bbcuk--2020-02-18--Brits 2020: Dave wins album of the year and calls PM 'racist'

London rapper Dave won album of the year at the Brits , moments after calling the prime minister a `` racist '' .
The star took home the night 's main award for his provocative , personal album Psychodrama , which also won last year 's Mercury Prize .
But it was his fiery performance of the single Black which stole the show .
In a newly-written verse , he called out the government response to Grenfell and said : `` The truth is our prime minister is a real racist '' .
He also attacked tabloid coverage of Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a reference to London Bridge terror attack victim Jack Merritt .
Two years after Stormzy demanded `` where 's the money for Grenfell ? ''
on the Brits stage , Dave updated the lyric , saying : `` Grenfell victims still need accommodation '' .
`` And we still need support for the Windrush generation / Reparations for the time our people spent on plantations , '' he added .
The lyrics were added as a final verse to Black , which talks about perceptions and experiences of black people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second act to win best album at the Brits and the Mercury Prize for the same record .
The first was the Arctic Monkeys for their debut , Whatever People Say I Am , That 's What I 'm Not .
Aside from Dave 's show-stopping performance , the 2020 Brits also saw Billie Eilish give the live debut of her James Bond theme , No Time To Die , backed by a 22-piece orchestra , Smiths legend Johnny Marr and composer Hans Zimmer .
Lewis Capaldi was the main winner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist and best single , for his breakout hit Someone You Loved .
`` Contrary to popular belief , [ a lot of ] people think this song is about my ex girlfriend , who you can now see every night on Love Island , '' said the star , `` but it 's actually about my grandmother who sadly passed away a few years ago .
`` I hope to God ITV do n't contact her to be on a reality TV show . ''
Mabel won best female artist , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cherry , who took home two Brits exactly 30 years ago .
Billie Eilish choked back tears as she accepted the award for best international female , having been overwhelmed by the audience 's response to her performance minutes earlier .
`` I felt very hated recently , '' said the 18-year-old , who had earlier told the BBC she had stopped reading comments on social media .
`` And when so was on the stage and I saw all you guys smiling at me… It genuinely made me want to cry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so thank you . ''
Best male artist went to Stormzy , who performed a stunning medley of songs from his second album , Heavy Is The Head , accompanied by more than 100 performers , including a gospel choir , a saxophonist , and Nigerian artist Burna Boy .
The night opened with a brief tribute to Love Island host Caroline Flack , formerly a backstage presenter at the Brits , after her death on Saturday .
`` She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack Whitehall .
`` I 'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family . ''
Earlier , Harry Styles , who briefly dated Flack while he was in One Direction , appeared to pay tribute by wearing a black ribbon on his jacket on the red carpet .
The star performed the delicate ballad Falling during the show , but made no further reference to Flack 's death .
Other performances on the night came from Lizzo , whose irrepressible energy lit up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd performing the hits Cuz I Love You , Truth Hurts , Good As Hell and Juice .
Mabel opened the show with an athletic version of Do n't Call Me Up , set in a call centre and featuring two dance breaks .
And Rod Stewart brought proceedings to an end two hours later , reuniting with The Faces to play Stay With Me .
There were several references to the lack of female nominees at the ceremony ; with Paloma Faith and Foals saying they hoped for better representation at next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the imbalance as he introduced the award for best female , saying : `` Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year .
And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated . ''
Dave was n't the only artist to make a political statement ; with Tyler , The Creator referencing the fact he 'd been banned from entering the UK in 2015 over some of his lyrics .
`` A special thank you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to this country five years ago , '' said the rapper as he picked up best international male .
`` I know she 's at home [ peed ] off - thank you Theresa May . ''
Dave capped the night off by winning best album - a prize many had expected to go to Lewis Capaldi , whose debut album was the UK 's best-selling record last year .
But voters responded instead to the rapper 's candid , soul-baring reflections on his upbringing in London and what it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He dedicated his trophy to anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps , saying : `` All my young kings and queens that are chasing their dreams , I am no different from you .
You can do anything you put your mind to . ''
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Whitehall also acknowledged the imbalance as he introduced the award for best female, saying: "Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year. And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--British Army officer becomes first woman to pass brutal Para course

A British Army officer has become the first woman to pass a gruelling Parachute Regiment entry test .
Capt Rosie Wild , 28 , was described as a `` trailblazer '' after passing the P Company course - which many men fail .
Several women have attempted P Company , also known as the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection ( AAPPS ) , since they were first able to apply in the 1990s .
Physical challenges across the five days include a timed 20-mile endurance march and an aerial assault course .
Capt Wild was awarded the coveted maroon beret of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Tuesday - though she will not join the regiment .
She will serve in 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery which is attached to 16 Air Assault Brigade , the Army 's rapid reaction force .
Brig John Clark , commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade , said he hoped Capt Wild 's achievement `` will encourage other women to have a go '' .
`` A more representative force will only make us stronger , '' he added .
The eight tests in the P Company course involve : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying a 16kg backpack , in under 1 hour and 50 minutes • Completing an aerial assault course designed to test a candidate 's ability to overcome fear • Carrying a 60kg telegraph pole as a team of eight soldiers over 1.9miles ( 3.1km ) • Running two miles ( 3.2km ) with a backpack and rifle , within 18 minutes • Completing a 2.2-mile steeplechase - a cross-country run followed by an assault course • `` Milling '' - a boxing contest in which soldiers have points deducted for dodging or blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) with a backpack and rifle , within four hours and 10 minutes • Carrying a 79kg stretcher for more than four miles ( 8km ) as part of a team of 16 soldiers Capt Wild , who is also a competitive triathlete , joined the Army three years ago .
In 2017 she was presented with the sword of honour at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst , given to the best cadet of the intake .

Several women have attempted P Company, also known as the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (AAPPS), since they were first able to apply in the 1990s.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Cardiff attempted mugging: Man, 77, fights back

This is the moment a 77-year-old man fought off a would-be mugger who demanded cash and his bank card .
@ @ @ @ @ targeted man `` showed great bravery '' but had been `` left shaken '' .
@ @ @ @ @ on Colchester Avenue , Cardiff , on 5 February was captured on CCTV .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ a white man wearing a high-vis vest and carrying a black rucksack , has been @ @ @ @ @

This is the moment a 77-year-old man fought off a would-be mugger who demanded cash and his bank card.
South Wales Police said the targeted man "showed great bravery" but had been "left shaken".
The incident outside Sainsbury's on Colchester Avenue, Cardiff, on 5 February was captured on CCTV.
Anyone who recognises the suspect, a white man wearing a high-vis vest and carrying a black rucksack, has been asked to contact police.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Liverpool undone by Atletico Madrid's Saul strike

