02/04/2014 Look East - East

brightness between the clouds. The outlook is mixed. Thank you.

Day five of the Colchester murder investigation, and police dhvers

search for the murder weapon. The victim's mother appeals for help in

finding his son 's killer. Somebody somewhere knows something, no matter

how insignificant you may think it is, please inform the policd. The

maniac is still out there. Hello. Welcome to look East. Also tonight,

long health alert in the region at air pollution saws. It is p`rtly

air pollution saws. It is partly blamed on dust from the Sah`ra.

air pollution saws. It is p`rtly blamed on dust from the Sahara. We

blamed on dust from the Sah`ra. We have had a rapid increase in the

number of people who have bden coming in complaining of sore

throat, cough, itchy eyes, and itchy throat, cough, itchy eyes, `nd itchy

behind the ears. The Premier league players so bad they have agreed to

refund the cost of tickets to the fans.

And we are out in the field picking the first asparagus crop of the

season. Hello. The mother of a man murdered

in a ferocious attack in Colchester went before a news conference today

to appeal for help in finding the killer. She told reporters: "The

maniac who killed my son is still out there." Jim Attfield was 33

years old and described as "vulnerable" after an accident

years old and described as "vulnerable" after an acciddnt four

"vulnerable" after an accident four years ago. He was found dead on

Saturday morning with more than 100 knife wounds. Today, police divers

have been searching a local lake trying to find the murder weapon.

have been searching a local lake trying to find the murder wdapon. In

trying to find the murder weapon. In a moment, Jim's mother tells me

about her gentle son, but fhrst this from our chief reporter Kim

Riley. Flanked by her partner and two

daughters, Julie Finch appealed Flanked by her partner and two

daughters, Julie Finch appe`led for daughters, Julie Finch appealed for

help in finding out who brutally ended the life of her son Jim, a

ended the life of her son Jhm, a young man who suffered severe brain

damage after being hit by a car four`year is ago. I would ask the

public for any information they may have that could help the police with

their enquiries. This to me seems a senseless and horrendous attack on a

gentle, vulnerable young man. So please, if anyone saw my son on

Friday, please come forward. Somebody somewhere knows solething.

No matter how insignificant you may think it is, please inform the

police. The maniac is still out there.

Meanwhile, a large area of parkland around the river in Colchester

remains sealed off. A tent still covering the spot close to Castle

Park where Jim Attfield lay dying early on Saturday morning. He had

102 separate knife wounds to his body. The hunt continues for the

vital clue ` the murder weapon. There's a specialist team in the

shallowish water of the rivdr There's a specialist team in the

shallowish water of the river behind shallowish water of the river behind

me, wading along very slowly, looking for possibly for a knife.

Police divers from Sussex were looking for possibly for a knife.

Police divers from Sussex wdre also Police divers from Sussex were also

called in to help with the search. A number of knives and other weapons

are said to have been found in the river code and in a nearby boating

lake. So far, there is no clear motive for the murder, and police

are unsure whether they are searching for a killer or khllers.

searching for a killer or killers. Tonight, a 38`year`old man from

Colchester has been arrested in connection with the investigation,

but police have stressed information from the public is key to

discovering who killed Jim @ttfield. discovering who killed Jim Attfield.

As Kim said in that report, Jim s As Kim said in that report, Jim s

life was turned upside down by an accident.

He was so badly hurt, when he came out of a coma, he didn't evdn

out of a coma, he didn't even remember he had five childrdn.

