Saturday, January 18, 2014

Union raises Ulster Bank job fears

Ulster Bank: IBOA union raises fears over jobs and pay

Ulster Bank Ulster Bank is the third largest bank in Ireland

A union which represents bank workers has said it fears Ulster Bank could be preparing to announce job losses.

The Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA wrote to its members on Friday warning that a review of the bank's operations could have major implications for employees.

It is concerned it could mean compulsory job cuts, reductions to pay and more branch closures.

Details of the bank's plans will not become clear until next month.

Ulster Bank is due to announce its annual results in February.

In November, Ulster Bank's parent company RBS said it was committed to operating across the island of Ireland.

But the bank announced a review which it said was aimed at finding a "viable and sustainable business model" following years of heavy losses.

That implied some more unpleasant news for staff and their trade union now seems to be preparing for the worst.

In recent years, Ulster has been the weakest part of RBS, which is majority owned by the UK taxpayer after it had to be bailed out in 2008.


Iran diplomat dies in Yemen attack

Iran diplomat dies in Yemen attack

Breaking news

Iranian diplomat fatally wounded in shooting outside ambassador's residence in Yemeni capital, Sanaa

More to follow.


Mourinho's Rooney claim wrong - Moyes

18 January 2014 Last updated at 10:32

Jose Mourinho's Wayne Rooney claim wrong - David Moyes

David Moyes says Jose Mourinho is wrong to suggest that Manchester United will try to sell Wayne Rooney this summer.

Chelsea boss Mourinho's summer move for the England striker - his sole transfer target - was rejected and he has now ruled out ever signing him from United.

Continue reading the main story

United made it clear they don't swap or sell players to direct rivals

Jose Mourinho Chelsea manager

"United made it clear they don't swap or sell players to direct rivals," said the Portuguese. "Maybe this summer they will try sell to a non-direct rival."

But United manager Moyes said: "I completely disagree."

The Scot added: "The club do the right things, there is no doubt about that. We'll make sure we do the things we need to do."

When asked if he was disappointed by Mourinho's comments, Moyes replied: "I wouldn't do it but everybody has their own style.

"I wouldn't talk about other managers or players at other clubs."

Chelsea host United in the Premier League on Sunday but 28-year-old Rooney, whose contract expires in 2015, will miss the game as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

The forward, who joined United from Everton in August 2004, is fourth-highest goalscorer in the club's history.

Meanwhile, Moyes, who succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, has received an apology from Chelsea over comments made by Mourinho claiming that all was not well at United.

The Chelsea manager told London's Evening Standard: "My feeling, which is based on years of communicating with Sir Alex and some inside information, is Man United are not happy."

Moyes said: "I've seen it and had an apology from him and his department."


Nadal, Federer and Sharapova advance

18 January 2014 Last updated at 11:55

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova win

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka all won in straight sets but Maria Sharapova had to work much harder to reach the fourth round.

Federer beat Teymuraz Gabashvili while top seed Nadal saw off Gael Monfils on a cooler day in Melbourne.

Defending champion Victoria Azarenka brushed aside Yvonne Meusburger but Sharapova survived a scrappy second set to beat France's Alize Cornet 6-1 7-6.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza knocked out 10th seed Caroline Wozniacki.

Meanwhile, Dom Inglot is the only remaining Briton in the men's doubles after Colin Fleming, Ross Hutchins and Jamie Murray all went out in round two.

Rod Laver Arena

Federer (Swi) [6] beat Gabashvili (Rus) 6-2 6-2 6-3

Switzerland's 17-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the fourth round for the 13th consecutive year with a comprehensive win over Gabashvili.

If omens are your thing, the only other time the pair met - at Wimbledon in 2007 - Federer also won in straight sets and went on to clinch the tournament.

Also, the last time wife Mirka was pregnant - she is expecting the couple's third child - Federer won the French Open and Wimbledon that year (2009).

"I'm happy that from my side I'm winning my matches in straight sets.," said Federer.

