Dartmoor Murders: Mum And Two Children Dead

Police investigating the deaths of a woman and her young son, who died after falling from rocks on Dartmoor, have discovered a child's body at her home.

A murder investigation has been launched after the 24-year-old woman, named in reports as Katharine Hooper, and her five-year-old son died at Haytor in Devon - one of Dartmoor's most famous landmarks which is popular with walkers and climbers.

The body of a two-year-old boy, also believed to be her son, was later found at her home address in Dukes Close, Paignton.

Neighbour Tracey Cole, told the Western Morning News: "The whole community is feeling utterly shocked and devastated. This is a close knit community.

The woman's other son was found at home (Pic: Google Street View)

"We always looked after each other especially because of the kids. With Kat we were always in and out of each other's houses. We would see each other every day.

"I really don't understand what happened. Kat was totally and utterly devoted to her children."

Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: "We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday."

An air ambulance, a police helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group were called to the scene at 11.50am.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority asked members of the public to avoid visiting the area due to the tragedy.

Tributes were paid to the mother and child by members of the emergency services.

The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team tweeted: "The team were called to assist at a tragic incident at Haytor today. Our thoughts are with the family."

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place and next of kin have been informed, police said.

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Heathrow Dreamliner: Probe Into Cause Of Fire

Air accident experts will continue their investigation into the cause of a fire on board a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet at Heathrow Airport amid concerns the aircraft type could be grounded again.

The Ethiopian Airlines-operated plane caught fire while on a remote parking stand shortly after 4.30pm on Friday but nobody was on board and there were no injuries.

Boeing temporarily withdrew the Dreamliner from service earlier this year for modifications after concerns that batteries on board could cause fires.

Thousands of travellers faced long delays resulting from diversions as both runways at the airport were closed to all flights for an hour and a half while emergency crews dealt with the blaze. The runways are now fully open.

Foam surrounds the Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner

The US National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a representative to London to assist the Air Accidents Investigation Branch with their examination of the incident.

Ethiopian Airlines said the aircraft had been parked at Heathrow for more than eight hours before smoke was detected.

The fire appeared to have caused damage to the top of the plane's fuselage.

The Ethiopian Airlines plane involved in the Heathrow fire was the first Dreamliner to fly in April after the battery problems.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident Thomson Airways said a Dreamliner flight to Florida had to be diverted back to Manchester yesterday due to a "technical issue".

Boeing shares fell sharply on the New York Stock Exchange yesterday after news broke of the incident.

Damage to the top of the Dreamliner's fuselage

Travel Expert Simon Calder told Sky News: "It's entirely possible that the Dreamliner could be grounded which I think would be unprecedented in the history of aviation to have an aircraft type be grounded twice in quick succession.

"If that were to happen, clearly, airlines would be very badly affected they'd have to completely to have to reconfigure their fleets which they were hoping to be a very profitable summer."

Thomson Airways became the first British carrier to operate the Dreamliner earlier this week and is taking delivery of eight of the planes.

The company had hoped to take delivery of the first of its 787s in time to start Dreamliner operations in May but this was delayed due to the battery problems.

Thomson had to scrap plans to use the ultra-green aircraft in May and June and only received its first plane in June.

The battery problems followed endless production difficulties for the Dreamliner, which has been marketed as a quiet, fuel-efficient aircraft carrying between 201 and 290 passengers on medium-range routes.

It should have entered passenger service in 2008 but it was not until October 2011 that the first commercial flight was operated by Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways.

British Airways is taking delivery of the first two of its 24 Dreamliners, while Virgin Atlantic said it "remains committed" to taking the first of its 16 Dreamliners in September next year.

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Heatwave: Mercury To Hit 32C At Weekend

Britain has already been basking in sunshine for over a week but this weekend could bring the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to reach 27C in some places but it is Saturday that looks like the scorcher.

Sky's weather producer Joanna Robinson said 32C is possible in southeast England.

In July 2006 Wisley, Surrey, saw the mercury rise to 36.5C after a fortnight-long hot spell.

