Dagenham Blaze Sees Firefighters Recalled

All on-duty firefighters due to strike in London are being recalled over the blaze at a scrap metal yard being attended by 120 of their colleagues.

There are 20 fire engines attending the scene on Perry Road, Dagenham, east London, where the London Fire Brigade (LFB) say there are around 1,500 tonnes of metal alight.

Cylinders are also believed to be involved and a hazard zone has been put in place in case they explode due to the intense heat.

There are around 1,500 tonnes of metal alight. Picture: fishycol1/Twitter

With black smoke coming from the site, which can be seen from miles around, residents are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Of the 27 fire appliances in operation for contingency,  20 have already been allocated to the Dagenham fire.

LFB said that, because of the major blaze, all striking FBU staff who would normally be on duty were immediately being recalled to their stations.

This was under the agreed "Recall to Duty Procedure" and was voluntary, it said in a statement.

Smoke can be seen from miles around. Picture: JSinghLon/Twitter

Scotland Yard said police officers and ambulance crews were also at the scene. There are no reported injuries, but there are local road closures in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "We have issued a recall notice and are asking striking Fire Brigades Union members in London to carry on working.

"The FBU have told firefighters not to follow the recall notice. They claim the recall is not valid because there is no risk to life.

"There is no reference to risk of life in the agreed protocols to implement a major incident.

"A major incident can and has been implemented because of the size of this fire and the resources needed to deal with it. By not responding to the recall it is the FBU that is in breach of the agreement."

No one from the FBU was available to comment.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Londoners will rightly want to see the major incident in Dagenham brought to a speedy and safe conclusion.

"I fully support the Fire Commissioner's decision to recall all striking FBU staff who would normally be on duty, and I would urge London's dedicated firefighters to do their utmost to help to bring this fire under control."

It came as firefighters in the rest of England and Wales went ahead with the strike in their dispute with the Government over pensions, on what was expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for the service ahead of Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) walked out at 6.30pm, mounting picket lines outside fire stations until the stoppage ended at 11pm.

A further two-hour strike will be held from 6am on Monday, the day before Bonfire Night.

Fire brigades across the country urged members of the public to put off any firework displays in their own gardens and to switch it to Saturday, or go to an organised event.

The union held a four-hour stoppage last month but called off another strike after it appeared a deal was in sight, but officials said the Government and fire employers had failed to offer any firm guarantees on jobs or pensions as a result of changing the pension age from 55 to 60.

The union fears firefighters will be made redundant if they fail fitness tests, and are unable to find other work in the fire service.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "It is ludicrous that after two years of negotiations the Government has still not sorted out this mess.

"Firefighters are keen for these issues to be resolved through discussion but the Government won't even listen to its own evidence which highlights that the schemes are unworkable and unaffordable.

"Firefighters want a pension scheme that takes account of the hazardous nature of the job, is affordable and workable for them and for the taxpayer."

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said its emergency response service will be "severely reduced" because of the strike.

Chief Fire Officer James Courtney said: "We're satisfied with the contingency arrangements we are putting in place, but our 999 service will still be severely depleted, so we need the public to help keep our fire engines available for real emergencies."

Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said: "This strike action by the FBU is completely unnecessary and does nothing but damage the good reputation firefighters have with the public.

"The public will be baffled by the FBU's course of action when they hear that the deal being offered to firefighters gives them one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector."

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Pair Charged With Murder Over Bodies In Garden

The daughter and son-in-law of an elderly couple who went missing from Mansfield have been charged with murder, say police.

Susan Patricia Edwards, 55, and Christopher John Edwards, 57, have each been charged with two counts of murder, according to Nottingham Police.

The pair, of no fixed address but who are believed to have been living outside the UK, will remain in police custody until their appearance before Nottingham magistrates tomorrow.

The remains of a man and woman were found buried in the back garden of a house in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, on Wednesday 9 October 2013.

Police have not yet formally identified the pair, but believe they are William and Patricia Wycherley, who lived at the house in the 1990s.

A police spokesman said: "A Home Office pathologist has determined that both people died as a result of being shot."

The elderly couple moved to the address in 1987 and according to neighbours, disappeared in 1998.

