Dogs Home Fire Was 'Like A Horror Film'

A staff member at the dogs home where at least 40 animals were killed after a fire has told Sky News it was "like something out of a horror film".

Colin Ballance, the liaison officer for Manchester Dogs' Home, said the scene was "horrendous" with flames up to 20 feet in the air when he arrived on Thursday night.

Mr Ballance managed to rescue two dogs from the building complex before thick black smoke stopped him.

"You could hear them screaming but the thing was, you couldn't do anything," he said.

A woman saves a dog from the fire. Pic: @manchesterfire

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been donated by members of the public following the suspected arson at one of the country's largest kennels, in the Harpurhey area of Manchester.

Mr Ballance said: "It was unbearable, it was like something out of a horror film. Something I don't want to remember if you know what I mean, but I will never forget it."

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jones, from Greater Manchester Police, said the youth from the local area was detained within an hour of the fire being reported just after 7pm.

Residents reported hearing "dogs yelping" as the fire spread through the buildings.

There were reports of people risking their lives by running into the burning building to save animals.

Mr Ballance says he will never forget what happened

At least 43 dogs were confirmed to have died, with "numerous" other animals having to be treated for injuries, police said.

Part of the roof of the single-storey kennels collapsed and 30 firefighters battled the flames, said Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service station commander Paul Duggan.

Outrage and shock at the blaze resulted in several fundraising campaigns being launched which have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the home.

The Manchester Evening News newspaper had originally aimed to raise £5,000 but this has now soared to over £800,000.

On its Twitter page, Manchester Dogs' Home said: "Words are not enough. Thank you everyone, you have touched our hearts and surrounded us with love and we are truly grateful.

Firefighters said 150 dogs were rescued. Pic: Manchester Fire

"We are overwhelmed with the offers of help, support and money. Grateful and humbled."

Anna Stansfield, manager of the home's sister facility, Cheshire Dogs' Home, described the fire as "soul destroying".

She said all the 150 dogs rescued by the fire service would be transferred to its site in Grappenhall, Warrington.

The blaze provoked an angry response on social media, but police warned people not to "take matters into their own hands".

The home has cared for more than one million dogs since it was established in 1893. It is said to care for more than 7,000 stray and unwanted dogs each year.

Police are asking for people with donations of bedding, food or bowls to take them to Central Park Police Station between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Reverend Mike McGurk from the nearby Christ Church says they have been receiving donations of dog food and blankets throughout the night.

"People have come from York, Derby and even Stevenage to donate supplies. It's been incredible how strong the support is and how generous people have been," he told Sky News.

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Oscar Pistorius Guilty Of Reeva's Manslaughter

Pistorius: Trial Of The Century?

Updated: 1:20pm UK, Friday 12 September 2014

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent, in Pretoria

The live television coverage of the Oscar Pistorius trial has exposed a slow and sometimes bizarre criminal justice system and some shoddy policing.

It has allowed the two principal lawyers to showboat and frighten witnesses into choosing not to be seen on camera.

And it was unable to stop grim images of the victim's shattered head being flashed on screen.

But most here believe the bold decision to let cameras into a South African court for the first time was the right one.

It has allowed justice to be seen to be done, a right that's been denied to most of the population in this fledgling democracy where, for so many years, justice was colour blind.

The judge deciding the Olympic athlete's guilt or innocence is a former tea girl from the Soweto township.

When Thokozile Masipa became a judge at the age of 43 she was only the second black woman to do so.

But she has presided over a trial that's been excruciatingly embarrassing at times.

It was supposed to last three weeks, but has limped on in fits and starts for six months and a tougher judge might have clamped down on the delays.

She has also, in some observers' views, allowed the principal lawyers, prosecutor Gerrie Nel and defence barrister Barry Roux, to play to the gallery.

There has been no jury to sway, so who else can their showboating have been aimed at but the television audience?

And Nel's mocking and goading of Pistorius in his cross-examination was courtroom behaviour that would never be tolerated in the Old Bailey or any British court.

But, oddly, the judge suddenly one day reprimanded the prosecutor for calling Pistorius a liar.

The whole trial was predicated on the prosecution's belief that the defendant was lying. If Mr Nel thought Pistorius was telling the truth, there would not have been a trial.

The witness translation was sometimes laughable, with interpreters translating from Afrikaans into English which was their third language.

So poor was it that some witnesses who had chosen to speak in Afrikaans gave up and delivered the rest of their testimony in often perfect English.

Cross-examination of police witnesses revealed some shoddy detective work.

An officer who handled a gun without gloves, a door that was kept in a senior detective's office instead of contamination-free storage, and a valuable watch that appeared to have been stolen from Pistorius' house in the early hours of the investigation.

Seemingly important evidence introduced early on, but never revisited.

The court was shown photographs of blood splatter on the wall above Oscar's bed and a bullet hole in a door frame.

The images hinted at a fight, but that was the first and last we saw or heard of them.

And the defence promised we would hear sound test recordings that would demonstrate that Oscar Pistorius screams like a woman. The recordings were never played.

For all its delays, faults, inconsistencies and omissions, few people who have followed the Oscar Pistorius trial could argue that it was wrong to televise it live.

