BRITISH police on Monday (25) said a man had been arrested on suspicion of murder after three women and a man were found dead at a property in south London.
Officers forced entry to a residential address in the Southwark area of the capital after reports of a disturbance at about 1:40 am.
"Inside, they found four people suffering what are believed to be stab injuries," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
"Despite the efforts of emergency services, all four people – three women and a man - were pronounced dead at the scene."
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The man arrested was taken into custody at a south London police station.
Detectives said it was believed all five people were known to one another.
(AFP)
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Jason Wouhra installed as Aston University's new chancellor
Jan 24, 2025
Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has been officially installed as Aston University’s chancellor during the institution’s first winter graduation ceremony, held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
Dr Wouhra, the University’s youngest chancellor and the first of Asian heritage, received the chancellor’s chain during the event, which was attended by approximately 4,500 graduates and guests across three ceremonies.
The ceremony coincided with Aston University marking 130 years since its origins as Birmingham Municipal Technical School, which later became Aston University in 1966.
Dr Wouhra, a Birmingham entrepreneur and founder of Lioncroft Wholesale, has held various leadership roles, including chairman of Unitas and director of East End Foods.
He was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to business and international trade.
He succeeds Sir John Sunderland, who served as chancellor for 13 years.
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Election turnout declines as ‘voters question their impact’
Jan 24, 2025
VOTERS are staying away from polling stations in constituencies where results seem predictable, the head of the elections watchdog said.
Electoral Commission chief Vijay Rangarajan said overall turnout in the recent general election had slumped to “down at the 60 per cent mark”, with notably lower participation in seats where “people were more confident of the outcome.”
Giving evidence to a parliamentary committee earlier this month, Rangarajan noted that over the past 20 or 30 years, there’s been a steady drop in how many people vote.
The public administration and constitutional affairs committee heard evidence reviewing the 2024 general election.
Rangarajan said many people feel disconnected from politics and question whether voting is worth it.
He also identified private renters, ethnic minorities, and certain marginalised groups, like the Gypsy Roma Traveller community, as under-represented voters.
Efforts are underway to modernise voting systems
Tailored communication and education strategies are being developed to address their barriers to participation, he added.
Rangarajan said, “The thing that worries us overall, and much more, is the long-term secular decline in turnout. Going back over 20 or 30 years, we have seen turnout fall very steadily on average.”
This decline, he noted, comes with “a degree of alienation from the process of voting, from the political system and a feeling of ‘Why vote?’”
Asked about alternative voting systems, Rangarajan was measured in his response. Looking at different electoral systems within the UK, he said they “have not seen a strong link between the voting system and turnout.”
The exit poll showed a lead for Labour in the July general election, which may have put off some voters from casting their ballots
Instead, he stressed the importance of “contestation of particular seats and particular elections, where people are energised to turn out because they think their vote will count more.”
The Electoral Commission is looking abroad for solutions, particularly to Australia, which has “a very advanced and sophisticated automatic registration system” delivering “high 90s levels of both completeness and accuracy.”
According to Rangarajan, last-minute voter registration surges remain a persistent challenge on polling day.
“They have woken up and thought, ‘Oh, there is an election, and I do want to vote but I’m not registered.’ Being registered in advance might help those people. It is not a gigantic number, but it would help. There is a number of different interventions one could do to help the registration system, which means people could vote,” he added. “The Australians also have, as do the US elections, quite an advanced set of ways in which people can vote through early voting in different areas to make it more useful. Again, we would be interested in exploring that. Some might work. Some might not work in the UK.”
A significant development has been the rise in postal voting, which now accounts for about 20 per cent of all votes.
“We had a tremendous number, which put the system under some strain,” Rangarajan admitted, pointing to challenges with both Royal Mail and returning officers. While there haven’t been increased concerns about fraud, he stressed they “should be looking at that now” rather than waiting for problems to develop.
Rangarajan also highlighted the need for modernising electoral systems. He said many people avoid voting due to a lack of trust in the system, dislike for politicians, or being “too busy running their own lives.”
He added, “The biggest challenge is engaging young voters, as half of them are not even registered and do not see politics as important.”
The Electoral Commission is focusing on voter education, particularly for young people, aiming to demonstrate how politics directly impacts their lives. Rangarajan stressed, “Voting is habit-forming—if someone votes by 16 or 17, they are likely to continue voting throughout their life.”
During the interaction, which was chaired by Simon Hoare, Rangarajan said some election laws are outdated and prevent the use of modern technology.
“We’ve seen variations in how counts are conducted – some use paper, others Excel or software – raising concerns over cyber threats and errors,” he said.
