streets in New York City.

"We have to get it right, no question about it," he said.

"We are focused like a laser on protecting this city."

The snowstorm worked its way east from the Midwest, where it dropped up to 17in of snow in parts of Chicago and prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights at both of the city's airports.

More follows...

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Egypt: Six Dead As Morsi Supporters Protest

At least six people have been killed in Egypt after Mohamed Morsi supporters clashed with police and opponents.

Violence broke out after thousands of people loyal to the deposed president demonstrated ahead of a new hearing in Morsi's trial, to be held on Wednesday.

Three people were killed in Cairo, said the health ministry, while three others died in Ismailiya, Fayoum and Egypt's second city, Alexandria.

More than 120 people were also arrested and 42 wounded as police used tear gas and birdshot to break up the demonstrations.

Protesters threw rocks at police during street battles in Cairo, with reports that fireworks and petrol bombs were also used.

Petrol bombs and fireworks were reportedly thrown by demonstrators

The capital's main squares, the site of violent clashes in the past, had been sealed off in advance by barbed wire and military vehicles.

Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist who came to power in democratic elections, was removed by a military coup in July 2013.

He now faces charges of inciting the killing of protesters when he was in power and is also accused over a jailbreak during the 2011 uprising that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak.

His Muslim Brotherhood movement was declared a terrorist organisation in December after Egypt's current rulers blamed it for a car bomb that killed 15 people.

It is now illegal to belong to the group or finance it.

The military says Mohamed Morsi incited the killing of protesters

The crackdown has increased tensions in a country suffering the worst internal strife of its modern history.

More than 1,000 Morsi supporters are estimated to have been killed in fighting since he was overthrown and thousands have been jailed.

Around 350 police and security officials have also died in attacks.

Tensions are also high ahead of a referendum on a new constitution later this month which would give the military more power and ban political parties based around religion.

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Schumacher Family 'Overwhelmed' By Fans' Vigil

Michael Schumacher's family has been "utterly overwhelmed" and "moved to tears" by fans' silent vigil to mark the Formula One legend's 45th birthday.

On the stricken driver's official website the family said: "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears.

"We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heartwarming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world."

Fans show their support outside the hospital treating the injured driver

The seven-times F1 world champion has been in Grenoble University Hospital since suffering critical head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps on Sunday.

His father Rolf and brother Ralf arrived separately to visit him on Friday. His wife Corinna and children Gina-Maria, 16, and 14-year-old Mick are also at his bedside.

The Ferrari team, for which he spent many years racing, bussed in scores of fans from Italy and France to the hospital.

Rolf (left) and Ralf Schumacher arrive at the hospital

It put a message on its website, saying "Forza Michael," or "Go Michael" in Italian.

"He is tackling the most important fight of his life and therefore we want to send him very special wishes," said Schumacher's old team, as similar messages poured in from around the world.

German former tennis ace Boris Becker wished his compatriot "Happy Birthday" on Twitter, adding "Fight Schumi" in a German hashtag.

Schumacher slammed his head against a rock on Sunday while skiing near Meribel and has had two operations to remove bleeding and pressure on his brain.

He is being kept in an induced coma and in the latest health update given by his manager on Wednesday, his condition was described as stable but still critical.

New statements will be issued when there is a change in his condition.

Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made this message

In an earlier statement the family thank fans and said: "We all know he is a fighter and will not give up."

Fans left a poster outside the Grenoble hospital saying: "Schumi, all our thoughts for you and your family."

Accountant Stefano Pini, 47, who arrived from Milan to pay tribute, said: "Schumi has given us a lot in the past.

"The least we could do is to come here and support him and his family on his birthday."

The German was injured while skiing off piste in Meribel, France

French fan Gabriel Klose, who turned up with his 12-year-old son, said: "He is one of my greatest idols. We want him to fight and to return to us."

However, the Ferrari tribute has created controversy with some accusing the Italian racing giant - which asked fans to sport its trademark colour red and its insignia - of exceeding the limits of good taste.

The carmaker, which has 130 clubs in Europe, provided about 20 coaches across Italy to bus in fans for the vigil.

But Roberto Luongo, president of the Roma-Colesseo Ferrari club, said he did not want to be associated with an event linked to "a man who is suffering".

"It's very delicate and if I was among those who are close to Michael, such an initiative would not have pleased me," he said.

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Kim Jong-Un: Uncle's Killing Removed 'Filth'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has hailed the elimination of "factional filth" after the execution of his uncle last month.

