thedailymirror--2020-09-06--One dead and seven injured as knifeman stabs victims 'at random' in Birmingham

Police are hunting a knifeman who randomly killed a man and injured seven other people in a terrifying mass stabbing rampage in Birmingham city centre .
Over a two-hour period , the attacker stabbed eight victims at four scenes in the Acadian and Snow Hill areas , about a mile apart , while he roamed the busy area , where bars and pubs had been packed , in the early hours of Sunday .
With the murder suspect still at large , residents have been told to remain `` alert '' and `` vigilant '' as West Midlands Police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local bar showed a possible suspect walking `` casually '' past the venue after officers and paramedics raced to the area .
There was no evidence the stabbings were a hate crime or an act of terrorism , said Chief Superintendent Steve Graham .
Of the seven surviving victims , a man and a woman were critically injured and still being treated in hospital , while the other five suffered non-life-threatening injuries .
Witnesses said two people had been `` stabbed in the neck '' , and at least one person was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forensic tents were set up at bloodstained scenes in Irving , Barwick and Livery streets , while much of Hurst Street was cordoned off .
Have you been affected by the incident ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk .
Police found a black-handled kitchen knife with a serrated blade while searching a drain in Edmund Street .
A man said he witnessed the attack in Irving Street , where blue tents were later erected close to the gates of a primary school , adding : `` Two people were stabbed in the neck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken away . ''
Witnesses said CPR was performed on one of the victims .
Bar owner Savvas Sfrantzis , 64 , told how the knifeman stabbed a woman in the neck in Hurst Street before calmly walking off .
He told the Sun : `` He put the knife in her neck and walked off .
She was only young , maybe in her 20s .
“ He didn ’ t panic , he didn ’ t look like he was worried .
He looked relaxed about what he had done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t care for anything .
I was surprised because I thought he would run away but he just walked . ''
The attacker ran off when someone yelled at him , Mr Sfrantzis added .
At a press conference in Birmingham , Mr Graham , the chief superintendent of West Midlands Police , said the overnight stabbings are linked and police are searching for one suspect .
He told reporters officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Constitution Hill , north of the city centre , at 12.30am , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Livery and Barwick streets in the Snow Hill area , and then Irving Street and finally Hurst Street at about 2.30am .
Mr Graham said : `` We are still in the early stages of that inquiry but I can say that we are treating all four of those incidents as a linked series .
`` We are searching for one suspect and inquiries to identify and then trace that suspect are ongoing . ''
Two people who were critically injured are still being worked upon as a result of the injuries they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added there was `` absolutely no suggestion '' that guns were involved in the incident after some people reported hearing loud bangs .
Mr Graham said there was `` absolutely no suggestion at all '' the series of stabbings was related to terrorism .
He added the stabbings appeared to be a random attack and there was no evidence the incident was motivated by hate towards any particular group nor gang-related .
`` Clearly those of you who know Birmingham city centre know that Hurst Street is part of the gay community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no suggestion at this point that this was in any way , shape or form motivated by hate . ''
Asked whether the incident was gang related , he said : `` At this stage we ca n't find a particular motive but it does appear to be random in terms of the selection of the people who were attacked . ''
He also said there was no evidence to show it was related to `` people squabbling over tables '' in the city centre .
Four scenes in the Acadian and Snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a kitchen knife with a serrated blade was found in a drain in Edmund Street , although it was unclear if the blade was used in the stabbings .
Forensics officers put the knife in a plastic tube and took it away asa potential piece of evidence .
Mr Graham said no arrests have been made and `` significant resources '' were being used to track the suspect .
He told reporters : `` There was no suggestion that people have seen him running out of the area , searches were being made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and searches were made but unfortunately the suspect was n't caught and still has n't been . ''
He added : `` Already we 've got people going down drains , we 've got that level of detailed searches taking place which will hopefully reassure the people that we are doing everything we can do to trace the offender . ''
Mr Graham added a number of descriptions had come in of the suspect but police were not releasing anything at this time , asking the public to come forward with any information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later said there was no known connection between the victims in the four linked incidents and that extra officers have been deployed in Birmingham .
Cal Eden , co-owner of Eden Bar in the city centre 's Gay Village , told Mirror Online that security guards locked the venue 's doors as the incident unfolded nearby .
He said CCTV footage from the bar showed a possible suspect walking past the venue .
Mr Eden said the footage was shown to police , and officers confirmed the man in the video matched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It was really frigtening .
First , we just didn ’ t have any idea what was going on .
We ’ re at the bottom of the street , and we saw police cars , ambulances and a police helicopter .
`` It was car after car after car .
`` Then our doorman he saw somebody on our CCTV , the guy who allegedly did it .
He slowly , casually walked past Eden , and then he stopped in the corner .
`` There ’ s a bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , slowly , casually , past one of the other venues .
`` The description [ of the suspect ] is him , the police came and confirmed it . ''
A police spokesperson said : `` We 're trawling through CCTV images , and will release any images which may help our investigation as soon as we can . ''
Police were called to a report of a stabbing at about 12.30am , and then received reports of additional stabbings in the area .
It was a busy night in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packed with people enjoying a night out , and a number of police officers were already in the area to monitor for any disorder .
Local club promoter Cara Curran told Radio 5 Live 's Sunday Breakfast that a number of fights broke out through the evening , including a large `` group on group brawl '' .
There was no indication that any of the fights were linked to the stabbings , however .
Witnesses described distressing scenes as people were knifed , with one person tweeting : `` I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham Gay Village , while on a facetime call .
I am shook and I just wan na cry . ''
Another person wrote : `` Pretty scary tonight - stabbings around Hurst Street and the gay village .
So much police - hope people are safe ... '' A local resident tweeted : `` Imagine leaving your apartment building in the Arcadian to find blood all over the floor there and to be told there ’ s been multiple stabbings on Hurst Street .
What world do we live in . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene in Irving Street , including a smaller one in the road .
A similar small blue tent was erected on a pavement in Livery Street behind a wide police cordon , right next to Snow Hill station , about half a mile from the Irving Street scene .
About 100 yards away , a small tent covered a section of pavement , alongside the wall of a bar , in Barwick Street , near the junction of Church Street .
The majority of Hurst Street was taped off by police , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off to traffic to aid social distancing .
Several yellow police evidence markers were on the ground , some near to broken glass , and forensics officers were seen collecting and bagging items .
Edmund Street was also sealed off as officers removed a drain cover and sifted material .
Among the muck and debris could be seen a black-handled kitchen knife with a serrated blade , which was separated and quickly removed by officers .
A short distance away was what appeared to be a trail of blood spots at the pavement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmund Street .
The Arcadian Centre is a hub of restaurants , bars , cafes , clubs and hotels .
Featuring an open air central piazza , it is close to the city 's Chinese Quarter and Gay Village areas .
West Midlands Ambulance Service ( WMAS ) said a large number of resources were sent to the city centre overnight after the stabbing incidents .
WMAS said 14 ambulances were dispatched , along with 11 paramedic officers , a hazardous area response team , four critical care teams with doctors and critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients , WMAS added .
A total of seven patients were treated by ambulance staff - five of which were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham .
Three of the five taken to the major trauma centre had critical injuries and one man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival , WMAS said .
The ambulance service said an eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hudson said : `` This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients , some with very serious injuries .
`` My thoughts are with the families of those hurt , particularly of the man who tragically lost his life .
`` I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital to help each of the patients hurt .
`` We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible . ''
Writing on Twitter , Mr Johnson said : `` All my thoughts are with those affected by the terrible incident in Birmingham last night .
`` My thanks to the emergency services who are working hard at the scene . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel said `` all her thoughts '' were with people affected by a stabbing in Birmingham in which one man died and seven people were injured .
In a statement on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts are with those affected by the shocking incident in Birmingham last night .
`` Our emergency services are working hard to find whoever is responsible and bring them to justice . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted : `` As we wait for news on the major incident in Birmingham overnight , all our thoughts are with the victims and anyone else affected .
Thank you to our emergency services . ''
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said : `` We can now confirm that we 've launched a murder investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overnight .
`` A man has tragically died .
Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured , although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
`` We believe the incidents , which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am , are linked and we 're doing all we can to find whoever was responsible .
`` Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and we ’ ve increased our uniformed and armed response in the city .
`` We continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , including Livery Street , Irving Street and Hurst Street .
`` We ’ re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible , as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation . ''
Mr Graham , who is responsible for policing in Birmingham , added : `` The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic , shocking and understandably frightening .
`` Please be assured that we are doing absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible and try to understand what exactly happened .
`` We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents .
Your safety is always our priority and that 's why you 'll see an increase in officers on the streets .
`` In the meantime , we 'd ask anyone who 's in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us . ''
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said a rise in violence was `` almost inevitable '' due to the pandemic .
He told reporters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , in the context of Covid-19 , that a lot of the pent-up feelings of people have , and not being able to get out , and combine that with people who are now unsure about their future and about their jobs , it was almost inevitable that we would see a growth in violence .
`` I 'm not saying that this is directly related to that , but nevertheless we are seeing now a growth of violence among younger people , particularly younger males , we 're seeing that growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that if we do n't address that and some of the underlying problems with some urgency then we could see that grow .
`` But , notwithstanding that , Birmingham is a good place , it 's a good place to be , it 's a safe city and it is regrettable that this awful incident happened last night . ''
He added : “ Last night ’ s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham , the West Midlands and the country .
“ My first thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time .
“ I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation .
“ My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.
” Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on its website or call 101 .
Anyone in danger should call 999 .
Survivors , witnesses and others affected by the incident are likely to be left deeply traumatised .
Support is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diana Fawcett , chief executive of the independent charity Victim Support said : “ Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the major incident in Birmingham , including those who have lost a loved one .
`` We know that experiencing or witnessing traumatic incident like this can have a significant impact on your mental health and wellbeing , regardless of whether or not you have been physically injured .
“ That is why we are urging anyone who has been impacted to get in touch with us for specialist support and advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 or start a live chat at victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat .
”

