Egypt Clashes Turn Deadly As Troops Open Fire

By Dominic Waghorn, Sky News Correspondent, in Cairo

At least 30 people in Egypt have died in fierce clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

Supporters of the former leader marched to the Cairo barracks of the Republican Guard chanting "down with military rule" after a Muslim Brotherhood rally at the city's Rabea al Adaweya mosque.

Shots were fired as protesters hung pictures of Mr Morsi on a barbed wire barrier around the military complex. At least three demonstrators were shot by the military.

Pitched battles took place after nightfall

Downtown Cairo witnessed the same street battles played out two-and-a-half years ago, this time with Morsi supporters fighting their enemies with rocks, clubs and fireworks. One person was killed in their clashes.

A pro-Morsi crowd crossed the Sixth Of October bridge heading towards Tahrir Square, provoking a fierce confrontation.

The Egyptian army said troops were responding only with blank rounds and tear gas.

However, anti-Morsi youths showed Sky News what their enemies had done to them, brandishing used shotgun cartridges and pellet wounds.

An anti-Morsi protester with evidence of gun cartridges

"They are terrorists and we should get rid of them," they said. "They're using automatic weapons and shotguns."

The atmosphere was febrile. Changing in a second. Turning from triumphant to panicked, as the crowd scattered thinking their attackers had returned.

"The Muslim Brotherhood is coming here beating us shooting us," said one man. "We're here, we're alone and we need someone to  help us."

As if to answer him, military armoured personnel carriers appeared from the gloom.

But this isn't a conflict against foreign invaders, it's between Egyptians.

Egyptian elite soldiers guard a military building in Cairo

The anti-Morsi crowd screamed curses against the ousted president venting their fury, and relief then turned against us, the Sky News crew, mistaking us for Americans.

A hurried explanation gave us time to escape.

There are now two armies of protesters on the streets of Cairo - enraged and out for vengeance, determined to prevail.

Violence also erupted in cities of southern Egypt, along the Suez Canal and in the Nile Delta, with officials reporting more than 200 people injured. Four were killed in the northern Sinai city of el Arish, where Islamists stormed a government building.

More than 200 people have been wounded nationwide, according to officials

State TV quoted the country's health ministry saying 30 people had died nationwide, including 12 people in clashes in Alexandria. Most of the fatalities were from gunshot wounds.

It came after the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies called for protesters to take to the streets on the Muslim day of prayer for what it described as a "Friday of Rage".

The leader of the Brotherhood called for followers to remain peaceful but he vowed to restore power to Mr Morsi, who was ousted in a military coup earlier this week, a year after being elected to office.

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Snowden Offered Asylum In Two Countries

US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has been told he could be welcomed in Nicaragua and Venezuela after applying to another six countries for asylum.

Speaking at a public event on Friday, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said his government was willing to grant political asylum to the former NSA contractor "if circumstances permit it".

He added: "We are open, respectful of the right to asylum, and it is clear that if circumstances permit it, we would receive Snowden with pleasure and give him asylum here in Nicaragua.

"We have the sovereign right to help a person who felt remorse after finding out how the United States was using technology to spy on the whole world, and especially its European allies."

Mr Ortega said his government had received an asylum application at its embassy in Moscow.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made the same promise during a speech marking the anniversary of Venezuela's independence.

He said: "As head of state, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela decided to offer humanitarian asylum to the young American Edward Snowden so that he can live (without) ... persecution from the empire.

It was not immediately clear if there were any conditions to Venezuela's offer.         

Snowden is believed to be holed up at a Moscow airport looking for a country that will give him safe haven as the US wants to extradite him to face espionage charges.

The 30-year-old has previously asked 21 countries for asylum but most said he must be on their soil for his application to be accepted.

WikiLeaks revealed he had applied to more countries.

A tweet from the anti-secrecy website said: "Edward Snowden has applied to another six countries for asylum.

"They will not be named at this time due to attempted US interference."

The message appeared to be an allusion to the drama surrounding the flight of Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose plane was recently abruptly rerouted to Austria over suspicions Snowden was aboard.

Washington has revoked the passport of Snowden, who is seeking to evade US justice for leaking details about a vast US electronic surveillance programme to collect phone and Internet data.

He also revealed evidence of the spying activities of British eavesdropping agency GCHQ - including its scanning of vast amounts of emails and other internet traffic by tapping cable networks.

