Weather: Aberystwyth 'Damage' As Tides Hit UK

Flood warnings remain in place as parts of the UK were hit by high tides, causing widespread flooding and evacuations in coastal areas.

The main beach in Aberystwyth was "destroyed" as 6ft waves broke up paving slabs and slammed into buildings.

Millie Farmer, 19, a second-year undergraduate at Aberystwyth University, said residents were evacuated from seafront properties.

She said: "I've never seen anything like it before. There were six foot waves crashing on to the beach.

Waves engulf the beach and promenade at Aberystwyth. Pic: Naheed Mateen

"It was scary - and quite exciting. It must be awful for people whose businesses and homes have been damaged.

"The promenade has been closed. North Beach has been completely destroyed. The slabs on the promenade have been uprooted."

Images taken on the seafront in the town showed paving slabs and tiles littering the road surface.

The town's university told its students it was deferring the start of examinations for a week because of the extreme conditions.

Flood warnings remain in place in many areas with more rain forecast

Hundreds of homes have already been flooded across the UK after rivers from Cornwall to Scotland burst their banks.

Six severe flood warnings - which indicate a risk to life - are in place in the Midlands and the Southwest as heavy rain and strong winds created exceptionally high tides along the west of the UK.

Forecasters warn the bad weather conditions could return on Sunday, with many areas already saturated.

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Harry Martin has not been seen since Thursday

The areas worst hit by flooding are the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Gloucestershire and Wales.

It comes after a major search was launched for an 18-year-old who has not been seen since he left his home to take pictures of the weather.

Harry Martin left his home in Membland, near Plymouth, at around midday on Thursday.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Mr Martin was last seen walking towards the coastal path near his home.

Police, Coastguard, the RNLI and helicopters from the police and RNAS Culdrose are conducting extensive searches around the coast.

The Thames Barrier was shut for three hours on Saturday morning to prevent high tides causing widespread flooding.

Evacuation sirens were also sounded in Portland, near Weymouth, Dorset, due to a severe risk of flooding.

Waves crash over Blackpool seafront

Homes in Newport, South Wales, were evacuated and rough seas caused part of a cliff at Rock-A-Nore, outside Hastings in East Sussex, to collapse.

Three of the severe warnings are on the River Severn, including around the Severn Estuary, with the others at Chiswell, Preston Beach and the Lower Stour in the Southwest.

Nearly 100 flood warnings are also in place across the UK.

The high tide smashes against flood barriers in Saltcoats, Scotland

The Government has been forced to deny claims that austerity cuts will hit flood defences - despite reports that hundreds of frontline jobs are being cut.

Belfast escaped major flooding on Friday, but similar weather conditions are forecast for Sunday and Monday and sandbag barriers along the Connswater River will remain in place.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Phil Everly, Of The Everly Brothers, Dies

Phil Everly - who with his brother, Don, made up the revered US rock and country duo - has died aged 74.

Everly passed away in the Los Angeles suburb of Burbank following complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, his wife, Patti, told the LA Times.

His wife told the newspaper that the disease was contracted through a lifetime of smoking and that the family was "absolutely heartbroken".

The Everly Brothers had dozens of hits between the late 1950s and early 1960s including All I Have To Do Is Dream, Cathy's Clown, and Wake Up Little Susie.

The duo in Jaunary 1965

The duo were a big influence for bands such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys and Simon & Garfunkel, and toured with Buddy Holly at one point.

They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the late 1980s and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Everly is survived by his wife, his brother, Don, their mother, Margaret, sons Jason and Chris, and two granddaughters.

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Stormy Weather: 20 Severe Flood Warnings

Hundreds of flood alerts have been issued for today covering almost the whole of the UK - with the South West expected to bear the brunt of the storms.

Twenty severe flood warnings, which indicate a risk to life, are in place as heavy rain and winds gusting up to 60mph are due to hit western areas this morning.

The latest violent storm to sweep in from the Atlantic, combined with exceptionally high tides, is prompting fears of major flooding and travel chaos.

Thirteen of the severe warnings are around the Cornwall, Devon and Dorset coastline.