"It's been different conditions every match: the heat first and the indoor match and now normal conditions today with a bit of wind.

"So it's just good to get through and get a good feel out there and make sure if you've got a chance to win your matches easier to do so."

Sharapova (Rus) [3] beat Cornet (Fra) [25] 6-1 7-6

Sharapova, who took nearly three-and-a-half hours to beat Karin Knapp in 40C heat on Thursday, seemed set for a stroll in the considerably cooler (22C) Melbourne Park after dismantling Cornet in the first set.

But the pitch of her shrieks intensified as she struggled to find her rhythm and her serve in the second.

Cornet, the 25th seed, broke to lead 3-1 but the Russian broke straight back and had match point at 5-3 before Cornet broke for 5-5 and then 6-6 to set up a tie-break.

Sharapova had several aborted ball tosses and served six double faults in the second set, notably when Cornet levelled at 5-5, with only 52% of first serves going in.

The 26-year-old's groundstrokes kept her in the match, and 29 minutes after her first match point she manufactured a second to clinch the tiebreak.

The four-time Grand Slam champion won in one hour and 51 minutes to set up a clash with 20th seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova.

"She started playing better when I gave her some chances," said Sharapova. "After my last match I'm just glad to be through and have another day to recover.

"I definitely need to step it up - every player will need to raise their game."

Muguruza (Spa) beat Wozniacki (Den) [10] 4-6 7-5 6-3

Unheralded Spaniard Muguruza overcame her nerves to beat former world number one Wozniacki.

"I was really nervous, it was the third round of a Grand Slam and against a great player," said the 20-year-old, who won her first WTA title with victory at this month's Hobart International. "I was only thinking about being aggressive and not being scared."

Wozniacki said: "Sometimes it happens, you just don't take your chances. I don't think I did anything particularly wrong. I thought she played some great tennis. It was just a bit unlucky."

Azarenka (Bls) [2] beat Meusburger (Aut) 6-1 6-0

Two-time defending champion Azarenka brushed aside unseeded Meusburger to set up a fourth-round match against American Sloane Stephens.

Azarenka beat Stephens in last year's semi-finals under acrimonious circumstances when she took a medical time out while trailing Stephens. When Azarenka returned, she broke Stephens' serve and went on to win the match.

"Sloane is a great player, she's improved so much from last year," Azarenka said.

Nadal (Spa) [1] beat Monfils (Fra) [25] 6-1 6-2 6-3

Nadal produced a clinical display to beat the dangerous Monfils in the final match of the day.

The Frenchman managed just three games in the first two sets and, although he fared better in the third, Nadal eased to victory.

"That makes the level that I played tonight better," said Nadal. "But that's it. Just one very good day. That makes me feel confident, but I am in the fourth round. That's all."

Next up for Nadal is Japan's Kei Nishikori, who won 17 of the last 18 games in beating Donald Young 7-5 6-1 6-0.

Hisense Arena

Radwanska (Pol) [5] beat Pavlyuchenkova (Rus) [29] 5-7 6-2 6-2

Jankovic (Ser) [8] beat Nara (Jpn) 6-4 7-5

Murray (GB) [4] beat Lopez (Spa) [26] 7-6 (7-2_ 6-4 6-2

Match report

Tsonga (Fra) [10] beat Simon (Fra) [18]

Margaret Court Arena

Cibulkova (Svk) [20] beat Suarez Navarro (Spa) [16] 6-1 6-0

Stephens (USA) [13] beat Svitolina (Ukr) 7-5 6-4

Dimitrov (Bul) [22] beat Raonic (Can) [11] 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6 (12-10)

Kei Nishikori (Jpn) [16] beat Donald Young (USA) 7-5 6-1 6-0

Britwatch

Dom Inglot is the only remaining Briton in the men's doubles after Colin Fleming, Ross Hutchins and Jamie Murray all went out in round two.

Inglot and his partner Treat Huey of the Philippines beat Andreas Seppi and Potito Starace 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 on Court 15 to reach the last 16.

There they will face seventh seeds Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, who ended the hopes of Fleming and Hutchins.