Officers have said Mrs Wycherley is believed to have been born in Fulham, west London, and would now have been 79. Her husband would have been 100.

Police said bone analysis has shed further light on the remains.

More follows...

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Bonfire Night Warning As Firefighters Strike

Firefighters in England and Wales will go on strike this evening after negotiations on pay and pensions broke down, despite today likely being one of the busiest days of the year for the fire service.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out from 6.30pm to 11pm, and again for two hours from 6am next Monday - the day before Bonfire Night.

The union went on strike last month but called off another stoppage when a deal appeared to be in sight.

Emergency response services will be 'severely reduced' due to the strike

But officials said the Government and fire employers failed to offer guarantees on jobs or pensions as a result of changes to the pension age from 55 to 60.

FBU general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "It is ludicrous that after two years of negotiations the Government has still not sorted out this mess.

"Firefighters are keen for these issues to be resolved through discussion but the Government won't even listen to its own evidence which highlight that the schemes are unworkable and unaffordable.

"Firefighters want a pension scheme that takes account of the hazardous nature of the job, is affordable and workable for them and for the taxpayer.

Firefighters from Tynemouth Community Fire Station on strike in September

"We hope this brief strike will mean the Government returns to negotiations so we can agree a sensible way forward."

The union added it was led to believe the Government was willing to offer a guarantee that firefighters whose fitness levels declined with age would not face the sack.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said its emergency response service will be "severely reduced" because of the strike.

Chief Fire Officer James Courtney said: "Don't hold your bonfire or fireworks display tonight.

"We're satisfied with the contingency arrangements we are putting in place, but our 999 service will still be severely depleted so we need the public to help keep our fire engines available for real emergencies."

Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said: "This strike action by the FBU is completely unnecessary and does nothing but damage the good reputation firefighters have with the public.

"We offered firefighters similar fitness principles to those the FBU accepted in Scotland. The FBU should reconsider their decision to strike - announced just four days into discussions - and work for a resolution to this dispute.

"The public will be baffled by the FBU's course of action when they hear that the deal being offered to firefighters gives them one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector.

"A firefighter who earns £29,000, and retires after a full career aged 60, will get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension.

"An equivalent private pension pot would be worth over half a million pounds and require firefighters to contribute twice as much."

The union has said the figures were a "myth".

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Sugary Drinks Tax 'Could Raise Treasury £275m'

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

A tax on sugary drinks would reduce the number of obese adults in the UK by 180,000 - and raise over £275m for the Treasury, according to doctors.

Researchers from Reading and Oxford universities say a standard 500ml bottle of some drinks contains as many as 14 teaspoons of sugar, or 210 calories; and they warn the drinks increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tooth decay.

Professor Richard Tiffin, Reading University: 'Taxing food is a big step'

In the most detailed study of its kind, the researchers calculated that a 20% tax on sugary drinks - adding roughly 12p to a can of fizzy pop - would reduce purchases by around 15%.

That would reduce the average calorie consumption by 28 calories a week - enough to reduce obesity by between 110,000 and 250,000, according to results published in the British Medical Journal.

Dr Adam Briggs of the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group at Oxford University, and one of the researchers, said: "Sugar sweetened drinks are known to be bad for health and our research indicates that a 20% tax could result in a meaningful reduction in the number of obese adults in the UK.

"Such a tax is not going to solve obesity by itself, but we have shown it could be an effective public health measure and should be considered alongside other measures to tackle obesity in the UK."

The researchers say the impact of the tax would be greatest on young people. On average people aged 16-29 drink around 300ml of sugary beverages a day.

But one of the researchers, economist Professor Richard Tiffin of the University of Reading, warned that the tax wouldn't reduce obesity by enough to justify the hardship it could cause.

Researchers at Reading found some drinks contained 14 teaspoons of sugar

"Taxing food is a big step, especially when spiralling bills are already making households poorer, and will make very little difference if people are unable or unwilling to make healthier choices elsewhere in their lives," he said.

Professor Sir Stephen O'Rahilly from the Medical Research Council's Metabolic Diseases Unit in Cambridge agreed that sugary drinks are "part of the problem"' but he added that taxation was "politically undeliverable" in most democracies.

