Saturday, January 4, 2014

South Sudan ceasefire talks open

Direct talks on South Sudan open in Ethiopia

A displaced mother and her baby in South Sudan on Thursday 2 January 2014 More than 180,000 people have been displaced in the conflict

Direct talks on ending the conflict in South Sudan have officially opened in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The negotiations are focusing on bringing about a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.

Rebels supporting sacked Deputy President Riek Machar are involved in fierce fighting with the forces of President Salva Kiir.

At least 1,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on 15 December.

More than 180,000 people have been displaced.

Aid workers say many of them are living without shelter, clean water or sanitation.

The Ethiopia talks were earlier delayed, dampening hopes of a quick end to the fighting. But it later emerged that direct talks would take place.

One report suggests that substantive negotiations will begin Sunday.

The BBC's Alastair Leithead in the South Sudan capital, Juba, says both sides think they have the upper hand and, with their positions so far apart, something dramatic must change for a speedy agreement to come out of the talks.

South Sudan's Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the BBC that the rebels would have to acknowledge that they had instigated a coup attempt. He said the government's compromise was to have agreed to the talks.

Mr Machar, in an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper, said his forces would hold back from attacking Juba to try to reach a negotiated settlement.

"I'm being restrained by the international community and the talks, which I hope will yield some fruits," he said.

However, there were reports of heavy fighting continuing on the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Bor, in Jonglei state.

Our correspondent says there are well-armed units there and both sides may be trying to put themselves in the strongest military position possible as the talks take place.

Displaced woman near Bor, 2 Jan The situation around Bor is of particular concern

The government said its troops were attempting to recapture both Bor and the city of Bentiu, in the northern state of Unity.

Government spokesman Col Philip Aguer said: "We will take Bor within 24 hours," adding: "There is no threat to Juba."

An official connected to the rebels told the Sudan Tribune news website that Col Aguer's comments were "propaganda".

Ethnic divisions

Delegates from both sides began arriving in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday but talks were delayed until the full negotiating teams had arrived.

Until now, talks have been taking place only through mediators.

South Sudan is the world's newest state. It was formed in 2011, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of conflict.

The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.

Politicians' political bases are often ethnic. President Kiir is from the Dinka community while Mr Machar is a Nuer.

bbc map Fighting erupted in the South Sudan capital, Juba, in mid-December. It followed a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his ex-deputy Riek Machar. The squabble has taken on an ethnic dimension as politicians' political bases are often ethnic.
News graphic showing the ethnic groups of South Sudan Sudan's arid north is mainly home to Arabic-speaking Muslims. But in South Sudan there is no dominant culture. The Dinkas and the Nuers are the largest of more than 200 ethnic groups, each with its own languages and traditional beliefs, alongside Christianity and Islam.
Map showing the location of oil fields in South Sudan Both Sudan and the South are reliant on oil revenue, which accounts for 98% of South Sudan's budget. They have fiercely disagreed over how to divide the oil wealth of the former united state - at one time production was shutdown for more than a year. Some 75% of the oil lies in the South but all the pipelines run north
Map showing the geography of South Sudan The two Sudans are very different geographically. The great divide is visible even from space, as this Nasa satellite image shows. The northern states are a blanket of desert, broken only by the fertile Nile corridor. South Sudan is covered by green swathes of grassland, swamps and tropical forest.
Map showing access to water in South Sudan After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan is the world's newest country - and one of its poorest. Figures from 2010 show some 69% of households now have access to clean water - up from 48% in 2006. However, just 2% of households have water on the premises.
Map showing education levels in South Sudan Just 29% of children attend primary school in South Sudan - however this is also an improvement on the 16% recorded in 2006. About 32% of primary-age boys attend, while just 25% of girls do. Overall, 64% of children who begin primary school reach the last grade.
Map showing food insecurity rates in South Sudan Almost 28% of children under the age of five in South Sudan are moderately or severely underweight - this compares with the 33% recorded in 2006. Unity state has the highest proportion of children suffering malnourishment (46%), while Central Equatoria has the lowest (17%).

Are you in South Sudan? What are your views on talks delay? Have you been affected by the violence? Send us your comments using the form below.


Brazil: Gangs set four buses alight

Brazil: Criminal gangs set buses alight in Sao Luis

Map of Brazil

Criminal gangs in Brazil have set fire to four buses and attacked a police station in the north-eastern city of Sao Luis, authorities say.

They say the order for the attack came from gang leaders arrested at the notorious Pedrinhas penitentiary, where at least 59 inmates died last year.

"The attacks are in reaction to recent measures to curb jail violence," said the Maranhao state government.

A six-year girl who was inside one of the buses suffered severe burns.

"Her mother asked the criminals not to harm the children, but they showed no mercy and set fire to the girl," a relative told O Globo newspaper.