out of a coma, he didn't evdn remember he had five children. His

balance was affected, he lived in sheltered accommodation, and today,

he was described as gentle. When I spoke to his mother this afternoon,

she started by telling me about that accident. The accident happened four

years ago this month. He was leaving a part of it near where he was

living at the time, and we `re not living at the time, and we `re not

exactly sure whether he stepped into the road, or whether he stumbled

into the road, but he was hht by a into the road, but he was hit by a

car coming along at 30 miles an hour. Obviously, he hit the bonnet,

and rolled over, and he sustained a severe head injuries will stop so he

nearly died then? Yes, he w`s almost nearly died then? Yes, he was almost

dead at the scene of the accident. So he lived in sheltered

accommodation and loved to sing He loved to sing it, yes. He did love

his karaoke. We went over one evening, me and my older datghter,

and we just sat there all evening singing karaoke. I don't know what

the neighbours must have thought! It sounded like a cat 's' chorts,

sounded like a cat 's' chorus, probably. He came through that awful

accident four years ago, and then this happens. Yes, he had been

this happens. Yes, he had bden through so much already. I just

can't take it in, really. Hd through so much already. I just

can't take it in, really. He had can't take it in, really. Hd had

been through all that, and was just starting to get his life back

together, and he was enjoying his life. As far as we knew, he was

enjoying his life, and he used to walk up and go to his karaoke and do

things like that. And then this happens. It just doesn't make any

sense to me at all. When yot happens. It just doesn't make any

sense to me at all. When you think sense to me at all. When yot think

about the violence of the attack, do you think about what he must have

gone through? I try not to. I do try not to think of that. But wd did

not to think of that. But we did visit the crime scene, and took a

little bit of comfort from the fact of where Jim was, he would have

loved to have been. What do you think of somebody who could do

something like that to somebody as gentle as Jim? I don't think it s a

person. It's an animal that would do that. No normal human being would do

something like that. To anybody let something like that. To anybody let

alone to somebody as vulnerable as alone to somebody as vulner`ble as

Jim. There's no excuse for that sort of violence at all. And if somebody

knows something about this, what would you say to them? Whatdver

would you say to them? Whatever their suspicion is, just cole

their suspicion is, just come forward and tell the police, because

there must be somebody that knows something. Especially after seeing

the news reports. People must know that if somebody's behaviour has

changed, if they saw them Saturday changed, if they saw them Saturday

morning, and their behaviour suddenly started changing, it

suddenly started changing, ht doesn't matter what you think, just

come forward. Jim, the first time, got better. Would he have fought

back, do you think you macro he would have tried his hardest, yes.

But the way I see it, if someone would have tried his hardest, yes.

But the way I see it, if soleone had But the way I see it, if someone had

a grudge against Jim, they could have just pushed him over, and he

have just pushed him over, `nd he would have fallen over because of

would have fallen over becatse of his balance issues. He was not

strong. He was not very strong, he was quite weak, physically, so they

could have just knocked him over, basically. They needn't have done

basically. They needn't havd done what they did. It is just beyond

belief that somebody would do that to anyone, let alone someond

belief that somebody would do that to anyone, let alone someone like

to anyone, let alone someond like Jim. What is your lasting memory

to anyone, let alone someone like Jim. What is your lasting mdmory of

Jim. What is your lasting memory of Jim? Karaoke. Jim singing on the

karaoke. Thank you. Thank you. If you can help that police inquiry,

the number to ring is 101. The extension number is 486 160. You can

also contact Crimestoppers. Their number is 0800 555 111.

The eastern counties have spent much of the day under a blanket of smog.

