Dallas Attacker 'Upset' Over Black Shootings

A gunman involved in a deadly attack in Dallas that killed five police officers said he was "upset" at recent fatal police shootings of black men.

The alleged attacker, identified as Micah Xavier Johnson, told a police negotiator he was upset at white people and wanted to kill them, especially white officers, before he was killed by a robot-delivered bomb.

Dallas police chief David Brown described the shootings, which also left seven officers and two civilians wounded, as a "well-thought-out evil tragedy".

Johnson had served in the Army Reserve for six years - and completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan between November 2013 and July 2014.

Before he died, the 25-year-old said he was acting alone and was not affiliated with any terror group.

:: Live: Dallas Suspect Wanted To Kill White Cops

Micah Johnson is believed to be the man who opened fire on police officers

The "ambush style" attack began at around 8.45pm on Thursday, as hundreds of people gathered to protest over fatal police shootings this week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban St Paul, Minnesota.

During the stand-off, Johnson told police that "the end is coming" and  there were bombs "all over downtown Dallas".

However, investigators said no explosives were found following "extensive sweeps" of the area.

It was the deadliest day for US law enforcement since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Police had earlier said at least two "snipers" committed the shootings, but it remains unclear how many attackers were involved.

Two men and a woman were being questioned in connection with the attack, and Johnson's home in a suburb of Dallas - about an hour away from the scene of the shootings - has been searched by investigators.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch described the Dallas attack as an "unfathomable tragedy" but warned against the recent events turning into a "new normal" for America.

Police had earlier said at least two "snipers" committed the shootings, but it remains unclear how many attackers were involved.

Two men and a woman were being questioned in connection with the attack, and Johnson's home in a suburb of Dallas - about an hour away from the scene of the shootings - has been searched by investigators.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch described the Dallas attack as an "unfathomable tragedy" but warned against the recent events turning into a "new normal" for America.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama condemned the killing spree as a "vicious, calculated and despicable act".

He went on: "We also know that when people are armed with powerful weapons, unfortunately it makes attacks like these more deadly and more tragic.

"And in the days ahead we are going to have to consider those realities as well."

Brent Thompson, who was among the victims, had married a fellow police officer two weeks before his death

Two of the victims have been named as 43-year-old Brent Thompson, who worked for the city's transport police and had only recently got married, and Officer Patrick Zamarripa of the Dallas force.

Another of the victims was Michael Krol, who used to work at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Mr Brown revealed negotiations with Johnson had broken down after an exchange of fire between the gunman and officers and they "saw no other choice" but to use a robot to detonate an explosive device next to him.

He said: "Other options would have exposed our officers to grave danger."

This is believed to be the first time that a US law enforcement agency has used a robot to kill an attacker.

The attack came amid protests across the US over recent police shootings.

On Tuesday, music vendor Alton Sterling was shot dead in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after being held down by police officers.

The following day, Philando Castile was in a car with his girlfriend and child when he was shot dead by an officer in Minnesota.

Both shootings were captured on mobile phones and the footage was widely shared.

Dallas Attacker 'Upset' Over Black Shootings

A gunman involved in a deadly attack in Dallas that killed five police officers said he was "upset" at recent fatal police shootings of black men.

The alleged attacker, identified as Micah Xavier Johnson, told a police negotiator he was upset at white people and wanted to kill them, especially white officers, before he was killed by a robot-delivered bomb.

Dallas police chief David Brown described the shootings, which also left seven officers and two civilians wounded, as a "well-thought-out evil tragedy".

Johnson had served in the Army Reserve for six years - and completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan between November 2013 and July 2014.

Before he died, the 25-year-old said he was acting alone and was not affiliated with any terror group.

:: Live: Dallas Suspect Wanted To Kill White Cops

Micah Johnson is believed to be the man who opened fire on police officers

The "ambush style" attack began at around 8.45pm on Thursday, as hundreds of people gathered to protest over fatal police shootings this week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban St Paul, Minnesota.

During the stand-off, Johnson told police that "the end is coming" and  there were bombs "all over downtown Dallas".

However, investigators said no explosives were found following "extensive sweeps" of the area.

It was the deadliest day for US law enforcement since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Police had earlier said at least two "snipers" committed the shootings, but it remains unclear how many attackers were involved.

Two men and a woman were being questioned in connection with the attack, and Johnson's home in a suburb of Dallas - about an hour away from the scene of the shootings - has been searched by investigators.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch described the Dallas attack as an "unfathomable tragedy" but warned against the recent events turning into a "new normal" for America.

Police had earlier said at least two "snipers" committed the shootings, but it remains unclear how many attackers were involved.

