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Mar 7
Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack

The Soham murderer, 52, was taken to hospital after being found in a pool of blood following an alleged attack by an unknown inmate on 26 February. He was attacked in a workshop with a metal bar at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Police earlier said that a man in his mid-40s was being investigated over the incident. Huntley was convicted of the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002. He killed them after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets, then dumped their bodies in a ditch. Huntley was convicted of the murder of both girls in December 2003 and sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment. Durham Constabulary confirmed that Huntley had died in hospital on Saturday morning. "Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26," a spokesman said. "A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. "A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges." A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remains one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation's history, and our thoughts are with their families." According to The Sun, the attack last month left Huntley blind, and he was not expected to regain consciousness. The newspaper quoted a source as saying: "Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so." After the attack, the murderer's only daughter, Samantha Bryan, 27, told The Sun on Sunday that "there's a special place in hell waiting for him". Huntley had been injured in a previous attack at HMP Frankland in 2010, where an inmate slashed his throat with a makeshift knife. The prisoner was jailed for life over the incident. The crime made Huntley one of Britain's most reviled killers, with the murder shocking the nation and raising questions about how a man with a history of sexual allegations against him had been allowed to work at a school. The best friends were dressed in matching Manchester United shirts when he lured them into his home and killed them. Their bodies were not found for 13 days, with their disappearance and resulting police search drawing national media attention. Reporter Brian Farmer, who worked for the Press Association in East Anglia at the time, interviewed Huntley at the time and was so concerned by what he heard he went to the police afterwards. Farmer was surprised when Huntley began to tell him how he imagined the girls would react to a stranger approaching them, despite not knowing them or working in their school. The journalist had been trying to interview Maxine Carr, who was a teaching assistant at the girls' school who was living with Huntley, when the interaction took place. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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Mar 6
BBC 'profoundly regrets' BAFTAs incident, says director general Tim Davie

During the ceremony, as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage, a racial slur was shouted out by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, who was there to celebrate a film about his life. The BBC failed to cut the slur from its broadcast of the 22 February event, and viewers could see the offending moment for more than 12 hours before the programme was taken down from BBC iPlayer. In a letter to Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Davie said the BBC made a "genuine mistake" in allowing the racial slur to be broadcast. He said: "I want to assure you that the BBC profoundly regrets the events around the broadcast of the BAFTAs on Sunday 22 February. "The BBC has apologised for the serious mistake that was made, in allowing a racial slur to be broadcast and then remain on iPlayer overnight and into Monday morning. "We understand the hurt and shock that the mistake caused. I'd like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. "It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error." It came as a message to BBC employees, seen by Sky News, reveals "frustration" within the corporation about the way the fall out from the controversy had been handled. The email from BBC chief content officer, Kate Philips sent on Friday afternoon says an investigation into the BAFTAs broadcast is ongoing and acknowledges the "upset and hurt" caused. Ms Philips also tells BBC staff: I've really appreciated your honesty as you've detailed the impact this has had. "I know there is frustration that my first email didn't give more detail, but I thought it was more important to reach out to you all at that point, than wait until I had a further update." Mr Davie who announced his resignation in November - said that there were two incidents where a racial slur was shouted during the ceremony. Regarding the incident where Jordan and Lindo were on stage, he said: "Although this is the subject of ongoing review, our initial evidence gathering has found that no one in the on-site broadcast truck heard this when they were watching the live feed. "Because no one in the broadcast truck was aware it was on the live feed, there was therefore no editorial decision made to leave the language in." The BAFTAs programme was edited down from the three-hour live show filmed two hours earlier that evening, and went out on BBC1 at 7pm. Read more from Sky News:Four arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for IranBAFTAs host addresses 'trauma triggering' broadcast Both Lindo and Jordan appeared to pause after the insult was heard, then continued their presentation. Davidson, who was attending the ceremony as the inspiration behind the film I Swear, which dramatises his life, said he is "deeply mortified" his involuntary tics caused him to blurt out the offensive language. The backlash to the incident overshadowed the film's success at the ceremony, with relative newcomer Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson, taking home the best actor award over the likes of Oscar favourite Timothee Chalamet and Hollywood royalty Leonardo DiCaprio.