At its peak, pollution levels reached six on a ten`point scale,

not as high as forecast earlier. The air is expected to clear in the next

24 hours. Ipswich docks this morning, the town plugged in a murky

mist. This is right. A perfdct mist. This is right. A perfect

recipe for very high air pollution. Fine dust whipped up in the Sahara

was carried in the atmosphere, mixed with industrial pollution from

central Europe. Both were c`rried central Europe. Both were c`rried

across the sea and light winds. The high levels of pollution first hit

the East Anglian coast yestdrday. high levels of pollution first hit

the East Anglian coast yesterday. It the East Anglian coast yesterday. It

has been building ever since. That, coupled with our own polluthon here

in East Anglia has caused the air quality dip in the last couple of

days. In a sense, a perfect storm. Yes, with the winter light, there is

nothing to disperse the pollution, so it will stay until the whnds pick

so it will stay until the winds pick up or we get some fresh air from the

Atlantic. And the Defra website the Atlantic. And the Defra website the

highest possible alerts. This GP highest possible alerts. Thhs GP

practice has seen a sharp rise in practice has seen a sharp rise in

the number of patients with breathing problems, sore throats and

runny eyes. Those people who know they have a respiratory problem

people who have asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, and

people with things like seasonal hay fever, I would suggest they very

much need to start taking their medication is now if they h`ve not

medication is now if they have not done so, and if they have done so,

make sure that they take thdm make sure that they take them

religiously as they have bedn religiously as they have been

prescribed. At this car dealership, the Saharan dust repeatedly coated

cars on the forecourt. Our head valet pulled off one of the covers

from the cars that protect them from the elements, and within minutes

taking it off, there was a layer of dust. It is just unprecedented. We

have really never seen anything like that before. The high levels of air

pollution we have experienced that before. The high levels of air

pollution we have experiencdd today pollution we have experiencdd today

have also been compound or by mother nature. It is springtime, and

currently the air is laden with pollen from trees and flowering

crops. Few who lived through it will forget the great London smog of

1952. It was blamed for thotsands of 1952. It was blamed for thotsands of

premature deaths. In recent days, scientists have seen levels of

nitrogen oxide rise steadilx, scientists have seen levels of

nitrogen oxide rise steadily, but a nitrogen oxide rise steadily, but a

repeat of 1952, this is not. London reached their work experience

pollution levels than 100 times what pollution levels than 100 thmes what

they are in these conditions today. There is respite in sight. Tomorrow,

pollution levels are forecast to fall from very high to hide. By

Friday, a change in the wind should clear the remaining pollution away.

This afternoon I spoke to Dr Kate King, from Public Health England. I

started by asking how seriots this pollution was from a health point of

view. Well, over the last couple of days, we know that the air pollution

has reached levels that are officially categorised as vdry high.

officially categorised as very high. That means that they can potentially

affect particularly people who already have underlying health

problems, especially lung or heart problems such as asthma, bronchitis,

or angina. For most people who are generally in good health, it is not

likely to cause anything more than perhaps an irritation, a sore

throat, perhaps so, inflamed eyes. And what it is about the pollution

that actually causes the problem for people with lung or heart problems?

There is a variety of things in the air pollution, particles and gases

such as nitrogen dioxide, which cause irritation deep in thd lungs,

cause irritation deep in the lungs, which mean that the small ahrways

which mean that the small airways close up unless air gets into the

lungs, and less oxygen gets into our bodies. So that is how it c`uses

bodies. So that is how it causes problems, by essentially stopping

blood air flow and oxygen flow into the body. And what advice would you

give people who are suffering from it? People who know they have got

underlying health problems should be using whatever their normal

treatments are to the maximum treatments are to the maximtm

effectiveness, so if an asthmatic person has prevented inhalers, make

sure they are using those effectively and using their

relieving inhalers as much as they need, and similarly, people with

angina should be using their medication as they need to tse

angina should be using their medication as they need to use it.

People who know they might run into problems, all the people whose lung

capacity is affected by their age, capacity is affected by their age,

they may find they are more comfortable staying indoors, or at

least, when they are outside, comfortable staying indoors, or at

least, when they are outsidd, acting in a more leisurely manner,

perhaps. Avoid strenuous activity while air pollution levels are high.

while air pollution levels `re high. Thank you very much.

And of course, we will get the outlook for the next couple of days

in the weather forecast later in the in the weather forecast latdr in the

programme. Plans to manage the coastline and a

sustainable way have been ptblished today. The first part concentrates

on the East Coast from Flamborough head near Bridlington to Felixstowe

in Suffolk. East of England was chosen because of its range of

marine activities, including wind farms. There will be 11 plans

covering the whole country by 2 21. Lots more to come tonight, including

the latest advice on sugar hn our the latest advice on sugar in our

diet will stop plus, as the asparagus harvest gets underway

expert tips on how to make the best of them.

The second broadcast duel between The second broadcast duel bdtween

the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg the Deputy Prime Minister Nhck Clegg

and the UKIP leader Nigel F`rage is due to take place on BBC Two in

about 15 minutes. The pair are about 15 minutes. The pair `re

debating whether the UK should about 15 minutes. The pair are

debating whether the UK should be in or out of Europe. This region does

more trade with Europe than anywhere else, and yet, if the polls are to

be believed, we are more Eurosceptic than anywhere else the country. Our

political correspondent Andrew Sinclair is in Brussels now. So,

Andrew, why are we so Eurosceptic? Well, tonight's debate will be

widely watched over here. I know at least three debate parties taking

place. The pub across the road has built up a big screen for the night.

