Gerry Adams Back On Sinn Fein Campaign Trail

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will be returning to the campaign trail today for the forthcoming local and European elections after being freed by police investigating a notorious IRA murder.

Less than an hour after he was freed from questioning, he said he was an innocent man and denied all involvement in the abduction, killing and burial of widowed mother-of-10 Jean McConville in 1972.

He offered the police his full, ongoing support but warned he was "concerned about the timing" of his arrest which came before the polls.

Sinn Fein has accused an "anti-peace process rump" within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of orchestrating the detention with the aim of damaging the party ahead of the polls.

It had also warned it would review its support for policing if Mr Adams was charged.

Armoured Land Rovers were prevented from leaving the police station

The republican party is holding an European election rally in Belfast this evening and a similar event in Dublin on Tuesday.

The decision to let him go on Sunday night after four days in custody being questioned was met with anger as loyalist protesters attempted to block the road outside the police station to stop him leaving.

Mr Adams, 65, told a news conference in west Belfast: "I rejected all of the allegations made against me."

He also revealed he did not eat during the first two days of his detention.

"Let me very clear - I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Mrs McConville," he said.

"I have worked hard with others to have this injustice redressed and for the return of the bodies of others killed during the conflict and secretly buried by the IRA, and I will continue to do so."

He added: "The IRA is gone, finished."

As Mr Adams gave a news conference at a west Belfast hotel, Mrs McConville's son Michael called for an independent body to investigate the allegations made against Mr Adams "so there is no political pressure on the police".

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Elena Baltacha Dies After Cancer Battle

The former British tennis number one has died of liver cancer at the age of 30, her family has announced.

She died peacefully at her home early on Sunday morning, her family said.

Baltacha was diagnosed with the illness in January, just two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her coach Nino Severino.

"We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement released by her family.

"She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."

Husband Nino Severino says he is heartbroken

Kiev-born Baltacha retired from professional tennis last November after struggling to overcome a series of injuries.

The daughter of former Ipswich, St Mirren and Inverness footballer Sergei, she reached a career-high world ranking of 49 in 2010, and beat the likes of Li Na and Francesca Schiavone.

Baltacha was British number one from December 2009 to June 2012 - 132 weeks - and she won 11 International Tennis Federation titles.

She played 39 times for Britain in the Fed Cup from 2003 to 2012 and was also part of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.

She was diagnosed at the age of 19 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system.

Her agent and friend Eleanor Preston told Sky News that Baltacha was a "fighter on and off court" and for that reason her "spirit and memory will live on".

The Lawn Tennis Association says she was a 'shining light'

"She was somebody who achieved an awful lot despite having a very serious liver condition which she struggled with since she was 19," she said.

"For that reason she should be held up as a real role model for everybody, for the way she overcame those obstacles and went on to achieve great things, and throughout it all without having the slightest ounce of pity or ego about it."

The Lawn Tennis Association's head of women's tennis Iain Bates said in a statement: "Today we have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis - a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend.

"We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women's tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news.

"All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena's family. We will miss you Bal."

Baltacha's friend Andy Murray is to play in a fundraiser in her memory

In 2010, Baltacha launched the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which helps children from all backgrounds to learn and play tennis.

All those involved in running the Academy have pledged to carry on the work that she started, the family statement said.

The previously announced 'Rally for Bally' - a fundraiser due to be played in June - will still go ahead, now in her memory.

Her childhood friend Andy Murray had committed to play in the event along with Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman.

The money raised will be split between the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

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David Cameron 'Ready For Farage TV Debate'

David Cameron is reportedly prepared to include UKIP leader Nigel Farage in a TV debate ahead of the 2015 general election.

Mr Farage and Labour's Ed Miliband have challenged the Prime Minister to agree to take part in a series of debates before voters go to the polls.

The Sunday Times has reported that Mr Cameron is ready to sign up for three debates between party leaders - including one that could include Mr Farage.

A "2-3-5" plan reportedly drawn up by aides would include a debate between the Tory and Labour leaders, another with Mr Miliband and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and a third featuring the three main party leaders along with Mr Farage and Natalie Bennett from the Green party.

The newspaper said the format would allow for one debate during the campaign, while the others would be held beforehand.

A No 10 source said the report was "speculation" about talks that are still months away.

