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Man’s body found hours after fire

The body of a 50-year-old man has been found in a Borders flat hours after a fire was extinguished.

Firefighters were called to the ground-floor flat in Wellogate Place, Hawick, in the early hours of Sunday.

The fire was “well developed” but no-one was thought to be in the flat at the time and a search after the blaze was extinguished failed to find anyone.

However, later, when police were unable to trace the owner, another search was carried out and his body was found.

The cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the fire are still under investigation but Lothian and Borders Police said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said it was a “tragic fatal blaze” and expressed sympathy to the man’s family.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Royal bouquet draws abbey crowds

Well-wishers queue to see the inside of Westminster AbbeyWell-wishers have been queuing to see inside Westminster Abbey since Saturday

Queues have formed around Westminster Abbey of crowds waiting to see the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding bouquet, as the royal couple are expected to return to Anglesey.

Catherine’s bouquet and the avenue of trees which flanked the aisle are on display at the abbey for a week.

Meanwhile, Clarence House has confirmed her wedding dress will go on show.

Prince William is due to return to his job as an RAF helicopter pilot, after their overseas honeymoon was postponed.

The abbey has been busy since Saturday – the day after the wedding – when it was opened to the public.

A spokeswoman confirmed it had seen an increase in the number of visitors and eye witnesses said that on Monday queues were reaching the Houses of Parliament, some 300m (1,000ft) away.

The abbey’s opening times were extended on Saturday and Monday for an extra hour to allow for the volume of visitors.

Inside, trees and 30,000 flowers brought in for the wedding remain on show.

The aisle was transformed by six field maples and two hornbeams of up to 25ft tall.

The wedding bouquet of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, lies on the grave of the unknown warrior in Westminster AbbeyThe bridal bouquet was placed on the grave of the unknown warrior in Westminster Abbey

The bridal bouquet has been placed, as is tradition, on the grave of the unknown warrior.

Containing British lily of the valley flowers, the placing of the bouquet there dates back to the Queen Mother who placed her own bouquet on the memorial in memory of her brother who was killed in World War I.

The foliage will remain at the abbey until 6 May, when the trees will then be replanted at Highgrove Gardens.

Meanwhile, Clarence House confirmed that Catherine’s wedding dress will go on public display.

Plans are being drawn up so that people can see close-up the intricate work of the dress which was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

A spokeswoman said: “The Duchess of Cambridge is considering a number of options to give members of the public the opportunity to see close up the skilled British craftsmanship that went into the making of her wedding dress by Sarah Burton and her team as well as the Royal School of Needlework.”

It is not known exactly when or where it will appear.

But a number of gowns worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, went on display at Kensington Palace.

The newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to return to Anglesey this week so Prince William can get back to his job as a search and rescue pilot.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The chances are if he’s back at work on Tuesday he’ll be getting into Anglesey on Monday evening.

“It will be a normal day at work for him after the wedding, nothing special planned.”

The couple have opted to delay their honeymoon.

A Clarence House spokeswoman denied claims that Catherine did not know the destination, adding: “The couple planned the honeymoon together.”

But she would not comment on when or where they were going.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

US forces kill Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan

Osama Bin LadenBin Laden is top of the US most wanted list

Al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces, President Barack Obama has said.

The US is said to be in possession of Bin Laden’s body.

The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a ground operation in a mansion outside Islamabad in an operation based on US intelligence, reports said.

Bin Laden is accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001.

He is top of the US most wanted list.

Crowds gathered outside the White House in Washington DC, chanting “USA, USA” after the news emerged.

Bin Laden approved the 9/11 attacks in which nearly 3,000 people died, saying later that the results had exceeded his expectations.

He has evaded the forces of the US and its allies for a decade, despite a $25m bounty on his head.

His death will be seen as a major blow to al-Qaeda but also raise fears of reprisal attacks, correspondents say.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Arrest over boy, 11, hit by swing

An 11-year-old boy has suffered serious head injuries after being hit by a swing in a park in Darlington.

