07/08/2014 BBC News at Six

Police in Malaysia say four men have confessed to killing two British

medical students in Borneo. Neil Dalton and Aidan Brunger,

who were on work placements there, were stabbed to death yesterday

after a row in a bar. The men, who followed the Britons

by car before attacking them, will now be charged with murder.

We'll be hearing tributes from Newcastle, where

the two young men were studying. Also tonight,

a Spanish missionary infected with Ebola in Liberia returns home,

as the West African country declares a state of emergency.

Oscar Pistorius is accused of being a deceitful witness, as

the prosecution makes its closing arguments at his murder trial.

And a new chapter for Prince William,

as a helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance service.

Good evening, and welcome to the BBC News at Six.

Malaysian police say four men arrested in connection with

the murders of two British medical students in Borneo have confessed to

killing them. Neil Dalton and Aidan Brunger,

who were both studying at Newcastle University, were stabbed

to death after a row in a bar. Tributes have been paid

in the UK to the two young men, while university staff from

Newcastle have flown to Kuching, where the men were working, to help

support other students there. Our correspondent Sharanjit Leyl

reports from Borneo. News that has stunned a small town.

Neil Dalton and Aidan Brundle were on a six-week hospital work

placement, when they were attacked. When I stepped out, I saw these

guys, one guy, once they noticed we were there, he quickly got back into

the car and they drove off. Locals pay their condolences, after the

tragic murders. The deaths of these two young British Juden said touched

many across the world, including -- British students. Many expressing

shock that such a crime could happen right in their midst. As the accused

faced the courts, the Malaysian police say that justice for the

students has been swift. All four confessing to the stabbings. For

those left behind, support. Five fellow students are still in Borneo,

and the University are making sure they are cared for. We are here

first and foremost for them. They are obviously horribly upset. Mixed

up. They want to go home. They want to finish off. But the grieving will

not be as quick. Many at home remembering how they were. This

tribute to Neil. First and foremost, he was an absolutely smashing bloke.

He was an individual but was academically extremely gifted. He

was a high flyer, but modest with it, a real sort of the earth kind of

guy who was respected and admired by all. Their autopsy results are

expected on Friday morning. It will be some days before their bodies,

kept in the same hospital where they used to work, will be taken home.

Danny Savage is in Newcastle where the two students were studying.

What have people from the university been saying about them today? The

main priority is to get help out to the other students who are still in

the Far East. We have been talking to one of the professors here,

describing the atmosphere inside the faculty here today is just awful.

The loss of two young people with such promise is so tragic. There is

an air of silence, it is very upsetting and the hearts go out to

all the families. The students aren't here at the moment, they are

either out on placement or on their summer holidays and the most

difficult time will be in a few weeks time when term starts again,

when it will really come home to them that two of their own will not

be going through this front door to continue their studies, and that

real sad irony of this whole episode, those two bodies of these

two young students are being looked after in the very same hospital

where they helped out in the wards for so many weeks.

A Spanish missionary who was infected with Ebola while caring

for victims in Liberia has returned home.

A state of emergency has been declared in

Liberia in response to the world's worst ever outbreak of the virus.

It has spread across West Africa, killing more than 930 people.

Tulip Mazumdar's report contains some distressing images.