A bid by Snowden for Icelandic citizenship failed when the country's parliament voted not to debate it before the summer recess.

Russia has shown signs of growing impatience over Snowden's stay in the country.

Its deputy foreign minister said on Thursday that Snowden had not sought asylum in the country and needed to choose a place to go.

Moscow has made clear that the longer he stays, the greater the risk of the diplomatic standoff over his fate causing lasting damage to relations with Washington.

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Madeleine McCann: New UK Police Investigation

By Michelle Clifford, Senior News Correspondent

Detectives are targeting 12 British potential suspects as they launch a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

A Metropolitan Police team says they are among 38 "persons of interest" in the case and they are working on the assumption that Madeleine - aged three when she went missing in 2007 - may still be alive.

Officers have completed a two year review of the stalled Portuguese inquiry and say they are moving to an "investigative stage".

They now intend to pursue further information on the dozens of individuals they want to speak to over the suspected abduction of Madeleine from her family's holiday villa in Praia da Luz.

Kate and Gerry McCann said they "warmly welcome" the latest development in the search for their missing daughter.

The Met intends to apply to issue formal requests to Portugal for evidence to be gathered and to allow a team of British officers to be present during the process.

The working relationship between UK and Portuguese police is now said to be "positive and focused" after previous attempts at cooperation faltered amid intense interest in the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, who is heading up the inquiry, calls this "a critical moment" in the the search for Madeleine.

Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry say they "warmly welcome" the new probe

He said: "We have been in a unique position over the last two years in drawing together three strands - Portuguese, UK and private investigators' material.

"From that vast quantity of material analysed we have identified 38 persons of interest and 12 who are UK nationals, and it is from that position that we are able to move from review to investigation."

DCI Redwood added: "There is no clear, definitive proof that Madeleine McCann is dead.

"On that basis I genuinely believe there is a possibility she is still alive. And so I would like to ask the public to continue to look for her."

Madeleine vanished from her bedroom in the Portuguese resort in May 2007 as her parents dined with friends nearby.

The local police investigation was called off a year later, yielding few clues into her disappearance or whereabouts.

In 2011, the Met launched its review of the case and earlier this year it was reported that around 20 "persons of interest" had been identified.

The Home Office said in June that it was prepared to fund any continuing investigation.

Met detectives have made 16 visits to Portugal and officers have met and shared their findings with key members of both the Policia Judiciaria and the judicial authorities.

A spokesman for the McCanns said: "Kate and Gerry warmly welcome the shift in the Met's emphasis from review to investigation.

"It is clearly a big step forward in establishing what happened and, hopefully, towards bringing whoever is responsible for Madeleine's abduction to justice."

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Mandela: Presidency Denies 'Vegetative' Claim

The South African presidency has denied former leader Nelson Mandela is in a "vegetative state" after court documents suggested his life support should be turned off.

The declaration from members of Mr Mandela's family that he was in a "permanent vegetative state" came as part of a dispute over the graves of three of his children.

But the presidency said in a statement it "would like to make a clarification" about the former president's condition which remains "critical, but stable".

"We confirm our earlier statement released ... after President Jacob Zuma visited Madiba (Mandela) in hospital."

The statement said he remains under the 24-hour care of "a team of doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals".

The court documents dated June 26 said: "He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine.

"The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.

"Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability."

President Jacob Zuma has been giving updates on Mr Mandela's health

The "certificate of urgency" document was obtained from a lawyer representing Mandela family members who had successfully sought a court order to return the children's remains to the revered South African leader's childhood home.

The legal battle was launched after Mr Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela had them moved from the family estate in Qunu to his own village 15 miles away.

The document was presented to South Africa's Eastern Cape High Court as President Jacob Zuma reported that Mr Mandela's health had faltered and cancelled a trip to Mozambique.

Since it was written, the South African government, family members and hospital visitors have reported that Mr Mandela's condition has improved.

The following day Mr Zuma reported that Mr Mandela's health had "improved during the course of the night".

"He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job," Mr Zuma said in a statement on June 27.

Lawyers for Mr Mandela's relatives, family members themselves and government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Earlier, Mr Mandela's wife said the former president is sometimes uncomfortable but seldom in pain while being treated in a hospital.

Graca Machel spoke about her husband's condition at a fundraising drive for a children's hospital that will be named after the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader.

"Whatever is the outcome of his stay in hospital ... he offered his nation an opportunity to be united under the banner of our flag, under the banner of our constitution," she said.

