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Jun 4
Henry Nowak: Police watchdog chief urges people not to speculate about teenager's murder

Footage of the teenager being handcuffed as he lay dying on the ground has sparked intense debate and prompted protesters to clash with officers in Southampton. Now the head of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has warned that discussion of the case could risk prejudicing the investigation. Derrick Campbell said he was "acutely aware" of the public interest in what happened, but urged people to stop speculating. The statement in full says: "We are acutely aware of the public interest in this case. "We would respectfully ask people to stop speculating on an ongoing live investigation. "This investigation is going to fully establish the circumstances of the case, including whether there may be misconduct on the part of any of the officers involved. "The ongoing commentary about the evidence and speculation risks prejudicing any potential processes and preventing Henry Nowak's family getting the answers they deserve." Read more:Who was Henry Nowak? The officers who arrested Mr Nowak have been taken off frontline policing duties, the chief constable of Hampshire Police has told Sky News. Alexis Boon was speaking to home editor Jason Farrell amid national outrage after police bodycam footage showed the student being handcuffed as he told police he had been stabbed. His murderer, Vickrum Digwa, had told police Nowak had racially abused him, which the judge in the case described as "wicked lies". The case has sparked a fierce political debate, with Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage clashing over allegations of "two-tier policing" during a heated PMQs on Wednesday. The Reform leader had called on the public to show "pure cold rage" in response to Mr Nowak's treatment, which saw the prime minister accuse him of "exploiting" the murder.

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Jun 3
Actor Shia LaBeouf sentenced after pleading guilty to simple battery during Mardi Gras festival

New Orleans parish judge Juana Marine-Lombard gave the actor a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. LaBeouf was also ordered to keep away from the three victims and the bar. The Transformers star must also attend an alcohol treatment programme under the sentence, according to Sarah Chervinsky, a lawyer for the actor. LaBeouf had been released on bail following his arrest near the city's historic French Quarter. Footage of the 17 February encounter shows a shirtless LaBeouf, 39, shoving a person to the ground and hitting someone else in the face, "causing his nose to possibly dislocate", according to a New Orleans police report. Read more from Sky News:Man shot dead after taking 10 hostage in CaliforniaUniversal theme park gets £1.3bn taxpayer support Jeffrey Damnit, a well-known local entertainer who police identified as Jeffrey Klein in the incident report, said he was one of the people assaulted by the star. He said LaBeouf, who found fame on the Disney Channel as a young teen in the early 2000s, had pushed him from behind at the bar earlier in the night, using homophobic insults and threatening his life. Chervinsky said it was a "minor Mardi Gras bar tussle" and there was "no evidence it was about bias or prejudice". "Mr LaBeouf came to court today wanting to take accountability for his part in what happened, and he has done so," Chervinsky said. "Now he's looking forward to focusing on family, work, and new creative projects." Damnit's lawyer said his client hopes LaBeouf's behaviour improves after his substance abuse treatment. "In New Orleans we are all equal, we should all feel safe, and we don't treat people different based upon relative fame," attorney Michael Kennedy said. The Hollywood star is also known for films including Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, Constantine and, more recently, several independent movies. Mardi Gras is the pre-lent festival which coincides with carnival festivals around the world and attracts thousands of visitors to the city to see colourful parades, performers and festival goers.

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Jun 3
Former victims minister urges PM to meet Epstein survivors after latest Mandelson files release

Ms Davies-Jones says politicians have spent days discussing powerful men, while survivors risk being an "afterthought" and "the PM needs to listen and act". She says the prime minister's approach to survivors was "one of many factors" that led to her resignation as victims minister. The prime minister has previously apologised to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for having "believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him". Asked whether the prime minister should meet survivors, Ms Davies-Jones gave a clear answer. "Yes," she said. "I think there is a strong case for the prime minister sitting down with survivors and listening directly to their experiences". When asked why she thinks the prime minister hasn't met victims she said: "That's for him to say". She added that his pledge to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade "doesn't happen without action". "If you're serious about putting victims at the heart of the response, then listening to them has to be more than a slogan," she said. Her comments come after an Epstein survivor told Sky News they felt ignored by political leaders despite the case returning to the headlines. Ms Davies Jones is planning to intervene in the debate on the files relating to Peter Mandelson on Wednesday to "ensure that the victims and survivors are heard and not forgotten". A government spokesperson said "Our thoughts remain with the victims of Epstein, who have lived with unimaginable trauma, and it is crucial that accountability is delivered". They added: "The Epstein scandal has exposed a culture that didn't value the lives of women. That is why government is deploying the full power of the state to halve violence against women and girls within a decade." Ms Davies-Jones' intervention comes as the prime minister is expected to meet alleged victims of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed. Number 10 was contacted for comment.

