thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Boris Johnson's Brexit deal 'threat to workers' rights and the environment'

Boris Johnson ’ s post-Brexit trade deal with the EU leaves workers ’ rights and environmental protections at risk of erosion and will slow the economic recovery , an early analysis has warned .
The IPPR think tank ’ s assessment , published on Sunday , says that the bar for proof of breaches of the “ level playing field ” to safeguard the issues is so high that it will be rarely enforced .
The Prime Minister has insisted that the UK will not regress on the issues and instead has vowed to use the “ legislative and regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind ” .
But as Tory Eurosceptics pore over the 1,246-page treaty to see if they can give their backing , the IPPR added to criticism of the deal from the fishing industry .
Marley Morris , a director focusing on trade and EU relations , warned that the commitment in the deal not to decrease current standards in a bid to gain an unfair competitive advantage is “ considerably weaker than expected ” and sets “ a very high bar for proof ” .
“ Given it is notoriously difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade or investment , the deal is unlikely to prevent the UK Government from weakening EU-derived labour and environmental policies if it so chooses , ” his report says .
He later added : “ This leaves protections for workers , climate and the environment at serious risk of being eroded.
” The IPPR also said that by the UK having “ watered down ” the level playing field requirements to secure “ only limited benefits in market access ” there will be a blow to trade .
There will likely be disruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border , in the short-term while barriers to trading with the nation ’ s biggest partner will “ likely lead to slower growth and a more prolonged economic recovery ” from the coronavirus pandemic , the analysis says .
“ This thin deal is better than no deal at all , but still creates major trade barriers with our closest neighbour , which will inhibit growth and slow the economic recovery , ” Mr Morris added .
A hasty analysis of the treaty secured on Christmas Eve began in earnest when it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than a week before its implementation .
In his first interview since brokering the agreement , Mr Johnson denied the UK would regress on workers ’ rights and environmental standards , two issues both sides have committed to uphold in the deal .
Mr Johnson told the Sunday Telegraph : “ All that ’ s really saying is the UK won ’ t immediately send children up chimneys or pour raw sewage all over its beaches .
We ’ re not going to regress , and you ’ d expect that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ doing a big exercise ” on business taxes and regulation alongside a “ great Government effort ” for new plans for after the transition period ends on December 31 .
But Mr Jonhson said it “ perhaps would not have been fruitful ” to discuss them publicly during negotiations , as he listed animal welfare regulations , data and chemicals , alongside existing plans to establish low-tax freeports .
The Prime Minister did , however , acknowledge that the treaty “ perhaps does not go as far as we would like ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
Mr Sunak wrote in the Mail on Sunday that the next year would begin a “ new era ” for the nation , as he pledged to “ build opportunity for everyone ” by investing in infrastructure and “ rewarding risk-takers and entrepreneurs ” .
But the chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen ’ s Organisation ( NFFO ) , Barrie Deas , accused Mr Johnson of having “ bottled it ” on fishing quotas to secure only “ a fraction of what the UK has a right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Prime Minister had “ sacrificed ” fishing to other priorities , with the subject proving to be an enduring sticking point during negotiations as they raced to get a deal by the end of the transition period on December 31 .
Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused the Conservatives of having “ sold out Scottish fishing all over again ” , adding : “ Promises they knew couldn ’ t be delivered , duly broken.
” The share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the five-and-a-half-year transition .
Mr Johnson has said that , although he accepts that “ the devil is in the detail ” of the deal , he believes that it will stand up to inspection from the European Research Group ( ERG ) of Brexiteers .
The group has convened a self-styled “ star chamber ” of lawyers led by veteran Eurosceptic MP Sir Bill Cash to examine the full text ahead of a Commons vote on December 30 .
The senior Conservative backbencher said “ sovereignty is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small print of the deal , but there were indications Brexit hardliners were preparing to support the deal , despite being angered by the little time they have to debate it .
The agreement will almost certainly be passed by Parliament , with Labour supporting it , as the alternative would be a chaotic no-deal situation on January 1 .
Meanwhile , the EU ’ s 27 member states indicated they will within days give their formal backing to the deal , which covers about £660 billion of trade to allow goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU market .

The IPPR think tank’s assessment, published on Sunday, says that the bar for proof of breaches of the “level playing field” to safeguard the issues is so high that it will be rarely enforced
Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit trade deal with the EU leaves workers’ rights and environmental protections at risk of erosion and will slow the economic recovery, an early analysis has warned.
The IPPR think tank’s assessment, published on Sunday, says that the bar for proof of breaches of the “level playing field” to safeguard the issues is so high that it will be rarely enforced.
The Prime Minister has insisted that the UK will not regress on the issues and instead has vowed to use the “legislative and regulatory freedoms to deliver for people who felt left behind”.
But as Tory Eurosceptics pore over the 1,246-page treaty to see if they can give their backing, the IPPR added to criticism of the deal from the fishing industry.
Marley Morris, a director focusing on trade and EU relations, warned that the commitment in the deal not to decrease current standards in a bid to gain an unfair competitive advantage is “considerably weaker than expected” and sets “a very high bar for proof”.
“Given it is notoriously difficult to prove that any lowering of protections affects trade or investment, the deal is unlikely to prevent the UK Government from weakening EU-derived labour and environmental policies if it so chooses,” his report says.
He later added: “This leaves protections for workers, climate and the environment at serious risk of being eroded.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
The IPPR also said that by the UK having “watered down” the level playing field requirements to secure “only limited benefits in market access” there will be a blow to trade.
There will likely be disruption to trade flows, including at the border, in the short-term while barriers to trading with the nation’s biggest partner will “likely lead to slower growth and a more prolonged economic recovery” from the coronavirus pandemic, the analysis says.
“This thin deal is better than no deal at all, but still creates major trade barriers with our closest neighbour, which will inhibit growth and slow the economic recovery,” Mr Morris added.
A hasty analysis of the treaty secured on Christmas Eve began in earnest when it was published in full on Boxing Day – less than a week before its implementation.
In his first interview since brokering the agreement, Mr Johnson denied the UK would regress on workers’ rights and environmental standards, two issues both sides have committed to uphold in the deal.
Mr Johnson told the Sunday Telegraph: “All that’s really saying is the UK won’t immediately send children up chimneys or pour raw sewage all over its beaches. We’re not going to regress, and you’d expect that.”
He said that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is “doing a big exercise” on business taxes and regulation alongside a “great Government effort” for new plans for after the transition period ends on December 31.
But Mr Jonhson said it “perhaps would not have been fruitful” to discuss them publicly during negotiations, as he listed animal welfare regulations, data and chemicals, alongside existing plans to establish low-tax freeports.
The Prime Minister did, however, acknowledge that the treaty “perhaps does not go as far as we would like” over access to EU markets for financial services.
Mr Sunak wrote in the Mail on Sunday that the next year would begin a “new era” for the nation, as he pledged to “build opportunity for everyone” by investing in infrastructure and “rewarding risk-takers and entrepreneurs”.
But the chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation (NFFO), Barrie Deas, accused Mr Johnson of having “bottled it” on fishing quotas to secure only “a fraction of what the UK has a right to under international law”.
Mr Deas said the Prime Minister had “sacrificed” fishing to other priorities, with the subject proving to be an enduring sticking point during negotiations as they raced to get a deal by the end of the transition period on December 31.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused the Conservatives of having “sold out Scottish fishing all over again”, adding: “Promises they knew couldn’t be delivered, duly broken.”
The share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch will rise from about half now to two-thirds by the end of the five-and-a-half-year transition.
Mr Johnson has said that, although he accepts that “the devil is in the detail” of the deal, he believes that it will stand up to inspection from the European Research Group (ERG) of Brexiteers.
The group has convened a self-styled “star chamber” of lawyers led by veteran Eurosceptic MP Sir Bill Cash to examine the full text ahead of a Commons vote on December 30.
The senior Conservative backbencher said “sovereignty is the key issue” as his team analysed the small print of the deal, but there were indications Brexit hardliners were preparing to support the deal, despite being angered by the little time they have to debate it.
The agreement will almost certainly be passed by Parliament, with Labour supporting it, as the alternative would be a chaotic no-deal situation on January 1.
Meanwhile, the EU’s 27 member states indicated they will within days give their formal backing to the deal, which covers about £660 billion of trade to allow goods to be sold without tariffs or quotas in the EU market.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson sends heartfelt message to club's fans