In his New Year message, broadcast on state television, Mr Kim said: "Our party took resolute action to remove ... scum elements within the party last year."

He accused General Jang Song-Thaek, who was once considered the second most powerful individual in the North, of trying to build his own power base within the ruling party.

Jang (L) was seen as North Korea's second-most powerful man

"Our party's timely, accurate decision to purge the anti-party, anti-revolutionary elements helped greatly cement solidarity within our party," Mr Kim said.

General Jang's death was announced by state news agency KCNA on December 13.

Branding him a "traitor" it said General Jang had been executed after a special military trial for committing such a "hideous crime as attempting to overthrow the state by all sorts of intrigues and despicable methods with a wild ambition to grab the supreme power of our party and state".

South Korean media said they believed he was killed by machine gun, a relatively common form of execution in the North.

Kim Jong-Un was pictured at a newly-built ski resort this week

General Jang, who was seen as vital in helping Mr Kim secure power after the death of his father, had earlier been removed from regime posts because of allegations of corruption, drug use, gambling, womanising, and generally leading a "dissolute and depraved life".

He was shown being dragged from his seat at a meeting and arrested on state TV shortly before his execution was announced.

Mr Kim also used his New Year message to warn that another war on the peninsula would prompt a "massive nuclear disaster" and the US would not be safe.

"We are faced with a dangerous situation in which a small, accidental military clash can lead to an all-out war," he said.

Jang was shown on state television being arrested

South Korea worries instability in the North Korean regime could lead to attacks on the South. The two countries are still technically at war after the Korean War ended in a 1953 armistice.

Last week, Pyongyang sent Seoul a fax warning of a "merciless" strike after effigies of the North Korean leader and his father were set on fire by crowds in the South.

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Stag Attack: Academic Kate Stone 'Critical'

A woman who was seriously injured when she was gored by a stag remains in a critical condition in hospital, according to a colleague.

Dr Kate Stone, 44, was injured by the animal near Fort William in the Highlands in the early hours of Monday, December 30.

She was treated by paramedics before being taken to Fort William's Belford hospital, and later transferred by air to the Southern General in Glasgow.

A statement released by a colleague at Dr Stone's print firm Novalia confirms she is in a critical but stable condition, and "doctors expect to operate in the next few days to repair damage to her trachea".

It continued: "Her sister and friends are with her and have received messages of support from her many friends around the world.

Dr Stone had been to a ceilidh on the night she was injured

"Our love and support goes to Kate and we wish her all the best for the speediest possible recovery."

Dr Stone was standing with a group of friends outside a private residence in Lochailort when the incident happened.

She had been on a short break in the Highlands, staying at the Mo-Dhachaidh B&B in Lochailort.

The Press and Journal newspaper reported that the animal appeared to single out Dr Stone, who at 6ft was the tallest of the group.

Her friends had initially thought she had just been knocked over in the attack.

Dr Stone studied at Cambridge for a PhD in physics and microelectronics and is now a research engineer at the university's institute of manufacturing.

Gary Burton, who owns the B&B where Dr Stone was staying, said: "I think what happened was that the stag panicked. It was trapped in a fenced garden having got through a gate.

"I don't think there was anywhere else to go and it charged out of the gate.

"This is a one-in-a-million event which has shocked the whole community. We are at one with nature in Lochailort, and we have deer all around us.

"We are all hoping and praying that Kate pulls through."

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AgustaWestland Deal Cancelled By India

India says it has pulled the plug on a £466m order to buy 12 British-made helicopters following allegations that bribes were paid to secure the deal.

The contract, agreed in 2010, has been cancelled with Yeovil-based AgustaWestland "with immediate effect... on grounds of breach of the pre-contract integrity pact", according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry.

India had already put the deal for the AW101 helicopters on ice, amid accusations that middlemen were paid to swing the sale.

The corruption claims threatened to overshadow David Cameron's trade visit to the country last February, when the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised his "very serious concerns" about the case.

Giuseppe Orsi, the former chief executive of Finmeccanica, is on trial

India's Defence Minister AK Anthony said at the time he did not believe AgustaWestland's denial of paying bribes.

And India's Central Bureau of Investigation said it had evidence which allegedly showed alterations were made in the helicopter specifications to favour the company.

The helicopter manufacturer denies any wrongdoing.