Asked about being the lone Briton left, Inglot told BBC Sport: "Obviously I'm disappointed, because I want those guys to do well.

"We're all a very good team and support each other, and it's sad to see those guys out. I'll do my best to keep the flag waving for Britain - and I'm sure Andy [Murray] is doing his part as well!"

Playing their first Grand Slam since Hutchins recovered from Hodgkin's lymphoma, the British pair led 2-0 in the final set on Court Two, but went down 4-6 6-3 6-2.

"It was an exciting match, great atmosphere, we loved playing out there and it's one match we feel like we could have got the better of it," said Hutchins.

"If we could have kept our level up a little bit longer I think that would probably have given us the win, but it wasn't to be. But look forward to playing more big matches in the Grand Slams and we're really optimistic."

Over on a blustery Court Seven, Murray and Australian partner John Peers could make little impression on the solid pairing of American Eric Butorac and South Africa's Raven Klaasen, who won in 61 minutes without facing a break point.

"It's disappointing to lose but I think the other guys played better than we did," admitted Murray, who also lost in the mixed doubles with Zimbabwean partner Cara Black.

Day six also saw the junior competition get under way, but Britain's Freya Christie and Emily Arbuthnott were both beaten.

Quotes of the day

"No, no, I'm not superstitious at all. Eight is my favourite number, but obsessed would be a bit extreme." Roger Federer reacts to a local paper story that he is "obsessed" by the number eight, and always demands eight towels.

"I have great memories of last year. That's all I keep for me. Sloane is a great player, very tough competitor." Victoria Azarenka has put behind her last year's semi-final win over Sloane Stepehens, which incuded a controversial medical timeout.

"Non-existent." Stephens is clear on her off-court relationship with Azarenka.

"I don't know him particularly well. I mean, I get on well with him…" Andy Murray shows his defensive skills when asked about a picture of him in the ice bath Grigor Dimitrov.

"I was opening a bank account in US dollars and I was filling out a form for the ATP. So when they called me, it's not like I put this in the rubbish, but, you know, I put this straight in my bag and then I went to see the referee." 'Lucky loser' Stephane Robert on what he was doing when told he had a place in the main draw.

"When I'm not in the tournament any more, like it sounds rude, but I don't really look at the games any more." Caroline Wozniacki is asked whether her conqueror, Garbine Muguruza, can now beat Agnieszka Radwanska.


Men in court over Syria terror claims

Birmingham pair in court over Syria terror claims

Two men have appeared in court in London charged with travelling to Syria to engage in terrorism.

Yusuf Sawar and Mohammed Ahmed, both 21, from Handsworth, Birmingham, were arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday after a flight from Turkey.

They appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where they spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth.

They were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey in London on January 31.

They are accused of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, and of planning and travelling to Syria, via Turkey, in May in order to engage in acts of terrorism.


Offensive Mikaeel tweet investigated

Mikaeel Kular: Police investigate offensive tweet

Mikaeel Kular Police said the comments were made in relation to the Mikaeel Kular case

Police are investigating an offensive social media comment made in relation to the Mikaeel Kular case.

The remark, which was made on Twitter, originated from the Greater Manchester area and was brought to police attention by an Edinburgh resident.

Officers are liaising with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to identify the individual responsible.

A Police Scotland spokesman said any reports of online racist, offensive or abusive comments would be investigated.

"If you commit an offence, we will investigate it and you will be prosecuted," the spokesman said.

"Anyone who wishes to report offensive communications online can call 101 or contact their local policing team."


Inquiry into offensive Mikaeel tweet

Mikaeel Kular: Police investigate offensive tweet

Mikaeel Kular Police said the comments were made in relation to the Mikaeel Kular case

Police are investigating an offensive social media comment made in relation to the Mikaeel Kular case.

The remark, which was made on Twitter, originated from the Greater Manchester area and was brought to police attention by an Edinburgh resident.

Officers are liaising with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to identify the individual responsible.