He said: "A workable alternative might be to encourage the major companies to switch to the aggressive promotion and marketing of less harmful versions of their products.

Soft drinks firms said there was evidence a tax would not curb obesity

"This could be achieved by balancing a 20% tax on sugared products with a 20% subsidy on artificially sweetened versions of the same beverages."

Gavin Partington of the British Soft Drinks Association said there was "ample" evidence that taxing soft drinks won't curb obesity.

"Trying to blame one set of products is misguided, particularly when they comprise a mere 2% of calories in the average diet."

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Fans Jailed Over Stephen Lawrence Abuse Chants

Six football fans who chanted songs that "glorify and idolise" the murderer of Stephen Lawrence have been jailed.

The Charlton Athletic supporters, who had been at an FA Cup match against Fulham on January 7 last year were jailed for their abusive behaviour on a train from Putney to Waterloo.

The men, aged between 22 and 31, were convicted of causing racially aggravated fear of violence after witnesses complained of sexual and racially motivated abuse.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: "These men were singing and chanting racist abuse in praise of the convicted murderers of Stephen Lawrence. To glorify and idolise these men was disturbing and upsetting.

"Their racially and sexually abusive language left members of the public shocked and disgusted.

"Witnesses said they felt intimidated and feared there was a real and significant risk of violence."

British Transport Police said the group chanted in support of Gary Dobson, three days after he was convicted of murdering Stephen Lawrence

Jake Embery was handed a six month suspended sentence

Mick Everett, Charlton FC's Head of Operations, said: "Their actions are totally condemned by everyone at the club and indeed, I am sure, by Charlton supporters everywhere.

"Although this isolated incident does not reflect on the overwhelming majority of our fans, these arrests are a kick in the teeth to everyone associated with the club, who have put so much effort into our campaign over the years.

"The club will now look to impose additional appropriate sanctions on those involved."

David Bone, 23, of Tivoli Gardens, London, and Daniel Clay, 31, of Baring Road, London, received 18 months in prison and an eight year football banning order.

The same eight year match ban was imposed on Ben Boylett, 26, of Lamberton Street, London, and Jason Butler, 31, of Mottisfont Road, south east London, who were also given one year in prison.

Sean Fowle, of Smithies Road, Abbey Wood, and Aaron Phinbow, of Abbey Wood Road, Abbey Wood, London, who are both 25-years-old, also received an eight year ban and eight months behind bars.

Jake Embery, 22, of Mickleham Road, Orpington, London, was given a six month suspended sentence, a four year match ban and ordered to pay £3,000 costs.

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Pressure On A&E Causes Increase In Admissions

More patients are being admitted in hospitals because of increased pressure on A&E departments, a new report has found.

The National Audit Office (NAO) study found many emergency admissions through A&E are avoidable and many patients stay in hospital "longer than is necessary".

Factors putting pressure on A&E include patients finding the range of NHS services "confusing", poor access to out-of-hours GP care in some areas and the four-hour A&E waiting time target, which means patients cannot be kept in A&E for observation.

The introduction of the 111 non-emergency telephone number for the NHS also had a negative impact on A&E.

The report said: "The number of emergency admissions to hospitals - admissions that are not planned and happen at short notice because of perceived clinical need - continues to rise at a time when NHS budgets are under significant pressure.

More patients attending major A&E departments are now being admitted than in the past, it said.

In 2012/13, more than a quarter of all patients attending major A&E departments were admitted to hospital, up from 19% in 2003/04.

Only a quarter of this rise was due to an increase in the number of people attending A&E, with the rest due to a higher admission rate.

The report said: "Over the last 15 years, short-stay (less than two days) admissions have increased by 124%, whereas long-stay (two days or longer) admissions have only increased by 14%."

The study pointed to problems with people getting help in the community, from GP practices and other services.

It estimated at least one-fifth of admissions could be managed effectively in the community and criticised a "lack of alignment between hospital services and other health services", with poor seven-day care on offer outside of hospitals.

Other factors include an increasingly frail elderly population, who are far more likely to need emergency care.

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: "Growth in emergency admissions is a sign that the rest of the health system may not be working properly."