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Egypt Sex Attacks Reach 'Horrific' Levels

Almost 100 women have been sexually assaulted in Cairo's Tahrir Square in just four days, according to Human Rights Watch.

The charity described the attacks as "rampant" and said they highlight the "failure of the government and all political parties to face up to the violence that women in Egypt experience on a daily basis".

Some of the 91 women assaulted were reportedly beaten with metal chains, chairs and sticks, while others were attacked with knives.

The assaults came as protests escalated in the square, culminating with the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in a military coup.

Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said: "These are serious crimes that are holding women back from participating fully in the public life of Egypt at a critical point in the country's development."

Some say the attacks are staged by thugs who are abusing a lack of security and are confident of escaping prosecution.

Others claim they are organised to scare women into not joining anti-government protests.

Human Rights Watch cited figures from a hotline for victims of sexual assault and Nazra for Feminist Studies, a women's rights group.

The watchdog called on Egyptian officials and political leaders to "condemn and take immediate steps to address the horrific levels of sexual violence" in the square.

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Egypt Military Coup Ousts President Morsi

The Egyptian army has announced fresh presidential and parliamentary elections after ousting elected Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi from power.

Mr Morsi was being detained at the defence ministry. He had and his presidential team had initially been held in the Presidential Republican Guards Club, according to a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The head of the Muslim Brotherhood political party and the deputy chief have also been arrested and warrants issued for 300 members of the Brotherhood.

General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi announces the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi

In a televised address to the divided nation, commander of the armed forces, General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi, said Mr Morsi had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people" and would be replaced.

Flanked by military officials, Muslim and Christian clerics and political figures, he unveiled details of a political transition which had been agreed with them.

As the military coup got under way with the deployment of tanks and troops including commandos across the capital Cairo, he declared a review and temporary suspension of the Egyptian constitution and the appointment of Adli Mansour, the head of the supreme constitutional court, as interim head of state.

Soldiers and tanks on the outskirts of Cairo after Mr Morsi is ousted

The acting leader will be assisted by an interim council and a technocratic government until new presidential and parliamentary elections are held, he said. No specific details were given when the new polls would take place.

The military chief also announced a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements - and warned the armed forces and police would deal "decisively" with any violence.

President Barack Obama has voiced his concern over the military intervention and urged a speedy return to a democratically elected government.

In a statement he sad: " ... we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution.

Anti-Morsi protesters react to the army statement

"I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton meanwhile condemned the bloodshed and called for a swift return to democracy.

"I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution," she said.

The ouster followed the end of crisis talks after an army deadline for Mr Morsi to yield to mass nationwide demonstrations expired and he refused to step down.

"Those in the meeting have agreed on a road map for the future that includes initial steps to achieve the building of a strong Egyptian society that is cohesive and does not exclude anyone and ends the state of tension and division," he said.

Muslim Brotherhood members and pro-Morsi supporters react in Cairo

Fireworks and flares were set off over Cairo's Tahrir's Square and near the presidential palace where tens of thousands of jubilant anti-Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood protesters erupted into cheers on hearing the news which they hailed as "a victory for the people".

"The people and the army are one hand," they shouted, dancing and waving flags amid the roar of chanting and car horns, and coloured confetti in the air.

One uniformed police officer waved his hands above his head and said: "Great Egypt is victorious. Egypt is victorious over the Brotherhood."

Supporters of the deposed president, who had gathered near Cairo University, were stunned into initial silence at the news.

Elsewhere, four loyalists were killed in clashes with opponents in the northern city of Marsa Matrouh, while police were forced to call for security reinforcements in Alexandria where there was one fatality and 50 others wounded during violence.

A military helicopter above Tahrir Square

Sky's Middle East correspondent Sam Kiley, reporting from within a military cordon around Cairo University, said: "This is a miserable scene from the perspective of the Muslim Brotherhood's supporters.

"They cannot understand why it is possible to overthrow an elected president of the country simply by taking to the streets and holding loud demonstrations. They are also afraid that this could herald a crackdown against them."

The Muslim Brotherhood's TV station was taken off air and its managers arrested hours after its leader was overthrown.

The Egypt25 channel had been broadcasting live coverage of rallies by tens of thousands of pro-Mursi demonstrators in Cairo and around the country, with speeches by leading Brotherhood politicians denouncing the military intervention to oust the elected president.

