Ukraine: 'Observers To Be Used As Human Shield'

It Is No Longer A Game For Separatist Militia

Updated: 12:32am UK, Saturday 26 April 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor in Slavyansk

Their rifles were cocked. The safety catches off. Triggers were fingered. The car lurched to a stop.

Shrill nervous orders were barked in Russian. Men in an assortment of camouflage uniforms lay spread eagled on the roadside glaring down their sights.

A quick search followed. Then a man with a new AK74, probably nicked from the local police station, squinted, his face covered with a balaclava, perhaps attempting a faceless smile.

"Sorry for any inconvenience," he said and waved the car through.

The mixed messages of their behaviour, both aggression and politeness, both bravado and fear, point to a wider conundrum - do they really understand what they're getting in to?

One of their comrades had been shot dead that morning about a mile away on the road out of Slavyansk by an Ukrainian army patrol - probably probing the outer defences of these pro-Russian separatist militants.

Four more, the government said, had been killed in other clashes around the town.

They stand accused of kidnapping the city's elected mayor.

They have taken over city hall and are sandbagging it against an attack and yet they often appear to be no more than young or old boys playing at soldiers.

Occasionally one comes across a trained soldier. Fit and quiet they slink in the background of the occupied buildings.

They may be Russian agents, or former Ukrainian police from the disbanded Berkut who were responsible for sniper attacks on revolutionaries in Kiev.

But the ordinary militants, who are led by local politicians and allegedly funded either by Moscow or allied oligarchs, are clearly being used.

They are the teaspoons the Kremlin is using to keep the east of Ukraine swirling with dark rumours of anti-Russian ethnic cleansing.

Allegations of persecution of pro-Russian groups are entirely false.

But while the militants swagger about the streets, take over government buildings and harass their political opponents, they face a crack down from Kiev.

The nervous men at the road block feared an Ukrainian government attack on the bases in Slavyansk.

They were also facing the reality that what may have felt like a nationalistic camping trip with the added spice of gun play, may no longer be a game.

They may fold under a professional attack by Ukrainian troops.

But if they do not, there will be blood.

And if it flows from Putin's local pawns then so may Russian troops pour in from the east.

He may win, but they will not be around to see his victory.

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James Attfield Murder: Appeal For CCTV Pair

Police investigating the murder of a man stabbed more than 100 times have said they want to speak to two people seen on CCTV.

James Attfield, 33, died in a park in Colchester, Essex, in what has been described as a "senseless and frenzied" attack.

Detectives are keen to trace a woman who was seen in an image on March 29 at 12.36am, and again with a man on another image at 2.19am.

Officers are trying to piece together Mr Attfield's movements between the evening of March 28 and when he was found the following morning just before 6am.

Mr Attfield was treated at the scene by paramedics in Castle Park, but died from his injuries.

The victim, known as Jim to his family, had 102 separate wounds on his arms, hands, back, neck and head, police revealed.

Police want to trace this woman seen on CCTV on March 29 at 12.36am

The father-of-five suffered a severe brain injury after he was hit by a car four years ago, and had not been in contact with his children since.

His mother, Julie Finch, has described her son as a "bit of a loner" who was "in the process of rebuilding his life" when he died.

Releasing the CCTV images, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett, of Essex Police, said: "I would urge these two people to come forward or if anyone recognises them I would ask them to get in touch with the inquiry team."

The man is described as white, of stocky build and appears tall with long legs.

The only description given of the woman is that she is white.

Police say they were sitting at opposite ends of a bench and it is not certain if they know each other, although they may have been a couple who had a row earlier in the evening and were sitting apart not talking to each other.

About 10 metres away from where this couple sat, there was a man sitting on the grass who was white, aged in his 30s and wearing a dark jacket and possibly jeans.

This may, or may not, have been Mr Attfield, a police spokesman said.

Three other people who were also spotted in the area on CCTV and came forward voluntarily have been ruled out the probe by police - as have a total of six people caught on CCTV walking through the park.

A further 17 people have yet to come forward.

A man and a woman from Colchester, both aged 27, have been bailed until May 9.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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British Teenager Dies After Tribal Drug Ritual

By Alex Watts, Online Producer

A British backpacker has died after taking a hallucinogenic drug during a tribal ritual in Colombia.

Henry Miller, 19, was in a remote rainforest area, near the town of Mocoa, with other tourists when he drank yage with a local tribe.

The psychedelic drink, also known as ayahuasca, is made from leaves and is used by native people in South America for healing and spiritual purposes.

Mr Miller took the drug on Sunday without any effects. He took it again on Tuesday and was found dead later.

Mr Miller took the drug in a rainforest outside Mocoa, southwest Colombia

Filip Goematre, owner of Casa del Rio hostel, where the teenager was staying, told Sky News: "Lots of people come to this area to take the yage drug, which is part of an indigenous ritual.

"But I am not a fan of it. I prefer people come here to enjoy the Amazon and look at the animals and nature.

"Henry came here last week and heard about the drug from other tourists and got motivated to do it.

"I'm not involved in the drug and do not promote it in anyway. But it's an indigenous ritual and involves drinking juice from a medicinal plant. One of the effects of it is to hallucinate.

