Zanzibar Acid Attack Victim Tweets Her Thanks

Zanzibar Acid Attack: Two Held

Updated: 4:59pm UK, Friday 09 August 2013

Two girls from London who had acid thrown in their faces on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar have arrived back in Britain.

:: WARNING: This story contains a graphic image depicting acid burns

A medevac plane carrying Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, both 18, landed at RAF Northolt at lunchtime and the pair were taken away in two ambulances.

They were then transferred to the specialist burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and reunited with their families.

The teenagers were attacked by two men on a motorbike as they walked through the historic capital Stone Town on Wednesday night.

The acid was splashed over their faces, chests, backs and hands.

Their arrival back in Britain came as a Zanzibar police chief told Sky News that five people have been questioned over the acid attack.

Regional police commander Mkadam Khamis said two of the suspects are being detained for further interrogation while the other three have been released.

Police on the island have also offered a reward of 10 million Tanzanian shillings (£4,000) for information leading to any arrests. 

Sky News Foreign Affairs Correspondent Lisa Holland said there were some suggestions that one of the people held was a local shopkeeper who had been in an altercation with one of the girls a few days before.

But she added that the motive remained unclear - with other reports of eyewitnesses saying the acid was not intended for the British teenagers but someone else walking down the road.

The pair, who had been volunteering at an orphanage on the island, were taken to hospital in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland, before being flown home.

Miss Gee's mother Nicky Gee told Sky News her daughter had suffered burns to her "whole face and her whole body" in the "vicious attack".

A photograph released by the girls' families showed the injuries Miss Gee of them suffered in the attack.

The girl is shown wearing an open striped shirt and a silver necklace. What appear to be acid burns are clearly visible on her chin, neck and upper chest.

Miss Trup also reportedly received horrific burns and was said to be "inconsolable".

The young women, who are from north London and were planning to start university in the autumn, were enjoying the last week of a trip as volunteer teachers to the predominantly Muslim island when a corrosive substance was thrown at them.

The trip had been organised by i-to-i Travel, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and runs gap year trips to parts of Africa, Asia, central and South America and Australia.

Trips to teach in Zanzibar, based in Stone Town, start at £669 for two weeks, according to its website.

In its latest statement, i-to-i Travel confirmed the girls had been repatriated to the UK and said: "We welcome the proactive investigations being carried out by local authorities in Zanzibar and continue to liaise with them.

"We wish the girls a fast and full recovery and our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time."

The organisation added that it had advised all its customers still in Zanzibar "to remain vigilant" and anyone due to fly out there this weekend had been given the option to volunteer at a different project, but all had chosen to continue to travel to Tanzania.

The Foreign Office travel advice for Tanzania warns that although most visits to the country are trouble-free, "violent and armed crime is increasing".

The advice, available on its website, says: "Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country."

It adds: "In Zanzibar, incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches."

Jakaya Kikwete, Tanzania's president, is reported to have visited the women at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam and promised that the men responsible for the "shameful" attack would be found.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean around 22 miles off the mainland.

The semi-autonomous region of Tanzania is predominantly Muslim and has been the scene of some religious violence in recent years.

Earlier this year two Christian leaders were killed and in November a cleric was treated in hospital after an acid attack. This is the first such assault on foreigners in the popular tourist destination.

A further announcement from the police in Zanzibar regarding the case is expected later today.

10.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Belfast: 26 Police Injured During Clashes

Twenty six police officers have been injured in loyalist rioting as violence linked to a contentious republican parade engulfed Belfast city centre.

Five of the officers required hospital treatment and there were reports that a number of members of the public were also hurt.

Police fired plastic baton rounds and water cannon after coming under attack from loyalists who pelted them with bottles, fireworks and glasses as hundreds of loyalist demonstrators gathered to protest at the rally. 

Officers came under "heavy and sustained attack"

Metal guttering ripped from shop fronts was also used in the violence and several vehicles were set on fire.

