bbcuk--2020-06-19--Canal tow-path exercise: ‘I can’t socially distance’

The number of people using canal tow-paths has increased by almost 200 % in urban areas since lockdown began .
On a narrow tow-path , social distancing is difficult to achieve but for those with limited access to green spaces it is often one of their few options .
Some canal visitors in Birmingham said they were once an `` escape '' but edging past others filled them with anxiety .
The Canal and River Trust has urged people to limit their use of the waterways which remain open for all .
`` Living in the city centre , canals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruth Millington , who lives in a studio flat in Birmingham 's Jewellery Quarter , said .
She has no garden and relies on the city 's extensive canal network for exercise and stress-relief .
`` It 's so important for my mental health , '' she said .
With famously more canals than Venice , it is no surprise the waterways are significant to the people of Birmingham .
The Canal and River Trust reported that , since lockdown came into force on 23 March , the number of people using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 171 % - from a daily average of 463 to 1,254 .
For Ms Millington , the increase has meant her outdoor activity has had an adverse effect on her mental health instead of a positive one .
`` I 've found my usual walk along the canal stressful because the paths are so busy and this has added to my anxiety , '' she said .
`` The narrow paths ca n't accommodate all of the cyclists , runners , dog walkers and groups of people walking together . ''
The Canal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift in usage '' from busy tourist hotspots in favour of less-used tow-paths in residential areas , `` often amongst less affluent communities where green space is often at a premium '' .
Burnley , Sandwell and Blackburn have seen the greatest increase in visitors to the canal network , while the number of visitors to canals in tourist hotspots such as Camden , Paddington and Birmingham 's Brindley Place has dropped by more than half .
A growing body of research links parks and green spaces to wellbeing , although millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to parks or green spaces nearby .
`` My mental health is really suffering from being inside , '' Ms Millington said , adding she was now having to balance the risk of not being able to social distance against the impact on her wellbeing .
It is a balance the Canal and River Trust is deeply conscious of .
The charity put up signage across its network encouraging people to limit their use of tow-paths but said it was working to manage social distancing without cutting off access to green space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or live near parks .
`` Our canals provide , for many people , a vital green or blue route on-their-doorstep , but people must limit their use and act considerately at this time , '' the trust 's chief executive Richard Parry said .
`` Canals can be a lifeline for people , but only if we use them responsibly . ''
Raj Sanghera has just bought a house which backs on to the Birmingham New Main Line canal .
He said the canal had become his main access route into town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he took trips out .
He said he had noticed `` a massive increase in people '' using the tow-paths and so has had to change his habits to better maintain social distancing .
`` It puts me off going at 'peak times ' , '' the keen runner said .
`` I 'm getting up earlier to go out to avoid people . ''
The number of visitors is exacerbated by the fact only one side of the canal is paved , he said , forcing the majority of people on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are further restricted by overgrown shrubbery .
For boater Tim Morley , the increase in people using tow-paths has been noticeable - on some days they have been akin to `` a motorway '' , he said .
He lives with his partner on a boat in Hockley Port , a section of canal off Birmingham 's Soho Loop near the Jewellery Quarter .
`` We 've been trying to exercise every day and the tow-path is the natural place to do it , '' he said .
But the network was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , and he has instead taken to walking around local industrial estates to avoid people using the tow-paths .
`` My partner thinks I 'm mad but I think they 're fascinating , '' he said .
`` We do n't want to be near people but we also want to offer space to people who live in flats and only have access to the canals for a couple of hours a day . ''
Mr Morley , who works all over the world as an academic facilitator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years .
Part of the advice issued by the Canal and River Trust was for pedestrians and cyclists to avoid areas where boats are moored to protect boaters .
`` When you 're moored , you 're inches from the tow-path , '' Mr Morley said , but added Hockley Port was closed to members of the public , `` so we do n't really get people walking past us '' .
The Canal and River Trust said it wanted people to continue using the network , `` to enjoy the benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're just asking that they be responsible and considerate when doing so . ''
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : The rules as they are now Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk


bbcuk--2020-06-19--'Why I want to go to lockdown raves'

'Why I want to go to lockdown raves'

Police forces across England are gearing up to tackle illegal lockdown raves after receiving tip offs about weekend events .
But why do people want to go to raves during a pandemic ?
The risk of serious illness from the spread of coronavirus was not enough to stop 6,000 people gathering at two raves in Manchester last weekend .
At these events one man died , three people were stabbed and a woman was raped .
Police forces across England have warned they will be using dogs and drones to find raves and anyone taking part risks being arrested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than six people outdoors are illegal under new coronavirus laws but Jay , 22 , has been going to warehouse parties .
`` I live in a warehouse with five other people , '' he said .
`` We are part of a warehouse collective of creatives who are fashion designers , set designers , performance artists , dancers , photographers .
There are about 50 people in our WhatsApp group who live in warehouses within our area .
`` In the beginning everyone was being very regimented and sticking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on every couple of weeks we would meet in one of the warehouses or studio spaces where we could set up the DJ decks .
Sometimes it could go up to 30 people .
`` We 're not staying 2m apart so it 's kind of like breaking the rules because we know we are taking a risk .
But we would go away and spend two weeks quarantining with only the people we live with .
We would n't see everyone again for a another two weeks and everyone was doing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ random people in .
We would know if someone had been to another party because we are all part of the same network .
No-one has had any symptoms or become unwell .
None of us have been able to be in contact with any of our family members so we ca n't spread it to them .
`` [ It 's ] escapism from being trapped in this whole time which has been getting really daunting .
`` The rave community is such a community of misfits and people who do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from anxiety or other mental health issues .
So there 's this urge for them to want to be together , for them to have contact with other people so when we come out of this we are n't going to be socially inept .
That 's the excuse .
`` If people can go to the park and sit close together then why ca n't we do this ?
We know it 's breaking the rules , that 's why we keep it so secret but there 's no stopping us from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to their houses for drinks so it 's hypocritical to say we ca n't do this .
`` We 've not been to any big organised raves but that 's because we do n't know of any .
If I did then I would go . ''
The father of an 18-year-old who was stabbed at one of the illegal raves in Daisy Nook and Carrington in Greater Manchester said his son will regret attending `` for the rest of his life '' .
The parent , who has asked not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his son was `` dying in a field '' as officers tried to find him .
`` These events are n't safe , there 's no cameras , no security because of where it was and the inaccessibility .
They had to do amazing things just to get to him to save him . ''
'Everyone was going absolutely crazy' Ollie , 21 , was at the rave in Daisy Nook and said : `` I would say to anyone thinking of going to a lockdown rave '100 % do n't go ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds to the rave out of curiosity but left after witnessing `` horrific '' violence and drug taking .
`` We went for a walk around the student area and everybody was saying about this illegal rave going on , '' he said .
`` You could hear the music booming so we followed the sound about 10 minutes out of the built up area through woods and land .
`` I 'm not even kidding there were thousands of people , it was unbelievable to see .
It was really , really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time and this was like nothing else .
`` Everyone was going absolutely crazy .
Everyone was on drugs , there was no security or authority there .
There was this tension in the air and so many really bad fights .
I witnessed this man get absolutely beaten .
`` You would hear screams all the time .
People were sniffing coke , doing balloons , dropping pills .
The people there were so rough and off their face they would n't be allowed into a normal festival or club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect you .
`` It seems all fun but it takes one little thing to start and it gets very nasty , very quickly .
There 's no social distancing , people were having sex and all sorts .
It will have spread the virus definitely .
`` We spent about half an hour watching from the sidelines and we thought 'let 's go ' .
But getting out was a nightmare because people there were passed out everywhere or being sick , there was a guy having a fit on the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend risks being arrested and prosecuted , police forces have warned .
West Midlands Police said it had received a tip off that a music event was planned for a remote part of the Black Country on Saturday .
Supt Nick Rowe , from the force , said : `` Events like this are illegal .
They are unacceptable at any time but even more so during a pandemic in which large gatherings are banned to help stop the spread of a killer virus . ''
It is a crime to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more than six people outdoors , under England 's coronavirus legislation .
Gatherings of as many as six people from different households can take place outdoors - such as in parks or gardens - in England , so long as people remain 2m ( 6ft 6in ) apart .
Social distancing is important because the nearer you are to someone who is infected , the greater the risk of catching the virus .

