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CCTV: Man 'tried to put hand up woman's skirt on top deck of Hull bus'

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Police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to after a woman was assaulted on a bus travelling from Wold Road to Hull city centre. The 34-year-old woman was on the top deck of the bus when a man got on. He began staring at the woman, before approaching her and trying to put his hand up her skirt. He then got off the bus. It happened at about 7.40pm on Saturday, July 12, but police have only released the CCTV pictures today. The man or anyone who knows him is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 2056391.

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CCTV: Man 'tried to put hand up woman's skirt on top deck of Hull bus'


First Hull Pal: Travelling salesman Joseph Tholander joined up on September 1, 1914

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Exactly 100 years ago, on September 1, 1914, hundreds of office workers from Hull joined-up to fight in the First World War. And first in the queue to form the Hull Pals was travelling salesman Joseph Tholander. Alice Roberts reports.

Many men from the professional classes were waiting in line at Wenlock Barracks on the morning of Tuesday, September 1, 1914.

When the doors opened at 10am, the man at the front of the queue was 31-year-old Joseph Tholander.

As the first of thousands of men to join the Hull Pals, Joseph has earned his place in history.

However, he was by no means alone in his enthusiasm to serve his country.

The travelling salesman from Anlaby Park Road was one of the many middle-class workers who were keen to do their bit to serve their country.

Ferens Art Gallery assistant curator Susan Capes has followed the life and career of the first man to enlist in the Hull Pals as part of the When War Hit Home exhibition. Many of his personal artefacts are now on display at the gallery.

According to census records from 1911, Joseph lived in Hamlyn Avenue, off Anlaby Road, with his wife and son.

He had been born in the city in 1883 and, while his mother was from Hull, his father was born in Sweden and had become a naturalised British subject.

Although there are no records available to track his military career during the First World War, it is known that Joseph survived both world wars.

A history of the Hull Pals, including personal artefacts from Joseph's life, are on display at the gallery in Queen Victoria Square until the exhibition closes in January.

The exhibition gives people an opportunity to understand the impact the war had on the city and how it affected the lives of the people who lived here 100 years ago.

First Hull Pal: Travelling salesman Joseph Tholander joined up on September 1, 1914

Graham White murder: Man, 47, released on bail

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A 47-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Graham White in Bridlington has been released on bail. Humberside Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the disturbance in Sewerby Road overnight on Tuesday, August 26, which is believed to have led to the death of the 39-year-old. Three men aged 22, 27 and 37 who were arrested in Seaton near Hornsea and taken into custody on Wednesday, August 27, are on police bail pending further enquiries. Two men aged 41 and 27, and a 14-year-old boy who were arrested on Thursday, August 28, have also been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Graham White murder: Man, 47, released on bail

Hull City talking points: Finding the bright spots – Andrew Robertson and Robbie Brady