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has penned a heartfelt message to the club 's fans thanking them for their role in a successful year for the Reds .
Jurgen Klopp 's side were finally able to end Liverpool 's 30-year wait for another domestic title in 2020 and land their first of the Premier League era .
Sadly for the Reds ' loyal supporters , none of them were allowed to be present for the title run-in , with Liverpool eventually lifting the trophy in an empty Anfield .
The Reds had virtually had the championship sewn up by the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed doors , though , holding a 22-point gap over nearest rivals Man City when the season was suspended .
And Henderson was keen to stress the important role Liverpool 's fans had in helping them to their triumph .
`` With this being our last home game of the year , I want to finish off by looking back on a remarkable 12 months and offer my own very simple Christmas message to our supporters , '' Henderson wrote in his programme notes ahead of the West Brom clash .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to say thank you .
We have been fortunate enough to be successful and even though you were not always able to be in the ground , your contribution has been immense .
`` We did n't just win the league title for our fans , we won it because of them and I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas , and also those of you who do n't , are able to find an opportunity to toast the role that you played in our success .
`` I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a soft drink rather than anything stronger , and when I do I will raise a glass to Liverpool supporters for inspiring us every step of the way . ''
Get the latest Liverpool news straight into your inbox !
Liverpool are keen to repeat last season 's success - and you do n't want to miss a thing , surely ?
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It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season for Jurgen Klopp 's men .
They got their title defence off to a shaky start as they edged out a seven-goal thriller against Leeds , before going on to conceded seven in a hammering by Aston Villa .
Virgil van Dijk 's season was ended by injury in the 2-2 draw at Everton , leaving the title favourites looking far less secure at the back - especially with Alisson 's injury worries too .
But there 's no slowing down in what is going to be a busy campaign - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full pace as they bid for more title glory .
The easiest way to keep up with everything going on at Anfield ?
It 's by signing up .
Put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
Liverpool have kept up their title-winning form to top the table for the third time running at Christmas , all while weathering an ongoing injury crisis .
They now have the opportunity to extend their lead even further over some of the chasing pack , after Leicester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their draw at the King Power stadium on Boxing Day .
Will Liverpool win the title this season ?
Have your say below .
West Brom arrive at Anfield 19th in the table , and with a new manager in the hotseat , but Henderson is taking nothing for granted .
`` Today 's game against West Brom is another tough one , especially with Sam Allardyce having taken over so recently , but hopefully we can end the Anfield year in a positive fashion , '' he added .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last 12 months , but we have to keep that going if we want the awards and accolades to continue . ''

Henderson captained Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years, finally getting their triumph over the line without the presence of their own supporters due to the pandemic
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has penned a heartfelt message to the club's fans thanking them for their role in a successful year for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp's side were finally able to end Liverpool's 30-year wait for another domestic title in 2020 and land their first of the Premier League era.
Sadly for the Reds' loyal supporters, none of them were allowed to be present for the title run-in, with Liverpool eventually lifting the trophy in an empty Anfield.
The Reds had virtually had the championship sewn up by the time the coronavirus outbreak forced all games behind closed doors, though, holding a 22-point gap over nearest rivals Man City when the season was suspended.
And Henderson was keen to stress the important role Liverpool's fans had in helping them to their triumph.
"With this being our last home game of the year, I want to finish off by looking back on a remarkable 12 months and offer my own very simple Christmas message to our supporters," Henderson wrote in his programme notes ahead of the West Brom clash.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"To each and every one of you, I want to say thank you. We have been fortunate enough to be successful and even though you were not always able to be in the ground, your contribution has been immense.
"We didn't just win the league title for our fans, we won it because of them and I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas, and also those of you who don't, are able to find an opportunity to toast the role that you played in our success.
"I know I'll be doing that, with a soft drink rather than anything stronger, and when I do I will raise a glass to Liverpool supporters for inspiring us every step of the way."
Get the latest Liverpool news straight into your inbox! Liverpool are determined to make it a blistering title challenge to repeat last year's triumphs and you don't want to miss a thing! From all of Liverpool's updates to the must-read Reds stories, get them straight to your inbox without fuss by signing up for the fantastic Mirror Football newsletter! The easiest way to keep up with everything going on at Anfield? It's by signing up. Put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
Liverpool have kept up their title-winning form to top the table for the third time running at Christmas, all while weathering an ongoing injury crisis.
They now have the opportunity to extend their lead even further over some of the chasing pack, after Leicester and Man Utd each dropped two points in their draw at the King Power stadium on Boxing Day.
Will Liverpool win the title this season? Have your say below.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
West Brom arrive at Anfield 19th in the table, and with a new manager in the hotseat, but Henderson is taking nothing for granted.
"Today's game against West Brom is another tough one, especially with Sam Allardyce having taken over so recently, but hopefully we can end the Anfield year in a positive fashion," he added.
"We have done a lot of things right over the last 12 months, but we have to keep that going if we want the awards and accolades to continue."


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Eight UK lottery millionaires don't even know it - you could be one of them

Eight lottery punters are heading into the New Year as millionaires - but have so far failed to claim their prizes .
There are eight Lotto and EuroMillions winners who have not collected their jackpots and the clock is ticking .
They have six months from the time of the draw to claim the money or it goes to the good causes fund .
Speaking about a EuroMillions winner from West Lothian who has scooped £1.8m Camelot 's Andy Carter , a senior winners ' advisor at The National Lottery , said : `` We 're desperate to find this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their winnings , this amazing prize could really make a massive difference to somebody 's life , and what a way to start the new year it would be .
What are your thoughts on this story ?
Let us know in the comments below '' We 're urging everyone who bought a ticket in this area to check their old EuroMillions tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding . ''
Two of the winners are from Oldham and won in the same Lotto draw in August .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walsall , West Lancashire and Sandwell in Birmingham .
The Sandwell Lotto winner who matched five balls and the bonus ball in a July draw only has until January 18th to claim it - or lose it .
• Code for Walsall winning EuroMillions Millionaire Maker on September 18 here .
If no-one comes forward with the winning tickets before the deadline , then the prize money , plus all the interest it has generated , will go to help National Lottery-funded projects across the UK .

There are eight outstanding Lotto and EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker winners who have not collected their jackpots - with one having just weeks left to claim
Eight clueless lottery punters heading into New Year as millionaires - are you one?
Eight lottery punters are heading into the New Year as millionaires - but have so far failed to claim their prizes.
There are eight Lotto and EuroMillions winners who have not collected their jackpots and the clock is ticking.
They have six months from the time of the draw to claim the money or it
goes to the good causes fund.
Speaking about a EuroMillions winner from West Lothian who has scooped £1.8m Camelot's Andy Carter, a senior winners' advisor at The National Lottery, said: "We're desperate to find this mystery ticket holder and unite them with their winnings, this amazing prize could really make a massive difference to somebody's life, and what a way to start the new year it would be.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below
Image: PA) PA)
"We're urging everyone who bought a ticket in this area to check their old EuroMillions tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding."
Two of the winners are from Oldham and won in the same Lotto draw in August.
The others are from Coventry, Belfast, Walsall, West Lancashire and
Sandwell in Birmingham.
The Sandwell Lotto winner who matched five balls and the bonus ball in a
July draw only has until January 18th to claim it - or lose it.
Numbers for Sandwell winning Lotto draw on July 22: 2, 7, 11, 23, 37, 45. Bonus 19
Numbers for West Lancashire winning Lotto draw on August 1: 4, 10, 13, 24, 53, 56. Bonus 22
Numbers for Oldham winning Lotto draw on August 8: 2, 40, 49, 53, 56, 58. Bonus 41
Code for Walsall winning EuroMillions Millionaire Maker on September 18 here.
Code for Belfast winning EuroMillions Millionaire Maker on October 2: MZMF67754
Code for Coventry winning EuroMillions Millionaire Maker on November 6: XNRJ58133
Numbers for winning West Lothian winning EuroMillions draw on December 11: 6, 9, 13, 24, 41. Lucky Stars 3, 12
If no-one comes forward with the winning tickets before the deadline, then the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to help National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Coronavirus will not be last pandemic and we need to be more prepared, WHO warns

The Covid-19 pandemic will not be the last the world faces in the near future , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has warned .
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said unless humans change the way we interact with animals and address climate change , we will soon find ourselves on the doorstep of another crisis .
Efforts to improve human health are 'doomed ' unless we are prepared to tackle animal welfare issues and climate change , he said as a dark year of tragedy and economic turmoil comes to a close .
He made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday 's first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness .
Do you think the world is prepared for another pandemic ?
Share your views in the comments below ...
In the short clip , he said the world must learn lessons from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic .
The virus has killed at least 1.7million people since it is first known to have emerged in the city of Wuhan , China , in December 2019 .
Lockdowns imposed since to curb its spread have thrashed economies and severely curtailed individual freedoms around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too long , the world has operated on a cycle of panic and neglect , '' he said .
`` We throw money at an outbreak , and when it 's over , we forget about it and do nothing to prevent the next one .
This is dangerously short-sighted , and frankly difficult to understand . ''
He added : '' History tells us that this will not be the last pandemic , and epidemics are a fact of life .
`` The pandemic has highlighted the intimate links between the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Any efforts to improve human health are doomed unless they address the critical interface between humans and animals , and the existential threat of climate change that 's making our earth less habitable . ''
Tedros said all countries should invest in preparedness capacities to prevent , detect and mitigate emergencies of all kinds , and called for stronger primary health care provision .
The UN health agency 's chief said that with investments in public health , `` we can ensure that our children and their children inherit a safer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The United Nations General Assembly called for the international day to promote the importance of prevention , preparedness and partnership in tackling epidemics .
The WHO head said the pandemic should not have come as a surprise , as scientists and health bodies had issued warnings of the triggers and risks of pandemics well in advance of the crisis .
Mr Ghebreyesus added : `` In the past 12 months , our world has been turned upside-down .
The impacts of the pandemic go far beyond the disease itself , with far-reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We must all learn the lessons the pandemic is teaching us . ''
The global health leader had also recently commented on new coronavirus mutations sweeping the UK and South Africa .
The first emerged in England 's South East and has rapidly spread through the region and London , prompting Government scientists to warn they fear it is more virulent than the original strain .
More strains originating from South Africa were subsequently discovered in the UK , sparking an urgent Government order for anyone returning from the country in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergence of the new variants , Mr Ghebreyesus said there was `` no evidence '' the new strain was `` more likely to cause severe disease or mortality '' .
UK Government scientists and vaccine developer Pfizer 's chief have said they have no reason to believe the strains will be unresponsive to the jab currently being rolled out .
The WHO chief warned earlier this month that widespread vaccination would still not alone be enough to stop the spread of the virus .
To end the pandemic , countries will still need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , isolating and caring for cases , tracing and quarantining contacts , communicating health warnings and encouraging careful behaviour , he said .