Ebola has arrived on European soil. A Spanish priest, infected in

Liberia, has been flown home for treatment. High security for a

killer virus. But at the heart of the outbreak, a very different

picture. This man in mini collapsed on the street, and was left there

for hours. TRANSLATION: I do know if he has Ebola, said this resident,

just take him away, we are afraid. That fear and panic is severely

hampering efforts to control this outbreak. During a recent BBC trip

to Guinea, I saw for myself how remote communities are still

reluctant to get help. Many don't trust health workers, and were

trying to look after Ebola patients themselves, which just helps to

spread the virus. Now, five months since the start of the outbreak, the

world health organisation is deciding whether to declare a global

health emergency. The outbreak was underestimated at the beginning, and

certainly I can remember in March and April that there weren't that

many cases, and we saw a first wave come and go, and a second wave, and

go, and now all of a sudden this third wave has come with a

vengeance. Here, the government held a second emergency meeting today,

and said it remains vigilant. If any cases came to Britain, patients

would be treated at the Royal free hospital in London. The virus is

spread through contact with body fluids, so everything is protected

within a special chamber. This is a totally self-contained unit. Up to

five medics can treat the patient, wearing these special protective

suits. They put their hands through these plastic overalls, so they

don't actually touch the patient, but they are able to give them

supportive treatment. We think the risk to the UK is still very low. We

have never seen a case of Ebola imported into the UK from an

outbreak in Africa. It has never happened before but it is possible.

A number of West African countries are now screening people at airports

to try and ensure that doesn't happen.

some distressing images. Tens of thousands of Iraqi

Christians have fled their homes to escape advancing Islamist militants.

The militants, formerly known as ISIS, and now called Islamic State,

have seized control of Qaraqosh, the largest Christian town in Iraq, as

well as the regional capital, Mosul. At the weekend, thousands of members

of the Yazidi community in northern Iraq fled the town of Sinjar.

Most sought refuge in the surrounding mountains

and they remain trapped, with little food or water.

At least 40 children are thought to have died.

The South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been accused of being

a "deceitful witness," whose version of events was devoid of any truth,

as the prosecution made its closing arguments at his trial for murder.

Mr Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at

their home in Pretoria last year. He denies the charge, and claims

he mistook her for an intruder. Our correspondent Andrew Harding

reports. Brisk and focused, Oscar Pistorius

striding back into court this morning to hear the prosecution some

up the case against him. For the first time, Barry Steenkamp, father

of Reeva, was also here, alongside his wife, June. Ill-health has kept

him away from this murder trial until today. In court, prosecutor

Gerrie Nel went on the attack, dismissing Pistorius's defence is a

string of lies. My lady, it is just so improbable, it can never be

reasonably possibly true and it is a clear indication of his mendacity

and his deceitfulness. The focus today unsurprisingly was the

shooting itself, the four bullets Pistorius fired through the toilet

door, killing Reeva Steenkamp. Gerrie Nel said the athlete had

given conflicting accounts as to why he had fired but the prosecution's

main point was this, that Pistorius must have known he would kill

someone. If you fire for shots into a cubicle, -- four shots, you

foresee the possibility that you will kill somebody, and you continue

doing that. From the prosecutor today, two key claims, one that

Oscar Pistorius has repeatedly proved himself to be a liar. The

other that even if the judge finds that he is telling the truth, the

fact that he went to that toilet door and fired four times through it

makes him a murderer. Pistorius's defence will argue that the

prosecution are floundering, ignoring key facts. Their

presentation will begin in earnest tomorrow. A verdict could still be

weeks away. The Disasters Emergency Committee

says the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the recent conflict with

Israel is affecting "virtually every man, woman and child,"

and it's launched an appeal. The DEC says half

a million people have been forced from their homes, and one

and a half million have no access to water, sanitation or medical care.

That's more than three-quarters of the population.

In a moment, we'll speak to our Chief International Correspondent

Lyse Doucet in Jerusalem but first our Middle East Correspondent Orla

Guerin has this report from Gaza. Reclaiming their own streets.

