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No Writer
Apr 18
Six killed in Kyiv shooting, as interior ministry says gunman also dead

The head of Ukraine's interior ministry has said that police killed the suspect at a supermarket in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. Ihor Klymenko said special forces entered the store, where the gunman had taken people hostage and shot at police officers, after attempts to make contact with a negotiator failed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that five people are known to have died. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali ​Klitschko, added that 15 people were injured in the shooting, and said earlier that those injured included a child. He added at around 5.10pm that a woman in her 30s died in the hospital, bringing the total to six killed. In an update after 6pm, Mr Zelenskyy said that one of the six killed was a hostage, and four others were killed on the street. He added on Telegram that investigators are aware that the attacker set fire to the apartment before going out into the street with a weapon. According to Mr Zelenskyy, the suspect had also been criminally investigated before - although it is unclear what for - was born in Russia, and had lived in the Donetsk region for a long period of time. Read more from Sky News:Counter terror police probe attack on Jewish charity's former premisesParenting influencer 'in shock' after accidentally running over son in car According to the Associated Press, televised footage of the scene showed police taking cover in the shopping mall that housed the supermarket while shots were fired. Bystanders were escorted away from the scene.

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No Writer
Apr 18
Kanye West's FC Basel concert cancelled

Swiss media had previously reported that the controversial rapper was due to perform at St. Jakob-Park, the home of football club FC Basel, in June. But on Saturday, the club announced that they had backed out of plans after a "thorough review". It is the fourth of West's European shows to be cancelled in the past fortnight. He was due to appear at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów on 19 June, his first performance in Poland for 15 years, but the venue said on Friday it would not go ahead "due to formal and legal reasons". And earlier this month, his Wireless festival appearance was blocked after the UK government denied him entry to the country. Read more from Sky News:Civil servants knew weeks ago Mandelson failed security vettingEngland fans face inflated prices for travel to World Cup games Earlier this week, West himself announced his planned concert at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France, on 11 June would be postponed "until further notice". FC Basel, one of Switzerland's best-known football clubs, said in a statement: "FCB received an enquiry ⁠and considered it. "However, after thorough review, we have decided not ‌to proceed with the project, as we cannot, in accordance with our values, provide a platform ‌for the artist in question within this context." West recently wrote on his social media that he is "looking forward to the next shows". Fury over West's previous antisemitic comments have returned ahead of the rapper's scheduled European tour this summer. He has since apologised for his behaviour, which he attributed to a brain injury.

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No Writer
Apr 18
Senior civil servants knew weeks ago that Mandelson had failed security vetting

But they did not pass over the information to the prime minister because they were waiting for legal checks on what information could be released, according to a Cabinet Office spokesperson. Cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo and cabinet office permanent secretary Catherine Little were both present at a meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and senior civil servants on Tuesday night, when the prime minister was finally told about Lord Mandelson's failure to pass vetting. The spokesperson said: "Senior officials in the Cabinet Office did the right thing and took urgent steps to ensure they could update the prime minister. "On receipt of the UK security vetting information, the permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office rapidly sought legal and other advice to be in a sound position to share the document, or the fact of it, with the prime minister. She updated the cabinet secretary who agreed with the approach. "As soon as these checks were conducted, the prime minister was informed." Sir Keir is fighting to save his premiership as he faces a crunch week over the latest revelations in the vetting row. Downing Street has blamed Foreign Office officials for clearing the former Labour peer in January 2025 to start as US ambassador, despite him failing the secure vetting process. The department's chief civil servant Sir Olly Robbins was sacked on Thursday night after Sir Keir and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him over the scandal. The prime minister was "not aware" there was a recommendation against giving Lord Mandelson security clearance for the ambassador role - which was overruled by the Foreign Office, according to a document produced by Number 10. He was only told of the advice on Tuesday. Sir Keir said he will "set out all the relevant facts in true transparency" to parliament on Monday. The prime minister on Friday said he was "absolutely furious" and it was "staggering" that he had not been informed the vetting process was overruled to clear Lord Mandelson for the ambassador posting. Read more:What really happened with MandelsonPM facing almighty clash as critics look to finish him off "I was not told that he had failed security vetting, no minister was told... Number 10 wasn't told, that is completely unacceptable," he said. Criticising officials, the PM said: "It is totally unacceptable that the prime minister making an appointment is not told that security vetting has been failed." Sir Keir is not resigning or considering his position, No 10 also said on Friday. Ms Cooper only found out Lord Mandelson failed security vetting on Thursday after being approached by journalists, Sky News understands. Sir Olly has been invited to speak to the Foreign Affairs Committee as early as next Tuesday. The opposition party leaders have all called for Sir Keir to resign over the latest revelations, with Kemi Badenoch, for the Conservatives, arguing the prime minister had misled parliament and the public. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called on the prime minister to "do the decent thing and resign". He suggested Sir Keir is "either incompetent, gullible or a liar". Lord Mandelson was sacked from his Washington role last September when more details emerged about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. The ex-Labour cabinet minister has previously denied any wrongdoing over his relationship with the paedophile financier and has apologised to Epstein's victims. Sir Keir was already facing heavy criticism over the decision to hand Lord Mandelson the position, despite it being known that his dealings with Epstein continued after the billionaire's conviction for child sex offences.