"We won't let random people in. We would know if someone had been to another party because we are all part of the same network. No-one has had any symptoms or become unwell. None of us have been able to be in contact with any of our family members so we can't spread it to them.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Newspaper headlines: 'Pubs patrolled', and 'true scale' of Covid deaths

Details of what socialising will look like and how the hospitality sector will adapt to a `` new normal '' are outlined on the front page of The Times .
Pubs will be patrolled in order to enforce social distancing , hotel room service will be left at guests ' doors and tables at restaurants will not be set in advance , the paper reports .
People visiting pubs will also be encouraged to order drinks on a phone app , rather than at the bar , the paper adds , and menus will be disposable .
The PM is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre rule will be relaxed from 4 July .
`` End of lockdown in sight '' is the headline leading the Daily Telegraph 's front page as the paper touches on the raft of measures expected to be announced to reopen England in the next two weeks .
The two-metre rule is set to be cut in half so pubs and restaurants can reopen next month , plus families will be allowed to stay overnight away from their homes , the paper adds .
Also on the front page is a report that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's recovery plan , with key figures from the world of business , politics , fashion and sport urging the government to take action to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on women .
Several of the front pages look ahead to the `` new normal '' - as ministers prepare to relax further lockdown restrictions in England .
The Times says it has seen details of draft plans to reopen the hospitality industry from 4 July - with significant changes .
Under the guidance , pub beer gardens would be patrolled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while waiting staff in restaurants would be expected to wash their hands every time they serve a different table .
For the Daily Express , foreign holidays are the focus - anticipating the `` green light for summer breaks within days '' , albeit to a limited number of countries .
Matt 's cartoon in the Daily Telegraph shows two men throwing around ideas in a coronavirus contact tracing office - with one telling the other : `` If everyone carries a ball of string with them , we 'll know where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a medical supplier in Macclesfield is sitting on 100,000 unused antibody kits , which it says could help ramp up the test and trace programme .
The company 's boss , James Gray , tells the Telegraph he contacted the government in March offering to supply the tests but heard nothing more , as the approach - in his words - fell `` into an abyss '' .
The Department of Health says it is continuing to `` identify and validate tests that meet the UK 's needs '' .
The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Palace of Westminster 's 9,000-piece art collection - which she admits contains many artefacts with a `` racist history '' .
Melissa Hamnett says her team is re-evaluating paintings and statues of 18th and 19th century politicians who had connections to the slave trade .
However , she believes the works should remain in place with added context .
`` We ca n't change history , '' she insists .
`` Portraits reflect parliamentarians at a time when Parliament was not diverse at all . ''
The FT Weekend says that ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build a £5bn British satellite navigation system to rival the EU 's Galileo programme .
The paper says officials are now exploring a system that would deliver the same civilian and military tracking services while operating at a lower altitude - and at a cost of just £1bn .
The Daily Mail reports that speed limits through motorway road works could be permanently raised from 50mph to 60mph in some areas .
Highways England is expected to announce the results of a year-long trial next month , amid frustration from some drivers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tailgating .
And there are many tributes to the Lord of the Rings and Alien star Sir Ian Holm , who has died at the age of 88 .
The Daily Mirror says he was `` one of the greatest British actors '' and the Sun says he was simply a `` legend '' .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox

The company's boss, James Gray, tells the Telegraph he contacted the government in March offering to supply the tests but heard nothing more, as the approach - in his words - fell "into an abyss". The Department of Health says it is continuing to "identify and validate tests that meet the UK's needs".


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: NI tourism industry faces redundancy challenges

Northern Ireland 's tourism industry got welcome news this week when it was announced its lockdown will end earlier than planned .
Hotels , bars , restaurants and cafes can reopen from 3 July , ahead of the original target date of 20 July .
But challenges for the sector remain , with Titanic Belfast saying it was planning to make up to 75 redundancies .
It is one of Northern Ireland 's top tourist attractions , pulling in more than 800,000 visitors in 2018 .
That was second only to the Giants Causeway , which had more than one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen an email sent by Titanic Belfast 's chief executive , Judith Owens , to her staff explaining why redundancies are necessary .
It makes for sobering reading for the entire sector .
She said the attraction will reopen on 1 August but that overall visitor numbers are expected to be just 30 % of what they were in 2019 .
The expected fall is attributed to `` required physical distancing , lack of air and sea access , and consumer nervousness '' .
It is assessed that European and other international markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The tour operator market is also said to be unlikely to return in 2020 and will be at a significantly reduced level in 2021/22 .
It is also forecast that school trips , another important business sector , are unlikely to return in the short term .
The Northern Ireland domestic market is expected to recover first but that currently accounts for only 11 % of Titanic Belfast 's business .
This means the facility will be operating at a hugely reduced capacity , with it set to open five days a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going down to a three-day week in January .
Titanic Belfast also has a significant conferencing and banqueting business - normally at this time of year planning would be underway for the Christmas party season .
But this side of the business will not return at all in 2020 .
Ms Owens wrote : `` This is due in part to a lack of clear guidance on a cap on mass gatherings and the fact that incorporating 2m social distancing would prohibit the successful delivery of our main type of events . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by which time the guidance on social distancing may have been reduced to 1m rather than the current 2m rule .
Conferences have been an important part of tourism growth in Belfast in recent years .
They bring midweek business travellers into the city and so the development of the International Conference Centre ( formerly the Waterfront Hall ) sparked a surge in new hotel openings .
Rajesh Rana has more hotel rooms in Belfast than any other operator .
His family 's business , Andras House , has almost 1,000 rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positives this week , with the 3 July reopening giving him a fighting chance of salvaging the summer season .
`` The summer 's important , particularly because I think corporate travel will still take a while to recover , so leisure guests who will be having staycations are essential for us , '' he said .
`` I think a lot of people still have holidays booked in July even if they 've got nowhere to go , so we 're hoping to see a busy July and August season .
@

"The summer's important, particularly because I think corporate travel will still take a while to recover, so leisure guests who will be having staycations are essential for us," he said.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Lockdown drivers caught travelling up to 140mph

Motorists have been caught driving at speeds of almost 140mph on Wales ' roads during lockdown , police figures show .
While there has been a 72 % drop in the number of people caught speeding , there has been a `` rise in the extent '' that limits are broken , according to GoSafe .
The road safety partnership said such behaviour risked putting more pressure on the NHS during the pandemic .
There were 9,447 fines sent out between 24 March and 24 May , compared to 33,796 for the same period last year .
The reduction corresponds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volume of traffic on Welsh roads , but that is not the whole story , according to GoSafe manager Teresa Ciano .
Travel restrictions which allow people to travel no further than five miles ( 8km ) will not be lifted earlier than 6 July , First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday .
• Am I helping to protect the NHS ?
`` Whilst the offending rate is similar , we have seen a rise in the extent that speed limits have been broken , '' she said .
`` This minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others at risk of serious injury or death at a time when we all need to play our part in reducing road collisions to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
The highest speeds have been recorded on the M4 near Newport and the A55 in Denbighshire .
Individual fines issued between 24 March - the day after lockdown was announced - and 25 May include : • 138mph ( 222kmh ) in a 70mph ( 112.7 kmh ) zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 ( High Cross ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 133mph ( 214kmh ) in a 70mph zone westbound on the A55 at Rhuallt • 117mph ( 188.2kmh ) in a 70mph zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 and 26 • 113mph ( 118.8kmh ) in a 70mph zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 and 26 • 113mph in a 70mph zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 and 26 • 113mph in a 70mph zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 and 26 • 111mph ( 178.6kmh ) in a 70mph zone westbound on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in a 70mph zone westbound on the A55 at Rhuallt • 109mph ( 175.4kmh ) in a 70mph zone eastbound on the M4 between junctions 27 and 26 • 109mph in a 70mph zone on the A483 at Rossett The number of speeding fines issued in the South Wales Police , Gwent Police and Dyfed-Powys Police force areas dropped from 24,371 last year to 6,446 this year - a 73 % reduction overall .
The North Wales Police force area saw a slightly smaller drop of 68 % - from 9,425 last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ciano said continued enforcement was having an impact during lockdown .
`` Our casualty reduction officers have been out enforcing the roads of Wales to keep all road users safe and to encourage compliance with the speed limits .
`` Despite the high level of speeding seen on some of our roads , we have seen a number of sites record zero offences , which is a clear indication of enforcement working at its best . ''
She added that police had set up new speed checks where concerns have been raised locally @

"This minority of motorists have been putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death at a time when we all need to play our part in reducing road collisions to protect the NHS and save lives."