Three other people were injured in the attacks, which took place on Friday night in the outskirts of Sao Luis.

A police station was also attacked, with several shots fired from a passing car.

"We know who is behind this and it is only a matter of hours before we arrest them," said Maranhao state Security Secretary Aluisio Mendes.

Extra troops had been deployed across the city, he added.

Beheadings

Local gangs were blamed for similar attacks in the Maranhao state capital earlier last year.

The authorities have linked the latest wave of violence to a recent report complied by the federal government.

The report by a judge highlighted violence inside the Pedrinhas penitentiary and put pressure on the state government to act, correspondents say.

Video taken inside the Pedrinhas prison in Sao Luis also shows the torture of one inmate at the hands of others - and cases of beheadings.

Extra policemen have since been deployed inside Pedrinhas. But on Thursday two more bodies were found at the penitentiary.

Brazil has the world's fourth-largest prison population, with half a million inmates occupying spaces for 300,000.


Missing teenager search called off

Search for missing Devon teenager Harry Martin called off

Harry Martin Harry Martin planned to take photographs of the stormy seas

The search for a Devon teenager who has not been seen since going out to take photographs of stormy seas has been called off for a second night.

Harry Martin, 18, from Membland, Newton Ferrers, left his home on Thursday.

More than 120 volunteers joined professional search and rescue teams on Saturday. A review will be conducted on Sunday morning to decide if the search should continue, coastguards said.

Further stormy weather is expected across many parts of England later.

'Excellent local knowledge'

Mr Martin, who police said was a photography student, was last seen by his father leaving his home and walking towards a coastal path at about noon on Thursday.

He was reported missing on Friday, sparking an extensive search which was called off after dusk.

On Saturday morning, locals joined police, coastguards, fire crews and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Group in the resumed operation.

Insp David Cuff, of Devon and Cornwall Police, confirmed about 120 members of the public had volunteered to assist.

He said: "A lot of them them have excellent local knowledge which is assisting us."

Police said they were "extremely concerned" for his welfare as his disappearance was "out of character".

Officers added that rescuers would still act on any sightings or other information received about him, even after the search was stood down.

In other developments in England:

  • The Environment Agency, which has issued about 100 flood warnings across England and Wales, warned the risk of flooding would continue throughout the weekend
  • The Thames Barrier was closed on Saturday afternoon to avert damage from the mid-afternoon tide
  • Residents in Chiswell and Portland in Dorset were evacuated ahead of high tide on Friday night
  • A man was rescued by police in Newquay after going into the sea in the early hours of Saturday
  • Police looking for a missing woman have begun to search a stretch of river near her home in the Hexham area of Northumberland. Janis Hall, 65, has not been seen for more than two weeks
  • Part of a cliff has collapsed into the sea on the East Sussex coast after being undermined by rough seas

The Environment Agency issued a severe flood warning - meaning "danger to life" - for Westbury, Broadoak and Newnham on the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire on Saturday morning, but it was later stood down.

Severe flood warnings were also in place on the tidal Severn from Elmore to Rodley due to strong winds which could cause defences to be overtopped, and at Minsterworth and Quedgeley.

North Devon Council tweeted that part of a sea wall had collapsed behind Ilfracombe's Landmark Theatre and the town's bottom car park had been closed with the public being advised to stay away from that area.

In east Devon, Exmouth Town Council's offices were open on Saturday morning so people could collect empty sandbags.


Iraq government 'loses Fallujah'

Iraq conflict: Sunni fighters 'control all of Fallujah'

Sunni fighters in Fallujah, 4 January Sunni gunmen in Fallujah took advantage of an army pullout earlier this week

The Iraqi government has lost control of the strategic city of Fallujah, west of Baghdad, eyewitnesses say.

Al-Qaeda-linked militants now control the south of the city, a security source told the BBC. An Iraqi reporter there says tribesmen allied with al-Qaeda hold the rest of Fallujah.

Fighting there erupted after troops broke up a protest camp by Sunni Arabs in the city of Ramadi on Monday.

They have been accusing the Shia-led government of marginalising the Sunnis.

The recent fighting in Fallujah and Ramadi has pitted government troops on the one hand and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis), which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, and Sunni tribesmen on the other.

Local Sunni Arabs have been angered by they perceive as discrimination by the government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.

They also say their minority community is being targeted by anti-terrorism measures implemented to stem the surge in sectarian violence.

'Peaceful takeover'

Mr Maliki said he had ordered the Ramadi sit-in to be cleared because it had "turned into a headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda".

On Tuesday, Mr Maliki agreed to withdraw the army from towns and cities in Anbar province, to allow police to resume control of security.