A Police Scotland spokesman said any reports of online racist, offensive or abusive comments would be investigated.

"If you commit an offence, we will investigate it and you will be prosecuted," the spokesman said.

"Anyone who wishes to report offensive communications online can call 101 or contact their local policing team."


Young GB squad win World Cup bronzes

18 January 2014 Last updated at 12:29

Track World Cup: Britain win two bronze medals in Mexico

A youthful Britain squad won two team sprint bronze medals on the first day of the track World Cup in Mexico.

Victoria Williamson, 20, and 18-year-old debutant Dannielle Khan beat a French duo in the race for third.

In the men's race, John Paul, Callum Skinner and Lewis Oliva were awarded third place when opponents France were disqualified for an illegal changeover.

Olympic and world team pursuit champion Dani King was 14th in the scratch race; the men's team pursuit squad were 13th.

The quartet featured Jacob Ragan, Oliver Wood and Chris Latham, who were all making their World Cup debuts, alongside 19-year-old Jon Dibben.

Ragan, a British Cycling Olympic Academy Programme rider, also finished 12th in the 30km points race.

Day two of the third and final World Cup event of the season features the women's individual sprint, omnium and 500m time-trial, plus the men's individual pursuit, men's keirin, men's kilo.


MEP candidate killed in Kabul blast

Southampton MEP candidate Del Singh among Kabul dead

Del Singh Del Singh was standing as a candidate for the European Parliament

Labour's MEP candidate for the South East has been confirmed as among the 21 people killed in a suicide bomb and gun attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.

Dhamender Singh Phangurha, known as Del Singh, was killed in the attack at a restaurant in the city.

Born and raised in Southampton, Mr Singh and volunteered as a mentor for local unemployed people.

Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and other party figures have paid tribute to him.

'Brother and friend'

Mr Miliband said: "My thoughts - and the thoughts of the whole Labour Party - are with the family and friends of Del Singh."

Local politicians have also paid tribute to Mr Singh.

Aldershot Labour councillor Keith Dibble tweeted: "Devastated to hear the terrible news of the tragic death of Del Singh. A good friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."

He added: "Del Singh [went] out campaigning with us in Aldershot last year in the County elections. Del we will miss you."

Del Singh Del Singh had campaigned for Labour at every election since 1992

Labour leader of Surrey County Council Robert Evans tweeted: "Del Singh was a thoroughly decent man; proud to have supported him as a candidate for European Parliament in the SE."

Mr Singh was standing as a candidate for the European Parliament in the South East.

He started out working in two food production factories in Eastleigh alongside his mother and studied in Southampton.

He became an international development specialist managing EU and UN projects in developing countries, including Afghanistan, Libya and Sierra Leone.

As a leader of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East (LFPME), he was an advocate of Palestinian human rights.

LFPME tweeted: "Last night we lost a son, a brother, a friend in the brutal attack in Kabul. Still can't believe you're gone."

MP for Southampton Test Alan Whitehead earlier described Mr Singh as "an extraordinary asset to Labour in Southampton", which included supporting "community campaigns across the city".

Mr Miliband said: "He dedicated his life to working with people across the world who needed his support."


Van driver injured in tanker crash

Van driver injured in tanker crash on A9 near Dornoch

A van driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a petrol tanker.

The accident happened at about 22:35 on Friday on the A9 at Poles, near Dornoch in the Highlands.

The driver of the Ford Transit van was trapped in his vehicle and had to be cut free by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He was transferred by ambulance to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

The road was closed to allow officers to carry into inquiries into the crash, and an appeal for witnesses has been made.


Two Britons killed in Kabul attack

Two Britons killed in Kabul suicide attack on restaurant

An interior ministry spokesperson describes the scene

Two Britons were among 21 victims of a suicide attack at a restaurant in the Afghan capital, Kabul, the Foreign Office says.

Simon Chase, from Co Londonderry, and Del Singh, a Labour Party MEP candidate for the South East, were among 13 foreigners and eight Afghans killed.

A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the restaurant on Friday.