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Reading stabbings: Three feared dead after Forbury Gardens attack

At least three people have died and an unknown number injured after a stabbing in a park in Reading , sources say .
Security sources have told the BBC a man arrested at the scene is thought to be Libyan .
Counter terrorism officers are at the scene , but the motive for the attack has not yet been confirmed .
The attack happened at Forbury Gardens at about 19:00 BST but neither the number of injured or fatalities have been officially confirmed by police .
Sources told the BBC that police were looking at terror as a possible motivation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arrested at the scene and is now in custody , Thames Valley Police said .
BBC Home Affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said he had been told the suspect had previously been imprisoned , but for a relatively minor offence unrelated to terrorism .
One eyewitness told the BBC he saw a man move from group to group stabbing people in the park .
There were reports that a police officer `` rugby tackled '' the suspect to the ground , according to the Sunday Mirror .
About a dozen armed police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of flats in Basingstoke Road in Reading at around 23:00 BST .
BBC News Home Affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani , who was outside the block of flats , said he heard a loud bang at the scene .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his `` thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading '' .
`` My thanks to the emergency services on the scene , '' he added .
South Central Ambulance Service said it was `` assessing and treating a number of casualties who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident '' .
'He started coming towards us' Laurence Wort , 20 , who was visiting Reading for the day , told the BBC he was about 10m away when the attack started .
`` The park was pretty full , a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through , suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group trying to stab them .
`` He stabbed three of them and then turned and started running towards me , when we turned and started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could n't catch us he tried to stab another group sat down .
`` He got one in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run , he ran out the park . ''
Claire Gould , a freelance journalist who lives in Reading , said she walked past Forbury Gardens at around 18:40 BST `` and everything seemed calm '' .
She then saw an air ambulance land in King 's Meadow - another park close to the scene - at around 19:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes later .
`` There were multiple sirens from 19:00 going on for the next couple of hours and police helicopters [ were ] circling , '' she added .
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted to say she was `` deeply concerned '' at the incident .
She said : `` My thoughts are with everyone involved , including police and emergency responders at the scene . ''
Policing minister Kit Malthouse tweeted his `` deepest sympathies to all affected '' and described the incident as `` horrific '' and `` dreadful '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stabbing was `` very concerning '' .
Thames Valley Police said there was no indication the incident was connected to an earlier Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) protest in the park .
Reading council 's leader urged people to stay away from the area .
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said : `` A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital .
A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate .
`` We are asking the public to avoid the area at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a video message posted to Facebook : `` They [ BLM protesters ] were very peaceful and we worked with the police liaison .
`` In terms of the protest and the people who attended from Black Lives Matter , we 're all safe .
`` None of us are affected .
We had all left by the time this happened . ''

Det Chf Supt Ian Hunter, from Thames Valley Police, said police were not looking for any other people in connection with the attack, adding that officers were "keeping an open mind as to the motivation for the incident".


bbcuk--2020-06-20--In pictures: Reading park stabbings

In pictures: Reading park stabbings

A number of people have been seriously injured after a multiple stabbing at a public park in Reading .
Emergency @ @ @ @ @ Gardens in the town at about 19:00 BST on Saturday .
Two air ambulances were @ @ @ @ @ nearby to ferry the injured to hospital .
Armed police officers have also been seen @ @ @ @ @ parts of the town remain cordoned off .
Here are some images of the developments @

A 25-year-old man from the town, arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has been now been re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said.


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Reading park stabbings: What we know so far

Three people are feared dead and several have been taken to hospital after being stabbed in a serious incident in a park in Reading .
Police were called to Forbury Gardens at about 19:00 BST following reports of a stabbing .
They have not yet confirmed the number of dead and injured .
Thames Valley Police said a man was arrested at the scene and is now in custody .
There are reports that a police officer `` rugby tackled '' a suspect to the ground , according to the Sunday Mirror .
Police and Black Lives Matter organisers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest held earlier in the park .
South Central Ambulance Service said `` multiple ambulance resources '' were sent to the scene , including five ambulance crews and a helicopter .
`` We were assessing and treating a number of casualties who had sustained injuries as a result of the incident , '' the service said in a statement Armed police officers with shields were later seen entering a block of flats in Basingstoke Road in Reading at about 2300 BST , and families living in the building were moved out .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later at about 1230 , and the armed officers have now left the scene.. What do we know about the suspect ?
Security sources have told the BBC the man arrested at the scene is thought to be Libyan , and counter terrorism officers are at the scene .
Police have not ruled out terror as a possible motivation for the attack .
Home Affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said he had been told the suspect had previously been in prison in the UK but for a relatively minor offence , not a terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyewitness Laurence Wort , 20 , told the BBC that he was visiting Reading for the day and was about 10m from the attack .
`` The park was pretty full , a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through , suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group trying to stab them .
`` He stabbed three of them and then turned and started running towards me , when we turned and started running .
`` When he realised that he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another group sat down .
`` He got one in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run , he ran out the park . ''
Claire Gould , a freelance journalist who lives in Reading , said she walked past Forbury Gardens at around 18:40 BST `` and everything seemed calm '' .
She then saw an air ambulance land in King 's Meadow - another park close to the scene - at around 19:00 BST , followed by a second around 10 minutes later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19:00 going on for the next couple of hours and police helicopters [ were ] circling , '' she added .
What has the reaction been ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his `` thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading '' .
`` My thanks to the emergency services on the scene , '' he added .
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted to say she was `` deeply concerned '' at the incident .
She said : `` My thoughts are with everyone involved , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Policing minister Kit Malthouse has described the incident as `` horrific '' and `` dreadful '' .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the stabbing was `` very concerning '' .

Reading stabbings: What we know so far Published 23 June 2020
Image source, PA Media
Three people are dead and at least three others have been injured after stabbings in a park in Reading.
Police have said they are treating the attack as a "terrorist incident".
Counter terrorism officers are continuing to question local man Khairi Saadallah, 25.
What happened?
Police were called to Forbury Gardens at about 19:00 BST on Saturday following reports that a number of people had been stabbed.
Thames Valley Police said a suspect was apprehended and arrested within five minutes of the call.
That man is now known to be Mr Saadallah, who remains in custody.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, and was later re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Home Secretary Priti Patel praised the officers who arrested him.
"These officers - a few of whom were student officers - ran towards danger to help those in need without second thought," she told MPs.
"A young, unarmed police officer took down the suspect without hesitation, while another performed emergency first aid to those who were injured."
Security guard Sydney McDonald, 65, who witnessed the arrest, said officers "rugby-tackled" the man to the floor at approximately 19:10.
The head of counter terrorism policing, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, said the attack was unrelated to a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest held hours earlier in the park, and that members of the public had provided emergency first aid to victims in the immediate aftermath.
Three people suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. They have since been discharged.
About a dozen armed police officers with shields were seen entering a block of flats in Basingstoke Road in Reading at about 23:00 BST, and families living in the building were moved out.
A loud bang was heard from the flats at about 00:30 BST, as officers gained entry to an apartment.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Armed police went to a block of flats in Reading following the stabbings in Forbury Gardens
What do we know about the victims?
Tributes have been paid to the three people who died - teacher James Furlong, American Joe Ritchie-Bennett and scientist David Wails.
Mr Furlong, 36, was head of history and government and politics at the Holt School in Wokingham.
Image caption, James Furlong taught history at the Holt School in Wokingham
His parents, Gary and Janet, described their son as a "wonderful man" who will "live in our hearts forever".
The Holt School said Mr Furlong was a "kind and gentle man" with a "real sense of duty" who "truly inspired everyone he taught".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Pupils and staff at The Holt School, Wokingham paid tribute to James Furlong
On Monday, Joe Ritchie-Bennett was also named by US TV network CBS as having died.
The 39-year-old was originally from Philadelphia and had lived in the UK for 15 years, according to reports.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper, Mr Ritchie-Bennett initially worked for a law firm in London after moving to the UK. About 10 years ago he joined a Dutch pharmaceutical company which has its headquarters in Reading.
His father, Robert Ritchie, said: "The family is heartbroken. They have lost their brilliant and loving son. This was senseless."
His brother, also named Robert, told US newspaper the Philadelphia Inquirer that Mr Ritchie-Bennett was a "great guy" who "did not deserve to go out like this".
The chief executive of the LGBT+ charity Reading Pride, Martin Cooper, who knew both men, said their deaths were "a tragedy to so many people" and that they would be "sorely missed".
"They should be remembered as extremely friendly gentleman who were always fun, engaging and a pleasure to be around," he added.
The third man has been named as 49-year-old scientist David Wails.
Michael Main, who knew all three victims, said he had "a lot of banter" with Mr Wails as regulars at The Blagrave Arms pub in Reading town centre.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he recalled Mr Wail's "dry sense of humour" and how "he would do anything for anyone that he could".
Image source, Social media Image caption, David Wails was a scientist
What do we know about the suspect?
Mr Saadallah, a 25-year-old Reading man, came to the UK from Libya in 2012. He originally claimed asylum and was given leave to remain in 2018, the BBC's home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said.
A close member of his family told the BBC that he left Libya to escape the violence there, and that he had suffered from post-traumatic stress from the civil war. However, he had been thinking of trying to return.
They said his long-standing mental health problems had been exacerbated by the coronavirus lockdown.
He came to the attention of MI5 last year as someone who might travel overseas, possibly for terrorism purposes, but they assessed that he was not a genuine threat or an immediate risk.
No case file was opened which would have made him a target for further investigation.
There are about 3,000 people under investigation by MI5 over extremist activity, according to BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera.
Mr Saadallah was among a further 40,000 names in the agency's system but who were not under active investigation, Corera said.
A friend of the suspect told Sandford that Mr Saadallah seemed to be a "normal, genuine guy", and had been someone with whom to smoke cannabis.
Kieran Vernon said: "He seemed like me or you. Whenever we used to meet up we used to talk about drinking whiskey and how different ganja (cannabis) affects the different thinking of mind. And that's pretty much all we'd chat about."
Neighbours said Mr Saadallah threw a TV from his top-floor flat this year and had a mental health key worker.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Neil Basu: "Officers have found nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in this attack"
Officers are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident and say there is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said that the "motivation for this horrific act is far from certain".
What did witnesses see?
The park, located in the Reading town centre, was reportedly busy at the time of the attack, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen something to contact police.
Witness Laurence Wort, 20, told the BBC that he was visiting Reading for the day and was about 10m from the attack.
"The park was pretty full, a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through, suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group trying to stab them," he said.
"He stabbed three of them and then turned and started running towards me, when we turned and started running.
"When he realised that he couldn't catch us he tried to stab another group sat down.
"He got one in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run, he ran out the park."
Image source, PA Media
What has the reaction been?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially tweeted to say that his "thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading".
In a later interview on Sunday, the PM said: "If there are lessons that we need to learn about how we handle such cases, how we handle the events leading up to such cases, then we will learn those lessons - and we will not hesitate to take action when necessary."
Asked what action he was suggesting, he replied: "If there are changes that need to be made to our legal system to stop such events happening again, we will not hesitate to take that action - as we have before, you will recall, over the automatic early release of terrorist offenders."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said communities across the UK were "united in their grief" and that he wanted to work with the government to see what lessons could be learnt, adding "this is not a time for party politics".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the threat of terrorism was "rapidly changing" in the UK
On a visit to the crime scene on Monday, the home secretary said investigators were carrying out "extensive work" into the attack.
Ms Patel added that officers must "look at all aspects" of Mr Saadallah's history, which she said "dates back over several years".
Speaking in the Commons later, the minister said the terrorism threat facing the UK was "complex, diverse and rapidly changing" - and that the threat posed by lone attackers was "growing".
Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock said the town was "an incredibly strong community" where "people will come together and they won't allow themselves to be divided".