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Jun 3
Ben Stokes defends Jofra Archer's absence from England Test side vs New Zealand due to IPL duties: 'The landscape of cricket has changed'

Despite being on a central contract, Archer has not been included in the England side for the first Test, starting on Thursday live on Sky Sports, and was instead allowed to continue playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL playoffs. The decision has faced widespread criticism - former England captain Michael Atherton called the situation incredibly frustrating, while former Black Caps seamer Simon Doull went further as he labelled it "absolutely ludicrous". Brendon McCullum: England's best cricket ahead of themWhy 'world class' Ollie Robinson's England return makes senseNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOWChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you want England head coach Brendon McCullum has also cast doubt on whether Archer will be available for the second Test. While Stokes says he understands "both sides" of the argument, he believes those criticising the decision are not looking at the cricketing landscape as it currently is. Rather, they are thinking about it in the context of cricket from a decade or more ago. "I know it has been spoken about the last couple of weeks about that situation. I totally understand people's frustrations around the situation but there is also another side to it," Stokes said. "A lot of it has got to do with the landscape of cricket and where it is at the moment. "I think a lot of the points people have been making about Jofra in that situation are to do with the landscape when they were playing. It is completely different now. "There is opportunity for cricketers now that there wasn't 10 or 20 years ago. "In an ideal situation, it would be unbelievably great to have everyone available at every single opportunity - but that is not the way of cricket at the moment. "I get both sides of the story. You want players to take those opportunities and I want players to play for England. "There is a situation in which it could get messy and players like Jofra might not play for England again if you handle it in a different way, and that is not good for anyone. "Jofra has shown he is committed and loves playing for England. Just because he is not available for this first Test match does not change that." Stokes said that the case of Jacob Bethell is further evidence of how cricket is continuously changing. The Test skipper saw the England No 3 ahead of the series for the first time just a couple of days ago due to his hectic schedule, including a long stint in the IPL. All-rounder Bethell sustained a left ring finger injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, an injury which saw him return to England at the end of May in order to be fit for this series. "The first time I saw him was two days ago and it is just one of those things where your No 3 has a great few weeks in Australia, goes off and does nine or 10 weeks in India and then you see him two or three days before a Test match," Stokes added. "It is almost becoming the norm and the game is just changing all the time. "There are some things you have just got to roll with and accept." Will Bashir feature in first Test? The weather could decide that! McCullum said earlier this week that England would play a spinner, namely Shoaib Bashir after he was named in the trimmed 12-player squad ahead of Rehan Ahmed. Bashir was England's No 1 spinner in Tests since 2024 but missed the second half of last year's home series against India after sustaining a fractured finger, and was then overlooked throughout the 4-1 Ashes drubbing in Australia over the winter. While "frustrating" for Bashir, Stokes believes he has progressed and will be a better bowler for it. "The thing with Bashir was, it was his first time since he has been in the England team where he has been able to go away for a long period of time and play for Derby[shire]," he said. "He has worked on some technical things - which you can see he has worked very hard on. "We are very happy with the progression he has made. He has been bowling overs for Derby and he is someone who we see having a very long career for England as a spinner. "He is in a great place, he is excited. Obviously, Australia didn't go how he imagined it would have done for him but he went away, worked hard, and has become a better bowler from it. "He deserves to be in the 12." While a spin option seems likely for England, Stokes admitted that the projected inclement weather on day one and day two may lead to a change of plan. "We will name that XI at the toss but there is weather about so we are just giving ourselves as many options as we can," Stokes said. "[Whether we play] A spinner will be dictated by how much time we lose at the start of the game tomorrow. We might not toss on day one, we might not toss on day two. "If we don't lose too much time then it will be very likely we will be playing a spinner." Robinson is 'world class' Ollie Robinson also looks set to make his first Test appearance for England in over two years, with Stokes confirming that he and Gus Atkinson will "more than likely" take the new ball in the first Test. Stokes insists Robinson has worked hard to regain his spot in the England camp but made clear that the main task for him now is retaining a place by showing just why he is "world class". "We have spoken to Ollie and he knows the reason he has found himself back here is because he has done what we wanted to see from him," said the England captain. "You guys all know that when he is operating at that level, he is world class. "His Test matches that he has played in so far - his numbers are up there with the very best. "For him, the easy part was always getting back in because he is that good. Now he is here, it is about staying here for as long as he can. "I think the time away from the team, as frustrating as it was for him, hopefully we see Ollie Robinson in an England shirt for the next four, five, six years." Watch the first Test between England and New Zealand, at Lord's, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.