A 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and released on police bail.

Police said Kieran Snee was injured while playing with his 10-year-old cousin at Denes Park on Friday.

He underwent surgery at James Cook University Hospital where he is currently in a critical but stable condition on a life support machine.

A spokesman for Durham Police said the 11-year-old walked home from the park area but collapsed later.

Kieran’s parents said their “world had been turned upside down” since the injury to their “lovely playful boy who would not hurt a fly”.

They added that Kieran’s 10-year-old cousin had been “extremely brave” through the ordeal.

They said they were overwhelmed by the support they had received from the police, hospitals and members of the public.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to contact them.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Markets rise on Bin Laden death

Pedestrians reflected on a stock quotation board at a security company window in TokyoMany markets across the globe are closed for a holiday on Monday

The US dollar has rebounded, and stock markets have gained in Asia after US President Barack Obama said Osama Bin Laden was dead.

Oil prices slid more than 1%, while the price of gold and silver also dropped.

Analysts said Bin Laden’s death was likely to lower security risks, and would help lift consumer sentiment in the US.

However, they warned that it would do little to ease the longer-term risks hanging over the US and global economy.

“There is some feel-good value and the market will like that,” said Chip Hanlon of Delta Global Advisors.

But he added that: “It doesn’t change much about the energy situation and doesn’t change much about the ongoing battle with radical Islamists.”

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Four bodies discovered in house

The bodies of two adults and two children have been found in a house in Northampton.

They were discovered in a house in Pioneer Close in Simpson Manor at about 1800 BST on Sunday.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said officers had opened a major incident room and more than 30 officers were involved in the investigation.

Officers are working at the scene to establish the cause of death.

The area surrounding the house has been sealed off as a forensics team conducts a fingertip search of the road.

The children are believed to be aged 11 and 18.

All four people are understood to be of Chinese origin.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Thai-Cambodia border clashes ease

Thai refugees head back to their border homes on 1 May 2011Local people have been staying in camps and temples to avoid the fighting
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Civilians who fled fighting between Thailand and Cambodia have begun returning home, as 10 days of border clashes eased.

Tens of thousands of villagers had been staying in temporary camps and temples as troops exchanged artillery fire in jungle areas both sides claim.

A truce agreed on 28 April did not end the fighting but reduced its intensity.

The clashes, which began on 22 April, have killed 17 people, including one civilian.

“These people have returned to their houses because the situation now is calm,” said Pech Sokhen, the governor of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

“I hope that the fighting between the two sides will keep decreasing over time.”

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed people were returning to their villages. “The military will monitor the border. We will remain very careful,” he said.

The fighting has not stopped completely. A Cambodian commander said Thai shelling continued on Sunday night, while a Thai commander said the two sides exchanged automatic fire – but reports say it is confined to smaller areas.

Map

It has centred around the two temples of Ta Moan and Ta Krabey, which sit in a hilly jungle area that both sides say belongs to them.

Clashes were also reported last week at the hill-top temple of Preah Vihear, a flashpoint for the dispute.

Parts of the Thai-Cambodian border have never been formally demarcated, spurring nationalist sentiment in both countries.

Fighting took place three years ago in the run-up to a general election in Cambodia, and this latest outbreak comes with the Thai government due to call an election in the coming days.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Parties embark on final stretch

Election debateThe four party leaders will feature in a televised debate on Monday night

The political parties have begun their last few days of campaigning before Thursday’s Welsh assembly elections.

It comes as the four main party leaders prepare for a TV debate on BBC One Wales on Monday night (2220 BST).

Liberal Democrats are campaigning on public transport, while the Conservatives are concentrating on the economy.

Labour is focusing on three key marginal constituencies, while Plaid Cymru is campaigning in Llanelli.

Peter Black and Stuart Rice, Lib Dem candidates for South Wales West, will outline the party’s commitment to accessible and sustainable public transport at Swansea’s Quadrant bus station.

“Getting public transport right is a critical part of ensuring that Wales grows successfully,” said Mr Black on Monday morning.