COVID-19 not last pandemic in world: WHO chief
COVID-19 not last pandemic in world: WHO chief
World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus warns attempts to improve human health are 'doomed' unless we tackle both animal welfare and climate change
Coronavirus will not be last pandemic and we need to be more prepared, WHO warns
The Covid-19 pandemic will not be the last the world faces in the near future, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said unless humans change the way we interact with animals and address climate change, we will soon find ourselves on the doorstep of another crisis.
Efforts to improve human health are 'doomed' unless we are prepared to tackle animal welfare issues and climate change, he said as a dark year of tragedy and economic turmoil comes to a close.
He made the stark warning in a video message marking Sunday's first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
Do you think the world is prepared for another pandemic? Share your views in the comments below...
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
In the short clip, he said the world must learn lessons from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
The virus has killed at least 1.7million people since it is first known to have emerged in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Lockdowns imposed since to curb its spread have thrashed economies and severely curtailed individual freedoms around the world.
Dr Ghebreyesus told viewers: "For too long, the world has operated on a cycle of panic and neglect," he said.
Image: BOGDAN CRISTEL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) BOGDAN CRISTEL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
"We throw money at an outbreak, and when it's over, we forget about it and do nothing to prevent the next one. This is dangerously short-sighted, and frankly difficult to understand."
He added:"History tells us that this will not be the last pandemic, and epidemics are a fact of life.
"The pandemic has highlighted the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and planet.
"Any efforts to improve human health are doomed unless they address the critical interface between humans and animals, and the existential threat of climate change that's making our earth less habitable."
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Tedros said all countries should invest in preparedness capacities to prevent, detect and mitigate emergencies of all kinds, and called for stronger primary health care provision.
The UN health agency's chief said that with investments in public health, "we can ensure that our children and their children inherit a safer, more resilient and more sustainable world".
The United Nations General Assembly called for the international day to promote the importance of prevention, preparedness and partnership in tackling epidemics.
The WHO head said the pandemic should not have come as a surprise, as scientists and health bodies had issued warnings of the triggers and risks of pandemics well in advance of the crisis.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Mr Ghebreyesus added: "In the past 12 months, our world has been turned upside-down. The impacts of the pandemic go far beyond the disease itself, with far-reaching consequences for societies and economies.
"We must all learn the lessons the pandemic is teaching us."
The global health leader had also recently commented on new coronavirus mutations sweeping the UK and South Africa.
The first emerged in England's South East and has rapidly spread through the region and London, prompting Government scientists to warn they fear it is more virulent than the original strain.
More strains originating from South Africa were subsequently discovered in the UK, sparking an urgent Government order for anyone returning from the country in the last fortnight to quarantine.
Commenting on the emergence of the new variants, Mr Ghebreyesus said there was "no evidence" the new strain was "more likely to cause severe disease or mortality".
UK Government scientists and vaccine developer Pfizer's chief have said they have no reason to believe the strains will be unresponsive to the jab currently being rolled out.
The WHO chief warned earlier this month that widespread vaccination would still not alone be enough to stop the spread of the virus.
To end the pandemic, countries will still need to continue: virus surveillance, testing, isolating and caring for cases, tracing and quarantining contacts, communicating health warnings and encouraging careful behaviour, he said.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Jack Grealish reacts to Bukayo Saka's 'lies' about goal against Chelsea

Jack Grealish has jokingly branded Bukayo Saka `` a liar '' after the Arsenal star claimed he meant his somewhat fortuitous goal against Chelsea .
The Gunners ' youngster scored their third in the Boxing Day victory , looping a right-footed cross over Edouard Mendy from just inside the 18-yard box .
It looked as though Saka was aiming for two of his teammates at the far post as he fired the ball over from the right-hand side , although he insisted otherwise .
After the match he tried to explain he had purposefully struck the ball into the far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that up with his message on social media .
`` Saw him off his line ! ''
he wrote tongue-in-cheek on Twitter , accompanied by emojis which suggested he knew otherwise .
And Saka 's attempts to take credit for his effort were not getting past Aston Villa captain Grealish , who promptly responded to his England colleague .
`` Ur to [ sic ] funny man !
Liar , '' Grealish said , along with several laughing emojis .
Grealish was n't the only one to call Saka out for his claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed the notion his opponent 's goal was n't a fluke .
The pair exchanged views as they walked off the field after Arsenal 's 3-1 win .
Saka was talking over his strike with teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles , when Abraham interjected : `` You did n't mean it , shut up man . ''
Whether he meant it or not mattered little to the final result , as Chelsea failed to battle back from being three-down after less than an hour 's play .
Alexandre Lacazette 's penalty and Granit Xhaka 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position before Saka 's lucky finish .
Was Saka 's goal a fluke ?
Have your say below .
They may well have needed Saka 's goal to be the winner had Jorginho scored from the penalty spot after Abraham pulled a goal back , but Bernd Leno won the battle from 12 yards .
Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville tipped Saka as his man of the match for his display .
`` One hundred per cent him , '' Neville said when asked his view .
`` Absolutely loved his performance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the second half .
[ He has been ] absolutely outstanding , playing off that right-hand side . ''
The win was only Arsenal 's second in their last 11 league matches , while Chelsea fell to their third defeat from their last four .

Saka was adamant his strike in the Boxing Day clash at the Emirates was on purpose but he's been met with opposition from England teammates Grealish and Tammy Abraham
Jack Grealish has jokingly branded Bukayo Saka "a liar" after the Arsenal star claimed he meant his somewhat fortuitous goal against Chelsea.
The Gunners' youngster scored their third in the Boxing Day victory, looping a right-footed cross over Edouard Mendy from just inside the 18-yard box.
It looked as though Saka was aiming for two of his teammates at the far post as he fired the ball over from the right-hand side, although he insisted otherwise.
After the match he tried to explain he had purposefully struck the ball into the far corner of the goal, and backed that up with his message on social media.
"Saw him off his line!" he wrote tongue-in-cheek on Twitter, accompanied by emojis which suggested he knew otherwise.
Image: Offside via Getty Images) Offside via Getty Images)
And Saka's attempts to take credit for his effort were not getting past Aston Villa captain Grealish, who promptly responded to his England colleague.
"Ur to [sic] funny man! Liar," Grealish said, along with several laughing emojis.
Grealish wasn't the only one to call Saka out for his claim, as Chelsea star Tammy Abraham also dismissed the notion his opponent's goal wasn't a fluke.
The pair exchanged views as they walked off the field after Arsenal's 3-1 win.
Saka was talking over his strike with teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, when Abraham interjected: "You didn't mean it, shut up man."
Whether he meant it or not mattered little to the final result, as Chelsea failed to battle back from being three-down after less than an hour's play.
Alexandre Lacazette's penalty and Granit Xhaka's free-kick had put Arsenal into a commanding position before Saka's lucky finish.
Was Saka's goal a fluke? Have your say below.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
They may well have needed Saka's goal to be the winner had Jorginho scored from the penalty spot after Abraham pulled a goal back, but Bernd Leno won the battle from 12 yards.
Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville tipped Saka as his man of the match for his display.
"One hundred per cent him," Neville said when asked his view. "Absolutely loved his performance. He scored a goal at the beginning of the second half. [He has been] absolutely outstanding, playing off that right-hand side."
The win was only Arsenal's second in their last 11 league matches, while Chelsea fell to their third defeat from their last four.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Chris Wilder on Sheffield United struggles and question he's become "bored" of

