A cyberattack has compromised the personal data of up to 26,000 Debenhams customers.
The breach, which is understood to have been malware-based, targeted the online portal for the retailer's florist arm, Debenhams Flowers.
Debenhams has stressed that the site is operated by Ecomnova, a third-party supplier, and that customers of other services have not been affected.
Ecomnova also operates Debenhams' websites for hampers, personalised gifts and wines. While all four sites have been suspended, the retailer has not announced whether the others were also breached.
Debenhams confirmed to Sky News that customer payment details, names and addresses were accessed or stolen during the attack.
In a statement the company stressed that it was only the Ecomnova-run site that had been compromised, and that customers of its main website Debenhams.com "can be confident they are unaffected by this attack".
"All affected customers have been contacted by Debenhams to inform them of the incident," the firm told Sky News.
"We are working with Ecomnova to ask the banks of those affected to block payment cards of those customers affected and issue customers with new cards."
Debenhams said the incident had been reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent body for upholding the Data Protection Act.
Following a cyberattack in October 2015, the ICO fined TalkTalk a record £400,000 after 15,656 individuals' bank account details and sort codes were stolen.
An ICO spokesperson said it was aware of the "potential incident" involving Debenhams Flowers and that enquiries were being made.
"Businesses and organisations are required under the Data Protection Act to keep people's personal data safe and secure," the spokesperson said.
Debenhams chief executive Sergio Bucher said: "As soon as we were informed that there had been a cyberattack, we suspended the Debenhams Flowers website and commenced a full investigation.
"We are very sorry that customers have been affected by this incident and we are doing everything we can to provide advice to affected customers and reduce their risk."
Ecomnova did not immediately respond to Sky News for comment.
Friday, May 5, 2017
French election: Eiffel Tower break-in on final day of campaigning
Polls suggest Emmanuel Macron has further extended his lead over Marine Le Pen as the French presidential candidates continue their final day of campaigning.
An Elabe poll for BFM TV and L'Express suggests that Mr Macron, a centrist who has never held elected office, will receive 62% of votes during the second round on Sunday.
His three-point bump leaves far-right rival Marine Le Pen on 38%, but she told RTL radio: "My goal is to win this presidential election."
Mr Macron revealed he has already chosen his future prime minister, but the En Marche! leader stopped short of giving a name. He admitted that even his preferred candidate is yet to be told.
:: Who is Emmanuel Macron?
As Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen make their last push for support, protests have been breaking out in Paris.
Environmental activists broke into the Eiffel Tower and hung a banner bearing France's national motto before abseiling down the tower's archway.
The head of Greenpeace in France, Jean-Francois Julliard, told reporters: "Liberty, equality, fraternity: it is vital to defend these values which are particularly threatened by the National Front."
France remains on high alert following a series of terror attacks, and following the break-in, police in Paris said the protest had uncovered "flaws" in the Eiffel Tower's security which needed to be addressed.
:: Who is Marine Le Pen?
Meanwhile, entrances to 10 high schools throughout the capital have been blocked by student protesters who say they are opposed to both presidential candidates.
That sentiment seems to be shared by the wider electorate, with research suggesting that a quarter of those eligible to vote are likely to abstain in Sunday's run-off.
Many of those planning to stay at home are left-wing voters who are disappointed that their preferred candidate was eliminated in the first round.
An Elabe poll for BFM TV and L'Express suggests that Mr Macron, a centrist who has never held elected office, will receive 62% of votes during the second round on Sunday.
His three-point bump leaves far-right rival Marine Le Pen on 38%, but she told RTL radio: "My goal is to win this presidential election."
Mr Macron revealed he has already chosen his future prime minister, but the En Marche! leader stopped short of giving a name. He admitted that even his preferred candidate is yet to be told.
:: Who is Emmanuel Macron?
As Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen make their last push for support, protests have been breaking out in Paris.
Environmental activists broke into the Eiffel Tower and hung a banner bearing France's national motto before abseiling down the tower's archway.
The head of Greenpeace in France, Jean-Francois Julliard, told reporters: "Liberty, equality, fraternity: it is vital to defend these values which are particularly threatened by the National Front."
France remains on high alert following a series of terror attacks, and following the break-in, police in Paris said the protest had uncovered "flaws" in the Eiffel Tower's security which needed to be addressed.
:: Who is Marine Le Pen?
Meanwhile, entrances to 10 high schools throughout the capital have been blocked by student protesters who say they are opposed to both presidential candidates.
That sentiment seems to be shared by the wider electorate, with research suggesting that a quarter of those eligible to vote are likely to abstain in Sunday's run-off.
Many of those planning to stay at home are left-wing voters who are disappointed that their preferred candidate was eliminated in the first round.
