Dave Lee Travis 'Knew Savile Liked Young Girls'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Former DJ Dave Lee Travis told police investigating sex allegations against him that everyone "knew Jimmy Savile liked young girls," a court has heard.

Travis, 68, told officers from Operation Yewtree what he knew of the disgraced and now dead fellow broadcaster, when he was questioned during the inquiry against him.

He said he had thought "good luck to him", regarding Savile's attitude to young girls but did not realise they were under-age.

The jury at Southwark Crown Court heard Prosecutor Teresa Hay read out statements Travis made in a series of four interviews with police from November 2012 to September last year.

He was questioned by Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Gary Pankhurst, of Operation Yewtree, which is investigating Savile and others linked with him or independent of him.

Ms Hay said that in his statement, Travis said: "I saw Savile once or twice a year but I didn't know him. He put up a verbal wall, no one got any sense out of him and I never had a full conversation with him.

Dave Lee Travis arrives for Friday's Southwark Crown Court hearing

"We didn't keep in touch, he was a colleague but not a friend. People knew he liked young girls but not below the official age, when it came out, like others I was horrified.

"If had known I would have reported him. I was genuinely shocked."

In all his interviews Travis, who is appearing in court under his real name David Griffin, denied the allegations against him insisting they were "made up for money" although he admitted he could be tactile at times.

He said he would have been "insane" and a "complete moron" to assault his victims in the BBC studios as has been claimed earlier in the trial, adding that people in his industry "were now targets".

He told police he had been through "three months of hell" after the allegations were first made and asked why his victims had gone to the papers first and not the police, telling officers "it's a money grabbing culture".

Ms Hay said that in another interview Travis again strenuously denied all the allegations and said: "Stuff went on in the 70s, it was a different time. I didn't do drugs, unlike others back then, I'm scared of drugs. I'm no angel but this is just not on."

He told police he had a "rock solid marriage" and added that he "very young girls were not him." Of one allegation from a then 15-year-old girl he is accused of indecently assaulting in a trailer, he said: "She has an active imagination."

As the statements were read out Travis, sat in the dock, dressed in a blazer, white shirt and tie followed closely a copy that he had in his hands.

He denies 13 charges of indecent assault between 1976 and 2003 and a charge of sexual assault in 2008.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court continues with his defence due to begin on Monday.

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Hidden Camera Pen Catches Thief Red-Handed

A carer has been jailed after a surveillance camera hidden in a pen caught her stealing thousands of pounds from an elderly couple.

Lisa Mitchell, 38, helped herself to £35,000 in cash over four years when she worked for 81-year-old Sheila Read, who had dementia, at their home in Dereham, Norfolk.

But the couple's son, Allan Read, suspected money was disappearing so he set up the secret CCTV camera in the pen and strategically placed it in an office in the house, Norfolk Police said.

Mitchell was filmed on two occasions in the office, which she had no reason to be in.

Mitchell was sentenced to 18 months' jail

The footage showed her going through a desk and the elderly man's wallet.

Allan Read had made a note of serial numbers on the bank notes, which police used along with the images to prove the offence.

Mitchell, of Masefield Mews, Dereham, pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 18 months at Norwich Crown Court.

Detective Constable Gemma Weeks said Mitchell used the stolen cash to buy jewellery and designer handbags.

"Over four years Lisa Mitchell took advantage of an elderly couple whom she was trusted to care for," she said.

"She thought nothing of helping herself to their personal money and cash from their family business, which she spent on jewellery and designer handbags.

"Even when presented with CCTV evidence, Mitchell denied stealing from this vulnerable couple, and could not account for living beyond her means.

"Over and above the financial impact of her crime is the emotional one, particularly when it appeared that Mitchell was searching for money instead of caring for the elderly lady."

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Tommy Robinson: EDL Founder Jailed For Fraud

Former English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has been jailed for 18 months for mortgage fraud.

The far-right group's founder - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of the offence at a hearing in November.

Apparently reacting to the sentencing handed down to him at St Albans Crown Court, the 36-year-old took to Twitter to say: "This is a complete stitch-up".