It really matters to people in Brussels whether we stay or go, and

even though these forthcoming European elections aren't about

whether we stay or go that that is down to Westminster and a possible

referendum `` they are focusing attention on what exactly we

referendum `` they are focusing attention on what exactly wd in the

attention on what exactly we in the East get for our membership in

Europe. This is the Titchwell Naturd Reserve

This is the Titchwell Nature Reserve in north Norfolk. They recently

spent ?1.2 million here on ` new hide and raising the wall to protect

the freshwater marshes from the sea. Two thirds of the money camd from

Two thirds of the money came from Europe. For the RSPB, being part of

the EU is very useful. There are two the EU is very useful. Therd are two

main benefits for the organisation. main benefits for the organisation.

Clearly, one is funding we get from Europe, but also working with our

European partners on conservation, and wildlife protection, both in the

UK and throughout Europe. The new Ipswich freight line which opened

this week was part funded bx the Ipswich freight line which opened

this week was part funded by the EU. this week was part funded bx the EU.

In the last seven years, more than ?600 million has been given to

universities and companies hn the universities and companies in the

region for research and devdlopment. region for research and devdlopment.

Subsidies to farmers, improvements to Southwold harbour, just a

Subsidies to farmers, improvements to Southwold harbour, just ` handful

to Southwold harbour, just a handful of things funded by Europe. Business

point out that 55% of our trade is with the EU. To most people here at

the European Parliament, it makes complete sense for us to be part of

Europe. It benefits each family in Europe. It benefits each family in

the East of England by ?3,000 a year. That is the value of the extra

trade that we bring. Not Labour saying that, not even a polhtician

saying that, not even a politician saying that. That's what Brhtish

saying that. That's what British business, the CBI says. But critics

point out we pay far more to hear in tax than we ever get back. The

they believe the European Commission and other institutions like the

Court of Human Rights have too much of a say in our lives. The political

commentator Simon Heffer, he lives commentator Simon Heffer, he lives

in Essex, says it has all gone too far. I drive around bits of Britain

and see signs up saying "paid for far. I drive around bits of Britain

and see signs up saying "pahd for by and see signs up saying "paid for by

the European Community". Well, we could have paid for it oursdlves.

could have paid for it ourselves. I'd rather have that money spent

here, and I'd rather the people I elect to govern me decided how to

spend it. And even here in Brussels, there are people who agree with him.

I think we could do a lot better I think we could do a lot better

outside the EU with a suitable trade agreement. But wouldn't we lose out?

No, I don't think we would. We would have full access to the EU single

market. Remember, we import far more cars or wine or goods from the EU

than we actually export to ht. than we actually export to it.

What we have here is another example of the EU trying to find a role.

of the EU trying to find a role Yesterday, another conservative was

questioning why the EU was helping to tackle piracy. There is `nother

to tackle piracy. There is another view that Europe would be mtch

better for us evicted few things and spent less money. Not surprhsingly,

most people here want us to stay in Europe. But opponents believe the

argument is going their way. You know, there are dozens of facts

and figures traded in this debate. Most of them are actually true. It

is true that we pay around ?50 million a day to Europe. It is true,

depending on how you count back 50% of our rules and laws have some

brothels involvement. It is harder to decide how many jobs are

involved. The bottom line is, there is no killer fact. It is all down to

what you believe people havd to be what you believe people havd to be

swayed by arguments, not statistics. swayed by arguments, not st`tistics.

Thank you very much. A reminder you can see that debate

between Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg after Look East on BBC Two. It's

called The European Union: Hn or Out? It's chaired by David Dimbleby.

Last night we reported how hmportant Last night we reported how important

sugar production is to the region's economy. British Sugar is planning

to invest ?300 million pounds in its East Anglian operations to boost

production. And that's despite the production. And that's desphte the

growing health concerns abott sugar in our diet. In her second report,

Jo Taylor examines the problems which can arise when consumers can't

which can arise when consumdrs can't control a sweet tooth.

This is my son's treat bag. In the evenings, I will get packagd and

evenings, I will get package and come in and have a rummage `round,

come in and have a rummage around, and see what he has got, and see

what I fancy. Lisa has a problem ` sugar. It is a constant battle to

resist it. This is hard for me to resist, this bag. Surely thd

resist, this bag. Surely the solution is not to have it? I know,

but how can I deprive myself of having a treat in his back lunch?

Every other child at school has won. She must lose weight for her

health, but it is hard when temptation is right under hdr

health, but it is hard when temptation is right under her nose.

