Help To Buy: Doubts Over Success Of Scheme

By Poppy Trowbridge, Business and Economics Correspondent

The second phase of the government mortgage guarantee scheme Help to Buy is due to launch next week, three months earlier than expected - but experts are sceptical the initiative will help buyers.

Lack of capacity in the housing market, and a statement from one bank saying it cannot confirm whether it will take part in the scheme, means some would-be buyers could be left empty-handed.

Exclusive research by Sky News shows interest from potential buyers has skyrocketed since the Government surprised the market.

Property website Rightmove says clicks on its Help to Buy pages numbered 14,807 on Saturday, the day before last Sunday's surprise announcement.

When David Cameron revealed, on the eve of the Conservative Party conference, that the launch date had been brought forward from January - clicks, measuring potential buyer interest, spiked to 59,571.

Now, almost a week later, they remain far above average at 23,660.

There is concern that pent-up demand cannot be met by existing market services, while Barclays has issued a statement saying it is not able to guarantee a launch date.

The policy offers homebuyers loans of up to 20% towards a property

"Whilst we cannot take a decision over participation in the new scheme before the terms are set, we are encouraged by the tone of the discussions so far," the bank said.

RBS and Natwest however, have said they are ready to take part in the scheme when it goes live and are planning to extend opening hours in many branches to deal with demand.

"From launch date customers will be able to visit any of our 2000 branches or call us to see how we can help them to get ahead on the property ladder through the scheme," said a statement.

Lloyds Banking Group will also be participating in the second stage of Help to Buy - but exact timings are currently unclear.

"We will be introducing a range of products shortly through our Halifax (and Bank of Scotland) brand, enabling customers to benefit from 95% borrowing this year," said a spokesperson.

However, some estate agents are still worried about a lack of capacity to deal with interest in the scheme.

Robert Ellice, of Clarke Hillyer, told Sky News: "At the moment we've got big delays in the whole process anyway, mortgages are still taking a long time to be offered and taking a long time to be verified on values."

Despite the concerns, the government insists that the scheme is still on track to be a success.

A Treasury statement said: "Two major lenders - Lloyds and RBS representing around 30% of total mortgage lending - have already announced that they will be launching new mortgage products because of Help to Buy.

"This is great news for those who can't get on - or move up the property ladder because of the huge cost of deposits."

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Kenya Massacre: Video Shows Gunmen In Mall

A video has emerged showing four gunmen involved in the massacre at a shopping centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

It shows the heavily-armed attackers walking through a storeroom in the mall and searching other adjacent rooms. 

It is understood that the CCTV pictures captured the gunmen mid-way through the assault - as many of the victims remained trapped inside Westgate Mall.

The footage comes as Kenya's military spokesman named four people implicated in the attack.

Two of the gunmen in one of the storerooms

Major Emmanuel Chirchir gave their names as Abu Baara al-Sudani, Omar Nabhan, Khattab al-Kene and Umayr.

Al-Sudani, from Sudan, was the leader of the group inside the mall and had been trained by al Qaeda, said Chirchir.

He is "an experienced fighter and sharpshooter", he added.

Nabhan, a Kenyan of Arab origin, was born in Mombasa and travelled to Somalia with his uncle at the age of 16, said the spokesman.

The third attacker, Al-Kene, is said to be Somali from the capital Mogadishu, and is linked to al Shabaab Islamist militants, Chirchir said.

One of the gunmen holds a weapon in the storeroom

The other names of the fourth attacker, Umayr, as well as his nationality and history were "not yet identified", he said.

Al-Kene and Umayr are known members of al Hijra, a Kenyan extremist group affiliated with al Shabaab, according to Matt Bryden, former head of the United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia.

The latest video footage of the September attack surfaced after a government official revealed that security cameras appeared to show fewer gunmen than originally thought.

Kenya's government initially said 10 to 15 attackers were involved in the assault, which left at least 67 people dead.

However, police now believe between four and six people took part in the protracted siege. 

"From what we have now that is coming out of the investigation, the number of attackers was between four to six," police chief David Kimaiyo told Kenyan television station KTN.

Some of the mall complex collapsed during the three-day siege

"None of them managed to escape from the building after the attack," he said.

Kimaiyo also confirmed that wanted British "White Widow" Samantha Lewthwaite - reported to have been one of the attackers - was not involved.

He said: "On Samantha we have also established that she was not part of the attackers in the building. There was no woman."

Al Shabaab has said it carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenya sending troops into Somalia nearly two years ago.

The group has promised more attacks inside Kenya unless those troops are withdrawn.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed to continue the military mission inside Somalia despite the mall attack.

Mr Kenyatta ordered a commission of inquiry into the attack. The Red Cross says a further 39 people are still unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, Somali al Shabaab militants have claimed foreign forces raided one of its bases in the early hours of Saturday and attacked a house.

Forces landed on the beach at Barawe -110 miles south of Mogadishu - and a gunfight ensued, a spokesman for al Shabaab's military operations, told the Reuters news agency.

Pentagon spokesman George Little declined to comment on whether US forces had taken part in the alleged raid.

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Norfolk: Hospital Worker Held Over 'Murder'

A hospital staff member has been arrested for murder after a patient died from a suspected drug overdose in Norfolk.

James May, 76, from Great Yarmouth, died at the James Paget Hospital, in Gorleston, on September 20.

An allegation of medical malpractice in connection with his death was reported to police 10 days later.

Officers arrested a member of the hospital's medical staff, a middle-aged man, on suspicion of murder on Saturday morning. He remains in police custody.

Mr May died from heart failure according to a post-mortem examination carried out at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday.

Police are waiting for the results of further toxicology tests, which they say will help their murder investigation.

The hospital called police after investigating Mr May's death

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham, leading the inquiry, said: "We are investigating an allegation that a drugs overdose was administered to a patient, leading to his death.

"We understand that this news may generate concern and it's important for us to underline that our investigation, which is still at an early stage, is based on a single report of an isolated incident and that the hospital trust is co-operating fully with the investigation. "

Mr May's family have been informed and are being supported by Police Family Liaison Officers. It is understood he was admitted to hospital the day before he died.

In a written tribute to local newspaper The Eastern Daily Press, friends of Mr May wrote: "You were one in a million and will be sadly missed. Sleep peacefully."

Mr May died at the hospital in Great Yarmouth two weeks ago

Christine Allen, chief executive of James Paget University Hospitals trust, said doctors called in police after an internal investigation into Mr May's death.

"Our thoughts are with the family of this patient at what is a very difficult time," she said. "Our priority is patient safety and we understand that this news will cause concern. At this time, we believe it is an isolated incident and relates to the alleged action of a single member of staff.

"The member of staff against whom the allegation has been made is absent from the Trust and will not return until the investigation is completed.

"Throughout this difficult period, the James Paget University Hospital will continue to provide the best possible care to our patients and we are fully co-operating with the police."

:: Police said anyone with concerns can contact Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team on 01953 424533 or 424528.

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Ireland Votes Against Abolishing Senate

Voters have rejected a proposal to abolish the Irish parliament's upper house, the Seanad.

The result deals a significant blow to Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny who had championed the proposal.

The 'No' campaign succeeded with a 42,500 majority and 51.7% of the vote.

An Irish Time poll in the days leading up to the vote had suggested people were in favour of scrapping the Senate.

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Car Chase Woman 'Had Postnatal Depression'

Authorities are investigating what led a woman with a toddler in her car to ram into a White House barrier and lead police on a high-speed chase to Capitol Hill.

The dramatic chase, which forced a brief lockdown of the Capitol and stirred panic among tourists, ended with the woman shot dead by police.

The driver was identified by law enforcement officials as Miriam Carey, of Stamford, Connecticut, it was widely reported in the US media.

The car chase forced a lockdown of the US Capitol

She was a 34-year-old dental hygienist and the mother of a young girl, the reports said.

Hours after the chase, the FBI and other agencies conducted a search of Carey's condominium building in Stamford. 

ABC said Carey suffered from postnatal depression after the birth of her daughter.

The suspect was reportedly a dental hygienist. Pic: Facebook

"She had post-partum depression after having the baby" last August, the woman's mother, Idella Carey, told ABC.

"A few months later, she got sick. She was depressed ... She was hospitalised."

The mother said Carey had "no history of violence" and she did not know why her daughter was in Washington, DC.

Other reports suggest that she had a history of mental health issues.

The chase began shortly after 2pm on Thursday when a black Toyota Infiniti attempted to smash through a barricade close to the White House.

Video footage showed officers with guns drawn attempting to get the driver out of the vehicle.

But Carey spun the car around and sped away, knocking a law enforcement official.

The car raced up Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol where Congress was in session.

Police chased and fired at the car, which came to a halt near the Capitol building, and she was shot dead.

By the end of the chase, two people were injured - a Secret Service member struck by the car outside the White House, and a Capitol Police officer whose vehicle hit a barricade during the chase.

A girl in the car was not hurt

A little girl who was in the suspect's car was not hurt. It was unclear if the child was the woman's daughter.