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Amid all the doom and gloom at Aston Villa, there were one or two bright sparks for Hull City. Brad Rial says rookie defender Andrew Robertson was the pick of the bunch, while substitute Robbie Brady continued his renaissance.Robertson continues to impress I'm going to start with the positives, because someone has to. Not for the first time this season – and you suspect it won't be the last either – Andrew Robertson shone down the left. For large periods, he was the Tigers' biggest threat going forward and he is showing no signs of being fazed by the Premier League. While there is youthfulness to his style of play, he isn't scared to take on the attacking responsibility, which he had to do yesterday. City were slow in possession against Villa but whenever the ball reached Robertson, he looked to make things happen. He was heavily involved as City searched for an equaliser and he constantly made himself available by cleverly moving into space. Robertson doesn't let the game pass him by and when he receives the ball his first thought is to attack. His decision-making in the final third is also excellent – something you wouldn't normally expect of a player still so young at 20. The upcoming international break offers a chance to take stock over City's first three league games. As far as individuals go, Robertson has been the pick of the bunch thus far.Brady picks up where he left off Robbie Brady picked up where he left off against Lokeren on Thursday night by coming on and changing the game yesterday. What City were crying out for all game was some pace and Brady certainly offered that. He committed defenders and it was only after he came on that the Tigers actually got in behind the Villa defence. As an aside, City looked like they missed Shane Long for the first time since he left to join Southampton. Long had his doubters but the one thing he offered was pace. He could turn a defence on to the back foot in a blink of an eye. He'd have been the perfect foil for Jelavic yesterday and would've made some of Huddlestone's speculative long balls look a little less wayward. Alas, City have moved on and it was Brady who did his best to inject a bit of tempo into his side's attacks. He looked lively and forged a decent understanding with Robertson down the left. He also delivered the ball for Jelavic to bundle home City's consolation, which means he has been directly involved in the last three goals. Competition for places in this side is stronger than ever but if Brady can continue to contribute as he has done in the past week, it may not be long before he becomes a regular starter again.Schoolboy defending Right, now for the negatives. I've heard a lot of people calling Hull City's defending "schoolboy", although that seems a tad insulting. Insulting to schoolboys, that is. It's hard to recall a City side in recent years that looked so shoddy at the back and the ease with which Villa cut them apart during the first half was frightening. As clinical as the hosts were, both goals were handed to them on a platter. Collectively and individually, the Tigers were woefully exposed. Returning Villain (pun intended) Curtis Davies was particularly culpable. You can count the number of poor games the 29-year-old has had since moving to the KC on one hand, but here he fell well short of his high standards. For Villa's second goal, he appeared to be stuck in mud. Bruce knew his captain was having a stinker and hauled him off at half-time. Alongside Davies, debutant Michael Dawson, drafted straight in to replace the suspended James Chester, also found the first half tough going. He was at fault for Villa's second goal, needlessly giving away possession when under no real pressure. Dawson eventually grew into the game, but in truth, the home side took their foot off the gas in the second half. It was a baptism of fire for Dawson but the two-week international break will give him a chance to get to know his new teammates and no doubt he will be better for yesterday's experience."Hopeless" Huddlestone By his own tweeted admission, Tom Huddlestone was "hopeless" yesterday. Everything he tried failed and it was comfortably his worst game as a City player (and quite possibly his worst as a professional footballer). Even when the chips are down, you expect a player of his ability to complete the very basic tasks that present themselves over the course of ninety minutes. Be it a six-yard pass back to a teammate following a throw-in, or simply making sure a corner enters the field of play, Huddlestone usually carries out such jobs without so much as a second thought. Yesterday however, he failed even to do the above. It was an uncharacteristically dire display. Like Davies, he was dragged off and he could have had no complaints. Huddlestone has the ability to control games single-handedly and he has to start stamping his authority on these types of fixtures. He fell drastically short of what was expected yesterday.

Hull City talking points: Finding the bright spots – Andrew Robertson and Robbie Brady

Hull City: Abel Hernandez signs three-year deal

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Hull City have confirmed the signing of Uruguay forward Abel Hernanadez for an undisclosed club-record fee.

LIVE deadline day updates: Bruce chasing two midfielders

The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at the KC Stadium, with the option of a fourth year in the club's favour. Having agreed terms and concluded a medical last week, Hernandez received the necessary paperwork regarding his visa application today, with the Tigers completing his move from Italian side Palermo. The club have not revealed the figure, but the Mail understands the Tigers have paid close to £10m to land their man. "Abel is a fantastic signing and highlights just how far the club has come in such a short space of time," said Tigers boss Steve Bruce. "He is an exciting talent and like myself, I'm sure the supporters can't wait to see him in action."

Hull City: Abel Hernandez signs three-year deal

Former Hull City player Delroy Facey charged with conspiracy to commit bribery

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FORMER Hull City player Delroy Facey has been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. The charges from the National Crime Agency (NCA) relate to an ongoing football match-fixing investigation. The 34-year-old played 25 games for the Tigers in 2004-05, scoring six goals. Mr Facey, who was arrested in November 2013, will appear at Cannock Magistrates' Court, Staffordshire, tomorrow. The NCA's investigation continues.

Follow football news with the Hull Daily Mail

Former Hull City player Delroy Facey charged with conspiracy to commit bribery

Hull City: Mohamed Diame pens three-year deadline day deal for £3.5m from West Ham

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MOHAMED Diame has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Hull City after agreeing a deadline day move from West Ham. The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons at Upton Park and made 79 appearances, having joined them following an impressive spell at Wigan. Although Diame has featured in all four of the Hammers' opening fixtures this term, the arrival of Alex Song on-loan from Barcelona means he is now surplus to requirements. The powerful Senegal skipper could now make his debut against the Hammers when they arrive at the KC Stadium two weeks today. City boss Steve Bruce is delighted to capture his second deadline day additions and is looking forward to having his pace in the heart of his midfield. "His experience, both at international level and in the Premier League, will be invaluable for us as we look to cement our place in the top flight," he said.