Protesters had attempted to block part of the route of the Anti-Internment League parade, which was diverted to avoid the disturbances.

There were some sectarian clashes as the march passed close to loyalist protesters.

Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said: "Police have come under heavy and sustained attack by crowds intent on creating disorder.

Five offiers required hospital treatment

"As disturbances are continuing I would call upon people of influence in communities and those in political leadership to do all possible to reduce tension.

"As Northern Ireland moves ahead, the effect of tonight's violence has the potential to damage the local economy and the reputation of Belfast as a tourist destination."

The disorder comes after eight officers were injured at a republican anti-internment bonfire near the city centre on Thursday night.

Police said their use of water cannon was a "proportionate" response

Eight people were arrested and at one point, as violence spread to north Belfast, officers were attacked by a man with a sword.

The parade was unable to pass down Royal Avenue as intended. After a significant delay, it did finally proceed along the outskirts of the city centre and onward to west Belfast.

However, trouble continued in its wake.

Steve Pound MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, said: "We have seen sad scenes again in Belfast tonight, which have become too familiar over recent months.

Protesters attempted to block part of the route parade

"The vast majority of people across the community will unite to condemn attacks on the police and the public disorder we have seen.

"But unfortunately this is not an isolated occurrence. Northern Ireland can't afford to slip back to causal violence or acceptance of it.

"Both the governments and political leaders in Northern Ireland need to show leadership and address what are becoming far too common scenes."

Last month parts of Belfast were consumed by more rioting, predominantly loyalist, when Orangemen were banned from parading past the nationalist Ardoyne area.

Eight people have been arrested so far

Friday night's republican parade is in protest at the deeply controversial internment policy in place at the height of the Troubles in the 1970s.

It saw mass arrests and detention without trial of hundreds of people suspected of being involved with the IRA.

Parading tensions have also spread to other parts of Northern Ireland with controversy surrounding a planned Sinn Fein-backed commemoration event in the County Tyrone town of Castlederg on Sunday.

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French Nanny Wanted In Wales Posts On Facebook

A French au pair is on the run from police in the UK - despite regularly updating her Facebook profile and continuing to offer her services as a nanny.

Emeline Essertel is wanted by detectives in South Wales after failing to appear in court in March to face charges relating to fraud, stealing a debit card and possessing CS gas.

Essertel posted pictures of herself partying

The theft charge relates to a debit card stolen from the family home in which she was living between January 19 and January 30 this year.

The 24-year-old had been bailed to an address in London, but fled back to France - prompting officers to launch an appeal for information last month.

Since that time Essertel's Facebook profile has been updated on several occasions.

As well as uploading photographs of a rugby final in Dublin between French sides Clermont and Toulon, images of a two-week break in Amsterdam and a night out with friends have also been posted.

An advert on a recruitment website, which she last logged into on April 16, said: "It will be eight months since I returned to France to complete my nursing degree and I would (like to) go back to see other countries to learn new cultures and be able to speak English (as soon as) possible.

The 24-year-old failed to appear in court in March

"I want to assure you (of) my experience with children. During my studies I was able to do internships in various hospitals, primary schools and retirement homes."

According to official documents, Essertel appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on January 31 charged with one count of theft, one count of fraud by false representation and one count of possession of a weapon.

Essertel posted this photo after fleeing

The fraud charge accused her of using the stolen debit card to buy phone credit, while the third related to possession of a CS gas canister in Cardiff Bay on January 29.

Proceedings were adjourned with Essertel released on bail until March 20.

A few weeks later posts started to appear on her Facebook page detailing her trips to Dublin and Amsterdam.

Police sources said officers have been aware of the possibility that Essertel may have skipped the country "quite a while ago".

South Wales Police said it was pursuing all lines of inquiry "in south Wales, London and France".

A spokesman added: "Essertel had been working as an au pair in Llantwit Major.