Officials said there appeared to be no direct link to terrorism and there was no indication that the woman was armed.

"This appears to be an isolated, singular matter," said Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine. "There is no nexus to terrorism."

Still, the high-speed chase rattled Washington two week after a gunman killed 12 people in a Navy Yard shooting.

The House and Senate, where politicians were debating how to end a government shutdown, abruptly suspended business. 

Some politicians were told to shelter in place on the floor of the House. Outside, some tourists were frightened.

Two law enforcement officials were injured

"I was just eating a hot dog over here and I heard about four or five gunshots, and then a swarm of police cars came in wailing their sirens," said Whit Dabney, a 13-year-old who was visiting Washington from Louisville, Kentucky.

People standing outside the Supreme Court across the street from Congress were hurried into the court building by authorities.

The White House was quickly locked down after the incident at Capitol Hill and the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the compound was closed to pedestrians. Secret Service said the procedures were precautionary.

Police are trying to understand the motives behind Carey's gesture.

At her condo in Stamford, dozens of neighbours were forced to wait outside, as a bomb squad stood by.

Resident Eric Bredow, a banker, said police told him the suspect in the car chase was one of his neighbours.

"I see the door to my building open and the FBI bomb squad in front of it," he said.

Erin Jackson, 31, lived next door to Carey and said she doted on her young daughter, often taking the girl outside for picnics.

"She was pleasant. She was very happy with her daughter, very proud of her daughter," she said.

"I just never would have anticipated this in a million years."

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China Couple Speak Of 'Forced Abortion'

By Mark Stone, Asia Correspondent

A couple have told Sky News how they were physically forced into an abortion by the Chinese authorities, three months before their child was due to be born.

At 4am last Friday, a group of 20 officials from the Shandong Province Family Planning Commission forced their way into the home of Zhou Guoqiang and his wife Liu Xinwen.

The officials kicked down the door of the family's home. Mr Zhou was held down while his wife was pulled from her bed and taken away.

Liu Xinwen, 33, was taken to the People's Hospital of Fangzi District in Weifang City where she was injected with an abortion-inducing drug.

Liu Xinwen says she was forcibly removed from her bed

Her baby, which she would later discover was a boy, died a day later in her womb. It took a further day for the foetus to be delivered.

Her husband was not told where she had been taken. It took him five hours to find her at the hospital. By then, the injection had been given.

Sky News met the couple six days later. Mr Zhou had invited us to the family's modest home in a rural corner of the province to hear their story.

We found his wife lying in the bed she had been taken from a week earlier. She was sobbing quietly.

"I miss him." she said.

An image of Liu Xinwen in hospital

"I didn't get to see him. I would be even more upset if I had seen him.

"Baby, I'm sorry. We were not meant to be. You rest in peace in heaven. We will pray for you. We hope your next life is better."  

Her heartbreak is the most brutal consequence of China's one-child policy.

The law is designed to keep the country's population in check. It prevents couples from having more than one child with a few exceptions in some rural provinces.

The policy is supposed to be enforced through financial penalties and not forced abortions. But in some provinces, over-zealous local officials, keen to keep within their birth quotas, break the law and terminate pregnancies by force.

"They don't have any humanity. They are not humans." Liu Xinwen said.

"They must have children and parents too. But they don't have any conscience. This is how China is."

Mr Zhou told how the officials held him down on the sofa while others took his wife away. In all, there were 16 male officials and four females.

We then sit down to look at photos he had taken in the hospital room. They are almost indescribably graphic.

One photograph shows Liu Xinwen lying on the bed. Beside her, on the floor, is a bucket. Inside is her aborted child.

Several other images show the foetus. It is fully formed.

Mr Zhou broke down after discussing the abortion

"His nose, ears, mouth are all there." Mr Zhou said.

"It is a child that would have lived if not for the forced abortion. It's because of their cruelty. Look, his hand is very obvious."

Mr Zhou broke down as he recalled the moment he arrived in the hospital, just minutes after the injection had been administered.

"My wife was lying in bed. I asked her: 'Have you been injected?' She said 'yes'. I asked if the baby was still moving. She said 'not much'.

"After that, I didn't want my wife to see my crying. I went outside. I cried, but only for a while because I needed to return to comfort her. She was very sad. She cried, day and night.

"Every time I heard babies' voices from other wards, I could hardly control myself. I had to go out. I have lost my child. I am speechless, words can't describe my feelings."

A footprint on the front door of the couple's home

He claimed that his wife was forced to sign papers which said she had agreed to the abortion.

When she initially refused, he said they told her that if she did not sign the papers, they would arrest her husband and she would have nothing. We have not been able to independently verify this.

The couple already have one son. Zhou Junfeng is 10. As we talk to his parents, he runs around the house playing. He is oblivious to the grief around him.

After Zhou Junfeng was born his mother underwent a state-proscribed procedure to insert a contraceptive coil into her body.

She says that this "forced sterilisation" must have failed, allowing her to fall pregnant for a second time.

The couple had the option to tell the authorities about the pregnancy the moment they discovered it, four months after conception.

They decided not to come clean because they were concerned that an abortion may be forced on them.

Mr Zhou and his son cook together

Instead, they said they planned to tell the authorities after the birth and then offer to pay the fine. This is common in parts of China and is sometimes acceptable.

Mr Zhou offered to take us to the hospital to see the room where the abortion happened.

Inside the hospital, we saw the room which is part of a fully functioning maternity ward; it is not a backstreet abortion clinic.

We found just two members of staff. One refused to comment. The other, a young nurse, was reluctant and a little startled to find a foreign TV crew in her hospital. 

"I don't know if it's forced or not. And I don't know the reason for it," she said.

"This is a maternity ward; there are many reasons for abortions. I don't know the specific reason for this case and it's not my place to care."

Sky News has approached the Shandong Health and Family Planning Commission, the central government Family Planning Commission in Beijing and the Chinese Embassy in London for a response to this case.

At midday British time, the embassy told Sky News they were looking into the case and would provide a more detailed response later.

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Chloe Kinsella: Police Discover Body

Police searching for missing 15-year-old Chloe Kinsella, who has not been seen for six days, have found a body.

The body was recovered at Brown's Quay in the Thomondgate area of Co Limerick and has been moved to Limerick University Hospital.

Police said the body had not yet been identified, however searches for the youngster are understood to have been stood down.

Chloe Kinsella has been missing for six days

Chloe has been missing from her home in Kenyon Avenue, Kileely, Limerick for almost a week.

Specially trained bloodhounds were brought in on Friday to help with the search.

Glen Barton, from Irish Search Dogs, said: "We are using trailing bloodhounds which can trace the last steps of missing people.

"We are also using air-scenting dogs."

The Limerick Leader reported that there were emotional scenes at a community centre in the city when family, friends and volunteers who had been helping with the search effort, heard the news.

Her uncle, Matthew Franklin, told the group: "Thanks for everything you did over the past week, it was hard but we all stuck together."

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'Mummified Boy': Hutton Jailed For 15 Years

Timeline: Hamzah Khan Case

Updated: 3:42pm UK, Thursday 03 October 2013

Here is a timeline of events leading to the death of Hamzah Khan and the discovery of his mummified body:

May 28, 1996 - Amanda Hutton and partner Aftab Khan have an argument in the street. She complained to police that Khan had hit her, giving her a black eye

March 18, 2003 - Amanda Hutton tells a police officer she was suffering from domestic violence at the hands of Aftab Khan

June 2, 2003 - Amanda Hutton complained Khan had assaulted her.

September 25, 2004 - Police investigate alleged assault of Amanda Hutton by Aftab Khan

February 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton fails to attend appointment for hospital scan while pregnant with Hamzah

March 2005 – Second missed appointment

April 7, 2005 – Third missed appointment

June 17, 2005 - Hamzah born weighing 5lb 4oz

July 7, 2005 - The last time Hamzah is seen by any healthcare professional - a health visitor. Previously on the same day a midwife visits and records Hamzah putting on weight and "doing well."

October 2005 - Four attempts by health visitors to gain access. Door slammed on nurse on at least one occasion.

December 18, 2005 - Police called over claims of domestic violence

December 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton's mother dies. She claims it affects her badly

February 2006 - Failed attempt to gain access by health visitor

March 14, 2006 - GP writes to Amanda Hutton because Hamzah has not been registered with them.

July 10, 2006 - Health visitor denied access.

August 12, 2006 - The Registrar of Births contacts the health visitor after unsuccessful attempts to contact Amanda Hutton about the birth of Hamzah.

The registrar subsequently contacts the health visitor to say she has seen Amanda Hutton at home, she had a "puffed up" eye and smelt of alcohol.

August 23, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to her GP complaining of depression.

September 2006 - Health visitor contacts social services child protection unit over "significant concerns" about non engagement with all health professionals.

September 7, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to GP. Records read: "Came with eldest son. Has been drinking with partner "too much". 