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Young Are Turned Off From Voting - Not Politics

Sky News' Stand Up Be Counted: How It Works

Updated: 8:50am UK, Monday 01 September 2014

By Afua Hirsch, Social Affairs and Education Editor

There is a group of people in this country who are invisible. They have little ability to influence politics, their voices are rarely heard in the news, and their opinions are largely ignored.

:: Click here to visit the Stand Up Be Counted site

This may sound like the predicament of a small and hard to reach minority, but it has been the reality for more than half of young people in the UK.

Many 18 to 24 year olds don't vote. At the last election, only 44% of that age group voted. That means more than half not influencing who gets into power.

It means politicians can comfortably ignore a whole demographic, confident in the knowledge that they have no influence at the ballot box.

It means disengaging from the process which governs everyone's lives.

From today, Sky News is doing something different, to create a change. We are launching Stand Up Be Counted - to help give young people a voice.

Our new site will let people in this age group upload a short clip of them talking on camera about something they are passionate about.

This could range from prejudice in the criminal justice system, to the effect of the rise in tuition fees, and calls for cycling helmets to be made mandatory.

The Stand Up site is already a showcase for creative, absorbing and sometimes entertaining debate from 16-25 year olds in their bedroom, back garden or high street, talking about the things that matter to them.

You can share it too, on mobile devices on WhatsApp and Kik, and on all devices on Twitter, Facebook and email.

The process is simple. You can register via the upload button at the top of your screen. You'll need a profile picture and a short biography up to 50 words.

After that, you're a few clicks away from being able to upload your video or content. Short videos - ideally around 60 seconds - blogs and photos are all welcome on one condition - they have to come from the heart.

And it's safe to speak openly, and powerfully.

This is a place for robust debate, with zero tolerance for abuse, so that you can make your point freely, knowing that as well as starting conversations with your peers, you also have access to Sky News' audience, and crucially, those in power who have found it all too easy to ignore the views of young people.

One click on the site takes you straight to the page where you can register to vote - an act that, were every young person to do it - would drastically transform the political and decision-making landscape in this country.

This is changing Sky News, too. The voices we are hearing are informing our coverage and changing our perspective.

It's easy to think that because they don't vote, young people are disinterested.

Venting frustration on Facebook at "corruption" (one of the words young people we asked most associate with politics) is not enough.

Now is the time to speak. And, crucially, speak where the nation is listening.

:: Stand Up website: www.skynews.com/standupbecounted

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Chancellor Cancels Trip Due to Yes Vote 'Risks'

The Chancellor has cancelled an official trip to Australia because of the potential economic risks of a Scottish Yes vote.

George Osborne and the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney are pulling out of a meeting of the G20 on September 20 and 21.

The decision comes as polls show the Yes and No camps neck and neck ahead of the crucial independence referendum on September 18.

Thee are also growing warnings from businesses over the impact of a Yes vote.

Mark Carney is to return early from Australia for the result

The Bank has confirmed that Mr Carney - who is due to chair a meeting of the financial stability board of bank regulators in Cairns on Wednesday - will now return early to be back in time for the result.

And the Treasury said that Mr Osborne will not now be going to the weekend summit so will be the UK for the outcome of the vote.

"I can confirm that he is not attending," a Treasury spokesman said.

The Bank said that Mr Carney will be represented at the G20 by the deputy governor for financial stability, Sir Jon Cunliffe.

The latest opinion poll on independence suggests the result is on a knife edge, with both side neck and neck.

With less than a week to go, a new survey for Guardian and ICM indicate support for the No campaign is on 51%, while those in favour of Yes is just 2% behind on 49%.

But 17% of those asked said they had still not made up their minds.

Another poll also suggests the Better Together campaign has narrowly edged back into the lead with a 4% gap.

A YouGov survey put No on 52% and Yes on 48%.

The results came as as several independent heavyweights expressed their concerns if Scotland was to vote to become a separate country.

Asda and John Lewis said the increased costs of operating in an independent Scotland would inevitably be passed on to the consumer, leading to higher prices.

But Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, has told Sky News that price rises are not inevitable if Scotland votes for independence.

RBS, which has been based in Scotland since 1727 and employs 11,500 people there, also confirmed it would be moving its headquarters to London if Scotland voted for independence.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), meanwhile, said a vote for independence could have a negative effect on the markets in the short-term because of "uncertainty".

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Sabrina Moss Killers Get 37-Year Minimum Jail

Three men have been jailed for a minimum of 37 years each for an attack which killed Sabrina Moss, who was shot while celebrating her 24th birthday.

The nursery teacher was caught in crossfire near a fast food restaurant in Kilburn, north London, in an attack by two hooded men armed with a machine gun and sawn-off shotgun.

She and her friend, Sabrina Gachette, were victims of a "deep-seated" drugs turf war as they sheltered from the rain with a group of 15 others near the Woody Grill, in the early hours of August 24, 2013.

The mother-of-one was shot in the heart and died in hospital from her injuries.

The victims' families clapped and cheered in court as the judge sentenced Hassan Hussain, 29, Martell Warren, 24, and Yasin James, 20.

