A series of motivational messages have appeared at stations across the Southern Railway network on World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday September 10). The messages are part of Govia Thameslink Railway’s ‘Affirmation Art’ activation scheme and include “It’s ok not to be ok,” and “We’re with You” to show continued support and understanding for those in need. Working closely with partners such as Samaritans, Network Rail and the British Transport Police, GTR continually works to support people across its network. The messages were created by artists in chalk at station exits and entrances. Highlighting its commitment in this area, the company has appointed its first Suicide Prevention Manager, Laura Campbell, making GTR the only Train Operating Company to have someone in such a role. In the last year there have been 426 interventions by the rail company and 35 fatalities, with a 57% increase in lifesaving interventions since 2019 across GTR’s rail network. As part of its long-term strategy, GTR aims to reduce the number of incidents by 50% leading up to 2021. Speaking of the campaign, Suicide Prevention Manager, Laura Campbell said, “Whilst growing up I experienced first-hand the trauma that suicide can leave behind and it’s why I took on the role of Suicide Prevention Manager at GTR. “It is important to raise awareness of the support that is available to those that may need it and educate the wider community about the complexities inherent in mental health as well as suicide. The Affirmations Art campaign looks to do just that, in a subtle and visual way.” Laura continues: “My grandmother sadly took her own life on the railway when my mum was just four years old. Back then, there wasn’t the support around that there is now and I don’t think she’s ever processed it properly. “It’s one of the key reasons why I took on this role – my main focus is on supporting as many people as possible with all the work we’re doing to prevent suicide. I think it’s incredibly important that we’re raising awareness and showing signs of positivity on what will be quite a stark day for many.” Station manager, Steve Fleming, has been on the railway for over 20 years and in that time has met lots of vulnerable people. He is sharing his story to support #WorldSuicidePreventionDay and said: “Dealing with traumatic experiences over the years has been tough but it’s given me perspective for how other people might be affected and I think I’ve therefore become even more supportive both in work and outside. “I always encourage open conversations with my teams because I think talking about difficult issues can break down barriers – I am constantly reminding those around me that it’s ok not to be ok. “I’m passionate about raising awareness of suicide because I have personal and professional experiences of the consequences. “Sadly, I never got to meet my wife’s sister as she took her own life many years ago but I often wonder ‘what if’. What if someone had seen her and made an intervention, would it have made a difference and would she still be here now?” Helping vulnerable people is something Steve does every day – and he gets an instant feeling when something’s not right. “I had a situation recently with a vulnerable member of the public who was seeking help at a station I was working at. After walking out of the station and sitting on a bench nearby, I went out after him because I knew the worst thing to do at that point was leave him on his own. Samaritans advise you to strike up normal conversations and ask open questions, which is exactly what I did. “I asked him if he was feeling ok, but he told me he was feeling suicidal. He had called himself an ambulance, which I took as a good sign, but I wanted to make sure I stayed close to him whilst he waited for it to arrive. I wanted to be visible enough in case he needed help, but also invisible enough so that if he decided to come back into the station I could make a safe intervention. “Although it may seem like he had the situation under control, if I had left him alone at that moment it may have been a different story. “On World Suicide Prevention Day I want to remind people that our station staff are always here to talk, please don’t’ suffer in silence. We can support you and get you the help you need.” WCN

The EU is demanding the UK ditches plans to change Boris Johnson's Brexit deal "by the end of the month" or risk jeopardising trade talks. Kuenssberg: Brexit deal stand-off threatens trade talks How could the Northern Ireland Brexit deal change? Lords' anger over 'hypocritical' Brexit bill Senior government lawyer quits over Brexit plans Chicken, cheese, cod: The tricky trade talk menu The source of the EU's concern is Mr Johnson's proposed Internal Market Bill, which was published on Wednesday. It addresses the Northern Ireland Protocol - an element of the withdrawal agreement designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland. The bill proposes no new checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. It gives UK ministers powers to modify or "disapply" rules relating to the movement of goods that will come into force from 1 January, if the UK and EU are unable to strike a trade deal. The publication of the bill prompted emergency talks between Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Maros Šefčovič, the European Commission Vice-President. After two sets of meetings today - one on the trade talks and the other on the government's plans to rewrite part of the agreed treaty from last year - there has been nothing less than a diplomatic explosion. The EU issued a statement that was about as furious as any I've ever seen in this kind of context - demanding that the UK government withdraw the controversial plans to override the deal done with the EU last year by the end of the month, and threatening to take legal action if it doesn't happen. Essentially saying that there's no chance of trade talks, and hence no chance of a deal, unless the UK backs down. At this stage, however, anyone with more than a passing acquaintance with this government would know that's inconceivable. It is not, of course, impossible that further down the track the government may give way, or concede in quite a big way. But right now, the chances of a move are slim to none. Following the discussions, the EU issued a strongly-worded statement warning that the withdrawal agreement was a legal obligation, adding that "neither the EU nor the UK can unilaterally change, clarify, amend, interpret, disregard or disapply the agreement". The EU rejected the UK's arguments that the bill is designed to protect peace in Northern Ireland arguing that "it does the opposite". Mr Šefčovič said that if the bill were to be adopted, it would constitute an "extremely serious violation" of the withdrawal agreement and of international law. He urged the government to withdraw the bill "by the end of the month", adding that the withdrawal agreement "contains a number of mechanisms and legal remedies to address violations of the legal obligations contained in the text - which the European Union will not be shy in using". Germany's UK ambassador said he had not experienced "such a fast, intentional and profound deterioration of a negotiation" in his diplomatic career. "If you believe in partnership between the UK and the EU like I do then don't accept it," he tweeted. Michael Gove arrives at the Cabinet Office ahead of talks with EU officialsIn its response, the UK government said it would "discharge its treaty obligations in good faith", but added that "in the difficult and highly exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is important to remember the fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty". "Parliament is sovereign as a matter of domestic law and can pass legislation which is in breach of the UK's treaty obligations. Parliament would not be acting unconstitutionally in enacting such legislation. "Treaty obligations only become binding to the extent that they are enshrined in domestic legislation. Whether to enact or repeal legislation, and the content of that legislation, is for Parliament and Parliament alone." 'Unfettered access' Mr Gove "said that, during the talks, he had "made it perfectly clear that we would not be withdrawing this legislation", adding that the government was "absolutely serious". The Internal Market Bill will be formally debated by MPs in Parliament for the first time on Monday, 14 September. It has come under increasing criticism from Conservative parliamentarians. Former party leader Lord Howard said it would damage the UK's "reputation for probity and respect for the rule of law", while former Chancellor Lord Lamont asked ministers to "think again". But Mr Gove said: "I'm looking forward to the second reading of the bill next week. It's an opportunity for the government to set out in detail why we have this legislation." He promised to fight for "unfettered access for good from Northern Ireland to the rest of the United Kingdom". 'Reputational risk' Mr Johnson has defended the bill, saying it would "ensure the integrity of the UK internal market" and hand power to Scotland and Wales, while protecting the Northern Ireland peace process. But critics say the move will damage the UK's international reputation after a minister admitted the plans break international law. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the government to consider "the reputational risk that it's taking in the proposed way forward". Meanwhile, the latest round of formal talks over a post-Brexit trade deal concluded in London on Thursday. Speaking afterwards, Mr Barnier said the EU had "shown flexibility" in an effort to "find solutions", but the UK had not "not engaged" on some "major issues". For the UK side, Lord Frost said "challenging areas remain and the divergences on some are still significant". He said the UK negotiators "remain committed" to reaching a deal by the middle of October and officials would "continue discussions" next week.