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Jon Craig, chief political correspondent
Mar 7
Kemi Badenoch launches her most scathing attack on the PM yet over response to Iran war

In a speech at the Conservative spring conference in Harrogate today, the Tory leader will accuse the prime minister of "sitting on the fence" while the rest of the world rearms. "I never thought I would see the day when Britain's allies felt that they could not rely on us," she will say. "This week, they have described us as weak. They've accused us of deserting them, of going missing in action. "They have watched Britain refusing to send reinforcements to defend our military bases in the Mediterranean. The US, Greece and France have all sent ships. Ours is stuck in Portsmouth Harbour, apparently because of a union dispute." Iran war latest: follow live In her most scathing attack on the PM yet on Iran, she will continue: "Everyone remembers the mistakes of the Iraq war. Nobody is suggesting we should drop bombs without a second thought. "But Keir Starmer spent days consulting lawyers and plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on, even though our allies had the moral clarity to do so immediately and unequivocally. "Even now, he is sitting on the fence, still deciding what our role is going to be in this war. We are in this war whether Keir Starmer likes it or not. It's time to act. Read more:Living in Dubai as Iran attacksThe global economy's worst nightmare is here "He is a political hostage. Held at the behest of a load of half-rate left-wing MPs, none of whom grasp the seriousness of the world that Britain is now in. "While the rest of the world rearms, they are playing student politics. "Today's Labour Party is nothing like the patriotic Labour Party of yesteryear. "In the 1950s, Nye Bevan warned about Britain not having a nuclear deterrent, he described it as the UK being sent naked into the conference chamber. Well today, it's happening again." Labour's armed forces minister Al Carns has hit back angrily, declaring: "Trying to score cheap political points off the back of a serious security situation is deeply irresponsible. "This situation is above politics and requires calm collective decision making - not hyperbole and soundbites. British troops are doing an amazing job and no one should be questioning their commitment or competency. "Serious times require serious politics, not political point scoring on the back of our Armed Forces, civil service or MoD personnel who are doing an amazing job."

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Mar 7
England intra-squad series teams announced with eight uncapped players given shot to impress in Pretoria ahead of Women's Cricket World Cup

The trip, which is a crucial part of preparations for this summer's Women's T20 World Cup, was due to take place in Abu Dhabi, but due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East, it had to be relocated to South Africa from March 10-27. There are eight players on the tour yet to make an England appearance, with Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Davina Perrin, Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld all getting their chance to impress the England selectors. England out to 'capture nation' at Women's T20 World CupEngland to face Scotland and Ireland at T20 World CupNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOWChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you want The teams have been named after Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint, two legends of English cricket who both lifted a World Cup trophy on home soil. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin, coached by Jon JJ Lewis, and vice-captain Charlie Dean has taken charge of Team Heyhoe Flint, coached by Luke Williams. Head Coach Charlotte Edwards will work across both squads. Edwards said: "This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they're an invaluable part of our World Cup plans. "It's the same chance for every player, whether they're new to the team or they've played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations. "We've had two training camps this year, in Oman and Stellenbosch, which focused on skills. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I'm really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer." Team Heyhoe Flint (Coach: Luke Williams)Em Arlott (Warwickshire)Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Surrey)Charlie Dean (Somerset, captain)Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)Mahika Gaur (Lancashire)Dani Gibson (Somerset)Jodi Grewcock (Essex)Amy Jones (The Blaze)Heather Knight (Somerset)Emma Lamb (Lancashire)Grace Potts (Lancashire)Grace Scrivens (Essex)Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey/Warwickshire)Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey) Team Brittin (Coach: Jon JJ Lewis)Lauren Bell (Hampshire)Maia Bouchier (Hampshire)Alice Capsey (Surrey)Sophia Dunkley (Surrey)Lauren Filer (Durham)Freya Kemp (Hampshire)Charis Pavely (Warwickshire)Davina Perrin (Warwickshire)Paige Scholfield (Surrey)Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze, captain)Linsey Smith (Hampshire)Rhianna Southby (Hampshire)Ellie Threlkeld (Lancashire)Mady Villiers (Durham)Issy Wong (Warwickshire) The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup gets under way on June 12 as England face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, with the final taking place at Lord's on July 5. Watch every single game live on Sky Sports or stream contract-free.