Convicted: (L-R) Yasin James, Martell Warren and Hassan Hussain

Some of the defendants swore and shouted back.

The three men were jailed for life, with a minimum term of 37 years, for the murder of Miss Moss, and the attempted murder of Sabrina Gachette.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard how Hussain discharged the Mac 10 "spray and pray" machine gun six times and James fired both barrels of the shotgun at near point blank range, before fleeing the scene in a car driven by Warren.

Sabrina Moss had a four-year-old son

The women were not the intended targets and were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, unknowingly sheltering from the rain under an awning with members of a rival gang.

Their killers were out to get members of the South Kilburn Gang - and Miss Moss, who was dressed in a bright red dress and high heels - would have stood out from the crowd like a beacon in the night, jurors were told.

The women were sheltering under an awning near the Woody Grill Police at the scene of the shooting in north London

Miss Gachette, who was hit in the back by more than 50 gunshot pellets, survived to give evidence during the 10-week trial.

The 25-year-old, who almost a year on still has a few pellets lodged in her body, told the court: "There was no warning. I thought someone had thrown a brick at me. Then because of the explosion I thought it was a firework.

"Sabrina was in front of me and that was when I heard her say she had been shot in her heart. That is the last thing I remember hearing her say."

Sabrina Gachette survived and gave evidence at the trial

Miss Moss, who had just moved into a new flat with her partner and four-year-old son, had been celebrating at the Love and Liqor nightclub on the night of her murder.

The court heard how the trigger for the attack came when Martell Warren was rushed by members of a rival gang half an hour before the shooting.

Jurors heard he was a convicted drug dealer and a member of the Kensal Green Boys or Bloods, known as the KGB.

Hassan Hussain also had a previous conviction for grievous bodily harm and was jailed for five years for stabbing his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend.

The trial also found the three defendants guilty of the attempted murders of Mahad Ahmed and Edson Da'Silva, as well as weapons charges and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Simon Baptiste, 29, who acted as a spotter for the group, was sentenced to four years.

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Former EastEnders Actor Dies Aged 75

John Bardon, who was known by millions for his role as Jim Branning in EastEnders, has died at the age of 75.

He is understood to have died in the early hours of this morning, seven years after a stroke left him needing round-the-clock care.

Actress June Brown - who played his screen wife Dot - said: "I am so sorry that John has passed away but hope that he is now at peace after seven difficult years.

The EastEnders team said they will miss Bardon forever. Pic: @bbceastenders

"I shall miss him very much as I loved him dearly. My thoughts are with his devoted wife Enda," she added.

Bardon's characterful face made him a familiar figure on screens, with appearances in a number of sitcoms, films and TV dramas.

He had roles in drama Rumpole Of The Bailey and films such as Clockwise, East Is East and One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing.

Brown and Bardon in character as Dot and Jim

The actor made his last appearance in EastEnders three years ago and Jim Branning's disappearance from the soap was explained by him also suffering a stroke.

Speaking on behalf of the programme, an EastEnders spokeswoman said: "Everyone at EastEnders is absolutely heartbroken to learn that John has sadly passed away.

"His bravery, dignity and courage in battling against the devastating effects of his stroke were admired by all who had the privilege of working with him.

The pair won best on-screen partnership at the British Soap Awards in 2005

"Loved by us all, John was an exceptionally talented actor whose humour, mischievousness and brilliant performances made Jim Branning one of Walford's most loveable, memorable characters and we will miss John forever.

"Our love and deepest sympathies are extended to Enda, his truly wonderful wife, at this very sad time. May he now rest in peace."

The BBC tweeted that Friday night's episode will be dedicated to the actor.

Bardon first appeared in the show with a brief role in 1996 but returned three years later in a more regular role, going on to marry Dot.

He also appeared frequently on stage and picked up an Olivier Award in 1988 for best musical actor for his role in Kiss Me, Kate.

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Pistorius Family 'Never Doubted' Athlete's Story

Oscar Pistorius' uncle Arnold has said the family never doubted his version of events on the night he killed his girlfriend.

He said Reeva Steenkamp's death at the athlete's house in Pretoria, South Africa, was a "tragic event" and his family remained "deeply affected" by it.

Arnold Pistorius also said he was grateful to Judge Thokozile Masipa for finding the runner not guilty of murder and it was a "big burden off our shoulders and Oscar's".

The double amputee was convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, which is the equivalent charge of manslaughter in the UK.

Judge Masipa said Pistorius had acted negligently when he fired four shots on Valentine's Day last year into a locked toilet door, killing the 29-year-old model who was behind it.

But she also said he did not intend to kill anyone and could not have seen that the intruder he thought was hiding in his toilet was actually Ms Steenkamp.

Arnold Pistorius said: "We always knew the facts of the matter. We never had any doubt in Oscar's version of this tragic incident."

He said "there were no victors" and added: "It won't bring Reeva back but our hearts still go out to her family and friends."

Pistorius was also convicted of discharging a firearm at a Johannesburg restaurant on January 11, 2013.