Has had 2 glasses of vodka a day since mother died in January (sic). Helps to numb things says that family are not aware. Feels as if has hit rock bottom. Wants to change"

September 19, 2006 - Amanda Hutton registers Hamzah with her GP. He was never seen at the practice.

November 2006 - Letter sent (unclear by whom) to children's social care to express concerns about child neglect by Amanda Hutton

November 15, 2006 - Social worker visits, could not get in, left a note.

November 23, 2006 - Social worker returns, sees Hamzah who was "well cared-for and well dressed". Amanda Hutton tells her she's lost faith in the NHS, but would seek help for Hamzah if he was ill.

November 2006 - April 2007 - Amanda Hutton "off the radar" of official health & social care records

December 13, 2006 - Domestic violence report to police

December 30, 2006 - Police called to the house after an argument, Amanda is "obstructive and reluctant to give information to police".

April 2007 - Social worker is told by health visitor that Amanda Hutton says she is willing to engage with healthcare and family centre services.

April 2007 - Hamzah misses a GP appointment for vaccinations

May 2007 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah suspended from GP practice list with note saying: "too many failed appointments"

December 2007 - Tests on Hamza's bones and teeth after he died showed he was not eating enough food from at least this point

December 7, 2007 - 999 call made claiming domestic violence

February 26, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

April 10, 2008 - Amanda Hutton makes tearful call to domestic violence unit.

April 17, 2008 - Amanda speaks to the PC at the domestic violence unit, says she had been drinking heavily but has now stopped.

May 5, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

June 9, 2008 - Domestic violence unit police officer contacts health visitor asking her to make contact with Amanda Hutton.

June 13, 2008 - First multi-agency MARAC meeting organised by social services. Discusses concerns about Amanda Hutton and Hamzah because they are at risk of serious domestic violence

August 2008 - Second MARAC meeting. Amanda Hutton reported to have refused help from a domestic violence charity.

December 4, 2008 - Amanda Hutton dialled 999 alleging domestic violence.

December 09, 2008 - Aftab Khan arrested, tells police they should check on Hamzah.

December 22, 2008 - Injunction granted preventing contact by Aftab Khan

December 2008 - Amanda Hutton moves house, police arrange fitting of panic alarm and anti-arson letterbox

January 19, 2009 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

January 2009 - Third MARAC meeting. Concerns over GP non engagement discussed.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer sent on welfare visit, told can't see Hamzah because he's upstairs with a dirty nappy because it's half term

February 2009 - Girlfriend of Hamzah's brother Qaiser stays at house, says Hamzah was 'definitely underweight, like a baby" was eating only milk, bananas and half a pasty for tea and "whatever was lying around" and that he was often locked in a bedroom in the dark.

An 11-year-old girl who had been to the house told the police after his body was found that Hamzah was not fed much.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer visits Amanda, she didn't see Hamzah as was playing upstairs, house was clean and tidy.

March 11, 2009 - Text from Aftab Khan to Amanda Hutton: "Don't wori its not me whose going to land u in the shit ur going to do that ur self turnd in to the biggest lyer stop drinking wat [has Hamzah] had today think about wat ur doing to everi body"

March 16, 2009 - Amanda Hutton moves house for last time, tells neighbour the move is to escape from abusive relationship.

April 21, 2009 - Police called by childcare professional who reports concerns about child neglect

April 21, 2009 - PC Marie Furness visits house, speaks to Hamzah, leaves "satisfied that he was fit, well, clean, healthy-looking." She was the last police officer to see him.

June 9, 2009 - Aftab Khan admits battery against Amanda Hutton on  December 4, 2008

September 2009 - Hamzah expected in school, but not seen

October 2009 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah fully removed from the GP practice list.

October 14, 2009 - Amanda Hutton meets a domestic violence charity worker and says she wants to help other victims of child abuse.

December 15, 2009 - Hamzah dies aged four and a half. Tests later showed his bones were the same size as a child of 12 to 18 months.

August 10 - Nurse at the school Hamzah was expected to attend was asked about him by the health visitor. Nurse says he was not attending the nursery.

September 2010 - Hamzah had to start school by law. He was never seen.

March 16, 2011 - Anonymous tip-off to social services to report concerns about significant problems in the house.

September 05, 2011 - A police community support officer goes to house after neighbour complains about rubbish. She is suspicious about smell and flies, calls social services who tell her Amanda Hutton lives there with a child.

September 21, 2011 - Hamzah's body found mouldy and mummified in Amanda Hutton's bedroom. His body had no muscle and almost no flesh.

He was dressed in a baby grow for a six- to nine-month-old baby, which fitted him comfortably.

There were five other children, aged between five and 13, in the home at the time. The fridge was found to contain rotten food.

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Keanu Williams Report: Authorities Failed

A toddler beaten to death by his mother became an "invisible child" who was let down by the authorities, a report has said.

A serious case review into the case of Keanu Williams said his death in 2011 could not be predicted but that he was clearly a "child in need".

It accused professionals involved in his care of failing to meet even basic standards of good practice and said the two-year-old should have been safeguarded by various agencies and made subject to a child protection plan.

Keanu had 37 injuries at the time of his death following months of abuse, with mother Rebecca Shuttleworth sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 18 years in June.

She and her son had moved to Birmingham from Torbay - where friends had anonymously tipped off social services that Keanu was being left in wet clothes and dirty nappies for up to six hours hours and that she was leaving him with anyone so she could go out.

This information was passed on to authorities in Birmingham, the report said, but they did not seem to be aware.

Officials previously revealed details of Keanu's injuries

The report stated: "The main finding of the review overview report was that professionals in the various agencies involved ... collectively failed to prevent Keanu's death as they missed a significant number of opportunities to intervene and take action.

"They did not meet the standards of basic good practice when they should have reported their concerns, shared and analysed information and followed established procedures.

"The serious case review panel was in agreement that Keanu's death could not have been predicted.

"However, in view of the background history of Rebecca Shuttleworth ... it could have been predicted that Keanu was likely to suffer significant harm and should have been subject of a child protection plan on at least two occasions to address issues of neglect and physical harm."

The review found excuses given to health professionals by Shuttleworth after incidents of abuse - including a radiator burn to his foot - were not credible.

The 182-page report said: "Keanu experienced a number of presentations to hospital and to the GP, which were all explained by Shuttleworth as bumps and falls due to unsteadiness.

"The last hospital presentation involved a child protection medical assessment which was not undertaken in accordance with good practice standards.

"Keanu was returned to Shuttleworth's care with a burn to his foot believed to have been caused accidentally by a hot radiator.

"Based on the medical evidence, this conclusion was mistaken and therefore Shuttleworth's description on the 'accident' was not deemed credible."

Peter Hay, strategic director for children, young people and families at Birmingham City Council, said the report was a "further blight on this city's reputation because we have failed on our fundamental obligation to keep our children safe".

"For this we are unequivocally sorry," he said.

"We accept too that given our record in failing to improve children's services, our apology may ring hollow..

"The way that the safeguarding board is holding all agencies to account is one of those changes. We do not have enough great social workers doing great social work.

"Park of what makes Keanu's death all the more tragic is that we got so near to getting it right."

The report follows other highly critical serious case reviews into child deaths, including the murder and starvation of Coventry four-year-old Daniel Pelka.

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Mail On Sunday Boss Says Sorry To Miliband

The editor of The Mail On Sunday has apologised "unreservedly" to Ed Miliband after a reporter tried to question his family at a memorial service.

Geordie Greig called the move to send a journalist to the private ceremony for the Labour leader's uncle a "deplorable intrusion" and "terrible lapse of judgement".

Two Mail On Sunday journalists have been suspended and a full investigation launched by the newspaper into the blunder.

The female journalist went to the service for Professor Harry Keen at Guy's Hospital in London on Wednesday and approached his grieving daughter.

Labour sources said she shook her hand and offered her condolences before asking for a reaction to a controversial Daily Mail article about Mr Miliband's father Ralph.

Mail On Sunday editor Geordie Greig (left) and Lord Rothermere (right)

She was told "no comment" and tried a second time before giving up and leaving, according to the party. 

Mr Miliband, who spoke at the ceremony, was told about the approach by relatives later and complained to the newspaper group's chairman Lord Rothermere.

In an angry letter, he wrote: "My wider family, who are not in public life, feel understandably appalled and shocked that this can have happened ...

"Sending a reporter to my late uncle's memorial crosses a line of common decency. I believe it a symptom of the culture and practices of both the Daily Mail and the Mail On Sunday."

He demanded that the chairman launch a "swift investigation" into what he called "this latest episode" and into the wider methods of both newspapers.

And for the first time he linked the row to press regulation, saying: "I believe no purpose would be served by me complaining to the Press Complaints Commission because it is widely discredited."

Mr Greig's statement was issued shortly after Labour revealed details of the complaint.

He said: "I unreservedly apologise for a reporter intruding into a private memorial service for a relative of Ed Miliband. The reporter was sent without my knowledge; it was a decision which was wrong. 

"I would further like to apologise to members of the family and friends attending the service for this deplorable intrusion.

"I have already spoken personally to Ed Miliband and expressed my regret that such a terrible lapse of judgement should have taken place.