He also posted a picture of a meal of meat, mashed potatoes and chips, with the message "one last feed", and then "see u all in 18 months".

Robinson was accused of conspiring with others to obtain a mortgage by misrepresentation from the Abbey and Halifax banks.

He previously served time in prison for using someone else's passport to travel to the United States.

Robinson was sentenced to 10 months at Southwark Crown Court in January 2013 after admitting possession of a false identity document with improper intention.

He has also had a series of brushes with the law as police tried to restrict marches by the EDL following the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Robinson left the group in October, saying he no longer felt he could control its extreme far-right elements.

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UK's 20 Worst Burglary Hotspots Are Revealed

Full List Of The UK's Burglary Hotspots

Updated: 1:04am UK, Friday 24 January 2014

Here are the top 20 burglary hotspots by postcode in the UK, according to the number of previous claims made per thousand people:

1. M21 - Chorlton-cum-Hardy; Barlow Moor, Manchester, 45.2

2. SE24 - Herne Hill; Tulse Hill (part), London, 41.8

3. N10 - Muswell Hill, London, 40.9

4. RM8 - Dagenham; Becontree; Becontree Heath, London, 35.9

5. N2 - East Finchley; Fortis Green; Hampstead Garden Suburb (part), London, 34.5

6. L18 - Allerton; Mossley Hill, Liverpool, 33.3

7. L22 - Waterloo, Liverpool, 32.6

8. N18 - Upper Edmonton; Edmonton (part), London, 32.3

9. UB6 - Greenford; Perivale, London, 30.9

10. SE27 - West Norwood; Gipsy Hill (part), London, 30.5

11. B73 - Boldmere; New Oscott; Wylde Green, Birmingham, 29.5

12. E8 - Hackney Central; Dalston; London Fields, London, 29.4

13. DN2 - Intake; Wheatley; Wheatley Hills, Doncaster, 28.7

14. N20 - Whetstone; Totteridge; Oakleigh Park, London, 28.0

15. E9 - Homerton; Hackney Wick; South Hackney; Hackney Marshes; Victoria Park, London, 27.8

16. N11 - New Southgate; Friern Barnet; Bounds Green; Arnos Grove (part), London, 27.7

17. N16 - Stoke Newington; Stamford Hill (part); Shacklewell; Dalston (part); Newington Green (part), London, 27.7

18. LS16 - Adel, Bramhope; Cookridge; Eccup; Far Headingley; Holt Park; Ireland Wood; Lawnswood; Moor Grange; Tinshill; Weetwood; West Park, Leeds, 27.6

19. B24 - Erdington; Tyburn, Birmingham, 27.6

20. HP10 - High Wycombe; Flackwell Heath; Handy Cross; Hedsor; Loudwater; Penn; Tylers Green; Wooburn; Wooburn Green; Wooburn Moor, Buckinghamshire, 27.3

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Army Chief Looks To Future After Final Job Cuts

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

A line has been drawn "under the forced exodus of people from the Army", the Head of the British Army has declared.

Later today the Defence Secretary will announce details of the fourth round of military redundancies. It is also expected to be the final tranche.

Philip Hammond is expected to reveal that roughly 350 redundancies will come from the Ghurkha regiment, 70 or so medical and staff from the RAF and Navy.

The majority though will be chosen from the wider Army, although it is hoped a significant proportion will be voluntary.

As has previously been the case, anyone currently serving on operations will be exempt, as will those serving on the date the exact redundancies are announced - expected to be mid-June.

There will be the option for people to transfer to areas of the military that need bolstering, although those opportunities will be limited.

And financial incentives will be offered to anyone leaving the regular force but willing to join the Reserves.

Speaking ahead of today's announcement, the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall said this demonstrated the military has done what was asked of it: "This redundancy tranche marks the final leg in our reduction of the Army from its former strength towards 82,500.

"It's the end of a period of significant uncertainty, albeit the relatively small number affected in this final tranche who will get our particular attention in making sure that they are fairly treated and support their transition to civilian life.