Illegal levels of arsenic in 75% of children's baby rice products
Nearly 75% of baby rice products marketed at children in the UK contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic, according to a study.
The study's authors, from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University Belfast warned there could be health implications for children eating baby cereals and rice cakes.
Researchers say chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause a range of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and damage to the nervous system.
In January 2016, the EU imposed a maximum limit of inorganic arsenic on food manufacturers in a bid to mitigate health risks.
Professor Andy Meharg from Queen's University Belfast said: "First we found the levels of inorganic arsenic in foods destined for young children are above the legal standards set by the European Union.
"Secondly we have shown that when children eat those products they get elevated arsenic in their urine - about five-fold higher after they were weened."
Rice typically has 10 times more inorganic arsenic than other foods, the scientists behind the study said.
The World Health Organisation says the chemical arsenic is found in the groundwater of a number of countries, with contaminated water used for things like rice crops posing the greatest threat to public health.
The Food Standards Agency told Sky News: "There have been strict maximum limits for inorganic arsenic (i.e. arsenic which does not occur naturally) in rice for use in foods for infants and young children since January 2016.
"It is the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure that products comply with this legislation. Local authorities enforce this legislation in the UK and report any non-compliant results to the FSA.
"We continuously review new evidence and will consider whether this new study from Queen's University adds to the data we already have on exposure to arsenic for young children."
There are now calls for manufacturers to display arsenic levels on packaging to allow consumers to make an informed choice.
The study's authors, from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University Belfast warned there could be health implications for children eating baby cereals and rice cakes.
Researchers say chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause a range of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and damage to the nervous system.
In January 2016, the EU imposed a maximum limit of inorganic arsenic on food manufacturers in a bid to mitigate health risks.
Professor Andy Meharg from Queen's University Belfast said: "First we found the levels of inorganic arsenic in foods destined for young children are above the legal standards set by the European Union.
"Secondly we have shown that when children eat those products they get elevated arsenic in their urine - about five-fold higher after they were weened."
Rice typically has 10 times more inorganic arsenic than other foods, the scientists behind the study said.
The World Health Organisation says the chemical arsenic is found in the groundwater of a number of countries, with contaminated water used for things like rice crops posing the greatest threat to public health.
The Food Standards Agency told Sky News: "There have been strict maximum limits for inorganic arsenic (i.e. arsenic which does not occur naturally) in rice for use in foods for infants and young children since January 2016.
"It is the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure that products comply with this legislation. Local authorities enforce this legislation in the UK and report any non-compliant results to the FSA.
"We continuously review new evidence and will consider whether this new study from Queen's University adds to the data we already have on exposure to arsenic for young children."
There are now calls for manufacturers to display arsenic levels on packaging to allow consumers to make an informed choice.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Man held by terror cops after landing at Heathrow
A man has been arrested at Heathrow airport on suspicion of a terror-related offence.
The 30-year-old arrived in the UK on a flight from Istanbul on Thursday evening.
He was detained by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terror squad as he stepped off the plane.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said he was arrested on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts and terrorist training.
The suspect remains in custody at a south London police station.
Officers have also searched a property in east London.
The 30-year-old arrived in the UK on a flight from Istanbul on Thursday evening.
He was detained by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terror squad as he stepped off the plane.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said he was arrested on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts and terrorist training.
The suspect remains in custody at a south London police station.
Officers have also searched a property in east London.
Robert Mugabe says Zimbabwe is not fragile but America is
Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe has insisted that his country is not a failed state - and accused the US of being "fragile".
During a discussion at the World Economic Forum on Africa the leader insisted that despite years of a collapsed economy, the country is highly successful.
Mr Mugabe has presided over hyperinflation, soaring unemployment and plummeting economic output during his 30-year grip.
Yet he told the forum in Durban: "We are not a poor country and we can't be a fragile country. I can call America fragile - they went on their knees to China."
Citing the state's 90% literacy rate, he went on: "Zimbabwe is the most highly developed country in Africa after South Africa."
The country reached a turning point in 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized.
Oxfam's executive director Winnie Byanyima, also on the panel, blamed oppressive leaders for Africa's major troubles.
"Our leaders say we are rich, they say we are developed, they say we have resources but the people do not see that, " she said.
And she added: "Let us give others a chance. It is important that we have elections that are free and fair - that reflect the will of the people."
Mr Mugabe, 93, apparently fell asleep at the end of the discussion.
During a discussion at the World Economic Forum on Africa the leader insisted that despite years of a collapsed economy, the country is highly successful.
Mr Mugabe has presided over hyperinflation, soaring unemployment and plummeting economic output during his 30-year grip.