Ed Miliband with his father Ralph, who died in 1994

"It is completely contrary to the values and editorial standards of The Mail On Sunday. I understand that Lord Rothermere is personally writing to Ed Miliband."

David Miliband, who is now working in the US, later wrote on Twitter: "Woken up in San Francisco to texts about my uncle Harry. Unbelievable. Glad there has been an apology. He was a lovely man."

The development is the latest twist in a bitter war of words that has erupted between the politician and the media organisation.

It was sparked by a feature in the Daily Mail last Saturday which portrayed Ralph Miliband - a top Marxist academic who died in 1994 - as "The Man Who Hated Britain".

Mr Miliband was also angry after the Mail Online used a picture of his father's grave with the caption "grave socialist" and insisted on writing a rebuttal for the paper.

But the Mail has refused to apologise, and only included his response next to an editorial justifying its position and a shorter version of the original piece.

The row has continued to rage all week, and a new column in the Daily Mail on Thursday accuses the Labour leader of "a show of calculated hysteria".

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has joined the criticism, declaring that the newspaper is "overflowing with bile" about modern Britain.

He accused the Mail of "denigrating" the country and said Mr Miliband's reaction was "quite understandable".

Mr Clegg is the latest senior figure from across the political spectrum to voice concern about the coverage, but others have argued the press should be left alone.

The dispute comes days before the Privy Council is due to consider rival proposals put forward by the Government and the industry for a new system of press regulation.

A Labour spokesman said the Mail On Sunday's apology was "an important step", but added: "We continue to believe Lord Rothermere needs to take a long, hard look at the culture and practices of his newspapers."

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'Mummified' Boy: Mother Amanda Hutton Guilty

Timeline: Hamzah Khan Case

Updated: 3:42pm UK, Thursday 03 October 2013

Here is a timeline of events leading to the death of Hamzah Khan and the discovery of his mummified body:

May 28, 1996 - Amanda Hutton and partner Aftab Khan have an argument in the street. She complained to police that Khan had hit her, giving her a black eye

March 18, 2003 - Amanda Hutton tells a police officer she was suffering from domestic violence at the hands of Aftab Khan

June 2, 2003 - Amanda Hutton complained Khan had assaulted her.

September 25, 2004 - Police investigate alleged assault of Amanda Hutton by Aftab Khan

February 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton fails to attend appointment for hospital scan while pregnant with Hamzah

March 2005 – Second missed appointment

April 7, 2005 – Third missed appointment

June 17, 2005 - Hamzah born weighing 5lb 4oz

July 7, 2005 - The last time Hamzah is seen by any healthcare professional - a health visitor. Previously on the same day a midwife visits and records Hamzah putting on weight and "doing well."

October 2005 - Four attempts by health visitors to gain access. Door slammed on nurse on at least one occasion.

December 18, 2005 - Police called over claims of domestic violence

December 24, 2005 - Amanda Hutton's mother dies. She claims it affects her badly

February 2006 - Failed attempt to gain access by health visitor

March 14, 2006 - GP writes to Amanda Hutton because Hamzah has not been registered with them.

July 10, 2006 - Health visitor denied access.

August 12, 2006 - The Registrar of Births contacts the health visitor after unsuccessful attempts to contact Amanda Hutton about the birth of Hamzah.

The registrar subsequently contacts the health visitor to say she has seen Amanda Hutton at home, she had a "puffed up" eye and smelt of alcohol.

August 23, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to her GP complaining of depression.

September 2006 - Health visitor contacts social services child protection unit over "significant concerns" about non engagement with all health professionals.

September 7, 2006 - Amanda Hutton goes to GP. Records read: "Came with eldest son. Has been drinking with partner "too much". 

Has had 2 glasses of vodka a day since mother died in January (sic). Helps to numb things says that family are not aware. Feels as if has hit rock bottom. Wants to change"

September 19, 2006 - Amanda Hutton registers Hamzah with her GP. He was never seen at the practice.

November 2006 - Letter sent (unclear by whom) to children's social care to express concerns about child neglect by Amanda Hutton

November 15, 2006 - Social worker visits, could not get in, left a note.

November 23, 2006 - Social worker returns, sees Hamzah who was "well cared-for and well dressed". Amanda Hutton tells her she's lost faith in the NHS, but would seek help for Hamzah if he was ill.

November 2006 - April 2007 - Amanda Hutton "off the radar" of official health & social care records

December 13, 2006 - Domestic violence report to police

December 30, 2006 - Police called to the house after an argument, Amanda is "obstructive and reluctant to give information to police".

April 2007 - Social worker is told by health visitor that Amanda Hutton says she is willing to engage with healthcare and family centre services.

April 2007 - Hamzah misses a GP appointment for vaccinations

May 2007 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah suspended from GP practice list with note saying: "too many failed appointments"

December 2007 - Tests on Hamza's bones and teeth after he died showed he was not eating enough food from at least this point

December 7, 2007 - 999 call made claiming domestic violence

February 26, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

April 10, 2008 - Amanda Hutton makes tearful call to domestic violence unit.

April 17, 2008 - Amanda speaks to the PC at the domestic violence unit, says she had been drinking heavily but has now stopped.

May 5, 2008 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

June 9, 2008 - Domestic violence unit police officer contacts health visitor asking her to make contact with Amanda Hutton.

June 13, 2008 - First multi-agency MARAC meeting organised by social services. Discusses concerns about Amanda Hutton and Hamzah because they are at risk of serious domestic violence

August 2008 - Second MARAC meeting. Amanda Hutton reported to have refused help from a domestic violence charity.

December 4, 2008 - Amanda Hutton dialled 999 alleging domestic violence.

December 09, 2008 - Aftab Khan arrested, tells police they should check on Hamzah.

December 22, 2008 - Injunction granted preventing contact by Aftab Khan

December 2008 - Amanda Hutton moves house, police arrange fitting of panic alarm and anti-arson letterbox

January 19, 2009 - Complaint made to police of domestic violence

January 2009 - Third MARAC meeting. Concerns over GP non engagement discussed.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer sent on welfare visit, told can't see Hamzah because he's upstairs with a dirty nappy because it's half term

February 2009 - Girlfriend of Hamzah's brother Qaiser stays at house, says Hamzah was 'definitely underweight, like a baby" was eating only milk, bananas and half a pasty for tea and "whatever was lying around" and that he was often locked in a bedroom in the dark.

An 11-year-old girl who had been to the house told the police after his body was found that Hamzah was not fed much.

February 17, 2009 - Domestic violence unit police officer visits Amanda, she didn't see Hamzah as was playing upstairs, house was clean and tidy.

March 11, 2009 - Text from Aftab Khan to Amanda Hutton: "Don't wori its not me whose going to land u in the shit ur going to do that ur self turnd in to the biggest lyer stop drinking wat [has Hamzah] had today think about wat ur doing to everi body"

March 16, 2009 - Amanda Hutton moves house for last time, tells neighbour the move is to escape from abusive relationship.

April 21, 2009 - Police called by childcare professional who reports concerns about child neglect

April 21, 2009 - PC Marie Furness visits house, speaks to Hamzah, leaves "satisfied that he was fit, well, clean, healthy-looking." She was the last police officer to see him.

June 9, 2009 - Aftab Khan admits battery against Amanda Hutton on  December 4, 2008

September 2009 - Hamzah expected in school, but not seen

October 2009 - Amanda Hutton and Hamzah fully removed from the GP practice list.

October 14, 2009 - Amanda Hutton meets a domestic violence charity worker and says she wants to help other victims of child abuse.

December 15, 2009 - Hamzah dies aged four and a half. Tests later showed his bones were the same size as a child of 12 to 18 months.

August 10 - Nurse at the school Hamzah was expected to attend was asked about him by the health visitor. Nurse says he was not attending the nursery.

September 2010 - Hamzah had to start school by law. He was never seen.

March 16, 2011 - Anonymous tip-off to social services to report concerns about significant problems in the house.

September 05, 2011 - A police community support officer goes to house after neighbour complains about rubbish. She is suspicious about smell and flies, calls social services who tell her Amanda Hutton lives there with a child.

September 21, 2011 - Hamzah's body found mouldy and mummified in Amanda Hutton's bedroom. His body had no muscle and almost no flesh.

He was dressed in a baby grow for a six- to nine-month-old baby, which fitted him comfortably.

There were five other children, aged between five and 13, in the home at the time. The fridge was found to contain rotten food.

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Italy Migrant Boat Sinks Killing At Least 94

At least 94 migrants have been killed and scores are missing after a boat caught fire and capsized near a Sicilian island, the coastguard has told Sky News.

More than 150 people have been pulled from the water off Lampedusa, as emergency workers and local fishermen race to rescue more survivors.

There are fears for up to 250 people as the coastguard said it appeared there were between 400 and 500 migrants on the boat when it sank to a depth of around 40 metres (130ft).

A report by the ANSA news agency said divers have found 40 bodies under and inside the wreck of the vessel, which would take the number of dead to 133.