Liverpool 's defence of their Champions League title hangs in the balance after Saul Niguez 's early strike gave Atletico Madrid an aggregate lead going into the second leg of their last-16 tie at Anfield .
The Reds were given a dose of their own medicine as Atletico harried and hassled throughout , limiting them to just two clear chances and no shots on target .
Those opportunities fell to Mohamed Salah , who headed wide , and Jordan Henderson , whose hooked shot just missed Jan Oblak 's far post .
Klopp replaced Sadio Mane and Salah with Divock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact .
Two-time finalists Atletico , who have been on a poor run of form , held on to a fourth-minute lead given to them by Saul .
The Spanish midfielder turned sharply to fire home after a corner came off the boot of Fabinho .
The return leg is on Wednesday , 11 March .
• What to look out for as Champions League returns Minutes before kick-off Klopp referred to Atletico having a similar `` intense DNA '' to his own side - and unfortunately for him they were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reds was almost a mirror image - a team that relentlessly pressed and got numbers forward on the counter .
The Reds had large spells of possession in the opposition half , but Diego Simeone 's Atletico side are past masters at dealing with teams of that type .
They forced Liverpool into several errors when they had possession , and limited them to only two clear chances on goal .
In fact , Liverpool had to wait until the 53rd minute for their first opening - Salah 's stooping header drifting comfortably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not happy with his attacking threat in the first half , had twisted at half-time when he brought on Origi for the under-par Mane .
However , the Belgium striker - the hero of last year 's final - was easily marshalled , bar one moment of quality when he hooked in a cross for captain Henderson , who fired wide .
Klopp 's skipper came off injured in the 80th minute to cap a forgettable night .
Liverpool have it in them to turn this tie around at Anfield , but unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simeone 's Atletico will be a tougher nut to crack .
Klopp men 's will have to be at their very best in three weeks .
Los Rojiblancos - the Red and Whites - needed this performance .
This competition remains , realistically , their only hope of silverware this season following a recent rotten period which saw their two other chances - La Liga and Copa del Rey - effectively extinguished .
Against the Reds , they produced the sort of display spectators have become accustomed to from a Simeone side - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still in the process of restructuring his defence after revered stalwarts Juanfran , Diego Godin and Filipe Luis ended their time at the club last season .
But the display of the back four on Tuesday will have made his task simpler .
Full-backs Sime Vrsaljko and Renan Lodi stayed focused as they quelled the threat of their Liverpool counterparts , while the more experienced Stefan Savic and Felipe were immovable barriers as they dealt with Roberto Firmino , Salah and Mane .
Midfielder Thomas Partey added vital support to the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display .
At the other end , had Diego Costa been on the pitch to meet a cross rather than Alvaro Morata , then perhaps the Spanish side would have taken the lead inside the first three minutes .
However , they made the most of their early sorties when Saul turned in thanks to Fabinho 's misfortune .
Simeone , dressed again in all black , was his fidgety and animated self on the touchline - barking orders and occasionally rousing the home crowd inside the Wanda Metropolitano .
Atletico will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same from the team at Anfield , if they are to record one of their best results in recent years .
'Emotions were on the side of Atletico ' - reaction Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp : `` I had no problem with the result .
I saw so many happy faces from Atletico tonight , I get that because it 's a big win , but it 's not over yet .
That 's the only thing I feel .
`` The crowd wanted to help their team tonight .
That makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are important .
Tonight they were obviously completely on the side of Atletico but I am really looking forward to the second leg . ''
Atletico boss Diego Simeone : `` The best side in the world came here and we beat them .
`` But it 's only one game down , one to go .
Liverpool had their chances .
They were dangerous , they 've got good players all over the pitch . ''
• Since the start of last season , Liverpool have lost six of their 10 away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; no side has lost more away from home in the competition in this time ( level with Red Star Belgrade ) .
• Klopp has failed to win all seven of his away games against Spanish clubs in the Champions League ( D3 L4 ) , including three with Liverpool ( D1 L2 ) .
• Atletico have won 12 of their last 13 home matches in all major European competitions ( D1 ) , also keeping 11 clean sheets in this run .
• Two of Liverpool 's three defeats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Champions League , also losing 2-0 at Napoli in September 2019 ( the third defeat being their 5-0 loss to Aston Villa in the EFL Cup in December 2019 ) .
• Saul 's opener for Atletico ( 03:46 ) was the earliest Liverpool have conceded in the Champions League since Gabriel Jesus scored past them in the second minute for Manchester City in April 2018 ; nine of Saul 's 10 Champions League goals have come in the first half .
• Saul became only the second player to score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Antoine Griezmann ( 21 ) .
• Since the start of the 2013-14 season , Atletico 's Jan Oblak has kept 26 clean sheets in 49 Champions League games ; no other goalkeeper has more in the competition in this time ( level with Marc-Andre ter Stegen , 26 in 57 games ) .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Atletico have never lost a match in which Saul Niguez has scored - played 37, won 33, drawn 4
Liverpool's defence of their Champions League title hangs in the balance after Saul Niguez's early strike gave Atletico Madrid an aggregate lead going into the second leg of their last-16 tie at Anfield.
The Reds were given a dose of their own medicine as Atletico harried and hassled throughout, limiting them to just two clear chances and no shots on target.
Those opportunities fell to Mohamed Salah, who headed wide, and Jordan Henderson, whose hooked shot just missed Jan Oblak's far post.
Klopp replaced Sadio Mane and Salah with Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but neither made an impact.
Two-time finalists Atletico, who have been on a poor run of form, held on to a fourth-minute lead given to them by Saul. The Spanish midfielder turned sharply to fire home after a corner came off the boot of Fabinho.
The return leg is on Wednesday, 11 March.
Liverpool attack underwhelm under pressure
Liverpool failed to attempt a single shot on target for only the second time in their 251 games under Jurgen Klopp in all competitions
Minutes before kick-off Klopp referred to Atletico having a similar "intense DNA" to his own side - and unfortunately for him they were at their intense best.
What faced the Reds was almost a mirror image - a team that relentlessly pressed and got numbers forward on the counter.
The Reds had large spells of possession in the opposition half, but Diego Simeone's Atletico side are past masters at dealing with teams of that type. They forced Liverpool into several errors when they had possession, and limited them to only two clear chances on goal.
In fact, Liverpool had to wait until the 53rd minute for their first opening - Salah's stooping header drifting comfortably wide.
The German coach, obviously not happy with his attacking threat in the first half, had twisted at half-time when he brought on Origi for the under-par Mane.
However, the Belgium striker - the hero of last year's final - was easily marshalled, bar one moment of quality when he hooked in a cross for captain Henderson, who fired wide.
Klopp's skipper came off injured in the 80th minute to cap a forgettable night.
Liverpool have it in them to turn this tie around at Anfield, but unlike Barcelona in last year's semi-final, Simeone's Atletico will be a tougher nut to crack. Klopp men's will have to be at their very best in three weeks.
Atletico produce typical Simeone performance
Atletico remain unbeaten in 13 home games in the Champions League knockout stages under Diego Simeone (W9 D4) - keeping 11 clean sheets across those matches
Los Rojiblancos - the Red and Whites - needed this performance.
This competition remains, realistically, their only hope of silverware this season following a recent rotten period which saw their two other chances - La Liga and Copa del Rey - effectively extinguished.
Against the Reds, they produced the sort of display spectators have become accustomed to from a Simeone side - tenacious and disciplined.
The Argentine boss is still in the process of restructuring his defence after revered stalwarts Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis ended their time at the club last season. But the display of the back four on Tuesday will have made his task simpler.
Full-backs Sime Vrsaljko and Renan Lodi stayed focused as they quelled the threat of their Liverpool counterparts, while the more experienced Stefan Savic and Felipe were immovable barriers as they dealt with Roberto Firmino, Salah and Mane.
Midfielder Thomas Partey added vital support to the home backline in what was an exceptional defensive display.
At the other end, had Diego Costa been on the pitch to meet a cross rather than Alvaro Morata, then perhaps the Spanish side would have taken the lead inside the first three minutes.
However, they made the most of their early sorties when Saul turned in thanks to Fabinho's misfortune.
Simeone, dressed again in all black, was his fidgety and animated self on the touchline - barking orders and occasionally rousing the home crowd inside the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico will need his influence, and more of the same from the team at Anfield, if they are to record one of their best results in recent years.
Man of the match - Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid)
The Ghanaian midfielder worked tirelessly for his team and kept striker Divock Origi quiet when he came on
'Emotions were on the side of Atletico' - reaction
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "I had no problem with the result. I saw so many happy faces from Atletico tonight, I get that because it's a big win, but it's not over yet. That's the only thing I feel.
"The crowd wanted to help their team tonight. That makes it a very emotional game.
"Emotions are important. Tonight they were obviously completely on the side of Atletico but I am really looking forward to the second leg."
Atletico boss Diego Simeone: "The best side in the world came here and we beat them.
"But it's only one game down, one to go. Liverpool had their chances. They were dangerous, they've got good players all over the pitch."
Home comforts for Atletico - stats
Since the start of last season, Liverpool have lost six of their 10 away games in the Champions League (W4); no side has lost more away from home in the competition in this time (level with Red Star Belgrade).
Klopp has failed to win all seven of his away games against Spanish clubs in the Champions League (D3 L4), including three with Liverpool (D1 L2).
Atletico have won 12 of their last 13 home matches in all major European competitions (D1), also keeping 11 clean sheets in this run.
Two of Liverpool's three defeats in all competitions this season have come in the Champions League, also losing 2-0 at Napoli in September 2019 (the third defeat being their 5-0 loss to Aston Villa in the EFL Cup in December 2019).
Saul's opener for Atletico (03:46) was the earliest Liverpool have conceded in the Champions League since Gabriel Jesus scored past them in the second minute for Manchester City in April 2018; nine of Saul's 10 Champions League goals have come in the first half.
Saul became only the second player to score 10 Champions League goals for Atletico, after Antoine Griezmann (21).
Since the start of the 2013-14 season, Atletico's Jan Oblak has kept 26 clean sheets in 49 Champions League games; no other goalkeeper has more in the competition in this time (level with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 26 in 57 games).


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Leeds Class A drugs delivered quicker than takeaway, BBC finds