Birmingham: "Don't be afraid, but be alert" says Chief Superintendent Steve Graham
Birmingham: "Don't be afraid, but be alert" says Chief Superintendent Steve Graham
There is a manhunt for a lone knifeman who stabbed eight people at random - killing one - over a two-hour period while roaming busy Birmingham city centre, where bars and pubs had been packed
Birmingham stabbing: Murder probe as man killed and 7 others injured 'at random'
Police are hunting a knifeman who randomly killed a man and injured seven other people in a terrifying mass stabbing rampage in Birmingham city centre.
Over a two-hour period, the attacker stabbed eight victims at four scenes in the Acadian and Snow Hill areas, about a mile apart, while he roamed the busy area, where bars and pubs had been packed, in the early hours of Sunday.
With the murder suspect still at large, residents have been told to remain "alert" and "vigilant" as West Midlands Police officers carry out a manhunt. CCTV from a local bar showed a possible suspect walking "casually" past the venue after officers and paramedics raced to the area.
There was no evidence the stabbings were a hate crime or an act of terrorism, said Chief Superintendent Steve Graham.
Of the seven surviving victims, a man and a woman were critically injured and still being treated in hospital, while the other five suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses said two people had been "stabbed in the neck", and at least one person was knifed in Gay Village. Small blue forensic tents were set up at bloodstained scenes in Irving, Barwick and Livery streets, while much of Hurst Street was cordoned off.
Have you been affected by the incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.
Image: SWNS) SWNS)
Police found a black-handled kitchen knife with a serrated blade while searching a drain in Edmund Street in the aftermath of the major incident.
A man said he witnessed the attack in Irving Street, where blue tents were later erected close to the gates of a primary school, adding: "Two people were stabbed in the neck, they were put in an ambulance and taken away."
Witnesses said CPR was performed on one of the victims.
Bar owner Savvas Sfrantzis, 64, told how the knifeman stabbed a woman in the neck in Hurst Street before calmly walking off.
He told the Sun: "He put the knife in her neck and walked off. She was only young, maybe in her 20s.
“He didn’t panic, he didn’t look like he was worried. He looked relaxed about what he had done.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
“He looked like he didn’t care for anything. I was surprised because I thought he would run away but he just walked."
The attacker ran off when someone yelled at him, Mr Sfrantzis added.
In a separate interview, Mr Sfrantzis, who owns the Mykonos bar on Hurst Street, told Sky News: "I saw him stabbing the girl several times in the neck. I was only about 20 yards away.
"She started screaming 'He's stabbing me'. But everybody thought he was robbing her because she had a necklace. But I saw it and I started screaming."
He said two men chased the knife-wielding suspect away.
Image: PA) PA)
David Nash, who was running the Village Inn in Hurst Street, said he heard someone shout “stop him, he’s just stab somebody” shortly after 2am.
Mr Nash told the BBC: "The bars were starting to wind down as everybody finishes early since the reopening since Covid and the next thing we know the area is engulfed with armed response vehicles, normal police vehicles, police on foot, ambulances.
"They just came from absolutely nowhere and the area was full of them and then the police helicopter was up in the area obviously as they were searching for this person that they presume is the attacker."
Mr Nash said paramedics were treating two people who seemed to have been stabbed.
At a press conference in Birmingham, Mr Graham, the chief superintendent of West Midlands Police, said the overnight stabbings are linked and police are searching for one suspect.
He told reporters officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Constitution Hill, north of the city centre, at 12.30am, and the suspect worked north-to-south as he went towards Livery and Barwick streets in the Snow Hill area, and then Irving Street and finally Hurst Street at about 2.30am.
Mr Graham said: "We are still in the early stages of that inquiry but I can say that we are treating all four of those incidents as a linked series.
"We are searching for one suspect and inquiries to identify and then trace that suspect are ongoing."
Two people who were critically injured are still being worked upon as a result of the injuries they received as part of that attack.
He added there was "absolutely no suggestion" that guns were involved in the incident after some people reported hearing loud bangs.
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Mr Graham said there was "absolutely no suggestion at all" the series of stabbings was related to terrorism.
He added the stabbings appeared to be a random attack and there was no evidence the incident was motivated by hate towards any particular group nor gang-related.
"Clearly those of you who know Birmingham city centre know that Hurst Street is part of the gay community's night-time economy but there's absolutely no suggestion at this point that this was in any way, shape or form motivated by hate."
Asked whether the incident was gang related, he said: "At this stage we can't find a particular motive but it does appear to be random in terms of the selection of the people who were attacked."
He also said there was no evidence to show it was related to "people squabbling over tables" in the city centre.
Four scenes in the Acadian and Snow Hill areas were taped off, and a kitchen knife with a serrated blade was found in a drain in Edmund Street, although it was unclear if the blade was used in the stabbings. Forensics officers put the knife in a plastic tube and took it away asa potential piece of evidence.
Image: Darren Quinton) Darren Quinton)
Mr Graham said no arrests have been made and "significant resources" were being used to track the suspect.
He told reporters: "There was no suggestion that people have seen him running out of the area, searches were being made at the time, and so inquiries and searches were made but unfortunately the suspect wasn't caught and still hasn't been."
He added: "Already we've got people going down drains, we've got that level of detailed searches taking place which will hopefully reassure the people that we are doing everything we can do to trace the offender."
Mr Graham added a number of descriptions had come in of the suspect but police were not releasing anything at this time, asking the public to come forward with any information or footage they may have.
He later said there was no known connection between the victims in the four linked incidents and that extra officers have been deployed in Birmingham.
Cal Eden, co-owner of Eden Bar in the city centre's Gay Village, told Mirror Online that security guards locked the venue's doors as the incident unfolded nearby.
Image: PA) PA)
He said CCTV footage from the bar showed a possible suspect walking past the venue at about 2am.
Mr Eden said the footage was shown to police, and officers confirmed the man in the video matched the description of a suspect.
He said: "It was really frigtening. First, we just didn’t have any idea what was going on. We’re at the bottom of the street, and we saw police cars, ambulances and a police helicopter.
"It was car after car after car.
"Then our doorman he saw somebody on our CCTV, the guy who allegedly did it. He slowly, casually walked past Eden, and then he stopped in the corner.
"There’s a bin there. He walks there and carries on, slowly, casually, past one of the other venues.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
"The description [of the suspect] is him, the police came and confirmed it."
A police spokesperson said: "We're trawling through CCTV images, and will release any images which may help our investigation as soon as we can."
Police were called to a report of a stabbing at about 12.30am, and then received reports of additional stabbings in the area.
It was a busy night in the city centre, with bars and pubs packed with people enjoying a night out, and a number of police officers were already in the area to monitor for any disorder.
Local club promoter Cara Curran told Radio 5 Live's Sunday Breakfast that a number of fights broke out through the evening, including a large "group on group brawl". There was no indication that any of the fights were linked to the stabbings, however.
Witnesses described distressing scenes as people were knifed, with one person tweeting: "I’ve literally just witnessed a stabbing... in Birmingham Gay Village, while on a facetime call. I am shook and I just wanna cry."
Another person wrote: "Pretty scary tonight - stabbings around Hurst Street and the gay village. So much police - hope people are safe..."
A local resident tweeted: "Imagine leaving your apartment building in the Arcadian to find blood all over the floor there and to be told there’s been multiple stabbings on Hurst Street. What world do we live in."
Blue tents were set up at a scene in Irving Street, including a smaller one in the road.
A similar small blue tent was erected on a pavement in Livery Street behind a wide police cordon, right next to Snow Hill station, about half a mile from the Irving Street scene.
About 100 yards away, a small tent covered a section of pavement, alongside the wall of a bar, in Barwick Street, near the junction of Church Street.
Image: PA) PA)
The majority of Hurst Street was taped off by police, in an area which had already been closed off to traffic to aid social distancing.
Several yellow police evidence markers were on the ground, some near to broken glass, and forensics officers were seen collecting and bagging items.
Edmund Street was also sealed off as officers removed a drain cover and sifted material.
Among the muck and debris could be seen a black-handled kitchen knife with a serrated blade, which was separated and quickly removed by officers.
A short distance away was what appeared to be a trail of blood spots at the pavement in Newhall Street, leading down to Edmund Street.
The Arcadian Centre is a hub of restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs and hotels. Featuring an open air central piazza, it is close to the city's Chinese Quarter and Gay Village areas.
Image: Lee McLean/SWNS) Lee McLean/SWNS)
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said a large number of resources were sent to the city centre overnight after the stabbing incidents.
WMAS said 14 ambulances were dispatched, along with 11 paramedic officers, a hazardous area response team, four critical care teams with doctors and critical care paramedics.
A team of St John Ambulance volunteers at the SafeSpace project at the Arcadian were also involved in treating casualties and conveyed one of the patients, WMAS added.
A total of seven patients were treated by ambulance staff - five of which were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
Three of the five taken to the major trauma centre had critical injuries and one man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, WMAS said.
The ambulance service said an eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment.
Image: @SnapperSK) @SnapperSK)
Assistant chief ambulance officer Nathan Hudson said: "This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients, some with very serious injuries.
"My thoughts are with the families of those hurt, particularly of the man who tragically lost his life.
"I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital to help each of the patients hurt.
"We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked emergency services who responded.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Johnson said: "All my thoughts are with those affected by the terrible incident in Birmingham last night.
Image: Lee McLean/SWNS) Lee McLean/SWNS)
"My thanks to the emergency services who are working hard at the scene."
Home Secretary Priti Patel said "all her thoughts" were with people affected by a stabbing in Birmingham in which one man died and seven people were injured.
In a statement on Twitter, she said: "All my thoughts are with those affected by the shocking incident in Birmingham last night.
"Our emergency services are working hard to find whoever is responsible and bring them to justice."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "As we wait for news on the major incident in Birmingham overnight, all our thoughts are with the victims and anyone else affected. Thank you to our emergency services."
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We can now confirm that we've launched a murder investigation following the events in Birmingham city centre overnight.
"A man has tragically died. Another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries and five others have also been injured, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
"We believe the incidents, which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am, are linked and we're doing all we can to find whoever was responsible.
"Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and we’ve increased our uniformed and armed response in the city.
"We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.
"We’re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible, as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation."
Mr Graham, who is responsible for policing in Birmingham, added: "The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.
Image: Lee McLean/SWNS) Lee McLean/SWNS)
"Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.
"We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that's why you'll see an increase in officers on the streets.
"In the meantime, we'd ask anyone who's in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said a rise in violence was "almost inevitable" due to the pandemic.
He told reporters: "I have been saying for some time, in the context of Covid-19, that a lot of the pent-up feelings of people have, and not being able to get out, and combine that with people who are now unsure about their future and about their jobs, it was almost inevitable that we would see a growth in violence.
"I'm not saying that this is directly related to that, but nevertheless we are seeing now a growth of violence among younger people, particularly younger males, we're seeing that growing across the region.
"My fear is that if we don't address that and some of the underlying problems with some urgency then we could see that grow.
"But, notwithstanding that, Birmingham is a good place, it's a good place to be, it's a safe city and it is regrettable that this awful incident happened last night."
He added: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.
“My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.
“I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.
“My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on its website or call 101. Anyone in danger should call 999.
Survivors, witnesses and others affected by the incident are likely to be left deeply traumatised. Support is available to those who need it.
Diana Fawcett, chief executive of the independent charity Victim Support said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the major incident in Birmingham, including those who have lost a loved one.
"We know that experiencing or witnessing traumatic incident like this can have a significant impact on your mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether or not you have been physically injured.
“That is why we are urging anyone who has been impacted to get in touch with us for specialist support and advice. Call our free and confidential 24/7 Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 or start a live chat at victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat.”