Giuseppe Orsi, the former boss of AgustaWestland's parent company, Finmeccanica, is on trial in Italy on fraud and corruption charges over his alleged role in securing the contract.

Bruno Spagnolini, the former chief executive of AgustaWestland, is also on trial.

The former Indian air force chief SP Tyagi, and three of his relatives are among those facing charges in India.

India has named a judge to arbitrate over the cancelled deal, which AgustaWestland is understood to be challenging.

Finmeccanica has said it will defend its position.

A spokesman for UK Trade & Investment said: "We are awaiting formal confirmation from the Indian Government."

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised his concerns with David Cameron

United Technologies Corp's Sikorsky Aircraft, EADS' Eurocopter and Lockheed Martin may now be in line to provide helicopters for India's defence forces.

The country has become the world's biggest arms and defence equipment buyer in recent years, and is expected to spend £48bn over the next decade to upgrade its military.

However, arms deals in India have often become mired in controversy, with allegations that companies have paid millions of dollars in kickbacks to Indian officials.

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Boston Drawbridge Accident Leaves Mother Dead

A woman has been crushed to death between sections of a drawbridge over the Chelsea River in Boston.

Aura Garcia, a 46-year-old mother-of-two, was crossing the bridge on the way to a medical appointment when the operator, unaware she was there, began raising it for a boat to pass.

She grabbed hold of one of the sides of the bridge and the operator immediately lowered it when he heard her scream, but she became trapped in between the plates.

Witness Waldina Garcia told the Boston Globe: "I couldn't see her, but I could hear her.

"She was screaming and screaming and screaming."

Ms Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barriers come down when it is about to be raised Pic: CBS Boston

Investigators have said her death on the Meridian Street Bridge, which connects Chelsea and East Boston, was an accident.

An official said it was not clear whether she began crossing the bridge after warning lights and alarms were activated.

Police said the distraught bridge operator was taken to hospital for evaluation.

Dot Joyce, a spokeswoman for the Mayor's office, told the Boston Globe he had been placed on unpaid leave until the investigation was complete.

She added that this was standard procedure.

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Cornwall: New Year Paddler Swept Away By Sea

A major search is under way for a person who was swept out to sea after going for a New Year's Eve paddle with friends.

They were in the sea at Loe Bar, near Porthleven, Cornwall when the missing person, who has not been named, was swept off their feet by a large wave.   

One of the group alerted Falmouth Coastguard, which mobilised rescue teams from Penzance, Porthleven, Mullion and Porthoustock, and RNLI lifeboats from Penlee and Lizard.

A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose also helped in the search in atrocious conditions.

Phil Mathias, Falmouth Coastguard watch manager, said: "The weather for searching has been particularly challenging and as the night has gone on, conditions have deteriorated."

The search was suspended at 4.30am, but resumed at first light with fresh search teams.  

Meanwhile, a woman has drowned after being swept out to sea off the north Devon coast.

A coastguard helicopter and lifeboat crews were sent to find the unnamed woman, who was pulled from the water at around 1pm on Tuesday.

"She was airlifted to North Devon District Hospital where attempts to revive her were sadly unsuccessful," a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said.

The woman, thought to be a holidaymaker visiting Croyde Bay, was swept out in rough waves near Braunton.

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Migrant Numbers 'Should Be Decided By People'

By David Bowden, Senior News Correspondent

Britain should hold a referendum to decide how many EU migrants should be allowed to come to the UK, a leading MP has told Sky News.

The call was made by Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, as restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians arriving to find jobs were lifted.

Speaking to Sky News from Luton Airport, which is one of a number of airports where flights from Bucharest and Sofia will land, Mr Vaz said: "This is an issue that does need to be put to the British people, so we don't get this kind of drama and people rushing around thinking hundreds of thousands of people are going to arrive at Luton on the first day.

"We do need to look at this sensibly.

"It needs to be part of negotiations for a reformed EU, because freedom of movement is very important.

"It's one of the cornerstones of the EU and we need to have a proper discussion, and that means at the end of the day the British people have to make that decision."

Many people arriving on a flight from Romania on Wednesday morning already worked in the UK, but one of those coming to the country for the first time was Victor Spiresau.

The 30-year-old who said he hoped to earn more in the UK, but was not planning on settling.

Damian Draghici says Britain is 'playing a political game'

He initially planned to wash cars, but wanted to find work in the building industry.

Mr Spiresau, who has left his wife behind in their small village, said: "I don't come to rob your country. I come to work and then go home.