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No Writer
Jun 3
Three dead after Royal Navy helicopter crashes into Devon field

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time." The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, added in a statement that he was "deeply saddened to share the news," and said the helicopter was a Merlin Mk4. "I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy," he said. "I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. "An investigation is under way, and further updates will be provided in due course." Devon and Cornwall Police said earlier that emergency services were at the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton. The Navy added on Wednesday morning that the crash happened just before 4am. Several road closures were in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross area after the incident. According to Traffic England, disruption was expected on the A30 eastbound exit slip to the A386 until around 12.30pm. The Royal Navy's two air bases are located close to Devon: RNAS Culdrose, one of Europe's largest helicopter bases, is located near Helston in Cornwall, while RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset houses more than 100 aircraft. The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force. Merlin helicopters, such as the Merlin Mk4 involved in the incident, usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops. Sir Keir Starmer called the incident "utterly tragic," and said: "My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning. "Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident." See more from Sky News:YouTuber who murdered pregnant girlfriend jailed for lifeWho was 'ambitious' teen Henry Nowak?Google search facing UK 'conduct requirement' Defence Secretary John Healey said in a statement that the three Navy staff "served with excellence and will be much missed". "All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time," he added. The King is aware of the helicopter crash and will write privately to the families of the three dead, it is understood. The Princess of Wales, who is commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said in a personally signed message that she was "saddened" to hear of the deaths, adding: "William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time." It is understood Kate and the Prince of Wales will be in touch with the families of those who died in the coming days.

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May 30
Kanye West banned from performing in Italian city

The US rapper had been due to perform in the city of Reggio Emilia this summer. But local official ‌Salvatore Angieri ordered its cancellation because of concerns over the potential for protests, with West, known as Ye, having faced a wave of cancellations following years of antisemitic remarks. The northern city has also banned a concert from Travis Scott, another American rapper. Scott has faced scrutiny over safety at his concerts since ​a 2021 crowd crush at the Astroworld festival in Houston, Texas, that killed 10 people and injured hundreds. He had been due to perform at the Pulse ​of Gaia Festival on 17 July at the 103,000-capacity ⁠RCF Arena, with West scheduled to appear ⁠the following day. Angieri said the decision was taken following requests from a consumer group and the Jewish community ‌in Modena and Reggio Emilia, which had raised concerns about West. Italian authorities cited the close timing of the two shows and the high influx of ‌spectators expected within 24 hours as factors behind the ban. They also pointed to the cancellation of other West concerts in Europe, and the "concrete risk" of protests. This year's Wireless Festival was cancelled in April after West was blocked from coming to the UK. The ban was announced as his presence would "not be conducive to public good" after a backlash over West being booked to headline all three nights of the London event. In response, West offered to meet members of the British Jewish community. Read more from Sky News:Trump hits out at Kennedy Center ruling'Redaction errors' in Epstein files release Later that ​month, a concert in Poland was cancelled, and he also postponed a Marseille show after reports that the ​French government had sought to block it. West has apologised for his past remarks, saying they were linked to untreated bipolar disorder. He said in January: "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people". West is set ​to hold concerts in the Netherlands next month after its migration ​minister said there were no legal grounds to deny him entry. Dutch politicians had urged the ​government to bar West, citing his past remarks and expressions of admiration for Nazism and Adolf Hitler. Scott and West have been contacted for comment.

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Jun 3
Gaza boys evacuated to Britain for NHS treatment say Starmer has 'broken promises'