But as soon as soldiers left their posts, militants aligned to al-Qaeda appeared in Ramadi, Fallujah and Tarmiya, storming police stations, freeing prisoners and seizing weapons.

The prime minister reversed his decision the next day, sending soldiers back to Anbar.

But on Thursday, militants in Ramadi and Fallujah raised black flags on buildings and used the loudspeakers of mosques to call on people to join their struggle and support a "peaceful takeover".

In recent months Sunni militants have stepped up attacks across Iraq, while Shia groups began deadly reprisals - raising fears of a return to full-scale sectarian conflict.

On Wednesday, the United Nations said at least 7,818 civilians and 1,050 members of the security forces had been killed in 2013.

The annual death toll was the highest in years, but still significantly below those recorded at the height of the insurgency in 2006 and 2007.


Cardiff flight in emergency landing

Cardiff flight forced to make emergency landing in Paris

Flybe plane The Flybe flight from Geneva to Cardiff was forced to make an emergency landing in Paris due to technical problems

A flight from Geneva to Cardiff was forced to make an emergency landing in Paris after suffering "a minor technical fault".

A passenger on Flybe's BE1832 flight on Saturday told BBC Wales it was a rough landing but the crew remained calm.

Firefighters rushed to the Bombardier DHC-8-400 aircraft on the runway at Paris Orly Airport, and dowsed it in water using hoses.

All 68 passengers were unhurt and are expected to be flown to Cardiff later.

A spokeswoman for Flybe confirmed that the flight "experienced a minor technical fault and diverted to Paris Orly".

Passenger Luke Broadley took this photo from the aircraft Passenger Luke Broadley took this photo from the aircraft

"A replacement aircraft has been sent and passengers are expected back into Cardiff before 21:00 GMT.

Hydraulic

"Flybe would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The Cardiff-bound flight had left Geneva Airport at 15:30 GMT.

But passenger Luke Broadley said the captain made an announcement about 45 minutes into their journey warning there was a technical problem and the plane would be landing.

The landing was unstable, but not particularly scary, Mr Broadley said, and he praised staff for their efforts.

Passengers were later told the problem was a "hydraulic issue" and the airline would arrange for a plane from Birmingham to bring them back to Cardiff later on Saturday.

Flybe's flight information on its website says the flight was delayed until 20:50 GMT.


Al-Qaeda under attack in north Syria

Al-Qaeda-linked ISIS under attack in northern Syria

Fighters of the al-Qaeda linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) carry their weapons during a parade at the Syrian town of Tel Abyad, near the border with Turkey, on 2 January 2014 The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has alienated other rebel groups, who accuse it of tacitly assisting the regime in Damascus

A powerful al-Qaeda affiliate is on the defensive in north Syria, reports say, as it comes under attack from Islamist and other rebel factions.

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is accused of tacitly assisting the regime and imposing a reign of terror on areas it controls.

Dozens of fighters are reported to have been killed in clashes which erupted on Friday in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

But reports from Iraq say ISIS has made a key advance in the city of Falluja.

It is controlling the southern part of the city, a security source told the BBC. An Iraqi reporter in Fallujah told the BBC that tribesmen and other militants control the rest of it.

Residents say they fear that security forces may launch a major offensive to retake the strategic city in western Iraq.

Alliance against ISIS

In Syria, ISIS is fighting Free Syrian Army groups as well as the Islamic Front, a coalition of Syrian rebel factions which also wants to build an Islamic state in Syria, says the BBC's Rami Ruhayem, reporting from Beirut.

Fighting flared on Friday, prompted partly - reports said - by ISIS gunmen who fired into a group of residents of the Aleppo village of Kafr Takharim.

They had been protesting against the death of a doctor and rebel commander in ISIS custody.

Rival rebel groups say ISIS has alienated them and attempted to hijack their struggle for its own ends.

ISIS fighters are "undermining stability and security in liberated areas through theft, kidnapping and trying to impose their own brand of Islam", Reuters news agency quoted the newly formed Mujahideen Army as saying.

It vowed to fight until ISIS was disbanded or driven out of Syria.

'Helping Assad'

An Idlib activist, Abu Leyla, told AFP news agency that ISIS "only benefits the Assad regime".

"They have taken over roads from local fighters and then withdrawn, opening the way to the army. They take over border crossings to control arms shipments for the rebels. People have had enough," Abu Leyla said.

That was echoed by the main opposition National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, which applauded the FSA's efforts to dislodge ISIS.

"ISIS is an extension of the Assad regime," the Coalition's Munzer Akbik said.

"The Syrian people clearly have rejected al-Qaeda's attempts to establish a presence in liberated territories. The solution to fighting extremism in Syria is to strengthen the Free Syrian Army at this critical juncture."