The waffle for Harry for brdakfast, The waffle for Harry for brdakfast,

how much sugar is in those? I would not normally look, now you have told

me to look. There is 6.5 grams per me to look. There is 6.5 grams per

waffle. But it is hard. It would not occur to me at all when I al doing

occur to me at all when I am doing my shopping to pick something up and

look how much sugar is in it. I don't have time. The averagd Briton

don't have time. The average Briton needs 140 teaspoons of sugar per

week. Alexander the great mate sugar popular in the Mediterranean after

discovering it in them the lead India. Brown sugar has more calories

because it contains more water. Many processed foods have hidden sugar,

even if they are not sweet. Also does contain four calories per gram.

When you compare that with fat, at nine calories per gram, it is less

nine calories per gram, it hs less than half. It is that balance of

calories in and out that is important in our diets, not just

demonising one ingredient or even added sugars. British Sugar, based

in our region, is investing ?50 million this year alone to increase

production. ?300 million will be spent over the next decade. Experts

say it will lead to a 20% reduction in the price of sugar, fuelling the

obesity epidemic. That probably obesity epidemic. That probably

won't mean that consumers whll obesity epidemic. That prob`bly

won't mean that consumers will buy won't mean that consumers will buy

more in the form of a bag, but it probably means they will sell more

to producers, who will probably put more as an ingredient, not only as a

sweetener, but into a wide range of foods. So if more sugar means

cheaper sugar, tempting manufacturers to put extra hn

manufacturers to put extra in products, it will be harder for us

to control how much of it wd eat. It's been confirmed today that

players from Norwich City Football Club are to reimburse their fans who

travelled to Swansea for last Saturday's league game. The Canaries

lost the match 3`0 in a performance condemned as dismal by those who

witnessed it. 900 away supporters made the 12`hour round trip from

Norfolk. Adult tickets were ?20. Michael Bailey, who covers sport for

the Eastern Daily Press and Mustard TV, was at the game.

So, whether players forced hnto So, whether players forced hnto

this, or did they volunteer to part with their money? I am sure it is a

bit of both. You have to treat what bit of both. You have to treat what

they said after the game genuinely. I think they were disappointed at

how they performed, and that those away fans travelled the length and

breadth of the country to sde them, and it is kind of a good news story.

It is a good gesture. You c`n't be It is a good gesture. You can't be

too cynical or critical abott it. It too cynical or critical about it. It

is good at them to do. How luch does is good at them to do. How much does

it actually work out per pl`yer I it actually work out per player? I

think it must be approaching ?1 00 think it must be approaching ?1000

per player, and obviously they receive a lot of money for what they

do, and some may argue they didn't do a lot on Saturday. It is good at

them to do it, I think. Chrhs them to do it, I think. Chris

Hughton didn't look happy dhd he? I Hughton didn't look happy did he? I

think it was predictable. I don t think it was predictable. I don't

think was a standout terrible way showing. They have been pretty

rotten all season on the road, rotten all season on the road,

losing 7`0 at Manchester City. It was not a standout, but one among a

number of bad away performances Does this set a precedent? Will they

have to do this again when they have a bad away game? The fans will hope

a bad away game? The fans whll hope not, because they will be hoping

they start winning! It is a pretty unique gesture. I can't remdmber it

unique gesture. I can't remember it happening before. Thank goodness

they do not do it for every home game! Thank you for coming hn.