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No Writer
Apr 18
Red Roses statement 84-7 win over Scotland 'special', says head coach John Mitchell

England looked rusty in their opening win against Ireland, their second half performance in particular raising questions about their title defence. Their injury list then only brought more worry as Alex Matthews was ruled out of the match with a shoulder injury and added to a list of Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell and Tatyana Heard ruled out of the entire tournament. Women's Six Nations: Scotland vs England- as it happened!England score 12 tries in 84-7 demolition of ScotlandNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contractChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you want In addition, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies are missing because of pregnancy. That led to five changes to the starting line-up, including shifting star Ellie Kildunne onto the wing. Before the contest, Red Roses head coach Mitchell said this was the toughest test his side had faced but it was a chance for each and every player to prove why they are a Red Rose. They did that and then some. After five tries in the first half, they added a mammoth seven in the second with Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui finishing off the scoring on their third and second Test appearances respectively. With a dominant lead on the board, Mitchell had made a raft of changes and those players came on and made their impact. Whether it was the forwards bringing the pressure, and scoring too through Sarah Bern and Marlie Packer, or the young backs showing why they have a future in the international game, they made it clear once again why they are the team to beat. They made it clear they are the world champions. For Mitchell, the match was a show of "courage" and further proof that his side has adapted to all the moving parts and adversity they have faced. "That was a special performance, it's been a lot of moving parts over the last few weeks, with some of the players that are hugely valued in the team having serious injuries and the youngsters as well, so I am fortunate to the staff and the coaching group - they have done a tremendous job," Mitchell told BBC Sport. "I think it is the courage that we are showing to a new style of football and I think it is great and they seem to be enjoying it. I am really proud of them today." One youngster who put on a strong display was back-rower Maddie Feaunati who, for Mitchell, is a player that thrives in a team that is focused on every player playing their own "authentic" game. "She is a special girl and we are very fortunate to have such brilliant back rowers," he added. "We do train very hard and we train above the game demand, in a high-performance mindset, we are a very fit team and when we understand our game and have clarity they are able to be themselves. We are an authentic team which is what makes us special." Lack of depth costs Scotland While England had a day showing why squad depth matters, for Scotland it was the opposite story where their lack of depth ended up paying. "Scotland will be disappointed of course with that. Also, they can't use that as an excuse. They were not good enough today," said former Scotland international and Harlequins No 8, Jade Konkel on BBC Sport. "I think the stats speak for themselves; the missed tackles, the lack of gain line; and the amount of turnovers as well. They'll be frustrated but if they want to compete with the best, they have to step up their game. "You had a hooker playing flanker. They had a No 9 on the wing. A full-back in the centre. They really had to adapt in the last 20 minutes but unfortunately a lot of tries came from a lack of depth in those positions."