Fighting has been reported in:

  • Atareb, Aleppo province: with FSA units reportedly making progress but ISIS surrounding the town and shelling it
  • The eastern districts of Kallassah, Ansari and Jisr al-Hajj in Aleppo city, where the Mujahideen Army is taking on ISIS
  • Qabtan al-Jabal and surrounding villages west of Aleppo city, with reports of dozens of ISIS fighters captured
  • Hazzano and Maarat Misreen in Idlib province
  • But in Saraqeb and Kafranbel, Idlib, ISIS is reported to be rounding up "suspect activists"

The fight against ISIS appears to be the priority for all groups fighting the Syrian government, with one exception - the Nusra Front, our correspondent says.

Organically linked to ISIS, the two groups used to follow the same al-Qaeda leadership until they split last year. Nusra is now closely allied to the Islamic Front, and has been trying to remain neutral.

For all the groups involved, the fighting is diverting precious resources away from the fight with the Syrian government, our correspondent adds.


India leader agrees to smaller home

Delhi's new chief Arvind Kejriwal opts for smaller home

Arvind Kejriwal assumed office of the Chief Minister of Delhi on 28 December 2013 Arvind Kejriwal has pledged to do away with the "VIP culture" of Indian politics

The new chief minister of the Indian capital has abandoned plans to move into the official residence after it provoked widespread criticism.

Arvind Kejriwal had defended his move into the two spacious five-bedroom flats - one to serve as his office.

But his opponents said it flew in the face of the election promises he made that helped bring him to office.

Mr Kejriwal's Aam Admi - or Common Man - party (AAP) won elections last month with a strong anti-corruption message.

On Friday, 45-year-old Mr Kejriwal played down the accommodation issue saying he would be living in one of the flats with his family, "while using the other as my office where we can work till late hour".

But on Saturday he admitted that it was not only his opponents who had taken issue with the move.

"My friends, supporters, have been calling me and sending messages saying I should not move into the five-bedroom flat," he told a party strategy meeting.

"So I have decided to forego them. I am asking the government to look for smaller accommodation for me."

His opponents had said Mr Kejriwal's move into the flats was in "total contradiction" of his claim to do away with what he had called the "VIP culture" of Indian politics.

"It is actually important," Mr Kejriwal said on Saturday in response to the attacks on him.

"We have come to cleanse dirty politics. Like Caesar's wife we have to be above suspicion and we have to subject ourselves to scrutiny."

Arvind Kejriwal, a former civil servant and leading anti-corruption activist, was sworn in as chief minister on 28 December after his one-year-old party won 28 of Delhi's 70 assembly seats.


India leader agrees to smaller home

Delhi's new chief Arvind Kejriwal opts for smaller home

Arvind Kejriwal assumed office of the Chief Minister of Delhi on 28 December 2013 Arvind Kejriwal has pledged to do away with the "VIP culture" of Indian politics

The new chief minister of the Indian capital has abandoned plans to move into the official residence after it provoked widespread criticism.

Arvind Kejriwal had defended his move into the two spacious five-bedroom flats - one to serve as his office.

But his opponents said it flew in the face of the election promises he made that helped bring him to office.

Mr Kejriwal's Aam Admi - or Common Man - party (AAP) won elections last month with a strong anti-corruption message.

On Friday, 45-year-old Mr Kejriwal played down the accommodation issue saying he would be living in one of the flats with his family, "while using the other as my office where we can work till late hour".

But on Saturday he admitted that it was not only his opponents who had taken issue with the move.

"My friends, supporters, have been calling me and sending messages saying I should not move into the five-bedroom flat," he told a party strategy meeting.

"So I have decided to forego them. I am asking the government to look for smaller accommodation for me."

His opponents had said Mr Kejriwal's move into the flats was in "total contradiction" of his claim to do away with what he had called the "VIP culture" of Indian politics.

"It is actually important," Mr Kejriwal said on Saturday in response to the attacks on him.

"We have come to cleanse dirty politics. Like Caesar's wife we have to be above suspicion and we have to subject ourselves to scrutiny."

Arvind Kejriwal, a former civil servant and leading anti-corruption activist, was sworn in as chief minister on 28 December after his one-year-old party won 28 of Delhi's 70 assembly seats.


Rochdale 2-0 Leeds United

Rochdale v Leeds

Team badge of Rochdale
Rochdale 2

Hogan 45′ Henderson 84′

Team badge of Leeds United
Leeds 0
  • FT 90 +3
  • HT 1-0

4 January 2014 Last updated at 17:15

League Two side Rochdale reached the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in 11 years with a deserved win against Leeds United at Spotland.

Striker Scott Hogan planted Peter Vincenti's teasing right-wing cross past Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny seconds before half-time.

The Championship side's fate was sealed when man-of-the-match Ian Henderson superbly volleyed into the top corner.