A soldier cheers with anti-Morsi protesters

The offices of Al Jazeera's Egyptian television channel were also reportedly raided by security forces and prevented from broadcasting from a pro-Morsi rally and several members of staff detained.

Mr Morsi was told he was no longer in charge of the country at around 7pm (6pm UK time).

In a statement on his official Facebook page, he was quoted as rejecting the army's announcement as a "full military coup".

Democratically elected to office just over a year ago after the toppling of autocrat Hosni Mubarak as Arab Spring uprisings took hold in early 2011, Mr Morsi had spent the day working at a Republican Guard barracks where barbed wire and barriers were erected by soldiers.

Egyptian security forces earlier revealed orders banning Mr Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood chief Mohammed Badie and his deputy Khairat al Shater from travelling abroad had been issued to airport officials.

Troops had also taken up positions in the presidential palace as well as state TV buildings in Cairo, blocking any presidential statements from going out.

Sky's foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall, reporting from Cairo, said it was going to be "a difficult night" in the Egyptian capital.

"If elections are held in a few weeks, perhaps those who are so against coup d'etat and its anti-democratic sentiments can see it as part of a transitional period.

"These people will come back onto the streets in a few months time if the army tries to hang on to power, but I think the army knows that and so the elections will come within months, perhaps weeks."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK did not support military intervention and called for restraint in Egypt.

"The situation is clearly dangerous and we call on all sides to show restraint and avoid violence," he said.

"We continue to advise British citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Egypt apart from the Red Sea resorts, and to monitor travel advice from the Foreign Office.

"The United Kingdom does not support military intervention as a way to resolve disputes in a democratic system."

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Egypt President Morsi: I Will Not Step Down

Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi has refused to step down and says he will protect democratic "legitimacy" with his life.

Addressing the nation in a 45-minute televised speech he said that he had been voted for in a free and fair election and it was his job to "safeguard the revolution".

Mr Morsi called for calm and said Egyptians should not attack the army, police or each other. He was, he said, attempting to get the army to return to its normal duty and withdraw its ultimatum.

This appeared not to work as pro-Morsi protesters clashed with security forces at Cairo University.

Mr Morsi said he would protect democratic "legitimacy" with his life

Three people are reported to have died and 90 wounded and witnesses described hearing shotgun and rifle fire.

The speech followed a statement on Twitter in which he refused to step down and said he would not be dictated to by the military, who have given him an ultimatum to broker a power-sharing government with his political opponents.

The statement said: "President Mohamed Morsi asserts his grasp on constitutional legitimacy and rejects any attempt to deviate from it, and calls on the armed forces to withdraw their warning and refuses to be dictated to internally or externally."

Following Mr Morsi's speech, Khaled Dawoud, the spokesman for the National Salvation Front, said: "This is an open call for civil war ... The president continues to deny the demands of the Egyptian people that he resign."

If the president refuses to cave to the demands by Wednesday evening then the army has said it will intervene, dissolving parliament and taking control of the country.

Thousands protest in Tahrir Square

The move has sparked fears of a "military coup" as thousands of pro and anti-government protesters gathered in Cairo, prompting violent clashes which left seven dead.

Mr Morsi's address came after military sources said they would suspend the constitution, dissolve parliament and take over the running of the country if the president did not reach a power-sharing agreement with opponents.

The armed forces, who took control of the country after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, have intensified their presence in Egypt's cities ahead of the deadline.

The Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to most of Egypt and said any Britons in the country should consider "whether they have a pressing need to remain".

During a day of high tension, the opposition announced they had chosen the leading dissident and Nobel Peace Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei to represent them in negotiations on the country's future.

A protester sits in front of anti-Morsi artwork on a Cairo building

The June 30 Front, which includes the Tamarod group which was behind Sunday's record protests, said it had entrusted Mr ElBaradei, who played a significant role in the 2011 revolution, to "ensure the execution of the Egyptian people's demands and to draft a scenario that aims at the complete implementation of the roadmap for the political transition".

Thousands of people amassed in Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the revolution, and cities across the country as another deadline set by opposition groups for the Muslim Brotherhood's Mr Morsi to step down passed.

A giant crowd also gathered outside the Qasr el-Qobba presidential palace where Mr Morsi has been working in recent days.

 A top Muslim Brotherhood leader urged Egyptians to stand ready to sacrifice their lives to prevent "a military coup".

Mohamed al-Beltagui said: "Seeking martyrdom to prevent this coup is what we can offer to the previous martyrs of the revolution."