Chris Wilder admits he is scratching his head for the answer .
How can he stop Sheffield United 's season from degenerating into embarrassment ?
How can a squad who pushed for Europe last season shrivel so much in confidence and form , and basic levels of fight , to produce an early season flop never seen before in Premier League history ?
“ This is not a system situation .
I am bored with that one , ” said Wilder .
Is it a lack of hunger , a comfort zone after a good first year in the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
We wanted them to kick on , ” said Wilder , before adding : “ The experienced players , the bulk , are not playing no where near consistently the standard they have produced in the past . ''
Some 19 years ago Wilder started in the ninth tier with Alfreton Town , and 19 months ago a headline dubbed him the Yorkshire Pep Guardiola .
His , and United 's rise , is what the English football pyramid is all about .
As is the rapid fall of his once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from just a few months ago .
Two points from 15 games is the worst start by any Premier League team .
No one has avoided the drop with less than eight points at this stage .
Wilder is working his way through the managerial play-book until there 's nothing left to try .
He can do spiky motivation .
He can acerbic barbed comments , the world 's against us moans , softer toned demands for players to make the shirt their own , and of course , the old fashioned rollockings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blades to the considerable heights reached last March before lockdown burst their bubble .
“ I 'll go home and scratch my head and pick a team for Burnley.
” He added : “ No one can give a footballer a magic pill .
“ They have to find it within themselves and stick their chest out , accept the responsibility and accept it this Premier League level .
Yes it is quicker , up against world class , but these players have shown it.
” The margins are so fine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal , proper thrashings are rare , and battled well against Everton , lacking quality in possession .
Last season ten of their victories came by a single goal winning margin .
It does n't take much of a dip to turn those games .
They 've gone from a team playing full pelt , injury free , hungry for life changing new contracts , riding a wave of promotions and Premier League novelty .
To one in Wilder 's own worlds shows “ inconsistency ” , deserved “ fair criticism , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears scrappy and ordinary .
“ We make it competitive against good players but when it was our turn to play and go and hurt the opposition we never built up that momentum , ” Wilder said .
“ Our form does n't allow that to happen .
I feel we have got it in us .
It is a broken record.
” Their last win was 3-0 against Chelsea 19 games ago in July , and this defeat came after Gylfi Sigurdsson netted on 80 minutes – their fifth loss in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating back to 1908 .
History suggests they are doomed .
That need n't mean Wilder 's time is up .
Keeping discipline , motivation and a sense of mission will be tough in the coming months when it seems their fate is already decided .
Will Sheffield United stay up ?
Have your say in the comments .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

After an impressive return to the top flight last season, the Blades have taken just two points from 15 games so far this term, and fell to another single-goal defeat against Everton on Boxing Day
"I am bored with that one!" Chris Wilder responds to questions on Sheffield United struggles
Chris Wilder admits he is scratching his head for the answer.
How can he stop Sheffield United's season from degenerating into embarrassment?
How can a squad who pushed for Europe last season shrivel so much in confidence and form, and basic levels of fight, to produce an early season flop never seen before in Premier League history?
Is it tactics?
“This is not a system situation. I am bored with that one,” said Wilder.
Is it a lack of hunger, a comfort zone after a good first year in the top flight?
“The majority got new contracts. We wanted them to kick on,” said Wilder, before adding: “The experienced players, the bulk, are not playing no where near consistently the standard they have produced in the past."
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
Some 19 years ago Wilder started in the ninth tier with Alfreton Town, and 19 months ago a headline dubbed him the Yorkshire Pep Guardiola.
His, and United's rise, is what the English football pyramid is all about. As is the rapid fall of his once feared, twice promoted, Europe-chasing upstarts from just a few months ago.
Two points from 15 games is the worst start by any Premier League team. No one has avoided the drop with less than eight points at this stage.
Wilder is working his way through the managerial play-book until there's nothing left to try.
He can do spiky motivation. He can acerbic barbed comments, the world's against us moans, softer toned demands for players to make the shirt their own, and of course, the old fashioned rollockings.
But none of it is lifting the Blades to the considerable heights reached last March before lockdown burst their bubble. “I'll go home and scratch my head and pick a team for Burnley.”
He added: “No one can give a footballer a magic pill.
“They have to find it within themselves and stick their chest out, accept the responsibility and accept it this Premier League level. Yes it is quicker, up against world class, but these players have shown it.”
The margins are so fine. United have lost ten games by single goal, proper thrashings are rare, and battled well against Everton, lacking quality in possession.
Last season ten of their victories came by a single goal winning margin. It doesn't take much of a dip to turn those games.
They've gone from a team playing full pelt, injury free, hungry for life changing new contracts, riding a wave of promotions and Premier League novelty.
To one in Wilder's own worlds shows “inconsistency”, deserved “fair criticism,” and that once looked innovative but now appears scrappy and ordinary.
“We make it competitive against good players but when it was our turn to play and go and hurt the opposition we never built up that momentum,” Wilder said.
“Our form doesn't allow that to happen. I feel we have got it in us. It is a broken record.”
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Their last win was 3-0 against Chelsea 19 games ago in July, and this defeat came after Gylfi Sigurdsson netted on 80 minutes – their fifth loss in a row at home equalling the club record dating back to 1908.
History suggests they are doomed. That needn't mean Wilder's time is up.
Keeping discipline, motivation and a sense of mission will be tough in the coming months when it seems their fate is already decided.
Will Sheffield United stay up? Have your say in the comments.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Family of man who died in Xmas Day motorbike crash say 'life will never be same'

The family of a young man killed in a motorbike crash on Christmas Day have said he was a `` dearly loved . ''
Michael Crooks , 32 , was pronounced dead at the scene following the tragedy in Billingham , Durham .
The collision between a red Hyundai I30 and a blue Suzuki motorcycle happened around 1.05pm on December 25 , near a Quorn factory .
The young motorbike rider 's grieving family yesterday paid tribute to him and released a photograph , reports Teesside Live .
His family said : “ Michael was a dearly loved son and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleasure of knowing him .
“ We are in shock at his loss and our lives will never be the same without him.
” Cleveland Police said Daniel ' family have asked for privacy as they grieve together .
The force is continuing to appeal for information and witnesses to the crash .
The driver of the Hyundai , a woman aged in her 50s , was taken to hospital with a suspected broken wrist and minor injuries .
Cleveland Police , the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also appealing for anyone with dash cam footage which may assist to contact Sgt Steve Clyburn of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on 101 , reference SE20208654 .

Motorbike rider Michael Crooks, 32, was killed as he rode at lunchtime on Christmas Day in Billingham, Durham, and was described as 'dearly loved by all'
Family of man who died in Christmas Day motorbike crash say 'life will never be same'
The family of a young man killed in a motorbike crash on Christmas Day have said he was a "dearly loved."
Michael Crooks, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene following the tragedy in Billingham, Durham.
The collision between a red Hyundai I30 and a blue Suzuki motorcycle happened around 1.05pm on December 25, near a Quorn factory.
The young motorbike rider's grieving family yesterday paid tribute to him and released a photograph, reports Teesside Live.
His family said: “Michael was a dearly loved son and was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
“We are in shock at his loss and our lives will never be the same without him.”
Cleveland Police said Daniel' family have asked for privacy as they grieve together.
The force is continuing to appeal for information and witnesses to the crash.
The driver of the Hyundai, a woman aged in her 50s, was taken to hospital with a suspected broken wrist and minor injuries.
Cleveland Police, the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance attended the incident.
The force is also appealing for anyone with dash cam footage which may assist to contact Sgt Steve Clyburn of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on 101, reference SE20208654.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--The Masked Singer's Sophie Ellis-Bextor breaks silence as 'stunt backfires'

Sophie Ellis-Bexter has spoken out after she became the first celebrity to be given the boot on The Masked Singer on Saturday night .
The professional singer failed to impress the judges and the studio audience with her performance of Dua Lipa 's Do n't Start Now and was unmasked as the Alien in the dramatic climax to the show .
After just one performance on this year 's ITV singing competition , Sophie , 41 , took to social media to discuss her short time on the show .
The Murder On the Dancefloor hitmaker joked about fans not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after seeing the reaction ton Twitter during the first episode .
`` Yes so as most of you guessed .
It was me & she in # themaskedsinger .
Even my one year old pointed at the telly and shouted ‘ mummy !
’ when I started singing in the alien suit !
`` Anyhoo a fun and trippy way to spend a few days and enjoy the rest of the show- no idea who anyone is ! ''
she tweeted .
While Sophie appeared to enjoy her brief stint on the talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to give her the boot .
Others came up with a theory as to why she had fallen at the first hurdle - and suggested she had tried too hard to disguise her real singing voice .
`` I spotted Sophie Ellis Bextor even though she desperately tried to disguise her posh accent , '' said one viewer .
Another agreed the stunt had been Sophie 's downfall : `` She tried to disguise her distinctive voice and that cost her .
But Sophie Ellis Bextor is a tonic in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Sophie didn ’ t disguise her voice she would ’ ve stayed , '' raged a third .
Though other viewers claimed they guessed it was Sophie the minute she started singing - and from the 'too obvious ' clues that gave away her true identity .
Following her elimination , Sophie has since revealed she did n't have any say in the teasers .
`` I didn ’ t have much input - it wasn ’ t needed - and my favourite clue alluded to one of my songs being played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
I didn ’ t even know ! ''
she explained .
Her character , who seen sporting metallic dreadlocks and a dazzling green bodysuit , had told viewers : “ Greetings Earthlings , I am the Alien .
I have travelled faster than the speed of light .
“ From Space , Earth looks like a tiny toy and all the people on it look like tiny models , ” they continued , with a mannequin then seen sporting a wedding dress .
“ I have undertaken this independent exploration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread love , joy and glitter . ''
The star also said that she struggled in her first performances due to the staging and the giant mask she was required to wear .
`` I was on a platform and couldn ’ t see too well .
I thought I might fall off ! ''
she revealed .
As viewers continue to guess the identities of the other celebrities , the next Masked Singer will be revealed when the show returns next Saturday at 7pm on ITV .