But he was acquitted of firing a gun through a car sunroof while with his then-girlfriend Samantha Taylor and friend Darren Fresco on November 30, 2012, and cleared of illegally possessing ammunition.

Oscar Pistorius pictured leaving court after his bail was extended

The Paralympian and Olympian was freed on bail and will return to court in Pretoria on October 13 to be sentenced.

Nathi Mncube, for the National Prosecuting Authority, said he was "disappointed" Pistorius was convicted of only two charges.

Speaking outside the court he said: "We respect the judgment that has been delivered.

"We believed in this instance there was enough evidence to secure a conviction under premeditated murder.

"Of course we are disappointed. We are disappointed we did not secure a conviction under premeditated murder and also there was acquittal on the other two (gun) charges."

He said it was too early to decide whether prosecutors would launch an appeal.

The victim's parents June and Barry Steenkamp were in court for the judgement but the family has not yet commented on any of the verdicts.

However, her close friends Gina and Kim Myers were very disappointed, very tearful and left court shaking their heads, according to Sky's Alex Crawford in Pretoria.

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Ex-Democratic Unionist Leader Ian Paisley Dies

The former Democratic Unionist Party leader Dr Ian Paisley has died, aged 88.

His family said they are "heartbroken", while his successor as DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said he was a "towering figure".

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness also expressed his deep regret and said he had lost a friend.

A firebrand Protestant preacher turned politician, Dr Paisely led opposition to compromise with the IRA for decades later became a peacemaker when he entered government with Sinn Fein at Stormont following a landmark deal.

Dr Paisley's family said they are 'heartbroken'

He had been ill for some time, and was hospitalised in 2012 with a heart problem.

In a statement announcing his death, his wife Eileen said: "My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning.

"Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken.

"We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed."

The funeral will be private but a memorial service is planned later in the year.

Mr Robinson told Sky News: "Ian Paisley was a towering figure, not just within unionism, but Northern Ireland politics as a whole.

Dr Paisley at Westminster in 1970

"He was in many ways Mr Northern Ireland."

Mr McGuinness, Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, said: "In the brief period that we worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship, which despite our many differences lasted beyond his term in office."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Ian Paisley was one of the most forceful and instantly recognisable characters in British politics for nearly half a century.

"Of course, Ian Paisley was a controversial figure for large parts of his career.

"Yet the contribution he made in his later years to political stability in Northern Ireland was huge."

Dr Paisley with Hillary Clinton and Martin McGuinness in 2007

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said: "Ian was a man of deep convictions. The convictions never changed. But his appreciation of the possibilities of peace, gradually and with much soul searching, did. He began as the militant. He ended as the peacemaker."

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said: "Dr Paisley was by any measure a major figure in the history of these islands.

"While he was of course a divisive figure, his greatest legacy will be one of peace."

In his tribute, former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain said: "Ian Paisley was the Big Man of Northern Ireland politics.

"The historic 2007 peace settlement bringing bitter lifetime enemies to govern jointly could never have happened without him."

Dr Paisley led opposition to any accommodation with republicans for decades and his fiery rhetoric was legendary.

He opposed successive political deals including the Anglo Irish and Good Friday Agreements but agreed to power-sharing with Sinn Fein in 2007 following that party's acceptance of the new police force.

The former North Antrim MP stepped down as leader of the DUP and as first minister in 2008.

He retired from the European Parliament in 2009, Parliament in 2010 and the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011.

1. Dr Paisley was elevated to the House of Lords in 2010 taking the title Lord Bannside, to reflect the starting point of his parliamentary career in the now-defunct constituency.

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Mayor Rob Ford Withdraws From Election Race

Troubled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has withdrawn from the mayor's race, following reports this week that he had been diagnosed with a tumour in his abdomen.

Mr Ford, who gained global notoriety after admitting using crack in a "drunken stupor", checked in on Wednesday to a Toronto hospital complaining of abdominal pains.

The 45-year-old - who is currently undergoing medical tests, with biopsy results expected in a week - will stand instead for his old council seat.

Even as he dropped out of the mayoral race, his older brother, Councillor Doug Ford, picked up the "Ford Nation" banner and filed papers on Friday to run in his place.

"He is in for the fight of his life," Doug Ford, who was campaign manager for his brother, said of him on Friday in an interview with the Toronto Sun newspaper.

Rob Ford had been campaigning energetically ahead of the October 27 vote.

He acknowledged last November - after months of denial - that he had smoked crack cocaine, and said he had driven after drinking.

He also admitted using "every drug you can probably think of".

Mr Ford entered a rehabilitation facility in May, and returned to work the following month.

His father died of colon cancer in 2006.

Two other main candidates are still in the mayoral race.

John Tory, a conservative businessman, has forged a lead, while left-leaning Olivia Chow was a distant third.

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Police Investigate Two Hospital Baby Deaths

Police have launched a criminal investigation after the hospital deaths of two babies who died from suspected contaminated drips.

The production of intravenous feeds is the focus of the probe into the deaths at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

The two babies, who have not been named, died on June 1 and June 10 this year.

"Officers have also been liaising with colleagues in Cambridgeshire Constabulary about a third baby who also died in similar circumstances at the Rosie Maternity Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals," said a police statement.