"I don't want to stay here. I want to renovate my home and to make a good life in Romania because it's much easier to live in Romania because it's not expensive."

Also on the flight was Silviu Todea, who was returning to London after visiting Romania over the holidays.

He said he believed the majority of his fellow Romanians would want to work.

Mr Todea, 27, who has a job in marketing in the capital, said: "Everyone has their own opinions especially with their past experiences with other nations, but I think it won't be so bad."

Meanwhile, an adviser to the Romanian Prime Minister told Sky News that job seekers from his country will not 'invade' Britain, despite the ending of curbs.

Senator Damian Draghici, who is from a Roma family, accused those warning there would be a tide of Romanians and Bulgarians taking advantage of relaxed work restrictions of covering up failed policies at home.

He told Sky News: "I believe it's more of a political game or a way to blow things out of proportion, I don't think Romanians are going to invade England."

The outspoken politician added: "They are the voices of political extremists trying to cover up for unsatisfied public policies."

Mihai Fertig says he is not expecting a rush for seats

The UK imposed the seven-year restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria after they joined the EU in 2007, only allowing citizens a visa if they were self-employed, had a job offer, or were given a specialist role.

But from January 1, Romanians and Bulgarians are entitled to come to the UK for work and will be able to claim benefits like other EU citizens.

It has prompted fears of an influx of immigrants and David Cameron moved to counter concerns with a series of measures including banning migrants from claiming benefits for three months and making foreigners pay for NHS treatment.

Mr Draghici also had a message for Mr Cameron, wishing him a Happy New Year and issuing an invite to him. He told Sky News: "Why don't you come over?"

The Conservative leader of Westminster Council, Philippa Roe, has claimed the arrival of Bulgarians and Romanians would add to the burden on council taxpayers.

She said central London had a problem with Roma "causing a massive amount of disruption and low-level crime".

But in Bucharest's Berceni market, as stallholders prepared for the last shoppers of 2013, there was no real interest from anyone Sky News spoke to in spending 2014 working in the UK.

One man working on a fruit stall said: "My country is more beautiful, so not for the moment, but it's a nice idea."

A woman market trader said: " I make my money here, I have my relatives and my friends here, I feel at home here, I would never go."

A middle-aged man said: "Myself, I'd never consider it, I'm happy here. If somebody wants to work then then they'll find it anywhere, you don't need to go to Britain."

Mihai Fertig is the chief operating officer of the Romanian arm of the biggest coaching group in Europe.

He already runs three services a week to the UK, but he's not expecting a rush for seats to London.

He said: "No not really, we aren't enthusiastic. I think the main part of the people who want to work abroad are already there.

"We expect, because of the opening of the market, that the bookings will increase maybe 10%."

Most people in Romania do not understand what all the fuss is about in the UK, and most doubt the predictions that tens of thousands will flock to Britain seeking work.

They are more concerned with the so called "brain drain" of young qualified Romanians, especially doctors and nurses, that have already left to work in other countries since their homeland joined the EU seven years ago.

Analysts in Romania estimate there are between three and four million Romanians already working abroad, a small proportion of around 250,000 in the UK.

A University College London report in November found that immigrants had contributed £25bn to the UK economy between 2000 and 2011 - significantly more than they had claimed in handouts.

They were also, it said, 45 percent less likely to receive benefits than British people.

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Michael Schumacher: F1 Star Remains 'Stable'

Schumacher's Injuries 'Dangerous'

Updated: 12:14pm UK, Monday 30 December 2013

A leading neurosurgery specialist has described Michael Schumacher's condition as "very dangerous", warning that his injuries may take several days to "reach their peak".

Christopher Chandler, of the London Neurosurgery Partnership, said the haematoma and bruising the F1 champion suffered could cause "ferocious swelling".

"An intra-cranial haematoma is a blood clot, which causes swelling and pressure on the brain," he said. "The scenario may be that he had a blood clot in his brain that required immediate removal, which would explain the surgery.

"By bilateral lesions, I suspect they mean contusions or bruising to the brain. That bruising of the brain, which you can see on a scan, causes ferocious swelling and that is really serious.

"(Cerebral) contusions are often the most significant injury. Once you remove the clot, the swelling carries on and bruising precipitates and propagates that swelling.

"If you have a brain injury with sufficient severity to cause a coma, that indicates a very serious situation. The longer a patient is in a coma, the less likely they are to make a full recovery.