Me "I`M SORRY!". #WCNMemes

Donald Trump delivered his Labour Day news conference from the White House Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trading insults over each other's position on a vaccine for Covid-19. President Trump again hinted that a vaccine might be available before the November presidential election and accused his Democratic rivals of "reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric". Mr Biden expressed scepticism that Mr Trump would listen to the scientists and implement a transparent process. The US has six million cases of coronavirus, the highest in the world. The virus has also claimed nearly 190,000 lives and fuelled a major recession, double-digit unemployment and sagging consumer confidence. Last week it emerged the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had urged states to consider "waiving requirements" in order to be able distribute a vaccine by 1 November - two days before the 3 November election. No vaccine has yet completed clinical trials, leading some scientists to fear politics rather than health and safety is driving the push for a vaccine. Both Mr Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris have questioned the president's credibility on the issue. Ms Harris said on Sunday she would not trust Mr Trump's word that a vaccine was safe, and Mr Biden also questioned whether the wider public would trust him too. "He has said so many things that aren't true I am worried that if we do have a really good vaccine people are going to be reluctant to take it," Mr Biden said in Pennsylvania on Monday, Labour Day. Joe Biden was speaking while on the campaign trail in PennsylvaniaBut he added that: "If I could get a vaccine tomorrow, I'd do it. If it cost me the election I would do it. We need a vaccine and we need it now. We have to listen to the scientists." Mr Trump, who is trailing in the polls, hit back at a White House news conference, calling Mr Biden "stupid" and Ms Harris "the most liberal person in Congress... not a competent person in my opinion". He said they "would destroy this country and would destroy this economy", and added that they "should immediately apologise for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now". The president, at times asking journalists to take off their face masks when asking questions, again suggested a vaccine could be ready next month. "We're going to have a vaccine very soon, maybe even before a very special date," he said. How is Donald Trump doing in the polls? = Better than Boris Johnson. Trump panned over reports he mocked US military = More than likely. Trump is a racist mobster, says ex-lawyer in book = Certainly. The top US infectious diseases expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, has said that it is unlikely but "not impossible" that a vaccine could win approval in October, and Stephen Hahn of the Food and Drug Administration said it might be "appropriate" to approve a vaccine before clinical trials are complete if the benefits outweighed the risks. But both scientists, the White House and the executives of five top pharmaceutical companies have made clear there will be no compromises on safety and effectiveness of a vaccine. Three vaccine trials in the US are in their final stages - each involving 30,000 people who will get shots, three weeks apart, and will then be monitored for coronavirus infections and side effects for anywhere from a week to two years, the Associated Press reports.

Copyright: Independent Journalist: Dwayne Hards Independent Journalist: Dwayne Hards WCN

Members of the public are urged to take extra care to avoid making unintentional 999 calls which can divert call handlers away from emergencies. In the past three months, the constabulary has received 28,069 calls to 999, with 2,831 being silent. Of those silent calls, 2,646 (93.5%) were investigated and closed due to there being no concern for the caller. Superintendent Michael Branston said: "It's great to know that those who are in a genuine emergency are able to reach us so easily in just a couple of clicks. But unfortunately this comes with the side effect of people accidentally dialling through to the emergency line." When a call handler receives a silent call, there are various checks and measures that need to be carried out to assess whether the caller is in danger.This includes creating an incident log and checking various systems for all previous calls from that number. They then call the number back, or send a text message if they cannot get through, before closing the incident. The incident log is then passed to a supervisor who completes further checks to ensure there is no risk to the caller before taking no further action. Supt Branston added: "Every silent call is different but on average it takes us about ten minutes to follow up each one. This can easily add up to hours and a disproportionate amount of the team’s time is spent ensuring accidental callers are not in any danger. "There's a host of reasons why someone may dial 999 by mistake, whether that be a pocket dial or a child who has got hold of a parent/carer's phone and come through to the emergency line without realising. "Whilst we appreciate that most silent 999 calls are a genuine accident and have no malice behind them, we would urge members of the public to be more careful and help us keep our time and phonelines free for those who need our urgent assistance. "You can do this by familiarising yourself with your phone's emergency SOS functions to avoid dialling us unexpectedly. "We also know that some people call 999 and are in danger but cannot speak. I want to reassure these people that our call handlers are trained to pick up on situations like these and there is a system in place to help assess your needs and arrange help. " Victims who are in immediate danger and are unable to speak are reminded of the Silent Solution system. By calling 999 and then pressing 55, callers will be transferred to a call handler who will be able to assess and arrange help without them needing to speak. More information on this service can be found here. For more information on how to contact police, visit Cambridgeshire Police | Contact.

A fraudster has scammed an elderly Horsham woman out of £1,000. Police are warning residents to be wary of unsolicited phone calls after a man called the 76-year-old pretending to be from her bank on August 13. She was asked to urgently attend a branch in Redhill as she had supposedly been the victim of fraud, police said. When she said she couldn’t attend, he arranged for a courier to come and collect her card and asked for her PIN number. Two ATM withdrawals of £500 were made in Crawley. PC Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Safeguarding Officer for Sussex and Surrey Police said: “Sadly, this is a typical example of the way criminals will prey on the elderly to steal their money. Courier fraud often specifically targets the vulnerable by exploiting their trust in the police and their bank.” Courier fraudsters are nearly always part of wider criminal gangs who can be incredibly convincing and persuasive, she added. It can be particularly intimidating for older people when scammers turn up on a victim’s doorstep and they may feel under pressure to comply with requests. PC Lawrie said: “We would urge residents to be particularly vigilant about unsolicited calls at the moment. You can help by encouraging older and vulnerable members of the community to double check people are who they say they are. “Never feel pressure to make a decision on the spot - if in doubt, hang up the phone or shut the door. The police and your bank will never ask you to transfer money and will not ask for your PIN or banking password. “We understand some victims may feel frightened or embarrassed following courier fraud and may not want to talk about it. We’re asking anyone who has experienced this sort of crime to report it to Action Fraud or police so it can be investigated." Police have seen a rise in reports of courier fraud across Sussex. Courier fraud is where fraudsters call victims pretending to be from police, a bank, or another trusted organisation and request money or information, a spokesman said. Typically, the caller persuades the victim to withdraw a sum of money or disclose personal details such as a PIN number. A courier is then sent to collect it. In July and August Sussex Police received 91 reports of courier fraud relating to vulnerable victims. There were 25 cases where losses were recorded, totalling £243.035. Fortunately the majority of victims reported the fraud to police after realising they were being scammed or banking protocol was instigated to protect the victim from losing money. The spokesman said: “You can do your bit to prevent courier fraud by checking on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours, and making sure they know what to look out for. “Please remember: The police and your bank will never: “Phone and ask you for your full PIN or full banking password. “Ask you to transfer money out of your account.” For more information about Operation Signature, the force campaign to identify and support vulnerable victims of fraud see the website here.

A man has been named and charged by police after two people were allegedly attacked with ammonia in Sussex. According to Sussex Police, Officers were called to St Anne’s Road in Eastbourne at 8.51am on Saturday (August 29) to reports of a road traffic collision involving a black Renault Megane. The driver got out of the vehicle and allegedly threw a liquid - thought to be ammonia, police said - in the faces of two members of the public. Both men received medical attention for minor injuries, police said. Frank Graham, 38, of Upperton Road in Eastbourne, has been charged with two counts of throwing a corrosive fluid with intent to burn / maim / disfigure / disable / do grievous bodily harm, aggravated vehicle taking and vehicle damage, possession of Class A and Class B drugs, driving without a licence and insurance and assaulting an emergency worker, police said. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court today (August 31). A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Anyone with any information is asked to contact police either online or by calling 101 quoting serial 845 of 28/08. "Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The boy had been out in the Blakenall area of Walsall in the West Midlands, police said. The boy had been out three times in the Blakenall area of Walsall in the West Midlands before a police warning was issued to his father. But as the father was unable to prevent his son leaving the house for a fourth time, West Midlands Police said it had "no option" but to issue a fine. The force said the boy was also abusive to an officer on one occasion. If he is found outdoors again the fine could be doubled and reach a total of £960, officers said. "On at least three occasions [the boy] was with other youths and on one occasion he was abusive to the officer who tried to speak to him as he ran away," Sgt Stephen Pursglove, of Walsall Police, said. "His father was spoken to and the regulations - the reason for them and the risks to all of us, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions - were fully explained to him."