"This actually draws a line and we are now concentrating on drawing in the right talent to populate the future Army structure which is all about our operational readiness for future challenges."

It is hoped by senior officials within the Ministry of Defence that this is the last tranche of redundancies and will therefore remove the uncertainty that has been hanging over the military for some years - known anecdotally by troops as "life in the tranches".

It was originally thought as many as 5,000 could be made redundant in this round.

That number is significantly smaller, in part due to problems with recruitment meaning that not so many jobs need to go.

"The defence review of 2010 set very clearly the requirements of defence going into the future," explained Major General David Cullen, Assistant Chief of the General Staff.

"We certainly don't need any further redundancies to achieve that target and to deliver the policy outputs that are required of us."

Earlier this month the military launched another recruitment campaign - the third in the space of just a year.

It is a response to inadequate recruiting figures, and a flawed recruitment process, described by one senior military source as being "clunky".

In the case of the Army Reserve, there are now fewer soldiers than six months ago.

However, the MoD is confident that many of the problems have been ironed out.

The number of staff in the national recruiting centre has been almost doubled and there is a simplified online application process.

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Syria Terror Offences: Two UK Women Charged

Two women have been charged in relation to funding terrorist activities in Syria, Scotland Yard has said.

Amal Elwahabi, 27, and Nawal Msaad, 26, both from northwest London, were arrested on January 16.

Msaad was detained at Heathrow Airport while Elwahabi was held later that day in northeast London.

Scotland Yard said the pair is accused of "becoming concerned in an arrangement as a result of which money was made available or was to be made available to another, and they knew or had reasonable cause to suspect that it would or may be used for the purposes of terrorism".

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between January 13 and 16 and relate to terrorist activity in Syria, a spokesman said.

He added: "SO15, the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, will continue to pursue individuals and networks in the UK seeking to support terrorists engaged in the Syrian conflict."

The women will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later.

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Flood Victims Demanding More Protection

By Frazer Maude, Sky News Reporter

Flood victims across the country are hoping for reassurances that more will be done to prevent a repeat of their recent problems, as those responsible for defences are quizzed in Parliament today.

None more so than the people of Muchelney, the village on the Somerset Levels that has now been cut off for three weeks.

The only way in and out of the picturesque and historic hamlet is by boat, and for the residents here the novelty, and their patience, is wearing thin.

Most of the villagers think the severe flooding here in recent weeks, and in November 2012, has been due to the rivers around the Somerset Levels not being dredged, a practice that was stopped because of the expense involved.

"It's not rocket science," says resident Paul Belding.

"If you let the rivers silt up to half their size, it'll have a massive impact, and dredging is the only way ahead.

"Eighteen years ago the dredgers were out in force in this area. I haven't seen them since."

The village of Muchelney has been cut off to road traffic

Defra Minister Dan Rogerson and Environment Agency chief executive Paul Leinster will today face questions from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

The thousands of people affected by the floods will be hoping the meeting will prompt some positive action.

Retired doctors Peter and Elizabeth Nightingale now own a smallholding in the village of Muchelney Ham.

They were flooded for the first time in almost 90 years in 2012, and there is still a foot or more of water still in their home after it flooded again this year.

The couple have around 60 sheep that should have been sold at market in the past couple of weeks, but they simply can't get them there.

"The place is a disaster zone. It's ridiculous in a first world country that the Government doesn't do more to help us and protect us from this sort of thing. It's laughable really," says Mr Nightingale.

"This needs a major effort by the government, not just bits of spending here and there."

Many of the local pumping stations on the Levels are not in use at the moment, because with the rivers still full, there is nowhere for the water to go.

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Migraines: Magnetic Device Offers Pain Relief

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky News Reporter

A magnetic handheld device that sends pulses into the head could transform the lives of thousands of migraine sufferers.

The treatment, called "transcranial magnetic stimulation", is held behind a patient's head and with the click of a button sends brief magnetic pulses into the brain, helping to disrupt the painful headaches.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), that looks at the safety and suitability of new treatments, has now issued guidance saying the device can be recommended to certain patients through the NHS.

They also add that extra care should be taken to explain the risks and steps which need to be put in place to record and review what happens.