How quickly can you get Class A drugs delivered in the UK ?
In Leeds , students say dealers with business cards can bring them cocaine and ecstasy in half an hour .
But as I found out , it can be even quicker than that .
I sent the first text to the dealer at 19:35 .
Twenty minutes later he replied .
Seven minutes after that I was passing cash through a car window and being handed two small bags of drugs .
Getting hold of cocaine here is quicker - and easier - than ordering a takeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealer approached me and handed over a business card .
In the Hyde Park area of Leeds , you do n't have to walk far before you 're approached .
The pattern is repeated again and again : a car pulls up , a card is offered and the man inside promises everything from cannabis to cocaine .
`` Coke , weed , MD , pills , '' says the dealer , speaking to me through the window of his white Mercedes .
MD is shorthand for MDMA , or ecstasy as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick handover .
He 's gone in 10 seconds , speeding off down a narrow terraced street - and I 'm left with a card that has the name Leo printed on it , and a phone number .
According to CJ Flynn , a student here for a few years now , it 's something that happens all the time - and at one point nearly every time he left his house .
`` People [ dealers ] will usually just pull over in cars , with tinted windows and say something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you guys do weed ? '
And if you say 'yes ' they 'll just give you a card , '' says CJ .
`` I used to live down one of the busier roads , so leaving the house and walking to the shop there would be a lot of people around there handing out cards .
`` It would happen a lot .
If you went during the right times , it would happen almost every time you went down there . ''
With so many cards to hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is so easy , '' says CJ .
`` You can just get it - half an hour , max .
So all it takes is one impulsive 'right I 'm going to do it ' and then , half an hour later , it 's there . ''
Leeds has a huge student population - nearly 65,000 people spread across its universities .
And lots of them live in Hyde Park .
According to the Home Office , the number of 16-to-24-year-olds taking Class A drugs is at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driven by an increase in cocaine and ecstasy use .
There 's a market here .
And the dealers know it .
`` In our student accommodation , we had post boxes and usually if you opened it to get your post there 'd be cards in there , '' CJ says .
`` So it was n't like the first time someone pulled over in a car and handed you one , you 'd never seen it before .
They were already there . ''
I 'm standing in Hyde Park when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a card .
It has a name , a phone number and a `` shh '' emoji printed on it .
He 's straight in with a list of what he can sell me - and even offers me a price cut if I order from him over one of his rivals .
`` We 've got loads of MD - £15 a gram , '' he says .
`` Everyone 's doing it at £20 , but I put it down at £15 .
`` I deliver it : drop-offs , everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yeah ? ''
I spend a few evenings walking around Hyde Park and get handed six cards .
All of them are branded differently , seemingly all from different dealers .
Leo , the guy in the white car , had said he could get me `` coke , weed , MD , pills '' .
So I ask him for some .
I text Leo from a bar in Headingley , a Leeds suburb with a big student population about two miles up the road from Hyde Park , and keep my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and half a gram of cocaine .
He agrees to come to me and does n't hang about , pulling up on a street outside the bar just seven minutes after answering my text .
`` I 'm round here all the time , '' Leo told me when he first handed over a card .
He looks like a busy guy .
After delivering to me , he appears to make two other drops in the same spot that night .
But are Leo 's drugs what he says they are ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hyde Park do n't have access to testing labs to check what they 're buying .
Luckily , for the purposes of this BBC Yorkshire investigation , I do .
TICTAC Communications helps prisons , the police and the Home Office to identify drugs .
If you see a police warning about a high-strength ecstasy pill , chances are it was tested by TICTAC first .
Analyst Anca Frinculescu starts by weighing what we 've brought .
Both samples come in light .
Leo has short-changed us by about half a gram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chromatograph-mass spectrometer ( GC-MS ) to check what 's in there .
`` It separates your sample , '' says Anca .
`` If you have more than one substance in your sample , I 'm going to get different peaks . ''
• 'The most dangerous time to take MDMA for a generation' The pattern of peaks on the results sheet looks like a seismograph after an earthquake .
But in this case the position of the peaks represents different substances .
There is a known pattern for cocaine , another for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut in then the GC-MS will show that .
Both our samples are as advertised : MDMA and cocaine .
Forward Leeds , a local drug and alcohol addiction charity , is where CJ went for help .
Nicola Lines , who works for the charity , says business cards have made drugs more accessible .
`` Historically if somebody wanted to obtain drugs it would definitely involve some sort of face-to-face interaction with a drug dealer , which some people find quite nerve-wracking , '' she says .
`` So it kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you can now call a number ... and then have a car come and deliver to your house in less than an hour .
`` My fear is that drugs are becoming a lot more normalised . ''
CJ is two years behind in his studies .
He puts a year of that down to mental health problems , exacerbated by drug use .
`` It 's very easy to feel awful all the time , '' he says .
`` And then to have something advertised to you as something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And you take it and it does , and it works - for six hours .
And then it 's a case of you 're drinking more , you 're taking more , because it makes you feel better at the time . ''
CJ was so low that he attempted suicide .
He 's also been in and out of hospital and has needed support .
The drug were a response to his mental health problems , he says , but only `` exacerbated it massively '' .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I stopped is not how much better I feel physically , but how much better I feel mentally , '' he says .
What are the police doing ?
West Yorkshire Police has a serious organised crime unit that it says proactively targets drug dealers `` on a daily basis '' .
`` The situation in Leeds is no different from any other city , where a minority of people very unwisely choose to put their health and wellbeing at risk by taking drugs , '' says Detective Inspector Phil Jackson .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and painstakingly build up evidence on those involved , leading to convictions and lengthy prison terms , with a particular emphasis on so-called 'ring and bring ' drug dealing phone lines .
`` Alongside this work , officers from our local neighbourhood policing teams regularly act on community information about drug dealing and execute warrants to arrest and seize drugs on a daily basis .
`` Educating young people around the dangers of drugs is also a key focus and we work closely with our partner agencies to that end . ''
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with issues raised by this story , find support through BBC Action Line .

"It is so easy," he says. "You can just get it - half an hour, max. So all it takes is one impulsive 'right I'm going to do it' and then, half an hour later, it's there."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Nicky Butt: Assault charge dropped against ex-Man Utd player

Prosecutors have dropped an assault charge against ex-Manchester United footballer Nicky Butt .
The 45-year-old was accused of beating his estranged wife Shelley Barlow in Hale , Greater Manchester , on 16 April .
He was due to face trial next week but the case has been discontinued after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence .
He has accepted a caution .
Ms Barlow did not want to give evidence against her husband , the Press Association reported .
An investigation was launched after police were called to an address where they found a woman who had suffered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butt , who is head of coaching at the Manchester United youth academy , had previously pleaded not guilty to common assault and causing £800 of criminal damage to Ms Barlow 's mobile phone .
`` We have a duty to keep all cases under review and following the receipt of new material have decided to discontinue this prosecution , '' a spokesman said .
`` Mr Butt has agreed to accept a caution for criminal damage . ''
At a previous hearing , Lisa Roberts QC , said it would be her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not know how the complainant came about any injury .
A preliminary hearing was due to take place on Wednesday in which his legal team was expected to argue the case should be thrown out as an abuse of process - partly questioning the proportionality of continuing with the prosecution .
Mr Butt , from Bowdon , Altrincham , won a string of Premier League titles in his playing career at Old Trafford and also played in the club 's dramatic last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Uefa Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play for Newcastle United , Birmingham City and South China .

A preliminary hearing was due to take place on Wednesday in which his legal team was expected to argue the case should be thrown out as an abuse of process - partly questioning the proportionality of continuing with the prosecution.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Plymouth resident 'lucky to survive' lightning strike fire

A house burst into flames after being struck by lightning , emergency services say .
At least six fire engines @ @ @ @ @ Road , Crownhill , after the home was hit at about 20:30 GMT .
The @ @ @ @ @ to survive '' , a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire Service said .
Pete @ @ @ @ @ , said the lightning strike and fire was something he had `` never seen before @ @ @ @ @ has already been set up to raise money for the owner of the property .

Pete Libbey, a local resident, said the lightning strike and fire was something he had "never seen before".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Cardiff learner driver with 'spy' earpiece in theory test

A learner driver 's bid to cheat his way through his theory test by using a hidden earpiece has landed him with a suspended jail sentence .
Cardiff shopworker Karwan Mohammadi had a friend listening to the test questions and helping him answer .
Staff at the centre in Bristol became suspicious when he was spotted fiddling underneath headphones during the exam .
He was found guilty of fraud and given a 26-week suspended term and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work .
Iranian-born Mohammadi , 26 , from Rumney , claimed he needed help from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kurdish .
He was convicted following a trial at Bristol Magistrates ' Court , and sentenced on Tuesday by magistrates in Cardiff .
• Learner driver took 21 tests in one year Felicity Hine , prosecuting , said : `` This device was so discreet that he was able to attend the test centre with it already in his ear .
`` It was only because he behaved suspiciously at the test that the staff were alerted to the fact something was going on . ''
He was forced to remove the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` micro invisible spy earpiece '' .
Probation officer Marie Pearson said : `` Mohammadi accepts the decision of the court that he is guilty .
He regrets his decision .
`` He did n't seem to understand how it would put other road users at risk . ''
Mohammadi has since passed his test legitimately , and was a `` competent driver '' , the court was told .
Steven Griffiths , chair of the magistrates , said : `` You clearly intended to deceive others for your own personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay £2,500 in court costs .

"It was only because he behaved suspiciously at the test that the staff were alerted to the fact something was going on."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Asda's Christmas sales hit by 'cautious' spending

Asda has said customers were `` cautious '' over the Christmas period as it revealed that its sales fell in the final three months of last year .
The supermarket chain 's like-for-like sales , which excludes money taken at the tills of new stores , were 1.3 % lower than the year before .
`` Whilst customers were enthusiastic for Christmas , they were more mindful in their spending , '' said Asda boss Roger Burnley .
Other supermarkets also saw sales slip .
Sales at rival Sainsbury 's fell by 0.7 % over a similar period , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morrisons recorded a 1.7 % drop in sales .
`` We know that our customers ' mind sets during the quarter were cautious , '' Mr Burnley said .
He said many Christmas shoppers chose to pare back their gift lists and focus on buying presents for children rather than adults and extended family .
Asda identified the clothing market as being particularly challenging , however it did not publish clothing sales .
The challenging Christmas period rounded off a difficult year for Asda , which had a planned merger with rival Sainsbury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog .
The supermarket chain also came in for criticism after it threatened to fire thousands of staff unless they signed a new contract that scrapped a number of employee benefits in return for a small increase in hourly wages .
`` As ever , I am hugely grateful to our colleagues for their efforts for our customers this quarter , '' Mr Burnley said , adding that Asda would pay a bonus to eligible staff later this month .
Meanwhile , US retail giant Walmart , which owns Asda , reported overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , adding to a series of disappointing results from US retailers such as Target , Macy 's and home decor chain Pier 1 , which has entered bankruptcy proceedings .
Walmart said revenue in the quarter increased 2.1 % from last year , while sales at stores open for at least a year were up just 1.9 % , excluding petrol .
While the new year had started off well , `` sales leading up to Christmas in our US stores were a little softer than expected '' , said Walmart chief @ @ @ @

The supermarket chain also came in for criticism after it threatened to fire thousands of staff unless they signed a new contract that scrapped a number of employee benefits in return for a small increase in hourly wages.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Caroline Flack death: Will people now 'be kind' in the media and online?