Matt Smith's first-half header was cleared off the Dale line for Leeds.

More follows

Lineup, Bookings (5) & Substitutions (3)

Rochdale

  • 01 Lillis
  • 03 Bennett
  • 16 Done Booked
  • 04 Cavanagh Booked
  • 06 Lancashire
  • 22 O'Connell
  • 12 Lund
  • 40 Henderson
  • 11 Hogan
  • 07 Vincenti
  • 39 Bunney Booked (Cummins - 72' )

Substitutes

  • 02 Rafferty
  • 05 Eastham
  • 09 Donnelly
  • 21 Thomson
  • 24 Allen
  • 29 Cummins
  • 38 Dicker

Leeds United

  • 01 Kenny
  • 02 Peltier (Poleon - 85' )
  • 16 Pugh Booked
  • 05 Pearce Booked
  • 24 Zaliukas
  • 22 Wootton (Hunt - 76' )
  • 08 Austin
  • 06 Murphy
  • 20 Smith
  • 25 Byram
  • 44 McCormack

Substitutes

  • 04 Lees
  • 10 Hunt
  • 17 Brown
  • 18 Tonge
  • 26 Poleon
  • 27 Ariyibi
  • 33 Cairns
Ref: Michael Jones
Att: 8,255

Match Stats

Shots

19 11

On target

8 4

Corners

11 5

Fouls

9 11

Live Text Commentary

Full time

Full Time Match ends, Rochdale 2, Leeds United 0.

90:00 +3:00 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Rochdale 2, Leeds United 0.

89:48

Luke Murphy (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

89:48

Foul by Matt Done (Rochdale).

89:16

Attempt saved. Rodolph Austin (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ross McCormack.

87:51

Attempt missed. Scott Hogan (Rochdale) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Ian Henderson with a cross following a set piece situation.

87:20 Booking

Booking Danny Pugh (Leeds United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

87:08

Foul by Danny Pugh (Leeds United).

87:08

Peter Vincenti (Rochdale) wins a free kick on the right wing.

85:06

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Patrick Kenny.

85:03

Attempt saved. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Matt Done.

84:12 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Leeds United. Dominic Poleon replaces Lee Peltier.

83:19 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Rochdale 2, Leeds United 0. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Graham Cummins with a cross.

80:39

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Patrick Kenny.

80:37

Attempt saved. Peter Vincenti (Rochdale) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Scott Hogan.

79:44

Foul by Rodolph Austin (Leeds United).

79:44

Rhys Bennett (Rochdale) wins a free kick on the right wing.

79:00

Attempt missed. Matthew Lund (Rochdale) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Peter Vincenti following a corner.

78:59

Attempt missed. Peter Vincenti (Rochdale) header from very close range misses to the right. Assisted by Ian Henderson with a cross following a corner.

78:35

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Lee Peltier.

77:55

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Luke Murphy.

77:53

Attempt blocked. Scott Hogan (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Peter Vincenti.

76:57

Attempt missed. Peter Vincenti (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Ian Henderson.

75:56

Foul by Matt Smith (Leeds United).

75:56

Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

75:20 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Leeds United. Noel Hunt replaces Scott Wootton.

73:22

Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Josh Lillis.

73:21

Attempt saved. Danny Pugh (Leeds United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ross McCormack with a through ball.

72:34

Attempt missed. Matthew Lund (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Ian Henderson with a cross following a corner.

72:00

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Sam Byram.

71:37

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Luke Murphy.

71:17 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Rochdale. Graham Cummins replaces Joe Bunney.

70:27

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Luke Murphy.

68:19

Attempt missed. Ross McCormack (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.

65:52

Danny Pugh (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

65:52

Foul by Peter Vincenti (Rochdale).

61:46

Foul by Ross McCormack (Leeds United).

61:46

Rhys Bennett (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

61:20

Attempt blocked. Matt Smith (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

58:23

Offside, Leeds United. Jason Pearce tries a through ball, but Ross McCormack is caught offside.

57:52

Attempt saved. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Scott Hogan with a cross.

57:08

Offside, Rochdale. Matthew Lund tries a through ball, but Scott Hogan is caught offside.

54:18

Attempt missed. Matthew Lund (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Ian Henderson with a cross following a corner.

53:55

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Marius Zaliukas.

53:04

Offside, Leeds United. Rodolph Austin tries a through ball, but Matt Smith is caught offside.

52:28

Attempt blocked. Matt Smith (Leeds United) header from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Danny Pugh with a cross.

52:07

Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Rhys Bennett.

52:05

Attempt blocked. Rodolph Austin (Leeds United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ross McCormack.

51:09

Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Matt Done.

50:47

Ross McCormack (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

50:47

Foul by Rhys Bennett (Rochdale).

50:27

Attempt missed. Joe Bunney (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Matt Done.