A strange weather phenomena has been spotted above the skies of Shoreham. Pam Savidge said she saw the funnel cloud out her bedroom window. The 50-year-old surveyor added: “It was quite long. It wasn’t something you really expect to see here. It was quite a big one.” Funnel clouds or ‘tuba’ are extending, spinning fingers of cloud that reach towards the ground, but never touch it, the Met Office said. When they do reach the ground they become a tornado. The Shoreham resident said she was surprised to see the ‘unusual’ cloud but relieved it didn’t escalate into a tornado.

A Missing Cat Poster has been found by Independent Journalist: Dwayne Hards in Westcroft Shopping Centre. Please help Simba's Family find him/her. Simba a Ginger Cat reported missing at 8 months old in Westcroft. Please look around Westcroft including in Gardens, Hedges, Benches, Fields, Grasslands, and anywhere in the wild. If you can find Simba WCN & her/his Family would appreciate this. We are not aware if Simba has been found as of yet or not if you are part of Simba's Family or you want to help please sign this form below. We hope Simba's Family can find Simba good luck Simba's Family. Independent Journalist: Dwayne Hards WCN

The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing and Crawley from August 20 to 26, 2020. Linda Beaney, 37, of Beaumont Park, Littlehampton, was fined £660 and must pay £66 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without insurance on the A27 in Arundel on August 22, 2019. She also admitted driving without the correct licence in Arundel on August 22, 2019; driving to and from Tesco, Littlehampton, without the correct licence on June 17, 2019; and driving to and from Tesco, Littlehampton, without insurance on June 17, 2019, no separate penalties. She was disqualified from driving for six months. Ewelina Czaja, 39, of St James Court, Princess Avenue, Bognor Regis, was given a community order with Alcohol Treatment Requirement and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after admitting causing £45 damage to an NHS cabinet drawer in Chichester on May 30, 2020; two charges of assault by beating in Chichester on May 30, 2020; assaulting an emergency worker, an A&E nurse, in Chichester on May 30, 2020; assaulting an emergency worker, a police officer, in Worthing on May 30, 2020; and damaging a police officer’s pair of prescription glasses worth £113 in Worthing on May 30, 2020. She must pay a total of £433 compensation, £80 for each assault and £113 for the glasses. David Sopp, 46, of Clockwalk, High Street, Bognor Regis, was given a community order with Resolve Programme Requirement and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after admitting dishonestly making off without payment for fuel worth £30.04 in Worthing on September 17, 2019; dishonestly making off without payment for fuel worth £30 in Worthing on September 23, 2019; dishonestly making off without payment for fuel worth £50.40 in Worthing on October 1, 2019; dishonestly making off without payment for fuel worth £50.08 in Worthing on October 11, 2019; assault by beating in Worthing on November 8, 2019; damaging a BMW in Worthing on November 8, 2019; and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour with intent, causing harassment, alarm or distress in Littlehampton on March 24, 2020. He was also given a restraining order and must pay a total of £260.52 compensation, £90 victim surcharge, £85 costs. Warren Saunders, 37, of Arundel Road, Littlehampton, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £36 compensation, £21 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting stealing two bottles of vodka worth £36 from Morrisons, Bognor Regis, on March 13, 2020. Graham Keeley, 39, of Three Bridges Road, Three Bridges, was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must pay £269 compensation after admitting stealing a handbag and contents in Worthing on March 26, 2020. Richard Brown, 44, of Harwood Close, Codmore Hill, Pulborough, was fined £877 and must pay £88 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without due care and attention in Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham, on February 17, 2020. His driving record was endorsed with eight points. Michael Cole, 40, of Brighton Road, Worthing, was fined £50 and must pay £34 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting breaching a restraining order by being in company for an extended period of time with a person he was prohibited from seeing. Kevin Winslet, 56, of St Michael’s Avenue, Houghton Regis, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work after admitting drink-driving (131mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Main Road, Bosham, on March 15, 2020. He was disqualified from driving for 36 months. He was also fined £100 and must pay £122 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing cocaine, a class A drug, at Worthing Custody Centre on March 16, 2020. Douglas Pease, 26, of Windsor Road, Worthing, was fined £660 and must pay £66 victim surcharge, £620 costs, after being found guilty of failing to identify a driver when required by police at Shoreham on May 27, 2019. His driving record was endorsed with six points. Samuel Oakley, 35, of Brighton Road, Lancing, was fined £120 and must pay £32 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drug-driving (196 ug/l benzoylecgonine) in Ham Road, Worthing, on August 19, 2019. He also admitted driving without the correct licence and driving without insurance, no separate penalties. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months. Alexandru Rotari, 29, of Wellington Road, Bognor Regis, was fined £660 and must pay £66 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after being found guilty of driving without insurance in Beaumont Road, Worthing, on February 21, 2020. His driving licence was endorsed with six points. Alexander Kembrey, 31, of Wantley Hill Estate, Henfield, was given a community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and was disqualified from driving for 24 months after admitting driving while disqualified in Roedean Road, Worthing, on May 22, 2020. He was fined £300 after admitting driving without insurance in Roedean Road, Worthing, on May 22, 2020. He was fined £276 after admitting wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty in Worthing on May 22, 2020. He was fined £384 after admitting breaching a suspended sentence order. Paul Weller, 55, of Helyers Green, Littlehampton, was fined £120 and must pay £32 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting breaching a criminal behaviour order by being drunk in a public place, the car park in front of Teville Gate House, Worthing, on April 2, 2020. Darren Janman, 53, of Wick Parade, Littlehampton, was discharged conditionally for six months and fined £21 after admitting being drunk and disorderly in a public place, High Street, Littlehampton, near Sainsbury’s, on March 9, 2020. He must pay £85 costs. Daniel Robinson, 31, of Brighton Road, Worthing, was fined £40 after admitting breaching a criminal behaviour order by entering Chapel Road, Worthing, which was in his exclusion zone, on March 29, 2020. He was fined £40 and must pay £32 victim surcharge after admitting breaching a criminal behaviour order by entering High Street, Worthing, on November 25, 2019. He was fined £40 after admitting breaching a suspended sentence order. Jane Young, 49, of New Road, Littlehampton, was fined £120 and must pay £32 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting stealing goods worth £210 from Marks & Spencer, Chichester, on November 26, 2019.

