A devastating Ukrainian missile attack struck the headquarters of Russia‘s Black Sea Fleet today. 

The Sevastopol HQ building is understood to have been hit with a Storm Shadow missile, the type supplied by Britain and France capable of holding a warhead of nearly 1000 lbs. 

Russia’s defence ministry has claimed that one person is missing, after initially claiming they had died in the strike. Initial reports suggested that six people had been wounded. 

Dozens of ambulances were reported at the headquarters in Sevastopol, the naval port in occupied Crimea.

The HQ building was on fire, had partially collapsed and suffered ‘severe damage’, according to one report.

Debris from the missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet was scattered over hundreds of metres.

Russia’s defence ministry claimed that five other missiles were shot down, but one made it through its defences.  

‘According to preliminary information, people who were on the street at the time of the attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters were not injured,’ said Putin appointed Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev.

A fire continued to burn at the headquarters building, admitted the governor.

Police cordoned off two blocks around the missile-hit building.

‘The enemies launched a missile attack on the fleet headquarters,’ said Razvozhayev. 

He warned of the risk of a second attack and urged locals to stay away from the city.

‘A fragment [of a missile] fell close to the Lunacharsky Theatre. All emergency services arrived at the scene.

‘Information about the victims is being clarified. Please remain calm. And do not post photos and videos.’

The occupation official said: ‘Another attack is possible. Please do not travel to the city centre. Don’t leave buildings.

‘At the sound of the siren, everyone who is near the fleet headquarters should proceed to shelters.

‘Employees of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are working on the spot.

‘Firefighters are taking all measures to put out the fire as quickly as possible. The build-up of forces and means continues.’

Prominent Russian pro-war blogger Vladimir Rogov said: ‘The headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol was attacked by Ukrainian missiles.’

He said the attack was carried out ‘by British Storm Shadow missiles’, though this was not immediately confirmed.

The strike was one of the most significant of the entire war, as was the sinking of the Black Sea fleet’s flagship, the Moskva cruiser, last year. 

The Black Sea Fleet has been responsible for multiple missile attacks on Ukraine, and is central to Putin’s subjugation of around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Other explosions hit elsewhere in Crimea including around peninsula capital Simferopol.

Ukraine has previously used Storm Shadow and Neptune missiles to target Crimea as well as kamikaze drones.

Drones were downed today in Sevastopol harbour.

The attack came as Vladimir Putin held a meeting of his security council on relations with neighbouring countries.

He was heard skirting around the attack, only mentioning ongoing developments with ‘relations with our closest neighbours and partners.’

Braless Caprice Bourret puts on a busty display in a HUGE plunging grey ruffled gown as she attends the Who Cares Wins Awards

By Bethan Edwards For Mailonline

Published: 14:52 EDT, 19 September 2023 | Updated: 14:52 EDT, 19 September 2023

Woman’s huge collection of deodorant cans causes giant explosion, nearly killing her

• A German woman’s collection of deodorant cans ignited and nearly killed her 
• German cops in Oberhausen are trying to figure out how the cans were lit
• The woman is responsive, but suffered serious burns during the incident 

By Perkin Amalaraj

Published: 10:12 EDT, 19 September 2023 | Updated: 10:14 EDT, 19 September 2023

Some 10,000 people are still missing in Libya after ‘catastrophic’ floods obliterated entire neighbourhoods, with officials warning the death toll is ‘huge’ and could end up in the thousands. 

Mediterranean storm Daniel hit the county on Sunday night and wreaked havoc and flash flooding in towns across in eastern Libya but the worst hit was Derna, where heavy rainfall broke dams and washed away entire communities.

There are still areas that rescuers are struggling to reach in the city and many of the thousands who are missing there are believed to have been carried away by the fast-paced and churning waters after two upstream dams burst.

‘The situation is catastrophic,’ said Othman Abduljaleel, the health minister in Libya’s eastern government. ‘The bodies are still lying on the ground in many parts (of the city). Hospitals are filled with bodies. And there are areas we have yet to reach.’

Authorities estimated earlier that as many as 2,000 people may have perished in Derna alone. The Ambulance and Emergency Authority, which coordinates search and rescue efforts, said about 2,300 people died in Derna but did not clarify what that figure was based on.

Tamer Ramadan, Libya envoy for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said 10,000 people were missing after the unprecedented flooding. 