Government security forces in Gaza. Before the cease-fire, they were in

hiding. Even now, they aren't venturing too far. Like everyone

here, they are waiting to see if the truce will be extended. Even if it

is, for many, like this seven-year-old Comer this war can

never be erased. Her aunts are tending to her now. And Israeli

shell claimed seven relatives, including her mother. And she has

been paralysed. The two weeks, doctors here have been trying to

send her abroad for treatment. Her aunt says she is a great student who

loves to sing at school assembly. She has always been very active, she

tells us, and she is very brave. The short distance away, the green flags

of Hamas were back on view. Front and centre on stage, Feuer rolled

Ahmed, dressed up for battle. Hamas has been largely out of view --

four-year-old Ahmed. It was relatively brief. This local

businessmen gave an impassioned involvement of baroness farseeing in

the UK. She gave up her position for the sake of our children, said this

man. Our fellow Arabs have done nothing. Supporters are continuing

to arrive for this rally. In recent weeks in the eyes of many here,

Hamas's popularity has soared. Its fighters have inflicted heavy losses

on the Israeli victory, but if Hamas cannot achieve political

concessions, the conflict is likely to reignite. Hamas negotiators want

Israel to lift its crippling seven-year siege for stop Israel

wants an end to attacks by Hamas. Many here expect the talks to end,

and fighting the resume. Our chief international correspondent Liz

Doucet is in Jerusalem for us. Negotiations are still going on in

Egypt to try to extend the present cease-fire. What chance of success

do they have? There are two priorities on the table in talks in

Egypt, one to extend the temporary truce, which will expire tomorrow

morning here in the region. The truce, which will expire tomorrow

morning here in the other is to try to achieve a longer, more lasting

cease-fire, which will take a much longer time, because it means very

different things to the warring parties. For Israel, it means an end

to the rockets being fired into its country, and even a disarming of

Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. But for Hamas and every Gaza

and I spoke to when I was in the Gaza Strip, it has the mean a change

in their daily lives, and ends to the punishing blockade that has been

in force to the last seven years and in strangles life there. It is

generally believed that both sides would like this war to end, but

Israeli officials have said to us today that they are quite sceptical

that Hamas is ready to cease-fire completely, there could be one last

salvo, one last word, as they put it, for Hamas to show they can take

on the Israeli people. But Hamas also needs to show its own people it

is not capable of firing rockets just, it can also fix people's

terrible lives. The time is just before a quarter past six. The top

story this evening. Malaysian Police say four men

arrested in connection with the murders of two British medical

students in Borneo have confessed to killing them.

And still to come England's bowlers take control in the fourth Test

against India at Old Trafford. Failing the neediest children claims

free schools are cherry picking children from better off

backgrounds. Big in India and making a comeback in the capital.

Now, here's an extraordinary thought.

We spend more time on our smartphones, tablets and other

digital devices than we do sleeping. That's according to research

from the broadcast watchdog, Ofcom. And, unsurprisingly,

it's the younger generation who are leading the way,

with six year-olds apparently showing the same understanding

of technology as 45-year-olds. As our technology correspondent,

Rory Cellan-Jones, explains, digital devices are now dominating

our lives as never before. Meet the tech generation.

These teenagers are on a summer school course

in computer programming. Today's report says, in general, it

is 14 and 15-year-olds who are the most advanced in using technology.

They are growing up with smartphones and tablets

and teaching parents how to cope. My mum, I have to help her with

a lot of stuff because she can't use phones or iPads or computers.

I think I spend most time on Instagram on my phone or tablets.

I am spending less time watching TV nowadays.

This research shows we are all spending more time than ever

using communications and media. Eight hours and 41 minutes a day,

that's longer than we spend sleeping.

Ofcom says because we are often multitasking we are communicating

for more than 11 hours a day. Behind this is a spread

of mobile devices. Smartphones are now owned by 61%

of the UK population though they are used less and less for talking.

As for tablets, they are in 44% of homes and that figure has doubled

in the past year. While TV still retains

its attraction, viewing has slipped below four hours a day for

the first time in quite a while. In a mobile world, people are

finding other ways to pass the time. Older people may sometimes struggle

to keep up but many, like this silver surfers group

in Manchester, and getting to grips with technology.

The figures showed one in five people over 65 now owns

a tablet computer. I bought the tablet with

the intention of getting to know what's happening

in the world, as you might say. The grandkids are coming in

and going, this is what you do, that is what you do.

I want to do it myself. These youngsters are

the trendsetters. Watching less TV,

listening to less radio, spending more time with their phones.

If you want to know what the future looks like, ask a teenager.