"We are aware of a small number of other babies who received this feed and are working with relevant agencies to speak to those families."

The health trusts are not being investigated.

Guy's and St Thomas' released a statement saying it was one of six trusts that had been working with health watchdogs over the suspected contaminated drips.

"We are co-operating fully with the police in their investigation," said a spokesman for Cambridge's Rosie Maternity Hospital.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the family."

More follows...

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Young People Trapped In Rental 'Black Hole'

Most young people have little or no hope they will ever be able to afford a home, a new poll suggests.

Seven out of 10 non-homeowners aged between 18 and 24 rated their prospects of buying a house or flat no better than "not very confident", according to research by the Local Government Association (LGA).

Of those who are more confident about their chances of escaping the rental "black hole", many are adamant they would need help from their parents.

Yet the two-thirds (64%) who said they would need financial support from family members to climb onto the property ladder may find money is difficult to come by.

Nearly four-in-10 (36%) parents saying they do not plan, or will not be able to, give their children a helping hand.

Cllr David Sparks, chairman of the LGA, said the figures lay bare the full extent of the "housing crisis" - one of a raft of topics up for discussion on Sky's Stand Up Be Counted site, a new platform for 16-25-year-olds to have their say on the issues that matter most to them.

Sky's Consumer Affairs Correspondent Poppy Trowbridge kicked off the debate, asking young people whether they think their parents had an easier time getting on the property ladder.

She also pointed to data from estate agents Your Move and Reeds Rains, which suggests the average first-time buyer deposit is now £26,642.

"What would you give up to get that?" she asks. "Does having a home that you own matter to you? Or these days, do you have different priorities?"

Young people can have their say on the housing market or any other issue affecting them by uploading a short video or blog post to Stand Up Be Counted.

Backed by politicians and celebrities alike, the website already contains dozens of clips and articles on topics ranging from e-voting, exam results and equality to mental health, the environment and the impact of social media.

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Woman In Court Over Pennie Davis Fatal Stabbing

A woman has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of a mother-of-five in the New Forest.

Pennie Davis, 47, had been tending her two horses in a paddock near Beaulieu, Hampshire, when she was fatally stabbed on September 2.

Leanne Doyle, 24, of Beech Crescent, Hythe, appeared at Winchester Crown Court accused of assisting an offender and intending to pervert the course of justice.

She was released on bail and will reappear at the same court on October 1, police said.

On Tuesday night, detectives arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of Mrs Davis' murder. He remains in police custody.

A 22-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder and a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have both been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Mrs Davis suffered multiple stab wounds and her body was found by her husband Pete.

She worked in a supermarket and married just four months ago.

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'Solid Family' Massacred On Australian Farm

By Jonathan Samuels, Australia Correspondent

Police divers have found the body of a man at a dam in Australia after a woman and her three children were discovered shot dead at a remote farmhouse.

Farmer Geoff Hunt has been missing since the bodies of his wife Kim, 41, and his children Fletcher, 10, Mia, eight and Phoebe, six, were found at a property near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales on Tuesday.

Divers at Lockhart Dam, not far from the farmhouse, found a gun on the dead man and police said the body had injuries "not inconsistent" with wounds found on the woman and children.

Police earlier on Wednesday described the death scene of the mother and her three young children as "horrific" and like nothing they had ever encountered.

"I don't think even the most hardened professional could remain unmoved by what's out there," Wagga Wagga local area commander Superintendent Bob Noble said.

"It's certainly not something I've encountered anything similar to before, and I hope not to ever again."

Local media reported the alarm was raised when the children failed to turn up to school.

The fatal shootings happened at a property near Wagga Wagga

Emergency services were called to the farmhouse on Tuesday afternoon and found the children's bodies inside the property and their mother on the path outside.

The Hunt family were well loved by the local community, Supt Noble said.

"It's going to send quite a shock wave through those communities and throughout the whole area," he said.

"These people were well integrated into the local community through work, through social events, through sport. Three young children attended the local school.

"It is going to devastate everyone."

Lockhart Mayor Peter Yates said the 900-strong town community was in severe shock, according to the Australian Associated Press.

"It's just really, really, really traumatising," he said.

Deputy mayor Roger Schirmer said the mood was sombre.

"They were a highly regarded solid family. It will rock this town," he said.

Mrs Hunt had just returned to nursing in April after recovering from a serious car accident two years ago.

The local parish priest, Father Tony Schipp, said nobody in town had suspected anything was amiss with Mr Hunt.

"He was happy. He was making arrangements for events that were coming up, that he was going to be part of," Father Schipp said.

It is understood police have found a suicide note.

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Woman Held Over Baby Girl's 'Suspicious' Death

A woman has been arrested over the "suspicious" death of a five-month-old baby girl in south London.

Scotland Yard said the 26-year-old is being held on suspicion of neglect at a police station in the area.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) was called to reports of an unresponsive baby at a house in Glastonbury Road in Morden shortly before 7.15am on Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for the LAS said two ambulances arrived to find the baby in cardiac arrest.