The pop star was the first to be eliminated from The Masked Singer 2020 after failing to impress the studio audience and the judges
Sophie Ellis-Bexter has spoken out after she became the first celebrity to be given the boot on The Masked Singer on Saturday night.
The professional singer failed to impress the judges and the studio audience with her performance of Dua Lipa's Don't Start Now and was unmasked as the Alien in the dramatic climax to the show.
After just one performance on this year's ITV singing competition, Sophie, 41, took to social media to discuss her short time on the show.
The Murder On the Dancefloor hitmaker joked about fans not having any trouble in guessing her identity after seeing the reaction ton Twitter during the first episode.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Yes so as most of you guessed. It was me & she in #themaskedsinger. Even my one year old pointed at the telly and shouted ‘mummy!’ when I started singing in the alien suit!
"Anyhoo a fun and trippy way to spend a few days and enjoy the rest of the show- no idea who anyone is!" she tweeted.
While Sophie appeared to enjoy her brief stint on the talent contest, fans were left furious at the decision to give her the boot.
Others came up with a theory as to why she had fallen at the first hurdle - and suggested she had tried too hard to disguise her real singing voice.
"I spotted Sophie Ellis Bextor even though she desperately tried to disguise her posh accent," said one viewer.
Another agreed the stunt had been Sophie's downfall: "She tried to disguise her distinctive voice and that cost her. But Sophie Ellis Bextor is a tonic in these dark times. Queen. "
"Ughhh if Sophie didn’t disguise her voice she would’ve stayed," raged a third.
Though other viewers claimed they guessed it was Sophie the minute she started singing - and from the 'too obvious' clues that gave away her true identity.
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
Following her elimination, Sophie has since revealed she didn't have any say in the teasers.
"I didn’t have much input - it wasn’t needed - and my favourite clue alluded to one of my songs being played in EastEnders while the Queen Vic burned down. I didn’t even know!" she explained.
Her character, who seen sporting metallic dreadlocks and a dazzling green bodysuit, had told viewers:“Greetings Earthlings, I am the Alien. I have travelled faster than the speed of light.
“From Space, Earth looks like a tiny toy and all the people on it look like tiny models,” they continued, with a mannequin then seen sporting a wedding dress.
“I have undertaken this independent exploration of your planet and my mission is to spread love, joy and glitter."
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
The star also said that she struggled in her first performances due to the staging and the giant mask she was required to wear.
"I was on a platform and couldn’t see too well. I thought I might fall off!" she revealed.
As viewers continue to guess the identities of the other celebrities, the next Masked Singer will be revealed when the show returns next Saturday at 7pm on ITV.


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Revellers in Tier 2 brave Storm Bella's wind and rain for Boxing Day night out

Revellers refused to let stormy weather or rising Covid-19 rates ruin their Boxing Day nights out in Tier 2 areas .
Young Brits braved gale-force winds and torrential rain across the UK last night , despite coronavirus restrictions .
Glamorous party-goers were pictured cowering from the elements under coats and umbrellas in York and Liverpool , which are both under Tier 2 restrictions .
Under Tier 2 measures , people are still allowed to mingle indoors , including in public venues , as long as they are from the same household or in a 'support bubble ' .
Brits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are not in their household as part of the 'rule of six ' .
Pubs , bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open under Tier 2 restrictions although they must follow Government guidelines .
These businesses must close if they are hit with Tier 3 measures , although they can still operate takeaway and delivery services .
The same rules apply for hospitality firms in Tier 4 areas , with large parts of the UK subjected to the tough rules on Wednesday .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the south and east of England entering Tier 4 on Boxing Day .
He said : `` From 00.01 on Boxing Day Sussex , Oxfordshire , Suffolk , Norfolk and Cambridgeshire , those parts of Essex not yet in Tier 4 , Waverley in Surrey and Hampshire including Portsmouth and Southampton but with the exception of the New Forest will all be escalated to Tier 4 . ''
These areas join Bedfordshire , Berkshire , Buckinghamshire , Peterborough in Cambridgeshire , Hastings and Rother in East Sussex , the rest of Essex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kent , London and the rest of Surrey , which are already in Tier 4 .
The following areas were also moved into Tier 3 : Bristol , Cheshire , Gloucestershire , Hampshire , Northamptonshire , Somerset and Swindon .
These areas join Derbyshire , County Durham , South Gloucestershire , Greater Manchester , the Humber , Lancashire , Leicestershire , Lincolnshire , Northumberland , Nottinghamshire , South Yorkshire , Staffordshire , Tees Valley , Tyne & Wear , Warwickshire , the West Midlands metropolitan county and West Yorkshire , which remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government battles to control the spread of a new mutant strain of coronavirus .
The variant could cause a higher mortality rate than the original variant in 2021 , scientists have warned .
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said the increase in transmissibility of the new Covid-19 could see more people being hospitalised and eventually dying after contracting the virus .
A report - which is still preliminary and has not been peer reviewed yet - has shown that , unless more restrictions are in place , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the summer in a worst case scenario .
But a more likely scenario , with 200,000 being vaccinated every week , would see 83,300 people dying by the end of June .
Scientists have said that the current average of 200,000 jabs being administered every week `` does not have much impact '' .

Young Brits were pictured boozing in Tier 2 areas such as York and Liverpool last night as they braved stormy weather to have some Boxing Day fun, despite much of the country being under tough coronavirus lockdown rules
Revellers refused to let stormy weather or rising Covid-19 rates ruin their Boxing Day nights out in Tier 2 areas.
Young Brits braved gale-force winds and torrential rain across the UK last night, despite coronavirus restrictions.
Glamorous party-goers were pictured cowering from the elements under coats and umbrellas in York and Liverpool, which are both under Tier 2 restrictions.
Under Tier 2 measures, people are still allowed to mingle indoors, including in public venues, as long as they are from the same household or in a 'support bubble'.
Brits in these areas can also meet people outside who are not in their household as part of the 'rule of six'.
Pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open under Tier 2 restrictions although they must follow Government guidelines.
Image: NB PRESS LTD) NB PRESS LTD)
These businesses must close if they are hit with Tier 3 measures, although they can still operate takeaway and delivery services.
The same rules apply for hospitality firms in Tier 4 areas, with large parts of the UK subjected to the tough rules on Wednesday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement at 3pm on Wednesday, outlining areas of the south and east of England entering Tier 4 on Boxing Day.
Image: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP) Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP) Image: NB PRESS LTD) NB PRESS LTD)
He said: "From 00.01 on Boxing Day Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, those parts of Essex not yet in Tier 4, Waverley in Surrey and Hampshire including Portsmouth and Southampton but with the exception of the New Forest will all be escalated to Tier 4."
These areas join Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, Hastings and Rother in East Sussex, the rest of Essex, the rest of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London and the rest of Surrey, which are already in Tier 4.
The following areas were also moved into Tier 3: Bristol, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Somerset and Swindon.
Image: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP) Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP) Image: NB PRESS LTD) NB PRESS LTD)
These areas join Derbyshire, County Durham, South Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, the Humber, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear, Warwickshire, the West Midlands metropolitan county and West Yorkshire, which remain in Tier 3.
It comes as the Government battles to control the spread of a new mutant strain of coronavirus.
The variant could cause a higher mortality rate than the original variant in 2021, scientists have warned.
Image: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP) Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)
Image: NB PRESS LTD) NB PRESS LTD)
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said the increase in transmissibility of the new Covid-19 could see more people being hospitalised and eventually dying after contracting the virus.
A report - which is still preliminary and has not been peer reviewed yet - has shown that, unless more restrictions are in place, up to 118,000 people could die of Covid-19 by the summer in a worst case scenario.
But a more likely scenario, with 200,000 being vaccinated every week, would see 83,300 people dying by the end of June.
Scientists have said that the current average of 200,000 jabs being administered every week "does not have much impact".


thedailymirror--2020-12-27--Body found in park as police and forensics swarm area 'near lake'

A body has been found in Longton Park , Staffordshire , police say .
Emergency services are at the scene after the discovery was made shortly after 8am today .
A witness said they saw a forensics tent and police paramedics swarming the area near the lake at the park in the town of Longton .
An eye witness at the park told StokeonTrent Live they had seen a large number of police near the body of water at the bottom of the park .
Have you been affected by this incident ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk A spokeswoman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror emergency services were called to reports of a dead body at Longton Park around 8.20am .
An investigation at the scene was underway , she said .
The force declined to comment on the location of the body .
A witness told local reporters : `` There are lots of police vehicles and an incident tent close to the lake area . ''
Another park-goer there when the area was cordoned off this morning said : `` It seems to be something to do with the lake at the bottom of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Police had cordoned off the park and were blocking all entrances following the discovery this morning .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Talia Shadwell, Ruby Davies)

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Staffordshire Police confirmed they were called to reports of a body in Longton Park, as witnesses say forensics teams can be seen working near the lake
Body found in park as police and forensics swarm area 'near lake'
A body has been found in Longton Park, Staffordshire, police say.
Emergency services are at the scene after the discovery was made shortly after 8am today.
A witness said they saw a forensics tent and police paramedics swarming the area near the lake at the park in the town of Longton.
An eye witness at the park told StokeonTrent Live they had seen a large number of police near the body of water at the bottom of the park.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
A spokeswoman for the Staffordshire Police chief inspector told the Mirror emergency services were called to reports of a dead body at Longton Park around 8.20am.
An investigation at the scene was underway, she said.
The force declined to comment on the location of the body.
A witness told local reporters: "There are lots of police vehicles and an incident tent close to the lake area."
Another park-goer there when the area was cordoned off this morning said: "It seems to be something to do with the lake at the bottom of the park. It is swarming with police."
Police had cordoned off the park and were blocking all entrances following the discovery this morning.