Rory Cellan-Jones, BBC News. Scotland's First Minister, Alex

Salmond, has faced fierce criticism in the Scottish Parliament over

plans for the country's currency, should voters choose independence

in next month's referendum. It follows Tuesday night's TV debate

where he came under pressure to spell out his plans if Scotland

couldn't keep the pound. Lorna Gordon joins us now.

Lorna, another testing day for Alex Salmond?

The Unionist position, they say, is fixed. They say there will be no

formal currency union in the event of independence. Again and again and

again they pressed Alex Salmond on what his Plan B would be in the

event of a yes vote. There have also been some disquiet amongst the yes

campaign. The leader, the chair of the yes campaign, saying his

personal preference is for an independent currency. Alex Salmond

made his position very clear. He says the Unionists are bluffing. He

says this is a negotiating position and he says it is Scotland 's pound

as well and if there were independence, people here would keep

on using it. He says, and he ended with a warning. He said it UK

politicians refuse to share the pound, an independent Scotland is

under no obligation to share the debt. I think that is the message we

will hear continually from the Independent side in the days to

come. Alex Salmond?

Figures seen by the BBC suggest many councils in England will not promise

to pass on money intended to help severely disabled people to live

and work in the community. The closure of the

Independent Living Fund means councils are no longer required to

ring-fence the money, and only a small number are prepared

to guarantee it won't go elsewhere. But the Government says it

trusts councils to make sure people's needs are met.

Our correspondent, Nikki Fox, has more.

Singing at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony was one of the biggest

gigs of John Kelly's career. This was only made possible

by the support he receives from the Independent Living Fund.

John has a joint condition. He uses a wheelchair

and needs help to do the basics. He has a team

of personal assistants who come to his house on a daily basis.

The Independent Living Fund is not about giving me something extra.

It is about giving me the basics so that in return I can look

after myself. I can take control of my life and I

can contribute and work in my community.

Set up in 1988, the Independent Living Fund has been

supporting those with the most severe impairments.

More than 17,000 people receive it. When the fund closes next year,

instead of coming direct from government, the money will go

via local councils, who could choose to spend it elsewhere,

potentially leaving people like John unable to do what they do best.

According to figures from Disability Rights UK,

of the 106 councils in England that responded, only ten could guarantee

the money would be protected. More than half said

the money would not be ring fenced and the rest have yet to decide.

One local authority had said the money would not be ring fenced.

However, after we asked for an interview,

the council then changed its mind. This is your money.

I have no need or intention to take it away from you.

Very clearly, we will not take money from you.

We do not need to, we do not want to.

Government insists it is not a cost-cutting exercise and decisions

like these should be made locally. They are perfectly capable

at looking at their obligations and deliver support

in a personalised way, supporting people's independence.

For John, the uncertainty around the fund

means uncertainty for his future. Prince William is to become

a helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service.

The prince, who's a former RAF search-and-rescue pilot, will start

his training next month and begin a full-time job next year.

He'll be the first heir to the throne to take a civilian job.

Our royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, reports.

His time with the RAF search and rescue service was the high

point of his military career. Ever since he left it William has

missed the sense of purpose of a job helping people in distress.

He knows the importance of his royal role but he is not ready yet to

commit to full-time royal duties. The solution to his dilemma,

another yellow helicopter and a job as a pilot for the

East Anglian Air Ambulance. Assuming he qualifies

for his civilian flying licence he will join the crew next spring.

His job will be to react to 999 calls as required by the ambulance

control to react to things such as road traffic collisions, cardiac

arrests, anything where there is an emergency medical situation.

William will continue to fulfil some royal duties

but the air ambulance will become his principal occupation.

He and Catherine and George will move to a new home and the hall

near Sandringham, recently refurbished at private expense.

William will receive a salary which he will donate to charity.

The decision to join an air ambulance crew is very much his.

There will be security concerns. One

of his protection officers will have to fly with him but it means he will

once again find the sense of purpose he had as an RAF rescue pilot.