She was taken to St Helier Hospital in Carshalton but later died.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said officers were called to the house by the LAS shortly after paramedics arrived.

"We know the identity of the child and next of kin have been informed," she said.

"A post-mortem will be held in due course. The incident is being treated as suspicious.

"Officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating."

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What Happens If Scotland Leaves The Union?

Supporters of both sides of the Scotland referendum debate are mounting a final push for votes before the ballot on September 18. Sky News looks at what will happen if Scotland votes Yes to exit the UK:

:: 1.  When would Scotland become independent?

The Scottish Government has set a date 18 months from now, March 24, 2016, for Scotland's independence day.

:: 2. What would happen immediately after a Yes vote?

The first step on the morning after the result comes in would involve the forming of teams from both the Yes and No camps to take part in behind-the-scenes negotiations. SNP leader Alex Salmond has already indicated his deputy Nicola Sturgeon would lead the talks for the Scottish nationalists. It is not yet known who would spearhead the Westminster team.

The Queen is said to be privately concerned about the referendum

:: 3. What amendments would there be to the constitution?

The negotiating teams would devise a new constitution for Scotland and dissolve the 1707 Act Of Union.

:: 4. What would happen to the Queen?

The Yes campaign has said Her Majesty would stay as monarch so it would not be surprising if Mr Salmond seeks an audience with the Queen in the days and weeks after the vote.

:: 5. Would Scotland take part in the May 2015 General Election?

Scottish voters would still be able to take part, but their representatives would only potentially serve a 10-month term in office.

Scottish voters would still be able to vote in next year's General Election

:: 6. What currency would Scotland use?

That is still being thrashed out and yet to be decided. The three main Westminster parties - the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats - have ruled out a currency union, although Mr Salmond insists an independent Scotland would keep the pound.

:: 7. How much of the UK national debt would be transferred to Scotland?

This is not yet known, but it is likely to be worked out on a per capita share - based on population.

:: 8. What would happen to Scotland's standing in global affairs?

Scotland would have to negotiate its own entry into the European Union and Nato, and the population would have to decide whether they want to have the euro.

Some Scottish troops service in historic English regiments

:: 9. What effect would independence have on Scotland's defence force?

The issue of defence is probably one of the most emotive - and uncertain. Scotland is likely to have its own independent defence force, in time, depending on practicalities and finances, for it has its North Sea oil and fishing industries to protect. Scottish nationalists are opposed to having the Trident nuclear deterrent and would want to see it removed from Faslane, on the west coast of Scotland, as soon as possible. However, Nato is fundamentally a nuclear alliance, and if Scotland struggles to become a member of Nato, it is likely to struggle to join the EU too, which would have a big impact on the Scottish economy. There is also the matter of service personnel - some of which will be currently serving in historic English regiments. Any division of troops north and south of the border would take years.

:: 10. What would independence mean in terms of travelling across the Scotland-England border?

An independent Scotland would control its own borders. The SNP would like to see an open border, but Home Secretary Theresa May has already warned she will not allow Scotland to be used as a back door for immigrants getting into England if Scotland adopts a looser immigration policy. So, we could see passport controls on the border between the two countries.

Scotland would introduce its own passport

:: 11. Would Scottish citizens need new passports?

A lot depends on whether Scotland joins the EU. Scottish citizens would be entitled to a Scottish passport, but a UK passport would still be valid until it expires. British citizens who were habitual residents in Scotland would be automatically considered Scottish citizens.

:: 12. What would happen to benefits and taxes?

Benefits and taxes will become the responsibility of the new Scottish government. In its white paper on Scotland's independence it says the Scottish Parliament will ensure that the personal tax allowance and tax credits increase in line with inflation.

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Elephant Kills Maine Rescue Centre Founder

The co-founder of a centre for retired circus elephants has been killed by one of the animals he devoted his life to looking after.

Vet Dr James Laurita, 56, was killed on Tuesday when an elephant stepped on him in an enclosure at Hope Elephants, in Hope, Maine.

Knox County Sheriff's office said deputies found him unresponsive on the floor of a barn at the foundation, about 87 miles from Portland.

A medical examiner's report said that he appeared to have fallen before one of the centre's two elephants caused an injury that led to his death.

Mark Belserene, of the state medical examiner's office, said the official cause of death was asphyxiation and "multiple fractures caused by compression to the chest."

"The elephant was not aggressive in any way. It was clearly an accident," he said.

Mr Laurita established Hope Elephants in 2011 having previously worked at a veterinary practice in nearby Camden.

The Hope Elephants centre in Hope, Maine. Pic: Google Street View

According to the Camden Hospital for Animals website, he had worked in a circus for several years after receiving his zoology degree in the early 1980s.

He had then gone on to study elephant behaviour in India and had since become an expert in performing animal ultrasound.

The centre's two retired elephants - Opal and Rosie - arrived in 2012.

Dr Laurita had worked with the pair decades before as an elephant handler with the travelling Carson & Barnes Circus.

A statement on the Hope Elephants website said: "Jim's passion for all animals, but especially elephants, was boundless.

"It was Jim's ability to share that passion with all around him that not only helped to make our organisation a reality, but also enriched and enhanced the lives of all who had a chance to know Jim.