Former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack 's death prompted not just an outpouring of grief , but an overwhelming demand for it to become a turning point for the treatment of celebrities on social media and the press .
The night after hosting her first live edition of The X Factor in 2015 , Caroline Flack was not on a high after reaching another peak in her career .
She was in tears after looking at social media .
`` The reaction was quite overwhelming because I did n't think people would be talking about how I look , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how I laugh , '' she said at the time .
`` Not everyone is going to like you all the time , not everyone is going to think you 're beautiful , but there is a difference between opinion and abuse . ''
Those are words that many celebrities - especially women - will relate to .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday , Billie Eilish - fresh from winning five Grammys , recording the new James Bond theme and having the best-selling album of 2019 - revealed she had recently stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruining my life , '' she said .
`` It 's weird , the cooler the things you get to do are , the more people hate you .
It 's crazy .
It 's way worse than it 's ever been right now . ''
Her brother and producing and songwriting partner Finneas O'Connell added : `` You might see someone who 's a 'famous celebrity ' and you might think sticks and stones , nothing I can say is going to actually be potent to them .
But it all is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson , Brit Award winner Dua Lipa and former Girls Aloud star and The Masked Singer champion Nicola Roberts are a few others who have spoken about the impact of trolling .
`` There has to be a line , '' Roberts told BBC News on Monday .
`` There is a culture of a slight witch hunt that happens and social media certainly can prove to be toxic at times .
`` I think it would be great if we could eliminate those elements within society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny in the search for explanations and blame since Flack 's suicide on Saturday at the age of 40 - as have the mainstream media , and the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) for pressing ahead with a trial after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend .
At her last hearing , on 23 December , where she pleaded not guilty , the TV presenter seemed to be struggling with the media attention and courtroom pressure .
The following day - Christmas Eve - she wrote on Instagram that `` this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to take on for one person to take on their own '' .
No-one will really know what Flack was thinking , and the reasons for any suicide are usually numerous and complex .
As well as the attention , Flack had lost her job on Love Island , having stood down after being charged ; been banned from contacting her boyfriend by the court ; and was facing trial for domestic abuse .
• Caroline Flack : Who decides if someone should face trial ?
The loudest refrain after her death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , especially on social media .
Laura Whitmore , who replaced Flack on Love Island , appealed to listeners on her BBC Radio 5 Live show `` be kind '' to others , and added : `` To paparazzi and tabloids looking for a cheap sell , to trolls hiding behind a keyboard - enough . ''
Whitmore added : `` I 'm not going to pretend she was perfect , but is anyone ?
She lived every mistake publicly , under the scrutiny of the media . ''
Comedian Russell Brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am angry because I have watched this play out before with vulnerable people in the public eye and I would like to slay with some righteous sword the salacious , foaming , incessant poking , trolling judgment that chased her to the grave , '' he wrote .
A petition calling for `` Caroline 's Law '' , which would make it an offence for the media to `` knowingly and relentlessly bully a person '' , has reached 700,000 signatures at the time of writing .
Brand said he admired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But the media is made up of people , the world of celebrity is made up of people , social media is made up of people .
All culture , all values pass through the consciousness of individuals and collectives , '' he wrote .
`` If we want the world to change , for less people to die in pain and shame then we should pause before we next vent a pleasurable stab of vindictive judgment or jeering condemnation . ''
Asked how long the spirit of kindness might last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who chairs the Mayor of London 's Violence Against Women and Girls Board , replied : `` It lasts for about 10 minutes usually , does n't it ? ''
Women like Flack attract a different kind of media attention than men , Smith told BBC Radio 4 's Woman 's Hour , noting that the presenter 's legal case had put her under an intense spotlight .
`` That kind of attention for somebody who is fragile is really frightening , '' she said .
`` I think part of the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case-by-case basis .
'That 's really awful .
Something ought to happen . '
And then it all dies down again . ''
She added : `` But we did actually have an inquiry , The Leveson Inquiry , which I myself gave evidence to , and whatever happened to that ? ''
The 2011 and 2012 inquiry investigated the conduct of the press after the phone-hacking scandal , but the second part of the inquiry was scrapped by the government , and a new system of self-regulation was set up .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's not independent , it 's too much influenced by newspaper editors .
And I still think that 's the case , '' Smith said .
'We are feeding the monster' Labour MP Jo Stevens , who sits on the House of Commons Culture , Media and Sport select committee , said the second part of the Leveson Inquiry `` would have looked at precisely the role of newspapers in reporting on this sort of activity '' .
Her committee will `` want to look at '' what was said about Flack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` And we also need to look at ourselves and how we behave .
`` Because these stories that are written online , every time someone clicks on a story to read about it , salacious gossip stories about celebrities and personalities , we are feeding that monster because it is creating revenue for the websites . ''
But former Sunday Mirror editor Paul Connew said most of the coverage of Flack 's case had been based on facts in the public domain , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She 's lived her life on the social media platform and in a way , once that 's in the public domain , you ca n't blame the mainstream media for focusing on it , '' he said .
`` But the mainstream media have n't adopted the sort of approach that 's taken place on social media , on the Wild West of cyberspace , where people can be as abusive and cruel and wildly inaccurate as they like because they are hiding in nearly all cases behind anonymity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents newspaper editors , said it was `` wrong to blame the media '' for Flack 's death `` without knowing the facts '' .
It cites Samaritans guidance , which states that speculation over the `` triggers '' can often `` oversimplify '' the `` complex realities of suicide . ''
In a statement , the society said : `` It is also wrong for politicians to use her tragic death as a means to attack the media and call for changes in the ways politicians themselves are reported . ''
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision to pursue the assault case against Flack `` were in the public domain and should be covered '' .
`` To believe that by silencing mainstream media on such matters would prevent speculation on social media where rumour and accusations run unchecked by the regulations the media adheres to , is both naive and dangerous , '' it said .
PM : Social media firms 'must go further' There have been calls for tighter regulation of social media in the wake of the star 's death , with suggestions for measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who signs up to provide ID and a photo .
That would go further than proposals contained in a proposed new law to counter `` online harms '' , under which regulator Ofcom will `` set out steps that should be taken to tackle cyberbullying '' .
Responding to Flack 's death on Monday , a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` The industry must continue their efforts to go further .
We expect them to have robust processes in place for removing content breaching their acceptable use policies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Center for Countering Digital Hate , published a report suggesting celebrities should respond to trolls by ignoring and blocking them .
• More powers for Ofcom to police social media firms • Are other countries tougher on social media firms ?
On Monday , broadcaster and former Big Brother contestant Andy West said : `` When we 're talking about practical solutions , if you 're finding social media difficult and it 's getting you down - and Lord knows it gets me down almost every day - try and control yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that by getting involved in the nastiness , and take your own personal responsibility .
`` But I absolutely agree that we 've reached a point now where , to earn your voice on social media , you have to prove you are who you say you are , and you have to be willing to stand by your words .
`` I would go further and say you have to have a photograph that you can have verified . ''
Monica Shafaq , chief executive of health and wellbeing charity The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delete their accounts .
Make people verified , for example , before they can actually start using Twitter .
`` There has to be some control in place because people are losing their lives as a result .
It 's not a joke .
`` Caroline 's not the first person to be a victim of this , and sadly she wo n't be the last until we make some significant changes . ''
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ @ @

Her brother and producing and songwriting partner Finneas O'Connell added: "You might see someone who's a 'famous celebrity' and you might think sticks and stones, nothing I can say is going to actually be potent to them. But it all is. It's all very equal online."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Brit Awards: Red carpet in pictures