"We are appealing for information as to her whereabouts and ask anyone who can assist us with our inquiries to get in touch."

Essertel is described as 5ft 6in. She has short, straight brown hair and brown eyes.

:: Anyone with information should call Llantwit Major police station on 01656 869447 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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'One In Four' Mums Feel Work Discrimination

More than one in four mothers feel they have been discriminated against at work while pregnant or after returning to their job, according to new research.

Two thirds also said they would advise women to wait until the last possible moment to tell their bosses they are expecting.

But the survey of almost 2000 women found that most did not make a formal complaint about the discrimination.

The study, by law firm Slater & Gordon, questioned mothers on how they were treated before and after the birth of their child and showed some employers were still penalising women for getting pregnant.

Almost a third said they were not treated well during their pregnancy and maternity leave, while almost half were overlooked for a promotion, almost a fifth demoted, while more than a third had responsibility taken off them.

Two out of five also said younger colleagues without children were given more support and encouragement.

Kiran Daurka from Slater & Gordon said: "Despite the equality legislation in place, attitudes and working practices continue to block women in achieving their career aspirations in the UK.

"Anecdotally, we hear of mothers complaining about being put on a 'mummy track' when back at work, and this research illustrates that this is a real experience for many women."

It is illegal to sack a women because she is pregnant or on maternity leave, said Employment Minister Jo Swinson.

She said the Government was committed to supporting women's talents and that shared parental leave and pay, being introduced in 2015, "will allow couples to choose how they share care for their child in the first year after birth".

However, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said newly-introduced fees for employment tribunals would deter some women from tackling discrimination.

"Sadly some employers are still living in the dark ages when it comes to women in the workplace," said Ms O'Grady.

"[But] by introducing tribunal fees of up to £1,200 to take an employer to court over pregnancy discrimination, the Government has ensured that many more of these women will have to suffer in silence."

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Rottweiler Attack: Toddler Seriously Hurt

Dangerous Dogs: The Victims

Updated: 1:05pm UK, Tuesday 06 August 2013

Some 16 people have been killed by dogs in the UK since 2005. Here is a list of the cases...

May 2013: Clifford Clarke, 79, was outside his home in Clubmoor, Liverpool. Breed of the dog, belonging to a neighbour, was believed to have been a bull masitff crossed with either a Presa Canario or a bandog.

March 2013: Jade Lomas-Anderson, 14, from Wigan, Greater Manchester. Attacked by four or five dogs at a friend's house. Two were believed to have been bull mastiffs, two were Staffordshire bull terriers.

November 2012: Harry Harper, eight days old, from Ketley, Shropshire. Attacked by a Jack Russell in his cot.

October 2012: Gloria Knowles, 71, from Morden, south London. Suffered a heart attack when savaged by her daughter's dogs when she went to feed them. Two were Bordeaux bulldogs, two were American bulldogs and one was a mongrel.

January 2012: Leslie Trotman, 83, of Brentford, west London. He was in his garden when a neighbour's Pitbull-type dog escaped and attacked him.

December 2010: Barbara Williams, 52, Wallington, Surrey. Attacked by a Belgian mastiff in a garden.

April 2010: Zumer Ahmed, 18 months, from Crawley, West Sussex. Killed when her uncle's American bulldog got into the house.

November 2009: John Paul Massey, aged four, from Wavertree, Liverpool. Killed at home by his uncle's pitbull-type dog.

May 2009: Andrew Walker, 21, Blackpool, Lancashire. Bitten more than 50 times by his flatmate's two Alsatians.

February 2009: Jaden Mack, three months old, from Caerphilly, South Wales. Stafforshire bull terrier and Jack Russell attacked him on a table at home after his grandmother fell asleep.

January 2009: Stephen Hudspeth, 33, Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier and died days later from blood poisoning.

January 2008: James Redhill, 78, Plaistow, east London. His own pet Rottweiler attacked him in the street.