Hull City: Mohamed Diame pens three-year deadline day deal for £3.5m from West Ham

Hull City set to confirm Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa loan deals

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Hull City are expected to sign Southampton's Gaston Ramirez and Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa on season-long loans before the transfer window shuts at 11pm.

TUESDAY UPDATE: Hull City's transfer delight as Ben Arfa makes four

Having already wrapped up the club-record £10m signing of Abel Hernandez from Palermo and West Ham's Mo Diame for £3.5m, manager Steve Bruce and vice-chairman Ehab Allam set about completing their quartet of deadline-day deals with Ramirez and Ben Arfa. Uruguay forward Ramirez, 23, had been linked with Torino in June and more recently a season-long loan to La Liga side Sevilla. Saints' boss Ronald Koeman indicated less than a week ago the forward would be staying on the South Coast. He had said: "Gaston had a difficult pre-season. "He has been injured twice, he is still not fit and needs more minutes." Southampton, though, have had a change of heart, perhaps after landing £12m-man Shane Long from the Tigers last month. Attacking midfielder Ben Arfa has scored 13 goals in 76 appearances since joining the Magpies from Marseilles in 2010. However, the 27-year-old Frenchman – who has a year left on his current contract – has been out of favour with Alan Pardew's side and faced a spell languishing in the reserves. Only 24 hours ago, The Mirror reported Championship side Birmingham were hoping to cut a deadline-day deal for a player also on the radar of Lyon and Besiktas.

Hull City set to confirm Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa loan deals