High tide times for the South West this morning

Three are in Gloucestershire - around the River Severn and its estuary, near Cheltenham. Four others are in Wales - including Barmouth, on the north-west coast.

In south Devon, areas include Plymouth, and stretches from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, and Start Point to Dawlish Warren. In the north of the county, areas around Ilfracombe and Barnstaple are under threat.

Bad weather has been lashing Britain for a number of weeks

On Cornwall's Atlantic Coast, areas around Newquay, Wadebridge and Bude also have severe flood warnings. And there is another at Preston Beach In Weymouth, Dorset.

More than 400 weather warnings and alerts are also in place, affecting every region of England and Wales.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is warning of a risk of flooding in Belfast, and says Larne, Newry, Newtownards and Clough are also at risk.

The Environment Agency has three severe warnings along the River Severn

Democratic Unionist Party politician Gavin Robinson tweeted people had been stealing sandbags in the city ahead of the storm.

He wrote: "At a time when people are stretching themselves to help others, reports of sandbags being stolen and sold are disturbing and depressing."

Police are advising residents in the Sydenham and Victoria Park areas of Belfast to pack a bag and prepare for evacuation, if necessary.

There is also a severe alert at Barmouth in Wales

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also issued 17 flood warnings.

The flood risk extends along the UK coastline from north west England, through Wales, the South West and southern England.

Areas at particular risk include the Isles of Scilly, the north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, the tidal reaches of the River Severn, and the coastline of Wales and Cumbria.

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The Thames Barrier in London has been closed to protect people and property along the river.

Communities in parts of the South East are braced for further deluges, with a risk of more flooding in Little Venice, Yalding, Kent.

Red areas show the flood warning regions in Scotland

In Sussex, police said coastal winds of up to 65mph, combined with high tides and low pressure, are likely to create storm surges.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson chaired an emergency meeting earlier in response to the flooding threat.

"We had a range of ministers from right across government attending, who will be working very closely with local councils, power companies, utilities and transport companies, making sure that all those organisations are absolutely prepared for the bad weather that is coming," he said.

A severe warning is in place at Ilfracombe in Devon

"I would appeal to everyone to keep in very close touch with the warnings that are being put out on a regular basis by the Environment Agency, to pay heed to them, as these floods and the coast will be dangerous."

A search for a 27-year-old man who was swept out to sea while celebrating the new year on the beach with friends near Porthleven, in Cornwall, was called off on Thursday after a body was found.

That came after a woman, thought to be on holiday with her family, died in the surf in north Devon.

High tide at Portreath in Cornwall. Pic: Adam Sprague

The coastguard is also searching for a man who is believed to have fallen into the River Stour, near Iford Bridge in Christchurch, Dorset.

And emergency services across the country are searching for several people who have not been seen since New Year's Eve.

Meanwhile, in Liphook, Hampshire, 300 homes lost power after lines were brought down in the stormy weather.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

A&E Visits: Third Of GPs Back Charges

By David Crabtree, Sky News Correspondent

A third of GPs are in favour of making people pay if they make unnecessary visits to hard-pressed accident and emergency departments.

A new survey asked GPs whether people should pay £5 or £10 for each visit, with the money being refunded if their attendance was found to be justified.

The poll was carried out by the Press Association for Doctors.net.uk, an online network for doctors, and involved canvassing 800 GPs across England.

One in three (32%) family doctors said introducing patient fees for some visits would be the most cost effective way of cutting unnecessary A&E attendance.

Four in 10 (39%) said placing a GP surgery, with extended opening hours, adjacent to every emergency department would help reduce the numbers seeking A&E help and cut spiralling hospital admissions.

Another 11% thought more NHS walk-in centres would help ease the strain, while 8% believed that an improved 111 phone service - set up to replace NHS Direct - could provide the answer.

People using the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham were sceptical about paying for A&E.

George Price said: "It might stop people going because of the cost and others might think that paying a tenner was a good deal to be seen by and A&E doctor, it sounds like a bad idea to me."

Carole Bailey, who was visiting a relative, had reservations about how it would work.

She said: "Who is going to say someone is wasting their time?