The government originally aimed to evacuate as many as 300 children for NHS care, but so far only about 50 have been treated - and none have arrived this year. Mahmoud, 12, and Obaida, 15, told Sky News' Barbara Serra they received a really warm welcome" when they arrived in autumn. But they've struggled without their parents, and Mahmoud said when they met Sir Keir Starmer in December, he "made us promises of reuniting the family". "When we informed our family back home in Gaza that we'd met the prime minister, they couldn't believe it," he said. "They were very happy and looking forward to us being reunited. They thought that that promise would be kept." Mahmoud found out during the Israel-Gaza war he had an undiagnosed chronic condition. He told Sky News he "was crying the whole time" during his operation to remove a kidney in the UK. "I knew that if my mother and my siblings were next to me, the operation would have been a lot easier to go through. But I couldn't stop myself from crying," he said. Obaida uses a wheelchair and needs more operations after his tent was hit by an Israeli bomb. He told Sky News: "I really need my dad to be there, supporting, standing next to me." Both boys hope more children will be able to come to the UK soon after seeing young people with "horrific" injuries in Gaza. "It's not fair that there are children there who require treatment, who deserve to have a future, who have instead been left behind to suffer," said Obaida. "I want to say that the children of Gaza are just as valuable as children elsewhere," he added. "The difference is in Gaza, a child could be playing, and in one moment his limbs are gone and his life is turned upside down." Gaza's medical system has been devastated by Israeli strikes, but a private initiative called Project Pure Hope has managed to bring some children to the UK for treatment. However, the government's plan has missed its ambition of helping hundreds of children, and on Tuesday the boys travelled to parliament as part of a group asking MPs to do more. A Foreign Office spokesperson told Sky News it is still very difficult to get people in need of treatment out of Gaza. "The situation in Gaza is appalling, and options for leaving are extremely limited," they said. "This is why we continue to call for Israel to ensure that those who need medical treatment can leave Gaza and get the health care they need following the ceasefire. "Now is the time to scale up aid and ensure much-needed medicines and medical supplies are getting into Gaza. This includes ensuring that the Rafah crossing is able to operate at maximum capacity."

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Jun 3
World Cup 2026: Why Harry Kane could play less minutes for England in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer

In this hottest of World Cups, the question on everyone's mind has been how many minutes England's captain will be able to play. Ever since Russia eight years ago, the traditional tournament talk has always surrounded who Kane's best understudy is. Tuchel: Full belief England are capable of winning World CupWorld Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick-off timesEngland's fixtures and routes to 2026 World Cup finalWorld Cup kits revealed! But the conversation around the camp is different this time, with Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins expected to get much more game time than they might have had in previous tournaments. Why? Because Kane is 32, the heat and humidity is going to be crippling at times, and, quite frankly, England can only win the World Cup if Kane is fit and firing in the latter stages of this competition. Furthermore, Kane has played more football this season than in any of the past three years. In his final season at Tottenham, he played a total of 3,934 minutes. In helping Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title this time out, he's had 4,423 - almost a thousand more than he played in his first season in Germany. Watkins told me he's confident that all three forwards will get their moment to shine in the North American sun. "Everyone has got a part to play in this competition," said the newly-crowned Europa League champion. "Whether it's in the early stages, later stages - you just have to be ready at the end of the day. "We are all working together as a team to achieve something special." By the end of Euro 2024, Kane was utterly exhausted. Even though he was adamant it was not the case, the truth is he'd limped through the tournament, nurturing a back problem, and sitting in the stands in the quarter and semi-finals, I was struck by just how much Kane was walking around the pitch. While the match cameras were focused on the play, off the ball, Kane was really suffering. Tuchel is determined that this cannot happen again to his talisman and chief goal-getter. Remember, this is a newly-expanded tournament too, with 48 nations and an extra knock-out round en route to the final. And the FA is expecting any game that kicks off before 5pm local time to see temperatures of 30C and above. Two of England's group games begin at 4pm, the other is at 5pm. All of that combined means Tuchel plans to wrap Kane in cotton wool - or rather, iced towels - as much as possible. The England boss has already referred to some of his players in the past as "finishers" - options to come off the bench and offer something different up front, like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, or be used as a substitute late on to put a stranglehold on a game England are winning. Watkins thinks England's attacking options are nicely varied. "Me and Ivan are different players and you need that. You need to have versatility," he continued. "Ivan is a proven goalscorer, he's shown it throughout his career and even during the last Euros there were times where he came on when the team needed him, and then I had my moment in the semi-final as well [winner against the Netherlands]." And so it will fall to Toney and Watkins to do many of the hard yards for their country in this World Cup. Will Kane need to be risked at all against Panama in the final Group L game, for example, if England have already sealed a place in the knockout stages? Does he need to be flogging himself in the heat if England are 3-0 up against Ghana in matchday two? All ifs and buts, of course, but they are plausible scenarios that Tuchel and his support staff have been preparing for. Even though Kane is desperate to play every minute of every game for his country, it is not going to happen. Expect to see the captain staying cool and warming the bench, much more than he has done before.

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