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‘We don’t understand how Usman Khan ended up like this’ Neighbours in Stoke-on-Trent, where the terrorist grew up, talk of their shock that he became a disciple of radicalsOutside a small white and green mosque in Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, at Zuhr prayers on Saturday lunchtime dozens of men and women in padded jackets, heavy coats and kurtas gathered in the car park, unable to squeeze into the single-storey building for the funeral taking place inside.“One of our community elders has passed. It’s a massive death,” explained a softly-spoken man in his 20s who didn’t want to give his name. He grew up with Usman Khan, whose family live in a terraced cul-de-sac around the corner. A day earlier Khan had brought terror to central London, embarking on a knife rampage, killing Cambridge Unive...

Dominic Raab in danger of losing seat to Lib Dems, poll suggests Tactical voting could lead to big upsets at constituency level, according to study by DeltapollDominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is in danger of providing this election’s “Portillo moment”, after a poll in his constituency suggested that he was at risk of losing his seat. Related: Could tactical voting result in a ‘Portillo moment’ for Dominic Raab? Continue reading... Go to Source

Maltese businessman charged over murder of investigative journalist Yorgen Fenech entered not guilty plea to charges relating to killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia A businessman has been charged with the murder of Malta’s best known investigative journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia.Local tycoon Yorgen Fenech, the 38-year-old head of a gambling and property empire, was arraigned on Saturday evening, and charged with participating in a criminal organisation, complicity in causing an explosion, and complicity in the murder of Caruana Galizia. Continue reading... Go to Source

Iraq risks breakup as tribes take on Iran’s militias in ‘blood feud’ Unrest spreads after security forces fire on protesters and anger at Tehran’s influence increasesIraq’s parliament will today begin the process of electing a new leader after the prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, resigned last week. His successor will have to cope with the severe unrest that is spreading across the country and which has pitched security forces against demonstrators for nearly two months. Fears are mounting that the country could unravel altogether.Security forces killed at least 45 civilians who were protesting around the southern city of Nasiriyah on Thursday in one of the worst incidents in the recent outbreak of anti-government protests. The government’s actions were intended to be a show of brute...

London Bridge attack: swift review of sentencing pledged - latest updates Attacker Usman Khan was ‘student and friend’ of radical preacher Anjem Choudary, according to reportsNarwhal tusk and fire extinguisher used to tackle attacker ‘It is scary, I don’t feel safe around London Bridge’Tell us: have you been affected? 11.40am GMTUsman Khan was likely to be considered a low to medium risk, priority three target for Britain’s intelligence agencies, reports the Guardian’s defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh. MI5 characterises the individuals it monitors in four categories, with priority one applying where there is “credible and actionable” intelligence of attack planning. Priority 3 individuals are those where “further action is needed to determine where a threat exists”. 11.35am GMT...

'It is scary, I don't feel safe around London Bridge' Workers in local community tell of panic, fear and anger over second terrorism attackFollow the latest news on the attackBelow the dramatic judder of a police helicopter, workers around London Bridge gathered on the street on Friday afternoon, shellshocked by the violence inflicted yet again on a community still recovering from the tragic 2017 attack.“We’ve been standing here for an hour,” said Alex de Silva, 25, a restaurant worker who had huddled with his colleagues on the pavement. “The police haven’t told us anything, and we are waiting for our manager to tell us what to do because they don’t want us to go home yet.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Red Cross criticises UK for stripping Isis recruits of citizenship Humanitarian organisation says policy is not helping bring clarity or peace to SyriaThe head of the international Red Cross has sharply criticised Britain’s policy of stripping the citizenship of people held in Syria after the fall of Islamic State, saying it is “not conducive” to long-term peace in the region. Related: Rescue of all 60 children of the ‘caliphate’ urged as winter nears Continue reading... Go to Source

London Bridge: attacker had been jailed for al-Qaida inspired bomb plot Usman Khan shot dead by police while wearing fake suicide vest Man and woman killed in attack on Friday, three others injuredPolice searching Staffordshire address connected to KhanLondon Bridge attack: follow the latest developmentsA man and a woman were killed in a terror attack in London carried out by an Islamist extremist who had been jailed for an al-Qaida inspired bomb plot and was recently released on licence.Scotland Yard are investigating how 28-year-old Usman Khan was able to launch the attack in London Bridge on Friday, despite being known to the authorities and fitted with an electronic tag to monitor his movements. He was allowed out a year ago after serving time for his part in a plot to blow up the...

Usman Khan attack at London Bridge: what we know so far Convicted terrorist released on licence was shot dead after carrying out fatal stabbingsTwo people, one man and one woman, died after being stabbed in an attack that started at Fishmongers’ Hall during a conference about rehabilitating offenders.Two women and one man were injured and taken to hospital.The suspect was shot dead by police on London Bridge, about 2pm. He has been identified as Usman Khan, a 28-year-old man who was jailed for terrorism offences in 2012 after pleading guilty to involvement in the 2010 Stock Exchange plot.He was arrested in December 2010 and released on licence (parole) in December 2018, wearing an electronic tag. He had reportedly been invited to attend the Learning Together conference. Related: Londo...

Revealed: Millions to be affected by NHS plan to ration 34 everyday tests and treatments List includes hernia repair surgery and blood tests to detect prostate cancerMillions of patients will be stopped from having an X-ray on their sore back, hernia repair surgery or scan of their knee to detect arthritis under controversial plans from NHS and doctors to ration “unnecessary” treatment.The Guardian has seen a list of 34 diagnostic tests and treatments that in future patients in England will only be able to get in exceptional circumstances as part of a drive to save money and relieve the pressure on the NHS. Continue reading... Go to Source