"Most people who go must think they are really ill and where do you draw the line?"

Dr Tim Ringrose, chief executive of Doctors.net.uk, said: "It may be a clear departure from the traditional NHS vision, but many doctors are now saying that radical action has to be taken to reverse the 'free at the point of abuse' culture that is a key contributor to the current emergency care crisis in some areas."

Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "Charging patients for the use of emergency departments would put us on the slippery slope towards the Americanisation of healthcare - where only those who can afford it get the care and attention they need.

"Doctors have a duty to provide healthcare to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients seek healthcare when they are at their most vulnerable and if they attend A&E, it is usually because they don't know where else to turn.

"Emergency departments are really struggling but the way to solve the crisis is to adequately fund general practice, so that family doctors can provide more care for patients in the community.

"GPs conduct 90% of the NHS contacts for just 8.39% of the NHS budget. If general practice was better funded many people who are seen in emergency departments could be seen by a local GP."

The survey also found that the overwhelming majority believed that changes announced by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in November regarding GP contracts would do little to ease the pressure on A&E units.

The poll found that three quarters of GPs (74%) disagreed that giving older people a named GP would cut the numbers ending up in A&E.

Just one in 10 doctors agreed this would help alleviate pressures on the system.

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Newport Teenager Vanishes Outside Her Home

A major police search is under way for a young woman who vanished after taking rubbish out.

Police and the family of Nida Ul-Naseer, 18, from Newport, South Wales, are increasingly concerned for her welfare.

The teenager has not been seen since 8pm on Saturday, December 28.

Police sniffer dogs and up to 40 police officers, some on horseback, have been searching open areas in teeming rain around her home in Linton Street.

Nida's disappearance is said to be uncharacteristic

Extra officers were drafted in after they became available when bad weather caused the cancellation of the Newport County vs Oxford City football match.

The teenager, whose disappearance is said to be out of character, is also in need of medication without which she is likely to become anaemic.

Chief Inspector Daniel Taylor, leading the Gwent Police search operation, said both police and her family are increasingly concerned for her welfare.

"She has gone missing from her home address, that is particularly the reason for the concern. There is no motive for it," he said.

"As far as we understand it she went out to the bins at the premises. That was the last time she was seen."

He said that forensic teams had examined the area and extensive searches have been carried out in the neighbourhood. "There is no forensic evidence that she has been taken."

Chief Insp Taylor also appealed to anyone who may know Nida to come forward with any information they may have about her social circle.

"There must be other people out there who know Nida who are not necessarily known to the family," he said.

Police say Nida is of Asian-Pakistani appearance and has long dark hair, is slim and is five feet three inches tall. She was last known to be wearing blue jeans and a black top.

Local officers will be in the area distributing leaflets and conducting house-to-house enquiries.

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 and quote log number 448 28/12/13.

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Weather: Savage Wind And Rain Pummels UK

Emergency services are searching for people missing in vicious weather lashing Britain, as the Government called an urgent meeting over the conditions.

Floods and strong winds have hit households across the country, with roads closed and hundreds of homes without electricity.

A 27-year-old man is feared dead after being swept out to sea in Cornwall while celebrating the new year on the beach with friends. That came after a woman died in the surf in north Devon.

And police across the country are searching for several people who have not been seen since New Year's Eve.

More than 300 weather warnings and alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency, affecting every region of England and Wales.

Dozens of flood warnings were put in place, mostly in the South West of England, with strong winds, heavy downpours and more flooding forecast over the coming days.

Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency's head of flood incident management, said: "Strong winds and large waves along the west and south coasts of England are forecast between Friday and Sunday, coinciding with high tides.

"Impacts could include flooding affecting some coastal properties and communities.

"Coastal paths and promenades could be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of being swept out to sea. People are warned to stay away from the shoreline.

"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground making sure flood defences are in good working order, monitoring sea levels and preparing to issue flood alerts and warnings."

A Cornwall police spokesman said: "There are people who enjoy swimming in all weathers as well as those who may under-estimate the danger a rough sea can pose.

"During the current bad weather, we would appeal to everyone to use common sense and not put themselves in unnecessary danger."