Lampedusa Mayor Giusi Nicolini said some of the survivors told her they lit a small fire on their boat around half a mile from the shore to attract attention after their vessel suffered engine failure.

Survivors were wrapped in thermal blankets

The fire then spread, causing panic on board which led to the 20-metre long (66ft) boat flipping over, she said.

"It's horrific, like a cemetery, they are still bringing them out," Ms Nicolini said, calling the disaster "an immense tragedy".

The passengers were all believed to be Eritreans coming from Libya, the UN said.

But coastguard spokesman Marco Di Milla told reporters the boat left from Tripoli with migrants from Eritrea, Ghana and Somalia.

Three children and two pregnant women were among the dead, said interior minister Angelino Alfano as Italy announced a day of mourning on Friday for the victims of the disaster.

The bodies were being laid out on the waterfront, and officials said there were many more in the water, with about 100 people taking part in the rescue operation.

Lampedusa is an Italian island lying between Tunisia and Sicily

Pietro Bartolo, a doctor at Lampedusa hospital, said: "Unfortunately we don't need ambulances but hearses.

"In terms of its magnitude it's an unprecedented tragedy. In many years of work I've never seen anything quite like this."

Due to the large number, the bodies were being taken to an airport hangar.

A young Tunisian man believed to be one of the crew members has been detained, Ansa reported.

Shaken survivors wrapped in thermal blankets arrived on the dock, as an emergency worker broke down in tears.

Pope Francis visited Lampedusa in July, on his first trip outside Rome, to draw attention to the plight of refugees. 

Bodies were being laid out on the waterfront

"The word disgrace comes to mind. It's a disgrace," he said of Thursday's disaster.

The Pope landed on the island at the same time as nearly 200 immigrants from Africa were being detained.

Lampedusa, which is closer to Africa than it is to the Italian mainland, is the main port of entry into Europe for African migrants smuggled by boat from Libya or Tunisia.

Each year, thousands of people make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in often overcrowded vessels.

There has been an increase in the incidents off Italy in recent weeks amid an upsurge in arrivals - mainly from Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt and Syria.

On Monday, 13 Eritrean migrants drowned as they tried to swim ashore when their boat ran aground off Sicily near the city of Ragusa.

In a similar incident near Catania in another part of Sicily in August, six young Egyptian men drowned trying to reach the shore.

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Bus Stabbing Death: Man Admits Manslaughter

By Lisa Dowd, Midlands Correspondent

A psychiatric patient who stabbed a teenager to death on a bus has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Christina Edkins, 16, was on her way to school during the morning rush hour when she was killed in the "random attack" on Birmingham's Hagley Road.

Phillip Simelane, 23, who has a history of mental illness, was sentenced to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after entering the plea at Birmingham Crown Court.

He had been released unsupervised from prison despite warning signs over the state of his mental health and questions are being asked about how authorities dealt with his case.

Christina's family arrive at Birmingham Crown Court

Superintendent Richard Baker from West Midlands Police, said: "Because of the mental health issues we now know he was suffering, this attack probably could have occurred anywhere, against anyone."

Simelane, who was homeless, boarded the number 9 bus at 5am on March 7. He had been challenged by the driver for sleeping on the back seat on the top deck.

Christina got on the bus at 7.30am on the city's Broad Street, a journey she made every day. Seven minutes later, she was dead.

Jason Edkins, Christina's father

Without warning, and for no reason, Simelane got up and thrust a kitchen knife into her chest once. He then casually walked down the aisle, down the stairs, and briefly spoke to the driver before getting off.

There was just one other passenger upstairs, a 14-year-old boy, who only realised what had happened when Christina cried out for help. Downstairs passengers rushed to her aid, but she could not be saved.

Officers scoured the city centre for Simelane and arrested him more than four hours later.

A family statement issued after the guilty plea said: "Christina was a beautiful, bright, caring girl, loved by everyone.

"The loss of a child is the worst thing that can ever happen, made even more grievous be such a senseless crime as this.

Christina was preparing to take her GCSEs when she died

"The family are all the victims and must pay the penalty as we stand by helplessly and watch the lives of the people we love shattered like precious glass, knowing we can never put the fragile pieces back together."

Christina's great uncle, Chris Melia, told Sky News: "It's such a horrific senseless crime. I don't know how you come to terms with it. I haven't."

"He quite clearly shouldn't have been out in society, there had been enough warning signs that he was a danger.

"As I understand it, in October, whilst he was in prison, the appropriate mental health experts noted he should, when he was released, be in some way supervised and helped to get back into society in an acceptable manner, but it didn't happen.

"He was released on 13th December, basically with no fixed abode, and in less than three months he killed an innocent young girl in the prime of her life."

Mr Melia paid tribute to Christina as a "popular", "attractive" and "quietly confident" girl.

"The family want to be sure that this person is put away, removed from society permanently, so that he cannot repeat this crime or any similar crime," he said.

Police say Simelane was known to have mental health problems from the age of 14, but was only diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia following his arrest for the attack on Christina.

He had previous convictions for assault, drugs offences and vehicle crime.

West Midlands Police say they were called to Simelane's home in Walsall by his family 21 times. On one occasion he held a knife to his mother's stomach.

Supt Baker said: "There doesn't appear to be any care plan since his release from prison in December 2012.

"There's currently an independent review being conducted by all agencies who had contact with Phillip Simelane during that period, not just police but probation, prison, and Birmingham and Solihull mental health team will also conduct independent reviews to understand exactly what support Simelane had in place."

He added it was "highly unlikely" that Simelane would ever be released.

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Cameron Vows Tories Will Build Better Britain

David Cameron has urged voters to hand him a majority at the next election so that the Tories can build a "land of opportunity".

The Prime Minister evoked Winston Churchill as he asked Britain to give the Conservatives the tools to "finish the job" of "clearing up the mess" left by Labour.

He said the economy was starting to turn the corner but warned that anyone who thought the struggle was over is "living in a fantasy land".

In a bid to adopt a more upbeat tone, his party conference speech talked of creating a better Britain and signalled he would slash taxes if he stays in power.

"We are Tories. We believe in low taxes. And believe me - we will keep on cutting the taxes of hard-working people," he declared.

But he also warned of further austerity as the Conservatives aim to pay off the deficit and then build up a surplus for the future.

Mr Cameron signalled the under-25s would have to "earn or learn" under a Tory government and would not be able to opt for a life on benefits.

The Prime Minister and his wife Samantha after his speech

But there were no other major policy announcements in his 49-minute address in Manchester, which was mostly delivered directly to the camera.

Instead, the Tory leader sought to draw clear dividing lines with Labour, accusing Ed Miliband of adopting a "crazy" anti-business agenda.

He dismissed Mr Miliband's promises to cut the cost-of-living as "all sticking plaster and quick fixes" - dubbing it "Red Ed and his Blue Peter economy".

Borrowing the slogan Mr Miliband repeated 17 times in his own speech, Mr Cameron declared: "I tell you what, Britain deserves better than that lot."

He insisted profit, wealth creation and enterprise were not "dirty, elitist words" but the driving force behind the recovery.

"It's businesses that get wages in people's pockets, food on their tables, hope for their families and success for our country," he said.

He branded Labour's plan to hike corporate tax rates for large businesses as "just about the most damaging, nonsensical, twisted economic policy you could possibly come up with".

Activists watch as the Tory leader speaks on stage

And he warned the call for more state borrowing and spending to ease what the Opposition calls a cost-of-living crisis would risk putting the UK on the same track as Greece.

He also rejected Labour accusations that the Tories represent the privileged and said he wanted a society where everyone has "the chance to make it".

Mr Cameron declared that he is "fighting heart and soul for a majority Conservative government because that is what our country needs".

But he warned Tory ambitions should not be limited to repairing the damage caused by Labour and eliminating the deficit.

"Finishing the job is about more than clearing up the mess we were left," he said. "It means building something better in its place. In place of the casino economy, one where people who work hard can actually get on.

"In place of the welfare society, one where no individual is written off. In place of the broken education system, one that gives every child the chance to rise up and succeed.

"Our economy, our society, welfare, schools, all reformed, all rebuilt - with one aim, one mission in mind: To make this country, at long last and for the first time ever, a land of opportunity for all."

His speech followed a raft of policy announcements aimed at countering Labour's claim that it is the only party that will tackle the rising cost-of-living.

The Prime Minister having a final read-through in his hotel room

Tory plans include bringing forward the Help-to-Buy scheme, the prospect of a fuel duty freeze until 2015 and a tax break for some married couples.

Mr Cameron vowed a Tory government would replace the "casino economy" and "welfare society" as well as improve the education system.

He accused Labour of failing Britain's young people and disadvantaged households by giving up and consigning them to a life on benefits.

"If you expect nothing of people, that does nothing for them. Yes, you must help people, but you help people by putting up ladders that they can climb through their own efforts," he said.

"It's this party that is fighting for all those who were written off by Labour. It's this party that's for the many, not the few. Yes - the land of despair was Labour, but the land of hope is Tory."