The leaders of police, fire and ambulance services across Sussex have come together to condemn a steep rise in assaults against emergency workers. Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner described the trend as ‘completely unacceptable’. It comes as a national report is published with a wide-ranging set of recommendations around police officer and staff safety. Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “Police officers have experienced a rise in assaults over the last few months, but I was shocked to hear from colleagues in the ambulance service of more than a dozen incidents of serious assaults on paramedics over the summer - and that was just in Brighton. This is completely unacceptable. “It can’t be right that the very people dedicating their lives to saving others are increasingly coming under attack or when people think sharing videos of this is the right course of action. “For communities to be protected, we must stand together to protect our frontline. Assaults on police, fire and ambulance workers, and indeed other public sector workers doing their job, will simply not be tolerated.” Yesterday (Wednesday, September 2), the National Police Chiefs’ Council released the Officer and Staff Safety Review (OSSR), which it had commissioned in September 2019 and included the biggest ever survey of police officers, staff and volunteers to canvass views on safety at work. The review presented a broad range of 28 recommendations that have been unanimously approved by chief constables and fully supported by all staff associations. Assaults against officers were most likely when suspects were hostile, resisting arrest or intoxicated and the odds of assault were significantly reduced when officers drew their Tasers, compared to officers who used only handcuffs. Lawrence Hughes, 29, of Southover Street, Brighton, was jailed for eight months for this attack on a police officer in Hove in April and a further four months for driving while banned. In sentencing him, Judge Mark Van Der Zwart congratulated PC Alex Ferguson, who had his radio grabbed and thrown away by Hughes to prevent him calling for help, and said: “Police officers have a vital role in maintaining law and order and protecting us all. “They are not there to be abused and assaulted. It is not part and parcel of their job. Those who think they can attack the police should understand the offences will be met with an immediate custodial sentence.” However, police officers are not the only emergency service workers affected, with colleagues from the ambulance and fire and rescue services also reporting assaults on their staff. South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) Operating Unit Manager for Brighton, Tim Fellows, said: “Since June 1, we have seen an alarming spate of incidents of assaults and abuse of our staff. “In Brighton and Hove alone, we have recorded 16 separate incidents and on occasions that has involved more than one of our team. What is clear, is that alcohol or drugs consumption is more often an aggravating factor. ​“The huge majority of patients and members of the public know that this kind of behaviour is deplorable and would never think of hurting someone who saves lives and serves the community. “Sadly there is small minority who seem to think this is acceptable. We will always work to take action against anyone who attacks or abuses our staff.” ​“We encourage staff to report and take action against anyone who physically attacks or verbally abuses them and they must never be made to feel that violence or the threat of violence is just a part of their job.” ​Attacks on firefighters in East Sussex trebled in 2018/19 from seven the previous year to 21, which included nine in Brighton and Hove. In December last year, firefighters dealing with a fire in Eastbourne came under attack by a group of teenagers. A firefighter required hospital treatment after being struck by a pebble. ​CC Shiner said that assaults on emergency workers must never be seen as ‘part of the job’. She said: “Working for the police can be a dangerous and unpredictable job and every day our brave officers and staff work hard, often in difficult and challenging circumstances, to keep people safe. “Being assaulted while they are doing that is completely unacceptable and must never be seen as part of the job. “However, I am astonished by the reports that I receive from colleagues in other blue light services about assaults on their staff who are often responding to and assisting people in need of their urgent help. In some cases, these are attacks on paramedics by the very person they are trying to help. “Every day emergency workers go out on the frontline to protect the public and this often means helping them at times when they are going through or find themselves in challenging or difficult situations. “While distressing, this does not give anyone the right to physically or verbally assault our teams. If anyone is assaulted while on duty, the impact can be both physically and psychologically significant. Not only is that individual affected, but also their team and their family. “These are incredible people doing incredible jobs and it is simply not acceptable. On behalf of all of my colleagues in other services I will be raising the issue with the Crown Prosecution Service to see how we can work together to send a very clear message to those who perpetrate these attacks.” Police said assaults on officers in Sussex rose by nearly 20 per cent in 2019/20 with 628 being recorded. Since 2014/15, recorded assaults have risen by 185 per cent. Many of these have resulted in injuries and included kicks, punches, scratches and bruising, through to more serious incidents such as dislocations, fractures and concussion. Additionally, officers are regularly subjected to being spat at, which in many cases leads to them having to undergo a worrying wait following HIV and hepatitis tests. More recently, there has been a significant rise in spitting incidents associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Dawn Whittaker, Chief Fire Officer for East Sussex, said: “Emergency service and health staff have had a challenging time during Covid, having to adapt their ways of working and undertake new duties, but have done so in order to help keep our communities safe. “In light of that, it is just completely unacceptable that we have seen an increasing number of attacks on these workers. “We all understand that there are some in society who simply will not behave decently to us as we carry out our work and we also understand that there are people with frustrations and health issues themselves, but it’s just simply not acceptable to attack other people who are just trying to do their job. “I would like to implore people to remember that we are blessed in the UK to have these services to protect our communities.” Chief Fire Officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said: “It is hard to believe that anyone would see emergency service staff as a target for attack, but sadly this is an issue that emergency services face up and down the country. “In the last four years, attacks on firefighters have risen by 66 per cent nationally to 961 incidents in 2018/19. “An attack on a firefighter is not just an attack on a firefighter. It’s also an attack on the person they’re trying to rescue - someone who is already hurt, afraid and in danger. It is an act of cowardice. “Firefighters protect their communities and save people’s lives. I would welcome an increase to the maximum sentence for attacks on emergency service workers. We need to be clear that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Here is your morning travel update for Sussex on Thursday, September 3. Congestion is affecting some of the main roads in Sussex this morning, according to the AA. There are reports of a deer on the A265 affecting traffic in both directions at Willingford Lane, Burwash Weald. An accident between a car and a cyclist in Brighton is affecting traffic on the B2066 Western Road both ways near Lansdowne Place. There is also congestion on the A27 Polegate Bypass both ways between Brown Jack Avenue and A22 Polegate Road (Cophall Roundabout) while ongoing construction work takes place. Lane closures are in place. Further west traffic is heavier than normal on the A27 eastbound from A24 Findon Road (Offington Corner) to Sompting Road, according to the AA. Near Billingshurst, there are reports of horses on the road on the A29 Stane Street at B2133 Adversane Lane.

A Worthing drug dealer who wrapped his drugs in lottery tickets has been sentenced. Domeniko Dedaj, 27, of Kingsland Road, Broadwater, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday August 14 for sentencing following an earlier guilty plea, said police. A spokeswoman added: “On June 11, officers were conducting a search in the area of Kingsland Road, Worthing, to locate stolen sports equipment. During this search, officers knocked on Dedja’s door and he allowed them entry to the property. “It was then that officers located a large bag of money in the bedside drawer, under the bed and further cash was found in the wardrobe; totaling to nearly £27,000.” Also inside the wardrobe, officer seized approximately 1.2kg of cocaine, some of which had been which had been portioned out and individually wrapped in lottery tickets, said police. Dedaj was arrested and later charged with money laundering and possession with intent to supply cocaine. He was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison. Investigating officer Detective Constable Katie Clack said: “We welcome the sentence Dedaj has been handed by the courts. “Drugs can cause a huge amount of disruption to the community and we are committed to tackling this behaviour. “We would urge everyone to report drug matters to us. Let’s work together and deter this behaviour from continuing.” A drug dealer who wrapped his drugs in lottery tickets has been sentenced.

No Southern or Thameslink trains are running between London and Sussex after a person was hit by a train, Network Rail has said. A spokesman for the firm said: “We’re sorry to say a person has been hit by a train between Croydon and Purley and we’ve had to close all lines through the area. “This means no trains can run to/from London from Gatwick and Sussex, and we advise passengers to delay their journeys until at least after 11am.” Southern rail said the lines are blocked while the emergency services work to deal with the incident. A spokesman added: “We strongly advise to avoid travel if you can.” Ticket acceptance is in place on the following routes: South Western between Portsmouth/Southampton and London London Trams between Wimbledon and East Croydon London Underground via any reasonable route London Buses via any reasonable route London Overground via any reasonable route Southeastern between Hastings and London Metrobus between Haywards Heath and Redhill via any reasonable route Brighton and Hove buses between Brighton and Preston Park.

There are lots of myths going around magazines and newspapers that are claiming father christmas isn't real but these are just opinions not actual news. I know someone who has seen santa`s sleigh going off of there roof, and heard bells on the roof so we all know santa exists. And I have seen a lot of clips of santa being caught on camera and some look real to me, and I just trust that the North Pole Magic Exists, here is a clip from Children`s Healthcare of Atlanta proving his existance. Seems real to me. And here`s some more clips \ Here is My evidence that he exists you can either take it as real evidence or rub it back in my face but if you choose to rub it back in my face then don`t expect me to help you when you get nothing from #Santa! #Magic only comes to those who #BELIEVE! Those who say Santa doesn't exist don`t want to believe and they often have been put on the naughty list in the past and they are trying to outsmart him. #SANTA #EXISTS! Independent Journalist: Dwayne Hards WCN

Live Animal Exports should be illegal as Animals find constant journeys stressful and are often kept in bad and illegal conditions that no #Animals should be in. Please Sign This Form.