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Mar 7
Two children among seven dead in Russian missile strikes in Ukraine

The death toll includes two children, the region's governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Mr Syniehubov said the ballistic missile damaged a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv. More than 10 people were also injured in the strike, including three children, officials said. Rescuers have begun clearing the rubble and continue their search for more people who may have been buried when the building collapsed. The impact destroyed the entrance and damaged the upper floors of a neighbouring building. The deaths came as Russia unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight on Saturday. Across the city, seven residential apartment buildings, commercial and administrative buildings, electricity distribution ​lines, and cars were also damaged by the Russian ⁠attacks, Mr Syniehubov said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had launched 480 drones ‌and 29 missiles targeting vital infrastructure ​across the country. He said most of the drones were Shaheds, a type of Iranian-designed drone which Russia has used to batter Ukraine repeatedly since the invasion began four years ago. Mr Zelenskyy said Russia had targeted energy facilities in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi regions, and the railway in the Zhytomyr region. Damage was reported in the Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Cherkasy regions, Mr Zelenskyy said. Air defence systems downed 19 missiles and 453 drones, with hits from nine missiles and 26 strike drones recorded at 22 locations, preliminary data shows. "There should be a response from partners to these savage strikes against life," Mr Zelenskyy ​said on Telegram. "Russia ⁠has not abandoned its ⁠attempts to destroy Ukraine's residential and critical infrastructure, and therefore support should ‌continue." Read more:Boos and boycotts as Russian flag returns to Winter ParalympicsUkraine peace talks could be postponed due to Iran war Mr Zelenskyy urged the country's partners to continue air defence and weapons supplies. In the Kyiv region, damage from debris was reported in three districts, local authorities said. In the southern Odesa region, 80 firefighters were called in to battle major blazes at infrastructure facilities following a drone attack. Russia has launched its own large-scale domestic production of Shahed drones, which have played a prominent role in Iran's response to US-Israeli strikes, which began a week ago. A new round of US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine, planned for this week, has been postponed due to the war in the Middle East.

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Mar 6
Britney Spears seen driving 'erratically' before arrest, say police

The 44-year-old star spent the night in the cells after being detained by officers on Wednesday evening, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson confirmed. She has been scheduled to appear in court on 4 May. Meanwhile, her Instagram account, on which she frequently shares short videos of herself dancing in her living room, appears to have been deactivated. Searching for the account, which had more than 42m followers, now brings up the message "Sorry, this page isn't available". The singer "showed signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests" after being pulled over, police said. The spokesperson said: "At approximately 8.48pm, a black BMW 430i was reported to the CHP's Ventura Communications Centre for driving erratically at a high rate of speed on southbound US-101 near the Borchard Road exit in Newbury Park." Spears, who police said was alone in the car, was later arrested for "driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol" and taken to Ventura County Main Jail, north west of Los Angeles. Ventura County Sheriff's Office online records give Spears' height as 5ft 5ins and her occupation as "celebrity". Chemical test results are pending and the investigation is ongoing, police said. She was released from jail at around 6am local time. Her representative said, after the news emerged, that her arrest was "completely inexcusable" and the incident "can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life". In a statement, they said: "This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. "Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life. "Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being." In 2007, Spears avoided a criminal hit-and-run trial by paying for damages after photographers pictured Spears steering her car into another vehicle as she tried to park in a California car park and walking away after assessing the damage to her own car. In 2021, she went through a high-profile court battle to end the 13-year conservatorship that had allowed her father to control her freedom and finances due to concerns over her mental health. While Spears has not released new music for several years, in February, she sold part of her rights to her back catalogue to music publisher Primary Wave. While the exact fee is unknown, Sources told TMZ the deal was of similar value to the $200m (£150m) deal signed by Justin Bieber when he sold his back catalogue. In 2024, Spears said she would "never return to the music industry" and shut down speculation that a new album was on the way.