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Result of 2m social distancing review 'to come next week'

Ministers will announce in the coming week whether the 2m social distancing rule in England will be relaxed , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said .
The government has been reviewing the advice , amid warnings many businesses will not survive under current rules .
Mr Sunak said the outcome of the review will `` make an enormous difference '' to businesses `` keen to see a change '' .
The government has said it hopes to reopen pubs , restaurants and hotels from the beginning of July , if safe .
It has yet to give a definitive date for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing to ease more coronavirus lockdown restrictions on 4 July .
Speaking on a visit to shops in North Yorkshire , the chancellor said although the review was yet to be completed , it was `` something that will make an enormous difference , I think , to many businesses who are keen to see a change '' .
• Should we be allowed closer than 2m ?
• Screens and sanitiser : The High Street 's new normal • What will a night out be like after lockdown ?
The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector and its own MPs to lessen the 2m rule , with widespread concerns around the impact it would have on the UK economy .
Mr Sunak said he was `` very understanding of the calls for action on that , particularly for our hospitality industry , for our pubs , for our restaurants '' .
His comments came after a raft of measures reported in the Times revealed how parts of the hospitality sector could look significantly different compared to pre-lockdown .
Pubs could be patrolled and people could be encouraged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the newspaper .
Meanwhile , the Department for Health and Social Care announced a further 128 people had died after testing positive for Covid-19 , bringing the UK total to 42,589 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson commissioned the review on 14 June , saying there was `` margin for manoeuvre '' in the 2m social distancing rule as the number of coronavirus cases falls .
The other nations of the UK have not announced any plans to change the 2m distance .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland 's Economy Minister Diane Dodds has said she is open to changing it .
A coronavirus adviser to the Welsh government said the risk in reducing the distance `` is n't very big '' .
Earlier , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told BBC Radio 4 's Any Questions that the government 's review of the 2m rule will be `` concluding shortly , within the coming days '' .
Other new measures for the hospitality sector reported in the Times include : • Drinkers could be asked to order via an app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tables at restaurants might not be set in advance • Room service in hotels could be left outside the doors to guests ' rooms Kate Nicholls , CEO of UK Hospitality , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that the guidelines seen by the industry involve businesses carrying out their own risk assessments , rather than a one-size-fits-all approach for `` everything from a burger van in a park to the Fat Duck in Bray '' .
Ms Nicholls said a third of pubs and restaurants could not reopen with the 2m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could .
But reducing it to 1m meant rather than generating 30 % of normal revenue and losing money , businesses could break even at 70 % of normal revenue .
`` Every day we have delay and uncertainty about that opening date , the industry is haemorrhaging cash and jobs and livelihoods are at risk , '' Ms Nicholls said .
The UK government currently advises people to stay 2m ( 6ft 6in ) apart from others to avoid spreading coronavirus .
The World Health Organization recommends a distance of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the UK government 's scientific advisers say that being 1m apart carries up to 10 times the risk of being 2m apart .
Prof Calum Semple at the University of Liverpool , a member of the government 's Sage scientific advisory group , said he had changed his personal view on the need for social distancing because there were now `` low levels , and sustained low levels , of transmission throughout the country '' .
He said 2m was still safer than 1m , but it was `` now a reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to open businesses where the 2m rule is harder to maintain , as long as there are other precautions in place .
If the UK faces a second wave of infections , Prof Semple said it might consider imposing social distancing rules on a regional basis , with different requirements for London compared to Carlisle , for example .
Some bars , restaurants and pubs say they will be unable to make a profit if the 2m guidance is still in place when they reopen .
Tourism firms have also warned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the distance is shortened .
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters The coronavirus alert level was downgraded from four to three on Friday .
Under level three , the virus is considered to be `` in general circulation '' and there could be a `` gradual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level four transmission was considered to be `` high or rising exponentially '' .
On the day , the government announced that all pupils in all year groups in England will go back to school full-time in September , alongside a £1bn fund to help England 's pupils catch up with learning .
There are separate rules for managing the threat of coronavirus in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
• WEIR , BURROW AND DARBY : Life with MND under lockdown • THE NEXT MUST-SEE DRAMA IN LOCKDOWN : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

The coronavirus alert level was downgraded from four to three on Friday. Under level three, the virus is considered to be "in general circulation" and there could be a "gradual relaxation of restrictions" - whereas in level four transmission was considered to be "high or rising exponentially".


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Spain to allow UK tourists without quarantine

UK tourists will be able to visit Spain without having to quarantine on arrival from Sunday , Spanish officials say .
Spain 's foreign affairs minister has told the BBC that British citizens will be allowed to enter the country freely , without the need to self-isolate .
She said the decision had been made `` out of respect '' for the 400,000 Britons who have second homes in Spain .
But current rules state that anyone returning to - or entering - the UK still has to self-isolate for 14 days .
It is understood the UK 's quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK Foreign Office is still warning against all but essential international travel .
• Quarantine rules for some countries set to be relaxed • When can I go on holiday ?
Spain 's foreign affairs minister Arancha González Laya said UK visitors will go through a `` triple check '' upon arrival to Spain .
They will be asked for their country of origin and to register `` so we know we have a contact point to trace them '' , she said .
They will also undergo a temperature check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we welcome visitors , but we want to do this in safety and security for them , as well as for the Spaniards , '' she said .
Ms González Laya said discussions were continuing with the government about exempting Spanish visitors from the UK 's current quarantine travel rules .
`` We do hope that [ the British authorities ] will be sensitive to the 250,000 Spaniards that are also living in the UK and would very much like to enter the UK without quarantine , '' she said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that countries look at entry or exit restrictions on the basis of their own data . ''
Spanish officials are also identifying locations in each of the country 's regions where travellers `` will be isolated and treated '' should they require hospital treatment , according to Ms González Laya .
Since 8 June , people arriving in the UK have been required to self-isolate for 14 days to help slow the spread of coronavirus .
The government is now planning to relax its travel quarantine rules for some countries in early July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts in Portugal , France , Italy , Greece and Spain , and ministers are hoping to make an announcement on 29 June that the government has secured a number of `` travel corridors '' .
The government had previously said that the quarantine would be reviewed every three weeks and 29 June marks the end of the first three-week period .
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?
Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week over the country 's plans for allowing UK travellers to visit .
Spanish officials had said on Monday that travellers from the UK would not have to quarantine on arrival from Sunday .
But Spain 's foreign affairs minister then suggested the country would impose a two-week quarantine on Britons , if the UK maintained its current travel rules .
The mixed messages began after Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez announced last weekend that Spain 's borders would reopen to travellers from all EU countries on Sunday 21 June - with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government said the UK 's quarantine system was `` informed by science , backed by the public and designed to help prevent a devastating second wave of this disease '' .
`` We are supporting tourism businesses through one of the most generous economic packages in the world , and continue to look at options to increase international travel , when it is safe to do so , '' she added .
• WEIR , BURROW AND DARBY : Life with MND under lockdown • THE NEXT MUST-SEE DRAMA IN LOCKDOWN : @ @ @

"We want to make sure that we welcome visitors, but we want to do this in safety and security for them, as well as for the Spaniards," she said.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Three children die and mother critical after Paisley fire