It`s no secret that #Cats balance incredibly for example whilst climbing and walking along fences, sheds and when Cats jump they use there back legs to jump high in the air without injury. What muscles allow Cats to jump so high? Cats have a flexible musculoskeletal system that gives them unbelievable balance. Cats can jump 5 feet or more without running! due to there strong muscles in there hindquarters.

A group of Adur and Worthing teenagers involved in violence have been convicted of 32 offences following an extensive court process. Over the previous 14 months, seven teenagers, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, have appeared at Worthing Youth Court to face charges which include causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating. The group consisted of two 13-year-old boys from Goring, two 13-year-old boys from Worthing, a 13-year-old boy from Lancing and a 13 and 14-year-old boy from Durrington. In total the group were: – Convicted of 32 offences – Two of the group were issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order. One of the orders includes a complete ban on social media. – Issued with 23 restraining orders – Handed 50.5 months in referral orders – Given 10 months in supervision orders – Given a 24 month intensive supervision and surveillance order – Issued with a six month tagged curfew – Ordered to pay £1,390 in compensation – Ordered to pay £60 victim surcharge – Ordered to pay £155 in costs – And 22 months of parental orders were also issued Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter District Commander for Adur and Worthing said: “The behaviour from this group has caused distress and upset in the community, which is simply unacceptable. “They would target individuals, including their peers, and use fear, intimidation and violence towards their victims. “The group would often show little regard to the distress they were causing to not only the victims, but the victims’ families and wider community. “I would like to personally thank the victims in each of the cases. “They have shown incredible strength and bravery throughout this investigation especially when having to relive the traumatic events, in order for us to bring the offenders to justice. “Although the victims in this case have physically recovered from their injuries, for some the psychological injuries remain, but I hope the conclusion of this criminal investigation goes some way to start that healing process. “Tackling serious youth related violence across our district continues to remain my priority and we remain engaged with our communities in order to address local concerns and build on community intelligence. “The final court case which occurred on Thursday (20 August) marks the final court case for the individuals involved and I would like to praise our partners for the multi-agency working we have all been undertaking to ensure this behaviour is being addressed. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my officers who have worked tirelessly over the last 10 months to gather all of the relevant information for each of the individual cases. “Many of our officers live and work in these communities and they too felt the distress this group was causing. “We continue to need the support of our local community and there are many ways you can report matters of concern. “Through contacting us either online or by calling 101, the independent charity Crimestoppers or Fearless. If you or you see someone in danger please dial 999.”

#MentalHealthAwarenessDay WCN

Police in West Sussex are searching for three teenage boys from Littlehampton who are currently missing from their homes and are believed to be together. Alfie Hiatt, 15, Dylan Pullen, 13, and Tommy Sime, 14 were last seen in Littlehampton on Wednesday August 26, said police. It is thought they have been travelling by train and may have been in the Horsham area that night. A spokesman added: “Alfie is 6’1”, with short ginger hair and is of average build. He was wearing a dark top and dark ripped jeans. “Dylan is 5’4”, with part of a front tooth missing and short dark hair. He was wearing a tracksuit with white and red zoom trainers. Alfie Hiatt, 15, Dylan Pullen, 13, and Tommy Sime, 14 (left to right in picture) “Tommy is 5’5” with brown hair, and was wearing a light blue/grey sweatshirt with the word MADE on the front and back.” There are currently no suspicious circumstances around their disappearances but there is naturally increased concern because of their ages and consequent vulnerability, he said. The spokesman added: “If you see the boys, together or separately, please call 999 or 101, quoting serial 1461 of 25/08."

07 August 2020 Press Release On 22 July, Guardia Civil and customs officers raided in the Spanish town of Borjas Blancas an illegal tobacco factory producing 9,000 cigarettes per hour. 7 people were arrested in connection with these raids, including the criminal ringleader at his private residence in the town of Mataró, his accomplice in the town of La Junquera and 2 factory workers arrested at the scene, all of them Lithuanian and Polish nationals.  3 drivers were also arrested in earlier actions against this organised crime group. Code-named Operation KARUNA, this operation was led by the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) and Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria), working together with the Lithuanian Customs Criminal Service (Muitinės Kriminalinė Tarnyba), the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) and the French Customs (Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects) with the full support of Europol. Close to one million cigarettes ready to be shipped were seized at the scene, alongside €72,640 in cash presumably resulting from the sale of the cigarettes. The illegal factory had the capacity to accommodate 14 workers who would work in shifts to maintain round-the-clock production. This action day is the culmination of an operation initiated at the end of last year after Europol shared with the Spanish Guardia Civil intelligence about a transnational organised crime network operating in the region of Catalonia and illegally manufacturing large quantities of tobacco products that were then sold primarily in Spain and France. A number of actions have since taken place targeting the deliveries of tobacco products illegally manufactured by this criminal group. The first of these, conducted by the French Customs, resulted in the seizure of close to 5 million cigarettes, transported in a lorry which was entering the French territory. The driver, a Polish national, was arrested. In a similar action on 19 July, another lorry driving towards the French border was stopped at the Spanish town of Canfranc and 864 000 cigarettes were seized. The two Lithuanian drivers were arrested. Europol actively supported this investigation by facilitating the exchange of information between all involved parties and analysing the operational data to identify the main targets as well as by organising coordination meetings in a secure environment at the request of Spanish investigators. In 2010 the European Union set up a four-year Policy Cycle to ensure greater continuity in the fight against serious international and organised crime. In 2017 the Council of the EU decided to continue the EU Policy Cycle for the 2018 - 2021 period. It aims to tackle the most significant threats posed by organised and serious international crime to the EU. This is achieved by improving and strengthening cooperation between the relevant services of EU Member States, institutions and agencies, as well as non-EU countries and organisations, including the private sector where relevant. Excise fraud is one of the priorities for the Policy Cycle.

Help the RSPCA stop life animal exports by putting pressure on the government to do something It is crucial we stop animal exports it is unfair on all animals and it is animal cruelty and it is vital that our government do something to stop this abuse. #StopLiveExports

#Boris #Johnson #Exposed! #politics #uk #BorisHasFailedTheUK #governmentstate

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We have done our bit to get Hassan's message out there now do your bit by sharing this article. #GetThisToPM

A boy aged 13 has been attempted groomed by an account on Quora and his mother called 101 to report this incident after he took his dad upstairs and showed him what was on his laptop and then he went down and told the teens mother who was cross so called 101 who promised to send out 2 officers the next day and did, but when they came they started asking questions and then claimed it was impossible to track them as it would lose trust in the police and then said a paedophile attempted grooming incident was "FRAUD!" This has left Anonymous feeling "Angry" And the officer even said after Anonymous asked if this wasn't a paedophile incident he said "More than likely not" Sickening all of this! The Police have failed to act and lied about an incredibly serious incident and they are lying and avoiding it like it's the pettiest offence on earth but that`s the thing it's not a petty offense it is a serious criminal offense. WCN