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "We know demand for A&E services is increasing as the population ages, with more people needing more healthcare.

"That's why we are tackling both the short and long-term problems: transforming out of hospital care by reversing the disastrous changes to the 2004 GP contract, joining up the health and social care system, and backing A&Es with £250m to prepare for this winter."

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Supermarkets Announce New Petrol Price Cuts

By David Crabtree, Midlands Correspondent

The cost of fuel is being slashed at pumps across the UK in the latest phase of a supermarket petrol price war.

It was sparked by Asda which is cutting prices to its lowest this year. Then, Sainsbury's,Tesco and Morrisons acted quickly to announce reductions.

Asda is imposing a national cap on prices, saying drivers filling up at its forecourts will pay no more than 126.7p a litre for petrol or 133.7p for diesel.

Sainsbury's says it is cutting prices by up to 3p - their cheapest for two and a half years.

The cuts have been welcomed by drivers

Tesco will reduce prices by up to 2p. Morrisons will do the same "at the majority of its sites".

Quentin Wilson from the campaign group FairFuel UK said: "Don't get excited everybody because this will not stay, we will see it go up again.

"But at least now we have a much faster reflection of wholesale prices at the pump. We don't have to wait two or three or four weeks for the fuel to come down in price when we know it goes up in a heartbeat, so I'm pleased, fair fuel is pleased."

The AA has welcomed the move saying it reflects a fall in the wholesale price of fuel, but the continued uncertainty over Libyan oil production continues to leave the market unpredictable.

"The average price of petrol in the UK has hovered around the 132p a litre mark since mid-October, making 126.7p a very good price," said an AA spokesman.

At Asda in Leamington Spa motorists greeted the news with delight.

Susan Cooper, who drives 50 miles a day, said: "This will save me a lot of money. It is about time we had some better news with gas and electricity going up."

The fall in supermarket fuel prices may not last

Martin Cavanagh said: "It has to be good news. I know oil and everything is a complicated commodity and that's why we get the price jumping around. Let's hope it goes low and stays low."

Oil analyst Richard Mallison said it was significant that retailers were passing on the fall in wholesale oil prices to consumers on the forecourt.

He told Sky News: "The biggest reason for supermarkets being able to slash prices at the pump has been the change in the dollar to pound exchange rate.

"The dollar's weakened, that's brought down the cost of oil and wholesale fuel and that's now being passed on."

But he warned that low prices may not last for long.

He said: "We've seen the UK recovery stronger than expected, we've seen the troubles with the US shutdown and debt ceiling - both of those effects might fade in terms of the exchange rate, which would  then mean petrol prices starting to go up again."

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Pensions: 'Rip-Off' Charges Targeted By Govt

Plans to stop "rip off" pension charges could see people getting an extra £100,000 in their retirement savings pot.

The Government is to unveil plans that could include a ban on all charges above 0.75% a year as it rolls out landmark reforms to automatically place people into workplace pensions.

The industry has been working to improve transparency and the average charge on new pension schemes set up in 2012 is around 0.51%.

But the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) estimates there are more than 186,000 pension pots with £2.65bn worth of assets which are subject to an annual charge of above 1%.

Small variations in charges can make huge differences over time to the eventual size of the pension pot that someone ends up with.

The Government said that someone who saves £100 a month over a typical working lifetime of 46 years could lose almost £170,000 from their pension pot with a 1% charge and over £230,000 with a 1.5% charge.

A pension saver with a 0.75% annual charge on their pension pot could eventually end up £100,000 better off than if they had been charged a rate of 1.5%, the Government said.

Pensions Minister Steve Webb said: "The Government believes that enough is enough on charges.

"People need to know they are getting value for money when they save into a pension and not being ripped off by excessive charges."

Other options for caps being considered by the Government include a higher charge cap of 1% and a "two-tier" cap.

The two-tier cap would involve a standard cap of 0.75% and as well as a higher cap of 1% if employers explain to the Pensions Regulator why their scheme charges more than 0.75%.

Any final cap could lie somewhere between the two levels suggested, depending on the evidence received.

The Government wants to hear from the industry and the public on how it can best design a charging cap that can protect people's savings before putting its plans in place next year.