He said: "We have not ruled anything in or out, so that means people can speculate what might happen in the talks.

"But the reality is these talks are several months away."

Last month Mr Miliband said the previous format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to changes such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.

Britain's first leaders' debates, between Mr Cameron, Gordon Brown and Mr Clegg were shown on Sky News, the BBC and ITV in 2010 after negotiations between the parties and the TV companies, which resulted in strict rules on the style of questioning and the division of time for leaders' answers.

Mr Cameron has since complained that the debates "took all the life out" of the campaign.

Mr Farage has repeatedly challenged the PM to agree to a TV debate with him.

Opinion polls suggested the UKIP leader beat Mr Clegg in two debates shown live on Sky News and the BBC ahead of this month's European elections.

Meanwhile, an opinion poll suggests UKIP is heading for victory in the European vote - but most voters believe the party attracts racists and bigots.

The YouGov poll for the Sun on Sunday put Mr Farage's party on 29%, ahead of Labour on 26%, the Conservatives on 23% and Liberal Democrats on 10%.

But 27% of those surveyed thought Ukip is a party with "racist views" and "many racist members", while 35% thought that, while the party is not racist, it "does seem to attract some candidates or supporters with racist, extreme or odd views".

Some 26% said Ukip is not racist and their "more controversial candidates are just saying the things ordinary people actually think".

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Leeds Teacher Death: Man Charged Over Message

One man has been charged and another arrested in connection with what police describe as "malicious communications" following the murder of teacher Ann Maguire in Leeds.

Mrs Maguire, 61, was stabbed to death in front of her students at Corpus Christi Catholic College last Monday, where she had taught for more than 40 years.

West Yorkshire Police said Jake Newsome, 21, from the Harehills area in Leeds, has been released on bail after being charged for the alleged abuse.

He is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A 42-year-old man, from Port Talbot, South Wales, has also been arrested and remains in custody.

Today, prayers will be said at dozens of churches across West Yorkshire for the family of the dedicated Spanish teacher and mother of two.

Mrs Maguire was stabbed during a lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College

The Catholic Diocese of Leeds has written to around 90 churches urging them to pray for Mrs Maguire, who was due to retire in September.

A spokesman for the diocese said: "We are asking everybody to remember Ann Maguire in their prayers, and to remember her family who will be under pressure and stress at this time.

"She was amazingly well known in the local community for what she had done for young people.

"Everybody is so hurt by what has happened and taking time to recover.

"This is a time to remember her. We are talking about three generations of people - children, parents and grandparents - whose lives she has touched.

"She made a major difference to a lot of people's lives through the care she gave them and her teaching.

"Part of her philosophy was to make sure that students achieved their best, and this is a chance to remember her."

A book of condolence has also been opened at the cathedral in Leeds for those who want to express their sympathies.

A 15 year-old boy is in custody charged with Mrs Maguire's murder.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video-link at Leeds Crown Court on Friday. There was no application for bail.

The case was adjourned until July 11 for a plea and case management hearing.

A date for the start of the murder trial was set for November 3.

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Max Clifford: New Claims Under Police Review

Scotland Yard detectives are looking into new allegations against disgraced publicist Max Clifford, who has spent his first night in prison after being jailed for eight years.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard confirmed that other people had since come forward with allegations since Clifford was sentenced yesterday for a string of sex sexual offences against four women, aged between 15 and 19.

"We have received further information and this is currently subject to review," he said.

Meanwhile, a children's charity has said the 71-year-old's sentence sent a "clear message" that victims of historic abuse can achieve justice.

The NSPCC helpline, which was used by Clifford's victims to come forward, welcomed the judge's decision to hand down a "substantial sentence".

Its director Peter Watt said: "It's clear the judge has recognised the pain and suffering Clifford caused and the additional distress he put his victims through by forcing them to relive their ordeal in court.

The prison van carrying Clifford

"His victims showed an enormous amount of courage in coming forward, four through the NSPCC helpline, and were treated with contempt throughout by Clifford, who called them liars and fantasists in court.

"As we heard in the trial, Clifford seriously damaged many years of their lives, with some being left suicidal by their terrible experiences at his hands."

He added: "The sentence today, and those of other recent cases up and down the country, sends a clear message that victims of non-recent abuse can get justice.