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No Writer
Apr 18
Senior civil servants knew weeks ago that Mandelson had failed security vetting

But they did not pass over the information to the prime minister because they were waiting for legal checks on what information could be released, according to a Cabinet Office spokesperson. Cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo and cabinet office permanent secretary Catherine Little were both present at a meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and senior civil servants on Tuesday night, when the prime minister was finally told about Lord Mandelson's failure to pass vetting. The spokesperson said: "Senior officials in the Cabinet Office did the right thing and took urgent steps to ensure they could update the prime minister. "On receipt of the UK security vetting information, the permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office rapidly sought legal and other advice to be in a sound position to share the document, or the fact of it, with the prime minister. She updated the cabinet secretary who agreed with the approach. "As soon as these checks were conducted, the prime minister was informed." Sir Keir is fighting to save his premiership as he faces a crunch week over the latest revelations in the vetting row. Downing Street has blamed Foreign Office officials for clearing the former Labour peer in January 2025 to start as US ambassador, despite him failing the secure vetting process. The department's chief civil servant Sir Olly Robbins was sacked on Thursday night after Sir Keir and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him over the scandal. The prime minister was "not aware" there was a recommendation against giving Lord Mandelson security clearance for the ambassador role - which was overruled by the Foreign Office, according to a document produced by Number 10. He was only told of the advice on Tuesday. Sir Keir said he will "set out all the relevant facts in true transparency" to parliament on Monday. The prime minister on Friday said he was "absolutely furious" and it was "staggering" that he had not been informed the vetting process was overruled to clear Lord Mandelson for the ambassador posting. Read more:What really happened with MandelsonPM facing almighty clash as critics look to finish him off "I was not told that he had failed security vetting, no minister was told... Number 10 wasn't told, that is completely unacceptable," he said. Criticising officials, the PM said: "It is totally unacceptable that the prime minister making an appointment is not told that security vetting has been failed." Sir Keir is not resigning or considering his position, No 10 also said on Friday. Ms Cooper only found out Lord Mandelson failed security vetting on Thursday after being approached by journalists, Sky News understands. Sir Olly has been invited to speak to the Foreign Affairs Committee as early as next Tuesday. The opposition party leaders have all called for Sir Keir to resign over the latest revelations, with Kemi Badenoch, for the Conservatives, arguing the prime minister had misled parliament and the public. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called on the prime minister to "do the decent thing and resign". He suggested Sir Keir is "either incompetent, gullible or a liar". Lord Mandelson was sacked from his Washington role last September when more details emerged about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. The ex-Labour cabinet minister has previously denied any wrongdoing over his relationship with the paedophile financier and has apologised to Epstein's victims. Sir Keir was already facing heavy criticism over the decision to hand Lord Mandelson the position, despite it being known that his dealings with Epstein continued after the billionaire's conviction for child sex offences.

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No Writer
Apr 17
D4vd: Singer held on suspicion of murdering teen girl found dead in his Tesla

The 21-year-old musician had been under investigation by a grand jury after the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in a car registered to him in September. Los Angeles police said the Houston-born singer - whose legal name is David Anthony Burke - was being held without bail on suspicion of murder. The decomposed remains of Ms Hernandez were discovered in a Tesla registered to D4vd on 8 September - the day after she would have turned 15 - when police were called to a Hollywood tow yard because of reports of a foul smell coming from the vehicle. The vehicle had been towed from the Hollywood Hills, where it appeared to have been abandoned. Inside the car, investigators found a cadaver bag containing a head and torso, and a second bag containing dismembered body parts, according to court documents, although the cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Ms Hernandez, who was identified after forensic examinations, had been reported missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore - about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles - since 2024. Court documents show authorities had given her age as 14 when she was killed. In a statement, D4vd's lawyers vowed to "vigorously defend" his innocence, adding: "Let us be clear - the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death." Read more from Sky News:Bank robbers hold 25 hostage - and use sewer to fleeEyewitness - Trump's oil blockade is bringing Cuba to its knees D4vd had been on tour when the body was discovered, and a spokesperson for the artist said at the time he was "fully cooperating with the authorities". The singer, who went viral on TikTok in 2022 with the hit Romantic Homicide, subsequently cancelled his world tour.