45:58

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Lee Peltier.

45:10

Foul by Sam Byram (Leeds United).

45:10

Matthew Lund (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

45:00

Second Half begins Rochdale 1, Leeds United 0.

45:00 +3:09 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Rochdale 1, Leeds United 0.

45:00 +1:50 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Rochdale 1, Leeds United 0. Scott Hogan (Rochdale) header from very close range to the top left corner. Assisted by Peter Vincenti with a cross.

45:00 +0:52

Foul by Scott Wootton (Leeds United).

45:00 +0:52

Joe Bunney (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

45:00 +0:29

Attempt saved. Scott Hogan (Rochdale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Rhys Bennett with a cross.

44:59

Offside, Leeds United. Luke Murphy tries a through ball, but Ross McCormack is caught offside.

44:20

Attempt saved. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Scott Hogan.

40:17

Attempt missed. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Peter Cavanagh.

37:43

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

36:46

Delay in match Scott Hogan (Rochdale) because of an injury.

35:45 Booking

Booking Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

35:41

Sam Byram (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

35:41

Foul by Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale).

31:33 Booking

Booking Jason Pearce (Leeds United) is shown the yellow card.

29:26

Attempt missed. Ian Henderson (Rochdale) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Peter Vincenti.

28:09

Scott Wootton (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

28:09

Foul by Scott Hogan (Rochdale).

27:45

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Marius Zaliukas.

25:58 Booking

Booking Joe Bunney (Rochdale) is shown the yellow card.

24:25

Attempt missed. Scott Wootton (Leeds United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Matt Smith with a headed pass.

23:42

Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Matthew Lund.

23:41

Attempt blocked. Luke Murphy (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

19:00

Foul by Scott Hogan (Rochdale).

19:00

Marius Zaliukas (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

15:22

Attempt saved. Scott Hogan (Rochdale) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Peter Vincenti.

13:52

Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Matthew Lund.

13:50

Attempt blocked. Matt Smith (Leeds United) header from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Danny Pugh with a cross.

13:03 Booking

Booking Matt Done (Rochdale) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

12:56

Foul by Matt Done (Rochdale).

12:56

Sam Byram (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

10:53

Matt Done (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

10:53

Foul by Sam Byram (Leeds United).

10:44

Foul by Matthew Lund (Rochdale).

10:44

Matt Smith (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

10:13

Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

10:13

Foul by Matt Smith (Leeds United).

9:28

Offside, Leeds United. Marius Zaliukas tries a through ball, but Ross McCormack is caught offside.

8:59

Attempt missed. Matthew Lund (Rochdale) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Ian Henderson with a cross following a corner.

8:32

Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Jason Pearce.

8:09

Peter Vincenti (Rochdale) wins a free kick on the right wing.

8:09

Foul by Jason Pearce (Leeds United).

7:43

Hand ball by Danny Pugh (Leeds United).

7:03

Offside, Rochdale. Ian Henderson tries a through ball, but Joe Bunney is caught offside.

6:02

Offside, Leeds United. Rodolph Austin tries a through ball, but Matt Smith is caught offside.

5:46

Hand ball by Danny Pugh (Leeds United).

1:52

Attempt missed. Danny Pugh (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left following a set piece situation.

1:49

Attempt blocked. Ross McCormack (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

1:10

Ross McCormack (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

1:10

Foul by Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale).

0:00

First Half begins.

0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Live data and text provided by our data suppliers


Protests over maternity care move

Protests over maternity care move from Withybush hospital

Protester Angela Mathias, from Neyland, said her granddaughter had been treated at Withybush

About 600 protesters gathered at Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire to protest against plans to transfer neonatal services to Glangwili in Carmarthen.

Campaigners, carrying banners and placards, fear the proposals could lead to the further downgrading of services.

Hywel Dda Health Board says the plans are part of the wider reorganisation.

It said there was a need for trainee paediatric doctors working nights on call to be based at one hospital.

Protesters held signs reading "No Withybush Downgrade" during Saturday's demonstration, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Police officers attended to ensure access to the hospital to ambulances, patients and visitors was not restricted.

Staff were told in November that consultant and doctor-led care at the maternity unit in Withybush would end March.

It is believed that a midwifery-led service will remain at the hospital, but all complex births and any involving complications will have to be transferred to Carmarthen or further afield.

A spokesman for Hywel Dda health board said its intention is for all neonatal services to be provided from Glangwili Hospital, a proposal supported by an expert panel of clinicians.

"This is because there is now a deanery requirement for trainee paediatric doctors to work their nights on call on a single site and our paediatricians in Withybush Hospital have raised their concerns about the sustainability of the local service with several vacancies we have been unable to fill.

"The university health board has listened to these concerns and we therefore need to put plans in place for the majority of the service to be provided from a single site."