"All allegations, however long after the abuse took place, must be fully investigated and assessed by the police and CPS, with victims fully supported."

Passing sentence, Judge Anthony Leonard told Clifford: "The reason why (your crimes) were not brought to light sooner was because of your dominant character.

Judge Leonard condemned Clifford's 'contemptuous' behaviour

"Your victims thought you were untouchable, something I think you too believed."

He also blasted Clifford for causing an "additional element of trauma" to the women he abused by his "contemptuous attitude".

Judge Leonard said that due to the age of the offences, that occurred between 1977 and 1984, Clifford was charged under an act from 1956, which set the maximum term for each charge at two years.

Under later legislation passed in 2003, the maximum term would have been 10 years, and for the worst instances would have been charged as rape, which attract a maximum life term.

Clifford, who was taken to Wandsworth Prison in south London, will have to serve at least half his sentence.

The former celebrity agent repeatedly shook his head as the judge made his comments in Southwark Crown Court.

Clifford, who branded his accusers "fantasists", remained defiant ahead of his sentencing, saying: "I stand by everything I have said in the last 17 months."

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Ukraine: Clashes After Deadly Odessa Fire

Ukraine has launched a dawn military operation against pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country as bloody clashes between the two sides show no sign of letting up.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Ukrainian forces had seized control of a television tower in Kramatorsk, near the rebel stronghold of Slavyansk where there was heavy fighting on Friday.

"We are not stopping," Mr Avakov wrote on his Facebook page, but gave no information on casualties.

The violence came hours after 31 people died after a building in Odessa was set on fire during clashes between protesters.

A pro-Russian activist fires a gun during clashes with rivals

Police said some people inside the trade union building were overcome by smoke and others were killed jumping from windows as they tried to escape.

Pro-Russian and pro-Kiev activists fought running battles as the southern port city saw some of its worst violence since President Victor Yanukovych was ousted in February.

The fire started as the Kiev government began a major offensive against pro-Russian activists who have seized government buildings in the east of the country.

Russia said it was "outraged" by the day's events in Odessa and denounced the "criminal irresponsibility" of the pro-Western authorities in Kiev.

A protester throws a petrol bomb at the trade union building in Odessa

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that it called on Ukraine and its "Western backers to end the anarchy and take responsibility for the Ukranian people".

It added that Moscow viewed the "tragic events" as a sign of Kiev's "criminal irresponsibility".

At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, the UK accused Moscow of "breathtaking" hypocrisy over the latest clashes.

People wait for rescue on an upper-storey ledge during the fire

The UK's ambassador to the UN Sir Mark Lyall Grant said Russia had "funded, equipped and directed" some of those involved in the insurgency.

"Many" pro-Russian separatists were said to have been killed as the Ukrainian army took control of checkpoints around Slavyansk.

Two Ukrainian soldiers - from the airborne brigade - were also killed as two military helicopters were shot down, acting president Oleksandr Turchynov said.

Russia said Kiev's offensive against the insurgents had "destroyed" the two-week-old Geneva agreement on cooling Ukraine's crisis.

The Ukrainian Security Service said one of the helicopters was shot down with a surface-to-air missile, adding that the sophisticated weapon undermined Russia's claims that Slavyansk was simply under the control of armed locals.

Russia has tens of thousands of troops in areas near Ukraine's border, and Kiev claims it neighbouring country is preparing to invade and that it is stoking the unrest in the east.

Moscow denies the allegations, but has warned Russia would respond to attacks on Russian citizens or interests in the east, where insurgents have seized government buildings in around a dozen cities in towns.

Unlike eastern Ukraine, Odessa had remained largely untroubled since Mr Yanukovych was toppled.

But clashes erupted late on Friday between pro-Russians and government supporters in the key port on the Black Sea coast, 330 miles from the turmoil in the east.

Police said the deadly fire broke out in a trade union building Friday, but did not give details on how it started. Earlier, police said at least three people had died in a clash between the two sides.

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Ukraine 'In Military Assault On Slavyansk'

Ukrainian forces have launched a "large-scale operation" to retake the town of Slavyansk, according to pro-Russian separatists.

A Reuters photographer said he saw a military helicopter open fire on the outskirts of the town and a reporter heard gunfire.