Three children have died and their mother is critically ill after a fire at their flat in Paisley .
The @ @ @ @ @ 21:00 on Friday after the blaze broke out in the upper cottage flat in Renfrew @ @ @ @ @ 12 , and her brothers Alexander , eight , and Philip , five , died @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in Glasgow .
The children 's 39-year-old mother was taken to the Royal Alexandra @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
A police spokesman said : `` An investigation is under way to @ @ @ @ @ this incident . ''
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said six fire crews were @ @ @ @ @ developed '' blaze .
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers .
Scotland 's @ @ @ @ @ : `` No words are enough .
It 's just heartbreaking .
My thoughts are @ @ @ @ @ poor children .
Fiona , Alexander and Philip - may you rest in peace .
@

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: 75 staff at Anglesey chicken plant positive

More workers have tested positive for coronavirus after an outbreak at a chicken factory on Anglesey .
All staff at the 2 Sisters meat processing plant in Llangefni are self-isolating after a number of workers were confirmed to have the virus on Thursday .
On Saturday the number had risen to 75 , Public Health Wales confirmed .
Health officials said the number of cases were expected to rise and samples have been taken from about 350 staff .
Testing sites were set up at Llangefni and Holyhead , and at an existing facility in Bangor , following the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the processing plant , which has 560 workers , have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days , and are being contacted for testing .
PHW , who are responding to the outbreak , said the process of taking samples from all workers was `` nearly concluded '' and `` testing was underway '' .
`` What 's clear is that the system is working as it should - we are actively screening employees at the facility and this is helping us to identify contacts of individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Wales .
`` The advice for these contacts is to self-isolate to prevent further spread .
The aim of the testing is to identify more cases and we 're likely to see an increase in overall cases in the coming days . ''
• What is it like to be contact traced ?
• Coronavirus cases in Wales : How many people have died ?
2 Sisters is one of the largest food producers in the UK and processes about a third of all the poultry products eaten each day from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended production and closed the factory , which supplies local authorities , hospitals , restaurants and small businesses , following the outbreak .
Anglesey council has also confirmed schools will not reopen as planned on 29 June following the outbreak .
2 Sisters had said `` the health , safety and well-being of our colleagues is ultimately the thing that matters most at our business '' .
It added : `` We will not tolerate any unnecessary risks - however small - for our existing loyal workforce at the facility . ''

"The advice for these contacts is to self-isolate to prevent further spread. The aim of the testing is to identify more cases and we're likely to see an increase in overall cases in the coming days."


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Black Lives Matter protests held across England

Hundreds of people have gathered for Black Lives Matter protests in cities across England .
Peaceful protests took place in London , Coventry and Newcastle - the latest in a series of anti-racism demonstrations in recent weeks .
The gatherings are in breach of coronavirus lockdown rules and many in the crowds wore masks and observed social distancing guidance .
The government has previously warned against protesting during the pandemic .
In London protesters assembled at Speakers ' Corner in Hyde Park amid a heavy police presence .
Another group of people marched from Vauxhall to Parliament Square .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coventry .
The protest was organised after an incident in the city 's Broadgate on 9 June , where two black men were said to have been `` chased '' by a group of Coventry City fans celebrating the club 's promotion .
• Police call for ban on protest during virus crisis • Are you allowed to protest during lockdown ?
In Lydney , Gloucestershire , about 250 people gathered at the Bathurst Estate for a protest that had been cancelled , but was later allowed to go ahead following a council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and speeches in Times Square in Newcastle , where about 200 people demonstrated .
It followed an outbreak of violence at a similar rally last weekend when counter-protesters confronted demonstrators at Grey 's Monument in the city , leading to 19 arrests .
Northumbria Police issued an order banning crowds from gathering at the monument , in the heart of city .

The protest was organised after an incident in the city's Broadgate on 9 June, where two black men were said to have been "chased" by a group of Coventry City fans celebrating the club's promotion.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--X Factor's Alexandra Burke reveals music industry racism

Singer Alexandra Burke has spoken out about her experiences of racism in the music industry , revealing she was asked to bleach her skin `` to look whiter '' .
After winning X Factor , Burke said she was told she would `` have to work 10 times harder than a white artist , because of the colour of your skin '' .
In a 15-minute Instagram video , she recalls being told : `` You ca n't have braids , you ca n't have an afro .
`` You have to have hair ... that appeals to white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the TV talent show in 2008 at the age of 19 , described the experiences as `` heartbreaking '' .
Burke , who refused to bleach her skin , said she was inspired to tell her story by fellow X Factor contestant Misha B , who recently spoke out about `` being devalued '' at the hands of the music industry .
Misha B claimed the X Factor projected `` this angry black girl narrative '' , using words such as `` feisty '' and `` bully '' to describe her after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2011 contestant said it left her feeling suicidal .
`` I could have spoken up much earlier , but was too scared to , '' said Burke , whose Instagram post has attracted a lot of attention , and sympathy , on social media .
The music star revealed the micro-aggressions she experienced at the hands of record labels , being told regularly that she `` comes across aggressive '' .
She said she was told : `` You ca n't release this kind of music , because white people do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I am so upset with myself that I allowed that . ''
Burke , whose hit singles Hallelujah , Bad Boys and All Night Long were all nominated for Brit Awards , also played the lead in the critically acclaimed West End musical The Bodyguard .
The singer said was told : `` Because you 're a black girl , you wo n't make it that far in the industry ... if you were white , you would be bigger than what you are now , you could sell more records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
She was raised in north London by her mother , Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell , who died in August 2017 - just before Burke was due to take part in Strictly Come Dancing .
She recalled how one journalist accused her of `` being a diva '' when she asked not to do any publicity on the show 's red carpet , which happened to be taking place on the same day as her mother died .
`` That was the image they had of me , because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was so scared on that show .
So many trolls , telling me all kinds of stuff .
`` I have no idea how I got through it .
I do n't even like thinking about that experience .
It 's simply because of me being a black , strong woman .
`` I can speak up for myself because that 's how I 've been taught .
But I would never do it in a way that offends people or hurts anyone . ''
She said the Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences because `` the truth is all we 've got '' .
`` I just feel like people need to not see colour , '' said Burke .
`` My mum always raised me to never see colour .
I will continue that way because that 's what makes me happy .
`` People are people .
We are all human , we all have feelings .
So be kind . ''

The singer said was told: "Because you're a black girl, you won't make it that far in the industry... if you were white, you would be bigger than what you are now, you could sell more records, you'd be a Brit Award-winner".


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Aberdeen family get green light to end Nepal Lockdown

A family from Aberdeen have been told they can continue their round-the-world trip after having to spend three months in lockdown in a remote town in Nepal .
Kris and Julie Smith and their two children - nine-year-old Erihn and four-year-old Jacob - can now resume their journey to Everest Base Camp .
They left Aberdeen in almost exactly a year ago to fulfil a `` big crazy dream '' of travelling around the globe .
However , coronavirus lockdown measures came into force in March .
Since then , they have been in a hotel next to an airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Solukhumbu region - thousands of miles from home .
On Facebook the family wrote : `` After much running about by our friend Kevin Sherpa to achieve many signatures from many authorities we have been given the green light to start walking .
`` After leaving Kathmandu on the 18th March we only managed a 7 day trek before lockdown arrived .
A little break in between of 3 months and off we go again '' Can not express how excited and grateful we all are that we can continue our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sagarmatha National Park and witness the worlds tallest mountain with our own eyes . ''
Before reaching Nepal , they had been to 18 countries including India , Jordan , Albania , Serbia and Hungary .
Mr Smith , 41 , had told BBC Scotland this month that conditions in Lukla were `` quite basic '' and they only had a stove in the living-room to keep warm at night .
Vietnam and Sri Lanka are among locations the family still hope to reach , added Mrs Smith , 46 .

"Cannot express how excited and grateful we all are that we can continue our walk and our dream to walk onto Sagarmatha National Park and witness the worlds tallest mountain with our own eyes."