"Henry stayed at the hostel for seven days. He did it (the drug) once on Sunday night, and on the Tuesday he was travelling on.

Yage brings on vivid hallucinations and supposedly spiritual experiences

"But he changed his mind at the last minute and decided to do the ritual. There is a police investigation going on and an autopsy is being carried out on his body, but it looks like the drink.

"It's an intoxicant, and hundreds of people do it and a couple of times people die. It's not considered dangerous, but it can happen."

Mr Miller, from Bristol, travelled with a group of eight people to land belonging to a local shaman, according to the Daily Mail.

After taking the drug, he reportedly started "lashing out with his hands and feet" and then "made weird animal noises, pig sounds and at one point he tried to fly".

The shaman's family told the other tourists they would look after him, but when they woke up in the morning Mr Miller was not there, the paper quoted one of the group as saying.

Police arrived and showed them a picture of Mr Miller's body, which was said to have been found by a dirt road.

The teenager had stayed at Casa del Rio hostel for seven days

A spokesman for the Foreign Office told Sky News: "We are aware of the death of a British national on April 23 in Colombia. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this very difficult time."

Henry Miller's parents Elizabeth and David, and brother Freddie issued a statement to the Bristol Post, saying: "In the last 48 hours we received the exceptionally sad news that our son Henry has died whilst travelling in Colombia.

"We are being informed of the circumstances through the Foreign Office. He was in the remote Putumayo region.

"We understand that he took part in a local tribal ritual recommended by the hostel that he was staying at.

"The ritual involves a drink made from local plant infusions. We are awaiting further information from the foreign office but it is likely that a reaction to this drink was the cause."

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Five Die As UK Helicopter Crashes in Afghanistan

Five people have died after a British helicopter crashed in Afghanistan, with all those on board thought to be members of UK armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the victims of the suspected accident in the south of the country were military service personnel.

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the incident but the MoD said it could not confirm the nationality of the troops who died.

A spokesman for the ministry said: "We can confirm that a UK helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today.

"The incident is under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further until families have been notified."

Kandahar provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani said the helicopter went down in the Takhta Pul district, around 30 miles from the Pakistan border.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known but it was not believed to have involved any enemy action.

If the victims are confirmed to be British, it would be the worst UK air crash in Afghanistan since September 2006, when a Nimrod surveillance aircraft exploded in mid-air while supporting Nato ground operations near Kandahar.

All 14 servicemen on board that aircraft were killed.

Saturday's incident was the bloodiest day for international troops in Afghanistan this year.

It brings the number of foreign troops killed in the war-hit country in April to seven. A total of 23 have died in 2014.

Nato is preparing to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan at the end of this year, 13 years after the US-led invasion to topple the Taliban for sheltering al Qaeda leaders.

Concerned family members of military service personnel can contact the MoD on 08457 800 900.

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One Direction's Niall Horan Kept Up All Night

A weary-sounding Niall Horan has begged fans outside his hotel to keep the noise down ahead of the start of One Direction's new world tour.

The boy band is kicking off the tour in Bogota, Colombia - but it seems all those rehearsals might have taken their toll.

Niall tweeted late on Thursday: "Big day tomorrow! Gona try and get some sleep! Gona be hard!"

The 20-year-old followed that up with: "I honestly think this hotel is made of paper! Haha! It feels like the people outside are in my room haha! Not a chance of sleep tonight."

One Direction's debut album Up All Night was a worldwide hit

Three hours later Niall appeared to be getting desperate, tweeting: "Guys! May I ask you to keep the noise down please ! All of our crew are tired! and we have a big day tomorrow! Don't want to sound angry !"

Luckily, the Irish singer's message - sent to his 18 million followers - appeared to quickly silence the hysterical crowds outside his hotel.

His final message read: "Thank you ! Much appreciated ! Big day for all tomorrow! Love you lots! Goodnight! Xxx"

The five-piece are set to play nearly 70 shows in just over five months on the Where Are We Tour. It arrives in Ireland and the UK at the end of May.

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Virgin Hijack Scare: Drunk Passenger Arrested

A drunken passenger sparked a hijack scare after trying to break into the cockpit of a Virgin passenger plane.

The plane is currently at Bali's international airport and a 28-year-old Australian has been arrested, an Indonesian air force spokesman said.

All 139 passengers are unharmed and have been evacuated from the aircraft, he added.

It is understood the Virgin Australia aircraft was scheduled to fly from Brisbane to Bali.

Matt Christopher Lockley is escorted through the airport after the drama

The Australian passenger began pounding on the cockpit door before being handcuffed by the crew, Heru Sudjatmiko, airport manager for Virgin Australia, said. 

Authorities named the passenger as Matt Christopher Lockley

Palani Mohan, a passenger on a flight that was about to take off from Bali, said: "The captain of my plane made an announcement saying we were delayed indefinitely.

"He said it was because a hijack was going on in Bali airport, about 150 metres away from us.

All passengers were evacuated safely from the plane

"I saw at least five vehicles including military-style trucks, filled with men in uniform, rushing towards the plane.

"Then the Virgin plane taxied away, followed by the convoy of security forces. The flight attendant said it's been taken off to a different part of the airport.