Separatists said one military helicopter has been shot down.

In Kiev, an aide to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said he could not comment.

"Until it's over, no one will say anything," he said.

The action in Slavyansk, if confirmed, would mark the first significant military response by Kiev.

Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the insurgency-appointed mayor of Slavyansk, said self-defence forces had shot down two helicopters and taken one pilot hostage.

He said no Ukrainian troops could be seen in the city.

An APTN cameraman reported seeing black plumes of smoke on the edge of the city.

The apparent move to retake Slavyansk came only hours after Russia staged a huge May Day parade on Moscow's Red Square on Thursday.

It is the first since the Soviet era - with workers holding banners proclaiming support for President Vladimir Putin after the seizure of territory from neighbouring Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials have been criticised for being slow to act to stop the rebels seizing swathes of its Donbass coal and steel belt.

They launched an "anti-terrorist" operation in early April but have resisted large-scale measures so far.

Armed groups seeking union with Russia have seized a number of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine.

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British Fighters Filmed In Syria 'War Crime'

By Tom Rayner, Middle East Reporter

Video has emerged implicating British fighters in Syria in an apparent war crime.

Footage uncovered by researchers at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) shows jihadist rebels killing a prisoner, said to be a loyalist of President Bashar al Assad.

The incident is thought to have happened in the last two weeks near Raqqa in northern Syria.

The footage was posted on the Instagram account of a man believed to be from London.

The caption accompanying the video describes the prisoner as one of "Bashar [al Assad's] dogs" and says the killing was retribution for the deaths of four fellow rebels and the rape of a woman.

The ICSR monitors the social media accounts of hundreds of foreign fighters inside Syria.

Researchers say one of the executioners is a Briton seen in other videos

They believe the man that posted the video is part of a group of British fighters, known as Rahat al Tawheed, an affiliate of the Sunni jihadi movement ISIS, which controls large swathes of northern Syria.

"The execution of prisoners is a war crime in international law... it's incredibly serious" said Shiraz Maher, a senior ICSR researcher based at King's College London.

"We believe the main characters involved with Rahat al Tawheed come from London.

"We have deduced this based on our discussions with foreign fighters, our extensive record-keeping of foreign fighter activity in Syria, and our maintenance of social network maps which allows us to plot activity and associations in a visual form."

Although no audible English is spoken in the video itself, analysts from the ICSR believe they have identified one of the gunmen as being a British citizen.

In one video a British fighter says a bullet is 'the pen of the mujahid'

A man is seen in the video firing shots into the body of the prisoner in the seconds after the initial bullet was fired by the main shooter.

Analysis of the gunman's physical build, wrist watch and balaclava led the ICSR to conclude he is the same man seen speaking English with a London accent in other videos posted by the group.

"We don't know if the prisoner was alive or dead when he fired, but he did partake in the execution, he did fire shots at the individual from his weapon, and we believe he is a British citizen," said ICSR researcher Joseph Carter.

On two separate videos posted on YouTube, the man identified as the gunman by the ICSR is heard berating the British Muslim community for failing to provide sufficient financial support for the jihad or the families the fighters have left behind.

"You know who you are, from the capital, the Midlands, up north, wherever you may be… it's a disgrace, that brothers know where these wives are, where these families are, and yet you are buying your nephew or your child a PlayStation 4 or taking them out to Nando's," he said.

The group lobbies for donations to buy more weapons and ammunition

The Government's counter-terrorism programme last week launched a campaign urging the families of young men planning to travel to Syria to intervene.

It is estimated that up to 400 Britons have travelled to fight or train in Syria in the last two years. 

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "This demonstrates why we have consistently called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court.

"Horrific atrocities have been committed by both the Assad regime and by extremists. The international community must ensure that all those responsible are held to account.

"Our priority is to dissuade people from travelling, but any extremists should know we are prepared to take action to protect national security, and intelligence agencies and police are working to identify potential threats."

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The 'Disappeared': Who Were They?

Northern Ireland's 'Disappeared' In Full

Updated: 6:17am UK, Thursday 01 May 2014

A list of Northern Ireland's "Disappeared", the 16 people abducted and killed by Republican paramilitaries during the Troubles.

Joseph Lynskey: A former Cistercian monk from west Belfast who went missing in the summer of 1972. His remains have not been found.