game! Thank you for coming in. Last year we ate ?28 million worth

of asparagus in this country, more of asparagus in this country, more

than ever before. But still not as much as the Germans, apparently who

love it even more than we do. Farmers across the region have just

Farmers across the region h`ve just started picking the crop. But

Farmers across the region have just started picking the crop. Btt how do

started picking the crop. But how do you cook it? Mike Liggins joined the

harvest to get some tips. This is St John's Farm at

Beachamwell, not far from Swaffham. Joao and Mario, both from Portugal,

are busy picking the first asparagus are busy picking the first `sparagus

of the season. In a tent in the corner of the field, chef Alan from

the local pub is busy preparing the asparagus. Breaking off the top of

the spear, ready for two minutes in boiling water. What you want to try

to do is keep it as fresh as possible. There's no point in

growing such a perfect prodtct possible. There's no point hn

growing such a perfect product and growing such a perfect prodtct and

then really, really boiling it. You want to keep it al dente, so to

speak. St John's supply wholesalers across the south`east of England. A

van goes every night from Norfolk to Covent Garden in London, and on to

some of the country's top restaurants. People want solething

restaurants. People want something that is seasonal and fresh, and

asparagus ticks all those boxes It asparagus ticks all those boxes It

is a sign of spring. Here wd are, lovely spring day, and we've got

asparagus. And it's the first green veg of the year. You can do pretty

much anything with asparagus, but Alan is planning to serve it today

with locally`produced ham and a poached egg. While in the field,

Joao and Mario can pick for up to eight hours a day. Like I s`id,

Joao and Mario can pick for up to eight hours a day. Like I said, it's

not difficult to do that. It's not hard work, and if people want to do

that, they can do it. It's dasy that, they can do it. It's easy.

Only, it isn't easy, of course. Getting a bit behind alreadx. You

have to be quick, and you have to Getting a bit behind already. You

have to be quick, and you h`ve to be have to be quick, and you have to be

fit. Look at him, he's about 100! He's

Look at him, he's about 100 He s laughing, look! He doesn't care.

He's done it before, though. And domestically, is it easx to

grow? Yeah, it's very easy to grow. Take a couple of years to gdt

grow? Yeah, it's very easy to grow. Take a couple of years to get it

Take a couple of years to gdt it right. In other words, don't, as

soon as you see a spear, cut it Let it grow out for a couple of years,

cut it very lightly, and after two to three years, you'll have

asparagus beds that will last you for ten, 15 years. Asparagus is an

East Anglian success story. We're eating more and more of it, and at

places like St John's, they're happy to produce more. If you want to try

it, don't delay. The season is short, and ends on June 21.

So, one of them thinks it is easy to do all day, one of them get out of

breath doing a couple of yards! That is why he had to run when they were

just sauntering. But good of him to have a go. Let's get the we`ther.

have a go. Let's get Good evening. There will be a real

improvement in air quality by the end of the week. Let's look at where

we are now. Across the region currently for most of us, pollution

levels are low, but there are a couple of areas in Essex whdre

levels are low, but there are a couple of areas in Essex where they

couple of areas in Essex whdre they are higher. Level seven acts and in

Southend`on`Sea, that is level five. Increasing amounts of cloud this

evening, and some of you may be evening, and some of you may be

experiencing some trouble. `` drizzle. A band of rain will

continue to make progress northwards through this evening, but will

continue to make progress northwards through this evening, but whll not

through this evening, but will not bring very much rain, perhaps a few

spots of light rain or drizzle through this evening. For the second

part of the night, it is looking dry, and there will be clear spells.

Temperature is not really gdtting Temperature is not really getting

very low, we are looking at about seven or eight degrees. As we starts

tomorrow, we will start to see some slight changes on the way, `nd

tomorrow, we will start to see some slight changes on the way, and this

slight changes on the way, `nd this will improve our air quality for

Friday. This is an area of low pressure coming in. Later tomorrow,

a cold front, so behind it, a cleaner, fresh air mass. Not a lot

of rain by the time it gets to us, so a few spots later on. Certainly

looks like a warm day, but the sunshine will be quite hazy, and it

will turn increasingly cloudy later, with just the chance of one to spots

of rain. But we should see some sunshine through the morning. But it

will be quite hazy, as I say, with will be quite hazy, as I say, with

high`level cloud around. And temperatures varied across the

region. On the coast, with the southeasterly breeze, a little

cooler. Further west, 19 or even 20 degrees possible. We get more cloud

increasing through the afternoon, and this may just produce a few

spots of light rain or drizzle. Perhaps it will come in the form of

an eye dilated shower across western counties. For Friday, it is looking

like a dry and bright start, but more cloud later may produce

like a dry and bright start, but more cloud later may producd a few

spots of rain, and once we got that cold front through, much clearer

feels to things, but also a bit cooler for Friday. On Saturday, we

started dry and bright, but increasing cloud could produce

started dry and bright, but increasing cloud could prodtce a few

spots of rain. It looks like an spots of rain. It looks like an

unsettled end the weekend. Thank you very much. That is it.

Thank you very much. That is it From all of us, thank you for your

company, and see you tomorrow night. Goodbye.