Meanwhile, in Liphook, Hampshire, 300 homes lost power after lines were brought down in the stormy weather.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is expected to chair a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergencies committee on Thursday, in response to flooding that has wreaked havoc.

"We will remain in touch with local councils in at-risk areas," he said.

"With a number of flood alerts for the South East, including several areas which have previously been flooded, I urge everyone in affected areas to sign up to EA flood warnings and follow the advice issued."

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New Year: 'Multi-Sensory' Fireworks For London

Revellers in London were being treated to the world's first "multi-sensory" fireworks display as people around the world welcomed in the New Year.

More than 250,000 people lined the Thames for the display, which saw peach snow, edible banana confetti and orange-scented bubbles descend on a section of the crowd.

Fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle

In Scotland, about 80,000 were in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party.

There was music from the Pet Shop Boys as well as traditional Scottish sounds at an outdoor dance event.

But those venturing outside to welcome in 2014 were contending with some horrible weather - with the Met Office issuing more than 100 flood alerts.

Thousands enjoyed the celebrations in London

Spectators in London said the show was the best ever.

Harriet Dudley, from Brighton, said: "This was the best ever show and I'm so glad I came to watch - I feel so emotional. It was, like, four-dimensional."

Referring to London's show, Mayor Boris Johnson said: "There is no better way to celebrate the highs of 2013 and the start of an exciting new year than by seeing one of the world's most dazzling firework displays, now augmented in more ways than one.

Dubai's fireworks display is billed as the largest ever

"Watched by millions around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people from the banks of the Thames, it highlights our capital's fantastic community spirit and its premier position on the global stage."

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames have been given packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes and LED wristbands.

They also have seven kinds of fruit-flavoured sweets that link to the tastes and smells of the multi-sensory display.

Peach snow and orange-flavoured bubbles descended in London

The UK celebrations follow displays from around the world including the largest ever fireworks display in Dubai.

The six minute extravaganza included 500,000 fireworks from 400 firing locations, all synchronised by 100 computers from stations across the city.

Spectators said the show was better than last year's

Tomorrow, in London, there will be a celebration parade which features music from around the globe.

It leaves from the Ritz Hotel at noon before winding through Piccadilly, Pall Mall and Trafalgar Square and ending in Parliament Square.

Fireworks in Moscow

About half a million people are expected to attend.

Those attending tomorrow's event may have to contend with a miserable start to the year, weather-wise, with rain and strong winds predicted.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kim Jong-Un: Uncle's Killing Removed 'Filth'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has hailed the elimination of "factional filth" after the execution of his uncle last month.

In his New Year message, broadcast of state television, Mr Kim said: "Our party took resolute action to remove ... scum elements within the party last year."

He accused Jang Song-Thaek, who was once considered the second most powerful individual in the North, of trying to build his own power base within the ruling party.

"Our party's timely, accurate decision to purge the anti-party, anti-revolutionary elements helped greatly cement solidarity within our party," Mr Kim said.

Jang (L) was seen as North Korea's second-most powerful man

Jang's death was announced by state news agency KCNA on December 13.

Branding him a "traitor" it said Jang was executed after a special military trial for committing such a "hideous crime as attempting to overthrow the state by all sorts of intrigues and despicable methods with a wild ambition to grab the supreme power of our party and state".

South Korean media said they believed he was killed by machine gun, a relatively common form of execution in the North.

Jang, who was seen as vital in helping Kim secure power after the death of his father, had earlier been removed from regime posts because of allegations of corruption, drug use, gambling, womanising, generally leading a "dissolute and depraved life".

Jang was shown on state television being arrested

He was shown being dragged from his seat at a meeting and arrested on state TV shortly before his execution was announced.

The North Korean also used his New year message to warn that another war on the peninsula would prompt a "massive nuclear disaster" and the US would not be safe.

"We are faced with a dangerous situation in which a small, accidental military clash can lead to an all-out war," he said.

South Korea - with which the North is still officially at war after the Korean War ended in a 1953 armistice - worries instability in the North Korean regime could lead to attacks on the South.