Two men and a woman were being questioned in connection with the attack, and Johnson's home in a suburb of Dallas - about an hour away from the scene of the shootings - has been searched by investigators.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch described the Dallas attack as an "unfathomable tragedy" but warned against the recent events turning into a "new normal" for America.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama condemned the killing spree as a "vicious, calculated and despicable act".

He went on: "We also know that when people are armed with powerful weapons, unfortunately it makes attacks like these more deadly and more tragic.

"And in the days ahead we are going to have to consider those realities as well."

Brent Thompson, who was among the victims, had married a fellow police officer two weeks before his death

Two of the victims have been named as 43-year-old Brent Thompson, who worked for the city's transport police and had only recently got married, and Officer Patrick Zamarripa of the Dallas force.

Another of the victims was Michael Krol, who used to work at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Mr Brown revealed negotiations with Johnson had broken down after an exchange of fire between the gunman and officers and they "saw no other choice" but to use a robot to detonate an explosive device next to him.

He said: "Other options would have exposed our officers to grave danger."

This is believed to be the first time that a US law enforcement agency has used a robot to kill an attacker.

The attack came amid protests across the US over recent police shootings.

On Tuesday, music vendor Alton Sterling was shot dead in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after being held down by police officers.

The following day, Philando Castile was in a car with his girlfriend and child when he was shot dead by an officer in Minnesota.

Both shootings were captured on mobile phones and the footage was widely shared.

John Lewis Boss Hints At EU Vote Price Rises

The boss of John Lewis has hinted shoppers could start to see higher prices next year because of the collapse in the value of the pound.

Andy Street's analysis of the effects of the UK's vote to leave the EU concentrated on the risk of higher costs from sterling's slump - as it will cost the chain more to buy goods from abroad.

He said: "The big issue is the decline in exchange rates. We hedged this year but the issue is next year, it will have an effect. If inflation gets into value chain, it will feed through."

His comments suggest John Lewis will either have to cut its margins to help maintain sales or raise prices to cover increased costs and protect profitability.

While the chain is not expecting damage from the pound this year - one company which has already warned of an immediate impact this week is Sports Direct.

The fellow retailer said on Thursday it was not hedged against currency movements - meaning the weak pound will impact its product-buying power.

Mr Street rejected suggestions that the referendum result had directly impacted recent sales, explaining they were already down following the conclusion of its summer clearance and poor weather.

However, he voiced concerns for consumer confidence - as a key measure, taken after the Brexit vote came to light, showed the sharpest drop since 1994.

Separate data from accountants BDO also indicated that high street sales were sharply lower in the final week of June.

Mr Street called for a swift resolution to Britain's trade relationships with Europe and the rest of the world and clarity on the status of Europeans living and working in Britain.

"At the moment this is a political crisis, it's not an economic crisis. But one could turn into the other if not properly handled. We need to know the solution to terms of trade and want it done as soon as possible."

T In The Park Deaths Investigated By Police

woman have died in separate incidents at the T in the Park festival in Perthshire.

The deaths at Strathallan Castle are being treated as unexplained, Police Scotland said.

"Work is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of both," a police statement said.

The three-day event begins today, but campers started arriving on Thursday.

Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "This is tragic news and I am sure I echo the sentiments of everyone when we send condolences to the families involved and, indeed, to the organisers of T in the Park who have worked hard this year to overcome last year's concerns about public safety."

The Stone Roses will headline the festival on Friday. Calvin Harris and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will also perform over the weekend.

T in the Park, which began in 1994, moved to Strathallan Castle in 2015.

It is Scotland's biggest music event and is expected to attract more than 80,000 people. 

Number Of Hate Crimes Soars 42% In A Year

More than 3,000 hate crimes were reported to police across the UK in the second half of June - a 42% rise compared with the same period last year.

The daily rate peaked at 289 alleged offences on 25 June - the day after the EU referendum result was announced.

Data published on Friday by the National Police Chiefs' Council give the most comprehensive insight into the nationwide picture so far.

Forces were asked to reveal weekly numbers after a series of reports sparked fears of a wave of xenophobic and racial abuse in the wake of the vote to leave the EU.

The first set of figures shows 3,076 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police between 16 and 30 June.

This was an increase of 915, or 42%, compared with the same period in June 2015.

A Polish family's shed was burned down and a note left telling the family to 

The NPCC said the main type of offence reported over the fortnight was "violence against the person", which includes harassment and common assault, as well as verbal abuse, spitting and "barging".

The second and third most common types of incidents were public order offences and criminal damage.

The NPCC said that since then there has been a marked decrease in reports, but weekly figures will continue to be collated to monitor the situation.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, NPCC lead for hate crime, said: "We now have a clear indication of the increases in the reporting of hate crime nationally and can see that there has been a sharp rise in recent weeks.

"This is unacceptable and it undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating.

"Forces have been monitoring and managing hate crime more robustly since the attacks in Paris in 2015. We believe that greater awareness and confidence in the police response has contributed to this increase in reporting."