"Bali airport seems to be in lockdown, we've been told no planes will be departing or arriving. The pilot's not allowing anyone off our plane."

Indonesian air force spokesman Hadi Tjahjanto told Metro TV television station: "We got information that a 737-800 from Brisbane to Bali has been hijacked".

The plane was flying from Brisbane and landed in Bali

According to an Indonesian transport official the captain raised the alarm after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit. 

However, a Virgin Australia spokeswoman later denied the plane had been hijacked.

She said: "There are incorrect reports that a Virgin Australia aircraft was hijacked en route to Denpasar. This is not correct.

"The aircraft in question has landed safely and at no point was the safety of our passengers ever in question."

Virgin Australia Airlines, formerly Virgin Blue Airlines, is Australia's second-largest airline as well as the largest by fleet size to use the Virgin brand. 

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Parents Weep In Court Over Dead Children

A mother arrested over the deaths of her three disabled children has appeared before magistrates accused of their murders.

Tania Clarence wept in the dock as she was remanded in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Friday.

She spoke only to confirm her name, age and address and no formal plea was entered.

The 42-year-old is accused of three counts of murder between April 20 and April 23 this year.

A bail hearing will be held on April 29 before she appears at the Old Bailey on May 9.

Gary Clarence is pictured with his twin sons and their New Malden home

Her husband, Gary Clarence, 43, also broke down in tears as he sat in the public gallery during the brief hearing. A group of people, thought to be family and friends, supported him during the proceedings.

He was in his family's native South Africa with the couple's eight-year-old daughter when he heard about the deaths.

Sky News Reporter Joe Tidy, who was in the courtroom, said: "When Tania Clarence walked in the 42-year-old broke down immediately and began to cry when she looked over to the public gallery.

"She could barely read her name, her date of birth and her address details.

"Gary Clarence arrived ahead of proceedings and sat in the public gallery. He had tears in his eyes and was greeted with lots of support and hugs from people who seemed to know him in the gallery."

Fiona Abbott, chairwoman of the bench, said: "For these three charges you will be sent to the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on May 9.

"There will be a bail application at the Central Criminal Court at 10am on April 29."

Police were called to the house on Tuesday night

Tania Clarence was arrested after her four-year-old daughter, Olivia, and three-year-old twin sons Ben and Max were found dead at the family's home in New Malden, southwest London, on Tuesday night.

Post-mortem examinations were due to be carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital on the three children on Thursday. They are understood to have had spinal muscular atrophy.

The life-limiting genetic condition is also known as floppy baby syndrome and leaves children with little or no control of their movement.

Mrs Clarence is originally from South Africa and moved to Britain with her husband some years ago.

The couple moved into their £1.2m house around six months ago after the property was redeveloped with mobility equipment, including a lift.

A neighbour of the family, retired nurse Joy Devis, 86, described the Clarences as a "delightful couple".

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Helicopter Explodes Amid 'World War' Rhetoric

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has accused Russia of wanting to start "a third world war".

Mr Yatseniuk said that Russia wanted to occupy Ukraine "militarily and politically", creating a conflict that would spread to the rest of Europe.

It's unclear whether weapons destroyed the aircraft or whether it crashed

"The world has not yet forgotten World War Two, but Russia already wants to start World War Three," he said.

His comments came as Barack Obama said he would consult key European leaders later on the possibility of imposing new sanctions against Russia.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel went further, saying that EU foreign ministers must now "act" on sanctions, given the lack of progress in the crisis.

A pro-Russian separatist fills sand bags at a checkpoint in Slavyansk

On the ground, Ukrainian special forces launched a second phase of their "anti-terrorism" operation, blockading the rebel-held city of Slavyansk, officials said.

Reports that pro-Russian snipers had shot at a Ukranian military helicopter in the eastern town of Kramatorsk have been treated cautiously. 

According to officials in Kiev, the helicopter exploded at a military base after being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Barack Obama will consult European leaders about new sanctions

Its pilot managed to escape but was wounded, the official said. Kramatorsk is one of several under the control of pro-Kremlin gunmen.

Sky's foreign affairs editor, Sam Kiley, in Ukraine, said that the "bellicose" rhetoric between Russia and Ukraine was escalating more quickly than action on the ground.

"On the ground, there are incidents, but the level of violence has been relatively low and does not justify the type of rhetoric we have heard," Kiley said. 

Journalist Simon Ostrovsky has spoken of his capture

Meanwhile, US journalist Simon Ostrovsky, who was captured and released by pro-Russian militants, says he believes he was used as a "bargaining chip" with Kiev.

Writing for Vice magazine, he said: "On Monday night I was pulled out of a car at a checkpoint, then blindfolded, beaten, and tied up with tape.

"After spending hours alone on the floor of a damp cell with my hands tied behind my back and a hat pulled over my eyes, I was led into a room where I was accused of working for the CIA, FBI, and Right Sector, the Ukrainian ultra-nationalist group."

John Kerry has warned Russia of 'grave' consequences

Earlier, US Secretary of State John Kerry accused Russia of "deception" and "destabilisation" in Ukraine and hinted at more sanctions.

Mr Kerry warned Moscow time was running out for it to change course.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia face a choice," he said in unusually blunt language.