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: No new cases in NI for first time since lockdown

For the first time since lockdown began , Northern Ireland 's coronavirus dashboard has recorded a full 24-hour period without any new Covid-19 cases .
The dashboard covers tests carried out daily in health trust labs , but it does not include tests on national testing sites as part of NHS-wide initiatives .
Health Minister Robin Swann described it as `` significant progress in forcing the virus into retreat '' .
The chief medical officer said NI had `` made important strides forward '' .
However , Dr Michael McBride warned that coronavirus remained a `` very real threat '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed between Thursday evening and Friday evening and none had a positive result .
One further coronavirus-related death was recorded within the same 24-hour accounting period .
It brings the total number of deaths reported by Northern Ireland 's Department of Health to 545 , but this figure refers mainly to hospital deaths .
More comprehensive data collated by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) showed the coronavirus-related death toll recently passed 800 .
On Saturday , the UK Department for Health and Social Care announced a further 128 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , bringing the UK total to 42,589 .
In the Republic of Ireland , two further deaths were confirmed on Saturday and one previously reported Covid-19 death was removed from the official death toll .
It means there have now been 1,715 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland since the outbreak began .
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : What it means and why it matters After the latest testing statistics were released on Saturday , Northern Ireland 's health minister and chief medical officer both welcomed the fact there had been no new cases over a 24-hour period .
`` We continue to make significant progress in forcing the virus into retreat , '' Mr Swann said .
`` This is due to a massive collective effort by people across Northern Ireland .
`` It is vital that we all maintain this progress and keep following public health advice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr McBride said : `` We have undoubtedly made important strides forward and the people of Northern Ireland deserve great praise for the sacrifices they have made in our response to this virus .
`` Covid-19 remains a very real threat and now is not the time to drop guard .
`` I urge everyone to keep doing the right thing in terms of hand hygiene and social distancing .
Please stay safe and save lives . ''
At the end of each working week , Nisra releases data on the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was mentioned on the death certificate .
Nisra 's most recent statistics show that by Friday 12 June , there had been 802 deaths where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate .
The Department of Health 's death toll refers to patients who have died with 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 , whether or no the infection was the cause of their death .

The Department of Health's death toll refers to patients who have died with 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, whether or no the infection was the cause of their death.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Leicester ramps up Covid-19 testing after cases rise

A mobile coronavirus testing site has been set up in Leicester city centre following a surge in cases .
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the facility , in Spinney Hill Park , would be open for at least five days .
It emerged on Thursday that about 25 % of the city 's 2,494 confirmed Covid-19 cases had been reported in the past two weeks .
Mr Soulsby said anyone concerned they might have the virus could be tested without pre-booking .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock first revealed there had been an `` outbreak '' during Thursday 's daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health director Ivan Browne said the numbers - 658 in the past fortnight - were `` relatively small '' but of concern .
He said the city had high levels of health conditions such as diabetes , `` pockets of deprivation , and a very significant Black , Asian and Minority Ethnic population '' .
Mr Soulsby said he had spoken to Matt Hancock on Friday about the situation .
Writing to residents earlier , he said : `` As you will have seen there has been some concern about the upturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So far this appears to be based on a limited number of tests and a comparatively small increase in positive results . ''
He said the government had agreed to set up the mobile testing facility and he was `` hoping to persuade the government to keep it in place as long as we need it so that we can test a large proportion of the local community . ''
He said the mobile site was accessible on foot and would allow people to carry out their own tests with staff on hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

He said the government had agreed to set up the mobile testing facility and he was "hoping to persuade the government to keep it in place as long as we need it so that we can test a large proportion of the local community."


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Durham Botanic Garden's lockdown photo diary

From badgers to butterflies , trees to tulips , life has been carrying on at the Durham Botanic Gardens throughout @ @ @ @ @ gardener Mike Hughes started a blog on the first day to keep people informed of @ @ @ @ @ gardens .
He has posted at least one picture every day since lockdown began on @ @ @ @ @ 95 and counting , here are just a few of his photographs .

Image caption,
Day 10: It might look serene, but head gardener Mike Hughes said the air was abuzz with the noise of bees, cooing of pigeons and banging of a woodpecker when he took this picture


bbcuk--2020-06-19--Christmas 2020: Will Santa have to social distance?

The coronavirus pandemic has already seen off Easter parties and summer festivals - will Christmas outings suffer the same fate ?
It may be June but lots of parents of young children will tell you Christmas planning starts early if you want to get tickets booked to your favourite Santa experience or pantomime .
But while many events have started taking bookings , the question remains whether or not they will go ahead if social distancing remains in place or the virus has a second peak .
A visit to a grotto , Christmas show or winter fair is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magic may feel somewhat lost if Santa has to wear a mask .
Some venues have already cancelled their festive events such as the Telford Steam Railway .
The heritage line organises a Polar Express train service each year where families board a train decorated like the one in the animated film .
The trips attract hundreds of people , many of whom travel from faraway for the event .
It is also a major fundraiser for the line which saw turnover go from £100,000 a year to more than £1m .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be `` irresponsible to put any lives at risk '' .
`` This is one of the hardest decisions we have had to make as this event has a massive impact to our railway business , but the health of you and your family is more important to us especially around the festive period . ''
Other cancelled events include the Christmas light switch on in Ely and the Whitby Christmas festival .
However other venues are taking bookings for Christmas events such as Legoland in Windsor and the Snowdome in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wonderland every year .
Organisers are yet to make a decision on festive markets such as the Frankfurt Christmas market held in Birmingham .
It 's not that surprising that events like Christmas fairs which attract large groups of people in close proximity might be off the table but what about the annual visit to Santa .
Will we see elves in PPE and will St Nick , as an older gentleman , have to shield in the North Pole ?
Not according to Matthew Wise , managing director of Great Grottos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping and garden centres across the UK .
He said : `` Great Grottos expects the Christmas grotto to move away from enclosed structures towards more expansive open staged settings with decorative backdrops . ''
He said this will allow staff and guests to social distance safely .
`` If the downward trend in Covid-19 cases continues , garden centre grottos may prove to be the likely winners .
They are able to delay their decision making on Christmas until the latest point and react more immediately . ''
He added grotto managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next month now that non-essential shops have reopened to see how consumers and retailers behave post lockdown .
In the meantime the recruitment of 500 Santas and elves has been pushed back to later in the year and some Father Christmases may audition via video call or using sanitised interviewing conditions .
You might also be interested in : Could the drive-in cinema finally take off in the UK ?
What to expect when hairdressers reopen What will a post-lockdown high street look like ?
At theatres , crowds , artists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very different experience going forward .
In Chesham , the Bucks Free Press reported that the local panto has been changed from Snow White to Sleeping Beauty to reduce the number of performers backstage .
Martin Dodd , producer and managing director of UK Productions , said the usual business of auditions , set building and costume making is on hold for his 10 scheduled shows .
`` We work on pantomimes all year round in our workshops and warehouses as well as casting , marketing , writing scripts and designing new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But with all of our premises closed and most of our staff furloughed this has obviously not been possible . ''
Auditions for ensemble members and juveniles are usually held from Easter with principal performers cast in July but while first round auditions can be done via video it is more difficult to put teams of dancers together while maintaining social distancing rules .
Mr Dodd added : `` However the biggest question mark over Christmas is whether theatres will be able to open and whether we will be able to guarantee that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Social distancing rules , even if it were to come down to one metre , means the theatres and producers will be losing money , but equally worrying is the risk of having to quarantine a whole company or theatre , which could mean cancellations of two weeks for every case .
`` Such a scenario would simply be unsustainable financially for us as producers and also for the theatre . ''
In May the Department for Culture , Media and Sport announced the appointment of a Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pandemic .
Mr Dodd said the industry needed financial support `` both in terms of reduced audience numbers and as insurance against quarantine/isolation losses and/or a return to lockdown '' , as well as guidelines on how to rehearse safely .
There is also the cultural impact to consider , often pantomime is an introduction to the theatre for new and young audiences , adds Mr Dodd .
`` Pantomimes are also so special in that they provide a way of bringing young and old together in a way not seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation and separation felt by so many families this year would n't it be great if the family trip to the pantomime could still happen ? ''

"Pantomimes are also so special in that they provide a way of bringing young and old together in a way not seen in any other country and given the isolation and separation felt by so many families this year wouldn't it be great if the family trip to the pantomime could still happen?"


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Reading stabbing: Eyewitness describes park attack

Several people have been stabbed in a park in Reading in southern England .
Two are in a critical condition @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
Speaking to the BBC over the phone , Lawrence Wort , 20 , @ @ @ @ @ a man stab five people in Forbury Gardens .

Three people have died after they were stabbed in a park in Reading in southern England. Three more were injured.
Eyewitness Lawrence Wort told the BBC he saw a man stab several people in Forbury Gardens in the town.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--One school's approach to teaching black history

The killing of George Floyd , an African-American who died while being detained by police in Minneapolis , has prompted @ @ @ @ @ better education on racism and injustice .
This school in the UK has taken a @ @ @ @ @ history , educating students on the subject all year round , rather than just during @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's Celestina Olulode visited Claremont High School in Kingsbury , London , to find @ @ @

The killing of George Floyd, an African-American who died while being detained by police in Minneapolis, has prompted mass protests and calls for better education on racism and injustice.
This school in the UK has taken a different approach to teaching black history, educating students on the subject all year round, rather than just during Black History Month.
The BBC's Celestina Olulode visited Claremont High School in Kenton, London, to find out more.


bbcuk--2020-06-18--Missing people: 'It's like waking up into a nightmare'

What would you do if a loved one simply did n't come home ?
Vanished .
It 's an anguish felt by thousands of families across the UK every year .
Some live with heartache after a relative 's body is found , others shoulder the burden of not knowing what happened .
Gerard Conway went missing from his home in Cookstown , County Tyrone , 13 years ago .
For his sister Joanne there is a deep sadness , coupled with a frustration that so many years have passed , and Gerard , then 32 , is still gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's had a huge impact on our family , '' she said .
`` It 's created so much tension , stress and anger .
You need to find him in order to move on , fill the gap , fill the missing link . ''
For several weeks , the face of 33-year-old Michael Cullen stared out of `` missing '' posters on lamp-posts and flyers around his home city of Belfast .
His brother , Danny , described his family 's shock when Michael ’ s body was discovered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 'd be like waking up to your nightmare .
Around that time was devastating and I would n't wish it on anyone . ''
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact the BBC Action line .