Two gunmen then went inside and killed people inside "indiscriminately", before being shot dead, officials said.

'Horrific attack'

Wabel Abdallah, the head of the IMF's Afghanistan office, was among the dead - as were at least two private US citizens, the US embassy in Kabul said on Twitter.

The area in which the attack took place - in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighbourhood - is home to a number of foreign embassies and organisations.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed the deaths and said it was ready to provide consular assistance to the families of the deceased.

Mr Singh - whose full name was Dhamender Singh Phangurha - was standing as an candidate for the European Parliament in the South East region.

He had previously been an advisor to the European Mission in Kosovo and had worked on UN and DFID-funded projects in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Libya, Nepal, and Palestine.

Ed Miliband, the leader of the Labour Party, said Mr Singh, who had "dedicated his life to working with people across the world who needed his support" had been killed in a "barbarous act of terror".

"My thoughts - and the thoughts of the whole Labour Party - are with the family and friends of Del Singh who was killed in yesterday's tragic suicide bomb in Kabul," he said in a statement.

"People everywhere will be appalled and shocked by this barbarous act of terror deliberately targeting members of the international community living and working in Kabul in the service of the Afghan people."

The general secretary of the Labour Party, Iain McNichol, tweeted: "Saddened to hear Del Singh one of our MEP candidates has been killed in Kabul. Thoughts with his family."

The veteran MP, Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Really sad to hear of tragic death of Del Singh in Kabul. Decent man who did so much to support Palestinans."

The BBC also understands that Mr Chase was originally from Liverpool, but had been living in the county Londonderry town of Limavady with his partner and young child.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned "in the strongest terms the horrific attack", his spokesman said.

"Such targeted attacks against civilians are completely unacceptable and are in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately," Mr Ban was quoted as saying.

The attack happened on a Friday evening when the Taverna du Liban restaurant would have been busy with diners.

The suicide attacker detonated his explosives outside the gate of the heavily-fortified restaurant, the Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Ayoub Salangi said.

Two gunmen then entered the restaurant and started "indiscriminately killing" people inside.

Mr Salangi said five women were among the dead.

The attackers were eventually shot dead by the security forces when they arrived at the scene.

The BBC's Mahfouz Zubaide heard the blast and gunfire from at least two kilometres away. He said the gunfire went on sporadically for about 10 minutes.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it deliberately targeted foreign officials.

Map

VIDEO: Vikings and yoga with dogs

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Vikings and yoga with dogs: Fitness programmes put to the test

18 January 2014 Last updated at 11:40 GMT

January is traditionally the month when people decide to get fit.

The Sunday supplements are full of fitness programmes promising to transform your life, and the clothes and equipment to go with it, but the new fad is for extreme fitness.

Newsnight sent super sloth Nimrod Kamer out to look at four of the latest crazes.


Kabul attack kills foreign officials

IMF and UN officials killed in Kabul restaurant attack

The restaurant in Kabul's Wazir Akbar Khan area is popular with foreign nationals, diplomats and aid workers

A senior IMF official and four UN employees were among 21 people killed in a suicide bomb and gun attack on a restaurant in Kabul, officials say.

Wabel Abdallah, the head of the IMF's Afghanistan office, and the UN civilian staff died in what UN chief Ban Ki-moon said was a "horrific attack".

Canadians, Lebanese, Britons and Americans were among the 13 foreign victims; the other eight were Afghans.

The Taliban said they carried out the attack late on Friday.

Five women were among the dead at the city's popular Taverna du Liban, and at least five were injured, police say.

'Devastated'

The restaurant in Kabul's Wazir Akbar Khan area is popular with foreign nationals, diplomats and aid workers, and was busy with diners at the time of the attack.

A suicide attacker detonated his explosives outside the gate of the heavily fortified restaurant, Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Ayoub Salangi said.

He said two gunmen then entered the restaurant and started "indiscriminately killing" people inside.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde later confirmed that Wabel Abdallah, 60, a Lebanese national, was among those who died.