Hull City transfer talk: LIVE deadline day updates

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Follow transfer deadline day updates throughout the day. Hull City have signed Abel Hernandez from Palermo and are chasing two midfielders. George Boyd has signed for Burnley.
Hull City have signed Abel HernandezMohamed Diame signs three-year dealHull City bring in Gaston Ramirez on loan from SouthamptonReports Steve Harper set for Carlisle jobGeorge Boyd has signed for BurnleyJoe Dudgeon has extended his loan stay at Barnsley Danny Welbeck odds slashed but City looking elsewhereJack Cork not on radarTigers have signed Brian Lenihan from Cork City
11.10pm UPDATE: Ben Arfa deal to be completedHATEM Ben Arfa is still on course to become a Hull City player. The Mail has spoken to contacts at Hull City who say they expect the Newcastle United midfielder to arrive at the club's Cottingham training ground by 11.30pm. Having been diverted on the motorway on his journey to Hull, the club realised well before the 11pm deadline Ben Arfa would not make it on time and arranged for him to stop at a hotel to have the necessary paperwork faxed across. The season-long loan deal agreed, Ben Arfa is now on his way to the club's training ground to seal the deal.11.00pm UPDATE: Window shuts THE transfer window shuts with Hull City having completed three deadline day deals. The Tigers have brought in Abel Hernandez and Momo Diame on three-year contracts, with Gaston Ramirez arriving on a season-long loan deal. There could still be a fourth, however, with City having applied for an extension to get a deal done for Hatem Ben Arfa on loan from Newcastle.9.26pm UPDATE: Ramirez signs loan deal HULL City have completed a deal to bring Gaston Ramirez to the club from Southampton on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old joins fellow Uruguay player Abel Hernandez at the KC after this evening finalising his switch from Southampton.8.45pm UPDATE: City desperate to get two more deals done TIGERS boss Steve Bruce is still locked in talks alongside Assem and Ehab Allam as Hull City try and push through two more signings before the deadline closes. The Mail has just been told the club are hopeful of finalising both deals before the 11pm deadline with Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa and Southampton's Gaston Ramirez the likely arrivals. The Mail understands Ben Arfa is on his way to the training ground and should arrive in time to complete what is expected to be a loan signing. Ben Arfa has less than a year remaining on his contract at Newcastle. Not content with just three additions on transfer deadline day, Ramirez seems set to follow Ben Arfa into the club if a deal can be completed in time.7.30pm UPDATE: Cleverley not coming to KCTom Cleverley (the most linked player with City in the last few days) will not be coming to the Tigers, despite social media whispers that he has been snapped in Cottingham today. The the picture doing the rounds is old and has in fact been taken from this article. The Mail understands Cleverley is now off the agenda following the capture of Mohamed Diame on a three-year deal.
7pm UPDATE: Diame pens three-year dealMomo Diame has put pen to paper on a three-year deal before tonight's 11pm deadline after finally agreeing terms at the Tigers. He has been signing autographs for fans at the club's Cottingham training ground after his £3.5m move was officially confirmed.6.35pm UPDATE: City big guns trying to thrash out deals According to a club source, the next hour could prove pivotal for the Tigers and whether they can get one or two new additions signed, sealed and delivered. Owner Assem Allam, chief executive Ehab Allam and manager Steve Bruce are all at the training ground and locked in talks with targets and their agents. If they can, City are willing to do deals for two more players, possibly even a third, but they know the clock is ticking and that they could end up with none of them. Hopefully, that won't be the case and we hope to know more inside the next hour.5.40pm UPDATE: Momo Diame Sky Sports correspondent Richard Graves says a blacked-out van has just arrived at Hull City's training ground, sparking speculation it could be West Ham's Momo Diame. Could he be joining Steve Bruce and the owners for discussions? Just over five hours to go to get the deal done - watch this space for more developments throughout the evening.5.00pm UPDATE: Transfer round-up With six hours to go until the deadline day window shuts, here's a quick re-cap of what's gone on elsewhere so far.• Manchester United have agreed a season-long loan deal with Monaco for striker Ramadel Falcao, with Javier Hernandez leaving Old Trafford for Real Madrid, also on a season-long loan.• Crystal Palace look set to sign James McArthur from Wigan Athletic for a club record fee of £7million.• Manchester City defender Micah Richards has arrived in the Italian city Florence ahead of a proposed loan move to Fiorentina.• QPR have had an initial £10million bid for Liverpool striker Fabio Borini accepted, according to Sky sources. Rangers have also made an offer to Tottenham for midfielder Sandro.• Petr Cech has refused to rule out a late Chelsea departure if the offer is right, amid reported interest from PSG and Monaco.• Aston Villa have made a transfer deadline day bid to sign Sergio Canales from Real Sociedad.• And finally, Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates has arrived at Sunderland's training camp ahead of his proposed one-year loan move to the Stadium of Light.4.30pm UPDATE: More to come in HULL City have just confirmed to the Mail manager Steve Bruce and vice-chairman Ehab Allam are currently locked away inside the club's training ground trying to get a number of deals pushed through. The Tigers may have completed a club-record deal for Abel Hernandez, but it appears there is more to come if Bruce gets his way.4pm UPDATE: Hull City confirm Abel Hernandez signing Uruguay striker Abel Hernandez has completed his move from Palermo. Hernandez has signed a three-year deal, with the option of a fourth, for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £10m. Steve Bruce said: "Abel is a fantastic signing and highlights just how far the club has come in such a short space of time. "He is an exciting talent and like myself, I'm sure the supporters can't wait to see him in action."
2.30pm UPDATE: City assemble It may not have been with an Avengers-style battle cry, but Hull City's major players are now assembling at the club's training ground in Cottingham. Vice-chairman Ehab Allam has just arrived and, along with manager Steve Bruce, has joined the club's senior coaching staff inside the confines of Bruce's office. News is expected soon on the first of several potential deadline-day deals. Meanwhile, Marco van Ginkel has spoken of why he swatted away reported interest from Hull City to join AC Milan on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The forward completed a medical this morning at the San Siro and told the Rossoneri's website: "I am very happy to have arrived in Milan. "A lot of Dutch players have played in this great club, big names. I'm just happy to be finally here. I spoke to [Milan's Dutch international] Nigel de Jong and he told me very good things about this club." "I believe at Milan I will have the opportunity to play more games in what is a big competition, with many strong teams. I have not spoken to Mr Inzaghi yet but I've spoken to Fernando Torres this week."1.40pm UPDATE: George Boyd The departing George Boyd has spoken to Sky Sports News this lunchtime, saying he couldn't turn down the opportunity of regular top-flight football after signing a three-year deal at Burnley. "Sean Dyche (Burnley manager) said to me if I work hard I'll be in the first team and continue to play in the Premiership, which every team wants to do," he said. "I think