The board said if it felt unable to maintain full paediatric rotas across the three current sites - Bronglais, Withybush and Glangwili - then the service in the south of the region would be provided from Glangwili Hospital.

"Our intention remains to retain a paediatric, gynaecology and obstetric presence at Withybush Hospital, however this remains subject to further discussion with the scrutiny panel and clinicians," added the spokesman.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford could also face legal action over the decision.

An application has been made for a judicial review to investigate Mr Drakeford's approval of the health board's plans.

The Welsh government has said it is aware of the legal challenge, while Hywel Dda health board has previously said that it had fully complied with its legal obligations.


VIDEO: Artists create fantasy world from ice

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Ice festival: Artists carve work from ice in China

4 January 2014 Last updated at 17:17 GMT

The annual Harbin International Ice Festival has begun in China with more than 7,000 people working to help the artists shape their creations.

More than 180,000 cubic metres of ice was used, along with 150,000 cubic metres of snow.


No major flooding after tidal surge

Scotland weather: No major flooding after tidal surge

Flooding in Musselburgh Some localised flooding was reported in Musselburgh

A tidal surge on the east coast of Scotland has so far failed to bring any major flooding.

Environment agency Sepa had warned that low lying areas around the Firth of Forth and inland at the River Esk in Musselburgh were most at risk.

But despite some localised flooding, no widespread damage appears to have been caused.

Several flood alerts and warnings continue to be in place.

A statement posted on Sepa's website on Saturday afternoon said there no "serious flooding impacts at present".

But it said a close watch was being kept on the potential for coastal flooding following high tide on the east coast, which had been due between 16:00 and 17:00.

It added: "Coastal flood impacts in the east coast are currently considered likely to be slightly less than those experienced on 5 and 6 December.

"The main focus of concern is on coastal settlements along the east coast from Tayport in Fife to Eyemouth in Scottish Borders, including communities in South Fife, East Lothian and Falkirk."

River and loch levels remain high, Sepa said, but the overall picture was described as "generally improving" with some respite likely until further rain on Sunday afternoon.

The agency said: "There is no immediate prospect of an end to the unsettled weather, which means the situation will be kept under close observation and further alerts and warnings will be issued as necessary and displayed on the website."

Falkirk Council said it was monitoring the situation in Grangemouth, with teams in place to help protect residents, property and businesses if necessary.

'Difficult conditions'

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse urged members of the public to remain vigilant to the threat of flooding.

He said: "Preparedness for flooding events such as those experienced by Scottish communities in the past week is key.

"I have seen from Police Scotland cameras that emergency responders are working extremely hard in locations around the country to provide a co-ordinated response to these difficult conditions.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of all the agencies involved in tackling flooding."

He said councils and the emergency services were "ready to react swiftly to minimise the impact of flooding".

"Keeping up-to-date with the latest information is crucial to communities vulnerable to flooding," he said.

"I'd encourage everyone to regularly check with the Sepa Floodline website for updates and warnings.

"Users can also sign up to receive Floodline warnings directly to their mobile phone."

On Friday, heavy rain and tidal surges brought problems to Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Argyll.

Homes were flooded in numerous towns and villages along the coastline.

The south west of Scotland was one of the worst-hit areas, having suffered similar problems earlier in the week.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said numerous properties had been flooded along its coastline.

And people in Helensburgh said they experienced the worst conditions in many years, with the esplanade flooded and closed at various points.

Have you been affected by the floods? Do you live in the areas where new flood warnings have been put in place? How are you preparing? Please get in touch using the form below.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions


Newcastle United 1-2 Cardiff City

Newcastle v Cardiff

Team badge of Newcastle United
Newcastle 1

Cissé 62′

Team badge of Cardiff City
Cardiff 2

Noone 73′ Campbell 80′

  • FT 90 +6
  • HT 0-0

4 January 2014 Last updated at 16:53

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first match in charge of Cardiff City ended in victory after Fraizer Campbell's late header sealed a dramatic win at Newcastle.

The Magpies went ahead when Papiss Cisse poked past goalkeeper David Marshall after Moussa Sissoko's run.

Bluebirds substitute Craig Noone equalised a minute after coming on after firing in from distance.

Former Sunderland man Campbell then nodded in from close range at the far post to leave Solskjaer celebrating.

More to follow.