Wendy Thomas, from The Migraine Trust, said: "This is a new bit of weaponry against migraines.

"The reason it makes a big difference is because there's not a drug involved, so there are no side effects and if it doesn't work you just hand the device back.

"It won't work for everyone, but it will work for a lot of people."

Eight million people in the UK suffer from migraines, and it's estimated that 25 million days at work or school are missed every year because of it.

Attacks can last from four to 72 hours, and include throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.

Some 164 patients tried out the transcranial magnetic stimulation as part of a trial, and many have noticed a reduction in their migraines.

Miriam Heyburn has suffered from the debilitating headaches since she was eight years old.

The TMS device she uses has enabled her to go four or five, or even 10 days, without headaches.

She told Sky News: "The migraines feel like you've been hit by a juggernaut, everything that's pleasurable becomes awful, unbearable.

"Light, food, everything. TMS has made a tremendous difference, to know that there is something out there that isn't a tablet, and that it really works.

"I've tried everything: acupuncture, hypnotherapy. And this is the only thing that has actually worked for me."

The device is seen as a breakthrough for those who find alternative treatments ineffective, or unsuitable, such as during pregnancy.

But at the moment patients in England will only be able to get the treatment if they are referred to a specialist headache clinic, and NICE insist more research needs to be done into magnetic therapy and how it works.

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Linzi Ashton: Michael Cope Admits Murder

A man has admitted murdering his ex-girlfriend in a "dreadful and violent attack" in Greater Manchester.

Michael Cope, 28, pleaded guilty to the murder of Linzi Ashton and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Miss Ashton, 25, was found dead at her home in Winton, Salford, on June 29 last year.

A post-mortem examination concluded she died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries.

Cope had a brief "acrimonious" relationship with Miss Ashton, who had two daughters, Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two.

A CCTV image of the fugitive in Wigan while he was on the run

Police said Miss Ashton had been the subject of a "vicious and sustained attack".

Cope spent nearly a month on the run following the killing, sparking a police manhunt.

Officers described him as a dangerous individual, who had a "history of violent and aggressive behaviour", and warned he should not be approached.

An allegation of rape, which he had denied, has been requested to lie on file.

The barmaid made complaints to Greater Manchester Police last April and May that Cope had raped and beaten her.

Miss Ashton was the victim of deliberate and sustained domestic abuse

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: "Having considered this case very carefully in line with CPS policy, we have asked the judge to order that the rape count lie on the court file.

"We have taken this step only after proper consideration of the views of Linzi Ashton's family members on this matter."

Ruth Mann, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "Linzi Ashton was the victim of deliberate and sustained domestic abuse at the hands of Michael Cope.

"This abuse culminated in a dreadful and violent attack on Saturday June 29 which resulted in the tragic loss of her life.

"We have been determined to bring Michael Cope to justice for the horrific way in which he treated Linzi Ashton and we have worked tirelessly to build a strong case against him.

"Today he has admitted to her murder and he has been brought to account for his reprehensible actions.

"This is a very sad case and today's outcome can in no way address the pain felt by the friends and family of Linzi Ashton.

"I would like to offer them my deepest condolences and my thoughts are very much with them at this time."

In a statement issued shortly after Miss Ashton's death, her family said: "She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet.

"She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family."

Cope is to be sentenced on Tuesday.

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Man Dies After Four-Hour A&E Wait In Ambulance

Police are investigating the death of a man who was forced to wait more than four hours in an ambulance before he was admitted to a casualty department.

The 58-year-old died at Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend last Thursday.

The news of the death came on the same day a coroner in Wales called for urgent improvements in the way emergency calls are managed, and the handover of patients at casualty.

A statement from Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust said: "The patient was admitted to the department at 11am, and two hours later became suddenly very unwell.

"Despite efforts by staff to resuscitate him, he later died.

"Prior to being admitted to the department, the patient was in an ambulance, attended by paramedics, for over four hours.

"The Princess of Wales Hospital Emergency Department was extremely busy at the time, and unfortunately there were delays admitting patients as a result.