A plan to significantly increase testing for coronavirus as part of a monitoring programme intended to get a better idea of the spread of infection has been announced. The Office for National Statistics' (ONS) Infection Survey will see more people around the country tested for coronavirus - around 150,000 every two weeks. The survey is separate from the mass testing programme, designed to mass diagnose people with symptoms. Instead, a representative sample of the the population will be tested for the virus, regardless of whether they have symptoms. What is the point of the survey? The survey is being introduced because many cases of coronavirus can be asymptomatic. Therefore, the diagnostic testing programme (where people with symptoms get tested) is likely underestimating the true scale and spread of coronavirus infections. Data will also be gathered in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of an expansion of the programme. The results will not only help experts determine the weekly reproduction (R) number, but also provide important demographic information on the characteristics of the people and households who have coronavirus. Professor Sir Ian Diamond, the UK's National Statistician, said that the survey would be the biggest of its kind in this country. He told the BBC, "Vigilance is key to containing this pandemic and the extra data on the spread of infections and antibodies at local level will be invaluable to the planning of effective local responses." More rapid tests required Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called for more rapid turnaround times in testing for the public. As it stands, most tests have to be sent off to labs to be processed, meaning people wait a day or longer for their results. The government is assessing the effectiveness and accuracy of new kinds of tests which may be able to deliver results on the spot. Hancock said that this was a "huge priority" for the UK government as it could make it easier to potentially reduce quarantine restrictions for returning travellers, as well as reopening parts of the economy. He was, however, unable to give a time frame as to when these tests may be implemented, as they haven't yet been proven to work. Worthing County News WCN

2020 Reports More than 65,000 learner drivers have penalty points on their licence before they have even passed their driving test. Data from the DVLA reveals that tens of thousands of learners have been caught breaking the law while only holding a provisional licence, with more than 12,000 already hit with enough points to earn a newly qualified driver a ban. The figures from the driver licensing agency show that 65,054 learner drivers have points on their provisional licences, with the majority (30,972) having between four and six. Just over 21,000 have between one and three points but a shocking 12,442 have more than seven points. For any newly qualified driver, six points in the first two years of holding a full licence is enough to be given an automatic ban. However, in most circumstances, learners can accrue up to 12 points before being banned from the roads. Once they pass their test, they can take to the road but any further offences could see their full licence cancelled and them forced to resit their test. The figures, obtained by leasing firm Moneyshake, show a clear gender split, with male learners more than four times as likely as females to have broken the law. A total of 52,802 men have points on their provisional licence, compared with 12,252 women. They also reveal that learners in their 20s are the most common offenders. Among drivers aged 20-29, 26,552 have at least one penalty point, and 21-year-olds are the worst of all, with 3.043 holding points. Under normal guidelines, six points are enough to earn a new driver a ban, with more experienced motorists disqualified if they accrue 12 or more points in a three-year period. However, DVLA figures show that there are more than 1,2000 drivers with at least 12 points who are still allowed to drive and one repeat offender who has 68 points but hasn’t been banned. Read More These are the places where UK drivers have the most points on their licence Motoring offences carry points on a scale from 2 to 11. Some have a set number of points - such as traffic sign offences, while others have a sliding scale depending on the severity of the offence, for example speeding. You cannot be given more than 11 points for a single offence. It is possible to be banned with fewer than 12 points. Some offences, including drink driving and causing a death, carry mandatory bans while others come with the threat of a discretionary ban. Depending on the length of the ban and the offence you commit you may have to resit the driving test or take an extended test before regaining your licence.

Handmade face masks on sale at Morrisons Littlehampton have raised hundreds of pounds for charity. The masks were made by a member of staff and sold at the tobacco kiosk Alison Whitburn, the store’s community champion, said: “Our colleague Sue made more than 200 face masks, with all the money going to CLIC Sargent. “We have raised more than £300, with customers and colleagues buying them, as we had to stop fundraising events in store due to Covid.” Handmade face mask on sale at Morrisons Littlehampton have raised hundreds of pounds for CLIC Sargent For people who have a good reason not to wear a face mask, the store has introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Lanyards are available at the customer service desk. Alison explained: “The sunflower lanyard scheme is an initiative designed to act as a discreet sign that somebody has a hidden disability and may require additional assistance while shopping in our stores, for example sensory impairments, autism, mental health and dementia. “It will also be a good indicator that a customer may be exempt from wearing a face covering because of a hidden disability.” The sunflower lanyard is for people with hidden disabilities.

Here’s your daily traffic report for roads throughout East and West Sussex for Friday (August 21). Roads are relatively quiet, with some delays on the A27 in East Sussex and A29 in the west. On the A27 Polegate Bypass there is currently slow traffic eastbound between Brown Jack Avenue and A22 Polegate Road (Cophall Roundabout), due to the roadworks there. While on the A29 Stane Street at Billingshurst, there are reports of slow traffic at New Road, in the roadworks area. Elsewhere, Richmond Place in Brighton remains permanently closed northbound from Gloucester Place to Grand Parade. Roadworks are causing delays this morning.

Watch #PoliceAreKeyWorkers

Firstly no #child should have to suffer being beaten this should have never been allowed all because of peoples religion and culture Whether Corporal Punishment is illegal in the State/Country you live in or not it is most certainly #illegal under #International #Law. #WCNCORPORALPUNISHMENTISCHILDABUSEINT #WCNWiseWordsFromTwitterUsers

The air ambulance has responded to a pedestrian in Lancing being hit by a car. Sussex Police said officers were called to North Farm Road at around 10.55am this morning (August 20) following a collision between a car and a pedestrian. A woman in her 70s has suffered serious injuries, police said, and the road is currently closed. The air ambulance has been seen landing at nearby Monks Recreation Ground. Anyone with information or who witnessed the collision is asked to report it to police via collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Layer.

One of the rarest and most spectacular British butterflies has taken up residence on a Sussex nature reserve. The Swallowtail is an extremely rare native butterfly and is only occasionally seen in Sussex. So Barry Yates, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Manager, was delighted to hear that an adult Swallowtail had been seen on a Buddleia bush and even more excited when he discovered the butterfly had laid eggs. The Swallowtail butterfly is a very rare native of Britain and only found in a few wetland sites in Norfolk where it feeds on Milk Parsley. In some years the continental sub-species does cross the channel and there is a good summary of the last good year for them in 2013. With recent hot weather and winds from the south there have been a few records this year along the south coast, but the Rye Harbour one was the first recorded for the nature reserve. An adult was seen feeding on Hemlock at Dungeness, Kent, in June and another was on Fennel in a garden near Hastings Country Park on the 30th July 30 and on August 16 a caterpillar was seen on the same plant. Barry said: “A Swallowtail butterfly was seen briefly by our warden Chris Bentley on a Buddleia bush in my garden next to the nature reserve. Despite a couple of hours of searching we could not relocate it. However, my neighbour, Tina photographed it with her phone in the afternoon. On close examination of the photo that evening, it looked like she may have been egg laying. “Early the next day Tina and I searched the Fennel and found seven eggs. These small Fennel plants were due to be weeded, so we carefully saved the plants and put them in pots in an airy container in a light, but not sunny windowsill. The yellow eggs were just 1mm diameter. I doubted whether they would hatch, because it would need the butterfly to have successfully mated in France before it launched out across the sea; but by August 9, nine caterpillars had hatched.” There is also Still time to submit your photographs for Sussex Wildlife calendar competition. WCN