December 2007: Archie-Lee Hirst, one year old, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Attacked by a Rottweiler at his grandparents' home.

January 2007: Ellie Lawrenson, five years old, St Helens, Merseyside, Attacked at her grandmother's home by her uncle's Pitbull-type dog.

September 2006: Cadey-Lee Deacon, five months, from Leicester. Taken from her Moses basket by two Rottweilers in the living area of her grandparents' pub.

November 2005: Liam Eames, one year old, from Leeds. Attacked at home by the family's American bulldog.

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Fair Trade Warning To Quick Home Sale Sector

The trading watchdog is urging almost 120 firms operating across the "quick house sale" sector to make sure their business practices are up to scratch.

The warning comes after an investigation found some hard-pressed customers end up handing over their home for less than half of its market value.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said it has also opened formal investigations into three un-named businesses for alleged unfair practices that may have led to some customers losing tens of thousands of pounds.

People who sell their homes to a quick house sale firm usually receive between 10% and 25% less than the market value of their property in return for getting fast access to cash.

But concerns have been raised about firms reducing the price offered at the last minute when the seller has already committed to the transaction.

The OFT said it has seen firms dropping the prices they will pay by up to 53% on initial offers which were already below market price, leaving people tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket compared with the market value.

The average quick sale is estimated at around £100,000.

The regulator warned that some firms risk giving the industry a bad name by exploiting a customer's difficult financial circumstances and giving them significantly less than they were expecting.

It said seven in 10 complaints received by the OFT about quick house sales came from "vulnerable" consumers who may have been particularly attracted by claims of a hassle-free service, with no viewings or hold-ups.

These include older people who may be suffering ill health, people who are heading for repossession and need a fast route out of their debt problems and those who are under pressure to stop a property chain collapsing.

Gaucho Rasmussen, OFT Director, said: "Responsible quick house sale firms offer a valuable service to consumers who want a fast sale.

"However, we have also seen potentially illegal behaviour and as a result the OFT has opened investigations into three companies.

"When sellers get a bad deal, they could lose a lot of money. We want to ensure that consumers can have confidence in this sector and put an end to these shoddy practices."

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Hannah Smith Suicide: Father Attacks Ask.fm

A 14-year-old girl killed herself after being abused by 'trolls' on a social networking site, her father has said.

Hannah Smith died on Friday in Lutterworth, Leicestershire after being 'cyber-bullied' on the question-and-answer website ask.fm.

Her father, Dave Smith, has called on authorities to close down the site after he saw some of the abuse that he believes drove his daughter to take her own life.

The site, popular with teenagers, allows users to anonymously post comments or questions on another person's profile.

In the weeks leading up to her death Hannah received messages criticising her appearance and telling her to kill herself.

Then, the day before she took her own life, she posted a picture online which read: "You think you want to die, but in reality you just want to be saved."

Writing on Facebook, her father said: "On Friday morning my daughter was found hanged ... (I saw) her ask.fm account and someone had been telling her to die.

"I have just seen the abuse my daughter got from people on ask.fm and the fact that these people can be anonymous is wrong.

Hannah had got messages telling her to kill herself. Pic: RIP Hannah Smith

"The person that created this website should be done for manslaughter. Any parents that have children please don't let them go on this site."

Although people wanting to use ask.fm have to register an email address, name and date of birth, those posting messages can choose to do so without revealing their identity.

An inquest into Hannah's death opens on Tuesday and Leicestershire Police said a computer and mobile phone had been taken as part of that investigation.

The teenager's death is not the first time that ask.fm, which is based in Latvia, has been criticised.

Ciara Pugsley, 15, and Erin Gallagher, 13, from Ireland, took their own lives in separate incidents last year after being bullied on the site.

A petition urging action against ask.fm and similar sites has now been set up on the Government's e-petition website.

It claims activity on the site "has led to bullying, mental health problems and suicides as well as grooming".