Yet he told the forum in Durban: "We are not a poor country and we can't be a fragile country. I can call America fragile - they went on their knees to China."
Citing the state's 90% literacy rate, he went on: "Zimbabwe is the most highly developed country in Africa after South Africa."
The country reached a turning point in 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized.
Oxfam's executive director Winnie Byanyima, also on the panel, blamed oppressive leaders for Africa's major troubles.
"Our leaders say we are rich, they say we are developed, they say we have resources but the people do not see that, " she said.
And she added: "Let us give others a chance. It is important that we have elections that are free and fair - that reflect the will of the people."
Mr Mugabe, 93, apparently fell asleep at the end of the discussion.
Old five pound note deadline nears: Spend your fiver this week!
Old paper five pound notes will no longer be legal tender after Friday and people will have until the end of the day to spend them.
Around 150 million of the Bank of England (BoE) notes are still in circulation but 5 May will be the last day they can be spent.
The BoE said some banks and building societies may continue to accept the old fiver, which features prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, but this is at their discretion and people should check what their bank's policy is.
Some of the big banks and building societies have said that customers can continue to deposit old fivers after 5 May but others advised that it was a good idea to hand the notes in by the deadline rather than leaving it until they are no longer legal tender.
Around 150 million of the Bank of England (BoE) notes are still in circulation but 5 May will be the last day they can be spent.
The BoE said some banks and building societies may continue to accept the old fiver, which features prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, but this is at their discretion and people should check what their bank's policy is.
Some of the big banks and building societies have said that customers can continue to deposit old fivers after 5 May but others advised that it was a good idea to hand the notes in by the deadline rather than leaving it until they are no longer legal tender.
Trump's Obamacare repeal bill faces crucial vote
President Donald Trump could be on course to make good on one of his key election pledges when the US House of Representatives votes later on dismantling Barack Obama's signature health reform.
After Mr Trump failed to convince enough of his own party representatives to back him in March, the party now believes it will finally have the votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
Around 20 million previously uninsured Americans have gained health coverage under Obamacare.
The Republican party, which controls both the House and Senate, has said the scrapping of the health law is a top priority.
However, even if the bill clears the House by a narrow majority, it still faces a steep climb in the Senate, where only a few defections could kill the effort.
Mr Trump has called the scheme a "catastrophe" which had to be overhauled "very, very quickly".
But his first attempt to repeal it - in the first big test of his presidency - failed.
He and his supporters have spent days frantically trying to gather support from politicians who complain either that the reforms go too far or not far enough.
Mr Trump has struggled to balance the demands of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, who want to scrap more of the Affordable Care Act's benefits and insurance requirements, and moderates in the Tuesday Group, who fear the bill will leave millions of Americans worse off.
The legislation's prospects brightened after members of the Freedom Caucus, who played a key role in derailing the original version of the repeal bill last month, said they could go along with a compromise.
Asked whether they had the votes needed to pass the bill, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said: "We have enough votes,"
"It'll pass. It's a good bill," he added.
Called the American Health Care Act, the Republican bill would repeal most Obamacare taxes, including a penalty for not buying health insurance.
It would also cut funding for Medicaid, which provides insurance for the poor.
Medical groups, including the American Medical Association, are opposed to the revised bill and argue millions of Americans will lose coverage or face higher costs.
After Mr Trump failed to convince enough of his own party representatives to back him in March, the party now believes it will finally have the votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
Around 20 million previously uninsured Americans have gained health coverage under Obamacare.
The Republican party, which controls both the House and Senate, has said the scrapping of the health law is a top priority.
However, even if the bill clears the House by a narrow majority, it still faces a steep climb in the Senate, where only a few defections could kill the effort.
Mr Trump has called the scheme a "catastrophe" which had to be overhauled "very, very quickly".
But his first attempt to repeal it - in the first big test of his presidency - failed.
He and his supporters have spent days frantically trying to gather support from politicians who complain either that the reforms go too far or not far enough.
Mr Trump has struggled to balance the demands of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, who want to scrap more of the Affordable Care Act's benefits and insurance requirements, and moderates in the Tuesday Group, who fear the bill will leave millions of Americans worse off.
The legislation's prospects brightened after members of the Freedom Caucus, who played a key role in derailing the original version of the repeal bill last month, said they could go along with a compromise.
Asked whether they had the votes needed to pass the bill, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said: "We have enough votes,"
"It'll pass. It's a good bill," he added.
Called the American Health Care Act, the Republican bill would repeal most Obamacare taxes, including a penalty for not buying health insurance.
It would also cut funding for Medicaid, which provides insurance for the poor.
Medical groups, including the American Medical Association, are opposed to the revised bill and argue millions of Americans will lose coverage or face higher costs.
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