He was referring to the more than 800 people killed during the 2011 revolution.

Another spokesman said: "Egyptians are very aware that there are some people that are trying to push the country back in history and back to dictatorship."

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Health Tourism: Foreigners Face £200 NHS Levy

Foreigners will be charged around £200-a-year towards the cost of healthcare in a bid to tackle so-called health tourism.

Ministers will outline plans to introduce the charge for foreign workers and students who come to the UK for more than half a year.

A Department of Health spokesman said the cost would "ensure that migrants contribute towards the cost of their healthcare while not increasing red tape and administration for NHS professionals".

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce a public consultation on the move as part of a raft of changes to immigration laws.

He will say:  "We need to ensure that those residing or visiting the UK are contributing to the system in the same way as British taxpayers, and ensure we do as much as possible to target illegal migration.

"We have been clear that we are a national health service not an international health service and I am determined to wipe out abuse in the system.

"The NHS is a national treasure and we need to work with the entire health system to develop plans and make sure it is sustainable for years to come."

He will also outline plans to end free access to GPs for short-term visitors and pledge to cut the bill for treating tourists which currently stands at £200m

The changes are part of a government-wide push to cut down on abuse of British services but doctors warned they feared being turned into a "form of immigration control".

Earlier this year Prime Minister David Cameron said that immigrants cannot expect "something for nothing" in the UK.

Labour's shadow health minister Liz Kendall MP said: "In its three years in power the Government has a poor record on announcing policies that sound good but prove to be completely unworkable. We will have many questions to ask about the details when they are published but the key tests for their proposals are: can they be properly enforced and will they save more money than they cost to put in place?

"The public and NHS staff must be confident that any new measures are about getting taxpayers a better deal and ensuring fairness, not playing politics with our NHS."

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Child Sex Abuse Live Streaming A Bigger Threat

Child sexual abuse streamed live online through services like Skype has been highlighted as an emerging threat by experts.

Figures show an increasing number of offenders have been targeting vulnerable families overseas to set up live access to children over webcams in exchange for payment.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre's (Ceop) annual report also warned that fears were growing of child sexual abuse in Brazil ahead of the country's influx of visitors for the World Cup and Olympic Games.

In 2012, Ceop received 8,000 reports of indecent images of children being shared - with a two-fold increase in the total number of images and videos on previous years to 70,000.

Ceop chief executive Peter Davies said: "Our assessment shows that, sadly, there are still too many children at risk and too many people who would cause them serious harm.

"We should all practice zero tolerance to child sexual exploitation and abuse."

The report said live streaming emerged as a key method of producing and distributing indecent images last year, a tactic that it said presents a particularly high risk in the developing world.

Sex offenders are targeting families and children in areas with extreme poverty, rising levels of access to the internet and poor child-protection policies, the centre said.

Concerns were also raised about the use of the so-called hidden internet - heavily encrypted forums and pages that allow abusers to cover their tracks when accessing indecent images online.

The number of UK users connecting to secret or encrypted networks each day increased by two thirds, one of the largest annual increases globally, the report said.

A total of  20,000 daily UK users of such networks are expected by the end of this year, although not all of these will use the hidden internet for criminal means.

Ceop found that there has been a 70% increase in the number of female victims under 10 years old.

The report comes shortly after after five members of a seven-man sadistic paedophile ring found guilty of grooming vulnerable underage girls were given life sentences at the Old Bailey. Two other defendants were both jailed for seven years.

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Postnatal Depression: Blood Test Breakthrough

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

British doctors have developed the first ever blood test for postnatal depression in a breakthrough that could ease the plight of tens of thousands of women who suffer from the condition every year, Sky News has learnt.

Doctors believe a £10 screening test they have developed – which could be administered as part of ordinary NHS ante-natal checks – would allow women found to be at risk to receive treatment for the disease before they give birth.

Around 90,000 pregnant women a year - around one in seven - develop the "baby blues".

In severe cases it can result in new mums committing suicide or harming their babies.

Professor Dimitris Grammatopoulos, who led the research at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said the research was "extremely important".

He said: "There is evidence that if you can identify women at risk early you could treat early or introduce measures to prevent or stop the process of the disease."

The early warning should mean that simple support from families and health professionals is enough to prevent symptoms developing.

A study of 200 pregnant women, published in the current edition of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found two molecular "signatures" in the genes that increased the risk of postnatal depression by up to five times.