"[Users] are able to join from the age of 13 and can post anonymously," says the petition.

"There is no option to block other users and only a basic 'report' button."

Hannah's death comes after high-profile criticism of Twitter for not doing enough to deal with abuse, threats and 'trolling' on the site.

Sky News has contacted ask.fm for comment and is waiting for a response.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org.

:: BeatBullying.org is also available for advice and support.

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Regular Eye Tests For Drivers Could Save Lives

By Liz Lane, Sky News Reporter

Regular eye tests for drivers could cut the number of casualties on UK roads by almost 3,000.

The road safety charity Brake, together with the DVLA and insurer RSA, has begun a campaign, calling on motorists to visit the opticians at least every two years.

Failing to make sure your vision meets legal standards for the road is an offence.

However motorists are usually only tested for this during their driving exam, where they have to be able to read a number plate 20 metres away.

A survey of 1,000 drivers found 26% have not had an eye test in the last two years. And 3% - the equivalent to more than one million UK drivers - have never had one.

It also discovered there were 9% of drivers who need glasses or lenses but do not always wear them behind the wheel.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "Being able to see properly is fundamental to being a good driver. Your eyesight can deteriorate rapidly without you noticing, and at the wheel that can be lethal."

Cassie McCord, 16, from Colchester, was killed when a car mounted a pavement and hit her in February 2011.

The 87-year-old man driving it had failed a police eye test just days earlier, but officers had not been able to persuade him to hand over his licence.

Cassie's mother Jackie told Sky News: "They spent two hours coercing him, trying to get him to surrender his licence voluntarily, but he refused. He got in the car three days later and killed Cassie."

Thanks to a subsequent campaign by Mrs McCord, known as "Cassie's Law", police can now get permission from the DVLA to remove a licence from someone with poor eyesight within minutes - a process that used to take days.

She is now turning her focus to getting drivers to take some personal responsibility and get a test.

"Don't be so silly. These are people's lives. it could be your child, your granddaughter, your grandson, your son or daughter that could be killed by someone who cannot see to drive properly," she added.

"It doesn't take five, 10 minutes of your time, to go into an opticians and have a proper eyesight test. And that way you will know as an individual that you are capable and safe to be on the road."

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Gibraltar: The 'Party Is Over' Warns Spain

Britain's Foreign Office says it is "concerned" over comments made by Spain's foreign minister in which he warned the "party is over" when it comes to his country's policy on Gibraltar.

Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said he was considering retaliatory measures towards the British territory, including a 50 euro border crossing fee, amid a dispute over an artificial reef being created by the Gibraltarians.

He told ABC newspaper the proceeds would be used to help Spanish fisherman who have lost out because of damage to fishing grounds allegedly caused by Gibraltan authorities.

Mr Garcia-Margallo added that tax investigations into thousands of Gibraltarians who own property in Spain could also be launched.

Spain is also considering closing airspace to planes heading to Gibraltar airport, he added, as well as changing rules to increase tax revenue from online gaming companies based on 'the Rock'.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are concerned by today's comments on Gibraltar, which we are looking into further.

"As we have said, we will not compromise on our sovereignty over Gibraltar, nor our commitment to its people. We continue to use all necessary measures to safeguard British sovereignty."

The comments come after "disproportionate checks" at the border have increased tensions between Britain and Spain.

Mr Garcia-Margallo says airspace could even be closed

The Spanish ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office earlier this week to explain why people crossing the border were having to wait up to seven hours in sweltering heat.

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire said the delays were "as a result of wholly disproportionate checks introduced by the Spanish authorities on vehicles both leaving and entering Gibraltar".

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, also called Mr Garcia-Margallo to express concern over the delays.

Britain has held sovereignty over Gibraltar for three centuries and its 2.6 square miles is home to 30,000 people, with an economy dominated by off-shore banking, internet gambling operations and tourism.

However, ownership of the territory has long been a point of contention between Spain and Britain.