"If Russia chooses the path of de-escalation ... all of us will welcome it. But if Russia does not, the world will make sure that the costs for Russia will only grow."

A checkpoint apparently set on fire by pro-Russian separatists

Mr Kerry added this would be a "grave" and "expensive mistake".

He also said the Kremlin has not honoured an agreement aimed at defusing the crisis, echoing earlier comments by Mr Obama.

The Geneva accord between Russia, Ukraine, the US and EU compelled armed groups to put down their weapons and vacate official buildings.

The US says Moscow is stoking unrest and separatist sentiment in the east of Ukraine after its annexation of Crimea.

A pro-Russian actvist has his head bandaged

Russia accuses Washington of encouraging a pro-Western government to adopt anti-Russian policies.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has warned the crisis is threatening to "spin out of control" and urged all sides to "refrain from violence".

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UK School Confirms US Paedophile Abused Pupils

Child Predator: Husband And 'Popular Teacher'

Updated: 11:44am UK, Thursday 24 April 2014

The serial child predator at the centre of an FBI investigation had a wife and two adult children and was a popular teacher among his students, officials have said.

William James Vahey travelled the world for four decades before his suicide in a Minnesota motel last March.

While teaching, he also served as coach on various school sports teams.

The FBI said he was a "popular and highly respected teacher".

"He had access to children because of his position of trust," said FBI special agent Patrick Fransen.

"He created a system that gave him the opportunity and the means to molest children."

The FBI says he may have carried out child molestation on an unprecedented scale, often drugging his victims.

Vahey told investigators he suffered molestation as a child and went on to prey on boys.

The New York native graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, according to a resume cited by the FBI.

He received a master's degree in curriculum development from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont.

At the time of his death, he was 64, approximately 6ft (182cm) tall, and weighed about 190 pounds (86kg).

He was teaching ninth-grade world history and geography at the American Nicaraguan School in Managua.

Vahey maintained two residences, one in London, where he had taught at an elite school, and another on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the FBI said.

In 1969, Vahey was arrested in California on six counts of child molestation.

He pled guilty to one count of child molestation and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, followed by five years' probation.

The conviction required Vahey to register with California's sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

However, Vahey eluded that requirement.

Officials said he had not renewed his registration as a sex offender since 1970. He went on to pursue his teaching career in Nicaragua, the UK, Venezuela, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Iran, Spain, and Lebanon.

His victims are believed to be multinational as many of those schools were attended by the children of American diplomats or military personnel stationed overseas.

Vahey coached boys on middle school, varsity boys' basketball, softball, flag football, and soccer, among other things.

He also served as activities director, student council adviser, cooking club adviser and forensics adviser. 

He often accompanied students on cultural studies or sports trips, the FBI said.

Vahey killed himself two days after agents in Houston sought a warrant to search a computer thumb drive belonging to him.

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Arrested Mum 'Struggled With Children's Care'

A mother arrested on suspicion of murdering her three disabled children centred her life on them but often had to cope alone, according to a family friend.

Tania Clarence, 42, was taken into custody after police found the bodies of the children at her home in New Malden, south London, on Tuesday night.

The children - a four-year-old girl and twin three-year-old boys - are understood to have had spinal muscular atrophy.

The life-limiting genetic condition is also known as floppy baby syndrome and leaves children with little or no control of their movement.

Gary Clarence, the children's father, was in the family's native South Africa with the couple's eight-year-old daughter when he heard the news.

Flowers have been left outdide the family's £1.2m house in London

A family friend, who did not want to be named, told South Africa's Times Live website that the couple lived a hectic, regimented life based around caring for their children.

"Everything was regulated, everything they ate diarised. I bet Tania had not had a decent night's sleep in a few years."

Despite having help to look after the children, the friend said the family still struggled.

"They tried to have a normal family life in the evening, by not having a house full of carers. Tania's borne the brunt [of it]. Gary is a businessman and had to [travel].

"Everybody who met her could not but be compassionate. Most would think 'there but for the grace of God go I'," the friend told Times Live.

"They did not go and have babies knowing they were giving them a genetic disease. She's been slammed for having three kids with SMA.

"They had the one child, their second child, who was young, only a few months old, when she fell pregnant [with the twins]. It was not planned, but they felt they could cope."

Mrs Clarence was initially taken to hospital with minor injuries and later discharged.

Chief Superintendent Glenn Tunstall told a news conference on Wednesday afternoon officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

He said specialist detectives were providing support to the family.

Sky reporter Joe Tidy said the couple moved into the £1.2m house with their four children around six months ago, once the property had been redeveloped with mobility equipment, including a lift.

Specialist officers are helping the family, says Chief Supt Glenn Tunstall

Mr Clarence works as a director at Investec bank - his mother and sister are understood to have flown to the UK to support him.

A neighbour of the family, retired nurse Joy Devis, 86, said she had been in the house "once or twice" and described the Clarences as a "delightful couple".

Post-mortem examinations of the three children will be held this afternoon at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

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Camilla's Brother In Revolving Door Death

The Duchess of Cornwall's brother Mark Shand died after falling backwards while trying to re-enter a revolving door, New York police have said.