Although temperatures in London will soar, Robinson said most other places will be a few degrees cooler with isolated thunderstorms expected over northern England and the East Midlands.

The Met Office has said there is a 70% probability of heatwave conditions between 12pm on Friday and 8pm on Sunday.

It has set its watch level to two, out of four possible levels, which warns the public to be alert and prepared for the sun and heat.

In August 2003 temperatures hit 38C and the Department of Health estimated there were 2,000 to 3,000 more deaths than usual in England.

It provides guidelines on how to stay safe in a heatwave, including having cool baths and showers, wear loose clothing and identify the coolest room in the house to seek sanctuary in.

It also reminds people to look after the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.

The heat will be welcomed by those attending the T In The Park festival in Kinross-Shire, Scotland, this weekend and for the final few days of the Ashes first test at Trent Bridge.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the high-20s going into next week too.

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Packed Lunches May Be Off The Menu At Schools

By Siobhan Robbins, Sky News Reporter

Packed lunches may be banned by some schools as the Government tries to get more children to eat school dinners.

The Department for Education is pledging £16.1m to help make the meals they provide more popular.

Head teachers will be responsible for improving take up.

That could include some schools in England stopping pupils bringing in food from home, cutting the price of cooked dinners or making children stay on-site at break time.

The changes follow a year-long review aimed at ensuring pupils eat healthier lunches.

An estimated 20% of children are already obese when they leave primary school.

Currently 57% either bring in packed lunches or buy something from outside school costing parents around £1bn a year.

The Government said these meals often contain too many sweets, fizzy drinks and fatty foods and the money would be better spent on healthy school lunches.

Announcing the plans, Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "What I'd like to see is a greater take up of school food.

"As a result of this; more children eating school lunches and fewer having packed lunches, more children being healthier and more energetic throughout the day, and the nation, as a result, benefiting from improved brain power."

Cooking classes will also be compulsory for all under-14s.

Critics are concerned this interferes with decisions which should be made by parents and could make extra work for already over-stretched teachers.

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Wimbledon Queue Rape Claim: Police Investigate

Police are investigating claims a woman was raped in the overnight queue for the Wimbledon final.

Dozens of tents were set up in Wimbledon Park as hundreds of tennis fans waited to buy tickets to see Andy Murray on Centre Court on Sunday.

Scotland Yard said a 30-year-old man was arrested and bailed over the alleged attack.

A spokesman said: "Police are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault in Wimbledon Park, off Church Road, in the early hours of Sunday July 7.

"A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been taken into custody at a south London police station.

"He was bailed until early September pending further enquiries."

The spokesman said the 34-year-old victim was being cared for by specialist teams.

He added: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident."

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MPs' Pay: Watchdog To Propose Rise To £75,000

MPs' Pay: For And Against Hike

Updated: 7:20am UK, Thursday 11 July 2013

By Nicola Boden, Sky News Online

Handing politicians a pay rise when they are imposing austerity on millions of ordinary Britons is bound to be a hard sell - but some of the arguments in favour are hard to ignore.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) is later due to suggest an inflation-busting rise and then put its plans out for consultation.

The prospect of an increase comes as taxpayers, already mostly on far lower salaries, are facing a cost of living squeeze and public sector pay increases are limited to 1%.

Giving politicians up to another £10,000 in their pay packets will undoubtedly play exceptionally badly and make them even less popular than they are at the moment.

Workers who spoke to Sky News this month made clear they would consider the move "disgusting", and MPs themselves are well aware of the consequences.

Nick Clegg has declared the public will find it "impossible to understand" and David Cameron said making politics more expensive is "unthinkable".

But the Commons' expenses watchdog insists that there is never a good time to address the issue, and that there are some very good reasons for doing so now.

Here, Sky News examines both sides of the debate:

FOR

Better value for the taxpayer - The rise will come in tandem with curbs to MPs' gold-plated pensions and personal expenses, making the set-up more transparent and the overall cost of funding Parliament lower.

Quality of MPs - Supporters of a rise argue you will only attract top quality people into parliament if you offer bigger salaries - ie. you get what you pay for.