"This is tragic news, and we at the fund are all devastated," Ms Lagarde said in a statement.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned "in the strongest terms the horrific attack", his spokesman said.

"Such targeted attacks against civilians are completely unacceptable and are in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately," Mr Ban was quoted as saying.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed that two British nationals were among those killed in the incident.

At least two US citizens died in the attack, the US embassy in Kabul said.

Kamal Hamade, the well-known Lebanese owner of the restaurant, and five women were among the dead. A number of people were injured.

Afghan security forces work at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 17 Security forces flooded the area soon after the attack.
An Afghan policeman stands guard next to the damaged entrance of a Lebanese restaurant that was attacked in Kabul, on January 18 The restaurant, in the heart of Kabul's embassy district, was popular with diplomats and foreign workers.
Fawad, a worker of a Lebanese restaurant who was injured during a suicide bombing attack outside the restaurant, looks at a damaged vehicle near the restaurant in Kabul, January 18 The explosion wrecked the restaurant and destroyed nearby vehicles.

"I was sitting with my friends in the kitchen when an explosion happened and smoke filled the kitchen," Abdul Majid, a chef at the restaurant, told AFP news agency.

"A man came inside shouting and he started shooting. One of my colleagues was shot and fell down. I ran to the roof and threw myself to the neighbouring property."

The attackers were eventually shot dead by the security forces when they arrived at the scene.

Ari Gaitanis UN Spokesman: "It is a very heavy day here for us at the UN in Afghanistan"

The BBC's Mahfouz Zubaide heard the blast and gunfire from at least two kilometres away. He said the gunfire went on sporadically for about 10 minutes.

The Taliban said it carried out the attack, saying it had been deliberately targeting foreign officials.

Security continues to be a major concern in Afghanistan. The last remaining contingent of Nato-led forces is due to leave by the end of the year, having handed over security to Afghan forces.

Washington is pushing Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign an agreement which would allow some US troops to stay behind after this year's withdrawal.

The Taliban told the BBC's John Simpson earlier this week that it was now back in control of large areas of Afghanistan and was confident of returning to power after Western troops left.

Our correspondent says it is hard to believe the Taliban could make a comeback as things stand, but their takeover of Kabul in 1996 was unexpected, and they could be strengthened if a weak, corrupt president is elected in April.

Map

AUDIO: NHS 'has upped game' on stress disorder

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NHS 'has upped game' on stress disorder

18 January 2014 Last updated at 11:46 GMT

Ex-soldier Liam Culverhouse was was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder when he caused the death of his baby daughter.

Dr Deirdre MacManus, a forensic psychiatrist at Kings's College London, speaks to the Today programme's Sarah Montague about the effects of active service on soldiers.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday 18 January 2014.


Kabul victim was living in Limavady

Kabul bomb blast: British man killed was living in Limavady

Afghan security forces at site of explosion in Kabul on 17 January 2014 Security forces were reportedly quickly on the scene and sealed off the area

It is understood that one of the two Britons killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan on Friday night had been living in Limavady.

Simon Chase was originally from Liverpool, but had been recently living in the County Londonderry town with his partner.

Twenty-one people in total were killed in the gun and bomb attack at the restaurant in the capital Kabul.

A senior IMF official and four UN employees were among those who died.

A suicide attacker detonated his explosives outside the gate of the heavily fortified restaurant before two gunmen entered the restaurant and started "indiscriminately killing" people inside.

The Taliban said they carried out the attack late on Friday.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon described it as a "horrific attack".


Lightning damages Rio statue's thumb

Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue's thumb chipped in storm

The Christ the Redeemer statue surrounded by lightning The statue's arms have a span of 28m (92 feet)

A lightning strike has damaged a thumb of Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statute.

The thumb on the right hand of the 38m (125ft) statue was hit during a storm on Thursday night, officials said.

Officials from the Archdiocese of Rio, which manages the statue, told Brazilian media that repairs will be made to the statue soon.

It is visited by nearly two million people ever year and in 2010 underwent a $4 million (£2.7m) restoration.