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Charlotte Crosby poses topless in thong in saucy snap as boyfriend grabs her bum

Charlotte Crosby has posed topless and in just a thong for a saucy snap on Sunday .
The 30-year-old Geordie Shore star said that she had just woken up as she took a selfie of her lying on her bed , while boyfriend Liam Beaumont is in close attention .
The reality star is seen lying on her front , using her bed sheets to cover her modesty while Liam grabs her backside in the cheeky pic that she shared on Instagram .
Charlotte captioned the pic : `` Just woke up .
Not soz . ''
It was certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled the comments with positivity as they hailed her 'just woken ' look .
One happy follower wrote : `` OMG @ charlottegshore you look amazing '' Another chipped in : `` Charlotte your eyes are much happier now .
So glad you ’ ve found your forever x '' A third cheeky fan had their attention elsewhere , commenting : `` Wish it was my hand♂ '' Charlotte has been dating Liam since February after they were introduced to each other by DJ Chris Wright while they were holidaying in Dubai .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant that they were forced to spend time together and Charlotte decided to move in with Liam .
The Geordie Shore star said that she has `` been living the life '' since staying with Liam , despite many comments suggesting that their relationship was moving way too fast .
Charlotte is having work done to her £1 million mansion in Sunderland is looks set to ask Liam to join her their when it is ready to be lived in again .
She has been having the six-bedroom property renovated after moving back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Joshua Richie last November .
The work being done to the house is being documented on Instagram , with Charlotte starting a page called The Crosby Manor .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

INSIDE CHARLOTTE CROSBY'S MANSION AS STAR SHARES BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS OF INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATION
INSIDE CHARLOTTE CROSBY'S MANSION AS STAR SHARES BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS OF INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATION
Charlotte Crosby has delighted fans with a cheeky pic as boyfriend Liam Beaumont looks to grab a slice of the attention during the naughty moment
Charlotte Crosby poses topless in thong in saucy snap as boyfriend grabs her bum
Charlotte Crosby has posed topless and in just a thong for a saucy snap on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Geordie Shore star said that she had just woken up as she took a selfie of her lying on her bed, while boyfriend Liam Beaumont is in close attention.
The reality star is seen lying on her front, using her bed sheets to cover her modesty while Liam grabs her backside in the cheeky pic that she shared on Instagram.
Charlotte captioned the pic: "Just woke up. Not soz."
It was certainly a hit with her fans, who filled the comments with positivity as they hailed her 'just woken' look.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
One happy follower wrote: "OMG @charlottegshore you look amazing"
Another chipped in: "Charlotte your eyes are much happier now. So glad you’ve found your forever x"
A third cheeky fan had their attention elsewhere, commenting: "Wish it was my hand♂"
Charlotte has been dating Liam since February after they were introduced to each other by DJ Chris Wright while they were holidaying in Dubai.
Their relationship was fast forwarded after lockdown meant that they were forced to spend time together and Charlotte decided to move in with Liam.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
The Geordie Shore star said that she has "been living the life" since staying with Liam, despite many comments suggesting that their relationship was moving way too fast.
Charlotte is having work done to her £1 million mansion in Sunderland is looks set to ask Liam to join her their when it is ready to be lived in again.
She has been having the six-bedroom property renovated after moving back to the North East following her split from Joshua Richie last November.
The work being done to the house is being documented on Instagram, with Charlotte starting a page called The Crosby Manor.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Mum and daughter's emotional Christmas Day embrace while treating Covid patients

A powerful photo shows a mum and daughter standing face-to-face on Christmas Day as they treated critically ill coronavirus patients .
The image of Royal Stoke University Hospital critical care unit medic Hollie Hawthorne and her mum , nursing assistant Clare Barker - both in full PPE - has gone viral .
Health workers across the UK have given up home time with their families during the festive period to continue the battle against Covid-19 , with the snap helping to epitomise their sacrifice .
Clare was doing a 12-hour shift on the front line on December 25 but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also on duty that day , reports StokeonTrentLive .
The black-and-white image was taken by staff nurse and keen photographer Steve Ryles and shows the pair touching masks as they cradle each other 's arms .
Hollie , from Trentham , North Staffordshire , said : `` I shared it with a Covid group on Facebook and it got 13,000 likes overnight .
I was gobsmacked . ''
The 34-year-old nursing assistant got to spend Christmas morning with her three children before starting her late shift at hospital .
“ With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massively having my mum there with me , ” she said .
“ You come home and you speak to your family , but they don ’ t get it as much as she does .
We are both going through the same thing.
” Safety rules meant she and Clare couldn ’ t swap Christmas presents at work .
And while they spent a break together , it was a far cry from enjoying turkey with all the trimmings .
For patients , staff tried to bring some Christmas cheer by putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls .
The mum and daughter have spent the past five years working together at the unit , although Clare is based in the cardiothoracic ‘ pod ’ and Hollie is in general intensive care .
Clare , 56 , from Hanford , near Trent Vale , said : “ Our paths cross a lot at work .
It ’ s not easy to work in intensive care and it can be very stressful , but we have the support of each other .
“ The teams we work with are also amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were working at Christmas too .
There are a lot of brave people.
” Clare has also seen life in hospital as a patient as she suffered a heart attack two years ago .
She was admitted again recently after developing kidney stones .
Her shift on Christmas Day was her first day back at work .
She volunteered for it as she is single and wanted other staff with young families to have the day off .
Seeing so many people battling coronavirus has taken its toll on the pair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , but you have to toughen up or else you wouldn ’ t be able to work in that environment .
It can be very sad indeed , ” said Clare .
“ Covid has been quite shocking .
Never in a million years did I expect anything like this .
“ It ’ s also meant a different way of working .
We are in full PPE all the time .
It ’ s hot and it ’ s uncomfortable .
At the end of a shift , it can feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught the virus themselves back in March .
But now vaccines are on being rolled out , it has lifted their spirits .
Clare said : “ It gives you a bit of hope .
There is light at the end of the tunnel .
”

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Kathie McInnes, Ryan Merrifield)

Clare Barker and Hollie Hawthorne, of Royal Stoke University Hospital, North Staffordshire, were among thousands of health workers to give up their Christmas Day
A powerful photo shows a mum and daughter standing face-to-face on Christmas Day as they treated critically ill coronavirus patients.
The image of Royal Stoke University Hospital critical care unit medic Hollie Hawthorne and her mum, nursing assistant Clare Barker - both in full PPE - has gone viral.
Health workers across the UK have given up home time with their families during the festive period to continue the battle against Covid-19, with the snap helping to epitomise their sacrifice.
Clare was doing a 12-hour shift on the front line on December 25 but was able to spend her break with Hollie, also on duty that day, reports StokeonTrentLive.
The black-and-white image was taken by staff nurse and keen photographer Steve Ryles and shows the pair touching masks as they cradle each other's arms.
Image: Steve Ryles) Steve Ryles)
Hollie, from Trentham, North Staffordshire, said: "I shared it with a Covid group on Facebook and it got 13,000 likes overnight. I was gobsmacked."
The 34-year-old nursing assistant got to spend Christmas morning with her three children before starting her late shift at hospital.
“With the Covid situation, it’s helped massively having my mum there with me,” she said.
“You come home and you speak to your family, but they don’t get it as much as she does. We are both going through the same thing.”
Safety rules meant she and Clare couldn’t swap Christmas presents at work. And while they spent a break together, it was a far cry from enjoying turkey with all the trimmings.
Image: Stoke Sentinel / BPM Media) Stoke Sentinel / BPM Media)
For patients, staff tried to bring some Christmas cheer by putting them in touch with relatives via Zoom calls.
The mum and daughter have spent the past five years working together at the unit, although Clare is based in the cardiothoracic ‘pod’ and Hollie is in general intensive care.
Clare, 56, from Hanford, near Trent Vale, said: “Our paths cross a lot at work. It’s not easy to work in intensive care and it can be very stressful, but we have the support of each other.
“The teams we work with are also amazing. We are all in it together. They were working at Christmas too. There are a lot of brave people.”
Clare has also seen life in hospital as a patient as she suffered a heart attack two years ago.
She was admitted again recently after developing kidney stones. Her shift on Christmas Day was her first day back at work.
She volunteered for it as she is single and wanted other staff with young families to have the day off.
Seeing so many people battling coronavirus has taken its toll on the pair.
“Certain things play on your mind, but you have to toughen up or else you wouldn’t be able to work in that environment. It can be very sad indeed,” said Clare.
“Covid has been quite shocking. Never in a million years did I expect anything like this.
“It’s also meant a different way of working. We are in full PPE all the time. It’s hot and it’s uncomfortable. At the end of a shift, it can feel quite draining.”
Both she and Hollie caught the virus themselves back in March.
But now vaccines are on being rolled out, it has lifted their spirits.
Clare said: “It gives you a bit of hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Roger Federer will miss Australian Open 2021 after two operations on knee