it's fair to say that I wasn't going to be involved at Hull and the opportunity to come here was one I couldn't turn down. "I think it's massive, especially at my age, to be playing every week. Playing in a big league is a great opportunity for me and hopefully we can stay up and kick on."Click here for more on Boyd's departure from Hull City.1pm UPDATE: Momo Diame and Stephane Sessegnon Hull City are close to confirming two signings this afternoon, the Mail understands. But that may not be the last of the business they do before the close of the transfer window tonight. West Ham midfielder Momo Diame is currently at the club's training ground as a deal to complete his transfer moves ever closer. Diame is one of two midfielders being targeted by Steve Bruce, with reports emerging Stephane Sessegnon could be the other in a £5.5m deal from West Brom. While giving no indications of which deals are close to being completed, a club source has this afternoon told the Mail that City are very close to confirming two signings and are also working hard on deals to add a further player, or even two, later this evening. However, even if four come in, the Mail understands the Tigers have no plans to sell any more of their players after George Boyd left for Burnley this morning in a £3m deal.
12.30pm UPDATE: Momo Diame Tigers target Momo Diame is locked in talks with Hull City and has arrived for a medical, according to Sky sources. City could be one step closer to naming their first arrival on Transfer Deadline Day.12.27pm UPDATE: Steve Harper The Daily Star is reporting Hull City goalkeeper Steve Harper is a candidate to take over as manager of Carlisle United. The newspaper says Harper is a shock contender for the Carlisle hotseat following the sacking of Graham Kavanagh. The 39-year-old has a year to run on his current deal at the the KC, but did complete his UEFA coaching licence in the summer with a view to stepping into management.12.21pm UPDATE: Stephane Sessegnon West Brom midfielder Stephane Sessegnon could be about to swap the Hawthorns for the KC Stadium. Reports are emerging the Tigers have tabled a £5.5m bid for the 30-year-old. The Benin international is a man familiar to City boss Steve Bruce, who brought him to the Stadium of Light when in charge of Sunderland. Bruce is a known admirer and is understood to be interested in signing Sessegnon again to provide the creative threat lost following Robert Snodgrass's injury.11.42am UPDATE: Jack Cork Southampton midfielder Jack Cork will not be signing for Hull City in the transfer window. The former Scunthorpe United player has been rumoured to be on the Tigers' wish list, however a contact at the club has confirmed no move has been made for Cork.11.39am UPDATE: Danny Welbeck The odds on the Manchester United and England striker joining Hull City have been slashed within the last hour. Danny Welbeck trained with the England team this morning as the national side prepare to face Norway and Switzerland. Despite increasing reports linking the Tigers with Welbeck, the Mail understands Steve Bruce's focus is currently elsewhere.11.32am UPDATE: George BoydGeorge Boyd's move from Hull City to Burnley has been confirmed. Boyd arrived at Burnley's training ground in the last hour and was this morning announced as the club's new signing for an undisclosed fee.11.10am UPDATE: Joe Dudgeon Finally. The first firm transfer activity on Deadline Day for Hull City. Centre-back Joe Dudgeon has decided to extend his stay at Barnsley until January after penning an extension to his temporary deal. Barnsley boss Danny Wilson told the club's official Twitter account: "It's a great bonus for us. He's a little warrior and a tremendous player."11.00am UPDATE: Christian Fuchs, David Meyler One name that won't be arriving at the KC Stadium this transfer deadline day is Christian Fuchs. The Schalke left-back was linked with a move to the Tigers early last month, with the People first reporting the rumour. Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt said at the time the club had 'three firm concrete offers' – but now Fuchs is going nowhere. Speaking to Sky Sports, Heldt said: "Christian Fuchs has a contract left at our club [until 2015]. I can confirm Christian Fuchs will stay at our club." In other news, rumours have arose on Twitter that Derby County are interested in taking David Meyler from the Tigers. Meyler was an unused substitute in yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa and suffered a Europa League exit to forget against KSC Lokeren on Thursday.Sky Sports' Richard Graves, who is at the club's training ground throughout the day for Sky Sports News, says the club expects an 'interesting afternoon with players both leaving and signing'.10.30am UPDATE: Tom Cleverley ROY Keane is said to have been the deciding factor for Manchester United's Tom Cleverley– who looks set to join Aston Villa ahead of Hull City and Everton. The Daily Express say Keane, now assistant at Villa Park to Paul Lambert, met with Cleverley to discuss the possibility of a move to the Villains on deadline day. The Tigers and the Toffees were prepared to offer better terms for the 25-year-old, but it's Keane's links with United, something which Cleverley seems to trust, that's swung the momentum in Villa's direction. The midfielder wants a £1m pay-off from United, as he's surplus to requirements under new boss Louis Van Gaal. Cleverley is believed to be on £50k-a-week at United and wants the Red Devils to match a £1m figure being offered by Villa.10.20am UPDATE: Danny Welbeck, Brian Lenihan If Hull City are to ever re-enter the race for Manchester United's Danny Welbeck, they must be prepared to stump up a colossal fee for the season.The Sun's back page lead on that it will cost clubs £5m a YEAR to rent the Red Devils striker – and they say Sunderland are up for the deal. Gus Poyet seems willing to continue Welbeck's current salary of £68k-a-week. That, the loan fee, and other extras would total the £5m price tag. United are willing to let Welbeck go, but not to one of their big-name rivals. Sunderland, currently, fit that bill. Meanwhile, Tigers boss Steve Bruce has said new City signing Brian Lenihan is one for the future. The 20-year-old right-back, who can also play in midfield, signed a three-year-deal for an undisclosed fee yesterday. "Brian is a young player who has had a wonderful season in Ireland," Bruce told the club's official Twitter account. "It's going to be a big step up for him coming here but he's a player we'll try to develop. He fits into our criteria of trying to find some very, very decent young players to bolster what we've already got here." "He's one for the future and he's only really been playing for a year in the Irish league. He's a right back standing at 6'2" and a really good athlete who can get up and down the pitch." "We've beaten off a lot of competition to get him and I'm very pleased about that."8.30am UPDATE: Momo Diame, Andre Ayew Hull City could yet sign West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame before tonight's transfer deadline, the Daily Mail says. Steve Bruce says he is chasing two midfielders today and admitted last week he was keen on the powerful Diame. The Senegalese midfielder would cost £3.5m. Diame made a name for himself at Wigan before joining the Hammers in 2012. But he may face limited opportunities at Upton Park this term following the arrivals of Cheikhou Kouyate and Alex Song. Yesterday, the Sunday People said Crystal Palace could yet leapfrog City and QPR to Diame's signature. Meanwhile, Marseille winger Andre Ayew WILL NOT be coming to the KC, if reports in the French press are to be believed. Ayew, 24, is said to have "personally rejected" an offer to join the Tigers. QPR and Newcastle United are also chasing Ayew, according to reports, with Marseille keen to ship him out before close of play tonight.