What would you do if a loved one simply didn't come home? Vanished.
It's an anguish felt by thousands of families across the UK every year.
Some live with heartache after a relative's body is found, others shoulder the burden of not knowing what happened.
Gerard Conway went missing from his home in Cookstown, County Tyrone, 13 years ago.
For his sister Joanne there is a deep sadness, coupled with a frustration that so many years have passed, and Gerard, then 32, is still gone, seemingly without a trace.
"It's had a huge impact on our family," she said.
"It's created so much tension, stress and anger. You need to find him in order to move on, fill the gap, fill the missing link."
For several weeks, the face of 33-year-old Michael Cullen stared out of "missing" posters on lamp-posts and flyers around his home city of Belfast.
His brother, Danny, described his family's shock when Michael’s body was discovered.
“When you'd wake up, it'd be like waking up to your nightmare. Around that time was devastating and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
Read more here.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact the BBC Action line.
Video journalist: Niall McCracken
Journalist: Fiona Murray
Producer: Karen Atkinson


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: UK travellers can 'go freely' to Spain from 21 June

Spain will allow UK travellers to enter the country `` freely and without quarantine '' from June 21 , the @ @ @ @ @ González Laya , has told the BBC .
At the moment , the same does @ @ @ @ @ Spain to the UK , but talks are under way between the UK and a @ @ @ @ @ including Spain , to form `` air bridges '' .
These could allow people to @ @ @ @ @ go into quarantine when they arrive at their destination , and when they return home @ @ @ @ @ Spain 's decision was partly out of respect for the hundreds of thousands of British @ @ @ @ @ in Spain .

Spain will allow UK travellers to enter the country "freely and without quarantine" from June 21, the Spanish foreign minister, Arancha González Laya, has told the BBC.
At the moment, the same does not apply for visitors from Spain to the UK, but talks are under way between the UK and a number of European countries, including Spain, to form "air bridges".
These could allow people to travel abroad without having to go into quarantine when they arrive at their destination, and when they return home.
Arancha Gonzalez Laya said Spain's decision was partly out of respect for the hundreds of thousands of British citizens who have second homes in Spain.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Woodbridge equality campaigner says 'racism is your auntie'

A young woman fighting racism in a small town said `` your auntie Karen '' is just as culpable as people with `` skinheads and swastikas '' .
Nadia Khan is part of a young team who have organised an anti-racism demonstration in Woodbridge , Suffolk .
The 22-year-old said boards put up ahead of the event were taken down overnight and she was verbally abused .
Woodbridge 's county councillor said she was `` proud '' of the young people but the hostility they faced was `` distressing '' .
Miss Khan tweeted a video of a woman she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs .
On another occasion , someone took them down at 02:00 BST , she said .
Even though Miss Khan was subject to name calling and verbal abuse when growing up in Woodbridge , she said she was `` shocked '' by the response and said it was `` unexpected '' .
In a tweet she said : `` People think racism is skinheads and swastikas .
No hun , it 's your auntie Karen . ''
Talking to the BBC , she said : `` I 'm glad I posted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doorstep and that 's why we need to tackle it and challenge their views . ''
She said the abuse she has faced was `` upsetting '' but it has not put her off Saturday 's demonstration at Elmhurst Park .
The former Farlingaye High School pupil said there will be enough `` like-minded '' people there to outweigh others .
Woodbridge Emporium said it had also been targeted after putting up books in support of the anti-racism movement .
Suffolk county councillor Caroline Page said Woodbridge was `` for a long-time a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abolitionists Thomas and John Clarkson .
But , she said she was `` not surprised '' some people held opposing views .
Anti-racism protests have been held across the country in the wake of the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in police custody in the United States .


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Hundreds attend anti-racism rally in Glasgow

Hundreds of people staged an anti-racism rally in Glasgow city centre despite appeals to stay away due to the lockdown restrictions .
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf , the city council and Police Scotland had called on the public not to gather for the Say No To Racism demonstration .
There was a heavy police presence in the square following violent scenes from a far-right group on Wednesday .
Officers later confirmed one man was arrested in the nearby Gallowgate area .
A second man , aged 62 , was arrested in Edinburgh for threatening and abusive behaviour .
That arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate protest in the capital .
At about midday a group of protesters from the Green Brigade - a group of ultras who follow Celtic football club - were hemmed in by police in the centre of Glasgow 's George Square .
Anti-racism activists outside the cordon chanted : `` Let them go . ''
Ch Supt Alan Murray , said : `` We identified a group as football risk supporters , who we believed posed a threat to public safety .
`` We spoke with this group and , at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of the city where they dispersed . ''
Loyalists and members of a far-right group announced online on Friday night that they planned to head to the square to `` protect statues '' .
A small group gathered at the war memorial during the rally as lines of riot police separated the two .
More than 500 people attended the rally , with stewards asking them to stick to social distancing guidelines by following markings on the square .
Supporters include Stand Up To Racism , Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Foundation and unions .
They had also been asked to wear masks and not to travel farther than public health advice allows.At the start of the rally , the crowd took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Later , names of people who died in police custody were read out and attendees chanted `` no justice , no peace , no racist police '' .
Speakers said they `` did n't come here for a fight '' and spoke of securing greater rights for refugees and asylum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-right group and called on police to `` do their job '' .
There were some minor scuffles as police controlled people arriving and leaving but the rally was peaceful .
Chief Supt Murray said : `` Significant police resources were deployed at George Square to prevent the disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder witnessed in recent days .
`` Those who turned up to protest were facilitated with an appropriate policing response and I would like to thank all officers involved for their professionalism in preventing trouble and maintaining public safety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country and anyone intent on causing violence and disorder should expect arrest . ''
Charlotte Ahmed , of Stand Up to Racism , Scotland said : `` Today 's demonstration was a magnificent expression of the unity , the anti-racism and the anti-fascism of the people of Glasgow .
`` Here , in George Square , the very place where thousands of us welcomed Nelson Mandela to Scotland , we have made it clear : refugees are welcome here , Black Lives Matter , no racists in Glasgow . ''
Elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue of Henry Dundas , who delayed the abolition of the slave trade , at St Andrew Square , Edinburgh .
And the Loyalist Defence League staged a `` protect the statues '' demonstration at the Paisley War Memorial .
On Friday , Ch Supt Hazel Hendren , divisional commander , said : `` Please do not come to George Square . ''
She said : `` The lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should leave their homes only for very limited purposes .
`` Anyone who wants to protest should find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone safe . ''
At least six people were arrested on Wednesday following scenes labelled `` disgraceful '' by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon .
Far-right loyalists targeted a rally in the city 's George Square which was calling for improved living conditions for refugees .
The organisers vowed the rally would `` send a positive anti-racist message from Glasgow 's George Square to the world '' .

"Those who turned up to protest were facilitated with an appropriate policing response and I would like to thank all officers involved for their professionalism in preventing trouble and maintaining public safety."


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Fears some pupils will miss out over school changes