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Sam Coates, deputy political editor
Apr 17
What really happened with Peter Mandelson, and how Olly Robbins did PM two favours

In October, November and December 2024, Number 10 indicated it wanted to appoint Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to Washington. It was presented with an array of people telling them not to: Cabinet ministers, spooks, officials in a vetting report. All raised major red flags. Politics latest - follow live 👉 Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app 👈 Sir Keir Starmer and former aide Morgan McSweeney made clear they were not interested in any objection, and this must go ahead at all costs. So Mandelson's appointment was announced in mid-December 2024. The vetting we are focused on today came later, in January 2025. Vetting of ambassadors is the responsibility of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and - now former - permanent under-secretary Olly Robbins. One bit of the system said no - the United Kingdom Security Vetting agency said do not appoint Mandelson. We do not know on what grounds, but probably the grounds that Number 10 had seen and rejected as a reason to block. Olly Robbins cleared Mandelson. Very quietly, Mandelson did not get the very highest level of clearance when he got the job, but got the overall okay because of Robbins. Robbins did Number 10 a favour. This is because Olly Robbins knew that going to Number 10 post-announcement, and saying the Mandelson appointment cannot happen, was politically impossible. And civil servants want to deliver for their political masters. So Olly fixed it for Keir and is now paying a price. Olly Robbins has - incidentally - done Number 10 a second massive political favour. The really, really toxic claim doing the rounds on Thursday night was that surely someone - anyone - in Number 10 DID know the UKSV agency turned down the vetting. Olly Robbins is making clear he did not tell people the UKSV verdict because that would be inappropriate as part of the process he followed. It's not even clear he saw it. Number 10 does not seem to realise he has done them a favour, and is releasing documents to challenge alternative versions of events. Let's see how it plays out. The bottom line is that Number 10 wanted Mandelson come what may. They rammed it through. Read more:Starmer facing almighty clash as critics look to finish him offKeir Starmer dodges question about 'considering his position' One quango, post-appointment announcement, was never realistically going to be allowed to stop Mandelson taking the job because the top of government had publicly committed to it. They had not wanted to heed the warnings earlier, and were in too deep. That's where I think we are.

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No Writer
Apr 18
Elena Rybakina books place Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final with win over Mirra Andreeva, as Alexander Zverev loses in Munich

The 2026 Australian Open champion will now face Karolina Muchova in Sunday's final, live on Sky Sports Tennis from midday. It was a closely-fought match, with both players trading breaks in the first set, before Rybakina's experience shone through, outlasting her opponent to take a 1-0 lead. From there, the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Champion dominated, winning the opening five games of the second set as she raced to a composed victory. Latest tennis scores, results and upcoming matchesDownload Sky Sports app for analysis, news and videoNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free "It feels great, I'm super happy," Rybakina said. "I was missing this tournament last year, so I'm really glad to be in the final." Rybakina revealed she didn't go to bed until 2am on Friday night, prior to today's semi-final, after her quarter-final match against Leylah Fernandez lasted more than three hours. "I'm pretty happy with the performance after a three-hour match yesterday," Rybakina said. "I managed to sleep in and we did a regular warm-up and we talked through the match. I'm super happy. "I will try to do my best and give all my energy tomorrow." Zverev crashes out of BMW Open Earlier on Saturday, Flavio Cobolli was brought to tears after securing his spot in the ATP 500 Munich final with a 6-3 6-3 win over world No 3 Alexander Zverev. On his way to his first Tour win over a top-five opponent, Cobolli fired 32 winners and lost just eight points on his first serve to move past Zverev, the defending champion. The 23-year-old Italian will play Ben Shelton in Sunday's final, live on Sky Sports Tennis from 2pm, as he looks to take his second Tour title this year after winning the ATP 500 title in Acapulco in February. "It was one of my best matches ever, against one of my best friends on Tour," said Cobolli. "He's a really good guy and we have a good relationship with everyone on his team, so it was a little bit tough to play against him. "But today I think I played one of my best matches, and I'm really happy about my performance." Cobolli's victory also makes him just the third player this season to make ATP Tour finals on both clay and hard courts, joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. He also moves up to 12th in the live ATP rankings as he chases his fourth ATP Tour title and third at ATP 500 level after winning his maiden trophy in Bucharest last year. Tale of the Tape Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app. Find out more here.

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