The latest tensions began 10 days ago after Gibraltar boats began dumping blocks of concrete into the sea near the territory.

The British territory said it was creating an artificial reef that would foster fish populations but Spain said the reef would block its fishing boats and ramped up border checks.

Gibraltar has complained to the European Commission, saying the checks violate EU rules on free circulation.

Spain's previous government took a softer line on Gibraltar and did not discuss the issue of sovereignty but Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, elected in November 2011, has taken a harder line regarding his country's claim on the territory.

The UK Government has made clear that it will not negotiate over sovereignty as long as Gibraltar's people want to remain British.

An FCO statement added: "Our differences with Spain on Gibraltar will be resolved by political means through our relationship as EU partners, not through disproportionate measures such as the border delays we have seen over the past week.

"We have many common interests with Spain and wish to continue to have a strong relationship at every level with the Government of Spain. 

"In the meantime, we will be seeking an explanation from Spain following reports that the Spanish government might target Gibraltar with further measures."                 

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Doctor Who: Peter Capaldi To Be New Timelord

Glasgow-born actor and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi has been named as the 12th incarnation of Doctor Who.

Speculation over who would take over from current doctor Matt Smith has been rife, but Capaldi emerged as the front-runner in recent weeks.

He will film his first scenes in the autumn.

The 55-year-old won an Oscar in 1994 for best short film, but made his name as foul-mouthed spin-doctor Malcolm Tucker in political satire The Thick of It.

Capaldi's appointment was revealed during a live BBC show presented by Zoe Ball, which included interviews with Matt Smith, who leaves at Christmas.

Only 10 people were said to have known the identity of the new doctor ahead of tonight's reveal.

Speaking on the show, the actor said it was a relief that the waiting was now over.

Matt Smith leaves the show at Christmas

"It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer," he said.

"But it has been absolutely fantastic in its own way, so many wonderful things have been happening.

"It was quite hard because even though I'm a lifelong Doctor Who fan, I haven't played Doctor Who since I was nine in the playground.

"I downloaded the old scripts from the internet and read those."

Referring to his notorious character in The Thick of It, Capaldi added: "I think Malcolm has been banished from the mirror by this Doctor Who, who certainly would not put up with any of Malcolm's language or attitude."

Jenna-Louise Coleman plays the Doctor's current companion, Clara Oswald

Matt Smith was named as the eleventh doctor in January 2009, and followed David Tennant, but will now step aside for a more mature timelord.

Smith, 30, will also appear with Tennant, Billie Piper, Jenna-Louise Coleman and John Hurt in Doctor Who's 50th anniversary special, before his farewell episode at Christmas.

Capaldi is currently filming new drama series The Musketeers, in which he plays Cardinal Richelieu.

He will also appear in upcoming films The Fifth Estate and Disney's Maleficent

The Glaswegian actor becomes the first Oscar winner to step into the doctor's well-travelled shoes.

He won for his writing and directing efforts on short comedy Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life, which starred Richard E Grant.

Fellow actors have also been taking to Twitter to have their say on Capaldi's new role.

Former Doctor Who companion Karen Gillan posted: "CAPALDI! Superb choice. Swear I've seen him in Pompeii..."

Stephen Fry tweeted: "Well, at least they've chosen a wonderful actor… #DrWho"

Actor John Hurt was also in favour of the twelfth timelord, tweeting: "Congratulations to Peter Capaldi and to the BBC. Another splendid Doctor!"

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Summer Of Extra Tuition For Many Kids

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

Increasing numbers of parents are paying for private tuition for their children during the summer holidays.

More than a quarter of parents of primary school aged children who were questioned for a recent survey said they planned to pay for extra lessons this summer.

Latest figures show 13% of secondary school pupils saw a tutor at some point last year.

Kalsoom Hussain, from Stoke-on-Trent, is paying for weekly maths lessons for her daughter Mehireen, 12.