MPs may earn far higher than the national average but their salaries are significantly lower than that given to council bosses or other professionals in high-profile roles.

A change could encourage a shift from career politicians to candidates with more experience of public life, who can bring that knowledge into parliament.

Mix of MPs - There are fears a failure to address the issue could lead to a Commons full of multi-millionaires and aristocrats because only they could afford to enter politics.

Two homes - MPs from outside London have to run two households, ramping up the costs of taking on a parliamentary role (although critics would note expenses are available for this).

Retention - The discrepancy between ministerial and MPs' pay is so large that it is considered to encourage former Cabinet ministers to quit once they leave Government.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has suggested the system currently almost says "you have done your time, get out" which strips the Commons of valuable experience.

Avoiding scandal  - Ipsa boss Sir Ian Kennedy has suggested not allowing a rise could lead to a repeat of the expenses scandal because MPs would find other ways to boost their salaries.

Greater Focus - If salaries were higher, politicians would potentially be less inclined to forge links with businesses and therefore avoid damaging conflicts of interest.

AGAINST

Timing - With the coalition pushing through austerity measures and making clear drastic cuts will last into the next parliament, the idea of a pay rise is toxic to the public.

As the cost of living crisis continues, taxpayers' salaries have risen just 0.6% on average this year and public sector pay rises are limited to 1% as part of a raft of savings.

Giving MPs an inflation-busting rise would be in stark contrast to the hardship faced by millions, and conflict with the idea "we are all in this together".

Furthermore, if the next government - as predicted by experts - has to impose tax rises to raise money, a pay rise in 2015 will be even less palatable.

Perception - Ever since the expenses scandal, politicians have been battling to restore public trust. A pay rise will reinforce the view held by critics that they are just out to line their pockets.

A large salary would also make it harder for MPs to argue that they are in touch with the concerns of ordinary workers.

Second Jobs - Many MPs already supplement their salary by taking on lucrative external opportunities or continuing in their previous profession.

Recent figures suggested almost half (295 of 650 MPs) declared some form of extra income and 20 made more from other work than their salary of £65,738.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has suggested there should be a limit on external earnings but while this situation continues, it is harder to argue for an increase.

Greed - The counter-argument to raising salaries to attract higher quality candidates is that more money could encourage people to enter parliament for the wrong reasons.

People want their MPs to consider it a vocation rather than a lucrative career so that they truly have their constituents' interests at heart.

The Hours - MPs have to work fluctuating hours during the week and shuttle between London and their constituency but they also enjoy long holidays most could only dream of.

They are about to go on holiday for six weeks, breaking up for the summer on July 18 and not returning until September 2.

Over the year, MPs also leave Westminster for half-terms, have two weeks off for Easter and then at Christmas and another three weeks in party conference season.

Public accounts committee chair Margaret Hodge called for longer parliamentary hours earlier this year, warning too much time was spent in recess.

"Members of the public would be forgiven for thinking that it is MPs who are lazy and that it is Parliament that is failing to provide good value for money," she said.

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John Terry's Father Charged Over 'Racist Row'

Footballer John Terry's father has been charged with racially aggravated assault following an argument in London.

Ted Terry was arrested earlier this year following the incident on Fenchurch Street, near the Square Mile, on March 22.

When answering bail at Bishopsgate police station on Tuesday, the 59-year-old, of Grays, Essex, was also charged with racially aggravated fear of violence.

He has been charged alongside two other men, Tudor Musteata, 47, of London, and Stephen Niland, 36, of Romford, Essex.

All three are due to appear before magistrates on July 23.

City of London police would not give further details to Sky News.

Former England captain John Terry, 32, was cleared in court of racially abusing fellow player Anton Ferdinand last year.

The Chelsea player denied making the comments during a match against QPR in 2011.

However, the Football Association ruled he had insulted Ferdinand and gave him a four-month ban.

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Two Killed In Flat Fire In West London

Two people have died after a fire ripped through neighbouring flats in Hounslow, west London.