Brit Awards: Red carpet in pictures

The 40th Brit Awards is taking place at London 's O2 Arena on Tuesday evening .
The best of Britain 's musical talent and some top international stars have dressed up for the occasion , as ever .
A few of them no doubt are acting up too , if recent history is anything to go by .
• Lewis Capaldi expected to triumph at the Brits Before the prizes were dished out , here 's how they were looking on arrival .
Lewis Capaldi was the main man to watch , as he was up for four awards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Scottish star also performed at the ceremony .
He made some peace signs at photographers as he strolled down the red carpet this evening in a bright blue shirt jacket .
His main competition , in both the fashion and music prize stakes , came from London rapper Dave , whose debut album Psychodrama won last year 's Mercury Prize .
Fun fact : winning album of the year would make the 21-year-old only the second artist , after the Arctic Monkeys , to win both a Brit and Mercury Prize for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave was up for four awards .
He was looking like a real sharp-shooter in that suit jacket .
Billie Eilish was set to perform her new James Bond theme , No Time to Die , for the first time live at the Brits .
She went almost full Burberry for her arrival and gave the cameras a thousand yard stare that any Bond villain would be proud of .
The 18-year-old was also nominated for best international female , alongside another US pop sensation ... ... And that 's Lizzo , sporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dress .
Lizzo and Billie were up against Ariana Grande , Camila Cabello and Lana Del Rey in a crowded field of superstars .
It 's unlikely to faze either of them though , we reckon .
The Brits have been criticised for a lack of diversity this year , with only four women nominated across the four categories open to both male and female artists - best group , best new artist , best song and album of the year .
Stormzy had his cricket whites on tonight , in case an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won Brit awards before and delivered a moment to remember in 2018 , with his rain-drenched bare-chested attack on the government over their response to the Grenfell Tower fire .
The grime MC told Radio 1 's Nick Grimshaw it 's still `` weird '' having his picture taken by loads of photographers .
`` You feel like you 're getting attacked with flashing lights and cameras , '' he said .
`` If you see me on the red carpet , it 's not elegant . ''
Newsbeat reporter Sinead Garvin begged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three awards , including best album - looked and smelled `` delightful '' .
We ca n't confirm or deny that .
Tom Walker arrived in his signature hipster woolly hat rolled up above the ears and his shirt and tie .
He also had his shirt un-tucked so let 's hope the hallway monitors were n't lurking around or he would n't have been let in .
Which would be a shame as his track Just You And I was up for best song .
She made the headlines herself recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties from Caroline Flack , and this week paid tribute to her late friend live on her BBC Radio 5 live show .
BBC Sound of 2020 winner Celeste was channelling her inner Elizabeth Taylor and told BBC Radio 5 Live 's Colin Paterson she was feeling `` incredible '' .
She was in the comfortable position of knowing she 's got the rising star award already in the bag , but was slightly nervier about the prospect of performing her breakthrough track , Strange .
`` This will be the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this many people , '' she said .
We doubt it 'll be the last .
Celeste succeeds Sam Fender , who was named as the one to look out for last year .
This year he was up against the likes of his mate Lewis Capaldi in the best new act category .
He joked he was `` just going to turn up , watch Lewis Capaldi win everything and then go home '' .
The Geordie rocker could well be right but at least he looked good in the pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a loose fit , as The Happy Mondays once sang .
Bastille looked like they were in four different bands but somehow strangely pulled it off .
They were up for best British group , against Coldplay , Foals .
Bring Me The Horizon and D-Block Europe .
Newly-bleached blonde singer Dan Smith said they were ready to `` put on our best loser faces '' .
Come on lads , you 'll never win anything with that attitude .
Billie Eilish might be singing about Bond but Aitch could make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do n't you think ?
The north Manchester rapper was up for best new act , which he said he was excited about , despite the fact `` nothing much excites me '' .
He did promise to bring some `` mad bars '' [ lyrics ] to our ears in 2020 though .
Here are some more of the big names on the red carpet , so you have something to hand to your fashion adviser in the morning .
The Brit Awards are on ITV from 20:00 GMT .
Follow us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Image caption,
Joy Crookes, who was nominated for the rising star award, was dressed in a traditional south Asian dress so "young girls can see someone who looks like their mum, their auntie, their gran on the red carpet at the Brits".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--'My horse knew I had brain cancer before I did'

A woman has told how she truly believes her pet horse was trying to tell her she had cancer .
Kelly Ann Alexander , from Blackburn in West Lothian , said she was puzzled why Aliyana paid so much attention to the right-hand side of her head .
Following several seizures , the 43-year-old was eventually diagnosed with two brain tumours in 2015 .
She has since recovered after having had an operation , radiotherapy and chemotherapy .
Mrs Alexander , who still has a weak left side , said she would never give up her horse , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's Mornings with Kaye Adams programme : `` I could n't work out why she was trying to sniff my head .
`` I was trying to think did I have different shampoo ?
But I always had the same shampoo and she kept sniffing the right hand side of my head .
`` I 've got a special bond with Aliyana and I will never give her up as she is part of the family now . ''
Mrs Alexander said she had previously suffered seizures but her brain tumour was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` When I was taken to hospital after collapsing with a seizure the doctors more or less said it was an alcohol problem and they told me to go to my GP when I had sobered up .
`` I had never had a drink for weeks though .
`` At worst I thought I had epilepsy , never did I think I had two brain tumours . ''
• The woman who can smell Parkinson's Hugh Adams , Brain Tumour Research 's charity spokesman , said he had heard of similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` What was really interesting with what Kelly Ann has been saying was the problems of her own route to diagnosis through her doctors .
`` That is truly shocking to be told to go home and sober up .
`` It is something we hear about all too frequently because brain tumours are comparatively rare and the route to diagnosis can be problematic because GPs do n't know enough about the symptoms . ''
Symptoms of brain tumours include headaches , vision problems , nausea , seizures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

She said: "When I was taken to hospital after collapsing with a seizure the doctors more or less said it was an alcohol problem and they told me to go to my GP when I had sobered up.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Jacqueline du Pré: Royal Ballet tells cellist's story

Jacqueline du Pre 's career as one of the most gifted and celebrated cellists of the twentieth century was cut @ @ @ @ @ She was just 42 when she died .
More than three decades later , her @ @ @ @ @ new work by the Royal Ballet .
The world premiere has just been held at @ @ @ @ @ London .

Jacqueline du Pré's career as one of the most gifted and celebrated cellists of the twentieth century was cut short by multiple sclerosis. She was just 42 when she died.
More than three decades later, her life has now inspired a new work by the Royal Ballet. The world premiere has just been held at the Royal Opera House in London.
Arts editor Will Gompertz reports.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--East Kent baby deaths: 'It felt like a murder charge'

Helen Gittos lost her baby Harriet in August 2014 when she was eight days old , and she believes her @ @ @ @ @ .
A BBC News investigation has uncovered more preventable baby deaths at an East Kent @ @ @ @ @ already been criticised for its maternity services .
Helen spoke to the BBC 's Michael @ @ @ @ @ was told her baby 's death was due to her decision to refuse to have @ @ @ @ @ she and her husband deny .
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust said : @ @ @ @ @ could have done more to respond to [ Helen Gittos 's ] wishes and help @ @ @ @ @ , low-risk environment as much as possible . ''

Helen Gittos lost her baby Harriet in August 2014 when she was eight days old, and she believes her daughter's death was preventable.
A BBC News investigation has uncovered more preventable baby deaths at an East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust which has already been criticised for its maternity services.
Helen spoke to the BBC's Michael Buchanan, and said she was told her baby's death was due to her decision to refuse to have appropriate medical treatment - which she and her husband deny.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust said: "We accept… that we could have done more to respond to [Helen Gittos's] wishes and help her labour in a calm, low-risk environment as much as possible."
Read more: Hospital baby deaths prompt urgent maternity probe


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Floods: Unofficial 'rescue truck' finds itself in deep water

A 4x4 driver almost needed rescuing himself when he went to try to help flood victims in Herefordshire .
This @ @ @ @ @ road in Hereford was clearly signed as closed to traffic .
Fire and rescue officers @ @ @ @ @ were reckless , jeopardising their own efforts to help people caught up in the floods @

A 4x4 driver almost needed rescuing himself when he went to try to help flood victims in Herefordshire.
This section of the Holme Lacy road in Hereford was clearly signed as closed to traffic.
Fire and rescue officers said the driver's actions were reckless, jeopardising their own efforts to help people caught up in the floods.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Newspaper headlines: 'Historic' immigration shake-up and Brits glamour

The Financial Times reports that the UK 's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is facing problems with its supply chain @ @ @ @ @ .
The company - which has three factories in the UK - is flying components @ @ @ @ @ to try to stop UK plants from closing , the paper says .
The paper @ @ @ @ @ new Chancellor Rishi Sunak at his desk , as he said he was `` cracking @ @ @ @ @ Budget next month .

The move - which is being proposed by the former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his role at the world governing body, Fifa - would only see an offence committed if there was daylight between the attacker and the defender.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Flooded Drayton Manor Theme Park closed for two weeks

Drayton Manor Theme Park will be closed until the end of the month due to severe flooding .
Staff are @ @ @ @ @ water out of the site near Tamworth after heavy rainfall caused the main park lake @ @ @ @ @ Sunday afternoon .
Damage is `` due to be assessed '' in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ .
The park , which had initially shut for three days due to the flooding @ @ @ @ @ until 29 February .
The extensive clean-up operation is under way with the park closed @ @ @ @ @ half-term break .
• Body found in search for woman missing in floods William Bryan @ @ @ @ @ Manor Theme Park , said : `` We are doing everything we can to ensure @ @ @ @ @ secure for visitors to enjoy from next week . ''
Park goers with pre-paid tickets @ @ @ @ @ park directly to make arrangements .
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ local news updates direct to your phone .

William Bryan, managing director at Drayton Manor Theme Park, said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure the site is safe and secure for visitors to enjoy from next week."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Retired police inspector guilty of murdering wife in Aberdeen

A former police inspector has been found guilty of murdering his wife in Aberdeen .
Keith Farquharson , 60 , claimed his 56-year-old wife Alice died by accident , following a struggle in bed in August last year .
The former traffic officer , who retired from the police in 2010 , told the High Court in Glasgow he had put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming .
However , the jury found him guilty of murder .
Sentence was deferred .
Farquharson had admitted having affairs with three women and said his wife of 33 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Primary School - did not trust him .
After her death he initially claimed he heard a noise while in the shower that morning , then found his wife lying in the room .
But he later admitted the claim was not true .
Farquharson told the trial that he had continued with the lie because he was `` in a state of shock '' .
He said : `` I felt guilty and did not want my family to know . ''
Detectives initially treated Alice 's death as `` non-suspicious '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiries .
The findings of a post-mortem examination eventually led to the death being treated as murder .
In 1998 , Farquharson had been fined £500 for breach of the peace after admitting sending an obscene poem to a young female constable .
He was demoted from inspector to constable after the case .
In a statement following the verdict , Alice 's family said : `` She was an incredibly kind and caring person , with a great love for life and the people in it .
`` She was always thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself .
`` Our family will never be the same again and we can not begin to describe the devastating impact this tragedy has had on us . ''
Det Insp Gary Winter said Keith Farquharson had deceived paramedics , police officers , his friends and his own family on the day of Alice 's death .
`` Alice 's children have had to sit through days of harrowing evidence in court over the last week , as well as having to give evidence themselves , '' he added .
`` I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been , in addition to dealing with the devastating impact this incident has had on their family .
`` Although today 's verdict ca n't change what happened , I hope the outcome gives them some sense of justice for their mum . ''
Farquharson will be sentenced on 23 March .