He also sought to position the Tories as the true defenders of the NHS, hailed the "noble" calling of social work and vowed to drive regeneration in the North of England.

"Make no mistake who's looking forward in British politics," Mr Cameron said. "We'll leave the 1970s-style socialism to others. We are the party of the future."

Activists gave the speech a standing ovation as Samantha Cameron joined her husband on stage.

The pair left the hall to Fleetwood Mac's Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow), famously used by Bill Clinton as the soundtrack to his successful campaign for the US presidency in 1992.

Mr Miliband wrote on Twitter: "David Cameron's speech shows he does not know where to start in tackling the cost of living crisis facing Britain's hard-working families.

"The last thing families want is him to 'finish the job' when prices have risen faster than wages and average pay is down by almost £1,500."

Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: "Businesses up and down the country will welcome the Prime Minister's recognition that they are the driving force behind the economy, creating jobs and putting money in people's pockets.

"But they will be looking for him to match the sentiment with action. If tax cuts aren't dirty, let's have a few more of them. If profit isn't elitist, let's allow businesses to keep a little more of it."

John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: "David Cameron has set out a clear vision, but the harder task of making it happen still lies ahead.

"The Government cannot afford to become complacent, and must focus on creating an environment that supports enterprise, and puts economic growth at its heart."

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'Boy Planned Columbine Massacre At Ex-School'

A teenager armed with guns and explosives planned a repeat of the Columbine massacre at his former school, a court has heard.

The boy, who was 16 at the time, was found to have petrol bombs, air rifles, pistols and armour at his home.

It is alleged he planned to use them against staff and pupils at the school in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

The teenager, who has Asperger's syndrome, also named his college, a local mosque, a cinema, Loughborough University and the town's council offices as potential targets, an Old Bailey jury heard.

A Che Guevara notebook emblazoned with Nazi swastikas and English Defence League (EDL) mottos was found when his home was searched by police in February.

It included drawings showing how he would arm himself and discussed tactics to carry out The New Columbine, the court was told.

Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999 before both committing suicide in one of America's worst mass shootings.

Columbine High School

Mujahideen Poisons Handbook was also found in the defendant's home along with video and dictaphone recordings in which he discussed an attack, it was claimed.

Prosecutor Max Hill QC said the jury must consider whether the boy was a "misfit" or "something altogether more sinister and serious".

Mr Hill said the boy, now 17, claimed to be a member of an EDL branch and had a Nazi swastika on his bedroom wall along with a poster of the Joker from the Batman film, the Dark Knight.

He wrote in a letter found at his home that there were "too many Muslims in the UK and Europe" who wanted to "take over Europe and put Sharia law in place".

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies a charge of possessing items for the purpose, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism.

These include nine partially assembled petrol bombs, a quantity of part-assembled pipe bombs, partially constructed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a stab proof vest, a gas mask and three 0.22 air rifles, it is alleged.

The boy also denies one count of possessing a document or record containing information likely to be useful for a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, and a further count of possessing explosives in the form of component parts of IEDs.

He and two other 17-year-olds have already pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing petrol bombs and component parts of pipe bombs for the use of explosive devices.

The trial continues.

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Tom Clancy: Patriot Games Writer Dies At 66

Best-selling US author Tom Clancy, who wrote thrillers including Patriot Games and The Hunt For Red October, has died at the age of 66.

He died in hospital in Baltimore last night, the New York Times reported.

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Clancy penned a series of spy and military thrillers including The Hunt For Red October, Patriot Games, Clear And Present Danger and The Sum Of All Fears, which were all made into successful Hollywood films.

Several of his books featured the character Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst.

Harrison Ford played Ryan in Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger while Alec Baldwin was in the role for The Hunt For Red October, alongside Sean Connery as the captain of a Soviet submarine.

Ben Affleck played Ryan in The Sum Of All Fears.

A fifth film featuring Ryan called Shadow One is due for release later this year.

Hollywood star Harrison Ford played Clancy's character Jack Ryan

The writer had said his dream had been simply to publish a book, hopefully a good one, so that he would be in the Library of Congress catalogue.

Clancy first featured on best-seller lists in 1984 with The Hunt for Red October.

He sold the manuscript to the first publisher he tried, the Naval Institute Press, which had never bought original fiction.

A string of other hits soon followed, including Red Storm Rising.

The president of Clancy's publisher Putnam, Ivan Held, was quoted as saying: "He was a thrill to work with."

Ubisoft Entertainment, a company that Clancy co-founded, said: "We are saddened to learn of Tom Clancy's passing and our condolences go out to his family.

"Tom Clancy was an extraordinary author with a gift for creating detailed, engrossing fictional stories that captivated audiences around the world.

"The teams at Ubisoft, especially at the Red Storm studio, are incredibly grateful to have collaborated with and learned from him, and we are humbled by the opportunity to carry on part of his legacy through our properties that bear his name."

Sandi Mendelson, who worked with Clancy early in his career, told Sky News: "Working with him was just extraordinary.

"It was the beginning of his rise in popularity ... He was incredibly professional and talented ... his writing was extraordinary, the detail, the authenticity, people got lost in his books."

More follows...

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Dave Lee Travis Charged With New Sex Offences

Broadcaster Dave Lee Travis has been charged with two further offences of indecent assault.

The allegations relate to a woman aged over 16 between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1993, Scotland Yard said.

They are in addition to 11 counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault the 68-year-old has already been charged with.

Travis, of Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, has already appeared in court to face those 12 counts.

During that hearing he indicated he would be pleading not guilty to the charges.

He was released on bail on condition that he lives at his Bedfordshire home and does not contact the alleged victims.

The case was adjourned for a plea hearing on October 21. A trial date was also fixed for March 4 next year with a view to it lasting for up to five weeks.

Travis is due to appear on bail at Westminster Magistrates' Court in relation to the new charges on October 3.

He was charged when he attended a police station by prior appointment, the Metropolitan Police said.

The ex-Radio 1 DJ was first charged on August 15 as part of Operation Yewtree, the police investigation prompted by the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal.

However, the accusations against Travis have no connection to the disgraced television presenter.

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GP Plan To Bring In Out-Of-Hours Surgeries

David Cameron has told Sky News he wants doctors' surgeries to be open for longer to ease the pressure on overstretched A&E departments.

The Prime Minister confirmed plans for a £50m trial to have surgeries open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week.

He insisted the pilot scheme in areas across England, which is expected to cover up to half a million patients, would be properly funded.

Almost one in five patients in a recent NHS survey said inconvenient appointments were a concern, with more than 70% backing weekend and after office opening hours.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will outline the plans at the Tory conference

The scheme, which was unveiled at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, will offer extra cash to groups of GPs proposing the most effective ways to improve patient access.

As well as extended surgery hours, ministers hope they will pioneer more effective use of technology, such as consultations with patients via video calls, email and by telephone.

Electronic prescriptions, online appointment booking and allowing people to visit a number of different surgeries across an area are among other measures which could be introduced.

Mr Cameron told Sky: "Sometimes people using Accident & Emergency really just need to see a GP but for hard-working people it is often too difficult because you are at work, you can't get an appointment at the time that fits.

"Let's see if we can have GPs' surgeries open 12 hours a day, seven days a week so you can always get that appointment you need.

"We are starting with pilot schemes in nine regions of England. We are spending the money to help GPs achieve this. We will be able to see how it works."

He added: "I believe that will work well and then our ambition is to roll that out across the country. That is good for hard-working people but I also think it is right for our health service.

"If you look at A&E, since 2004 when the GP contract changed we see four million more people a year going to Accident & Emergency so I think we are not getting the balance right at the moment."

The first pilot projects are due to be operating by April 2014.

Similar initiatives are already being trialled in some parts of the country, including parts of Manchester, where some surgeries will move to seven-day opening.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who will talk about the initiative in his speech to the conference, said: "We live in a 24/7 society and we need GPs to find new ways of working so they can offer appointments at times that suit hard-working people.

"Cutting-edge GP practices here in Manchester are leading the way, and we want many more patients across the country to benefit."

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector for General Practice, said: "This move towards seven day services is great news for patients and should be embraced by GPs.

"I want to see brilliant access to GP services for patients across the country and will be assessing this in each practice I inspect."

However, shadow health secretary Andy Burnham accused Mr Cameron and his Conservative Party of "taking the NHS backwards".

"This announcement is a major admission of failure and a U-turn of fairly epic proportions," he said.

"Patients are also finding it harder to get appointments, and turning to A&E instead, after he removed Labour's guarantee of an appointment within 48 hours."

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Boris Backs Jamie Oliver's Work Ethic Concerns

Boris Johnson has risked a fresh row by backing celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's claim that migrant workers work harder than Britons.

The Mayor of London, speaking at the Tory Party conference, called for action to instil a work ethic in young British workers who are unwilling to do jobs they consider "menial".

He acknowledged he might get into trouble by agreeing Oliver "had a point" when he suggested eastern Europeans were more prepared to put in the long hours needed for restaurant work.