"It was through education that Jim passed on his passion and the importance of wildlife conservation."

It is not known which of the elephants was responsible for Dr Laurita's death.

He leaves behind a wife and two boys.

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Millennium Falcon Sighting Shocks Photographer

A man has told Sky News he "fell off his seat" when he realised he had captured photos of the new Star Wars set while taking publicity shots of aeroplanes.

Matthew Myatt was taking stock photos for the flying school Airborne Aviation over Greenham Common near Newbury, Berkshire, on Tuesday.

The cast past and present discuss the new film

But when he got home to load the images onto his computer he was amazed to see he had captured shots of a totally different type of aircraft - the Millennium Falcon.

Mr Myatt told Sky News he had noticed something "unusual" on the ground while working but had to get his "son to pinch him" and confirm what he thought it was.

His photo shows the partially constructed aircraft alongside an X-wing fighter, crane and other parts of a set. Mr Myatt said he could also see that trees and bushes had been planted on the common.

JJ Abrams has kept details of his film close to his chest

The former airfield was famous in the 1980s for the women's peace camp that sprang up around it in protest at the stationing of nuclear weapons on the site.

Director JJ Abrams has been filming Star Wars: Episode VII at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, Ireland and Abu Dhabi.

Mr Myatt said: "I grew up with Star Wars but this is something I never thought I'd see in real life. It was a real shocker."

Ford is back on set after breaking his leg

He added that he is planning to go back to have a closer look. 

The new film will see Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill return as Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker. 

Ford had to have surgery on his left leg in June after breaking it on set.

The plot of Episode VII has been kept a secret but it takes place 30 years after the end of Return Of The Jedi.

The film is due for release in the UK in December 2015.

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Scotland Yes Vote Means Higher Roaming Charges

What Happens If Scotland Leaves The Union?

Updated: 2:00pm UK, Tuesday 09 September 2014

Supporters of both sides of the Scotland referendum debate are mounting a final push for votes before the ballot on September 18. Sky News looks at what will happen if Scotland votes Yes to exit the UK:

:: 1.  When would Scotland become independent?

The Scottish Government has set a date 18 months from now, March 24, 2016, for Scotland's independence day.

:: 2. What would happen immediately after a Yes vote?

The first step on the morning after the result comes in would involve the forming of teams from both the Yes and No camps to take part in behind-the-scenes negotiations. SNP leader Alex Salmond has already indicated his deputy Nicola Sturgeon would lead the talks for the Scottish nationalists. It is not yet known who would spearhead the Westminster team.

:: 3. What amendments would there be to the constitution?

The negotiating teams would devise a new constitution for Scotland and dissolve the 1707 Act Of Union.

:: 4. What would happen to the Queen?

The Yes campaign has said Her Majesty would stay as monarch so it would not be surprising if Mr Salmond seeks an audience with the Queen in the days and weeks after the vote.

:: 5. Would Scotland take part in the May 2015 General Election?

Scottish voters would still be able to take part, but their representatives would only potentially serve a 10-month term in office.

:: 6. What currency would Scotland use?

That is still being thrashed out and yet to be decided. The three main Westminster parties - the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats - have ruled out a currency union, although Mr Salmond insists an independent Scotland would keep the pound.

:: 7. How much of the UK national debt would be transferred to Scotland?

This is not yet known, but it is likely to be worked out on a per capita share - based on population.

:: 8. What would happen to Scotland's standing in global affairs?

Scotland would have to negotiate its own entry into the European Union and Nato, and the population would have to decide whether they want to have the euro.

:: 9. What effect would independence have on Scotland's defence force?

The issue of defence is probably one of the most emotive - and uncertain. Scotland is likely to have its own independent defence force, in time, depending on practicalities and finances, for it has its North Sea oil and fishing industries to protect. Scottish nationalists are opposed to having the Trident nuclear deterrent and would want to see it removed from Faslane, on the west coast of Scotland, as soon as possible. However, Nato is fundamentally a nuclear alliance, and if Scotland struggles to become a member of Nato, it is likely to struggle to join the EU too, which would have a big impact on the Scottish economy. There is also the matter of service personnel - some of which will be currently serving in historic English regiments. Any division of troops north and south of the border would take years.

:: 10. What would independence mean in terms of travelling across the Scotland-England border?

An independent Scotland would control its own borders. The SNP would like to see an open border, but Home Secretary Theresa May has already warned she will not allow Scotland to be used as a back door for immigrants getting into England if Scotland adopts a looser immigration policy. So, we could see passport controls on the border between the two countries.

:: 11. Would Scottish citizens need new passports?

A lot depends on whether Scotland joins the EU. Scottish citizens would be entitled to a Scottish passport, but a UK passport would still be valid until it expires. British citizens who were habitual residents in Scotland would be automatically considered Scottish citizens.

:: 12. What would happen to benefits and taxes?

Benefits and taxes will become the responsibility of the new Scottish government. In its white paper on Scotland's independence it says the Scottish Parliament will ensure that the personal tax allowance and tax credits increase in line with inflation.