thedailymirror--2020-09-06--Van de Beek will make Man Utd history the moment he steps on Old Trafford pitch

Donny van de Beek will become the 13th Dutchman to play for Manchester United when he makes his debut for the Red Devils .
This means the Netherlands will go one clear of France in the all-time rankings of players from overseas nations to represent United .
Van de Beek , 23 , moved to Old Trafford from Ajax on a five-year contract earlier this week for an initial fee of £35million which could rise to £40million .
He is the latest in a star-studded list of Dutch players to move to United and joins the likes of club legends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwin van der Sar .
The first Netherlands native to play for the North-West giants was Arnold Muhren , who joined from Ipswich Town in 1982 .
Then came Jordi Cruyff and Raimond van der Gouw some 14 years later before world-record defensive signing Stam helped steer United to a historic treble in 1999 .
Netherlands legends Van Nistelrooy and Van der Sar then etched their names into United 's history books with their performances in the hugely successful teams of the 2000s .
Who is the greatest Dutch player to star for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , Robin van Persie arrived from Arsenal and Alexander Buttner also featured briefly before the arrival of Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat led to a flurry of Dutch arrivals .
Van Gaal bought compatriots Daley Blind and Memphis Depay during his two-year tenure , while also handing Timothy Fosu-Mensah his debut .
Finally , current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave 20-year-old forward Tahith Chong his maiden appearance as he became the 12th Dutchman to represent United .
And as Van de Beek makes his debut , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the list of overseas nations ( non-UK and Ireland ) to represent United .
Elsewhere in the rankings , Argentina , Brazil , Italy , Belgium , Portugal and Spain are tied in third with six players to have played for the Red Devils .
And Denmark , Norway and Sweden are joint fourth with five players apiece .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Man Utd complete Donny van de Beek transfer as Dutchman becomes first summer signing
Man Utd complete Donny van de Beek transfer as Dutchman becomes first summer signing
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The Red Devils secured the services of the Netherlands star on a five-year deal this week - and the £35million midfielder will break a record during his first appearance
Donny van de Beek will make Man Utd history the moment he steps on Old Trafford pitch
Donny van de Beek will become the 13th Dutchman to play for Manchester United when he makes his debut for the Red Devils.
This means the Netherlands will go one clear of France in the all-time rankings of players from overseas nations to represent United.
Van de Beek, 23, moved to Old Trafford from Ajax on a five-year contract earlier this week for an initial fee of £35million which could rise to £40million.
He is the latest in a star-studded list of Dutch players to move to United and joins the likes of club legends Jaap Stam, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Edwin van der Sar.
Image: Copyright unknown) Copyright unknown)
The first Netherlands native to play for the North-West giants was Arnold Muhren, who joined from Ipswich Town in 1982.
Then came Jordi Cruyff and Raimond van der Gouw some 14 years later before world-record defensive signing Stam helped steer United to a historic treble in 1999.
Netherlands legends Van Nistelrooy and Van der Sar then etched their names into United's history books with their performances in the hugely successful teams of the 2000s.
Who is the greatest Dutch player to star for Manchester United? Have your say here.
Image: John Peters) John Peters)
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Since then, Robin van Persie arrived from Arsenal and Alexander Buttner also featured briefly before the arrival of Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat led to a flurry of Dutch arrivals.
Van Gaal bought compatriots Daley Blind and Memphis Depay during his two-year tenure, while also handing Timothy Fosu-Mensah his debut.
Finally, current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave 20-year-old forward Tahith Chong his maiden appearance as he became the 12th Dutchman to represent United.
And as Van de Beek makes his debut, the Netherlands will pull clear of France in the list of overseas nations (non-UK and Ireland) to represent United.
Elsewhere in the rankings, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Spain are tied in third with six players to have played for the Red Devils.
And Denmark, Norway and Sweden are joint fourth with five players apiece.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Kind-hearted postman writes back to girl who sent letter to her cat in 'heaven'

A distraught little girl who sent a letter addressed to 'heaven ' when her at died received an incredible reply thanks to a kind-hearted postman .
Five-year-old Nevaeh Lowe from Walton-on-Thames was left devastated when her beloved pet cat and best friend Tin Tin had to be put down .
Nevaeh was worried Tin Tin would be alone and wrote her a letter to check if she was okay , addressing it to heaven to make sure she would see it .
Although her mum Tamara , 26 , warned that heaven might too far away to send a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in a postbox .
Incredibly , they received a parcel in the post a week later after a postman at Royal Mail spotted the letter and decided to write back .
He wrote Nevaeh a message from Tin Tin , explaining that she had to go to heaven and Nevaeh did n't need to worry about her - and even included a toy cat that looked just like her and book to read with her mum whenever she missed her .
Tamara told her little girl that her cat had transformed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back said that whenever she looked up at the sky , the brightest star would be Tin Tin `` there to listen '' .
It said : `` I want you to know that I 'm OK and have made some nice friends here , one of them called Tibbles snores so loud when we have cat naps .
`` I 'm being fed and looked after well by the angels .
`` I know you are sad that I 'm not there with you but please do n't be .
In here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought looks a little like me .
So if you do feel sad you can cuddle him like how we used to . ''
It ended : `` Forever your best friend , Tin Tin , '' and a paw mark .
Teaching assistant Tamara said : `` I was gobsmacked when the parcel arrived , it was so moving to open it with Nevaeh .
`` I think she really needed some closure so she could start to move on after Tin Tin , and what this postman has done really did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tin Tin were best friends , they had a really close bond , whenever they saw each other they were so happy .
`` When we sent the letter I did n't expect anything to come back and I do n't think Nevaeh did either but it was important to her to say farewell .
`` Getting a response was the last thing we expected , and I 'm just so thankful to the Royal Mail and the postman for writing that letter and sending it to us - and of course for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the postman that did it and although I did n't get chance to speak to him , I did speak to his wife , and they have cats too so totally understood why Neveah was so upset .
`` It has really helped , her sleeping is getting back to normal and now that she knows Tin Tin is OK she is starting to get over the loss and be a bit happier . ''
Tin Tin had to be put down due to heart failure earlier this year and Nevaeh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided she needed to say a proper goodbye .
`` Since the letter came back she has been so much happier , '' said her mum .
`` She really needed one final goodbye , and to know that Tin Tin was ok without her and being there to look after her .
`` Every night now she looks up and says goodnight , and knows that Tin Tin is looking back at her - and that lets her knows she can head to sleep . ''