"The patient was assessed by a doctor while in the ambulance."

"The coroner has been informed of his death, and the health board is carrying out an urgent review of the case to ascertain what lessons can be learned, and if this very sad death could have been avoided."

In a separate case, a Welsh coroner said Fred Pring - who waited 48 minutes for an ambulance - may have survived if care had arrived within an eight-minute target response time.

Mr Pring, 74, from Flintshire, died at home in March last year - despite his wife making four desperate 999 calls.

The inquest heard on Monday that on the day of his death several ambulances were delayed because they were waiting to drop off patients, with one waiting five hours outside Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Coroner John Gittins said urgent changes were needed if further deaths were to be avoided and said he would be contacting the relevant authorities.

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Mikaeel Kular's Mother Charged Over His Death

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been arrested and charged in connection with his death.

Rosdeep Kular, 33, is due to appear in court in Edinburgh today.

She had been questioned by officers on Saturday after her son's body was discovered in woodland near a house in Kirkcaldy, Fife, following a major search.

The body was removed from the scene at around 3pm on Saturday.

The body was found around 30 miles from Mikaeel's family home in Edinburgh

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "During the course of today, the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.

"Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with Mikaeel's death.

"The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday."

A memorial service took place on Saturday night at Edinburgh's St Andrew's Muirhouse Parish Church.

Candles were given out at the door before the service, which was open only to the local community.

Dozens of teddy bears were left near Mikaeel's Edinburgh home

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in the Scottish capital on Thursday morning.

Hundreds of police officers from across the UK joined the search and lines of volunteers swept the local area, searching for clues about his disappearance.

More than 500 calls were made by the public to a dedicated phone line.

Meanwhile, there have been several arrests over suspected offensive tweets in relation to Mikaeel's disappearance.

Derbyshire Police arrested a 26-year-old man, while Hampshire Police said a 19-year-old man had been bailed on suspicion of posting a racially offensive comment.

"We are investigating the message to assess whether any criminal offences have been committed," said a spokesman for Hampshire Police.

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Kids Growing Up 'In Toxic Stress Climate'

Britain's youngsters are growing up in an "unprecedented toxic climate" of stress and pressure in a "24/7 online culture where they can never switch off", according to a survey by charity YoungMinds.

In the poll of 2,000 youngsters aged 11 to 25, over half believed they would be a failure if they did get good grades, half said they had been bullied, while a third said they did not know where to turn to get help when they feel depressed or anxious.

Of 11-14-year-olds questioned, four in 10 said they skipped meals to stay thin and over half said they had seen online pornography with four out of 10 of these saying it had affected their relationships with others of their age.

Lucie Russell, director of campaigns at YoungMinds said: "We are sitting on a mental health timebomb."

Frankie Sandford, of The Saturdays, and Labour leader Ed Miliband are among those who are backing YoungMinds' new campaign YoungMinds Vs, which is calling for improvements across a range of issues that young people say are the biggest they face.

Frankie Sandford is backing new campaign

Ms Sandford said: "I get to talk to a lot of young people and I know there are so many who are really suffering and struggling with life.

"That's why I really support the YoungMinds Vs campaign because it's raising awareness of the importance of young people having good mental health, and everything that can be done to make that happen, including young people getting access to help when they need it."

Mr Miliband added: "Mental health is the biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age, and young people's mental health must be a top priority for Britain."

Nick Clegg will launch the Mental Health Action Plan

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is pledging to improve the standards of mental health treatment for people of all ages and to end the stigma and discrimination faced by those with mental health issues.

He will give a speech later today launching the Government's new Mental Health Action Plan, which sets out 25 areas where immediate action is called for to improve care, support and treatment.

He will say: "All too often, attitudes to mental health are outdated; stuck in the dark ages; full of stigma and stereotypes.

"It's time for us to bring mental health out of the shadows and to give people with mental health conditions the support they need and deserve."

Mr Clegg will note that mental illness costs the economy £105bn every year and that life expectancy for a man with severe mental illness is reduced by 20 years compared to the rest of the population and 15 years for a woman.