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Iraqi PM Appeals For Help To Fight IS 'Cancer'

Bribes Of Cash And Guns To Tackle IS Jihadis

Updated: 5:03pm UK, Tuesday 09 September 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

Washington is on the move.

From dither to decision to deliberation and even direction, it's been a frustrating process to behold.

But it may, in the end, provide a map through the minefield of the Middle East that is at least navigable.

Past failures are no excuse for inaction.

The disaster of the invasion of Iraq, and the debacle of Afghanistan, have meant that Western public opinion is not disposed for more adventures in the Muslim world.

Politicians have taken refuge from addressing whether Islamic State is the threat they claim it is using the backward argument that there's no public support for action.

Now Barack Obama has been briefing his nation via the media, Congress, and in a landmark speech, of the need to take action to stop the IS spread.

His Secretary of State John Kerry is simultaneously en route to the Middle East with a very simple message: "The IS is a much bigger threat to you all than it is to us - so you'll be expected to do the heavy lifting here."

That doesn't just mean 'boots on the ground'.

Of course the US will be looking at a Yemen or Libyan-type operation in which local or regional forces provide troops, while allies do the bombing from a safe height.

But the campaign against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been slow and is far from over - mainly because while AQAP has lost many leaders it has not lost the political struggle.

Similarly, Mr Kerry's trip to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with his hosts, Jordan, Egypt, the Lebanon and six Gulf states, will focus on the military option and a much more complex political strategy to undermine IS in the Sunni world.

Jordan is ahead of the game on this, having organised a regional gathering of Sunni tribal leaders a few weeks back.

Key will be the role of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have been rivals for Sunni dominance.

Qatar has favoured the radical non-violence of the Muslim Brotherhood, while all other regional powers and the Gulf States see the Brotherhood as a threat to their autocracies.

This need not get in the way, though, of reaching out to Sunni tribal leaders in Syria and Iraq to persuade them their future lies not with trying to win power on the back of IS and then turning against it.

Rather that it lies in turning against IS now and quickly ending an even more drawn out conflict.

They will need bribing with money and guns - which Arab states will be expected to come up with.

There are signs that IS is already vulnerable.

Former members of Saddam Hussein's armed forces who are inside IS are already showing signs they want more power, according to intelligence sources.

Meanwhile, the IS leadership for much of Iraq has been switched to Syria, and vice versa, to offset frictions between rival groups.

And inside Syria, sources say, several IS 'emirs' have clashed with local tribal chieftains who despise all outside attempts to rule over them, but would welcome support from fellow Arab Sunni governments.

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New Poll Gives 'No' Campaign Six-Point Lead

A new poll suggests 53% of people will vote for Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom in next week's independence referendum.

The Survation poll of 1,000 decided voters - published by the Daily Record - gives the 'No' campaign a six-point lead.

It follows a Sunday Times poll three days ago that put 'Yes' in the lead for the first time. 

The latest numbers came as Westminster heavyweights David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg headed north of the border in an attempt to save the union.

The Prime Minister warned Scottish voters the referendum was not about giving the "effing Tories" a kick during an impassioned speech.

Mr Cameron put hand to heart as he spoke in Scotland

Speaking in Edinburgh, Mr Cameron said: "I care far more about my country than I do about my party. I care hugely about this extraordinary country, this United Kingdom that we've built together.

"I would be heartbroken if this family of nations that we've put together was torn apart."

In an interview with Sky News' Political Editor Faisal Islam, Mr Cameron said he was in Scotland to stress that the referendum was a "cliff edge" decision.

"Scotland is a proud nation and can remain a proud nation inside the United Kingdom. It doesn't have to leave the banking system, the currency, the pension system. It does have to do those things if it goes independent."

Mr Cameron's sentiments were echoed by the Labour leader in a speech in Glasgow.

Mr Miliband urged: "Together, not alone. From the head. From the heart. From the soul. Vote No in this referendum. Let's change Britain together."

Alex Salmond said the three leaders' visit was a boost for the Yes campaign

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said the three leaders' arrival in Scotland would boost the Yes campaign - and described their late campaigning as "high panic and desperation".

The decision by the leaders to miss Prime Minister's Questions to campaign for the Union came after polls showed there was a significant risk of a Yes vote on September 18.

Mr Salmond said: "I relish David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg coming to Scotland - collectively, they are the least trusted Westminster leaders ever, and this day-trip will galvanise the Yes vote.

"The difficulty for them is that so many people will see this effort by Ed Miliband and David Cameron as too little, too late."

The three Westminster leaders did not campaign together during their trip to Scotland.

Westminster's heavyweights travelled to Scotland on the same day

Speaking to Sky News in Selkirk, Mr Clegg said: "I'm an English MP from an English constituency and I don't have a vote in the referendum but I care passionately about the outcome because this is a momentous decision which can have consequences which last generations and I just think that the United Kingdom is a remarkably successful family of nations."

The day of heavy campaigning came as Buckingham Palace warned politicians not to drag the Queen into the referendum debate after a number of MPs called for the Monarch to intervene.

Meanwhile, the Better Together campaign received a significant boost on Wednesday when BP announced its support for the "integrity of the United Kingdom".

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