Five-year-old Nevaeh addressed a letter to her cat Tin Tin in heaven and it was spotted by a postman at the Royal Mail, who took the time to send a parcel and letter in reply
Kind-hearted postman writes back to little girl who sent letter to her cat in 'heaven'
A distraught little girl who sent a letter addressed to 'heaven' when her at died received an incredible reply thanks to a kind-hearted postman.
Five-year-old Nevaeh Lowe from Walton-on-Thames was left devastated when her beloved pet cat and best friend Tin Tin had to be put down.
Nevaeh was worried Tin Tin would be alone and wrote her a letter to check if she was okay, addressing it to heaven to make sure she would see it.
Although her mum Tamara, 26, warned that heaven might too far away to send a letter, Nevaeh insisted and the pair dropped it in a postbox.
Image: Caters News Agency) Caters News Agency)
Incredibly, they received a parcel in the post a week later after a postman at Royal Mail spotted the letter and decided to write back.
He wrote Nevaeh a message from Tin Tin, explaining that she had to go to heaven and Nevaeh didn't need to worry about her - and even included a toy cat that looked just like her and book to read with her mum whenever she missed her.
Tamara told her little girl that her cat had transformed into a star and the letter she received back said that whenever she looked up at the sky, the brightest star would be Tin Tin "there to listen".
Image: Caters News Agency) Caters News Agency)
It said: "I want you to know that I'm OK and have made some nice friends here, one of them called Tibbles snores so loud when we have cat naps.
"I'm being fed and looked after well by the angels.
"I know you are sad that I'm not there with you but please don't be. In here is a little cuddle cat that I thought looks a little like me. So if you do feel sad you can cuddle him like how we used to."
It ended: "Forever your best friend, Tin Tin," and a paw mark.
Teaching assistant Tamara said: "I was gobsmacked when the parcel arrived, it was so moving to open it with Nevaeh.
Image: Caters News Agency) Caters News Agency)
"I think she really needed some closure so she could start to move on after Tin Tin, and what this postman has done really did that for us.
"Nevaeh and Tin Tin were best friends, they had a really close bond, whenever they saw each other they were so happy.
"When we sent the letter I didn't expect anything to come back and I don't think Nevaeh did either but it was important to her to say farewell.
"Getting a response was the last thing we expected, and I'm just so thankful to the Royal Mail and the postman for writing that letter and sending it to us - and of course for the toys too.
Image: Caters News Agency) Caters News Agency)
"I tracked down the postman that did it and although I didn't get chance to speak to him, I did speak to his wife, and they have cats too so totally understood why Neveah was so upset.
"It has really helped, her sleeping is getting back to normal and now that she knows Tin Tin is OK she is starting to get over the loss and be a bit happier."
Tin Tin had to be put down due to heart failure earlier this year and Nevaeh, who was struggling to sleep, eventually decided she needed to say a proper goodbye.
"Since the letter came back she has been so much happier," said her mum.
"She really needed one final goodbye, and to know that Tin Tin was ok without her and being there to look after her.
"Every night now she looks up and says goodnight, and knows that Tin Tin is looking back at her - and that lets her knows she can head to sleep."


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Inside Love Island USA's Las Vegas hotel with panoramic views - and no privacy

Love Island USA is back tonight , a brand new roster of sexy singles hitting up the `` villa '' to find love .
While it kicked off a few weeks back for US audiences , the UK is getting the first episode this evening , host Arielle Vandenberg returning to host .
Of course , like most shows , Love Island 's been hit by the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
While the UK version was straight up scrapped this summer , the US version is going ahead with a major change .
Rather than jetting out to a sunny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around in the States - and heading to the desert .
Show bosses have settled on a rooftop of a Las Vegas hotel , meaning the hopefuls will wake up to sweeping 360 views of the city below and the desert beyond .
The Cromwell is one of Vegas ' most exclusive hotels in the city , boasting a 25,000 square foot rooftop converted into a `` fun and sexy '' setting for the new islanders .
And while it 's now home to the cast for the coming weeks , the roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-list haunt that 's hosted a list of big name musicians on its stage .
Migos , Ty Dollar $ ign and Snoop Dogg are among the stars to have graced the venue .
Production designer Richard Jensen has been hard at work converting the spot , installing a pool , two dressing rooms , a gym , a bedroom , the all-important firepit , and even a secret jacuzzi .
And while the islanders are there , the hotel has closed its doors to the public until October .
Ordinarily , guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between £88 and £452 per night depending on which room you 're after .
Teasing the series ahead of its launch , returning host Arielle Vandenberg teased a major shakeup for the singles as the USA version debuts Casa Amor .
UK fans will know that refers to a second villa , where either the boys or girls meet a fresh host of new singles .
It 's not currently known where Casa Amor will be considering the islanders are currently confined to a rooftop , but no doubt producers will have something @ @ @ @

Love Island USA returns this evening, but with a major change - it will take place on a Las Vegas rooftop hotel, with panoramic views of the city below
Love Island USA is back tonight, a brand new roster of sexy singles hitting up the "villa" to find love.
While it kicked off a few weeks back for US audiences, the UK is getting the first episode this evening, host Arielle Vandenberg returning to host.
Of course, like most shows, Love Island's been hit by the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
While the UK version was straight up scrapped this summer, the US version is going ahead with a major change.
Rather than jetting out to a sunny location abroad, the singletons are sticking around in the States - and heading to the desert.
Show bosses have settled on a rooftop of a Las Vegas hotel, meaning the hopefuls will wake up to sweeping 360 views of the city below and the desert beyond.
Image: ITV) ITV)
The Cromwell is one of Vegas' most exclusive hotels in the city, boasting a 25,000 square foot rooftop converted into a "fun and sexy" setting for the new islanders.
And while it's now home to the cast for the coming weeks, the roof usually hosts Drai's nightclub, an A-list haunt that's hosted a list of big name musicians on its stage.
Migos, Ty Dollar $ign and Snoop Dogg are among the stars to have graced the venue.
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
Production designer Richard Jensen has been hard at work converting the spot, installing a pool, two dressing rooms, a gym, a bedroom, the all-important firepit, and even a secret jacuzzi.
And while the islanders are there, the hotel has closed its doors to the public until October.
Ordinarily, guests can rack up a bill of anywhere between £88 and £452 per night depending on which room you're after.
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
Teasing the series ahead of its launch, returning host Arielle Vandenberg teased a major shakeup for the singles as the USA version debuts Casa Amor.
UK fans will know that refers to a second villa, where either the boys or girls meet a fresh host of new singles.
It's not currently known where Casa Amor will be considering the islanders are currently confined to a rooftop, but no doubt producers will have something up their sleeves.
*Love Island USA airs on ITV tonight at 9pm


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Hundreds of Brits hand life savings straight to potential scammers

In the past year savers sent an incredible £31 million to potential scammers after they had already been warned of the risks .
Worse , the astonishing sum - working out at more than over £53,000 a person - was uncovered after looking into just 13 pension providers .
Worse , as well as handing their money to suspicious sources - people were taxed for the privilige .
Pension providers are also powerless to do more than just warn people of the risks , with savers legally allowed to transfer their money to whoever they like .
Phil Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Pension , said : “ For those people who fall victim to fraud , it can be devastating ; many people lose their life savings and are hit with the double whammy of still having to pay tax penalties .
`` For some people , they ’ re forced to sell their homes , while others have sadly taken their own lives as a result . ''
The problem has become worse following George Osborne 's plan to let people access their money for whatever reason they like once they turn 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people 's savings than before .
Things became worse yet again in 2016 , after Royal London tried to stop a saver losing out by transferring cash to a suspicious fund .
The customer took the pension firm to the High Court over the matter , which ruled that people could transfer their money wherever they like .
The new research , carried out by The People ’ s Pension and Police Foundation , found 938 customers were targeted by people flagged as suspicious in the past year .
Some 580 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the warnings .
The People ’ s Pension and The Police Foundation are calling on the Government to give pension companies the power to trigger an urgent regulatory response to savers at risk of fraud - to let authorities override transfers if a suspected scam is reported to them .
“ Currently , pension providers can flag a potential scam to a customer , but we can only stand by and watch if the individual chooses to proceed with a risky transfer that could result in them losing all their savings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re calling on the Government to provide pension providers and regulators with the powers to stop risky transfers and ensure victims of fraud aren ’ t hit with having to pay tax penalties on their lost savings.
” Rick Muir , director of the Police Foundation , added : “ We can ’ t arrest our way out of pension and investment fraud and that ’ s why efforts at the front end to prevent scams are so important .
“ Nonetheless , in terms of financial losses and overall wellbeing pension scams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud and it is therefore vital that they are taken seriously by law enforcement .
”