After her death he initially claimed he heard a noise while in the shower that morning, then found his wife lying in the room. But he later admitted the claim was not true.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Wrightbus: Questions raised over share deal

Experts have questioned the reason for a share purchase by Wrightbus 's parent company at the time the group was in financial trouble .
The Wrightbus group collapsed into administration in September 2019 .
In April 2019 the group parent company , Cornerstone , spent £1m buying back the shares of a Wright family member .
Forensic accountant Gabriel Greene told BBC Spotlight : `` I 'm struggling to find a commercial reality to that transaction . ''
The deal concerned a 5 % shareholding in Cornerstone held by Lorraine Rock .
Dr Rock is a sister of Jeff Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornerstone .
Mr Greene said the deal would have valued the group at potentially up to £80m .
`` This is in the context of a very , very heavily loss making , and potentially , at this stage , insolvent group , '' he told Spotlight .
`` So I 'm struggling to comprehend how that valuation was got to , at that point , and why that payment was made . ''
Spotlight wrote to Dr Rock and other members of the Wright family with an interest in Cornerstone to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
They did not respond to that question , but did say they had acted appropriately and lawfully at all times .
A commercial lawyer , Mark Orr QC , told the programme the circumstances in which a company buys its own shares are either where there has been a company dispute or where there is surplus capital which it wants to pay out to shareholders .
`` There does n't appear to be evidence of either in the documentation which I 've seen to date .
I can find no reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time when it was effected , '' he said .
Earlier in 2019 Cornerstone also paid out £1.35m in a donation to Green Pastures church , which is led by Jeff Wright .
Within months the Wrightbus group approached Invest NI to ask for public funds to keep the business afloat .
Invest NI agreed to release an initial tranche of £2.5m in rescue aid .
A corporate governance expert told Spotlight there was `` a curious equivalence '' between the money which was paid out and the £2.5m which was then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director-general of the Welsh Audit Commission , said : `` The fact that public money was being injected shortly after a similar sum was being extracted from the parent Cornerstone is a very ironic , paradoxical kind of situation . ''
According to the Wright family , any donations paid by Cornerstone were made from available profits with the knowledge of Invest NI and the Bank of Ireland , its lender .
Invest NI said the rationale behind granting £2.5m in rescue aid was that it `` offered the best prospect of finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The organisation declined to comment on the activities of the company directors in Wrightbus and the wider group - given the administrators Deloitte are currently conducting a review into their conduct .
Mr Grace suggested the NI Audit Office , the public spending watchdog , should look at the issue of the rescue aid .
`` They would be able to see all the documentation , they would be able to interview people from Invest NI , they would be able to thoroughly see whether more things should have been taken into account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` And in particular are there implications for the future rules and decision making when it comes to this kind of development assistance ? ''
You can watch Spotlight on the BBC iPlayer .

"They would be able to see all the documentation, they would be able to interview people from Invest NI, they would be able to thoroughly see whether more things should have been taken into account, whether there are lessons to learn," he said.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Storm Dennis: Flood victims to receive up to £10m

Up to £10m will be made available to help flood victims , Wales ' first minister has said .
Mark Drakeford said urgent help would be given to families with no insurance , as the clean-up operation continues following Storm Dennis .
On Tuesday , river levels reached record highs in Monmouthshire and people had to be rescued from their homes .
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for more heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday .
The Welsh Government believes more than 800 homes and businesses in Wales have been affected following Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Drakeford said an emergency food relief scheme fund would be set up in the next seven days to help those whose homes and businesses had been damaged .
There will also be help for local authorities after roads and bridges were damaged .
Mountain rescuers and firefighters have been using boats to help people to safety in Monmouth and nearby Brockweir , after water levels at Monmouth reached 7.15m ( 23ft ) by 08:30 GMT on Tuesday .
Hundreds of people are either confined to the upstairs of their homes or are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , the council said .
A woman was rescued from the roof of her car after getting stuck in flood water in Whitebrook Lane , Monmouth .
Rescue teams broke down the door to rescue Peter Morgan and take him to safety after he was trapped by the rising tide of water in the home he had lived in all his life .
Student Eli Wyatt , 23 , whose family home in Skenfrith , Monmouthshire , has been flooded , said losing sentimental items was the hardest .
Her parents ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her grandfather 's journals and newspapers from the time she was born .
`` That was really quite heartbreaking losing those things , '' she said .
On Tuesday evening Monmouthshire council said water levels were still high and with more bad weather forecast it was likely they would remain so for days to come .
Council leader Peter Fox told BBC Radio Wales up to 6,000 homes could be without water after the Welsh Water treatment works , in Mayhill , was flooded and left without power .
Welsh Water said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water until it was able to access and restart the treatment works and asked people to reduce their usage .
Bottled water stations have been set up and a fleet of tankers are topping up the supply for if water runs out , but the company had been having issues getting lorries into Monmouth due to the flooding .
Monmouthshire council has set up a rest centre at the Shire Hall in Monmouth for residents who have been forced to leave their homes .
Gwent Police urged motorists not to attempt to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ross on Wye , saying it was `` too dangerous to pass '' .
Council officials warned pedestrians against trying to cross the A40 carriageway in Monmouth due to a flooded underpass , saying it was `` incredibly dangerous '' .
Parts of the rail network remain out of action after railway lines were `` significantly damaged '' during the heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday .
While some services have resumed Transport for Wales ( TfW ) urged people to check before they travel .
Customer delivery director Bethan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also subject to delays too as a result of flooding and related damage , and journeys may take significantly longer than is usual on many routes .
`` The situation is changing all the time and therefore services are likely to be disrupted with last minute alterations .
A major incident was declared in south Wales on Sunday following landslips and unprecedented flooding .
The clean-up continues in parts of the south Wales Valleys , and mid Wales , with businesses and homes significantly damaged after river 's breached their banks .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in floods in Worcestershire , and Herefordshire and Shropshire have also been hit by flooding .
In Powys a road has been closed in Ystradgynlais for safety reasons after part of the Teddy Bear Bridge , which crosses the River Tawe , collapsed .
The council is assessing the damage and have installed temporary flood defences in the town .
• What should I do if I 'm hit by flooding ?
Some suppliers have been disrupted following the flooding , with the bakery chain Greggs reporting shortages of deliveries to branches across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West of England .
Treforest Industrial Estate , where Greggs makes some products for across the UK , was flooded .
It is unclear when the site will be back in production .
What help is there ?
Brinley Wait lost everything and was rescued from his Nantgarw home when it was flooded on Sunday - but said he then realised he did not have insurance .
`` My wife died two-and-a-half years ago , and she did all the insurance and stuff like that , '' he said .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be held on Wednesday for the Welsh Government , councils and business leaders to assess the damage and to co-ordinate how to deal with the aftermath .
Mr Drakeford said the additional fund of up to £10m would be set up to help those affected in both storms , and officials would be working to find the best way to help those without insurance .
`` We will make urgent financial support available to people whose homes have been flooded and , in particular , help families who do not have insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new community flood recovery grant has been set up by Rhondda Cynon Taf council , with residents able to claim £500 and businesses £1,000 to help towards the clean-up .
Meanwhile Mr Drakeford accused Plaid Cymru of trying to make `` political capital out of misery '' after leader Adam Price said the flooding raised `` serious questions '' over the Welsh Government 's ability to respond to emergencies .
• Cardiff Valley Lines : All lines north of Pontypridd ( including Aberdare , Merthyr and Treherbert ) are closed • Aberdare : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days , rail replacement bus service in place • Treherbert : Likely to remain closed on Tuesday , rail replacement bus service in place • Ebbw Vale : Line closed following a landslip but may reopen on Wednesday • Newport - Hereford : Line currently closed , services on the Marches line will be replaced by a rail replacement bus service due to flooding • Abergavenny - Hereford : Line currently closed .
Hopefully reopen by Saturday morning • Heart of Wales line : Closed but may reopen on Tuesday afternoon • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rail replacement bus service will operate between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog until further notice • Cambrian Line : Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth will remain closed on Tuesday with a rail replacement bus service in place .
Line may reopen later • The Cambrian Coastline : Machynlleth - Pwllheli will remain closed on Tuesday with rail replacement bus service in place but may reopen later Up to 100mm ( 3.9in ) of rain could fall in north Wales and 60mm ( 2.3in ) in south Wales between Wednesday and Thursday , the Met Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas are Blaenau Gwent , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Carmarthenshire , Ceredigion , Conwy , Denbighshire , Gwynedd , Merthyr Tydfil , Monmouthshire , Neath Port Talbot , Newport , Powys , Rhondda Cynon Taff , Swansea , Torfaen , Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham .
How have you been affected by Storm Dennis ?
Tell us your story 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 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and privacy policy

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--2020-02-18--Harry Styles: Singer 'mugged at knifepoint' in Hampstead on Valentine's Day

Pop star Harry Styles was reportedly robbed at knifepoint in north London during a night out on Valentine 's Day .
The former One Direction singer , 26 , handed over cash after he was confronted by a mugger near a pub in Spaniards Road , Hampstead , according to the Mirror Online .
The Met confirmed it was investigating a knifepoint robbery in the area .
It said officers had been notified of an incident involving a man in his 20s on Saturday 15 February .
The Met said : `` It was reported that a man in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened him with a knife .
`` The victim was not injured ; however , cash was taken from him .
No arrests [ were made ] and enquiries are ongoing . ''
Styles ' management company has been approached for comment .
The pop star is due to perform at the Brit Awards later , where he is up for two awards in the male solo artist and best album categories .
Last year , homeless Pablo Tarazaga-Orero , 26 , was banned from going within 250 metres of the star after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent months camped outside his house .