Some 58 firefighters and officers were called to the blaze, which broke out above a shop in New Heston Road at around 1.40am.

Three people are believed to have jumped from the burning building before fire crews arrived.

An injured woman found in the street was subsequently pronounced dead, while a 37-year-old man and an 18-year-old boy are being treated for multiple injuries at St Mary's Hospital, central London.

London Fire Brigade sent eight fire engines to the scene

Firefighters found the body of another person during a search of the flat.

The names of those killed in the fire have not yet been released.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation by police and fire officers and is being treated as unexplained.

It is believed to have started inside one of the flats before spreading to neighbouring properties, damaging half of the roof of the building and parts of the second floor.

Around 50 people who were evacuated from their homes were taken to a nearby village hall.

The local council is attempting to find emergency accommodation for anyone unable to return.

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One In Four Police Stop And Searches Unlawful

One in four people stopped by police officers are searched unlawfully, according to an independent watchdog.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) examined thousands of stop and search records and found that in 27% of cases there were insufficient grounds to justify the use of the powers.

It warned the practice has become "habitual" and said the way it is monitored has "slipped" since the results of an inquiry into the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence were published in 1999.

The inquiry highlighted the disproportionate use of stop and search among members of black and Asian communities and called for all searches to be properly recorded.

Tom Winsor, chief inspector at HMIC, said: "The police service in the UK is almost unique in investing its lowest-ranking officers with its greatest and most intrusive powers. These include those of stop and search.

"The lawful and proper use of the powers is essential to the maintenance of public confidence and community acceptance of the police, without which the British model of policing by consent cannot function.

"It is therefore crucial that police officers can show, with the greatest transparency, that they use these powers with the utmost lawfulness and integrity at all times."

More than one million stop and searches are recorded every year, taking up more than 300,000 hours of police time.

However, just 9% of searches lead to an arrest.

The results of the HMIC inspection come after Home Secretary Theresa May launched a public consultation into the use of stop and search powers, amid fears the practice has become a "dreadful waste of time".

The Government is expected to respond to both the report and the consultation before the end of the year.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said the Government "supports the ability of police officers to stop and search suspects within the law".

"If stop and search is being used too much or with the wrong people, it is not just a waste of police time, it also serves to undermine public confidence in the police," she added.

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Children's Bedtimes 'Can Affect Brain Power'

Putting children to bed at the same time every night could help boost their brain power, researchers have found.

A study of more than 10,000 youngsters revealed their cognitive development is affected by inconsistent bedtimes.

Authors of the report tested children's abilities to perform certain tasks by testing their reading, maths and spatial awareness.

They found that three-year-olds who went to bed at irregular times performed worse than those who were put to bed at the same time throughout the week.

The effect was also seen in seven-year-old girls, although boys were not affected. There was no link in girls or boys at the age of five.

"Sleep has a crucial and complex role in the maintenance of health and optimal function," the authors wrote in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

"Inconsistent bedtime schedules might impact on markers of cognitive development in two ways, via disruptions to circadian rhythms (physical, mental and behavioural changes) and/or sleep deprivation and associated effects on brain plasticity (the brain's ability to change during life)."

Laura Downes, a special needs primary school teacher from Ealing, west London, has a well-drilled routine in place for her three-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

She told Sky News: "The routine is key. It needs to be rigid and the same. For us, this means a fail-safe tool to fall back on.

"Whatever happens during the day or whatever is going on ... she knows that routine is coming up."

Emma Janes, a behavioural expert who counsels sleep-deprived parents to help them to cope with their children's bedtimes, said many people underestimate the power of rest and routine.

She claimed understanding the science of sleep is critical to promoting early years development.

"We learn to sleep," she said. "Everyone assumes we know how to already but some children need teaching it.

"We all know children thrive on routine - they love to know the what, why, where, when and how.

"But by changing that routine, we impact on the quality of their sleep. That has severe consequences."

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Murray's Wimbledon Win: Delight In Dunblane

Stars Hail Murray's SW19 Victory

Updated: 10:03pm UK, Sunday 07 July 2013

Andy Murray's first Wimbledon title has been hailed by the Queen, the Prime Minister as well as stars of sport and showbusiness.