There is no greater calling in life for someone.

To be able to see a son or daughter's face when you bring their

father or mother back from the edge of death to hospital and they are

cuddling them, it is quite powerful. William, the first future king to

take a civilian job, determined to be royal but on his terms.

Nicholas Witchell, BBC News. It's been a frantic day

of cricket at Old Trafford. Six wickets from Stuart Broad put

England in control of the fourth Test, as India were all

out on the first day for just 152. A short time ago,

England's batsmen were 80 for two. Our sports correspondent,

Joe Wilson, has been watching Nice weather for ducks.

Six of them from India. Play delayed until 11:30am,

mayhem by midday. Murali Vijay didn't make any, next,

not an action replay, the end of Virat Kohli for nought.

Pujara's personal zero left India four wickets

down with their total eight. 63 for 6 when Jadeja was out

for his duck, trapped by Anderson. The two have recent legal history.

Anderson was found not guilty but England want him fiery.

The point at Old Trafford had been well made by James Anderson.

Local boy, of course, but don't forget Stuart Broad.

Kumar lost his radar, dismissed by Broad for naught.

Captain MS Dhoni chanced his arm. He made 71 and fell to Stuart Broad

and so did Singh. 152 all out, ten wickets by tea.

Time for more. Alastair Cook could not resist.

There is a fielder there, India's second wicket.

The match is moving almost as if the team had seen the weather forecast.

Doctor Who fans can expect a darker, more enigmatic version of the

Time Lord, according to the latest incarnation of science-fiction hero,

Peter Capaldi. The actor attended the screening of

the first episode in Cardiff today, along with thousands of fans.

He will be the 12th Doctor to grace our television screens

when the series returns later this month, as Lizo Mzimba reports.

The kind of crowds usually reserved for a Hollywood blockbuster. An

overwhelming amount of expectation for the new Doctor. It is quite

scary. It is so loved by people. It is an iconic figure. It is important

to people and you feel a great responsibility. A character of

contrasts, Peter Capaldi 's Time Lord Stephanie has a little less

light and more shade. -- definitely. I wanted him to be darker, less

user-friendly. But he is funny. He is a very joyful character. This is

Clara. Not my assistant but some of the word. I am his carer. You are

equal oldest with William Hartnell. Part of you must worry a more

elderly doctor might have trouble hanging on to the younger end of

what is more essentially a kids show. Yellow macro I do not think

so. There is a magic about him which is not about being in your 20s and

30s. We do not consider the Wizard of Oz to be too old. We do not

consider Father Christmas to be too old. These are mythical, magical

characters. One of television 's most successful dramas, the BBC is

hoping that will continue with the 12th Doctor taking the show into its

sixth decade. Now for a look at the weather.

Here's Jay Wynne. It'll be lovely overnight. Tomorrow,

there would be quite a bit of rain around and some of it could be

heavy. The rain is there or thereabouts from early on in the

southeastern corner. Northern Ireland is pretty wet through the

morning as well. Some heavy showers will be breaking out as we get on

into the afternoon. Slow-moving with thunder, lightning and large

rainfall totals as well. Eastern Scotland will do rather. Further

west it will be better. Heavy showers across northern England

through the afternoon. A few of those will show up at Old Trafford.

Showers exist throughout the Midlands and the south-east. Doctor

Butcher today was 26 degrees. Tomorrow more like 23, 24. -- top

temperatures today. For the Midlands and western areas, we have a few

showers in the forecast. That is the first part of the weekend. For the

second part we have to look out into the Atlantic because there is a lot

going on. This used to be Harry Kane Bertha. It is heading our way and it

made -- may pack a punch. Being specific with the timings and

location is difficult at this sort of range. The current thought,

bringing it from the South West across the South East throughout the

day on Sunday. There could be significant impact. It may go a bit

further south in which case the impacts will be less widespread but

still the potential. Quite nasty weather. To keep an eye on the

forecast.