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Mar 6
Leak from UK security meeting on Trump's war request branded 'utterly destructive'

While there are often briefings out of cabinet and Parliamentary Labour Party meetings, revealing details of top-secret talks held by the NSC "should be a red line", the former deputy Labour leader said. Her comments on Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast come after intimate details of NSC deliberations held just preceding and following the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran were revealed by The Spectator. Iran war latest - follow live The magazine reported that at a meeting last Friday, Sir Keir Starmer wanted to allow the US to use British bases for political reasons, but was blocked by four cabinet ministers, led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The prime minister then agreed to it for defensive purposes on Sunday after the US made a formal request the previous day. Although Sir Keir has said there was not a "specific decision to be made" on the Friday, the government has not denied the story, so this appears to be the first leak of top-secret NSC deliberations since 2019. 👉 Listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 Speaking to our political editor Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Baroness Harman hit out at the leaker or leakers, saying national security discussions need to be held in private. She said: "The prime minister has got to be able to go to his NSC and discuss issues with colleagues - that's how government functions." 'Red line' has been crossed Details of cabinet meetings and weekly meetings of Labour MPs often leak, and although Harman "disapproves" of that, "it's not the end of the world". "But there should be a real red line against briefing out of National Security Council," she continued. "It's particularly worrying because it seems the briefing is not criticising the decision. They're supporting the decision, but they're just saying it wasn't Keir Starmer's original decision - he was just overridden by other members of the cabinet. "So I think it's utterly dysfunctional and destructive, and I thoroughly disapprove of it. I'm really dismayed about it. "Any prime minister needs to be able to discuss with the cabinet colleagues in the NSC and actually not be undermined." Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson agreed, saying the NSC should be "a sacrosanct space where the most top-level security people" are "able to discuss things and make decisions in the national interest". Read more from Sky News:Trump sacks Kristi NoemUK diesel hits 16-month high Leaks from the NSC are rare, and the last time conversations appeared in the media was in 2019, when contents of two meetings were published in newspapers. In September that year, details of an NSC meeting about bringing back the British children of Islamic State fighters in camps in northern Syria were published by the Mail On Sunday. Before that, in April, details of an NSC meeting about whether Chinese firm Huawei should be involved in the UK's 5G network were published in The Daily Telegraph. Then prime minister Theresa May launched an internal leak inquiry, which led to the firing of the then defence secretary, Sir Gavin Williamson, although he denied being responsible. Downing Street has not said if Sir Keir has launched an inquiry after the leak of last week's NSC meetings.

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Mar 6
Ramadan booing: Leeds attempt to explain 'disappointing and unexpected' response from crowd during Manchester City defeat

Despite messages appearing on the Elland Road big screen during the game with Manchester City confirming that the match was being paused to allow the players to break their fast, loud boos were heard during the 78-second delay. Another break will be held during Sunday's FA Cup tie with Norwich, with Leeds' Joel Piroe expected to participate. The club has attempted to head off a repeat by calling on fans to "respect" those players breaking their fast, but in a lengthy statement - which did not include an explicit apology - listed four "mitigating circumstances" surrounding the original incident. The four mitigations cited were: In their statement, Leeds wrote: "This was the first time a game at Elland Road has ever been paused to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast. In hindsight, we should have been more proactive with our communications in advance of the Manchester City fixture to explain to supporters that this was going to happen, there was a clear lack of awareness by some attending the fixture."Secondly, Leeds said: "Whilst we displayed a message on our big screen at Elland Road to explain why the game had been paused, this was not visible for approximately 25 per cent of the stadium, including the South Stand."Thirdly, the club explained: "In our preceding fixture with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in November 2025 the game was controversially stopped in the second half for a 'tactical timeout' during an injury break and with the squads congregating on the touchline supporters may have thought this was happening again (a similar incident to this also happened last Tuesday against Sunderland AFC leading to booing)."And finally, Leeds stated: "At the time of the stoppage, given the intensity at the start of the match, a number of players were confused why the game had been paused, which can be seen clearly on broadcast footage and may have also led to confusion for supporters." Leeds concluded their statement by saying: "Football still has a long way to go in eradicating stains on the game, including racism, homophobia, tragedy chanting and the sickening Jimmy Saville taunts our own supporters are subjected to at every match from opposition fans. As a club, we will continue to work to ensure that in time, these issues cease to exist." As part of Ramadan fasting, observers are obliged to avoid all food and drink (including water) from dawn until sunset.

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