The pop star is due to perform at the Brit Awards later, where he is up for two awards in the male solo artist and best album categories.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Immigration: No visas for low-skilled workers, government says

Low-skilled workers would not get visas under post-Brexit immigration plans unveiled by the government .
It is urging employers to `` move away '' from relying on `` cheap labour '' from Europe and invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology .
The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally after UK-EU free movement ends on 31 December .
Labour said a `` hostile environment '' would make it hard to attract workers .
But Home Secretary Priti Patel told BBC Breakfast the government wanted to `` encourage people with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of people coming to the UK with low skills '' .
• How has immigration changed in your area ?
She added that businesses could also recruit from among eight million `` economically inactive '' potential workers in the UK .
But the SNP called this a `` ridiculous or dangerous idea '' , as many in this group were suffering `` ill health or injury '' .
Under the plan , the definition of skilled workers would be expanded to include those educated to A-level/Scottish Highers-equivalent standard , not just graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Waiting tables and certain types of farm worker would be removed from the new skilled category , but new additions would include carpentry , plastering and childminding .
How would it work ?
The government wants to bring in a `` points-based '' immigration system , as promised in the Conservative election manifesto .
Under this , overseas citizens would have to reach 70 points to be able to work in the UK .
Speaking English and having the offer of a skilled job with an `` approved sponsor '' would give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be awarded for qualifications , the salary on offer and working in a sector with shortages .
Workers from European Economic Area countries currently have the automatic right to live and work in the UK irrespective of their salary or skill level .
The government says this will end on 31 December , when the 11-month post-Brexit transition period is due to finish .
The salary threshold for skilled workers wanting to come to the UK would be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600 .
However , the government says the threshold would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` specific shortage occupations '' - which currently include nursing , civil engineering , psychology and classical ballet dancing - or those with PhDs relevant to a specific job .
But there would no longer be an overall cap on the number of skilled workers who could come into the UK .
The majority of people employed by the sector are low-paid care workers .
They are responsible for providing daily help to older and disabled adults in care homes and the community .
There are already significant shortages - one in 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a sixth of the 840,000-strong care worker workforce in England .
It is hard to see how in the future these staff could qualify .
Even if it is classed as a skilled job - and even that is in doubt , as many workers do not come via an A-level route - the pay at under £20,000 on average is too low to qualify for any points .
Nor is the role classed a shortage occupation .
It seems certain applicants will fall well-short of the 70 points needed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route for lower-skilled/lower-paid workers , urging businesses to `` adapt and adjust '' to the end of free movement between EU countries and the UK .
Instead , it said the 3.2 million EU citizens who have applied to stay in the UK could help meet labour demands .
But bodies representing farming , catering and nursing are warning that it will be hard to recruit staff under the new system .
The Royal College of Nursing said the proposals would `` not meet the health and care needs of the population '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batters raised `` serious concerns '' about the `` failure to recognise British food and farming 's needs '' .
And the Food and Drink Federation spoke of concerns about bakers , meat processors and workers making food like cheese and pasta not qualifying under the new system .
However , the government pointed to a quadrupling of the scheme for seasonal workers in agriculture to 10,000 , as well as `` youth mobility arrangements '' , allowing 20,000 young people to come to the UK each year .
The government 's proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadening the base of skilled labour while restricting the flow of those seeking lower-skilled jobs .
People wanting to come to the UK from outside the EU will find rules are being relaxed , such as scrapping the cap on skilled workers or the drop in minimum salary .
But for EU migrants who are used to moving freely between Britain and the continent , the new regime will be something of a shock .
Visitors can come for six months without a visa , but they wo n't be able to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job offer and clear the 70 points hurdle , and there 'll be no work permits for migrants prepared to do menial jobs in restaurants , hotels , care homes and food processing plants .
There is some flexibility in the new structure .
But the question is , will it be enough to prevent labour shortages and companies taking their business elsewhere ?
Under the plan , all migrants would only be entitled to access income-related benefits until after indefinite leave to remain is granted , usually after five years .
Currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim benefits if they are `` economically active '' .
Non-EU citizens become eligible for benefits when they are granted permanent residence , which usually requires five years of living legally in the UK .
What is the political reaction ?
For Labour , shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said the government did not `` appear to have thought through what the effects of this policy will be on the economy as a whole and what message it sends to migrants already living and working here '' .
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on `` xenophobia '' .
And Scotland 's First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said the plans would be `` devastating '' for the Scottish economy .
Are you a UK worker from an EU country who will be affected by the changes ?
Do you have any questions ?
Tell us 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 of use and @ @

Even if it is classed as a skilled job - and even that is in doubt, as many workers do not come via an A-level route - the pay at under £20,000 on average is too low to qualify for any points. Nor is the role classed a shortage occupation.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Coronavirus: Passengers allowed to leave cruise ship

Passengers stranded on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan for more than two weeks have begun to disembark .
There are 74 British nationals on the Diamond Princess ship , which was quarantined on 3 February after an outbreak of coronavirus onboard .
The government said it hopes to fly the Britons back `` later this week '' .
UK couple David and Sally Abel remain onboard after testing positive for the virus , their son said on Wednesday , following doubts over their diagnosis .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , Steve Abel said his father told him his diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor after some confusion on Tuesday about the results .
David Abel , from Northamptonshire , previously suggested on Facebook that there had been a `` massive communication error '' before saying that he had `` indeed tested positive for the virus '' .
Steve said that his family were being `` messed about '' , and added that his father was diagnosed a couple of years ago with early-onset dementia .
`` He 's very confused with a lot of things and he 's not going to be of his normal state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just want people to realise that he 's going to be saying things that he probably does n't mean . ''
He said his parents have been told to stay in their room as other passengers disembark the ship .
`` I do n't want them separated , '' he said .
`` That 's our worst fear .
With my dad 's early-onset dementia , he could wake up one morning , I 'm not saying it 's that bad at the moment , but he could wake up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there with him . ''
The Foreign Office announced the cruise ship operator and Japanese officials allowed some passengers to disembark the ship at 07:00 local time ( 22:00 GMT , Tuesday ) , once they were given the all-clear .
The ship was quarantined at Yokohama port earlier this month , with some 3,700 passengers and crew on board .
• What impact will coronavirus have on the Olympics ?
• Coronavirus : What you need to know • The noted Wuhan victims of the coronavirus In a statement , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning an evacuation flight from Tokyo to the UK as soon as possible for Britons who are on the Diamond Princess .
`` We have the utmost concern for the affected Britons and strongly encourage them to register for the evacuation flight . ''
Meanwhile , Alan Steele , a British honeymooner diagnosed with coronavirus on the cruise ship , announced on Facebook that he has left hospital .
Mr Steele said he is in a hotel in Yokohama and has been told he will need to spend two weeks in quarantine when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent Laura Bicker said the first passengers who stepped off the cruise ship quickly made their way onto waiting coaches , while some even decided to take a taxi .
As of Wednesday , there were 79 new cases of the virus - known as Covid-19 - on board the ship , bringing the total to 621 confirmed cases , Japanese officials said .
It is the largest cluster of cases outside China .
The US has already evacuated more than 300 of its citizens from the ship .
South Korea , Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also planning evacuations .
Earlier , Japan 's health minister said all passengers still on board had been tested for the virus and those who had tested negative would start leaving the ship on Wednesday .
Another British passenger on board the ship , Elaine Spencer , said she had been `` very disappointed '' with the UK government 's initial response and they should have organised a rescue flight sooner .
She told Radio 4 's Today programme that British passengers who wanted to get on the rescue flight had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into quarantine for 14 days on their return to the UK .
`` I need to go home , I want to see my family but obviously it 's going to be another 14 days ( after the flight ) .
I wish that they 'd decided to do this last week . ''
Covid-19 has now claimed 2,004 lives in China , according to the latest Chinese data released on Wednesday .
There have been 74,185 confirmed infections recorded in mainland China and about 700 cases in other countries .
Irish foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six Irish passengers on the Princess Diamond tested positive for the virus and are being treated in hospital in Japan .
Mr Coveney said the passengers have dual citizenship with another EU member state and did not normally live in Ireland - but that the Irish embassy in Tokyo was in contact with them .
• How do you self-isolate due to coronavirus ?
The president of Princess Cruises , Jan Swartz , said the company has sent more doctors and nurses on to the ship .
The Foreign Office is advising affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100 .
As of Tuesday at 14:00 GMT , in the UK a total of 4,916 people had been tested for coronavirus .
Only nine people have tested positive and the rest have been confirmed negative .
Have you been affected by what 's happening on the Diamond Princess cruise ship ?
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 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and privacy policy

"I don't want them separated," he said. "That's our worst fear. With my dad's early-onset dementia, he could wake up one morning, I'm not saying it's that bad at the moment, but he could wake up a bit confused so my mum needs to be there with him."