Morning update: Hull City chase TWO midfielders, with Andre Ayew in frame

Hull City transfer talk: LIVE deadline day updates

Hull City's transfer deadline delight as Newcastle United's Hatem Ben Arfa joins Gaston Ramirez, Momo Diame and Abel Hernandez

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Hull City manager Steve Bruce was today celebrating a job well done after the biggest 24 hours in the club's transfer history. Desperate to swell his attacking options before the transfer window slammed shut, Bruce not only wrapped up a £10m deal for striker Abel Hernandez, he also pulled off the £3.5m capture of midfielder Mohamed Diame and season-long loan deals for Gaston Ramirez from Southampton and Hatem Ben Arfa from Newcastle United. French international Ben Arfa was a late coup, confirmed long after the 11pm deadline. The 27-year-old playmaker has made more than 100 appearances in three seasons on Tyneside after joining from Marseille. "Hatem is a superb addition to the squad, and brings a lot of attacking flare," said manager Steve Bruce. "We look forward to welcoming him to the Club." Last night's moves saw the Tigers welcome the end of the transfer window with an unprecedented day of spending to significantly strengthen their ranks. The capture of Hernandez was the main move which Bruce wanted tying up and he views the arrival of the Uruguay international as a real coup. "Abel is a fantastic signing and highlights just how far the club has come in such a short space of time," he said. "He is an exciting talent I'm sure the supporters can't wait to see him in action." Although George Boyd was allowed to leave for Burnley in a £3m switch earlier in the day, he was quickly replaced by Diame on a three-year deal to take City's summer spending to a staggering £33.85m. Diame could now make his debut against his former club when the Tigers return to action on September 15 with a home game against West Ham. And Bruce believes the 27-year-old Senegal international will be a key addition as City bid for a third successive Premier League season. "His experience will be invaluable for us as we look to cement our place in the top flight," he said. With the clock ticking down, City swelled their midfield options further in the final hour as Ramirez agreed to join countryman Hernandez at the KC. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has 31 international caps to his name, but needs to prove his fitness after an injury-hit pre-season at the Saints. Bruce believes the South American will prove to be a shrewd addition and said: "Gaston significantly improves our attacking options and I'm delighted to welcome him to the club. "He is yet another quality addition as we look to build on what we achieved last season." Yesterday's arrivals join summer signings Michael Dawson, Tom Ince, Robert Snodgrass, Andy Robertson, Harry Maguire, Jake Livermore and Brian Lenihan at the KC.