"You can't say that they won't recover, and you can't say they won't be brain- damaged, but an injury such as bilateral bruising, which means on both sides of the brain, is very serious, and can be very dangerous."

The consultant continued: "Brain swelling takes a number of days to reach its peak. The brain has a rigid unyielding box around it - the skull - which allows no room for growth, making swelling very, very dangerous.

"And once that injury occurs it's a vicious circle where a little bit of swelling causes more pressure, which causes more swelling, more pressure, and it starts to accelerate and affect vital parts of the brain.

"When that happens, you are in really deep trouble, but this man received probably the best possible care that you could imagine in the circumstances.

"He had the brain injury and within minutes a team of medics were there and they airlifted him to hospital. Within half an hour he was assessed and being flown to the neurological unit in Grenoble."

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Hartlepool Murder: Teen Held Over Boxer Death

By Gerard Tubb, North of England Correspondent

A murder inquiry has been launched after a man died at a New Year's Eve party in Hartlepool.

Mark Denton, a 31-year-old amateur boxer, was taken to hospital after suffering what the police have described as serious injuries at a house in the town.

A 17-year-old was arrested and is being questioned in connection with the incident, Cleveland Police said.

Officers were called to the house in in Hutton Avenue at 10.20pm.

Mr Denton was found at a semi-derelict property in the affluent street, a few doors away from the house lived in by Lord Mandelson when he was the local MP.

Bobby Gill, a friend of Mr Denton, told Sky News he had gone to the house with another man to attend a party.

He said: "He was a good lad, he was no angel but no one deserves this do they on New Year's Eve?"

A post-mortem examination will be carried out today to establish the cause of death.

Officers have cordoned off the address and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101.

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Newport Teenager Vanishes Outside Her Home

A major police search is under way for a young woman who vanished after taking rubbish out.

Police and the family of Nida Ul-Naseer, 18, from Newport, South Wales, are increasingly concerned for her welfare.

The teenager has not been seen since 8pm on Saturday, December 28.

Police sniffer dogs and up to 40 police officers, some on horseback, have been searching open areas in teeming rain around her home in Linton Street.

Nida's disappearance is said to be uncharacteristic

Extra officers were drafted in after they became available when bad weather caused the cancellation of the Newport County vs Oxford City football match.

The teenager, whose disappearance is said to be out of character, is also in need of medication without which she is likely to become anaemic.

Chief Inspector Daniel Taylor, leading the Gwent Police search operation, said both police and her family are increasingly concerned for her welfare.

"She has gone missing from her home address, that is particularly the reason for the concern. There is no motive for it," he said.

"As far as we understand it she went out to the bins at the premises. That was the last time she was seen."

He said that forensic teams had examined the area and extensive searches have been carried out in the neighbourhood. "There is no forensic evidence that she has been taken."

Chief Insp Taylor also appealed to anyone who may know Nida to come forward with any information they may have about her social circle.

"There must be other people out there who know Nida who are not necessarily known to the family," he said.

Police say Nida is of Asian-Pakistani appearance and has long dark hair, is slim and is five feet three inches tall. She was last known to be wearing blue jeans and a black top.

Local officers will be in the area distributing leaflets and conducting house-to-house enquiries.

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 and quote log number 448 28/12/13.

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Prague: Palestinian Ambassador Killed In Blast

The Palestinian ambassador to the Czech Republic has died from injuries sustained in an explosion, according to police.

Ambassador Jamal al Jamal was in his apartment with his family at the time of the explosion on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Palestinian Embassy said.

He was seriously injured and taken to hospital, where he later died.

A forensic officer outside the apartment building

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the blast happened when the 56-year-old diplomat opened an old safe which had been brought from the previous embassy.

In a statement, it said: "Minutes after opening the safe the explosion took place, causing serious injury to Ambassador Jamal who was taken to hospital and operated on."

Martin Cervicek, the country's top police officer, told public television there was no evidence that the explosion was an attack. The blast may have been caused by an anti-theft system on the door of the safe, AFP reported.

Prague rescue service spokeswoman Jirina Ernestova said Mr al Jamal was placed in a medically induced coma when he arrived at Prague Military Hospital with abdominal, head and chest injuries.

She said a 52-year-old woman was taken to a different hospital suffering from shock.

The ambassador's apartment is in Prague's Suchdol neighbourhood. He had moved to the residence only two days ago after taking office in October.

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