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Storm Dennis: More heavy rain forecast amid flood defence fears

Flooded communities in England and Wales are expecting more heavy rain , adding to fears flood defences might not withstand rising river levels .
About 1,400 homes and businesses have been affected by the floods in the wake of downpours brought by Storm Dennis .
The Rivers Wye and Severn reached their highest-ever levels , with people evacuated from nearby at-risk areas .
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain for Wales and Yorkshire , beginning on Wednesday .
Across the UK , around 140 flood warnings remain in place , including six severe - or `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the worst affected areas are south Wales , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire , where major incidents have been declared .
• What it is like to lose everything overnight ?
• Could flood victims have received more warning ?
Tory MP Craig Whittaker - who represents the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire , which was badly affected by Storm Ciara - said the government 's response to the flooding has been inadequate .
He told the BBC 's Today programme he had been `` hammering on doors on Whitehall '' since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the government to trigger its emergency funding scheme , which was announced on Tuesday night .
As of 11:00 GMT on Wednesday morning , 645 properties had been flooded across England because of Storm Dennis , the Environment Agency ( EA ) said .
And in Wales , around 800 homes have been directly affected by the floods , said First Minister Mark Drakeford .
The EA said the levels of the Wye and Severn would remain high into the weekend .
`` We expect further disruptive weather into tomorrow and Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West Midlands , and there are flood warnings in place across much of England , '' said the EA 's John Curtin .
Homes along the River Severn in the towns of Ironbridge and Bridgnorth in Shropshire were evacuated on Tuesday as river levels continued to rise .
There were concerns that flood barriers could be breached in Bewdley and also Upton upon Severn , where two local children baked biscuits and took them out to `` everyone who 's helping '' .
Currently , there are six severe flood warnings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Severn , and Wye .
In Wales , there are five flood warnings covering the rivers Wye and Monnow - although none are severe .
There are seven flood warnings in Scotland .
The River Wye at Monmouth , in Wales , reached its highest recorded level on Tuesday .
In the town , mountain rescue teams evacuated an elderly man from his home by breaking down his back door with a sledgehammer and taking him to safety on a raft .
Welsh Water has asked people in Monmouth to reduce their water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooded .
The Met Office warnings for rain cover south Wales , north-west Wales and north-west England from 18:00 GMT on Wednesday until 15:00 on Thursday .
Another warning is in place for southern Scotland from 14:00 on Wednesday until 11:00 on Thursday , while another comes into force for Yorkshire from 12:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday .
The EA said more than 6km of temporary flood barriers have been put up across England and flood defences have protected nearly 25,000 properties .
• 'My farm looks like a huge lake' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Wreghitt , who lives in the village of Powick , in Worcestershire , says he has been flooded before but not this badly and not since flood defences were built .
He told BBC News : `` We were told when they built that flood defence that if it had been there before 2007 , we would n't have been flooded .
`` Although there have been a couple of near misses over the past few years , we were still confident that we would n't get flooded again . ''
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardship payments of up to £500 for short-term relief , the government announced on Tuesday .
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said the funding would `` help people in the worst-hit areas to recover and get back on their feet '' .
The government support fund also includes up to £5,000 for affected residents and business owners to help make their properties more resilient to future floods .
On Sunday , Yvonne Booth , 55 , was killed by the floods after being swept into floodwater near a bridge which crosses the River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For more information , check the BBC Weather website and your BBC Local Radio station for regular updates .
Have you been affected by flooding in your area ?
Have you made an insurance claim ?
Tell us your story 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

"It's coming through any gap it can get through. We're trying to brush it into the pumps to get it out," she told BBC Radio 5 Live. Her stepfather had not been sleeping, she said, "just keeping an eye on the pump".


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Caroline Flack's unpublished Instagram post released by family

Caroline Flack 's family have released an unpublished Instagram post that they say she wrote shortly before she died .
It came ahead of the inquest into the death of the former Love Island host , which opened on Wednesday .
The inquest heard that the 40-year-old presenter was apparently found hanged in her London flat on Saturday .
The unpublished post said her `` whole world and future was swept from under my feet '' after she was arrested for assaulting her boyfriend in December .
Her mother said Flack had been advised not to publish the message , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Daily Press .
The TV presenter was found dead in her home weeks before she was due to stand trial on charges of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton .
Flack pleaded not guilty to the alleged assault at a court hearing in December and was released on bail .
She was ordered to stop any contact with Mr Burton ahead of the trial , which was due to begin in March .
• Who decides if someone should face trial ?
Flack 's mother Chris told the Norfolk newspaper that her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January , but was told not to post it by advisers .
She added that the family wanted people to read it .
`` Carrie sent me this message at the end of January but was told not to post it by advisers but she so wanted to have her little voice heard , '' she said , according to the paper .
`` So many untruths were out there but this is how she felt and my family and I would like people to read her own words .
`` Carrie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was just too much for her . ''
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help .
Information and support is also available from BBC Action Line '' For a lot of people , being arrested for common assault is an extreme way to have some sort of spiritual awakening but for me it 's become the normal .
`` I 've been pressing the snooze button on many stresses in my life - for my whole life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my life for over 10 years and yet told myself it 's all part of my job .
No complaining .
`` The problem with brushing things under the carpet is they are still there and one day someone is going to lift that carpet up and all you are going to feel is shame and embarrassment .
`` On December the 12th 2019 I was arrested for common assault on my boyfriend .
Within 24 hours my whole world and future was swept from under my feet and all the walls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build around me collapsed .
I am suddenly on a different kind of stage and everyone is watching it happen .
`` I have always taken responsibility for what happened that night .
Even on the night .
But the truth is ...
It was an accident .
`` I 've been having some sort of emotional breakdown for a very long time .
`` But I am NOT a domestic abuser .
We had an argument and an accident happened .
An accident .
The blood that someone SOLD to a newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sad and very personal .
`` The reason I am talking today is because my family ca n't take anymore .
I 've lost my job .
My home .
My ability to speak .
And the truth has been taken out of my hands and used as entertainment .
`` I ca n't spend every day hidden away being told not to say or speak to anyone .
`` I 'm so sorry to my family for what I have brought upon them and for what my friends have had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking about 'how I 'm going to get my career back . '
I 'm thinking about how I 'm going to get mine and my family 's life back . ''

"On December the 12th 2019 I was arrested for common assault on my boyfriend. Within 24 hours my whole world and future was swept from under my feet and all the walls that I had taken so long to build around me collapsed. I am suddenly on a different kind of stage and everyone is watching it happen.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Fuel prices push UK inflation to six-month high

UK inflation in January rose to a six-month high as petrol and house prices rose , official figures show .
The Consumer Prices Index ( CPI ) stood at 1.8 % last month , up from 1.3 % in December , the Office for National Statistics said .
`` The rise in inflation is largely the result of higher prices at the pump and airfares falling by less than a year ago , '' the ONS said .
The rise is ahead of economists ' CPI forecast of 1.6 % in January .
CPI remains below the Bank of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday 's inflation data pushed the value of the pound above $ 1.30 .
Versus the euro , the pound had started the day down 0.25 % but rose back to trade flat against the single currency .
However , some analysts said that the new figures were unlikely to `` move the dial '' on the central bank 's next decision on interest rates in March .
Mike Hardie , head of inflation at the ONS , said : `` The rise in inflation is largely the result of higher prices at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a year ago .
In addition , gas and electricity prices were unchanged this month , but fell this time last year due to the introduction of the energy price cap . ''
Fuel prices were up 4.7 % compared with a year earlier , marking the biggest rise since November 2018 .
Energy regulator Ofgem 's cap on energy bills meant that the average household could not be charged more than £1,137 annually for their gas and electricity .
The ONS also said that annual house prices rose across all regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this has happened in nearly two years .
The cost of living fell in January .
Before you get too excited though - it normally does , compared with a month before , due to January sales and a slowing demand for goods and services following the Christmas break , which pulls prices down on average .
This year , however , electricity and gas bills did n't fall as they did in 2019 when the energy price cap kicked in .
And discounts in the January sales for clothing and footwear were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ago .
That meant they exerted less downward pressure on the average cost of living than most had expected .
In turn , that means there is now less of an expectation that the Bank of England will have to try and support the economy by cutting interest rates any time this year .
The most recent wages data released on Tuesday showed that average weekly wages in the UK reached their highest levels since before the financial crisis .
Weekly pay reached £512 in the three months to December , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest since March 2008 .
Excluding bonuses , earnings grew at an annual rate of 3.2 % in the three months to December .
Inflation is one key factor the Bank of England 's Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) considers when setting the `` base rate '' .
That influences what interest rate banks can charge people to borrow money , or what they pay on their savings .
If it thinks inflation is likely to be below 2 % , it may cut interest rates to lower the cost of borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move the dial' Ruth Gregory , senior UK economist at Capital Economics , said that the latest inflation figures were `` unlikely to move the dial on the outlook for interest rates '' .
She said : `` For the MPC , the fact that inflation is in line with its projections provides another reason not to cut interest rates in the near-term . ''
The rate currently stands at 0.75 % .
The MPC is next due to meet on 26 March .
Robert Alster , head of investment services at Close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar cautious approach might be taken by new Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in his March Budget .
He said : `` Rishi Sunak is likely to use the Budget to announce a welcome boost to longer-term investment , but abide by the fiscal rules for short-term spending until the fog has cleared '' around Brexit .

This year, however, electricity and gas bills didn't fall as they did in 2019 when the energy price cap kicked in. And discounts in the January sales for clothing and footwear weren't as deep as they were a year ago. That meant they exerted less downward pressure on the average cost of living than most had expected.