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Heathrow delays disrupt Radio 1's Big Weekend concert

Aluna Francis and George Reid of AlunaGeorge at the Brits this year.
Aluna Francis and George Reid of AlunaGeorge at the Brits this year. Credit: Press Association

The disruption at Heathrow has forced some of the acts due to perform at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Derry to pull-out. A Radio 1 spokesperson said:

"Radio 1's Big Weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon in Derry-Londonderry and we've got a weekend of amazing acts and DJs ahead of us.

"Unfortunately due to the travel disruption affecting Heathrow we've had to cancel a few performances but we've still got an exciting line up for our audiences and we're looking forward to a fantastic weekend of music!"

Cancelled performances include Aluna George and Angel Haze on the Radio 1Xtra Stage.

Dortmund 'get their towels down early' ahead of final

Borussia Dortmund's @BVB Twitter account has made humorous reference to a German stereotype ahead of the side's Champions League final at London's Wembley Stadium this weekend.

A series of tweeted pictures shows Dortmund towels on deckchairs in front of famous London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and Big Ben.

Dortmund are narrow outsiders to win Saturday's final against countrymen Bayern Munich.

Dortmund's towel on a deckchair outside Buckingham Palace. Credit: @BVB
The deckchair outside Marble Arch. Credit: @BVB
A statue of John Betjeman had been adorned with Dortmund's famous yellow and black too. Credit: @BVB

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Toronto mayor denies smoking crack cocaine

Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford arrives at the City Hall in Toronto
Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford arrives at the City Hall in Toronto Credit: Reuters/Mark Blinch

The mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, has denied allegations that he smoked crack-cocaine and said he could not comment on a video he had not seen. The embattled mayor told reporters:

"There has been a serious accusation from the Toronto Star that I use crack cocaine. I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack cocaine. As for a video, I cannot comment on a video that I have never seen or does not exist."

Last week Gawker Media and the Toronto Star that they had separately seen a video pertaining to show Ford smoking crack-cocaine whilst in the company of alleged drug dealers.

BNP leader lays flowers at soldier's death site

British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin today laid flowers at the site of Drummer Lee Rigby's death in Woolwich, south London.

The far-right politician claimed he had come for personal rather than political reasons.

BNP leader Nick Griffin leaves flowers at the scene where the soldier Lee Rigby was murdered in Woolwich. Credit: Empics
Members of the media gather round BNP leader Nick Griffin as he lays flowers in Woolwich. Credit: Empics

Religious and political leaders call for unity after attack

As Muslim groups reported a surge in anti-Islam incidents since the attack in Woolwich on Wednesday, an Imam at a south London mosque condemned violence in general.

Meanwhile Nick Clegg urged the country not to allow the attacks to spread fear and division.

This report is by ITV News political correspondent Carl Dinnen:

Man charged over 'malicious' Woolwich comments on Facebook

A 22-year-old man has been charged on suspicion of making malicious comments on Facebook following the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby.

Benjamin Flatters, of Lincoln, was arrested last night after complaints were made to Lincolnshire Police about comments made on Facebook, which were allegedly of a racist or anti-religious nature.

He was charged with an offence of malicious communications this afternoon in relation to the comments, a Lincolnshire Police spokesman said.

Flatters has been remanded in police custody and will appear before magistrates in Lincoln tomorrow.

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Takeaway shop owner: Lee was 'a lovely chap'

The owner of takeaway shop where Drummer Lee Rigby was filmed two days before his murder said the soldier, a regular customer, was a "very polite chap."

Oner Arslanboga said he was "very saddened" by the attack and that staff at the shop had been upset by the news of Drummer Rigby's death.

This report is by ITV News correspondent Juliet Bremner:

£600,000 donated to Help For Heroes since attack

Help for Heroes has experienced a huge surge in donations since the death of Drummer Lee Rigby, a spokesman confirmed.

Since Wednesday the charity has received almost £600,000. A spokesman said:

Help For Heroes has been the unexpected focus of this spontaneous and instinctive desire to counter evil with good. Since Wednesday afternoon H4H has received almost £600,000 in money and pledges from the great British public and donations continue to come in.

Every penny that is donated by the public in response to Lee's death will help support his brothers and sisters in arms for years to come.

Read: Donation surge crashes Help for Heroes website

Family of Lee Rigby pay emotional tribute to their 'hero'

The family of Drummer Lee Rigby spoke of their immense pride as they described their grief today. Speaking during an emotional press conference his widow Rebecca said she could not comprehend that he was killed inside the UK, where he "should have been safe."

ITV News reporter Damon Green reports from Middleton, Greater Manchester.

Read: Poem in tribute to Woolwich soldier

Watch: Soldier was a 'precious gift' to family

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