The 62-year-old travel writer slipped in the early hours of Wednesday outside the Gramercy Hotel's Rose Bar in Manhattan.

"At approximately 2.40 am he attempted to re-enter the hotel from the revolving door and unexpectedly fell backwards, striking his head on the pavement," a police official said.

Mr Shand was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, and was later pronounced dead.

Mr Shand, Camilla's only brother, was the chairman of Elephant Family, a charity that aims to save the endangered Asian elephant from extinction in the wild.

Mark Shand (L) with Prince Charles

He was in New York for an auction at Sotheby's in aid of a charity for underprivileged children and Elephant Family.

A statement from Clarence House said: "The Duchess, The Prince of Wales and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss.

"Mark Shand was a man of extraordinary vitality, a tireless campaigner and conservationist whose incredible work through The Elephant Family and beyond remained his focus right up until his death."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are on a trip to Australia, also released a statement.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to learn this morning of the tragic death of Mark Shand. Their thoughts are with The Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were 'saddened' at the news

Mr Shand wrote a number of books and appeared in documentaries, with elephants and India common themes.

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Putin: Ukraine 'Crime' Will Have Consequences

Vladimir Putin has warned there will be "consequences" if Ukraine has used its army against pro-Russian activists.

Ukraine's interior ministry said "up to five terrorists" have been killed during an operation to clear checkpoints in the eastern town of Slavyansk.

In response to this, and increased Nato activity in the region, Russian troops have begun military exercises near its border with Ukraine.

"We are forced to react to such a development of the situation," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. "If this military machine is not stopped, it will lead to greater numbers of dead."

President Vladimir Putin has warned of consequences

Mr Putin, the Russian President, said Ukraine's actions in Slavyansk could amount to a "very serious crime against its own people".

He added: "It is simply a punitive measure that will without question have consequences."

There were reports of at least 10 Ukrainian armoured vehicles just north of Slavyansk.

There remains a heavy rebel presence in the city.

One activist, Stella Khorosheva, told The Associated Press: "We will defend ourselves to our last drop of blood. We are ready to repeat Stalingrad."

Ukrainian special forces at an abandoned roadblock in Slavyansk

Ukrainian forces have now withdrawn from the city, according to Reuters.

Ukraine has re-launched a campaign against pro-Russia insurgents occupying government buildings.

Troops liberated a town hall in eastern Mariupol without any casualties, according to interior minister Arsen Avakov.

He also claimed 70 people led by Russian soldiers raided a Ukrainian base at Artemivsk, wounding one soldier.

With tensions rising, all sides have ramped up their rhetoric.

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, accused the West of instigating a "revolution" in Ukraine, culminating in the ousting of pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych, as part of a "geopolitical game" against Moscow.

Ukrainian troops enter Slavyansk

"Our Western partners, first and foremost the United States, tried to behave as winners in the Cold War and pretend one can ignore Russia in European affairs," Interfax quoted Mr Lavrov as saying.

US President Barack Obama accused the Kremlin of not honouring an agreement aimed at defusing the Ukraine crisis.

The Geneva accord between Russia, Ukraine, the US and EU compelled armed groups to surrender weapons and leave official buildings.

Mr Obama said further sanctions were "teed up".

"We continue to see malicious, armed men destabilising the region, and we haven't seen Russia step out and discourage it," said Mr Obama.

Barack Obama issued a warning to Russia during a trip to Japan

The West has already issued asset freezes and visa bans targeting Russian officials but has ruled out military action.

Mr Putin admitted sanctions were hurting Russia - but claimed the West would also suffer.

"Overall they are causing (damage), because ratings are being reviewed, loans could become more expensive and so forth. But this is of no critical character," he said.

"They are harmful for everyone, they destroy the global economy and are dishonourable on the part of those who use those types of tools."

To add to the tensions, Russia's Gazprom has sent an $11.4bn (£6.7bn) gas bill to Ukraine energy firm Naftogaz - five times the original amount.

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Missing Plane: Material Washes Ashore In Oz

Officials searching for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane say material has washed ashore off the coast of Western Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is now examining photographs of the objects, which have been secured by police in the region, to establish whether they are linked to flight MH370.

Authorities said the images had also been passed to investigators in Malaysia.

Relatives are urging governments not to give up the search

The development came after Australia pledged to keep searching for the plane despite no sign of wreckage after almost seven weeks.

Bad weather is continuing to hamper the search with aircraft grounded for the second day due to heavy rain, low clouds and rough seas.

An undersea drone is nearing the end of its first full mission and Australian PM Tony Abbott says the search strategy may change if seabed scans taken by the US Navy drone fails to find a trace of MH370, which vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board.

The deep search covers an area where sonar equipment picked up a signal

"We may well re-think the search but we will not rest until we have done everything we can to solve this mystery," he said.

"The only way we can get to the bottom of this is to keep searching the probable impact zone until we find something or until we have searched it as thoroughly as human ingenuity allows at this time."

The Bluefin-21 drone is a key component in the search after the detection of audio signals, or "pings", believed to be from the plane's black box flight .