Hundreds of people sent an average of £53,000 each from their lifetime savings straight into the hands of potential scammers in the past year alone, and as things stand providers are powerless to stop them
In the past year savers sent an incredible £31 million to potential scammers after they had already been warned of the risks.
The astonishing sum - working out at more than over £53,000 a person - was uncovered after looking into just 13 pension providers.
And as well as handing their money to suspicious sources - people were taxed for the privilige.
Pension providers are also powerless to do more than just warn people of the risks, with savers legally allowed to transfer their money to whoever they like.
Phil Brown, director of policy at The People’s Pension, said: “For those people who fall victim to fraud, it can be devastating; many people lose their life savings and are hit with the double whammy of still having to pay tax penalties.
"For some people, they’re forced to sell their homes, while others have sadly taken their own lives as a result."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The problem has become worse following George Osborne's plan to let people access their money for whatever reason they like once they turn 55 - giving scammers an even easier route to people's savings than before.
Things turned south yet again in 2016, after Royal London tried to stop a saver losing out by transferring cash to a suspicious fund.
The customer took the pension firm to the High Court over the matter, which ruled that people could transfer their money wherever they like.
The new research, carried out by The People’s Pension and Police Foundation, found 938 customers were targeted by people flagged as suspicious in the past year.
Some 580 of them went ahead with transferring cash, despite the warnings.
The People’s Pension and The Police Foundation are calling on the Government to give pension companies the power to trigger an urgent regulatory response to savers at risk of fraud - to let authorities override transfers if a suspected scam is reported to them.
“Currently, pension providers can flag a potential scam to a customer, but we can only stand by and watch if the individual chooses to proceed with a risky transfer that could result in them losing all their savings," Brown said.
“We’re calling on the Government to provide pension providers and regulators with the powers to stop risky transfers and ensure victims of fraud aren’t hit with having to pay tax penalties on their lost savings.”
Rick Muir, director of the Police Foundation, added: “We can’t arrest our way out of pension and investment fraud and that’s why efforts at the front end to prevent scams are so important.
“Nonetheless, in terms of financial losses and overall wellbeing pension scams are among the most harmful types of fraud and it is therefore vital that they are taken seriously by law enforcement.”
Minister for pensions Guy Opperman said "Scammers who steal people’s hard-earned savings are the lowest of the low and the Government is working closely with its partners on the best ways to combat, and raise awareness of, pension fraud.
"We have added new measures in the Pension Schemes Bill, presently going through Parliament, to empower trustees to take action where they suspect scam activity, and to require members to take guidance if they wish to make certain transfers.
"We also urge all pension savers to stay alert to scams. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Shark bites man's arm and refuses to let go after 'pal bet him £75 to grab it'

A man had a shark biting his arm for more than 20 minutes after a friend reportedly bet him to touch it .
The nurse shark latched on to the man 's upper arm and refused to let go , after the beach goer reportedly tried to grab it .
Emergency crews were sent to Jensen Beach in Florida , USA on Sunday to help the lifeguard get the man 's arm free .
Lifeguard Brian Bricious said : `` A beach patron came up to the tower and advised me that this guy needed help out on the sandbar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his arm .
“ Just when you think you ’ ve seen it all , something comes along and surprises you .
“ These sharks typically need to be provoked , they ’ re very docile , they ’ re very slow moving , they ’ re easy to grab their tail or something like that . ''
Estate agent Jeremy Porter was at the beach and filmed the incident , before later sharing the incident on Facebook .
Mr Porter said the man 's friend had bet him $ 100 ( about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or grab the shark .
He said : `` All , please know , this shark did not go after this guy .
`` This guy grabbed the shark and the shark bite him .
Hopefully lesson learned for this guy . ''
In the video , first responders are seen pouring alcohol into the creature ’ s mouth to try to get it to let go .
One onlooker suggested punching the predator on its nose , as he 'd seen `` then do it on the Discovery Channel '' , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department also attended .
An official spokesman said the man most likely agitated the shark , causing it to latch on .
After around 20 minutes the animal released its grip and it was put back in the ocean .

Man lets shark bite him on the arm for $100
Man lets shark bite him on the arm for $100
The nurse shark latched on to the man's upper arm and refused to let go, after the beach goer reportedly tried to grab it in Florida
Shark bites man's arm and refuses to let go after 'friend bet him £75 to grab it'
A man had a shark biting his arm for more than 20 minutes after a friend reportedly bet him to touch it.
The nurse shark latched on to the man's upper arm and refused to let go, after the beach goer reportedly tried to grab it.
Emergency crews were sent to Jensen Beach in Florida, USA on Sunday to help the lifeguard get the man's arm free.
Lifeguard Brian Bricious said: "A beach patron came up to the tower and advised me that this guy needed help out on the sandbar with a shark that was stuck to his arm.
“Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something comes along and surprises you.
Image: Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor)
“These sharks typically need to be provoked, they’re very docile, they’re very slow moving, they’re easy to grab their tail or something like that."
Estate agent Jeremy Porter was at the beach and filmed the incident, before later sharing the incident on Facebook.
Image: Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Image: Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor)
Mr Porter said the man's friend had bet him $100 (about £75) that wouldn’t touch or grab the shark.
He said: "All, please know, this shark did not go after this guy.
"This guy grabbed the shark and the shark bite him. Hopefully lesson learned for this guy."
In the video, first responders are seen pouring alcohol into the creature’s mouth to try to get it to let go.
One onlooker suggested punching the predator on its nose, as he'd seen "then do it on the Discovery Channel", but this was not done.
Image: Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Image: Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor) Facebook/Jeremy Porter Realtor)
Martin County Fire Department also attended. An official spokesman said the man most likely agitated the shark, causing it to latch on.
After around 20 minutes the animal released its grip and it was put back in the ocean.


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Best laptop deals for May 2020 - including discounts on the Apple MacBook Pro