Seamus Wright: The married 25-year-old from Belfast disappeared in October 1972, and despite extensive searches in the Coghalstown area the remains of the asphalt layer have not been located.

Kevin McKee: Mr Mckee was also from Belfast and disappeared in the same month as Mr Wright. Searches for his remains in the Coghalstown area have also proved unsuccessful.

Jean McConville: The widower and mother-of-10 from Belfast was abducted and killed in December 1972 when she was 37. Her remains were found over the border in County Louth in August 2003.

Peter Wilson: The 21-year-old disappeared from his west Belfast home in August 1973. He was added to the list in 2009 and his remains were found in County Antrim in November 2010.

Eamon Molloy: He was taken from his home in Ardoyne area of Belfast in July 1975. The IRA named him as one of the "Disappeared" in a statement in 1999. His remains were discovered in a coffin left in a cemetery near Dundalk, County Louth.

Columba McVeigh: The painter was 17-years-old when he was murdered in October 1975. Despite extensive searches his remains have not been found.

Robert Nairac: An officer with the Grenadier Guards who was on a tour of duty in Northern Ireland, Captain Nairac was killed in County Antrim in May 1977. The 29-year-old's remains have not been found.

Brendan Megraw: The 23-year-old's wife was expecting their first child when he was abducted from his home and murdered in April 1978. Again, the location of his remains is unknown.

John McClory and Brian McKinney: The pair were abducted and killed in May 1978. A 30-day search of bogland in Inniskeen, County Monaghan unearthed a double grave with both of their remains in 1999.

Gerard (Gerry) Evans: A 24-year-old painter who vanished in March 1979 on his way home. His remains were discovered in County Louth in October 2010, but no one has admitted responsibility for his death.

Danny McIlhone: Mr McIlhone, from west Belfast, went missing in July 1981. His remains were uncovered in bogland in County Wicklow in 2008 after previous searches in 1999 and 2000 proved unsuccessful.

Charlie Armstrong: The married father-of-five was abducted and killed in August 1981 while on his way to collect a neighbour to go to mass. The 54-year-old's remains were found in County Monaghan in July 2010. No group has admitted responsibility.

Eugene Simons: Mr Simons went missing on New Year's Day 1981. Three years later his body was found in a bog in Dundalk, County Louth.

Seamus Ruddy: The 33-year-old English teacher, who was working in Paris, disappeared in May 1985. The Irish National Liberation Army admitted responsibility in December 1995 and four years later, it was suggested his body was buried in Rouen. Despite searches there, nothing has been found.

Source: Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains

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Gerry Adams Facing More Questions Over Murder

The questioning of Gerry Adams over the abduction and murder of a Belfast woman during Northern Ireland's Troubles will resume later this morning.

The Sinn Fein President spent the night at Antrim police station after going there for an arranged meeting with officers.

Police have until this evening to decide whether to release Mr Adams, charge him or apply for more time to question him in connection with the 1972 killing of Jean McConville.

The mother-of-ten is the most high profile of the "Disappeared", those abducted and killed during the country's sectarian conflict.

The 37-year-old was taken from her home in front of her children and killed by the Irish Republican Army after being accused of spying for the British army, claims later proven to be false.

Jean McConville's remains were found thirty years after she was killed

Her remains were finally discovered in 2003.

No one has ever been charged with the widow's murder.

In a statement released after his arrest, Mr Adams said he was "innocent of any part" in her death.

Mr Adams, a former MP for West Belfast who now sits in the Irish parliament, has strongly rejected allegations made by former republican colleagues that he had a role in the killing.

"I believe that the killing of Jean McConville and the secret burial of her body was wrong and a grievous injustice to her and her family," the 65-year-old said.

Mrs McConville was taken in front of her children in Belfast

"Well publicised, malicious allegations have been made against me. I reject these."

Sin Fein's deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the arrest is "politically motivated" and designed to damage both the party and Mr Adams.

Recent police activity in the case follows the decision of a US court to compel a university in Boston to hand over recorded interviews with republicans about the murder.

Boston College spoke to former paramilitaries about the Troubles on the understanding the content of the conversations would not be published until after their deaths.

Veteran republican Ivor Bell was charged in March with aiding and abetting the murder. Five others have been detained and questioned.

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