Relatives are asking Mr Hussein to investigate old media reports

The search co-ordination centre said the robotic submarine had so far covered more than 80% of the 120 square mile (310 square kilometres) seabed search zone off the Australian west coast, creating a three-dimensional sonar map of the ocean floor, but failing to find anything of interest.

The 2.8 mile (4.5-kilometre) deep search area is a circle 12 miles (20 km) wide around an area where sonar equipment picked up a signal on April 8 consistent with a plane's black boxes. The batteries powering those signals are now dead.

Both Australia and Malaysia are under growing pressure to show what lengths they are prepared to go to in order to give closure to the grieving families of those on board.

In a sign of the families' growing desperation for answers, a group purporting to be relatives of the missing flight's passengers wrote a letter to Malaysian defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein, urging the government to investigate old media reports that the plane landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

"It is high time that the government should start thinking out of the box by exploring and re-examining all leads, new and old," said the letter, published on Facebook on Wednesday.

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Murder Probe As 'Disabled' Children Found Dead

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three young children were found dead at a house in southwest London.

Officers discovered the bodies when they were called to a large, semi-detached home in Thetford Road, New Malden, at around 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Sky sources say the three children - a four-year-old girl and two three-year-old boys - were disabled and had "life-limiting genetic conditions".

The 42-year-old woman arrested was taken to hospital with minor injuries and later discharged. She is in custody at a south London police station.

Gary Clarence and his sons, and their Victorian house in Thetford Road

Chief Superintendent Glenn Tunstall told a news conference on Wednesday afternoon officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

He said specialist detectives are providing support to the family.

Sky's Joe Tidy, at the scene, said a South African couple - named locally as Gary and Tania Clarence - moved into the house with their four children around six months ago.

They moved in after the £1.2m property was redeveloped with mobility equipment, including a lift.

Mr Clarence, a director at Investec Bank, and his eldest child are abroad, and are travelling back today.

His company said in a statement: "Gary Clarence is a valued colleague and has worked with us for many years.

Flowers and toys have been left outside the house

"We do not know the facts at this time but our thoughts are with the Clarence family.  We are doing all that we can to help Gary and his eldest child and ask that their privacy is respected."

Officers removed evidence bags from the property this morning. It is unclear whether the children's bodies are still inside the house.

Post-mortem examinations are to take place later.

Neighbour Michele Bacchus, 38, said two "very, very upset" women had asked to use her toilet last night, an hour after four police cars and an ambulance arrived.

The women, one in her 30s and the other in her 50s, said they were relatives of the Clarence family and had come from Cobham, Surrey.

Police are investigating the incident in New Malden

One had a South African accent and the other was too upset to speak, she said.

Another neighbour, retired nurse Joy Devis, 86, said she had been in the house "once or twice" and described the Clarences as a "delightful couple".

"They'd got every kind of equipment they could possibly get for those children," she told Sky News.

"One I never saw out of a wheelchair; she was in her buggy. The other two were moving about with difficulty."

She said the family had help from a nanny and a maid.

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Madeleine Police Probe Five New Assault Cases

By Rachel Younger, Sky News Correspondent

British police are looking at five new cases in which young British girls were sexually abused during holiday home break-ins by an intruder in the Algarve.

One of these assaults took place on a 10-year-old girl in Praia da Luz, from where Madeleine McCann vanished two years later.

These new cases are similar to some of the originally identified twelve offences where a male intruder gained access to holiday villas occupied by British families in the Western Algarve.

Scotland Yard recently made an appeal to trace the intruder which lead to 500 people contacting them with new information.

Madeleine disappeared from her bed in Praia da Luz in 2007

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood said today: "We have now identified a further five sexual assaults and one near miss. None of those six matters we were aware of prior to our appeal.

"In this new tranche of information we have got one crime which is very clearly in the heart of Praia da Luz in 2005, on a young, white, 10-year-old girl.

"Clearly the fact that we've now got an assault that is in the heart of Praia da Luz, very close to where a previous matter had been reported, means that we are even more interested in this as part of the inquiry."

In four of these incidents the man sexually assaulted five white girls, aged between seven and 10, while they were in their beds.

Although Portuguese police have turned down requests for a joint investigation, British police added they are poised to begin operations in Portugal following an official agreement from Portuguese police later this week.

Police are still keen to trace a man seen near Madeleine's appartment

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said he is "cautiously optimistic" Portuguese and British officers can act soon.

"I am cautiously optimistic that in the not-too-distant future we are going to start to see activity," he said.

Officers have so far identified a series of 18 crimes committed between 2004 and 2010 where a male intruder entered villas occupied by UK families on holiday in the Western Algarve.

Twelve of these are assaults which took place between 2004 and 2010, although the vast majority happened before Madelaine's disappearance. All involved girls aged between 6 and 12 years old.

Police believe the suspect may have been in the villas for some time before being disturbed by parents or a child waking up - and he remained calm even when interrupted.

The noise of a bin collection lorry was heard nearby on two occasions.

The suspect is described as having tanned skin with short, dark, unkempt hair.

Police are still hunting a man seen carrying a girl fitting Madeleine's description on the night of her disappearance.

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Moyes Breaks Cover On Manchester United Exit

David Moyes has spoken out on his sacking by Manchester United, saying he is "proud" to have managed the club but frustrated about the team's results.