Roger Federer will miss the Australia Open in February 2021 as he continues his recovery from a knee injury , his agent has confirmed .
The 20-time Grand Slam champion missed the majority of 2020 through injuries .
And it appears this season will start much the same after Federer 's agent Tony Godsick revealed the latest news on Sunday .
Instead , the 39-year-old is working on a calendar for the year , though it will mean the Australian Open will come too soon - despite itself being delayed .
Godsick said : `` Roger has decided not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness .
`` However , after consultation with his team , he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open .
`` I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year . ''
It was the 2020 Australia Open where Federer last was seen in action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that showed the tennis star in clear pain as he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals .
The Serbian would go on to win the competition as just weeks after the Swiss Maestro revealed he would need an operation on his knee .
That would rule him out for four months but upon his return Federer was back under the knife to undergo surgery for a second time in a year .
The Australian Open is traditionally the first Grand Slam of the season and the tennis legend had plans to compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ruled himself out of that competition , a decision that was advised by coaches Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic and fitness coach Pierre Paganini .
Meanwhile , former British No 1 Greg Rusedski reckons Federer has his sights set on Wimbledon .
He told Express Sport : `` Federer you think has got one more year left , possibly two but realistically one more year , and his focus is going to be Wimbledon and the Olympics , those will be his two priorities .
`` I do n't think he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open or the French , those will be big asks for him .
He can still have good runs there but wo n't win them .
`` Wimbledon , that 's where he 's aiming at .
He 's won eight titles there .
The points against Novak , that must be the most heartbreaking loss of his career .
”

Roger Federer urges tennis fans to come together by staying apart
Roger Federer urges tennis fans to come together by staying apart
Roger Federer has been plagued by injuries throughout 2020 and had plans to start the new season but his agent has confirmed the Swiss Maestro will miss the Australian Open in February
Roger Federer will miss Australian Open 2021 after two operations on knee
Roger Federer will miss the Australia Open in February 2021 as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, his agent has confirmed.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion missed the majority of 2020 through injuries.
And it appears this season will start much the same after Federer's agent Tony Godsick revealed the latest news on Sunday.
Instead, the 39-year-old is working on a calendar for the year, though it will mean the Australian Open will come too soon - despite itself being delayed.
Godsick said: "Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open.
"He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness.
"However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open.
"I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year."
It was the 2020 Australia Open where Federer last was seen in action at a Grand Slam, a tournament that showed the tennis star in clear pain as he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
The Serbian would go on to win the competition as just weeks after the Swiss Maestro revealed he would need an operation on his knee.
That would rule him out for four months but upon his return Federer was back under the knife to undergo surgery for a second time in a year.
The Australian Open is traditionally the first Grand Slam of the season and the tennis legend had plans to compete in this one.
But he has now ruled himself out of that competition, a decision that was advised by coaches Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic and fitness coach Pierre Paganini.
Meanwhile, former British No 1 Greg Rusedski reckons Federer has his sights set on Wimbledon.
He told Express Sport: "Federer you think has got one more year left, possibly two but realistically one more year, and his focus is going to be Wimbledon and the Olympics, those will be his two priorities.
"I don't think he's got a shot to win the Australian Open or the French, those will be big asks for him. He can still have good runs there but won't win them.
"Wimbledon, that's where he's aiming at. He's won eight titles there. The points against Novak, that must be the most heartbreaking loss of his career.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Mum and three daughters  found dead with grandmother after ‘murder-suicide’

A heartbreaking picture shows a four family members who died in a suspected murder-suicide on Christmas Day .
Three children and two women were killed in the shocking tragedy , investigators said .
The image was shared on a GoFundMe appeal to support members of the Heflin/Patrick family who lost loved ones in the shooting in Arkansas .
Police have not released the names of the victims , but a picture shared by a family friend claims to show the victims .
Melissa Renee Brown , who set up the fundraiser , wrote : `` On Christmas Day , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precious relatives were found deceased in their home .
`` A grandmother , mother , and three children , all taken from us . ''
The appeal continued : `` We ca n't fathom the pain or the cost of laying five of us to rest at once .
We are devastated ! ''
She added : `` We need the community to pray for peace , guidance , wisdom , truth , and justice . ''
Investigators say the suspect is among those who died - but have not indicated who they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragedy unfolded on Friday evening in the town of Atkins , the Pope County Sheriff 's Office said .
Sheriff Shane Jones said a family member had called the house to find the five people dead .
He said : `` We believe this to be an isolated incident between family members within the home .
`` It 's too early too tell , but we believe some of them are gunshot victims . ''
The initial call came at 5.14pm , police said .
No motive for the killings has yet been @ @

Three children and two women were killed in the shocking Christmas Day tragedy, investigators in Arkansas, US said, with the youngest victim aged just eight
First picture of mum and 3 daughters found dead with grandma after ‘murder-suicide’
A heartbreaking picture shows a four family members who died in a suspected murder-suicide on Christmas Day.
Three children and two women were killed in the shocking tragedy, investigators said.
The image was shared on a GoFundMe appeal to support members of the Heflin/Patrick family who lost loved ones in the shooting in Arkansas.
Police have not released the names of the victims, but a picture shared by a family friend claims to show the victims.
Melissa Renee Brown, who set up the fundraiser, wrote: "On Christmas Day, we received unimaginable news. Five of our precious relatives were found deceased in their home.
Image: Pope County Sheriff's Office) Pope County Sheriff's Office)
"A grandmother, mother, and three children, all taken from us."
The appeal continued: "We can't fathom the pain or the cost of laying five of us to rest at once. We are devastated!"
She added: "We need the community to pray for peace, guidance, wisdom, truth, and justice."
Investigators say the suspect is among those who died - but have not indicated who they believe carried out the shooting.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday evening in the town of Atkins, the Pope County Sheriff's Office said.
Sheriff Shane Jones said a family member had called the house to find the five people dead.
He said: "We believe this to be an isolated incident between family members within the home.
"It's too early too tell, but we believe some of them are gunshot victims."
The initial call came at 5.14pm, police said.
No motive for the killings has yet been established.


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Perishers - 28th December 2020

Perishers - 28th December 2020

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Perishers - 28th December 2020 Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
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thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Andy Capp - 28th December 2020

Andy Capp - 28th December 2020

Andy Capp - 28th December 2020 Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day
Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day. See previous Andy Capp's or visit his Facebook page.
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thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Doctor Who fans set for thrilling reunions and tearful goodbyes in festive ep

Doctor Who is back for a festive special that 's sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats .
In New Year 's Day episode Revolution of the Daleks , the Doctor ( Jodie Whittaker ) is in space jail while her friends Yaz ( Mandip Gill ) , Ryan ( Tosin Cole ) and Graham ( Bradley Walsh ) are left behind on Earth desperately trying to find her .
The Mirror got hold of the episode ahead of its release , and will share what fans can expect , but do n't worry , we wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all know , Captain Jack Harkness ( John Barrowman ) is set to make a return and will finally come face-to-face with the Doctor in her 13th incarnation , but just how that happens will remain a secret until the big day .
When we spoke to John about his return , he told us that Jack 's reunion with the Doctor would be `` everything that [ fans have ] ever wanted between Jack and 13 '' .
Some other familiar characters will make a return , including Jack Robertson ( Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Big ) and of course , the Doctor 's greatest foe , the Daleks .
The creatures are up to their old tricks , pretending to be helpful to the human race before turning on Earth 's inhabitants in an attempt to exterminate them all .
The festive episode will see an epic battle to save Earth from the evil alien race as , yet again , they try to wipe out humanity and claim the planet as their own .
Can the Doctor escape prison to save the planet that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Yaz , Graham be able to do it with the help of Captain Jack ?
Fans should also be set for some tearful goodbyes .
As we know , Bradley and Tosin are both leaving the hit sci-fi series after two years of travelling through time and space with the Doctor .
While we wo n't reveal their fate , we can say that fans should have tissues at the ready .
As Captain Jack says in the trailer : `` How many people in the universe get to meet the Doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Being with the Doctor , you do n't get to choose when it stops , whether you leave her , or she leaves you ... '' * Doctor Who : Revolution of the Daleks airs on BBC One at 6.45pm on New Year 's Day

SPOILER-FREE PREVIEW: Doctor Who returns on New Year's Day with epic festive special Revolution of the Daleks, and it's set to be a good one
Doctor Who is back for a festive special that's sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
In New Year's Day episode Revolution of the Daleks, the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) is in space jail while her friends Yaz (Mandip Gill), Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Graham (Bradley Walsh) are left behind on Earth desperately trying to find her.
The Mirror got hold of the episode ahead of its release, and will share what fans can expect, but don't worry, we won't give anything away.
As we all know, Captain Jack Harkness ( John Barrowman ) is set to make a return and will finally come face-to-face with the Doctor in her 13th incarnation, but just how that happens will remain a secret until the big day.
Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon)
When we spoke to John about his return, he told us that Jack's reunion with the Doctor would be "everything that [fans have] ever wanted between Jack and 13".
Some other familiar characters will make a return, including Jack Robertson (Chris Noth aka Sex and the City's Mr Big) and of course, the Doctor's greatest foe, the Daleks.
The creatures are up to their old tricks, pretending to be helpful to the human race before turning on Earth's inhabitants in an attempt to exterminate them all.
Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon) Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon)
The festive episode will see an epic battle to save Earth from the evil alien race as, yet again, they try to wipe out humanity and claim the planet as their own.
Can the Doctor escape prison to save the planet that's under her protection? Or will Ryan, Yaz, Graham be able to do it with the help of Captain Jack?
Fans should also be set for some tearful goodbyes.
Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon) Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon)
As we know, Bradley and Tosin are both leaving the hit sci-fi series after two years of travelling through time and space with the Doctor.
While we won't reveal their fate, we can say that fans should have tissues at the ready.
As Captain Jack says in the trailer: "How many people in the universe get to meet the Doctor, let alone travel with her?
Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon)
Image: BBC/James Pardon) BBC/James Pardon)
"Being with the Doctor, you don't get to choose when it stops, whether you leave her, or she leaves you..."
* Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks airs on BBC One at 6.45pm on New Year's Day


thedailymirror--2020-12-28--Detective who caught Bullseye serial killer shares race against time to jail him