The committee heard that the electoral commission’s upcoming corporate plan aims to improve resilience and modernise these systems.
Efforts to make voting more inclusive are ongoing, with an emphasis on disabled voters. While 96 per cent of disabled voters found polling stations accessible, only 49 per cent felt adequately supported with information and equipment.
“We need to better communicate the rights and resources available to disabled voters,” said Rangarajan.
He also revealed data showing that only 60 per cent of people in their 20s think it is unacceptable to abuse politicians, compared to 97 per cent of those over 50.
“Making politicians relatable and humanising them to younger audiences is essential,” he said.
Efforts to streamline overseas voting for UK citizens were also discussed, with officials highlighting challenges and potential solutions.
Rangarajan outlined the logistical and legislative hurdles to implementing an efficient overseas voting system.
Unlike the Australia and the US, which allow extended ballot return periods, the UK’s tight timeframe for election results complicates similar arrangements.
Rangarajan said legislative updates and updated guidance would be necessary to address these challenges.
Proxy voting, a key option for overseas voters, also raised concerns.
Rangarajan acknowledged that many voters abroad lack a trusted person in the UK to act as a proxy, further complicating the process. Discussions included the idea of allowing proxy votes through trusted business representatives, though no formal changes are planned.
Electoral Commission officials said efforts are on to raise awareness about existing options. Rangarajan said there will be plans for targeted campaigns before the next general election to ensure more overseas voters know their rights.
Communication strategies include using embassy networks, local media, and social platforms.
On voter ID, new data revealed that 0.08 per cent of voters - approximately 16,000 people - were unable to cast their ballots in the last general election due to ID issues. Although most voters adapted to the new ID requirements, concerns remain about accessibility, particularly for vulnerable groups. Officials recommended expanding the list of acceptable IDs and exploring digital ID options to make voting more inclusive.
The committee also discussed introducing attestation, where a trusted registered voter could vouch for another voter without ID, subject to parliamentary approval. Rangarajan noted a slight improvement in trust due to the voter ID requirement. John Pullinger, chair, Electoral Commission and Jackie Killeen, director of electoral administration and Regulation also gave evidence.
Committee members Richard Baker, Markus Campbell-Savours, Charlotte Cane, Sam Carling, Lauren Edwards, Peter Lamb, John Lamont, Richard Quigley, Luke Taylor and Michelle Welsh were present during the hearing, along with housing, communities and local government committee members Chris Curtis and Lee Dillon.
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Exclusive: Stars step up security after attack on Saif Ali Khan
Jan 24, 2025
ACTORS, celebrities and wealthy residents in India are strengthening their security measures following the recent attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan.
Heads of leading security firms in the country have told Eastern Eye that stalkers, over-enthusiastic fans and gangsters pose significant threats to top stars. They warned that unregistered security agencies operating without proper regulatory oversight also endanger celebrities’ lives in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, where a lot of film stars and business leaders have their homes.
The recent security breach at Khan’s flat highlights celebrities’ growing vulnerabilities and the need for robust protection protocols, Eastern Eye has been told.
“When it comes to security, Indian stars have varying perspectives. While some take it very seriously, others are less concerned. Some want to extend proper protection to their family members as well,” said Hassan Ashraf, CEO of WENS Force, a leading private security firm.
“Recently, we provided security for MrBeast, the American YouTuber. Although he may not be as prominent as Saif Ali Khan in India, he requested security protection. Indian stars could learn from this example and take necessary security precautions whether at home, outside, or attending events.
He said fans have become more aggressive, often trying to pinch or touch celebrities, while also insisting on taking selfies with them.
According to industry insiders, agencies are now providing security teams led by former army officers and commandos from the elite National Security Guards (NSG), India’s counter terrorism force. While standard security personnel cost between Rs 15,000- Rs 20,000 (£142-£182) per person per month, rates double for these specially trained officers.
According to Ashraf, with increasing threats, more people are enquiring about commando-level security. He revealed that following the attacks on Salman Khan last year, politicians have also approached them for security at private events.
Last Thursday’s (16) attack on Khan shocked India’s film industry and Mumbai residents, with many calling for better policing and security.
A man believed to be a Bangladesh citizen was arrested in Mumbai last Sunday (19) and is considered to be the prime suspect in the attack.
Khan, 54, was stabbed six times by an intruder during a burglary attempt at his home. He had surgery after sustaining stab wounds to his spine, neck and hands, doctors said.
Police in Mumbai detained a first key suspect in the attack last Friday (17), while police in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh detained a second person last Saturday (18).