Buying a new laptop can be costly - so finding the best deals on some of the top models on the market can save you a small fortune .
Whether you 're a student looking for something that you can write all your essays on , someone who just loves to browse the web and stream films and TV shows or a fully fledged laptop user that 's simply keen to upgrade , there 's plenty of choice to pick from regardless of your budget .
But the key to finding the best laptop for your needs is hugely dependant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and specifications - and do n't forget to compare what deals are on offer across all major retailers before biting the bullet .
Major tech retailers often run deals throughout the year , often price matching one another , ensuring you can always find great value laptops year round , even on pricey Apple MacBook Pro and Air laptops .
If you 're looking for the versatility of a tablet but functionality of a laptop , this is a great device to invest in .
The lightweight piece of kit also comes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making notes and annotating documents .
Want something powerful ?
Look no further than one of Apple 's most powerful laptops .
The latest Pro features high quality graphic , fast processor , a new magic keyboard and impressive audio quality .
The HUAWEI is a high powered and ultra slim laptop .
Inside it features a new Generation AMD Ryzen processor , 1MP recessed camera and Huawei Share OneHop is also supported on the laptop .
Buy now from Very If you 're looking for a great value laptop for work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment .
The Intel® Core™ i3 processor can easily handle your day-to-day tasks while the battery can last for over 11 hours in one charge .
Buying a new laptop - everything you need to know A good laptop has to perform a myriad of different functions at any one time - from creating documents to downloading images or videos - so powerful processor is key .
It also needs to be portable and have a good battery life for when you need to use it on the go .
Most of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years - so investing in a decent laptop that will last you some time is a must .
It 's important to do some research into what you will need from your new machine before splurging lots of cash .
Wondering what the best laptops out there right now ?
Have a look at our round up of the best laptops for 2020 and the best budget options under £500 if you 're strapped for cash .
We 've also got a guide on the top refurbished laptops and best laptops for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Our top picks of the best laptop deals to snap up this month and it includes the coveted Apple MacBook Pro
With the majority of the nation still working from home, there’s never been a more important time to upgrade your laptop.
We’ve scoured the Internet to find you the best deals on some of the top models from Apple, Huawei and Microsoft currently on the market, which will save you a small fortune.
Whether you’re a student looking for something to write all your essays on, someone who just loves loves to browse the web and stream films and TV shows, or a fully fledged laptop user that's simply keen to upgrade, there's plenty of choice to pick from regardless of your budget.
But the key to finding the best laptop for your needs is highly dependent on you doing your homework on price and specifications - and don't forget to compare what deals are on offer across all major retailers before biting the bullet.
Major tech retailers often run deals throughout the year, often price matching one another which means shoppers can always find great value laptops year round, even on pricey Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air laptops .
Where to buy cheap laptops?
Best laptop deals for April 2021
Want something powerful? Look no further than one of Apple's most powerful laptops. The latest Pro features high quality graphic, fast processor, a new magic keyboard and impressive audio quality.
An Intel Core i7 processor makes light work of day to day computing along with the harder stuff, great for creatives and people who need something quick moving.
A large 16" inch retina display, with stunning clarity no matter if it's for work, play or watching your favourite TV shows.
Buy now for £2,099 from Amazon - was £2,399
At under £200, the ASUS C223 is one of the best deals around.
It's compact and super lightweight, weighing just under 1kg and has an 11.6inch HD screen.
Powered by a powerful and reliable Intel® Core Celeron processor, you can undertake all of your day to day duties with no lagging. Enjoy up to ten hours battery life on a single charge.
Buy now for £139.99 from eBay - was £199
The Acer 311 11.6" Chromebook utilises the best of both worlds, offering you convenient and compact access on the go.
This laptop runs on ChromeOS which means you're getting a leaner operating system that will run primarily from cloud-based storage. That 32GB of storage space will work fine for everyday use, then, with 4GB RAM and an AMD A4 processor keeping everything running as well.
Featuring 10 hours of battery life with just a single charge, it's perfect for getting you through full day's work with some extra time to binge your favourite Netflix shows in the evening.
Buy now for £139.99 from eBay - was £299
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 13.3" Chromebook is perfect for entertainment and work on the go. With a slim design, it fits easily into your bag.
Whether you're looking for a laptop, tablet or something in between the IdeaPad Flex 5i has a touchscreen that you can flip round 360°. Type out emails in laptop mode, swipe through websites in tablet mode, or use stand mode to watch your favourite shows.
This Chromebook also comes with a backpack and mouse. Ideal for city life, the 15.6” casual backpack is made from durable, water-repellent fabric and has space for books and other items. The wireless mouse with ambidextrous design makes it easy to setup and use your Chromebook anywhere.
Buy now for £399 from Currys - was £549
Another option with two in one capabilities and not for a bad price at £399.
Boasting a slightly larger screen than the Lenovo Duet at 10.5inches, the PixelSense display of the Surface Go 2 from Microsoft offers true-to-life colours with high contrast and low glare.
As well as bluetooth 5 technology, it's been created with a fanless Pentium Gold processor that ensures a smooth and seamless experience when multitasking between apps.
Buy now for £315.99 from Tech In The Basket - was £399
Incredibly lightweight and boasting a speedy performance, get all your work done on-the-go with this MacBook.
From video-editing to gaming, the Apple M1 chip will give you up to 15 hours of web browsing, or up to 18 hours of the content you love on Apple TV. And, with the Retina Display screen, you can enjoy everything from blockbuster movies to everyday browsing in crystal clear quality.
Constantly forgetting your passwords? This smart MacBook comes with a Touch ID sensor. Simply place your finger over the sensor to unlock your laptop with nothing but your fingerprint - great for when you’re in a rush.
Buy now for £803.99 from TecoBuy - was £1,057.99
The Huawei MateBook D 15.6" Laptop comes with a powerful Ryzen 5 processor, so you're able to plough through demanding tasks with ease. Paired with the integrated Radeon graphics, this laptop is ready for photo editing or high-resolution streaming.
All that comes with a solid 10 hours of battery life and best of all, it charges incredibly fast so you'll get up to 53% of battery in just half an hour.
Weighing just 1.5 kg, you'll barely notice the MateBook D 15 in your bag. It's also super thin, at just 17 mm so you can carry it easily on-the-go. Plus, it has USB-C charging, so you can use the same charger as your phone.
Buy now for £549.99 (refurbished) from eBay - was £699.99
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Buying a new laptop - everything you need to know:
A good laptop has to perform a myriad of different functions at any one time - from creating documents to downloading images or videos - so powerful processor is key.
It also needs to be portable and have a good battery life for when you need to use it on the go.
Most of us only replace our laptops every four or five years - so investing in a decent laptop that will last you some time is a must. It's important to do some research into what you will need from your new machine before splurging lots of cash.
Top tips for buying tech on eBay.co.uk Consider refurbished goods – Focus on searching for brands you are familiar with - and items you've seen in real life. Many brands such as Dyson and GoPro are refurbishing their own items and selling them directly on eBay, so always look out for big name brands.
Do your research – Has there been a new release or is there a cheaper alternative to the item you want? You’re not restricted to buying the latest handsets if you don’t need them, so be sure to look at reviews and compare handsets to find the best model for you.
Check the warranty and returns policy – One of the most important things to consider when buying refurb is the warranty it comes with, as this provides you protection if it develops a fault. If you shop from eBay’s refurbished hub all items come with a 12-month warranty from the seller, so if anything does go wrong in the 12 months you can guarantee that you will get an exchange or a refund.
Examine Seller Feedback - Always check seller feedback, making sure they have a good feedback rating. eBay’s top rated sellers constantly receive the highest buyer ratings, dispatch items quickly and have earned a track record of brilliant service.
Make the most of free shipping - Save yourself some money by looking for sellers that offer free shipping with the item. On eBay.co.uk you can filter your search to see only items that offer free shipping, and with many electronic items small enough to be shipped inexpensively, it’s a great way to save a few extra pennies.
Wondering what the best laptops out there right now are? Have a look at our round up of the best budget laptop options under £500 if you're strapped for cash.
We've also got a guide on the top refurbished laptops and best laptops for students you can check out too.


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Boy dies in 60ft fall ‘from eighth floor’ of flats near Wembley Stadium

A boy has died after reportedly falling 60ft from an eighth floor flat in a tower block near Wembley Stadium .
Residents said the 'young boy ' fell from a window in the Archery Court tower in Olympic Way , Wembley .
The youngster 's body was reportedly found on the balcony of a resident living on the first floor .
Police were called shortly before 7am and paramedics gave first aid , but tragically the boy was pronounced dead at the scene .
Residents described the scene as `` very distressing '' as paramedics battled to save his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local residents ’ association , said : `` He fell from the eighth floor on to a balcony on the first .
The resident there found him .
`` The paramedics were working really hard on him , they were shouting to each other .
It was a very distressing scene . ''
Haider said the boy was from a 'lovely family ' , adding that the `` devastated '' mother was with police , reports the Evening Standard .
Another resident , Liban Mao , 43 , said : “ I saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her balcony .
She was really distressed.
” In a separate incident last month a two-year-old boy also fell to his death after falling from a tower block in Shoreditch , east London .
Shocked neighbours reported hearing screaming and then seeing the toddler motionless on the ground beneath the open window .
Eyewitnesses said they heard a man , who they say is the boy 's father , screaming and saying `` oh no , oh no , '' as he saw the child when he emerged from the building .
Gifty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother , said : `` His name was Treasure .
He was a very nice boy .
He was chatty .
`` The mum is a very nice person .
They open the door for me when I come in .
She always asked me when my son could give extra lessons to her children . ''

Police were called to the scene at the Archery Court tower in Olympic Way, Wembley, shortly before 7am and paramedics gave first aid, but tragically the boy was pronounced dead at the scene
A 13-year-old boy has died after reportedly falling 60ft from an eighth floor flat in a tower block near Wembley Stadium.
Residents said the 'young boy' fell from a window in the Archery Court tower in Olympic Way, Wembley.
The youngster's body was reportedly found on the balcony of a resident living on the first floor.
Police were called shortly before 7am and paramedics gave first aid, but tragically the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents described the scene as "very distressing" as paramedics battled to save his life.
Haider Narallah, chairman of the local residents’ association, said: "He fell from the eighth floor on to a balcony on the first. The resident there found him.
"The paramedics were working really hard on him, they were shouting to each other. It was a very distressing scene."
Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: Evening Standard / eyevine) Evening Standard / eyevine)
Haider said the boy was from a 'lovely family', adding that the "devastated" mother was with police, reports the Evening Standard.
Another resident, Liban Mao, 43, said: “I saw the woman who found the body on her balcony. She was really distressed.”
Scotland Yard said in a statement: "Police were called at 06:54hrs on Monday, 7 September to Olympic Way, Wembley to reports of a child fallen from height from a residential building.
"Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 13-year-old boy died at the scene.
"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue."
In a separate incident last month a two-year-old boy also fell to his death after falling from a tower block in Shoreditch, east London.
Shocked neighbours reported hearing screaming and then seeing the toddler motionless on the ground beneath the open window.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a man, who they say is the boy's father, screaming and saying "oh no, oh no," as he saw the child when he emerged from the building.
Gifty Kimberly-Koka, who knows the boy's mother, said: "His name was Treasure. He was a very nice boy. He was chatty.
"The mum is a very nice person. They open the door for me when I come in. She always asked me when my son could give extra lessons to her children."


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Inside 10 eerie ghost towns around the world that time forgot