Otto Thoresen, director general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: "The industry is committed to making pension reform a success and of course will engage fully with this consultation."

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Energy Prices: MPs To Turn Up Heat On 'Big Six'

By Poppy Trowbridge, Business and Economics Correspondent

Executives from Britain's biggest power companies will appear before a panel of MPs today to justify their most recent round of price hikes.

British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power and Npower have raised household bills by an average 9.1% for this winter. E.ON and EDF are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

They all say mounting wholesale costs are partly to blame.

But data from the energy regulator, Ofgem, show those prices have only gone up by 1.7% over the past year and should only add £10 to a bill.

Mark Todd, co-founder of the EnergyHelpline website, told Sky News: "I can't see a reason a why an energy company could really say that wholesale gas and electricity price increases are the main reason for these hikes.

"They need to increase their profits, their own take is going up.

"They do have to pay these green levies, they are going up dramatically, and also the transmission costs are going up dramatically. Wholesale costs, no. But other costs, yes."

The Energy and Climate Change Committee will take evidence from Tony Cocker, the Chief Executive of E.ON, the boss of British Gas' Energy division, Ian Peters and representatives from SSE, Npower, EDF Energy and Co-operative Energy from 1pm.

MPs will grill bosses on the different pricing policies between energy suppliers, improving transparency of their profits and ask them to justify the most recent round of price hikes.

Andrew Wright, Interim Chief Executive of Ofgem will also appear before MPs.

UK households pay some of the lowest energy tariffs in Europe.

Jillian Ambrose from energy information provider Platts said: "Gas prices have been going up.

"It is a global market at the end of the day and something as far removed as the Fukushima disaster has had a big impact on UK gas prices.

"Japan have shut reactors and they are more dependent on gas than ever and they are willing to pay for it. So in a global market the UK needs to compete and those prices have reflected that."

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Baby P: Shoesmith Set For 'Six Figure Payout'

Former child protection boss Sharon Shoesmith is reportedly to receive a six-figure unfair dismissal payout over her Baby P scandal sacking.

A settlement which could reach up to £600,000 has been agreed with Haringey Council, although it is thought Ms Shoesmith may receive a lower sum.

Ms Shoesmith won a 2011 ruling that she had been unfairly sacked from her £133,000 a year job following a damning report into the death of Peter Connelly.

She had been removed from her post by then Education Secretary Ed Balls and then fired without compensation after regulator Ofsted found Haringey had failed to protect 17-month-old Peter, who died in 2007 following months of abuse.

Ms Shoesmith has reportedly not worked since leaving Haringey Council.

Her lawyers argued that she was the victim of "a flagrant breach of natural justice" fuelled by a media witch-hunt.

Baby Peter suffered some 50 injuries despite being on 'at risk' register

In May 2011, the Appeal Court concluded she was unfairly sacked because then Education Secretary Ed Balls and Haringey did not give her a proper chance to put her case before her removal.

The Department for Education and Haringey sought permission to attempt to overturn the ruling in the Supreme Court, but judges rejected the applications, clearing the way for Ms Shoesmith to receive compensation, which some experts predicted could be in the region of £1m.

Some of the cash for her settlement will come from central government funds, but the council will have to foot most of the bill, according to BBC Newsnight.

Mr Balls said at the time at the time of the Appeal Court ruling that he was "surprised and concerned" by the decision, which he warned would make it "difficult for ministers to act swiftly" when children are at risk.

Peter died in Tottenham, north London, on August 3 2007 at the hands of his mother Tracey Connelly, her lover Steven Barker and their lodger Jason Owen.

Peter's ordeal at the hands of his mother and Steven Barker shocked the UK

He had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over the final eight months of his life.

A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved his life if they had acted properly on the warning signs in front of them.

Ms Shoesmith had been due in court later this week, seeking a declaration that she remained employed by Haringey Council.

That action has now been dropped and the settlement reached between the two parties is understood to be a final one.

The council said the terms of the settlement were confidential.

A spokesman said: "Following the decision of the Court of Appeal in favour of Ms Shoesmith, and the Court's direction that the parties seek to resolve the issue of compensation, the London Borough of Haringey and Ms Shoesmith have reached a settlement in this case."