Last week, Pyongyang sent Seoul a fax warning of a "merciless" strike after effigies of the North Korean leader and his father were set on fire by crowds in the South.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schumacher Fighting For His Life, Say Doctors

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher is in a coma following a skiing accident in France - and doctors say they "cannot predict his future".

The 44-year-old German is fighting for his life at a hospital in Grenoble and surgeons are working "hour by hour" to save him.

Michael Schumacher was skiing with his son at the time of the accident

At a news conference on Monday morning, in Grenoble, doctors said he had suffered many lesions to his brain and his prognosis was unclear.

Surgeons operated to remove a blood clot in his brain and are now trying to reduce "dangerous swelling", meaning his condition could go either way. 

The hospital revealed that Schumacher was being kept in a state of hypothermia by controlling his temperature to keep it at 34C-35C (93.2F-95F).

He is under general anaesthetic in an induced coma.

"He's in a critical situation - this is considered to be extremely serious," Chief Anaesthetist Jean-Francois Payen told journalists.

The "Dent de Burgin" peak under which Schumacher was skiing

The doctor said that Schumacher's family were at his bedside and friends had flown in to the hospital to lend their support.

"We are working day and night at his bedside," Dr Payen said. "It is too early to say anything as far as prognosis is concerned," he added.

Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said an emergency brain scan had revealed internal bleeding, and injuries including contusions and lesions.

Michael Schumacher was staying at this exclusive chalet in Meribel

"On his arrival we examined him clinically and we realised he was in a serious condition, in a coma, with in fact cranial pressure," Dr Chabardes said.

"The brain scan showed a number of pieces of information, some intercranial haematoma but also some cerebral contusions and oedema.

"We operated urgently to try to eliminate the haematoma. After the operation we saw that we had been able to eliminate these haematoma but also sadly the appearance of various bilateral lesions.

The F1 racer was taken to hospital by helicopter

"So therefore he was taken to intensive care to try to help.

"I am very worried just like his family, we are very worried about his condition. The doctors won't tell you more because they can't tell you more, they are working hour by hour." 

Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps resort of Meribel with his 14-year-old son.

Doctors could not give a prognosis at a press conference in Grenoble

"Someone who had suffered this accident without a helmet would not have made it this far," Dr Payen said

The area where Schumacher was skiing is part of a web of trails that slice down through a vast and, in parts, very steep snowfield.

Although challenging, the runs are broad and neatly tended, and the off-piste areas - where Schumacher was found - is free of trees.

The lane to Schumacher's private chalet

The motor-racing champion was conscious when first responders arrived on the scene, although agitated and in shock, according to a resort spokesman.

He was first airlifted to a local hospital and then later brought to Grenoble for more intensive treatment, when his condition deteriorated.

The French Mountain Gendarmerie had earlier said Schumacher's life was not in danger.

The German Formula One legend skiing in Italy in 2006

Fellow drivers, politicians and friends spoke of their alarm. Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "extremely shocked along with millions of Germans". 

Schumacher's family also released a brief statement. It read: "We would like to thank the medical team who we know do everything possible to help Michael.

"We like to also thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for Michael's recovery."

The accident occurred in the resort of Meribel in France

A leading neurosurgery specialist in London has described Schumacher's condition as "very dangerous".

Christopher Chandler, of the London Neurosurgery Partnership, warned that his injuries may take several days to "reach their peak".

He said the haematoma and bruising could cause "ferocious swelling".

Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, first retired from Formula One in 2006.

Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One for Mercedes in 2010

He has been hurt seriously once before, in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

Schumacher recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback to Formula One in 2010.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Year Honours: Women Overtake Men

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

More women than men have been named in the New Year Honours List for the first time ever.

Actress Penelope Keith is made a dame along with Professor Julia Slingo, chief scientist at the Met Office, and Professor Susan Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Singer Katherine Jenkins, actress Lynda Bellingham and Arsenal Ladies footballer Rachel Yankey all receive OBEs, while businesswoman Karren Brady gets a CBE.

In all, 611 women are honoured, accounting for 51% of the list, the highest total since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917.

Keith said she was "elated, exhausted and thrilled."