Although previous research has found genetic "markers" linked to the condition, this is the first time that genetic variations have been found in the hormonal pathway that triggers it.

The researchers believe that changes in oestrogen levels during pregnancy make women more sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol.

But whereas most women "reset" the hormonal imbalance soon after their baby is born, those with the genetic variations are unable to do so, leading to postnatal depression.

Prof Grammatopoulos said he could test women for the genetic changes for between £30 and £40.

But automating the test so that robots could screen large numbers of samples would bring the cost down to just £10.

And he is looking for further genetic changes, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, to increase the predictive power of the test.

He said blood samples already taken routinely in the early stages of pregnancy could then be screened.

"Usually we focus on the mother, but the negative impact on the child is also immense," Prof Grammatopoulos said.

Between a third and a half of women with postnatal depression develop severe symptoms.

Rachael Dobson, 24, said the new test could prevent other women suffering as she did.

She felt "useless as a mum" when her son Andreas was born three years ago. She believed that suicide would free up her husband to just look after their son.

Only when she began to consider killing him did she contact her health visitor.

She said: "I remember him crying loads and I'd tried everything in the book - feeding, winding, changing his nappy - because he would not be quiet.

"I just thought 'What if I smothered him?'. At least he would then be quiet and I could sort myself out.

"But within a split second you are almost scared yourself because how could you think that about a vulnerable baby."

Support from health professionals and her husband slowly improved her symptoms. But it has taken the best part of three years.

Mrs Dobson set up the Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support charity (Pandas), which runs a helpline: 0843 2898401.

:: Professor Grammatopoulos is now carrying out a larger study on 1,500 women to help refine the test. Pregnant women interested in taking part should email info@uhcw.nhs.uk

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Salford Murder: Police Seek Linzi Ashton Ex

The ex-boyfriend of a 25-year-old mother who was "brutally murdered" in her home is being hunted by police.

Detectives in Salford said Michael Cope, 28, was their main suspect in the death of Linzi Ashton and have warned locals against "harbouring" him.

Bar worker Ms Ashton had clearly suffered face and head injuries when her body was found on Saturday evening by relatives, police said.

It is understood her daughters Destiny, seven, and Daisy, two, were not at home in Westbourne Road, Winton, at the time.

The couple had an "acrimonious" relationship, police said, and officers had been called to the address in the past. Because of this, the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Ms Ashton's children were not at home at the time of the attack

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "I have named Michael Cope as I believe he is responsible for Linzi's death.

"Linzi and Michael Cope have been in a relationship and that relationship has been acrimonious and the subject of reports to police.

"A young woman has been brutally murdered and our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is obviously a totally devastating time for them.

"I will take a dim view of anybody who provides assistance to Cope knowing that he is being sought by Greater Manchester Police."

A post-mortem examination on Ms Ashton's body was taking place on Sunday.

Neighbours have laid flowers close to the scene as police continue to look for clues.

Tributes were also left at the Duke of York pub in Eccles town centre, where Ms Ashton worked. One read: "Our Lovely Princess Linzi. Fallen too soon. Forever in our hearts and memories."

It is thought Ms Ashton was last seen alive by a friend in the Eccles area shortly before 2am on Saturday.

:: People are advised not to approach Michael Cope. Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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Egypt: Seven Killed As Protests Turn Violent

At least seven people have been killed in Egypt and more than 600 wounded in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi.

Five of the dead were shot in towns south of Cairo, one each in Beni Suef and Fayoum and three others in Assiut.

Two more people were killed by gunfire during an attack on the national headquarters of Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.

The attack came amid mass protests across Egypt calling for the Islamist president to resign. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets as part of the demonstrations.

The protests are being held exactly a year since Mr Morsi came to power.

Some 500,000 people descended on Cairo's Tahrir Square, the heart of the 2011 uprising against Mr Morsi's predecessor Hosni Mubarak.

Other demonstrations have been held outside the presidential palace several miles away, which was under heavy guard.

Police and troops have deployed to protect key buildings around the country, security officials said. The health ministry said hospitals have been placed on high alert.

On Friday an American student, 21-year-old Andrew Pochter, was killed during clashes in the city of Alexandria.

A senior security official said the Suez Canal, the vital waterway that connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, has been placed under "maximum security".

Liberal leaders say nearly half the voting population - 22 million people - have signed a petition calling for change. Mr Morsi's opponents have promised a "second revolution".