Earlier in October it was reported that Connelly was due to be released from prison on parole. 

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Severe Storm Batters Britain With 90mph Winds

Britain is facing transport chaos as hurricane force winds batter southern parts of the country, shutting bridges and railways and cancelling flights.

St Jude's storm started battering the south west from around midnight.

The storm is expected to blast across England and Wales throughout the night and early morning.

Gusts of 93.15mph have already been recorded at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, according to the MeteoGroup.

Torrential rain is also forecast and there are a number of flood warnings in place.

The storm is expected to bring severe disruption to transport, with chaos predicted at southern airports when the worst of the weather hits.

Sky's Home Affairs Correspondent Mark White reports airline workers have been briefed that winds of up to 80 knots (90+ mph) could last until midday at Heathrow.

An ominous-looking scene at Brighton marina. Pic: Kevin Long

Engineers have warned that they will be unable to open aircraft cargo hatches or operate walkways used to offload passengers in winds of more than 40-45 knots.

Airlines are believed to be making plans to divert planes to airports in the north of the UK if necessary.

Train companies are warning of widespread cancellations due to possible debris on the tracks.

Southern Railway, South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Capital Connect are among those predicting travel delays.

Eurostar cross-channel services have been suspended until at least 7am, and around 60 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow airport.

Rough seas at Porthleven, Cornwall

As the storm approaches, the Coastguard said it had "stood down" its search for a 14-year-old boy swept out to sea while swimming at Newhaven, East Sussex.

A lifeboat and helicopter had been searching rough seas for the teenager. Sussex Police has warned people to "stay clear" of seashores during the adverse weather.

The storm has reminded some people of the Great Storm of 1987, when thousands of homes were without power for several days.

Veteran weatherman Michael Fish famously failed to predict its severity before it flattened trees, knocked out power and left 22 people dead in England and France.

An amber warning is in place across the southern half of England and Wales

This time he has warned people to "batten down the hatches" and to delay their morning journey by two or three hours on Monday morning.

He told Sky News' Murnaghan show: "There is certainly a severe storm on the way - and we certainly do need to worry about it.

"If you draw a line from about Aberystwyth to the Humber - everywhere south of there looks like getting affected by strong winds, to the north of that the problem is going to be heavy rain and localised flooding."

His comments were echoed by senior fire chiefs who have urged people to stay indoors if possible, and to take extra care if venturing out.

Meteorologists have warned the fierce winds and torrential rain could leave a trail of destruction, damaging buildings and bringing down trees and power lines.

The Great Storm of 1987 left thousands without power

Roads may also be hit by flash flooding, bringing rush hour traffic on Monday morning to a halt, and homes could be flooded.

The much-anticipated storm was named St Jude after the patron saint of lost causes, whose feast day is on Monday

Prime Minister David Cameron said he had chaired a call with Government departments and agencies to hear about their plans to "ensure people are protected from tonight's storm".

He was updated on preparations and contingency planning for transport, schools, hospitals, councils and power supplies.

Insurance companies have advised homeowners to take steps to protect themselves and their property.

They suggested having an evacuation plan, placing valuable items upstairs to limit flood damage and ensuring gutters are clear.

The Environment Agency says 20-40mm (0.8-1.6inches) of rain could fall within six to nine hours.

It has teams working to minimise river flood risk, clearing debris from streams and unblocking culverts.

A spokesman added: "Seafronts, quaysides and jetties should be avoided due to the risk of overtopping by waves and wind-blown shingle."

Met Office severe weather alerts are also in place, with an amber warning, meaning "be prepared", for the southern half of England and Wales.

A yellow warning, meaning "be aware", has been issued for the rest of Wales and England.

In London, the Metropolitan Police has urged people to avoid calling 999 during the storm unless there is a real emergency.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said Atlantic storms of this type usually develop further west across the ocean, losing strength by the time they reach the UK and Ireland.

:: For the latest on the storm watch a special edition of Sky News Sunrise from 6am on Monday.

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Storm: Newhaven Search For Boy Called Off

A 14-year-old boy is feared dead after being swept into the sea while playing in the surf in rough weather conditions.