The detective who caught the Bullseye serial killer has told of the race against time to jail him before he could kill again .
Evil John Cooper was locked up in 2011 after a five-year investigation led by Steve Wilkins into the murders of four people in Pembrokeshire .
And the handyman ’ s appearance on the darts-themed game show 22 years earlier was one of the crucial pieces of evidence that helped nail him .
Brother and sister Helen and Richard Thomas were killed at their manor house near Milford Haven in 1985 , while husband and wife Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastal path near Pembroke in 1989 .
When Detective Superintendent Wilkins took over the serious crime unit at the Dyfed-Powys police force in 2006 , the murders were still unsolved – and he was determined to bring the killer to justice .
Will you be watching the ITV drama ?
Let us know in the comments section below Now retired , Mr Wilkins , 61 , told the Mirror : “ Cooper enjoyed the violence , I knew he ’ d kill again , but we had to prove he was the killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t undergone good quality investigations , but when I took on the job they were somewhat out of sight , out of mind.
” At the time , Cooper was serving a 14-year term for a string of violent burglaries in Pembrokeshire .
Mr Wilkins said : “ I knew he had to be a contender .
The problem was at that time he was about to be brought for parole and it was clear to me that whoever committed these offences enjoyed what they were doing .
“ If it was Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we feared he ’ d soon be back into that cycle of offending .
If he was the killer , he would kill again.
” Cooper , now 76 , regularly beat his wife Pat and children , once attacking his son so violently he broke his back .
He executed the family dog with a shotgun blast to the face , killed his children ’ s pet chicks for fun , and slaughtered a pig in a half-hour battering with a hammer .
But despite DS Wilkins ’ pleas to prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper was released in January 2009 .
On Cooper ’ s first night at home Mr Wilkins was called by his team at 3am saying : “ John Cooper has just phoned , we think he ’ s murdered his wife.
” His wife ’ s death was eventually put down to natural causes , but Mr Wilkins fears she “ gave up ” .
He said : “ She ’ s had 10 years respite from him when he was in prison , then suddenly there he is , back in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been thinking there ’ s no escape from this , and I just think the poor woman gave up.
” However , Pat had already played a crucial role in bringing him to justice .
A police sketch from 1989 , known as the “ wildman ” sketch , depicted a man seen using Peter Dixon ’ s cash card at an ATM after his murder .
A policewoman noticed some khaki shorts seized from Cooper bore a resemblance to those in the sketch , and also appeared to be women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dixon ’ s , kept as trophy by Cooper , whose unsuspecting wife turned them up – and in doing so trapped vital DNA evidence in the seams .
Mr Wilkins said : “ We found the DNA of Peter Dixon ’ s daughter trapped in the seam .
`` Now she ’ d been in Cyprus at the time of the murders so how the hell does her DNA make it into shorts owned by John Cooper unless they actually belonged to the Dixons ?
“ It ’ s absolutely incredible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to him finally facing justice.
” It also tied Cooper to an attack on five teens in Pembrokeshire in 1996 , who were confronted by a man in a balaclava brandishing a sawn-off shotgun who demanded cash and subjected two girls to serious sexual assaults .
A further twist was how Cooper ’ s appearance on Jim Bowen ’ s Bullseye helped match him to the “ wildman ” sketch .
At first it was thought show footage would be of little use as it was broadcast a year after the Dixons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Hill worked with DS Wilkins and found it was filmed in May 1989 , weeks before the killings .
Mr Hill told the Mirror : “ Our archivist found it and I could not believe what I was seeing .
`` The sketch was just from over his shoulder , and when I put it next to Cooper in the same position on Bullseye it was just a dead ringer.
” Mr Wilkins said : “ In 33 years of policing I have never seen anything match as closely as that – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that ’ s him.
” Cooper was arrested in May 2009 , and jailed for life two years later .
The case has been turned into a three-part ITV drama starring Luke Evans and Keith Allen .
• The Pembrokeshire Murders , ITV , January 11 to 13 at 9pm .
The Pembrokeshire Murders by Steve Wilkins and Jonathan Hill is published by Seven Dials Paperback on January 7 .

EXCLUSIVE: Evil psychopath John Cooper 'enjoyed' the violence and would have killed again, it is believed, but he was stopped in time - and it was all thanks to an appearance on hit game show Bullseye
Detective who caught evil Bullseye serial killer tells of race against time to jail him
The detective who caught the Bullseye serial killer has told of the race against time to jail him before he could kill again.
Evil John Cooper was locked up in 2011 after a five-year investigation led by Steve Wilkins into the murders of four people in Pembrokeshire.
And the handyman’s appearance on the darts-themed game show 22 years earlier was one of the crucial pieces of evidence that helped nail him.
Brother and sister Helen and Richard Thomas were killed at their manor house near Milford Haven in 1985, while husband and wife Peter and Gwenda Dixon were killed on a coastal path near Pembroke in 1989.
When Detective Superintendent Wilkins took over the serious crime unit at the Dyfed-Powys police force in 2006, the murders were still unsolved – and he was determined to bring the killer to justice.
Will you be watching the ITV drama? Let us know in the comments section below
Image: Wales News Service) Wales News Service)
Now retired, Mr Wilkins, 61, told the Mirror: “Cooper enjoyed the violence, I knew he’d kill again, but we had to prove he was the killer.
"Not that they hadn’t undergone good quality investigations, but when I took on the job they were somewhat out of sight, out of mind.”
At the time, Cooper was serving a 14-year term for a string of violent burglaries in Pembrokeshire.
Mr Wilkins said: “I knew he had to be a contender. The problem was at that time he was about to be brought for parole and it was clear to me that whoever committed these offences enjoyed what they were doing.
Image: Wales News Service) Wales News Service)
“If it was Cooper, who we knew was a gambler, we feared he’d soon be back into that cycle of offending. If he was the killer, he would kill again.”
Cooper, now 76, regularly beat his wife Pat and children, once attacking his son so violently he broke his back.
He executed the family dog with a shotgun blast to the face, killed his children’s pet chicks for fun, and slaughtered a pig in a half-hour battering with a hammer.
But despite DS Wilkins’ pleas to prison authorities to keep him locked up, Cooper was released in January 2009.
Image: ITV) ITV)
On Cooper’s first night at home Mr Wilkins was called by his team at 3am saying: “John Cooper has just phoned, we think he’s murdered his wife.”
His wife’s death was eventually put down to natural causes, but Mr Wilkins fears she “gave up”.
He said: “She’s had 10 years respite from him when he was in prison, then suddenly there he is, back in the family home.
“She must have been thinking there’s no escape from this, and I just think the poor woman gave up.”
Image: ITV) ITV)
However, Pat had already played a crucial role in bringing him to justice.
A police sketch from 1989, known as the “wildman” sketch, depicted a man seen using Peter Dixon’s cash card at an ATM after his murder.
A policewoman noticed some khaki shorts seized from Cooper bore a resemblance to those in the sketch, and also appeared to be women’s.
They turned out to be Gwenda Dixon’s, kept as trophy by Cooper, whose unsuspecting wife turned them up – and in doing so trapped vital DNA evidence in the seams.
Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Mr Wilkins said: “We found the DNA of Peter Dixon’s daughter trapped in the seam.
"Now she’d been in Cyprus at the time of the murders so how the hell does her DNA make it into shorts owned by John Cooper unless they actually belonged to the Dixons?
“It’s absolutely incredible to think Pat’s simple act would lead to him finally facing justice.”
It also tied Cooper to an attack on five teens in Pembrokeshire in 1996, who were confronted by a man in a balaclava brandishing a sawn-off shotgun who demanded cash and subjected two girls to serious sexual assaults.
A further twist was how Cooper’s appearance on Jim Bowen’s Bullseye helped match him to the “wildman” sketch.
At first it was thought show footage would be of little use as it was broadcast a year after the Dixons’ murders, but ITV news journalist Jonathan Hill worked with DS Wilkins and found it was filmed in May 1989, weeks before the killings.
Mr Hill told the Mirror: “Our archivist found it and I could not believe what I was seeing.
"The sketch was just from over his shoulder, and when I put it next to Cooper in the same position on Bullseye it was just a dead ringer.”
Mr Wilkins said: “In 33 years of policing I have never seen anything match as closely as that – you just look at it and you know that’s him.”
Cooper was arrested in May 2009, and jailed for life two years later.
The case has been turned into a three-part ITV drama starring Luke Evans and Keith Allen.