But the president's Muslim Brotherhood and militant allies pledge to defend what they say is the legitimate order.

Mr Morsi has called his opponents bad losers backed by "thugs" from the rule of deposed Mr Mubarak.

He is banking on the "Tamarud - Rebel!" coalition fizzling out, as other challenges in the streets have done since he took power.

US President Barack Obama has called on Egyptians to focus on dialogue. His ambassador to Egypt has angered the opposition by suggesting protests are not helping the economy.

Liberal leaders, fractious and defeated in a series of ballots last year, hope that by putting millions on the streets they can force Mr Morsi to relent.

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Rolling Stones Make Debut At Glastonbury

By Michael Blair, Arts and Entertainment Producer

The Rolling Stones have performed at Glastonbury festival for the first time in their 50 year career, headlining the iconic Pyramid Stage.

The band played for over two hours with a set featuring hits from throughout their five decades together including Brown Sugar, Miss You and Start Me Up.

Lead singer Mick Jagger told the audience of thousands: "After all these years they finally got round to asking us!"

After thanking those who had been to see them throughout the years he joked: "If it's the first time you've ever seen the band please come again!"

Sir Mick alongside guitarist Keith Richards

Pyrotechnics wowed the crowd while a giant mechanical bird rose above the stage during Sympathy for the Devil.

Former guitarist Mick Taylor joined his old band mates on stage for a few songs and a choir accompanied them for You Can't Always Get What You Want.

The veteran rockers closed the night with a storming rendition of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction complete with a spectacular firework display.

Reaction from festival goers was positive with Zara Steele from Bangor, Northern Ireland, saying: "It was brilliant - Mick has a lot of energy and really gets the crowd going.

"The songs are fantastic and it sounded perfect - they did a great show!"

Kate Moss and husband Jamie Hince at the festival

The heavily anticipated appearance marks part of the group's tour marking their 50 year anniversary.

It was thought that the Stones' two concerts at London's O2 Arena in December last year would be the only shows in the UK to mark the milestone but the Glastonbury slot was announced in March following years of speculation.

It's understood the band initially objected to the BBC broadcasting the gig in full but a deal was reached to screen just an hour of the show to viewers at home.

Their set followed day two of the festival's performance with Primal Scream, Elvis Costello and Laura Mvula all featuring on the main stage lineup.

After a muddy and wet start on Thursday the event has enjoyed sunshine and temperatures of 22 degrees, while a drop in crime on the previous Glastonbury will be more good news for founder Michael Evis.

There have been 160 reported crimes and over 100 arrests have been made.

Sunday marks the final day of the UK's biggest music festival with Mumford and Sons closing the show.

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Egypt Anniversary: Mass Demonstrations Expected

Mass demonstrations are expected across Egypt today a year to the day since Mohamed Morsi came to power.

In Cairo, thousands of people gathered on Tahrir Square, the seat of the uprising of 2011. Others gathered outside the presidential palace several miles away, which was under heavy guard.

Liberal leaders say nearly half the voting population - 22 million people - have signed a petition calling for change.

But Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and militant allies pledge to defend what they say is the legitimate order.

Several people have been killed and hundreds wounded in days of street fighting across the country.

Yesterday, an American student who was killed during violent clashes in the southern city of Alexandria, was identified as Andrew Pochter, 21, from Maryland.

Andrew Pochter was killed in Alexandria

Mr Morsi calls opponents bad losers backed by "thugs" from the rule of Hosni Mubarak.

He is banking on the "Tamarud - Rebel!" coalition fizzling out, as other challenges in the streets have done since he took power a year ago today.

An economic crisis deepened by unrest and political deadlock may spur many less partisan Egyptians to join the rallies, due to start in the afternoon in Cairo.

But many, too, are weary of turmoil and are sceptical that the opposition's demand to reset the rules of the new democracy is better than soldiering on.

Recent days have seen intense street fighting

US President Barack Obama called on Egyptians to focus on dialogue. His ambassador to Egypt has angered the opposition by suggesting protests are not helping the economy.

Liberal leaders, fractious and defeated in a series of ballots last year, hope that by putting millions on the streets they can force Mr Morsi to relent.

Religious authorities have warned of "civil war".

The army has said it will step in if violence gets out of control but insists it will respect the "will of the people".

Mr Morsi, who on Saturday met the head of the military he appointed last year, interprets that to mean army support for election results.

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