‘Our teams on the ground are still doing their assessment (but) from what we see and from the news coming to us, the death toll is huge,’ he told reporters in Geneva via video link from Tunis.

‘It might reach to the thousands,’ he said in English. ‘We don’t have a definite number right now.’

Referring to Friday’s devastating earthquake in Morocco, on the other side of North Africa, Ramadan said the situation in Libya was ‘as devastating as the situation in Morocco.’

Ossama Hamad, Prime Minister of the government in eastern Libya, said that many of the missing were believed to have been carried away after two upstream dams burst. He said the devastation in Derna is far beyond the capabilities of his country.

After more than a decade of chaos, Libya remains divided between two rival administrations: one in the east and one in the west, each backed by different militias and foreign governments. The conflict has left the oil rich North African country with crumbling and inadequate infrastructure.

Derna was declared a disaster zone and more bodies were still under the rubble in the city’s neighborhoods, or washed away to the sea, according to Abduljaleel, the health minister.

Residents posted videos online showing major devastation. Entire residential blocks were erased along Wadi Derna, a river that runs down from the mountains through the city center. Multi-story apartment buildings that once stood well back from the river were partially collapsed into mud.

Abduljaleel said the city was inaccessible and bodies were scattered all over, according to Libya’s state-run news agency. 

‘The situation was more significant and worse than we expected. An international intervention is needed,’ he was quoted as saying.

Emergency responders, including troops, government workers, volunteers and residents were digging through rubble to recover the dead. They also used inflatable boats to retrieve bodies from the water. Excavators and other equipment have yet to arrive in Derna.

But for some rescuers, their efforts to save others had fatal consequences in a sign of just how dangerous the work is. The Libyan Red Crescent said three of its workers had died while helping families in Derna.

Many residents described scenes of chaos when floods hit the centre. They heard loud explosions at night and realized that dams outside the city collapsed, sending a wall of water that ‘erased everything in its way,’ said Ahmed Abdalla, a Derna resident.

World Health Organization spokeswoman Margaret Harris meanwhile described the situation in Libya as ‘a calamity of epic proportions’.

Experts have described storm Daniel – which killed at least 27 people when it struck parts of Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey in recent days – as ‘extreme in terms of the amount of water falling in a space of 24 hours’.

In eastern Libya, the storm hit the coastal town of Jabal al-Akhdar especially hard, as well as Benghazi, where a curfew was declared and schools closed for several days.

Workers said they buried more than 200 bodies in one cemetery in Derna on Monday. Footage overnight showed dozens more bodies on the ground, covered by blankets or sheets, in a hospital yard in Derna.

The storm hit other areas in eastern Libya, including the town of Bayda, where about 50 people were reported dead. The Medical Center of Bayda, the main hospital, was flooded and patients had to be evacuated, according to footage shared by the center on Facebook.

Other towns that suffered, included Susa, Marj and Shahatt, according to the government. Hundreds of families were displaced and took shelter in schools and other government buildings in the city of Benghazi and elsewhere in eastern Libya.

Northeast Libya is one of the country’s most fertile and green regions. The Jabal al-Akhdar area – where Bayda, Marj and Shahatt are located – has one of the country’s highest average annual rainfalls, according to the World Bank.

Authorities in eastern and western Libya rushed to help Derna residents. The Health Ministry in Tripoli said a plane carrying 14 tons of medical equipment, drugs and body bags, along with health care workers headed Tuesday to Benghazi. Other agencies across the country said they would send humanitarian aid to Derna.

The prime minister also announced three days of mourning and ordered flags across the country to be lowered to half-staff.

Controlling eastern and western Libya, Cmdr. Khalifa Hifter deployed troops to help residents in Benghazi and other eastern towns. 

Ahmed al-Mosmari, a spokesperson for Hifter’s forces, said they lost contact with five troops who were helping besieged families in Bayda.

Foreign governments also sent messages of support to Libya.

Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were among those that said they would send humanitarian assistance and teams to help with search and rescue efforts. The U.S. Embassy said Monday it was contacting the United Nations and Libyan authorities on how to deliver aid to the most affected areas.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi convened his military commanders on Tuesday to arrange urgent assistance to Libya. He said in televised comments that the military would deploy equipment and personnel in coordination with eastern Libyan forces to help affected communities.

Since a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed long-time ruler Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has lacked a central government and the resulting lawlessness has meant dwindling investment in the country’s roads and public services and also minimal regulation of private building. 