In our busy world today , it 's hard to imagine that ghost towns exist , but there are plenty of abandoned towns even in the UK , that time has left behind .
From eerie haunted villages in California that previously attracted thousands of gold miners , to a fake UK villages designed to train the British Army to fight German soldiers , there are some incredible empty settlements across the globe .
Today , many are only attractive to ghost hunters or photographers , with some sites left totally abandoned by society .
Lots of these eerie spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their scenery , and some have even been listed by UNESCO .
But visitors should take care - some of these locations are claimed to be cursed , with locals warning tourists to be on their best behaviour .
We 've pulled together a list featuring ten of the most intriguing ghost towns across the globe - and there 's even one here in the UK .
Bodie was a gold-mining town east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range that has been left preserved in a spooky state .
It is described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a state of arrested decay.
” While it once had a population of more than 10,000 during the gold-rush era , it has now been left abandoned .
At its peak , it had streets filled with more than 70 saloons , a bowling alley , gambling halls and stores and churches .
But the town 's mines began to decline in 1913 before eventually closing in 1942 .
Now , more than 100 abandoned buildings remain , giving tourists an incredible insight into what life was like in the Wild West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with family pictures still on the walls and crockery in the drawers .
Some deserted bars even have filled bottles of beer clouded with dust after owners shut their doors due to no trade .
But visitors beware - locals warn that the Bodie Curse will haunt anyone who leaves town with any of the old artefacts .
These incredible UFO houses were built in 1978 as a seaside holiday resort visiting US personnel .
They were supposed to give a nod to the future of design - but instead ended up being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The project was abandoned in 1980 after it ran into financial difficulties and there were several suicides by construction workers .
There were also numerous car crashes reported on the site .
Terrified locals say the resort was built on a burial ground for Dutch soldiers , leading to reports it was haunted .
Another theory claims that the site was cursed by the spirit of a dragon , after a statue of one was destroyed during construction .
In Asia , dragons are associated with good luck and power , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the misfortune .
Although some of the buildings have been torn down , the site of the failed futuristic vision can still be visited .
This tiny underwater coal mining facility , which was also known as Battleship Island , was once populated by more than 5,000 people .
At its peak , it was home to several home-rise buildings for the workers , along with a school , hospital , town hall , cinema and swimming pool .
But it officially closed in 1974 as oil began to replace coal in Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until enterprising tour operators began to run trips to the island , after the government allowed access .
Among the empty work buildings are the deserted homes of the workers , with televisions and telephones still in place .
The abandoned 16-acre island became a cult tourist attraction after it was featured in a James Bond film .
Part of it was used as the hideout for villain Raoul Silva , played by Javier Bardem , in 2012 hit Skyfall .
The island was approved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site of France 's biggest massacre of civilians by the Nazis during World War Two .
Troops from the SS killed 642 villagers on 10 June 1944 , almost the entire population of the town , and then destroyed the village .
After the war , a new village was built nearby but the ruins remain as a memorial and museum to mark the atrocities that occurred there .
Built by a Chinese firm , just 17 miles outside of the capital city of Luanda , this sprawling city can house 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's buildings still remain empty , as prices remain too high for Angola residents , who do n't wish to live in an empty city .
According to Architectural Digest , by 2018 only 80,000 residents had moved in , leaving many of the 750 apartment buildings , shops and schools empty .
Building the city cost an estimated £2.72 billion but in an article from March this year , Wallpaper reports that Kilamba still looks like `` a place that looks like it ’ s at the end , not the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thousands of families working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant , 50,000 residents were abruptly evacuated on the day of the disaster .
The explosion from the nuclear reactor on April 26 , 1986 means the town now lies as a tribute to that tragic day as it sits as it was left .
Visitors can now visit the crumbling site which is slowly being reclaimed by nature .
But schools , shops and homes are still locked in a time warp , with books still on children 's desks and debris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discarded gas masks litter the floor while children 's dolls are scattered about , abandoned when they were rushed away from the town in a hurry .
Copehill Down is a mock village built by the Ministry of Defence to resemble a East German village .
It was created so the army could practice close quarters fighting and has never been inhabited .
But it includes an incredible level of detail - including curtains in the windows and flower beds , giving the impression that it has just been evacuated .
Before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort Varosha was one of the most glamorous destinations in the Med .
Described `` as the French Riviera of Cyprus '' , it attracted Hollywood celebrities such as Liz Taylor .
But after Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus , its residents fled , and the holiday hotspot has become a no-go zone .
Visiting the site is restricted but homes can be seen totally abandoned , with plates and cutlery left on tables as people left in a hurry .
A mining camp 50 miles southwest of Turson , the town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Activity at Montana Mine attracted hundreds of people seeking to make their fortune .
But when the the Eagle-Picher Mining Company closed in 1941 , so did the town , with residents abandoning it for more prosperous places .
Now the town is considered to be one of the best preserved mining ghost towns in Arizona , with visitors able to tour 25 abandoned buildings , including a jail , school and houses .
The town of Texola is located along America 's most iconic road - Route 66 .
But its rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production and the Great Depression , has led to a huge decline in residents .
Around 30 people are now said to live in the town , which has become a tourist attraction thanks to its well preserved abandoned structures .
Roadtrippers visit the Magnolia Service Station and tiny town jail before heading off along the famous route .

All over the world, there are a vast number of empty towns and villages that time has forgotten, with some of the abandoned settlements now only attractive to ghost hunters
Inside 10 eerie ghost towns around the world that time forgot
In our busy world today, it's hard to imagine that ghost towns exist, but there are plenty of abandoned towns even in the UK, that time has left behind.
From eerie haunted villages in California that previously attracted thousands of gold miners, to a fake UK villages designed to train the British Army to fight German soldiers, there are some incredible empty settlements across the globe.
Today, many are only attractive to ghost hunters or photographers, with some sites left totally abandoned by society.
Lots of these eerie spaces have doubled up as filming locations thanks to their scenery, and some have even been listed by UNESCO.
But visitors should take care - some of these locations are claimed to be cursed, with locals warning tourists to be on their best behaviour.
Image: Getty) Getty)
We've pulled together a list featuring ten of the most intriguing ghost towns across the globe - and there's even one here in the UK.
1. Bodie, California
Bodie was a gold-mining town east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range that has been left preserved in a spooky state.
It is described as “a town frozen in time in a state of arrested decay.”
While it once had a population of more than 10,000 during the gold-rush era, it has now been left abandoned.
At its peak, it had streets filled with more than 70 saloons, a bowling alley, gambling halls and stores and churches.
But the town's mines began to decline in 1913 before eventually closing in 1942.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Now, more than 100 abandoned buildings remain, giving tourists an incredible insight into what life was like in the Wild West.
Furniture is preserved in empty homes with family pictures still on the walls and crockery in the drawers.
Some deserted bars even have filled bottles of beer clouded with dust after owners shut their doors due to no trade.
But visitors beware - locals warn that the Bodie Curse will haunt anyone who leaves town with any of the old artefacts.
2. Sanzhi Pod City, Taiwan
Image: Wilimeida Commons) Wilimeida Commons)
These incredible UFO houses were built in 1978 as a seaside holiday resort visiting US personnel.
They were supposed to give a nod to the future of design - but instead ended up being dubbed "ruins of the future."
The project was abandoned in 1980 after it ran into financial difficulties and there were several suicides by construction workers.
There were also numerous car crashes reported on the site.
Terrified locals say the resort was built on a burial ground for Dutch soldiers, leading to reports it was haunted.
Another theory claims that the site was cursed by the spirit of a dragon, after a statue of one was destroyed during construction.
In Asia, dragons are associated with good luck and power, so many locals claimed the action led to the misfortune.
Although some of the buildings have been torn down, the site of the failed futuristic vision can still be visited.
3. Hashima Island, Japan
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This tiny underwater coal mining facility, which was also known as Battleship Island, was once populated by more than 5,000 people.
At its peak, it was home to several home-rise buildings for the workers, along with a school, hospital, town hall, cinema and swimming pool.
But it officially closed in 1974 as oil began to replace coal in Japan.
It remained closed for 35 years until enterprising tour operators began to run trips to the island, after the government allowed access.
Among the empty work buildings are the deserted homes of the workers, with televisions and telephones still in place.
The abandoned 16-acre island became a cult tourist attraction after it was featured in a James Bond film.
Part of it was used as the hideout for villain Raoul Silva, played by Javier Bardem, in 2012 hit Skyfall.
The island was approved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2015.
4. Oradour-sur-Glane, France
Image: Yoan Valat/EPA/REX/Shutterstock) Yoan Valat/EPA/REX/Shutterstock)
This small farming village was the site of France's biggest massacre of civilians by the Nazis during World War Two.
Troops from the SS killed 642 villagers on 10 June 1944, almost the entire population of the town, and then destroyed the village.
After the war, a new village was built nearby but the ruins remain as a memorial and museum to mark the atrocities that occurred there.
5. Kilamba New City, Angola
Image: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock) Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)
Built by a Chinese firm, just 17 miles outside of the capital city of Luanda, this sprawling city can house 500,000 residents.
But many of the city's buildings still remain empty, as prices remain too high for Angola residents, who don't wish to live in an empty city.
According to Architectural Digest, by 2018 only 80,000 residents had moved in, leaving many of the 750 apartment buildings, shops and schools empty.
Building the city cost an estimated £2.72 billion but in an article from March this year, Wallpaper reports that Kilamba still looks like "a place that looks like it’s at the end, not the beginning, of its existence."
6. Pripyat, Ukraine
Image: SIPA USA/PA Images) SIPA USA/PA Images)
Home to thousands of families working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, 50,000 residents were abruptly evacuated on the day of the disaster.
The explosion from the nuclear reactor on April 26, 1986 means the town now lies as a tribute to that tragic day as it sits as it was left.
Visitors can now visit the crumbling site which is slowly being reclaimed by nature.
But schools, shops and homes are still locked in a time warp, with books still on children's desks and debris strewn across the town.
Hundreds of discarded gas masks litter the floor while children's dolls are scattered about, abandoned when they were rushed away from the town in a hurry.
7. Copehill Down, Wiltshire, England
Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Copehill Down is a mock village built by the Ministry of Defence to resemble a East German village.
It was created so the army could practice close quarters fighting and has never been inhabited.
But it includes an incredible level of detail - including curtains in the windows and flower beds, giving the impression that it has just been evacuated.
8. Varosha, Cyprus
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Before the division of Cyprus in 1974, holiday resort Varosha was one of the most glamorous destinations in the Med.
Described "as the French Riviera of Cyprus", it attracted Hollywood celebrities such as Liz Taylor.
But after Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus, its residents fled, and the holiday hotspot has become a no-go zone.
Visiting the site is restricted but homes can be seen totally abandoned, with plates and cutlery left on tables as people left in a hurry.
9. Ruby, Arizona
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
A mining camp 50 miles southwest of Turson, the town of Ruby thrived during the gold-rush era.
Activity at Montana Mine attracted hundreds of people seeking to make their fortune.
But when the the Eagle-Picher Mining Company closed in 1941, so did the town, with residents abandoning it for more prosperous places.
Now the town is considered to be one of the best preserved mining ghost towns in Arizona, with visitors able to tour 25 abandoned buildings, including a jail, school and houses.
10. Texola, Oklahoma
The town of Texola is located along America's most iconic road - Route 66.
But its rural position combined with a decline in cotton production and the Great Depression, has led to a huge decline in residents.
Around 30 people are now said to live in the town, which has become a tourist attraction thanks to its well preserved abandoned structures.
Roadtrippers visit the Magnolia Service Station and tiny town jail before heading off along the famous route.