There are fears some of Wales ' most vulnerable children will not be seen by teachers after a row means some schools will only reopen for three weeks .
On Monday , June 29 , children will start heading back to the classroom for a `` check in '' before the summer break .
But some councils will not extend the summer term by a week , after contract talks with unions , local authorities and the Welsh Government stalled .
One headteacher said it would leave children vulnerable over the holidays .
Kerina Hanson , vice-president of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers would be `` feeling they made a promise to parents and now we are breaking that promise '' .
Meanwhile the Welsh Conservatives criticised the Welsh Government saying the decision on whether to extend term-time had been `` pushed on councils , forcing them to take the heat '' .
• How will schools in Wales reopen ?
• Which schools are reopening for pupils ?
Schools have been open throughout the coronavirus lockdown , but only for pupils classed as vulnerable and for children of key workers .
On 29 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will start , but with smaller classes , staggered starts , and breaks , it is thought it will take some time for all pupils to go back .
Education Minister Kirsty Williams had said that all children would have the opportunity to `` check in , catch up , prepare for summer and September '' , and had hoped to extend the summer term by a week to give schools time .
But there has been an ongoing negotiations between some unions , the Welsh Government and education authorities over the plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues meant there would not be enough support staff available - including cleaners and teaching assistants - to enable schools to remain open for the extra week .
A number of local authorities , who are in charge of schools , have now said they will not extend term , including Cardiff , Newport , Monmouthshire , Caerphilly , Wrexham and Blaenau Gwent , where schools will finish on the original end of term 17 July date .
So far , only Conwy has confirmed its schools will return for four weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ head teachers stating it is minded to open for the fourth week and asking which staff would like to volunteer to work .
Meanwhile in Anglesey , schools will not reopen on 29 June , after a coronavirus outbreak at a food factory .
'We feel like we have broken our promise' Kerina Hanson , head teacher of a school in Swansea , said teachers were very concerned about children who may have become vulnerable during lockdown .
She said keeping schools open for an extra week would give time for all pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in - to get into the classroom .
`` We have seen the most vulnerable , we have been able to keep in touch with those , but we are just very concerned about those children that may have become vulnerable over the last few months , '' she said .
`` We really feel this would have been a fantastic time for us ensure we could have caught up with all children , this was a wellbeing catch up and a chance for all children to return to school to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in September .
`` I think many of us will be feeling that we have made a promise to parents , and now schools are going back , and now we are going to be breaking that promise , because those last few days will not be there for all children . ''
Cardiff parent Chris Lawrence said the latest developments had been `` frustrating '' .
The father of three boys said `` it was a surprise '' to receive a text message on Friday evening telling him his children would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth week .
`` The challenge is we were building up for the four weeks , '' he said .
`` As a parent you try to plan as far ahead as possible with your children , at a time of uncertainty such as this .
`` We were gearing up for a long summer holiday - obviously it 's a now going to be a week longer . ''
The Welsh Conservatives criticised ministers saying the decision had been `` pushed on councils , forcing them to take the heat '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MS accused the Welsh Government of `` dither and delay '' over the plans .
`` Either it is important for our children to get four weeks access to schools or it 's not , '' she said .
`` That 's the Welsh Government 's call and families ' choice . ''
She added : `` Instead of making the tough decisions and giving some leadership to schools , parents and students the Welsh Government has pushed this decision onto councils , forcing them to take the heat . ''
The Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , local authorities employ staff and we acknowledge it is ultimately for them to decide on whether schools will reopen for three weeks , rather than four .
`` While we continue to recommend four weeks of 'check in , catch up and prepare ' , we acknowledge that ultimately this is a decision for local authorities , who are the employers of school staff . ''

"We really feel this would have been a fantastic time for us ensure we could have caught up with all children, this was a wellbeing catch up and a chance for all children to return to school to see what it would look like when they come back in September.


bbcuk--2020-06-20--Man, 75, kicked in the head in riverside attack

Police are searching for an attacker who punched and kicked a 75-year-old man in the head on a riverside path .
Derek Brailsford was walking alongside the River Leen in Bulwell , Nottingham , when he was set upon on 13 June .
He was kicked five times , leaving him with severe facial bruising and difficulty seeing out of one eye .
Mr Brailsford believes his assailant , who was on a scooter , was angry that he did not have enough space to ride past .
He said : `` I was walking along and I saw someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those electric scooters .
`` I do n't remember exactly what he said - something about getting out of the way - but I got punched to the floor and kicked .
`` It came out of nowhere .
I had tried to make room on the path but if I had stepped away any more I would have been down the bank and into the river .
`` Just before this I had overtaken two people - who stepped aside for me - and they saw the whole thing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Look there are witnesses ' and he said 'but they do n't have cameras . '
'' He said the attack had left him scared .
`` I am usually very active and independent .
However I am frightened of walking alone on a pathway now as I feel that this could happen to me again , '' he said .
`` I am scared that this person may find me and hurt me again . ''
Nottinghamshire Police described the assault as `` a completely unprovoked attack with an unknown offender '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black or mixed race male in his teens or early 20s with a gold tooth and star tattoo on his neck .
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"It came out of nowhere. I had tried to make room on the path but if I had stepped away any more I would have been down the bank and into the river.


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Reading stabbings: Police declare the three killings a terror incident

Police have declared the stabbing attack in Reading in which three people died a `` terrorist incident '' .
A 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene of the attack at about 19:00 BST on Saturday , which also left three people seriously injured .
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu , head of counter-terrorism policing , said : `` This was an atrocity . ''
He said police have found `` nothing to suggest anyone else was involved '' .
Security sources told the BBC the man arrested is thought to be Libyan .
Mr Basu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally identify those who had died and he praised the actions of unarmed Thames Valley Police officers , who detained the suspect .
He also praised members of the public who helped in the emergency and said 41 witnesses had so far come forward .
• What we know so far He said `` the motivation for this horrific act is far from certain '' but added it was clear that it was not associated with an earlier peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstration at Forbury Gardens , the site of the attack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was a `` truly tragic incident '' .
`` Incidents of this nature are very rare , though I know that will be of little comfort to those involved and understand the concern that this incident will have caused amongst our local community , '' he said .
Speaking on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson would be in contact with police leading the investigation later on Sunday .
`` It 's clearly a terrible crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making sure the police have all the support they need , '' he said .
The prime minister met security officials , police and senior ministers at Downing Street on Sunday at 09:00 BST and was updated on the ongoing investigation .
An eyewitness to the attack at Forbury Gardens , a park near the centre of Reading , said he saw a man moving between groups of people in the park , trying to stab them .
Three people died in the attack , and another three were seriously injured .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one remains in hospital , although the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
The arrested man had previously been in prison in the UK for a relatively minor conviction , not a terrorism offence , sources told the BBC .
Reading appears desolate and in mourning this morning .
Large areas outside the gardens are taped up and there are not many people here , mainly journalists and their TV cameras .
A strong wind is rattling litter in grey , deserted streets , most of which are being patrolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to work as so many roads have been cordoned off with police tape .
The few people arriving from Reading station expressed `` shock '' .
Marie Castro from Slough works at a Costa coffee shop in Reading and said : `` I was scared to be here but I have to be here for work . ''
The attack `` does n't seem right for Reading '' , she added .
`` It 's multicultural and really friendly .
I was really shocked when I heard the news '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Reading was raided by more than a dozen armed police officers carrying shields at about 23:00 BST on Saturday .
About an hour and a half after they entered , a loud bang was heard at the scene , after which several of the armed officers left .
Craig O'Leary , chairman of the Thames Valley Police Federation , said the `` swift action '' of officers at the scene prevented `` potentially more lives from being lost '' .
`` There are barely words to describe their bravery - officers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protecting the public we serve , '' he said .
One officer `` rugby tackled '' the suspect to the ground , according to a report in the Sunday Mirror .
Floral tributes to the victims have been left at the scene .
One read : `` '' There are no words that anyone can say to express how horrible and senseless this was .
`` Our prayers are with all the victims and their families and friends . ''

"If there are lessons that we need to learn about how we handle such cases, how we handle the events leading up to such cases then we will learn those lessons and we will not hesitate to take action when necessary," Mr Johnson said.


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Government to share proposals on reducing 2m social distancing rule

The government will outline proposals on how to safely reduce the 2m social distancing rule in England this week .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the distance could be lowered with `` mitigations '' , so people can be closer without a higher risk of transmission .
Labour said it would support the change to 1m `` under certain circumstances '' .
Mr Hancock confirmed new easing of lockdown measures would be announced in the coming days , including whether pubs and restaurants can re-open on 4 July .
• Is it safe to relax the 2m rule ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week - Sunak Boris Johnson announced a review into the 2m rule last week , with Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirming on Saturday its conclusion would be published this week .
But speaking on the BBC 's Andrew Marr programme , Mr Hancock appeared to go further , saying : `` The proposals we 'll bring forward are how you can safely reduce the 2m with the sort of mitigations we 've been talking about . ''
He said there were `` all sorts '' of measures that could be introduced , referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport , Perspex screens in shops , and studies on the reduction of transmission risk when people sit side-by-side or back-to-back .
But while the health secretary said he `` very much hopes '' to reduce the distance , the government would be `` guided by the science '' , and would only make changes `` in a way that is safe and does n't lead to resurgence of virus '' .
The other nations of the UK are yet to announce any plans to change the 2m distance rule .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is looking at the evidence , and Northern Ireland 's Economy Minister Diane Dodds has said she is open to changing it .
A coronavirus adviser to the Welsh government said the risk in reducing the distance `` is n't very big '' .
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it @ @ @ @ @

Mr Hancock said he "wouldn't rule out" following in the footsteps of countries like New Zealand - where customers need to register their details before going to the venues - as it could be "an additional way that you can do contact tracing so that you can find people who might be at risk".


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Manchester shooting: Man dead and another critically injured

A 36-year-old man has died following a shooting in Manchester .
Another man , aged 21 , is in hospital @ @ @ @ @ '' , Greater Manchester Police said .
The men had `` self-presented '' at a @ @ @ @ @ , according to the force .
Increased numbers of police have been deployed to the @ @ @ @ @ the shooting happened .

Asst Ch Con Nick Bailey said prevention was the key to controlling illegal parties but conceded that senior officers could decide it was more dangerous to close an event because of its scale, and factors such as terrain and darkness.