David Cameron was in the Royal Box to watch Murray's straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.

The Scot became the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles final.

After the victory, Mr Cameron tweeted: "It was a privilege to watch @andy_murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Murray was congratulated privately by the Queen following his historic win.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the Queen has sent a private message to Andy Murray following his Wimbledon victory."

Murray went up to his box in the stands to hug his mother Judy after his victory. She said she was immensely proud of her son's achievements.

She said: "It's the best feeling ever to see your son win Wimbledon. This is what he has talked about winning since he was a little boy, it was a dream that has become a reality now for him."

Mrs Murray admitted she found it hard to watch her son's triumph. "I have been shaking for the last three hours," she added.

"I am fine now but 15 minutes ago (just before Murray won) I was an emotional wreck."

Murray's elder brother Jamie, who won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007, tweeted: "What an incredible day!! So proud of my lil bro! What a champion!!"

In Murray's home town of Dunblane, supporters flocked to local venues to cheer on their favourite son.

Former British number one Tim Henman has backed Murray to now go on and win more grand slams.

Henman, who reached four Wimbledon semi-finals, said: "It's a remarkable achievement for him and something we are proud of.

"Andy had this belief in his heart of hearts that he would win it. He had some huge disappointment with losing 12 months ago but deep down he knew he could do this and this is going to be one of many more grand slams for Andy Murray."

Star Wars actor and Murray's fellow Scot Ewan McGregor wrote: "Oh my God. What a match, what a player. Inspiring a Nation. .Andy Murray!! Ya Beauty."

Former England striker and Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker added: "I sense @andy--murray will take a bit of beating at Sport's Personality Of The Year! #wimbledon."

Murray's Davis Cup team-mate Ross Hutchins, who has spoken about the support he has received from the Scot since he was diagnosed with cancer, was delighted to see his friend win.

Hutchins said: "I'm ecstatic. I am so pleased for him."

Other politicians also joined the PM in congratulating Murray.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who was also in the Royal Box and helped unfurl a Saltire, wrote: "A truly phenomenal victory by @andy--murray. Hard fought and well deserved. #Wimbledon."

Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote: "Congratulations @andy--murray! What a match, you've made us all proud! #Wimbledon"

Labour opposition leader Ed Miliband added: "Congratulations Andy Murray. A historic and amazing moment for him and for the whole country."

London Mayor Boris Johnson wrote: "Congratulations to my one time doubles partner @andy--murray on his glorious Wimbledon victory!"

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Andy Murray Wins Historic Wimbledon Title

Andy Murray has become the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, with a straight-sets victory over the world number one.

With the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders, the Scotsman beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court in a battle lasting three hours and 10 minutes.

Murray had squandered three match points before winning the championship when the Serbian netted a backhand, sparking wild celebrations among the 15,000 people in the crowd.

The 26-year-old player, who held his trophy aloft and kissed it, said: "That was one of the toughest moments, today was unbelievably tough match.

"I don't know how I came through the final three points, I'm so glad to do it.

"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.

The Queen and the Prime Minister led congratulations to Murray

"He did the same today and that is what made it tough.

"I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

Murray expressed his delight on Twitter shortly after his win: "Can't believe what's just happened!!!!!!!"

Murray hugged his coach Ivan Lendl after his momentous victory

World number two Murray broke down in tears as his triumph sank in and climbed into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.

But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to embrace her too.

"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.

"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."

Murray nearly forgot to hug his mum

The win makes Murray the first Briton to take the Wimbledon men's singles title since Fred Perry in 1936.

His brother, Jamie Murray, won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007.

Andy Murray won his first grand slam at the US Open last year and was desperate to claim the SW19 title after losing to Roger Federer in an emotional final last year.

After his win, Murray paid tribute to those who have spurred him on

The thrilling match came on the hottest day of the year to date and saw temperatures reach 40C (104 Fahrenheit) in the sun on Centre Court, while the mercury hit 29C in the shade.