Thursday's storm had one of the highest numbers of lightning strikes recorded in Brazil since the country began monitoring storms in 1999.

The National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) told O Globo that the statue is struck by lightning on average between three and five times a year.

The monument was inaugurated on 12 October 1931 on top of Rio's Mt Corcovado and is considered the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world.

Lightning bolts near the Christ the Redeemer statue Thursday's storm reportedly saw more than 40,000 lighting flashes

Injuries as set falls on audience

Set collapses on to audience at Roundhouse in Camden

Fuerzabruta show Part of the set collapsed on to the audience, who are encouraged to walk around beneath the acrobats

Three people were injured when part of the set collapsed on to members of the audience during an acrobatic show at a north London venue.

It happened at the Fuerzabruta show at the Roundhouse in Camden on Friday night.

Eyewitness Steve Johns, 68, said: "The sail collapsed on to technicians and members of the public below."

Three people were treated for minor injuries by London Ambulance and taken to the Royal Free Hospital.

Fuerzabruta's website describes the show as a "mind-blowing, heart-pounding international theatrical experience".

During the show, members of the audience are encouraged to walk around underneath the performing acrobats.

On Friday night, the Roundhouse, which is yet to provide a statement, tweeted: "For anyone who couldn't see tonight's Fuerzabruta performances, please bear with us & we will contact you directly from Monday. Thank you."

Fuerzabruta show The performance was cancelled following the collapse

Photographer Mr Johns, who was at the performance with his daughter and son-in-law said: "Half an hour into the spectacular Fuerzabruta show in the Roundhouse this evening the sail which was spinning above the crowded floor on which acrobats were performing, collapsed on to technicians and members of the public below.

"Fortunately, due to the efficient security service and the calm of crowd, the worst was avoided.

"I saw only one person wounded on the ground before I was made to leave. The rest of the show was cancelled."

London Ambulance said it treated one person for a facial injury, one for an ankle injury and one for concussion.

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Tory grandee Lord McAlpine dies

Tory grandee Lord McAlpine dies in home in Italy

Breaking news

Lord McAlpine, the former UK Conservative Party deputy chairman has died, his family has announced.

The 71-year-old, who was an aide to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, died last night in Italy, his family said.

In a statement, they said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Lord McAlpine announce his peaceful death last night at his home in Italy."


Murdered girl's friends still hope

Claire Tiltman murder: Friends still hope for justice

Claire Tiltman Claire Tiltman was murdered four days after her 16th birthday while she was on her way to see a friend

Friends of a 16-year-old girl murdered 21 years ago say they still hope her killer will be brought to justice.

Claire Tiltman was stabbed to death in an alleyway close to her home in Greenhithe in 1993, but her attacker has never been found.

A charity concert is being held by the Justice for Claire campaign at Dartford FC's ground later to mark the anniversary of her death.

Kent Police said they were still actively investigating the case.

The campaign began in 2012 following the death of Claire's father, Cliff. Her mother Linda died in 2008.

Joanne Roberts, who knew Claire from their playgroup days and at Dartford Grammar School, said organising the concert had brought back the events of 18 January 1993.

'Remember nightmares'

"I think we shut a lot of it out but I can remember deep disbelief inside," she said.

"You can't process it in your mind at all - I just remember the nightmares.

"It brought everybody closer together and we all became a big group of friends all supporting each other but I feel it took away our innocence and our teenage years.

"You felt more wary of going out.

Lisa Gribbin and Joanne Roberts Claire's friends Lisa Gribbin and Joanne Roberts are organising the anniversary concert

"We would never have been like that before - it changed everything for a long, long time.

"It is tinged with sadness that Lin and Cliff wouldn't be here to see it but I would love to see justice done for her.

"No one should feel it's too late to come forward with that little bit of information that will solve the case for us."

Det Chief Insp Rob Vinson said some of the officers involved in the inquiry have been investigating the case for many years.

"It is one of those that anyone who has any involvement is absolutely committed to try and bring some resolution to it," he said.