The country is now split between rival governments in the east and west, each backed by an array of militias.

Derna itself, along with the city of Sirte, was controlled by extremist groups for years, at one point by those who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, until forces loyal to the east-based government expelled them in 2018.

Known for its white-painted houses and palm gardens, Derna is about 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of the capital of Tripoli. 

It is controlled by the forces of powerful military commander Khalifa Hifter, who is allied with the east Libya government. The rival government in west Libya, based in Tripoli, is allied with other armed groups.

Much of Derna was built by Italy when Libya was under Italian occupation in the first half of the 20th century. 

Huge drone explosion erupts near Russian regional war command HQ that has been visited by Putin

• Shocking footage shows a giant fireball rising up over the city of Rostov 

By Will Stewart

Updated: 03:28 EDT, 7 September 2023

British Airways and British Airways Holidays have launched their end-of-summer sale, offering flight and holiday savings for travel in both 2023 and 2024.

Running until 3 October, 2023, the sale features short and long-haul destinations, with highlights including European beach holidays from £219pp, New York city breaks from £499pp and Caribbean resort stays from £599pp.

British Airways Holidays says that it is offering ‘a wide range of enticing holiday packages for customers booking their flight and hotel together’.

Those jetting off to far-flung destinations in the Caribbean, says British Airways Holidays, ‘can enjoy week-long holidays to Tobago from £599pp, Barbados from £749pp and Antigua from £719pp’.

For European city break lovers, these start from £139pp for two nights, for flights and a hotel.

British Airways Holidays reveals that two-night breaks to Nice and Prague can be snapped up from £139pp, while customers can bag a seven-night holiday to the Algarve for £219pp.

For Brits looking to catch some winter sun close to home, they can soak it up in Mallorca for seven nights from £459pp on an all-inclusive basis, or Egypt for seven nights all-inclusive from £469pp.

Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: ‘We are excited to announce our holiday sale to popular travel destinations.

‘Whether you desire a quick getaway or a long-awaited trip to visit family and friends, we have offers to suit all. We remain dedicated to providing our customers with ample choices, flexibility, and value.’

Flight only

Travellers looking for transatlantic flight-only options can book return flights to New York from £333, Orlando from £373, Boston from £370, San Diego from £428 and Chicago from £419.

In addition, customers who book ‘World Traveller’ (BA’s name for long-haul economy) will have the option to upgrade to World Traveller Plus (premium economy) on selected routes for an extra £249 return.

Those who upgrade will enjoy wider seats and more legroom, two meals and complimentary bar service, priority boarding, more luggage allowance and a ‘stylish’ amenity kit made from recycled plastic bottles.

Executive Club members also have the option to save by paying with Avios, with examples including returns to New York from £173 + 36,000 Avios and Dubai from £179 + 62,500 Avios.

Those looking to travel in Club World (business class) can secure return flights to Dubai from £1,599, New York from £1,762 and Tel Aviv from £1,100.

Further information on the flight and holiday sale can be found at www.ba.com/sale.

British Airways Holidays deals, from Barbados to Boston via the Cote d’Azur

Caribbean

Barbados: Seven nights at the three-star Travellers Palm from £749pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in May 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/barbados or calling 0344 493 0120.

Tobago: Seven nights at the three-star Shepherds Inn from £599pp on a B&B basis travelling on selected dates in May 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/tobago or calling 0344 493 0120.

St Lucia: Seven nights at the three-star Bay Gardens Hotel from £739pp on a room-only basis travelling on selected dates in June 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/stlucia or calling 0344 493 0120.

Aruba: Seven nights at the three-star Talk of The Town Hotel & Beach Club from £649pp on a room-only basis travelling on selected dates in June 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/aruba or calling 0344 493 0120.

Middle East

Dubai: Three nights at the four-star Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai from £499 on a room-only basis travelling on selected dates in June 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/dubai or calling 0344 493 0123.

Indian Ocean

Mauritius: Seven nights at the three-and-a-half-star Tropical Attitude from £849pp on a B&B basis travelling on selected dates in June 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/mauritius or calling 0344 493 0778.

Europe

Prague: Two nights at the four-star Grand Majestic Plaza from £139pp on a room-only basis selected dates in January 2024. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book now: www.ba.com/prague or call 0344 493 0125.

Nice: Two nights at the three-star Monsigny Hotel Nice from £139pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in January 2024. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/nice or calling 0344 493 0125.