Michael Crawford picks up a CBE

The 73-year-old, known for her crisp diction and roles in sitcoms such as To The Manor Born and The Good Life, receives her honour for services to the arts and to charity.

She said: "It's the big one. I had already got an OBE and then a CBE, so I don't know what is better than the icing on the cake - but this is."

Former England footballer David Beckham and Wimbledon winner Andy Murray had both been tipped for knighthoods but both missed out.

Marcus Setchell, the doctor who oversaw the safe delivery of Prince George, is recognised for his work caring for the Duchess of Cambridge.

Actor Michael Crawford, who played Frank Spencer in 1970s sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, said his CBE for services to children's charities was "the most wonderful surprise".

The parents of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen were given MBEs for their work setting up a foundation in their son's memory.

Mother Margaret Mizen told Sky News that she heard about the award in November but had to keep it secret.

"I just couldn't believe it I was in total shock," she said.

"We were determined not to be beaten by what happened.

"We go into schools and prisons and we share Jimmy's story but we don't go in telling them what to do, to put their knives down or put their guns down ... but we tell them how special they are."

Julie Bailey, who led the campaign to highlight the scandal at Stafford hospital, dedicated her CBE to her late mother Bella.

She told Sky News: "We haven't let powerful people silence us and brush it under the carpet we have just kept our heads down and kept going with dignity and respect."

MBEs have also been awarded to DJ Pete Tong, Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and 90-year-old Bettina Dawson, who has been serving fish and chips to the people of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway since 1928.

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schumacher: Drivers Wish Him A Speedy Recovery

Formula One drivers of the past and present have wished Michael Schumacher a full recovery as he lies in a coma following a serious skiing accident.

Sky's F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle - who was Schumacher's team-mate at Benetton - tweeted: "Let's hope Michael Schumacher's ski shunt is not too bad and that he's totally fixable.

"He's a crazy brave skydiving / bike racing daredevil."

Martin Brundle was a team-mate of Schumacher's at Benetton

Hours later, when the full extent of Schumacher's injuries had become clear, he urged: "Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it."

British driver Jenson Button tweeted: "My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this." 

Felipe Massa, the Brazilian driver whose injury brought Schumacher back to F1 in 2009, posted a picture of the pair embracing on Instagram, with the Portuguese message: "I'm praying for God to protect you, brother!"

British F1 driver Jenson Button posted a get well message on Twitter

In English, he wrote: "I hope you have a quick recovery! God bless you, Michael!"

Schumacher returned to the sport racing for Mercedes in the 2010 season.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Jules Bianchi, and Max Chilton also weighed in, offering best wishes and wishing him a quick recovery.

Romain Grosjean, who finished second to the German legend in the 2012 Nations' Cup, tweeted: "All our thoughts to Schumi and his family."

Heikki Kovalainen, who tussled with him on the track in 2004 and 2007, wished him a "full recovery soon".

Scottish F1 driver Paul di Resta tweeted: "Terrible news about MSC, thinking of him and his family. Hoping for better news and that he can pull through #getwellsoon."

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella tweeted: "I know you Michael, you are the man, you are the best you are..... This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!"

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10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Michael Schumacher 'In Critical Condition'

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher is in a coma following a skiing accident in France.

The 44-year-old German suffered a "serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival, which required an immediate neurosurgical operation," according to the hospital treating Schumacher in the French city of Grenoble.

Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he reportedly hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps.

He was airlifted off the mountain following the accident in the resort of Meribel, in the popular Three Valleys area.

The sports star was skiing with his 14-year-old son and some friends when the accident occurred.

Schumacher's agent, Sabine Kehm, said: ''Michael fell on his head during a private ski trip in the French Alps.

The German Formula One legend skiing in Italy in 2006

"He was hospitalised and is receiving medical care. We ask for your understanding that we cannot give a running commentary on his state of health.

"He was wearing a helmet and was not alone.''

Journalist Carole Bouchard, from the French newspaper L'Equipe, told Sky News that the racing driver's condition had deteriorated during the hours following his hospitalisation.

The French Mountain Gendarmerie had earlier said Schumacher's life was not in danger.