thedailymirror--2020-09-07--Brit orphans whose parents shot in Alps mystery now old enough for interview

Two British girls who witnessed their parents being shot dead by a mystery killer in the French Alps are to be re-interviewed over the case that has never been solved .
Eight years after the horrific murders , a prosecutor says the young orphans may now finally be old enough to be re-interviewed about the chilling tragedy to 'provide new leads ' .
Zainab and Zeena Al-Hilli were just seven and four when their father Saad , 50 , and mother Iqbal , 47 , were gunned down in front of them close to Lake Annecy .
Saad al-Hilli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his bullet-riddled car along with the girls ' 74-year-old grandmother , Suhaila Al-Allaf .
A local cyclist Sylvian Mollier , 45 , also died in the September 2012 bloodbath that continues to perplex detectives .
Mirror writer Tom Parry wrote a book about the killings , and has covered the twists in turns in the case that has since included theories a serial killer could be on the loose , and police inquiries focused whether the killer may have had a military background .
Nobody has ever been brought to justice over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denizot now believes the girls may be old enough ‘ to provide new leads.
’ Zainab was shot and pistol-whipped during the murder , and Zeena spent a whole night cowering under her mother 's skirt in the vehicle 's rear seat before she was discovered by a forensic officer .
Zainab , who is now 15 , and Zeena , 12 , are living at a secret address in the UK , after being placed in the care of other members of the Al-Hilli family , who are of Iraqi origin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission for the girls , the two Al-Hilli daughters , to be heard again , '' Ms Denizot told RTL Radio .
`` The older daughter was originally heard when she came out of hospital in Grenoble after the events , and she offered certain details , to the investigators , to the magistrates involved in this dossier . ''
Eight days after she was shot in the shoulder and beaten around the head by the killer , Zainab said there ‘ was only one bad man ’ involved in the attack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ children can speak again , can offer new elements , perhaps they have new things to say that will help .
`` Up until now they have been judged as being too traumatised , and in the wrong psychological state.
’ The family were on a camping holiday in the Alps when they came under attack in a secluded lay-by in a wood after parking up in their BMW car .
Twenty-five shots were fired in total , and the four adult bodies were found by Englishman Brett Martin , a former RAF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
Zainab was seen stumbling along the road by Mr Martin , while her sister remained hidden in the back of the car , under her mother ’ s legs .
Ms Denizot said the `` slightest new recollection '' by one of the girls might be enough to get the stalled investigation moving again .
`` Perhaps a detail , a little element that can reopen the enquiry , '' said Ms Denizot , adding : ‘ It is something that we would want to achieve with the help of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , British police searched the Al-Hilli family home in Claygate , Surrey , to try and establish a motive for the murders .
There have been numerous theories , ranging from claims that Mr Al-Hilli , an engineer , had powerful enemies in his native Iraq , to a family Will dispute .
Despite all this , Ms Denizot said all lines of enquiry had come to nothing , and that a `` local motive was the most likely '' and that the victims had been `` in the wrong place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyclist , Sylvian Mollier , had lived in the area all his life , and was shot seven times .
Ms Denizot said efforts were still under way to find the owner of the murder weapon , a vintage Swiss Army 7.65mm P06 Luger which was identified through fragments of the gun found at the scene .
‘ Work is still underway Switzerland , where they continue to look for the weapon , ’ said Ms Denizot .
`` Details about the weapon are very precise , but there were thousands of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find it , or at least to find the last person who owned it .
`` It ’ s important that the Swiss work hard at this , but unfortunately it has still not been found.
’ Responding to the latest developments , Saad Al-Hilli ’ s UK-based brother , Zaid Al-Hilli , 61 , said : `` There are a lot of questions that haven ’ t been answered . ''
A spokesman for Surrey Police said : `` This is a complex and ongoing French-led investigation and it is inappropriate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case or specific lines of enquiry .
`` We continue to work closely with the French authorities , and remain committed to helping find answers to what happened in Annecy on September 5 2012 . ''

Zainab and Zeena Al-Hilli were small children when their mum, dad, grandmother and a cyclist were gunned down in the French Alps - and now live at a secret address in the UK
Brit orphans whose parents shot in Alps mystery now old enough for interview
Two British girls who witnessed their parents being shot dead by a mystery killer in the French Alps are to be re-interviewed over the case that has never been solved.
Eight years after the horrific murders, a prosecutor says the young orphans may now finally be old enough to be re-interviewed about the chilling tragedy to 'provide new leads'.
Zainab and Zeena Al-Hilli were just seven and four when their father Saad, 50, and mother Iqbal, 47, were gunned down in front of them close to Lake Annecy.
Saad al-Hilli, his wife and his mother-in-law were found in his bullet-riddled car along with the girls' 74-year-old grandmother, Suhaila Al-Allaf.
A local cyclist Sylvian Mollier, 45, also died in the September 2012 bloodbath that continues to perplex detectives.
Mirror writer Tom Parry wrote a book about the killings, and has covered the twists in turns in the case that has since included theories a serial killer could be on the loose, and police inquiries focused whether the killer may have had a military background.
Image: Phil Harris) Phil Harris)
Nobody has ever been brought to justice over the slaughter, but Annecy prosecutor Veronique Denizot now believes the girls may be old enough ‘to provide new leads.’
Zainab was shot and pistol-whipped during the murder, and Zeena spent a whole night cowering under her mother's skirt in the vehicle's rear seat before she was discovered by a forensic officer.
Zainab, who is now 15, and Zeena, 12, are living at a secret address in the UK, after being placed in the care of other members of the Al-Hilli family, who are of Iraqi origin.
"The British judicial authorities have given permission for the girls, the two Al-Hilli daughters, to be heard again," Ms Denizot told RTL Radio.
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
"The older daughter was originally heard when she came out of hospital in Grenoble after the events, and she offered certain details, to the investigators, to the magistrates involved in this dossier."
Eight days after she was shot in the shoulder and beaten around the head by the killer, Zainab said there ‘was only one bad man’ involved in the attack.
Ms Denizot said: "If the children can speak again, can offer new elements, perhaps they have new things to say that will help.
"Up until now they have been judged as being too traumatised, and in the wrong psychological state.’
The family were on a camping holiday in the Alps when they came under attack in a secluded lay-by in a wood after parking up in their BMW car.
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
Twenty-five shots were fired in total, and the four adult bodies were found by Englishman Brett Martin, a former RAF pilot who was out cycling in the area.
Zainab was seen stumbling along the road by Mr Martin, while her sister remained hidden in the back of the car, under her mother’s legs.
Ms Denizot said the "slightest new recollection" by one of the girls might be enough to get the stalled investigation moving again.
"Perhaps a detail, a little element that can reopen the enquiry," said Ms Denizot, adding: ‘It is something that we would want to achieve with the help of the British authorities.’
Within days of the attack, British police searched the Al-Hilli family home in Claygate, Surrey, to try and establish a motive for the murders.
There have been numerous theories, ranging from claims that Mr Al-Hilli, an engineer, had powerful enemies in his native Iraq, to a family Will dispute.
Despite all this, Ms Denizot said all lines of enquiry had come to nothing, and that a "local motive was the most likely" and that the victims had been "in the wrong place at the wrong time".
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
The French cyclist, Sylvian Mollier, had lived in the area all his life, and was shot seven times.
Ms Denizot said efforts were still under way to find the owner of the murder weapon, a vintage Swiss Army 7.65mm P06 Luger which was identified through fragments of the gun found at the scene.
‘Work is still underway Switzerland, where they continue to look for the weapon,’ said Ms Denizot.
"Details about the weapon are very precise, but there were thousands of them issued. It’s important to find it, or at least to find the last person who owned it.
Image: Reuters) Reuters)
"It’s important that the Swiss work hard at this, but unfortunately it has still not been found.’
Responding to the latest developments, Saad Al-Hilli’s UK-based brother, Zaid Al-Hilli, 61, said: "There are a lot of questions that haven’t been answered."
A spokesman for Surrey Police said: "This is a complex and ongoing French-led investigation and it is inappropriate for us to comment on any details of the case or specific lines of enquiry.
"We continue to work closely with the French authorities, and remain committed to helping find answers to what happened in Annecy on September 5 2012."