While he expressed gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson and the club's fans and coaching staff, a reference to United's players was conspicuous by its absence.

"To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud," said a written statement.

"I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League."

But the League Managers Association, which issued the statement on his behalf, said it was "very disappointed" and "sad" about the way Moyes was axed.

Ryan Giggs, 40, is manager until the end of the season

The Scot was sacked on Tuesday after a series of defeats left the team with no hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season, and languishing in seventh place in the Premier League.

"Performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration," says Moyes.

The 50-year-old admits the job was "immense" and a "significant challenge" but that he "never had a second thought about taking (it) on".

Moyes' side lost 2-0 at his former club Everton at the weekend

His failure to say thank you to the players comes after a series of rumours during the season of disquiet among some of the club's top talent over his tactics and training methods.

The League Managers Association made no bones about its views on the sacking.

Chief Executive Richard Bevan said: "The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club.  

"(Moyes) has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism ... It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."

Moyes was hand-picked by outgoing boss Sir Alex Ferguson after 11 years at Everton, where he guided the team to five top-six finishes.

Carlo Ancelotti is one of the favourites to take over at Old Trafford

But the burden of expectation seems to have weighed heavy and the team have lost 11 league games this season - including six losses at home and lacklustre defeats to bitter rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Moyes signed a six-year contract but is now set for a pay-off of around £4m - a year's salary - after less than a year in charge.

United legend Ryan Giggs has taken the reins until for the last few games of the season but Louis van Gaal, manager of the Dutch national side, is the bookies' favourite to land the full-time job.

Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is also tipped as one of the leading contenders.

Manchester United's American owners, the Glazer family, are thought to be ready to bankroll a summer spending spree of £150m or more as the club pushes for a swift return to the top of the game.

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Peaches Geldof Funeral Attended By Stars

Mourners have turned out for the funeral of Peaches Geldof, with a host of stars paying their last respects to the writer, model and broadcaster.

Kate Moss, musician Jools Holland and former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman were all pictured at the service.

The Duchess of York, journalist Mariella Frostrup, actress Jaime Winstone, TV presenter Alexa Chung, and Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw were also there.

Kate Moss was among the mourners

Peaches' coffin was painted sky blue, with a painting of her family on the back and peaches and clouds on the side.

Sir Bob Geldof was expected to lead the tributes to his daughter, who died two weeks ago in "unexplained" circumstances.

The Duchess of York arrived in a chauffeur driven car

The private service was at the same Kent church which held the funeral of Peaches' mother, Paula Yates, in 2000.

Actress Jaime Winstone also attended the funeral

St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Davington, near Faversham, is also where the 25-year-old married musician Tom Cohen, the father of her children, in 2012.

It is also where her mother - who died from an accidental heroin overdose - married Boomtown Rats singer Geldof in 1986.

Ms Geldof's ashes are expected to scattered in the garden of Sir Bob's Davington Priory estate, which is next to the church.

Mystery still surrounds the sudden death of Ms Geldof on April 7.

DJ Nick Grimshaw makes his way into church

Her body was found at the Wrotham, Kent, home she shared with her husband and their children after officers were called "following a report of concern for the welfare of a woman".

Sir Bob paid tribute to his daughter alongside his partner Jeanne Marine, and Ms Geldof's sisters Fifi Trixibelle, Pixie and Tiger, saying she was the "wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and the most bonkers of all of us".

Her older sister Fifi posted a picture of the siblings together on Instagram and wrote: "My beautiful baby sister ... Gone but never forgotten. I love you, Peaches x".

Ms Geldof had two sons with Mr Cohen - Astala, 23 months and Phaedra, 11 months.

Peaches with her husband of two years, Tom Cohen

Kent Police said her death was being treated as "non-suspicious" and "unexplained".

An inquest is not expected to be opened and adjourned by the coroner until after the results of toxicology tests are known.

Ms Geldof was 11 when her mother died from an accidental heroin overdose at the age of 41.

Peaches (right) with her father and siblings in 2005

The last tweet she posted on the day before she died was a picture of herself as a child with her mother, with the message "me and my mum".

She often spoke about her struggle to cope with her parents' break-up when she was seven and admitted to experimenting with drugs during her teenage years.

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David Moyes: Game Over At Man Utd?

David Moyes has struggled at Old Trafford since his move to the club as manager from Everton 11 months ago.

He signed a six-year contract as Manchester United looked to move on from the incredible success of Sir Alex Ferguson over more than 26 years.

The 50-year-old began his tenure well with a 2-0 win in the Community Shield over Wigan at Wembley and a 4-1 win at Swansea in the opening Premier League fixture.

But Manchester United have so far lost 11 times in the league, most recently on Sunday, away at Everton.

They find themselves languishing in seventh after winning the title last year.

The big money signing of Juan Mata has failed to turn around Utd's fortunes

Big money signings including Marouane Fellaini from his former club for £27.5m and Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37.5m have failed to bring success.

The Scot described his team's defending as "rank" and "rotten" during the Everton game, which left the Red Devils with a record of 27 wins, nine draws and 15 defeats in all competitions this season.

They are in danger of missing out on European football altogether for the first time in 32 seasons and with their lowest points total ever in the Premier League.