Mr Johnson told Tory activists: "Now I can see looks of apoplexy here ... and I can see looks of sad acknowledgement as well and I can see a vague depressed look of recognition.

Controversial: TV chef Jamie Oliver

"I know and you know that there are millions of British kids and young people who are as dynamic and go-getting as any millionaire masterchef.

"But my question to you is what if Jamie has a point? What if he has half a point or even a quarter of a point? Do you think he does?

"He is onto something, he may have phrased it in a provocative way but he was saying something that I think resonates, right?

"If he has a point, we need to think about the possible origins of that difference in motivation that he claims to detect. We need to consider what we politicians are doing about it, don't we?

The Mayor said welfare dependency, failures in education and low-esteem had to be tackled so that Britons can fulfil their "vast and latent" potential.

Mr Johnson said Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and Education Secretary Michael Gove were both working to improve Britons' motivation to work.

But he also urged young people not to dismiss certain jobs as beneath them but to see them as "stepping stones" to greater things.

"I'm conscious that I'm speaking very frankly about this issue, and probably got myself into trouble," he told delegates.

His comments came as David Cameron signalled the high-profile politician could return to Parliament as an MP before his mayoral term ends in 2016.

The Prime Minister confirmed he had discussed the idea with Mr Johnson, although aides scotched the idea of him standing in a safe Tory seat in 2015.

Mr Cameron said: "My message to him is 'You're a brilliant Mayor of London, you've done a great job, you've got a lot more to give to public life, and it would be great to have you back in the House of Commons at some stage, contributing to public life'.

"But that's up to him, but I'll certainly be giving him a warm welcome."

Asked if he could foresee his ex-Eton schoolmate's comeback by 2015, he added: "Absolutely - but that's a matter for him. I think he needs to think about - it's his plan.

"All I know that he's a massive asset to the country, a massive asset to the Conservative Party. We could make a very strong team together, we do today."

The Mayor renewed speculation about his leadership ambitions over the weekend by saying the debate on intervention in Syria had fuelled a desire to be back in the Commons.

He repeatedly declined to rule out the possibility of serving as a MP at the same time as completing his term as mayor.

Speculation that he might throw his hat into the ring to replace Richard Ottaway in Croydon South were fuelled after he plugged the town in a rally speech on Monday night.

But a spokesman for the Mayor told the Press Association news agency that he was not putting his name forward for the seat.

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Liam Adams Found Guilty Of Raping Daughter

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

Liam Adams, a younger brother of the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, has been found guilty of sexually abusing his daughter nearly 40 years ago.

The 58-year-old, from Bernagh Drive in Belfast, had denied all 10 charges – three of rape, three of gross indecency and four of indecent assault.

The offences were alleged to have occurred between March 1977 and March 1983 when his daughter Aine was aged between four and nine years old.

During a recorded interview, Aine Adams - who has waived her right to anonymity - told a detective that her mother and Uncle Gerry had confronted her father but he denied any wrongdoing.

Jurors heard that she and her mother reported the alleged abuse but then retracted their complaint because police seemed more interested in her father and his brother.

Aine's mother, Sarah Campbell, told her ex-husband's trial that she had learned of the alleged abuse following a disagreement with her daughter in December 1986.

She said a note found in her living room read: "Mummy, this is why I am like this. My daddy made me sleep with him."

Liam Adams said he had initially denied being confronted by his brother because he had been brought up not to talk to police about Gerry Adams.

He told the court he had been a community youth worker for 20 years and there had not been one single complaint made about him.

Aine's younger sister, Sinead Rosbotham, alleged that her father had confessed the abuse to her saying: "We will face our demons in our own time."

But Claire Smith, a daughter from his second marriage, and her younger sister, who can't be named for legal reasons, said they had never been abused.

The jury of nine men and three women had been told to decide the case on the evidence and not on rumour, gossip or speculation.

More follows ...

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Athlone 'Child Sex Attack' Investigation: Man Held

Irish police are considering whether to charge a man arrested over an alleged sex attack on two girls who are understood to have been lured away from a children's birthday party.

The man was one of three people detained by Garda after the youngsters, who are under the age of 10, were subjected to a serious sexual assault in Athlone, Westmeath, Ireland.

Two men who were in the home where the alleged attacks took place were released without charge this morning.

A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions to assess if they will face charges in the future.

The alleged assaults took place on Saturday afternoon while a group of children were celebrating a friend's birthday.

While the party was under way, the girls were playing outside and are believed to have been enticed to a nearby house by a man who was not attending the celebration.

It is believed they managed to flee from their attackers by climbing out of a window.

The girls ran back to the house where the party was taking place and raised the alarm.

More than 300 people took part in the protests

The girls were taken to hospital in Galway for medical treatment.

The three men were initially arrested for public order offences and taken to Athlone Garda Station.

They were subsequently taken before a special sitting of the local District Court on Saturday where they were remanded in custody.

All three were later re-arrested as part of the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and taken back to Athlone Garda Station, however two were subsequently released on Monday.

A decision is expected to be made within the next few hours on whether to take the third man to court on charges related to the alleged sex attack.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Athlone as detectives questioned the suspect.

Carrying a homemade sign reading "Bring Back Public Hanging" mother-of-one Nicola Quigley said locals felt compelled to come out on to the street.

"It's upsetting when something like this happens, a community has to come together," the 27-year-old said.

"If this happened to my child I would expect the whole town to be here."

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Baby P's Mother Could Be Given Parole In Days

The parole board is expected to decide this week whether to release the mother of Baby P, who died aged 17 months after extensive abuse.

Tracey Connelly was jailed indefinitely in May 2009 with a recommendation she serve a minimum of five years for causing, or allowing, her son Peter's death.

Known as Baby P during Connelly's trial, Peter died at the family home in Tottenham on August 3, 2007 after suffering some 50 separate injuries.

Although he was on the at-risk register following some 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals, the warning signs were not acted upon

A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved him had they acted sooner.

The letter Tracey Connelly sent to the judge before sentencing

Connelly wrote a letter to the judge presiding over her trial on the eve of her sentencing, expressing remorse for the death of her son.

"Dear judge ... I accept I failed my son Peter," she wrote.

"By not being fully open with social services I stopped them being able to do a full job. As a direct result of this, my son got hurt and sadly lost his short life.

"I have lost all I hold dear to me. Now every day of my life is full of guilt. I am trying to come to terms with my failure as a mother.

"There is not a day that goes by that I don't cry at some point. I have let down my family, my ex-husband, myself and most importantly my darling son.

"I would like to say I am sorry for all the pain and suffering my failures have caused."

Connelly's boyfriend Steven Barker, and his brother Jason Owen

News of her possible release was met with anger from Peter's grandmother, Mary O'Connor.

"She should never come out," she said. "But even if she does I won't be seeing her again; she's out of my life."

Connelly's boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen were also imprisoned after being convicted over Peter's death.

Barker, who Peter called "Dad", was jailed for 12 years for his "major role" in Peter's death. He was also jailed for life with a minimum term of 10 years for raping a two-year-old girl.

Owen was jailed indefinitely with a minimum three-year term but later won an appeal to lower it to a fixed six-year term. He was freed in August 2011 but was recalled to prison again in April this year.

Connelly is understood to be held at Low Newton jail near Durham.

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Osborne Wants Fuel Duty Frozen Until 2015

Fuel duty will be frozen until 2015 if the money is available, George Osborne has told the Tory party conference.

The Chancellor revealed he aims to cancel the 2p-a-litre rise pencilled in by Labour for September 2014, continuing a freeze that has already lasted two-and-a-half years.

Aides claimed drivers would save £750m a year, leaving pump prices 20p-per-litre lower than under the plans inherited from Labour, if the cancellation goes ahead.

The promise is conditional on finding savings to pay for it and came as Mr Osborne declared that he wanted a future Conservative government to run a surplus.

Warning that the battle to rebuild the UK economy is not over, he effectively outlined a new fiscal rule designed to protect Britain from future crashes.

He said: "What is the alternative? To run a deficit for ever? To leave our children with our debts? To leave Britain perilously exposed to the next time the storm comes?

The Chancellor leaving the stage after his keynote address

"This crisis took us to the brink. If we don't reduce our debts, the next could push us over. Let us learn from the mistakes that got Britain into this mess.

"Let us vow: never again. This time we're going to run a surplus. This time we're going to fix the roof when the sun shines."

Mr Osborne told delegates a continued squeeze on welfare and spending even after the deficit is eliminated would also allow for tax cuts and vital investment.

In a deliberately sombre speech, he rejected accusations of complacency about the recovery, insisting there was "no feeling of a task completed or a victory won".

He said: "The sun has started to rise above the hill and the future looks brighter than it did just a few dark years ago".

But he also cautioned: "The battle to turn Britain around is not even close to being over and we are going to finish what we have started."

He accused Ed Miliband of making up Labour policy "on the back of a fag packet" and warned his energy price freeze plan was a "quick-fix con" that would stunt growth and cost jobs.