Speaking to Sky News, Chris Chandler, a consultant neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital, said the immediate neurosurgical treatment given to Schumacher shows his injuries are severe.

The accident occurred in the resort of Meribel in France

"He could have suffered a diffuse injury to his brain which can then result in brain swelling," he said.

"He could have sustained some sort of brain haemorrhage and if there was a blood clot within his brain or on the surface of his brain underneath his skull, that might need to be removed.

"Sometimes there is nothing actually to remove but you put in an intra-cranial pressure monitor, which basically is an operation that requires drilling a hole in the skull and putting a fine probe inside."

Former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt and Professor Gerard Saillant, a brain and spine injury expert, are at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre where Schumacher is being treated.

Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One for Mercedes in 2010

Professor Saillant co-ordinated Schumacher's medical care after the driver broke his leg in the 1999 British Grand Prix.

Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, first retired from Formula One in 2006.

He has been hurt seriously once before, in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

Schumacher recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback to Formula One in 2010.

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Ferry Fire: Rescue Operation In North Sea

Six people have been winched to safety after suffering smoke inhalation when a fire broke out aboard a ferry in the North Sea.

The blaze began in the accommodation area of the MS King Seaways ferry soon after 10pm last night.

Two RAF helicopters were scrambled to help injured passengers on the ferry, which was located about 30 miles east of Flamborough Head, near Scarborough.

RAF Squadron Leader Dave Webster said 946 passengers and 127 crew were aboard the vessel when the blaze broke out.

"Thankfully the weather in the area is good. We haven't got any problems out in the North Sea with weather tonight - it's all been co-operative," he told Sky News.

"Winching from any large vessel is always demanding ... But we train for this every day, so thankfully it's almost second nature to the crews to be out doing this kind of activity."

The ferrry changed its course towards land (Pic: www.marinetraffic.com)

The injured passengers will be taken to Scarborough Hospital. The fire has been brought under control.

Two lifeboats from Bridlington and Filey have also been launched to assist the rescue, the RNLI said.

The rescue operation has been coordinated by the Humber Coastguard.

Bev Allen, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "We have been in close contact with the MS King Seaways ... and sent resources to assist in the evacuation of those passengers and crew that were showing signs of smoke inhalation."

The ferry is operated by DFDS between North Shields and Ijmuiden in the Netherlands.

According to the DFDS Seaways website, the 26-year-old vessel has room for over 1,500 passengers and 600 cars.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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Anti-Smoking Campaign: New Ad Targets Addicts

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

Smokers are being targeted by a new TV advertising campaign which aims to scare them into giving up.

Graphic images of polluted blood flowing through the body of a smoker and damaging cells in his brain are used to reinforce the message that smoking increases the risk of dementia and strokes.

The campaign, funded by Public Health England, was launched by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

"We know about the serious effect smoking has on the heart and lungs but smokers need to be aware of how much potential damage is being done to the brain and other vital organs through toxins in cigarettes entering the blood," she said.

"Smoking is the major cause of premature death, with one in two smokers dying prematurely from smoking related diseases, and it is extremely worrying that people still underestimate the health harms associated with it."

Government figures show more than one in five adults in the UK admits to smoking, at an estimated cost to the economy of £5bn per year in health costs, sick leave and lost productivity.

More than one in five adults in the UK admit to smoking

The TV advert, to be shown in England from tomorrow, along with a billboard advertising showing clotted blood dripping from a cigarette, has been welcomed by Joe Korner from The Stroke Association.

"It is well known that smoking harms our health but the link between smoking and stroke is less well known," he said.

"Stroke is a major cause of death and adult disability in the UK and you are twice as likely to have a stroke if you smoke. The more you smoke, the more your risk increases."

Smokers outside the Sant' Angelo restaurant in Wetherby in West Yorkshire who watched a preview of the advert said it encouraged them to consider giving up, or smoking less.

Jo Maltby, 40, has smoked for 20 years and says she tried to give up many times before.

"That probably would give me a bit more of an inclination to (give up) because I have children," she said.

"Obviously the more damage I do to myself the less chance they've got of me being around."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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