Beirut explosion – Terrifying moment BBC journalist sent flying live on air by massive blast as her office collapses THE horrifying moment a massive blast ripped through Beirut yesterday was captured in a live BBC broadcast as the journalist was sent flying. A colossal explosion a fifth the size of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb killed at least 100 people in the Lebanese capital. Maryam Toumi, top right, was conducting a live interview when the blast rocked her office The BBC journalist screams as she's sent flying and the camera drops to the floor The disaster was sparked when a welder ignited 2,700 tons of explosive chemicals in the port area, it’s reported. BBC News Arabic journalist Maryam Toumi was in the middle of a video interview when the devastating blast rocked the city. An ominous rumbling sound can be heard as she stands up looking terrified. The camera is then knocked to the floor as the massive explosion hits and her interviewees watch in horror. SCREAMS OF TERROR Ms Toumi can be heard screaming as broken glass scatters across the floor and an alarm starts sounding. After a tense few moments the reporter turns the camera around and picks herself up off the floor, seemingly unharmed. Thousands were injured in the disaster, with the death toll expected to skyrocket. Shocking pictures show flattened buildings, walking wounded, and a sea of rubble in the wake of the catastrophe which could be heard 110 miles away in Cyprus. Toxic gases were reported in the aftermath, along with strange orange clouds, with the US Embassy warning any Americans in Beirut to stay inside. The source of the blast is believed to be 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which had been stored in a warehouse without safety measures since 2014. Ammonium nitrate is mainly used as a fertiliser, but has also been linked to terror attacks after being used in homemade bombs. Lebanese President Michel Aoun has declared a state of emergency for Beirut for two weeks – and vowed the "harshest punishments" for those responsible. Nearby structures were flattened, windows and doors were blown out, cars were thrown and crushed, and fires burned as the sun set over Beirut. MUSHROOM CLOUD Horrifying videos of the explosion show an enormous mushroom cloud over the city followed by a shockwave. Many people are feared to still be trapped under the rubble and inside their damaged homes. Beirut governor Marwan Abboud broke down in tears on live TV as he compared the blast to those at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where the first ever nuclear bombs were dropped, killing thousands. He said: “I’ve never seen such a big destruction. This is a national calamity, this is a disaster for Lebanon.” Breaking down, he added: “We need to remain strong, we need to hold on and be brave … but this is too much…” He added that a team of 10 hero firefighters who raced to the initial blast had disappeared after the second massive explosion. Lebanese PM Hassan Diab described the disaster as a "national catastrophe" and added "those responsible will pay the price". WCN

Blackberry`s are expensive and rip-offs in shops, and there is a belief that store-bought blackberry`s are fresher however this is not entirely true, as it is how you pick them and the ripeness of the fruit that you pick that makes it fresh and technically blackberry`s have sat on the shelf for possibly a week or two however the ones you picked are straight from a bush. "I #enjoy picking blackberry`s and it is a #fun and rewarding hobby and why should you buy blackberry`s for up to £4+ when you could pick them for £0.00? you should save that money for something else, and you are also getting exercise when you walk to the blackberry #bushes. #Blackberry picking is a good hobby and good exercise and good fruits you might even come across the mulberry which is related to blackberry and also #edible. Blackberries are better off picked and you also know where they came from as well. WCN

The bailiff commits an offence, and should be reported to the police. This includes mental trauma caused to anyone including children. It doesn't matter if the police say the crime is a civil matter, you must record the time you reported the offence to police so an action can also be brought against the police force for breach of statutory duty. The offence of Common Assault and Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is committed under Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The law allowing bailiffs to use force against people was repealed on 15 July 2013 by section 25(5) of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 which amended Paragraphs 24(2) and 31(5) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 taking out the provision that allowed bailiffs to use force against people in the recovery of debts. The Law: Paragraph 24 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 states: (1)The power to enter and any power to use force are subject to any restriction imposed by or under regulations. (2)A power to use force does not include power to use force against persons Do Immediately Go to A & E or Call 999 for an ambulance and get medical attention Write a first-person account - while still fresh - DO NOT trust memory. Report the offence to police. It doesn't matter at this stage if the police say its a civil matter Start a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Make a Personal Injury claim Gather the following as soon as possible The name of the creditor, or council the bailiff was acting for The full name of the bailiff and his firm. Search online here The name and address of the bailiff company Physical description of the bailiff, e.g. height, hair, accent, build etc. Date and the time of the offence Location of the offence Extent of your injuries, including medical reports. Make a written first person account in chronological order the events leading up to the offence Go online and make a personal injury claim Report the offence to the police in writing. Police have no obligation to act on reported offences made verbally. Email to make a complaint to police reporting an assault. Make a screenshot of the sent email to record the time it was sent Make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). If you are claiming damages for mental trauma arising from an enforcement action, ask your doctor to complete a MALG Evidence form You can still claim personal injury if a pre-existing injury or ailment was deteriorated by bailiff action, or the injured party is a child or other member of the debtor's household. WCN

This is appalling This is absolutely correct no MP accused of Rape should be given the option to be out of police custody let alone parliament. #WCNOpinion

Friday The 11th of October Footage from body-worn cameras shows teenager ‘providing a clear account of her ordeal,’ IOPC says Two police officers called to reports of a 15-year-old girl being raped in a car park questioned the victim’s credibility and discouraged her from reporting the attack, an investigation has found. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the two Metropolitan Police constables did not record her account and could have stopped the rape being investigated. PC Michael Silverthorne and PC Stephen Tanner were the first responders to the crime and questioned the victim just hours after she was attacked in February 2017. The IOPC said footage from their body-worn cameras showed the teenager engaging with officers and “providing a clear account of her ordeal, which had taken place in a Croydon car park only a few hours earlier”. But PC Tanner had two radio conversations shortly after their arrival “where he expressed doubts over her credibility”. Neither officer recorded her account, which is required under police policy, and PC Silverthorne appeared to discourage her from continuing the complaint. “He repeatedly emphasised to the girl that going through with the allegation of rape would be a very traumatic ordeal, questioning if she was sure she wanted to go through with it,” the IOPC said. “He also made a number of incorrect statements. He told her she must have all of a list of forensic tests conducted, that she would need to attend the Old Bailey and stand in the dock to give her account, and pressured her that she must make her decision in the next hour.” PC Tanner did not make the victim aware of special measures that would mean she did not need face her attacker in court. The officers were referred to the IOPC after other Metropolitan Police officers viewed body-worn video footage of their conversation. The girl’s attacker was later arrested and charged, and jailed for seven-and-a-half years for rape. A misconduct hearing saw an independent panel find both officers had breached professional standards on their duties, responsibilities, respect and courtesy. PC Silverthorne was given a final written warning for gross misconduct and PC Tanner was handed a written warning for misconduct. IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said the panel found that the officers did not “intentionally set out to dissuade the girl but that their failings were serious, and could have damaged public confidence”. “The officers’ demeanour clearly suggested they did not believe the girl at a time when her account should have been formally recorded,” the watchdog added. “An individual shouId have their allegation recorded with an objective investigation to follow. It is of credit to this teenager, and the Met officers who took this investigation on afterwards, that the rape was investigated properly and the offender subsequently jailed. The actions of the two officers might have prevented that from happening.” The case was revealed after the proportion of reported rapes prosecuted in England and Wales fell to just 1.5 per cent, sparking legal action against the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Campaigners said they had heard similar accounts from rape victims to the London case, but other officers had not been disciplined. The End Violence Against Women campaign group said authorities must address why growing numbers of rape complainants are dropping out of investigations, following warnings about the seizure of mobile phones and blanket demands for personal and medical records. “We know that this case isn’t unique and too often survivors of rape aren’t being treated with respect, sensitivity, or as in this instance, even being given accurate information,” campaigns manager Rebecca Hitchen said. “The police, CPS and government ask why survivors choose to withdraw for the criminal justice system. Clearly it’s in crisis, and this is further evidence of how much needs to change.” London’s victims commissioner, Claire Waxman, said the “appallingly low prosecution rates for rape” show the case is not an isolated incident. “Victims of sexual violence are being failed,” she added, saying research showed that the biggest reasons for rape cases ending in the capital was victims withdrawing. “A victim should never be deterred by police for pursuing justice.” Several rape victims interviewed by The Independent have described police interviews and court cases as “traumatic” and gruelling experiences, where they felt that they were the ones being put on trial. A woman who was violently raped by a stranger in London said the investigation felt like “one intrusion after another”. Jane* said: “I’m not actually sure I would have gone ahead with the case if I’d known what was part of the process.” Bonny Turner, who waived her anonymity to reveal how her alleged attacker was not prosecuted after appearing to “confess” to raping her in a Facebook message, described the City of London Police investigation as “completely re-traumatising”. The Centre for Women’s Justice, which launched a judicial review against the CPS over plummeting rape prosecutions last month, said the 15-year-old girl’s experience was “not unfamiliar”. Director Harriet Wistrich said: “Clearly this behaviour by police could have had the effect of deterring the complainant from proceeding, and no doubt has done so in many other cases.” A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said it expected its officers to “have the highest regard for victims of crime”. “We are working to improve our response to victims of rape and we are committed to working with partners in the criminal justice system and support services to improve their journey,” he added. “Victims show great bravery in reporting offences committed against them to police and it takes courage to bring offenders to justice, we will support them through this process.”