The youngster disappeared from West Beach at Newhaven, East Sussex, at about 4.15pm on Sunday.

Rescue teams, including a coastguard helicopter and a RNLI lifeboat, scoured the area in what were described as "atrocious conditions" with poor visibility.

An RNLI lifeboat is buffeted by the waves as it takes part in the search

After around six hours the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it had stood down its search teams - making the operation one of search and recovery.

The teenager was playing with friends - who have all been accounted for - when the incident occurred.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "This is a very distressing incident and everything possible is being done to try to find the boy."

A rescue worker looks on as his colleagues battle the elements at sea

A MCA spokeswoman said that rescue teams struggled in difficult conditions.

She said police were with the boy's family, who are "distraught".

Meanwhile, the public were reminded of the dangers of being on the coast in bad weather, especially in view of the approaching storm. 

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Miller Redpath: Body Found In Back Garden

Police searching for a missing teenager have found a body in his overgrown back garden.

Public schoolboy Miller Redpath, 18, went missing from his family home in Wenhaston in Suffolk in August.

Suffolk Police said an officer went to the house on Thursday as part of their inquiries and found the body during a search of the garden.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, however the cause of death remains unknown, police said in a statement.

"At this stage the death is still being treated as unexplained," the statement said.

"Officers have not yet been able to identify the deceased and further tests are required, however early indications suggest that it is the body of 18-year-old Miller Redpath.

"Further searches are taking place at the property and specialist trained officers continue to support Miller's mother at this difficult time."

The discovery comes after Mr Redpath's mother made an emotional appeal for information about her son's disappearance.

"I think he went out purposefully to do something, in order to return shortly, and something went horribly wrong," Anastasia Miller said earlier this month.

"Everything was on track for him as he was doing well at school, he was thinking of London University, had lots of friends and I just don't understand what happened," she added.

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Britain Braced For Severe 80mph Storm

England and Wales will be hit by a "significant storm" on Sunday night with winds of up to 80mph in some areas, the Met Office has warned.

Forecasters say the storm is expected to bring "exceptionally strong winds" to parts of the UK when it strikes late on Sunday night.

Meteorologists say it will strike the south west of England and could leave a trail of destruction as it gusts north-east across the country, causing structural damage, and bringing down trees and power lines.

Frank Saunders, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: "We are confident that a severe storm will affect Britain on Sunday night and Monday.

"We are now looking at refining the details about which areas will see the strongest winds and the heaviest rain."

Roads may also be hit by flash flooding, bringing rush hour traffic on Monday morning to a halt, and homes could be flooded.

The Environment Agency says 20-40mm of rain could fall within six to nine hours.

An amber warning is in place across the southern half of England and Wales

Severe weather alerts are in place for England and Wales, with an amber warning, meaning "be prepared", for the southern half of England and Wales.

There is a lesser yellow warning, meaning "be aware", for the rest of Wales and England up to the border with Scotland.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "The storm is coming through at the worst possible time; from around midnight to midday on Monday - which takes in the rush hour when people are trying to get to work.

"Winds gusting at 80mph are quite capable of bringing down trees and power lines and causing structural damage.

"Trees are still full in leaf at this time of year and the ground is quite damp so there is more chance they can be ripped from the ground, and branches ripped from trees."

She said Atlantic storms of this type usually develop further west across the ocean, losing strength by the time they reach the UK and Ireland.

But the storm will develop on Saturday and intensify on Sunday fairly close to the coast before it strikes with full force.

It has been compared to the Great Storm of 1987

A strong jet stream and warm air close to the UK are contributing to its development and strength.

Some have compared its potential to the Great Storm of 1987 and record-breaking gales in south Wales in 1989.

Veteran weatherman Michael Fish famously failed to predict its severity before it flattened trees, knocked out power and left 22 people dead in England and France.

This time he warned people to "batten down the hatches" and keep checking the forecasts as the powerful storm approaches.

Darron Burness, head of the AA's flood rescue team, said: "The timing couldn't really be worse, potentially causing significant travel disruption on Monday morning, which is one of the busiest times on the roads."

The Metropolitan Police has urged people to avoid calling 999 during the storm unless there is a real emergency.

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