Speaking to MUTV after the game, he said: "We need to end the season on a high. We want to finish by winning all of our games.

"We'll do everything we possibly can to make that happen."

Senior players including Mata and Rio Ferdinand also tweeted their disappointment after the result, with the defender saying: "Frustration and disappointment sums up this season so far."

The Community Shield is the only piece of silverware Moyes has won.

His side went out in the FA Cup 3rd round against Swansea, the Capital One Cup in the semi-final against Sunderland and the Champions League in the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich.

Last month, fans of the club flew a light aircraft over Old Trafford carrying a banner calling for him to be sacked - although supporters in the ground cheered Moyes as he emerged ahead of the kickoff against Aston Villa.

While at Everton, Moyes won the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award three times and also won promotion while managing Preston North End in 2000.

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South Korea Ferry Tragedy 'A Murderous Act'

Timeline Of Doomed Ferry's Journey

Updated: 8:49am UK, Sunday 20 April 2014

The Sewol ferry sank in the East China Sea less than three hours after the first distress call was made to land.

Here is a timeline of the ship's voyage from Incheon:

April 15, 9pm

The Sewol leaves port in Incheon at around 9pm with 475 people and 150 vehicles on board, heading for Jeju Island.

April 16, 8.55am

First contact between vessel and land is made, with officer telling Jeju Vessel Traffic Services Centre (VTS) "our ship is in danger".

Survivors say passengers were told to remain in cabins.

April 16, 9am

Officer tells Jeju VTS ship is listing to the left and adds "it's impossible to move". Coastguard tells vessel to "wear life jackets and prepare as the people might have to abandon ship".

April 16, 9.05am

Other vessels notified as ferry continues to tilt to the side.

April 16, 9.30am

The coastguard, helicopters and other ships begin to arrive at the scene and rescue passengers who have escaped from the ferry.

April 16, 10am

Rescuers start to search for people in the overturned hull of the Sewol.

April 16, 11.20am

The ferry sinks in the East China Sea.

April 17

Text messages from people on board the ferry reveal passengers were ordered to remain in their seats and cabins as ship began listing.

Crew member Oh Yong-Seok reveals the captain waited 30 minutes before ordering the evacuation as officers tried to stabilise the vessel. By that time, the crew were unable to reach passengers because the ship was titled at such an acute angle.

April 18

Investigators reveal the ship's captain, Lee Joon-Seok, was not at the helm when the Sewol began to list. They are also examining why the ship's third mate ordered an abrupt turn around three hours before the vessel was due to arrive at Jeju Island.

Mr Lee, along with two more of the ship's crew, are arrested.

Vice-principal of Danwon High School, Kang Min-Kyu, is found dead on Jindo island. In a note found in his wallet, he described his rescue as "too painful while 200 remain unaccounted for".

April 19

Mr Lee issues a public apology for causing a "disturbance" and says he delayed the evacuation of the ferry because he thought the sea water was too cold.

Investigators reveal the third mate was steering the ship in difficult waters for the first time and in foggy conditions.

Divers trying to gain access to the ferry describe seeing bodies through its windows as the death toll officially climbs above 30.

April 20

Angry relatives clash with police on Jindo island over the speed of the recovery operation.

Divers break windows on the ferry to get inside the vessel and find more bodies, with the death toll confirmed above 50.

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David Moyes 'Could Be Sacked Within 24 Hours'

David Moyes: Game Over At Man Utd?

Updated: 3:59pm UK, Monday 21 April 2014

David Moyes has struggled at Old Trafford since his move to the club as manager from Everton 11 months ago.

He signed a six-year contract as Manchester United looked to move on from the incredible success of Sir Alex Ferguson over more than 26 years.

The 50-year-old began his tenure well with a 2-0 win in the Community Shield over Wigan at Wembley and a 4-1 win at Swansea in the opening Premier League fixture.

But Manchester United have so far lost 11 times in the league, most recently on Sunday, away at Everton.

They find themselves languishing in seventh after winning the title last year.

Big money signings including Marouane Fellaini from his former club for £27.5m and Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37.5m have failed to bring success.

The Scot described his team's defending as "rank" and "rotten" during the Everton game, which left the Red Devils with a record of 27 wins, nine draws and 15 defeats in all competitions this season.

They are in danger of missing out on European football altogether for the first time in 32 seasons and with their lowest points total ever in the Premier League.

Speaking to MUTV after the game, he said: "We need to end the season on a high. We want to finish by winning all of our games.

"We'll do everything we possibly can to make that happen."

Senior players including Mata and Rio Ferdinand also tweeted their disappointment after the result, with the defender saying: "Frustration and disappointment sums up this season so far."

The Community Shield is the only piece of silverware Moyes has won.

His side went out in the FA Cup 3rd round against Swansea, the Capital One Cup in the semi-final against Sunderland and the Champions League in the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich.

Last month, fans of the club flew a light aircraft over Old Trafford carrying a banner calling for him to be sacked - although supporters in the ground cheered Moyes as he emerged ahead of the kickoff against Aston Villa.

While at Everton, Moyes won the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award three times and also won promotion while managing Preston North End in 2000.

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