He will say people with mental health issues ill have the same legal right as those with physical conditions to choose where they go for care, including being able to choose the person and provider from April.

The choice will not be limited to an NHS organisation, and that patients will also be able to choose from a voluntary or independent provider offering services on the NHS when they go to see their GP to seek help, he will add.

New standards on access and waiting times for mental health services are also to be introduced next year, so that patients will know what kind of treatment to expect and when.

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British Man Murdered In St Lucia Attack

A British man has been murdered while trying to protect his wife from attackers on the island of St Lucia.

Three people have been arrested and a murder inquiry launched after the death of Roger Pratt, 62.

The couple were attacked while their boat was moored off the Vieux Fort coast where they had been staying as part of a round-the-world voyage, celebrating Margaret's 60th birthday.

They left Lowestoft in June, navigating the English coastline before heading to the Algarve and on to the Caribbean.

A St Lucian police spokesman confirmed Mr Pratt died trying to defend his wife from attackers, but said there was no evidence the man was shot.

The attack happened at Vieux Fort

He said: "Nobody has been arrested yet but there are some guys in custody. The investigators are very busy looking at what happened."

St Lucian tourism minister Lorne Theophilus said: "It is with much regret that I and other industry partners have learnt of the unfortunate incident which has resulted in the loss of life of a visitor to our shores.

"At this time we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of British national Roger Pratt. To his wife, who also sustained injuries as a result of the attack off the Vieux Fort coast, we extend our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with her for a speedy recovery.

"This is an active investigation and law enforcement is leading the charge in an attempt to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice speedily.

"Law enforcement officials have briefed myself and other senior tourism officials on aspects of the case although I am not at liberty to share some of those details with you at this time."

St Lucia is very popular with tourists (File pic)

The couple lived in the village of Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire before embarking on their adventure.

Writing on her blog in the hours before the attack, Mrs Pratt told how bureaucracy thwarted their attempts to leave that part of the Caribbean.

She said: "On Thursday morning the plan was to clear out from Soufriere, then to travel south and use up the 72 hours before we had to be away.

"But bureaucracy intervened. HM Customs and Excise in Soufriere told us that exit had to happen within 24 hours of clearing out; and that anyway, we couldn't clear out of Soufriere that day because the Immigration Officer hadn't come to work(!!)

"So here we are in Vieux Fort, the most southerly port of clearance in St Lucia. It's very different. There's a port; an airport and no tourists - and so it's a regular town."

Writing on her LinkedIn profile before she left, Mrs Pratt said: "Off travelling! The plan is to be in the Caribbean for my 60th birthday in January 2014... all a bit of a leap into the unknown. Please stay in touch - I plan to be an assiduous correspondent!"

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Mikaeel Kular's Mother Charged Over His Death

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been arrested in connection with his death.

Rosdeep Kular, 33, is due to appear in court on Monday.

The boy's body was discovered in woodland near a house in Kirkcaldy, Fife, early on Saturday, following a major search.

People file into a memorial service in Edinburgh on Saturday evening

The body was removed from the scene at around 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "During the course of today, the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.

"Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with Mikaeel's death.

The body was found around 30 miles from Mikaeel's family home in Edinburgh

"The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday."

A memorial service is also taking place on Saturday night at Edinburgh's St Andrew's Muirhouse Parish Church.

Candles were given out at the door before the service, which was open only to the local community.

Forensics officers have been examining an area of woodland

The family lived there for a time before moving to Edinburgh and neighbours remember Mikaeel and his twin sister playing on the steps.

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in the Scottish capital on Thursday morning.

Hundreds of police officers from across the UK joined the search and lines of volunteers swept the local area, searching for clues about his disappearance.

Neighbours have been leaving flowers and toys near the family home

Police were told that Mikaeel had not been seen since his mother put him to bed on Wednesday night.

On Friday evening ACC Graham revealed the boy had not attended nursery since before Christmas and said there were "grave concerns" for his safety.

Police Scotland are also investigating an offensive Twitter comment relating to the case, which originated in the Greater Manchester area and was reported by an Edinburgh resident.

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