But in a move to show the Tories are also determined to help ease the cost of living, he said he was ready to take immediate action to help drivers.

"Provided we can find the savings to pay for it, I want to freeze fuel duty for the rest of this Parliament," he announced to loud applause.

George Osborne says "the sun has started to rise above the hill"

He added: "Conservatives don't just talk about being on the side of hard-working people. We show it day in day out in the policies we deliver."

Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Rachel Reeves described the move as "panicky" and claimed it was just another unfunded "aspiration".

The British Chambers of Commerce said it would be welcomed by small businesses, although its chief John Longworth warned: "They will want to ensure that ambition becomes a reality."

The address also confirmed tough new rules to make the long-term unemployed earn their benefits by doing full-time unpaid community work will come into force next year.

From April, people still without work after two years on the coalition's Work Programme will face three options if they want to remain on the dole.

They will either have to do community work such as litter picking, visit a job centre every day or take part in compulsory training to tackle problems like illiteracy.

Those who break the rules of the new Help-to-Work scheme, for example by failing to turn up without a good reason, could lose their benefit for four weeks.

A second offence would see them lose it for three months.

The scheme, devised by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, will cost around £300m - with the money likely to be found from departmental underspends.

Critics claimed the Government scheme would treat the unemployed more harshly than criminals and was just a "rehash" of plans that had already failed.

Joanna Long, from the Boycott Workfare campaign, said: "It's bad news for people who will be forced to work at far below the minimum wage - and it's terrible news for the people whose jobs they will be replacing."

Graeme Cooke, from the Institute for Public Policy Research, added that the measures would probably affect only one in 20 people on the dole and warned it needed careful planning.

"The key issue is how such schemes are designed. If they give people real experience of work and the practical employability habits that go with it, they can help people be more attractive to prospective employers," he said.

"But if it is pitched as a punishment where people do menial tasks, it risks acting as a signal to employers that these are people not to employ."

But Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, welcomed the move. "There is plenty of international evidence from countries such as Australia, Canada and the US that this type of scheme is not only fairer on those footing the welfare bill, but also gets people back into work," he said.

Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, hailed the "bold ambition" of returning Britain to a surplus but also called for an explicit commitment to lower taxes.

Meanwhile, Ms Reeves claimed "nobody will believe a word" Mr Osborne says about capital spending because he had already broken his pledge to balance the books by 2015.

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Steve Ballmer Cries At Microsoft Goodbye

Video of Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer's tearful farewell speech has emerged, showing the 57-year-old striding off to a song from Dirty Dancing.

Mr Ballmer, who recently announced he was stepping down within 12 months, paced around the stage, his voice quivering as he told an arena of employees: "You work for the greatest company in the world - soak it in!"

"Microsoft's like a fourth child to me," said Mr Ballmer - after a pause to compose himself.

"Children do leave the house. In this case, I guess I'm leaving the house."

Mr Ballmer has been chief executive since co-founder Bill Gates gave up the position in 2000, and the company is now busy looking for someone to replace him.

Known for his flamboyant speeches and sporting a bright yellow shirt, the Microsoft boss thanked thousands of employees who had packed into Seattle's Key Arena - normally a venue for sports events and rock concerts.

"My last song is one I've always wanted to use, but it was always deemed inappropriate - it's a great song!" said a teary-eyed Mr Ballmer.

Thousands of employees packed a Seattle arena for the send-off

"It's from one of my favourite movies, one of my favourite songs ... a song that talks about what you have meant to me and what you have done for me.

"You have made this the time of my life."

With the famous Dirty Dancing tune booming out, Mr Ballmer hugged and high-fived employees and raised his arms aloft, shouting "thank you!" before bouncing out of the arena at the song's climax.

The executive - who has an estimated $18bn (£11bn) fortune according to Forbes - oversaw massively successful products such as Windows XP during his time in charge.

However, in recent years Microsoft has been left behind by the likes of Apple in terms of innovation.

It is now playing catch-up in the tablet and mobile markets, with its Surface device struggling to gain popularity and its Windows 8 operating system also being criticised.

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Cameron: 'I Want Televised Leaders Debates'

The televised party leaders' debates should take place before the 2015 general election campaign, David Cameron has said.

The Prime Minister said that he felt that the 90-minute clashes which dominated the 2010 election overshadowed the campaign itself.

There had been speculation that Mr Cameron would block a repeat of the showdowns that were screened on Sky News, ITV and the BBC.

However, Mr Cameron has now given his strongest indication that he is in favour of them going ahead.

He told The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One: "I want the debates to take place. They were good in the last election."

But he added: "I thought they took up too much of the campaign, so I think we could start them a bit earlier.

"My only regret is that if you are leading a political party, the election campaign is a moment when you really want to get around the country, you want to have arguments and interviews, and I found the whole election was just the run-up to the debate, the debate, and the analysis of the debate.

"Now we've got a fixed-term Parliament, we can stretch those things out a bit."

Mr Cameron said there was plenty of time to work out the exact format of the broadcasts before the election, which is scheduled for May 2015.

He made it clear that he does not believe that the UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage should be invited to take part alongside himself, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband.

It was Mr Clegg who triumphed in the 2010 debates with assured performances leading to an outbreak of "Cleggmania".

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Cameron Launches State-Backed Mortgages Plan

David Cameron says 95% government-backed mortgages to help people get on to the property ladder will start within days.

The scheme was due to start in January but hours before the Conservative Party Conference opened, the Prime Minister revealed that NatWest, RBS and Halifax had all agreed to provide the new deals. 

It is widely being seen as a response to Ed Miliband's Labour conference crowd-pleasing announcement that the party would freeze energy prices for two years as conference season has shaped up as a "battle over the consumer".

Mr Cameron arrives in Manchester ahead of the Conservative Party Conference

Speaking on Sunday morning, Mr Cameron said that it was ridiculous that people could afford mortgage repayments, but not the deposit to get the loan in the first place. 

The Prime Minister said that only those with well-off parents could manage to get on the housing ladder, telling BBC One's Andrew Marr Show: "I'm not going to stand by while people's aspirations are trashed."

He denied that the move would create a housing bubble and said that they had taken advice from the Bank of England and empowered it to stop a bubble being created.

As the Conservative Party Conference began, 50,000 people took to the streets to protest over changes to the health service in a Save Our NHS campaign march. Police said the protest was one mile long.

The mortgage guarantees planned by the Government will allow buyers to acquire a newly built home or an existing property worth up to £600,000 with a deposit of only 5%.

The second stage of the Help to Buy scheme aims to boost mortgage availability by reducing the risk for lenders because the Government takes on the risk of default when it guarantees a proportion of a loan.

In a wide-ranging interview ahead of the conference Mr Cameron also said:

:: He was sorry he did not win the 2010 election and made it clear he was looking for a straight Conservative victory in 2014

:: The high-speed rail HS2 project would stay on its £42.6bn budget

:: That Britain could pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights, which has prevented the UK deporting foreign criminals 

:: He would never back a mansion tax, marking a clear coalition red line

:: Televised leaders debates should take place before campaigning for the 2015 election begins.

George Osborne tweeting the hashtag #forhardworkingpeople

Mr Cameron also spoke about Mr Miliband's energy bill freeze proposals saying: "I want to lower prices not just for 20 months but for 20 years."

He said that he wanted to look at "all those markets" and make sure they were "working for hard-working people".

Sky News Political Correspondent Anushka Asthana said bringing forward the mortgage plan and the announcement, on Saturday, of tax breaks for married couples was an attempt to give Conservatives something to "take to the doorsteps".

She said: "This is also about Mr Cameron looking outwards and thinking about the public and trying to come back on some of the ideas that Labour and the Liberal Democrats have put forward over the past few weeks.

"People are calling this the battle over the consumer. At the Lib Dems we have free school meals and then Ed Miliband promises to freeze energy prices. The Tories have tried to rubbish that idea but at the same time they are clearly worried."

The Chancellor, George Osborne, tweeted the news that RBS, NatWest and Halifax had all signed up to the mortgage scheme.

A YouGov poll for The Sunday Times put Labour on an 11 point lead on 42%, with the Conservatives at 31%, UKIP on 13% and the Liberal Democrats trailing on 9%.

Mr Balls says the Government focus should be on affordable homes

The 95% mortgage scheme has previously attracted widespread concern, with some claiming it may lead to more problems than it solves.

Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable warned the scheme "could inflate the market" and said he feared there was a "danger of getting into another housing bubble".

Former Bank of England governor Lord King said the scheme is "too close for comfort" to a general scheme to guarantee mortgages.

Speaking on Sunday, Labour's shadow chancellor Ed Balls said: "If David Cameron is serious about helping first-time buyers he should be bringing forward investment to build more affordable homes. Rising demand for housing must be matched with rising supply, but under this government house-building is at its lowest level since the 1920s."

The first stage of Help to Buy was launched in April and offers loans to give people the chance to buy a new-build home with a deposit of just 5%. The scheme has been credited with spurring a surge in home sales and driving up prices.

:: Watch Conservative Party conference coverage live on Sky News

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