Inmates saved Deputy: Warren`s life Three prisoners banded together to save the life of an officer who collapsed in front of them in a US jail. Deputy Warren Hobbs, 46, suffered a cardiac emergency while working at the Gwinnett County Jail, Georgia, but was saved by three inmates who rushed to his aid. Terry Loveless, Walter Whitehead and Mitchell Smalls noticed Hobbs feeling unwell and decided to keep an eye on him after he started making noises from his desk. Smalls thought he might have been sleeping until he fell to the ground and cracked his head open. ‘I started hollering and screaming and banging on the door to try to alert everybody to wake up,’ he told Fox news. The inmates were locked in their cells so they started furiously calling and banging for help. Soon, the entire unit with more than 60 prisoners started yelling and pounding on their doors. A surveillance video shows windows shaking from the force. The commotion made Deputy Hobbs stir, and in a semi-conscious state he managed to hit the button to open the door for Lovelace and Whitehead’s room. They immediately radioed for help and called 911 before administering aid. Hobbs was rushed to hospital on July 10 and was later released to his home, where he is still receiving medical care. (From left to right) Terry Loveless, Walter Whitehead and Mitchell Smalls rushed to save Deputy Warren after he collapsed. Deputy Shannon Volkodav, Public Information Officer at the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office in Lawrenceville, GA, said: ‘This story beautifully illustrates how heroes can appear in different uniforms. ‘They came to his aid and we are deeply appreciative of their kind, courageous and selfless actions. It brings tears to my eyes. ‘Deputy Hobbs might not be here today if it wasn’t for them. It doesn’t matter what station you are at in life, you can still be a hero. ‘We are indebted to anyone who shows a kindness to anyone in our law enforcement family.’ The prisoners spend 12 hours a day with one single deputy, so they develop relationships with them. Speaking to Fox news Whitehead sad: ‘It scared me. I don’t care if it’s a police officer or whoever it was. I will do whatever I can to save a man. I don’t want anyone to die.’ The Chief Deputy, Lou Solis, arranged for the entire unit of the jail to have a pizza party as a token of appreciation for the inmates’ brave actions. Warren Hobbs said: ‘I very much appreciate what these inmates did for me. It’s a reminder to always treat everyone well.’ Very well-minded prisoners that saves Deputy: Warren`s life. WCN

A Shoreham man has been charged for making nuisance calls to a phone box in Littlehampton. Mark Furnevel, 51 unemployed, of Oyster Quay, Shoreham, was charged with causing public nuisance following a police investigation into calls made to a public phone box in Littlehampton High Street, police said. He will appear in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court on Saturday, August 15 in relation to the charge. A police spokesman said: “If you can help or have any information which could assist with the investigation, please report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Entire.”

#WCNstopchildabuseinternational; A nursery worker has been jailed for over two years after having sex multiple times with a 13-year-old boy and having his child. Leah Cordice, 20, from Windsor, Berkshire, was found guilty of having sex on at least five occasions with the child who she was babysitting. She had denied the sexual activity, despite DNA tests proving the boy was the father, and claimed he had raped her. Cordice first seduced the teenager in January 2017, after going into his bedroom where he was playing X Box following a drunken night out. She hugged and kissed him, before pulling down his trousers and begging him for sex, the judge was told.  Cordice continued to have sex with him, which she kept hidden from her husband, until she gave birth to a baby girl. Jurors heard how she had groomed the boy by sending him complimentary texts calling him ‘cute’ and giving him money for fish and chips. Judge Peter Clarke QV said Cordice had shown ‘no remorse’ for her actions as he sentenced her to 30 months detention in a Young Offenders’ Institution today at Reading Crown Court. He said: ‘Suffice it to say she showed no remorse for the events. ‘Indeed I heard no indication from either Cordice or the victim that she held him in any particular affection, the evidence from at least one witness was of physical obsession and self-indulgence as opposed to emotional attachment.’ Cordice and the victim both lived in the same area and had known each other for many years before the abuse began, prosecutors had said. In July 2018, the victim told police about their sexual activity after the boy’s mother became suspicious and contacted authorities.  The nursery worker denied claims but a DNA test enforced by social services found it was 14 million times more likely than not that the boy was the father. In a victim impact statement, the boy said he had been diagnosed with separation anxiety, as a result of having his child taken away by social services. Jurors heard Cordice first seduced the boy by pulling down his trousers and begging for sex. Cordice’s former husband Daniel Robbins had believed he was the father of the child The boy told the court: ‘I cannot see my child and have not had any involvement with her recently. Seeing my daughter and then having her taken out of my life was very hard to cope with. ‘It feels like I was punished for what I have been through. I hope in the future I can move on from this and have a relationship with my daughter’. Defending Cordice, Tara McCarthy said the defendant stuck by her assertion that she had done nothing wrong but described her as ‘very immature’. A psychiatric examination found Cordice to be of borderline intellectual ability with an IQ of 70 to 85 but Judge Clarke said he had ‘difficulty with that assessment’ and that she gave clear evidence throughout the two-week trial. Cordice had been living with her then-husband Daniel Robbins, 21, during the abuse, who had believed he was the father of the little girl. Following Family Court proceedings, Cordice’s daughter was adopted and Mr Robbins said he has been left ‘traumatised’ at not being able to see her again. Mr Robbins, who has since separated from Cordice, said: ‘I had a secure job, I had a nice place, I had a good relationship. I had an amazing life. ‘Everything was going so well and all of a sudden everything got taken away from me: my child, my wife, home, job.’ Cordice will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and will have to sign onto the Sex Offenders Register.

A Worthing drug dealer has been jailed after a lengthy investigation involving police in London. Sussex Police said Nyashadzashe Hove, 34, unemployed and of South Farm Road, pleaded guilty on Monday (August 10) at Lewes Crown Court to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was sentenced to two years in prison, police added. Local police officers worked with London police to track Hove, police said, who had been using a phone line to contact drug users. He had been offering drugs during November and December last year but was detected by officers analysing intelligence such as photo traffic to prove Hove was the source. Sergeant Jason Stanley said; "This conviction and sentence is the result of months of hard work with our partners including the Metropolitan Police. We are continuing every day to combat drug dealing in the town and information from local people is welcomed. "You can contact us at any time either online or by calling 101." For more police information and advice on drugs in our communities see the Sussex Police website.

A California police officer has been praised after taking quick action when she saw a 66-year-old man in a wheelchair on the tracks as a train was approaching. He was taken to hospital after being saved. WCN

A huge fire is being dealt with on a Suffolk airfield, sending clouds of thick black smoke into the air. A witness at Parham Airfield described seeing ‘two massive explosions’ as the blaze broke out at 9.43am this morning. Early reports suggest the incident involves hazardous materials. An estimated 13 fire crews from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene on Silverlace Green, Parham. It is not yet clear if anyone has been injured in the incident. The witness said the blaze was like nothing she had seen before. #WCN She told the East Anglican Daily Times the fire was ‘absolutely blazing’ through the roof of ‘what looked like an original Second World War building’ around 10am. She continued: ‘There were two massive explosions and in one a flaming barrel flew high into the air. ‘Someone from a nearby farm said there were apparently 6,000 tonnes of resin stored in the building.’ Those living close to the area have been advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke. Drivers have also been asked to avoid the region.