Each class costs £35 but she told Sky News she pays for classes for a tutor for both her children because she wants them to continue their education over the summer.

Despite the economic downturn demand for private tutoring is high

"Six weeks holiday is quite a long time so I tend to think they'll go behind in subjects like maths and science."

Mehireen's tutor, Imran Ilyas, runs 121 Tutoring Solutions in the North West. He told Sky News that in spite of the economic downturn demand is increasing.

"Last year we had registrations of 1,228 and there's been a 25% increase this year for inquiries for tutors."

Research carried out by learning company Pearson found that two-thirds of parents planned some learning activity during the summer holidays to prevent what it calls the 'summer slide'. Activities included homework, reading, online learning, practice SATs papers and literacy and numeracy mobile apps.

Broadcaster and mathematician Carol Vorderman believes children should continue to learn over the summer holidays.

Carol Vorderman says academic skills 'regress' during holidays

"What happens during the long six-week break is that if nothing is done, children's academic skills regress by three to four months. They don't just stop and pick up where they left off at the end of term. They go backwards.

"Let's face it, these summer days can be long and parents often struggle to fill them. It is much better to do maths practice for 20 minutes a day when there is not much else going on than doing homework after a full day at school."

The cost of private tuition can be a barrier but 'drop-in' tuition centres are becoming increasingly popular with parents who can't afford one-to-one tuition.

Located within a supermarket in Heaton Park, north of Manchester, is a centre that provides lessons tailored to children's needs.

Parents pay £98 per month for two hour-long sessions a week and they can drop children off whenever they like. The children are taught in a variety of ways, including online and in groups.

Mum Kelly Carroll who has been taking her son Lewis to the centre for two years says it costs half of what she used to pay for a private tutor. She believes learning as part of a group has boosted her son's confidence.

Other parents admit as more children are getting private tuition there is a concern for parents who don't pay for extra lessons.

Christine Heath told Sky News: "No one wants to see their child struggle and fall behind so I think there are going to be more and more people wanting their children to have more tuition."

Teacher Mary Bousted believes kids need a break over the holidays

Some teachers disagree, however.

Mary Bousted, the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, told Sky News: "Pupils in the UK and young people have a long academic year, they have quite a long school day and by the time they get to the end of term they're tired and they need a break.

"They need a holiday and more than that they need to do different things. They need to play, they need to read, they need to do sports, they need to help with the cooking, they need to engage in some practical activities that make sense of what they've learnt at school.

"What they shouldn't be doing is hours and hours and hours of more of what they do in school because they'll come back to school tired."

10.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

OAP Has Stroke After Savage Attack In Home

A pensioner suffered a stroke after he was robbed and "savagely" beaten in his own home in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The 87-year-old was subjected to the "ferocious assault" when he was woken up by a man who broke into his home on Longfield Road in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The intruder prised open the living room window and climbed through. He then made his way upstairs into the victim's bedroom and turned the light on.

Startled, the pensioner was confronted by the thief who demanded money and then punched the victim several times in the face.

After stealing the man's bank book, wallet and cheque book from the pensioner's bedside cabinet, the thief then fled.

The victim managed to call the police despite his injuries.

Police are now hunting the offender and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Denise Pye said: "This man was awoken, only to find an intruder standing over him making threats. Before he knew what was happening, he was savagely attacked and a result of this ferocious assault, he sustained a stroke and has been diagnosed with a bleed to his brain.

"He is currently in a serious condition in hospital and is being treated for his injuries. Our thoughts are with him and we hope he makes a recovery.

"This was clearly a shocking crime and I'm sure people in this community will rightly be outraged at what has happened. That is why we are appealing to anyone living in this area who might have information about what happened to come forward. Whatever information you may have could be crucial to finding the offender and ensuring justice is done.

"I urge people in the strongest terms that if they do know something or have any suspicions about who may be involved that they call us."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, 0161 856 5599 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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