Mr Hamilton added that police forces have heightened their response to hate crimes over the last 10 days.

The release of the figures comes as police said white powder and hate messages had been sent to three mosques in London.

The Metropolitan Police were called to mosques and Islamic centres in Tottenham, Leyton and Finsbury Park on Thursday after concerns about the mystery packets.

They were among a handful of similar deliveries across the city which sparked security alerts and led to parts of the parliamentary estate to be closed when peer Lord Ahmed, a Muslim, was among the recipients.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "There were exactly the same circumstances at all three mosques. Officers were stood down when it was discovered the powder was not noxious.

"The investigation is being conducted by the north-east London counter-terrorism unit."

Number Of Hate Crimes Soars 42% In A Year

More than 3,000 hate crimes were reported to police across the UK in the second half of June - a 42% rise compared with the same period last year.

The daily rate peaked at 289 alleged offences on 25 June - the day after the EU referendum result was announced.

Data published on Friday by the National Police Chiefs' Council give the most comprehensive insight into the nationwide picture so far.

Forces were asked to reveal weekly numbers after a series of reports sparked fears of a wave of xenophobic and racial abuse in the wake of the vote to leave the EU.

The first set of figures shows 3,076 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police between 16 and 30 June.

This was an increase of 915, or 42%, compared with the same period in June 2015.

A Polish family's shed was burned down and a note left telling the family to 

The NPCC said the main type of offence reported over the fortnight was "violence against the person", which includes harassment and common assault, as well as verbal abuse, spitting and "barging".

The second and third most common types of incidents were public order offences and criminal damage.

The NPCC said that since then there has been a marked decrease in reports, but weekly figures will continue to be collated to monitor the situation.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, NPCC lead for hate crime, said: "We now have a clear indication of the increases in the reporting of hate crime nationally and can see that there has been a sharp rise in recent weeks.

"This is unacceptable and it undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating.

"Forces have been monitoring and managing hate crime more robustly since the attacks in Paris in 2015. We believe that greater awareness and confidence in the police response has contributed to this increase in reporting."

Mr Hamilton added that police forces have heightened their response to hate crimes over the last 10 days.

The release of the figures comes as police said white powder and hate messages had been sent to three mosques in London.

The Metropolitan Police were called to mosques and Islamic centres in Tottenham, Leyton and Finsbury Park on Thursday after concerns about the mystery packets.

They were among a handful of similar deliveries across the city which sparked security alerts and led to parts of the parliamentary estate to be closed when peer Lord Ahmed, a Muslim, was among the recipients.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "There were exactly the same circumstances at all three mosques. Officers were stood down when it was discovered the powder was not noxious.

"The investigation is being conducted by the north-east London counter-terrorism unit."

Number Of Hate Crimes Soars 42% In A Year

More than 3,000 hate crimes were reported to police across the UK in the second half of June - a 42% rise compared with the same period last year.

The daily rate peaked at 289 alleged offences on 25 June - the day after the EU referendum result was announced.

Data published on Friday by the National Police Chiefs' Council give the most comprehensive insight into the nationwide picture so far.

Forces were asked to reveal weekly numbers after a series of reports sparked fears of a wave of xenophobic and racial abuse in the wake of the vote to leave the EU.

The first set of figures shows 3,076 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police between 16 and 30 June.

This was an increase of 915, or 42%, compared with the same period in June 2015.

A Polish family's shed was burned down and a note left telling the family to 

The NPCC said the main type of offence reported over the fortnight was "violence against the person", which includes harassment and common assault, as well as verbal abuse, spitting and "barging".

The second and third most common types of incidents were public order offences and criminal damage.

The NPCC said that since then there has been a marked decrease in reports, but weekly figures will continue to be collated to monitor the situation.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, NPCC lead for hate crime, said: "We now have a clear indication of the increases in the reporting of hate crime nationally and can see that there has been a sharp rise in recent weeks.

"This is unacceptable and it undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating.

"Forces have been monitoring and managing hate crime more robustly since the attacks in Paris in 2015. We believe that greater awareness and confidence in the police response has contributed to this increase in reporting."

Mr Hamilton added that police forces have heightened their response to hate crimes over the last 10 days.

The release of the figures comes as police said white powder and hate messages had been sent to three mosques in London.

The Metropolitan Police were called to mosques and Islamic centres in Tottenham, Leyton and Finsbury Park on Thursday after concerns about the mystery packets.

They were among a handful of similar deliveries across the city which sparked security alerts and led to parts of the parliamentary estate to be closed when peer Lord Ahmed, a Muslim, was among the recipients.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "There were exactly the same circumstances at all three mosques. Officers were stood down when it was discovered the powder was not noxious.

"The investigation is being conducted by the north-east London counter-terrorism unit."