Egypt: Seven nights at the four-star Xperience Sea Breeze Resort from £469pp on a B&B basis on selected dates in January 2024. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.britishairways.com/holidays or calling 0344 493 0125.

Greece: Seven nights at the five-star Ikos Oceania from £929pp on an all-inclusive basis on selected dates in April 2024. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/halkidiki or calling 0344 493 0125.

Malta: Seven nights at the five-star The Westin Dragonara Resort from £499pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in December 2023. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/malta or calling 0344 493 0125.

The US and Canada

Orlando: Seven nights at the three-star Ramada Plaza Resort and Suites International Drive from £499pp on a room-only basis travelling on selected dates in April and May 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/orlando or calling 0344 493 0124.

New York: Three nights at the four-star Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square from £699pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in January and February 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/new-york or calling 0344 493 0122.

Boston: Three nights at the four-and-a-half-star Fairmont Copley Plaza from £619pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in January and February 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/boston or calling 0344 493 0122.

Toronto: Three nights at the four-star Chelsea Hotel Toronto from £559pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in January and February 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/toronto or call 0344 493 0122.

San Francisco: Five nights at the four-star Hotel Abri from £699pp on a room-only basis on selected dates in February and March 2024. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and 23kg luggage allowance. Book by visiting www.ba.com/sanfrancisco or calling 0344 493 0122.

• Swiss-led Marchi Mobile has developed a 20ft-tall RV equipped with a spa
• Even its master bed was made by the Royal Family’s specialist manufacturers  

By Lauren Haughey

Updated: 09:03 EDT, 22 August 2023

Malcolm Turnbull’s ‘government is in office but not in power’ the opposition claims, after the Prime Minister faced an embarrassing loss of three votes in the lower house.

Labor took advantage the weakness in the government’s numbers late Thursday afternoon after many MPs left Canberra for home, winning three successive votes and forcing the parliament’s sitting hours to be extended.

It’s the first time in 50 years that a majority government has lost a vote in the House of Representatives.

There have been differing reports on whether the government whip had told ministers and MPs it was ok to leave parliament or whether Leader of the House Christopher Pyne gave his approval

Chaotic scenes unfolded as eight ministers and MP’s were hastily called back to parliament as Labor took advantage of the coalition’s slender majority, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Government whip George Christensen suggested coalition MPs were not heeding calls to be in the chamber.

‘They wouldn’t turn up for the vote,’ he said.

‘That’s baptism by fire.’

Labor tried to bring on debate in a bid to call on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to establish a royal commission into banks.

Speaker Tony Smith was forced to use his casting vote – believed to be for the first time – on a procedural motion to allow the debate to be considered.

‘Tonight’s been a wake-up call for the Turnbull government – the clock is ticking,’ manager of opposition business Tony Burke said.

But Treasurer Scott Morrison has denounced the move and accused Labor leader Bill Shorten of taking political advantage.

‘He is using a stunt to promote his stunt,’ he told parliament.

Mr Shorten said the royal commission was the last resort for justice for those who’d been let down by the banking system.

‘We may succeed tonight or not …. we will never give up.’

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen urged the prime minister to give up the fight against a royal commission.

‘Sometimes you just have to know when you’ve lost – sometimes you just have to know when it’s time to recognise reality … when it’s time to say ‘OK I might have got this one wrong’.’

Other Labor MPs were celebrating the victory on social media.

‘How is that stable majority government working out for you, Mr Turnbull?’ frontbencher Mark Dreyfus tweeted.

Labor indicated it would continue testing the government’s majority, saying the victory built the case for a future no-confidence motion.

‘It doesn’t stop tonight,’ Mr Burke said. 

• The sinkhole was found by scientists in Leye Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
• It’s reported to be 306m in length, 150m in width and 192m in depth
• Researchers say it could be home to previously unidentified animal species

By Madison Burgess

Published: 12:24 EDT, 21 August 2023 | Updated: 12:35 EDT, 21 August 2023

Tycoon behind Wilko ran up huge debts on football and horseracing

• Peter Swann presided over a catastrophic slump at Scunthorpe United 
• Last year he was suing bookmakers Apollo for letting him bet beyond his means 

By Patrick Tooher and Marcus Townend

Published: 18:01 EDT, 19 August 2023 | Updated: 06:29 EDT, 20 August 2023

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