Thousands of people descended on the famous All-England club, including Prime Minister David Cameron, Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond, Victoria Beckham and Wayne Rooney, while millions tuned in to watch the action on television.

On Murray Mount, fans held union flags and Scottish Saltires as they squeezed on to the steep bank to watch the tense tie.

Djokovic has won six grand slams, but today was not his day

Mr Cameron led tributes to Murray, tweeting: "It was a privilege to watch @andy_murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Djokovic was gracious in defeat.

"Congratulations to Andy you absolutely deserved it, you played incredibly," the six-times grand slam champion said.

"I know what it means to you guys in the whole country so well done. It is a great achievement. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final."   

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Police Facing 'Serious Drag' On Morale

By Clare Fallon, Sky News Reporter

Police morale has been significantly undermined not just by cuts but by scandals such as the alleged smear campaign of Stephen Lawrence's family and the Hillsborough cover-up, the Police Minister has suggested.

Damien Green said recent allegations involving the improper behaviour of the police have had a "really serious drag" on serving officers as well as harming public confidence in them.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, the minister said that despite complaints by the Police Federation that cuts are harming frontline officers, crime is falling.

He added that the historic actions of some members of the police have significantly contributed to discontent among the ranks.

"Morale is always difficult at a time when you've got difficult spending decisions to be made but also I think recently the various allegations we've seen about the way the police behaved in the past are a really serious drag not just on morale but on public confidence," he said.

"So we will take steps to make sure the police are more transparent, to make sure that there's a proper code of ethics that everyone knows about and everyone knows the detail of how they should be behaving ... so we can carry on changing the culture so again like a modern public service the police are self-confident and open and transparent."

Last year, it emerged that South Yorkshire police officers had attempted to cover up details of their role in the Hillsborough disaster that left 96 Liverpool fans dead in 1989.

The Met Police has been accused of smearing the family of Stephen Lawrence

And last month, the Metropolitan Police was accused of using undercover officers to try to smear the family of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence during the investigation into his death in 1993.

Both cases are now the subject of investigations.

But the Chairman of the Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers - insists cuts are having a major impact.

Steve Williams told Sky News the police service has shouldered more than its fair share. 

"Bobbies are feeling aggrieved at what they perceive to be attacks by the Government on the service. We're facing the comprehensive spending review second round of cuts and we feel that they've been too deep, too fast - and they've affected service delivery."

Mr Williams concedes though that negative headlines about the conduct of police have also had an impact.

"It doesn't help when things are reported in the media about some misdemeanours ... that (are) police officers in the minority and it's right and proper that we get rid of those. But that said, the media tend to suggest that it's the whole of the police service and that does tend to affect morale. That in conjunction with the attacks on pay, terms and conditions of police officers clearly does have an effect on morale up and down the country."

But Mr Green hit back at the Police Federation claims, saying it has resisted Government cuts and changes to working practices.

"It's a quasi-trade union so you would expect it to say those sorts of things. But actually individual officers going about their day to day business are reforming, are doing things differently.

"We've seen, for instance, forces taking up cameras worn on the body so they can record evidence much more efficiently. It's that kind of willing adoption of new technology that helps to make the police more efficient and that's why crime is falling."

There are 12,500 fewer police officers since the coalition came to power

According to figures released by the Home Office earlier this year, the number of police officers in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level in 11 years. 

Since the coalition came to power in 2010 there has been a decrease of more than 12,500 police officers. 

Speaking ahead of a major conference this week on the future of the policing, Mr Green said the service needs to be brought into the 21st century. 

"We've been doing hugely radical reform to the police for the past three years and it's working - crime has fallen by more than 10%. And doing that at a time when we all know the squeeze is on public spending and the police have had to bear their share of that - that's huge credit to everyone involved. But that reform needs to carry on. We can't stand still.

"Obviously any change is difficult. Change at a time of austerity is going to be difficult. But the fact is crime has continued to fall despite all the reforms. Some of them have involved painful decisions but nevertheless if you can release the police to do their job by cutting bureaucracy, by organising them better so they can get out on the streets, then what you see is more effective policing. And that's what we've been seeing."