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (6)

Newcastle United

  • 21 Elliot
  • 03 Santon
  • 19 Haidara
  • 24 Tioté
  • 27 Taylor Booked
  • 13 Yanga-Mbiwa
  • 07 Sissoko (Remy - 85' )
  • 08 Anita
  • 09 Cissé (Sh Ameobi - 85' )
  • 10 Ben Arfa Booked
  • 11 Gouffran (Obertan - 63' )

Substitutes

  • 06 Williamson
  • 14 Remy
  • 23 Sh Ameobi
  • 25 Obertan
  • 28 Sa Ameobi
  • 36 Dummett
  • 42 Alnwick

Cardiff City

  • 01 Marshall
  • 25 McNaughton
  • 42 John
  • 17 Gunnarsson Booked
  • 05 Hudson
  • 06 Turner
  • 19 Cowie
  • 13 Kim (Smith - 79' )
  • 09 Cornelius (Campbell - 60' )
  • 11 Odemwingie (Noone - 72' )
  • 07 Whittingham

Substitutes

  • 04 Caulker
  • 10 Campbell
  • 12 Brayford
  • 14 Smith
  • 16 Noone
  • 22 Conway
  • 32 Lewis
Ref: Anthony Taylor
Att: 31,166

Match Stats

Shots

13 11

On target

4 4

Corners

9 5

Fouls

9 5

Live Text Commentary

Full time

Full Time Match ends, Newcastle United 1, Cardiff City 2.

90:00 +5:11 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Newcastle United 1, Cardiff City 2.

90:00 +4:40

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Declan John.

90:00 +3:39 Booking

Booking Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card.

90:00 +3:35

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) has gone down, but that's a dive.

90:00 +1:12

Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Massadio Haidara.

86:46

Attempt missed. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from long range on the left is high and wide to the left from a direct free kick.

85:43

Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

85:43

Foul by Tommy Smith (Cardiff City).

84:25 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Newcastle United. Loïc Remy replaces Moussa Sissoko.

84:18 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Newcastle United. Shola Ameobi replaces Papiss Demba Cissé.

79:21 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Newcastle United 1, Cardiff City 2. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) header from the left side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner following a corner.

78:32 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Cardiff City. Tommy Smith replaces Kim Bo-Kyung.

78:22

Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Massadio Haidara.

74:37

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Peter Whittingham.

74:20

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Kevin McNaughton.

73:48

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Mark Hudson.

72:53 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Newcastle United 1, Cardiff City 1. Craig Noone (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner.

71:50 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Cardiff City. Craig Noone replaces Peter Odemwingie.

71:23

Attempt missed. Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick.

70:13

Foul by Massadio Haidara (Newcastle United).

70:13

Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

69:45

Attempt missed. Peter Odemwingie (Cardiff City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.

69:32

Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) hits the left post with a right footed shot from outside the box.

68:45 Booking

Booking Steven Taylor (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card.

68:39

Foul by Steven Taylor (Newcastle United).

68:39

Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

65:13

Attempt missed. Don Cowie (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.

62:01 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Newcastle United. Gabriel Obertan replaces Yoan Gouffran.

61:28 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Newcastle United 1, Cardiff City 0. Papiss Demba Cissé (Newcastle United) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal.

61:14

Attempt saved. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

59:06 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Cardiff City. Fraizer Campbell replaces Andreas Cornelius.

54:36

Foul by Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United).

54:36

Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

52:50

Foul by Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle United).

52:50

Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the left wing.

52:06

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by David Marshall.

51:52

Attempt saved. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) header from the left side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

51:24

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Kevin McNaughton.

50:27

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by David Marshall.

50:11

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the right side of the box.

47:54

Attempt missed. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.

46:09

Attempt missed. Steven Taylor (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left following a corner.

45:49

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Mark Hudson.

45:00

Second Half begins Newcastle United 0, Cardiff City 0.

45:00 +1:05 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Newcastle United 0, Cardiff City 0.

45:00 +0:41

Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Robert Elliot.

45:00 +0:28

Attempt saved. Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.

43:16

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

43:16

Foul by Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City).

42:30

Foul by Massadio Haidara (Newcastle United).

42:30

(Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

41:58 Booking

Booking Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City) is shown the yellow card.

41:53

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

41:53

Foul by Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City).

37:27

Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Massadio Haidara.

35:16

Foul by Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United).

35:16

Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

33:19

Attempt blocked. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

30:40

Attempt missed. Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.

30:18

Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Kevin McNaughton.

24:51

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) hits the left post with a left footed shot from outside the box.

23:43

Declan John (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

23:43

Foul by Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United).

21:36

Foul by Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City).

21:36

Massadio Haidara (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

18:40

Attempt missed. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.

17:26

Attempt missed. Don Cowie (Cardiff City) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high.

16:18

Attempt saved. Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

14:23

Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the left wing.

14:23

Foul by Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle United).

11:47

Attempt missed. Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.

10:13

Attempt missed. Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff City) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner.

8:36

Foul by Ben Turner (Cardiff City).

8:36

(Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

8:01

Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Massadio Haidara.

6:51

Attempt saved. Don Cowie (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

3:19

Attempt missed. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.

0:00

First Half begins.

0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Live data and text provided by our data suppliers