The rush to increase security, however, poses a significant challenge. Many agencies are not properly registered with government bodies, experts said.
The Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA) governs the activities of private security agencies. Obtaining a PSARA licence is an essential requirement for operating such agencies in India. By acquiring this mandatory licence, agencies ensure regulatory compliance and significantly enhance their credibility and reliability for clients.
Abhijitsingh Bhanganni, director of Perfect Protection India Private Limited, told Eastern Eye that many so-called security agencies operate without the proper licence, posing a threat to those they claim to protect.
“Now everyone wants security, and many opt for agencies that are cheaper. This practice itself can pose a threat to them. When seeking security, always choose agencies with a PSARA licence,” he said.
Following the attack on Saif, Bhanganni received a call from the security team of a top actress. They wanted to replace their entire security team.
“This highlights the concerns of top actors. However, using proper, licensed agencies is the only way to enhance their protection. Even people with only parents or grandparents at home are now seeking security measures,” he said.
Bhanganni stressed that layered security – in the apartment block, lobby, and open spaces – is currently the best precaution celebrities can take.
Ashish Mishra, the owner of United Guard Force India, told Eastern Eye that following the attack on Khan, people have contacted the agency to discuss ways to enhance security at their homes.
“Not only celebrities, but also members of the public are enquiring about security measures. Most are seeking better bodyguards and improved camera systems. Awareness about personal security and the protection of loved ones has grown significantly following this recent incident,” he said.
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Storm Eowyn: Record winds hit Ireland and Northern Ireland
Jan 24, 2025
STORM Eowyn brought record-breaking winds to Ireland and Northern Ireland on Friday, leaving 560,000 homes and businesses without electricity and causing widespread disruption.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut, and public transport was suspended.
Met Éireann, Ireland's weather agency, reported that a wind gust of 182 km/h was recorded overnight at Mace Head in County Galway, breaking an 80-year-old record.
Officials had warned residents to stay indoors, calling the storm one of the most dangerous in recent memory.
ESB Networks, Ireland’s electricity provider, described the damage to its network as “unprecedented.” It confirmed that 560,000 homes, farms, and businesses had been affected, and it could take up to nine days to restore power to some areas.
Dublin Airport announced that more than 110 departures and 110 arrivals had been cancelled, with further disruptions expected.
Schools in both Ireland and Northern Ireland remained closed on Friday, and public transport in Ireland was suspended while a red wind warning stayed in effect.
This red alert, the highest level of warning, covered all of Ireland for the first time since Storm Ophelia in 2017, which resulted in three deaths.
It was expected to be lifted for most of Ireland by 1100 GMT and for Northern Ireland by 1400 GMT.
In the UK, the Met Office issued a red warning for parts of Scotland, including southwestern and central regions, from 1000 to 1700.
The warning advised of flying debris, danger to life, and damage to buildings, along with closures of roads and bridges.
Scotland also faced severe disruption, with dozens of flights cancelled at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.
National Rail advised residents in Scotland and northern England to avoid travelling on Friday.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Southport child killer removed from sentencing for disrupting court
Jan 23, 2025
A teenager who murdered three young girls in Southport during a stabbing spree was removed from court on Thursday after disrupting the start of his sentencing.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, arrived at court claiming he felt unwell, repeatedly saying, "I’m not fine, I feel ill," and asking to speak to a paramedic. He told the judge, "Don’t continue," and added that he had not eaten for 10 days.
The judge informed the court that medical staff had assessed Rudakubana earlier and confirmed he was fit to attend. Media reports suggested he had been taken to hospital early in the morning, though this was not officially confirmed.
Rudakubana pleaded guilty earlier this week to killing three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.
He also admitted 10 counts of attempted murder, possessing a blade, producing a biological toxin, and possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual.
The court heard that after his arrest, Rudakubana said, "I’m glad they’re dead." Judge Julian Goose warned him he faced a long custodial sentence.
His previous court appearances have been marked by uncooperative behaviour, including refusing to speak or stand in court. On Monday, he muttered "guilty" to each charge.
The stabbings, which left 10 others injured, shocked the UK and led to widespread riots after false rumours spread online that Rudakubana was a Muslim asylum seeker.
Authorities confirmed he was born in Cardiff to Christian parents of Rwandan origin who came to the UK after the 1994 genocide. He lived in Banks, a village northeast of Southport.
The attack has not been classified as terrorism, but the decision has faced criticism. Prime minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that laws may be updated to address new forms of violent threats.
Home secratary Yvette Cooper announced a public inquiry into how police, courts, and welfare services missed multiple chances to recognise the danger Rudakubana posed.
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