Couple Deny Khyra Murder

A couple have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a seven-year-old girl who allegedly starved to death. Angela Gordon, 34, and her partner Junaid Abuhamza, 30, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today, accused of murdering Khyra Ishaq, who died after being taken to hospital from her home in Handsworth, Birmingham, last May. The pair, from Leyton Road, Handsworth, also denied a charge of causing or allowing her death. They were remanded in custody.

Marine Funeral To Take Place

The funeral of a Royal Marine from Greater Manchester who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan is taking place today. Cpl Danny Winter, 28, a mortar expert for 45 Commando, died in a suspected "friendly fire" incident in central Helmand province on 14 January. His funeral is taking place at St George's Church, Heaviley, at 11.15am. Cpl Winter, from Marple, Stockport, was taking part in an operation to clear a Taleban stronghold when he was killed.

Armed Gang Rob Transit Van

A gang of armed robbers stole money from a security van as a delivery was made to a cash machine in Lancashire. Three men, armed with a baseball bat, crowbar and a hammer, targeted the Securicor van outside the Nationwide in Garstang. The gang who stole what police say was a "large quantity" of money threatened the guards, during the incident which took place on thursday. The robbers escaped in a Transit van, which was set on fire nearby. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Police Go Online To Catch Criminals

Police in Trafford are using the popularity of You Tube as the latest weapon to help cut crime across the borough. Footage filmed by the Trafford Division’s Video Intelligence Unit is being placed on the online video sharing website to appeal for information and raise public awareness of offenders. Live footage of three offenders, who were all wanted on recall to prison having breached the terms of their licence, was uploaded on You Tube in December. The three offenders have now all been arrested and returned to prison. Viewers are given the general Crimestoppers telephone number next to the clip and are urged to call and report, in confidence, any information they have that could help locate the offender.

Welsh Retailers Say 'No' To Knife Crime

Major retailers in North Wales have today joined forces with the Government and the police as part of a new national campaign, launched by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, to further crack down on knife crime. As part of the Government's action plan to target the illegal purchase of knives by under-18s, Justice Minister David Hanson today visited a Tesco store in Holywell to see how retailers can play an important part in driving down knife crime.

(JM/BMcC)