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Abu Qatada Deported From UK To Jordan

Timeline: Qatada Legal Battle

Updated: 4:37am UK, Sunday 07 July 2013

Abu Qatada has challenged and ultimately thwarted every attempt by the Government to detain and deport him for many years.

Here is a timeline of the legal battle.

1993: Abu Qatada claims asylum when he arrives in Britain on a forged passport.

1994: Allowed to stay in Britain.

1995: Issues a "fatwa" justifying the killing of converts from Islam, their wives and children in Algeria.

1998: Applies for indefinite leave to remain in Britain.

1999: April - Convicted in his absence on terror charges in Jordan and sentenced to life imprisonment.

October - Speaks in London advocating the killing of Jews and praising attacks on Americans.

2001: February - Arrested by anti-terror police over involvement in a plot to bomb Strasbourg Christmas market. Officers find him with £170,000 in cash, including £805 in an envelope marked "For the mujahedin in Chechnya".

December - Becomes one of Britain's most wanted men after going on the run from his home in west London.

2002: Arrested by police in a council house in south London and detained in Belmarsh high-security jail.

2005: Freed on conditional bail and placed on a control order but arrested again in August under immigration rules as the Government seeks to deport him to Jordan.

2008: April: Court of Appeal rules deportation would breach his human rights because evidence used against him in Jordan might have been obtained through torture.

May - Granted bail by the immigration tribunal but told he must stay inside for 22 hours a day.

June - Released from Long Lartin jail in Worcestershire and moves into a four-bedroom house in west London.

November - He is rearrested after the Home Office tells an immigration hearing of fears he plans to abscond.

December - Qatada's bail is revoked by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) after hearing secret evidence that the risk of him absconding has increased.

2009: Five Law Lords unanimously back the Government's policy of removing terror suspects from Britain on the basis of assurances from foreign governments and it is ruled he can be deported to Jordan to face a retrial on the terror charges.

He is awarded 2,800 euro (£2,500) compensation by the European Court of Human Rights after the judges rule that his detention without trial in the UK under anti-terrorism powers breached his human rights.

2012: January - European judges rule he can be sent to Jordan with diplomatic assurances but not while "there remains a real risk that evidence obtained by torture will be used against him".

February - He is released on strict bail conditions.

April - Rearrested as the Government prepares to deport him after Jordan gives assurances it will "bend over backwards" to ensure he receives a fair trial.

March - Qatada's legal team loses its bid to have the case heard by the Europe's human rights judges, clearing the way for deportation proceedings to continue.

May and August - Siac rejects Qatada's applications for bail.

October - Siac holds appeal hearing.

November - His appeal is granted and he is granted bail.

December - Qatada is moved to a larger residence in the greater London area.

2013:

March 9 - It emerges Qatada has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. He is ordered to stay in custody and sent to Belmarsh.

March 21 - Police reveal the cleric is being investigated over extremist material.

March 27 - Home Secretary Theresa May loses her appeal over Siac's decision to allow Qatada to stay in the UK. The Home Office vows to appeal.

April 17 - The Home Office formally announces that it is seeking leave from the Court of Appeal to take the case to the Supreme Court.

April 22 - The Court of Appeal refuses permission to go to the Supreme Court, forcing the Home Office to appeal directly to the highest court in the land.

April 23 - Theresa May tells MPs she has signed a new treaty with Jordan that should pave the way to deportation, but warns it might take "many months".

May 10 - Qatada's barrister says he will go back to Jordan voluntarily if the treaty on the use of evidence obtained by torture, guaranteeing he will not be tortured, is ratified by the Jordanian parliament.

May 20 - Qatada is refused bail by the Special Immigrations Appeals Commission after "jihadist material" is found on a computer memory stick.

July 2 - The new treaty between Jordan and Britain is fully ratified, sparking claims Qatada could be on a plane within days.

July 3 - A Jordanian government official tells AFP the cleric is due back on Sunday.

July 7 - Flown from RAF Northolt to Jordan

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