He said that the party would continue to press for the electrification of the railway line to Swansea.

And he added: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats will re-negotiate the Arriva Trains contract to ensure that we invest in re-opening new stations and electrifying the Valleys lines and make existing stations more accesible and safe.”

Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones is visiting three areas in three marginal constituencies – Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Pentwyn in Cardiff Central and Whitchurch in Cardiff North.

Mr Jones began the day with a warning to voters on the possibility of a Tory-led coalition in Wales to add to that in Westminster.

“We are the only party in Wales who won’t do a deal with the Tories,” he said.

“A vote for the Lib Dems or Plaid will just let them in through the back door.”

He added: “We are the only party with a vision for this country; a vision based on fairness, equality and standing up for the people of Wales.”

Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservative leader, is due at a food firm in Porthcawl, where he will call for the abolition of business rates for all small businesses.

Plaid Cymru’s Helen Mary Jones was in Llanelli outlining the party’s plans on job creation and education.

Mr Bourne, Mr Jones, Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams will appear on the Leaders’ Debate programme, which is being recorded in Newport.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Record time wins Belfast marathon

John MutaiJohn Mutai is hoping to win his fourth Belfast marathon
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About 20,000 people are due to take part in events connected to the 30th Belfast Marathon which takes place on Monday.

Kenyan John Mutai is aiming to win the Belfast marathon for a fourth time.

He was beaten into second place last year as rival Urga Negewo of Ethiopia snatched a six-second win thanks to a sprint finish.

Traffic disruption is expected on a number of routes across the city.

The event begins at the City Hall at 0900 BST and finishes at Ormeau Park.

Organisers have said the majority of roads will remain open throughout the event, however the area around City Hall will be closed to traffic between 0715 BST and 0930 BST.

Disruption is expected in the city centre until 1100 BST.

Other roads affected include Victoria Street, Albertbridge Road, Holywood Road and Sydenham Bypass.

Bridge End, Hillview Road, Gideon’s Green and Corporation Street will be closed until 1400 BST.

Ormeau Embankment will be closed from 0700 BST until after 1800 BST.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

NI gorse fires ‘put lives in danger’

Gorse fireThere have been 76 gorse fires since midnight on Saturday
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There are concerns for the safety of people out walking or camping on the Mournes as firefighters attempt to contain a blaze on a mountainside.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said a large section of gorse land is on fire near Annalong in County Down.

Group Commander Kevin Synott said a police helicopter was launched to look for people in the Mourne area.

“It’s a very, very difficult task,” he added.

“We know for a fact there are a number of cars sitting in car parks near to the area.

“We can’t tell for certain if that is people on the mountainside or if it is people who have parked up and gone for a walk somewhere else.”

Mr Synott said strong winds are fanning the blaze, which is one of 76 gorse fires the NIFRS has attended since midnight on Saturday.

“What we’re saying to people who are enjoying the lovely countryside that we have is to please take care,” Mr Synott said.

Kilkeel leisure centre and Annalong community centre were due to open to accommodate anyone moved from their homes in the area.

However, an evacuation plan has been cancelled and the centres will not now open.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Wild fires threaten regeneration

Liathach fire above Torridon village - picture by Steve Carter www.stevecarter.comIt is understood hillwalkers had to be airlifted to safety from Liathach. Picture by Steve Carter

Fire crews in the Highlands are using a helicopter to drop water on a heath fire that is threatening properties near Torridon.

Highland Fire and Rescue Service said it was currently dealing with three large heath fires at Dundonnell, Lochaber and Torridon.

The brigade has been tackling the fires since Saturday.

It is understood the blaze also resulted in hillwalkers being airlifted to safety from Liathach, Torridon.

Meanwhile, a number of roads have been closed while firefighters tackle a blaze at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue service said a large area of scrub and gorse was on ablaze at Glengyle, at the northern end of Loch Katrine.

The brigade said it was also using a helicopter to drop water in the area in a bid to douse the flames.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.