Hull City's transfer deadline delight as Newcastle United's Hatem Ben Arfa joins Gaston Ramirez, Momo Diame and Abel Hernandez

'Stranger tried to snatch my child from Home Bargains in Hessle Road,' says Hull mum

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A MOTHER says her four-year-old daughter is terrified of starting school today after a man allegedly tried to snatch her from a shop.

Olivia Holt was in Home Bargains, in Hessle Road, west Hull, with her mother when a man reportedly attempted to force her out of the store by nudging his knees into her back.

The frightened youngster yelled for her mum Rae Beet, who called for help before the man fled from the store and out of sight.

A police investigation has now been launched and officers are analysing CCTV footage of the man, who has been described as in his late twenties with short, blonde hair.

Miss Beet, 25, says she has since struggled to convince Olivia to leave the house to buy her school uniform because she is terrified the "bad man" will come after her.

"I was in complete shock," said Miss Beet, who also has a six-week-old daughter, Millie.

"I thought he was trying to grab her, so I reacted by pulling her back towards me.

"She is quite a timid child anyway and there is no reason she would wander off with anyone – she is not the type.

"Now she keeps asking if the bad man is with the police and saying she doesn't want to go out, she just wants to stay at home with her sister, which isn't like her at all."

At the time, Miss Beet, Olivia and Millie were in the store with Millie's grandmother Dawn Mahoney, looking for a plug-in vaporiser to treat Millie's cold on Saturday at 3.30pm.

They were in the medicine isle, near to the shop door and were turning left into a different isle when Olivia screamed for her mum.

Miss Beet says she saw the man, who was wearing jeans and a grey polo-shirt, nudging her daughter towards the door.

She grabbed the terrified four-year-old and cried for help herself.

The man then ran out of the store and two men, who had been shopping there, chased after him but came back saying they thought he had ducked into another shop and could not find him.

Staff were alerted and Miss Beet explained what she thought happened to the manager before calling the police.

She has suffered sleepless nights ever since and is so scared, she did not want Olivia to be photographed.

"I saw him nudging her forward with his legs into her back," she said.

"I watched him do it once and then again, which is when she shouted and I pulled her from around him, back into the shop. I know he was trying to get her to the exit.

"Two men heard me scream and ran out of the shop after him, but I was in complete shock and so concerned about Olivia I didn't see where he went.

"I am convinced he was trying to get her out of the shop. If it was harmless why would he keep pushing her and then disappear when she shouted mummy?

"I can't sleep at night now, I just keep thinking about it and going over the what ifs."

Now, Miss Beet hopes other mums will be on their guard and the man will be caught.

She said: "I know it is going to be difficult to catch him but he has made Olivia scared and he needs to be caught.

"If he has done it once, what's to stop him doing it again? You hear about it happening but you never expect something like this to happen to you."

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "The report was about a man who allegedly pushed a four-year-old girl through the exit of the store.

"We are looking into the circumstances and the store's CCTV in an effort to ascertain whether the incident was suspicious and if there is any criminal intent."

The manager at Home Bargains, who did not want to be named, said: "We are aware of the situation and are helping the police with their enquiries. It is in their hands."

‘Stranger tried to snatch my child from Home Bargains in Hessle Road,’ says Hull mum

Organised criminal gangs send bike thefts soaring across Hull

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POLICE are battling a "concerning" rise in bike thefts in Hull, with organised criminal gangs behind many of the offences.

So far this year there have been 893 thefts of bikes. Officers say the worst-hit areas are the city centre, where 44 bikes were stolen last month, north Hull, where 22 were taken and the Avenues, which suffered 18 thefts.

Sergeant Russell Whittle, tasked with leading a crackdown on the offending, says the legacy of British cycling success in the 2012 London Olympics, coupled with Yorkshire hosting the Tour de France this summer, is providing a comfortable income for criminals.

He said: "It is concerning. More people are entering the sport.

"There are a lot more expensive cycles out there. We are seeing bikes worth £2,000-plus being stolen.

"Criminals are not daft. They can break into a house and walk away with perhaps fifty quid, but if they are caught they are looking at a custodial sentence.

"If they go out and steal a bike, the gain is going to be much more but they know the punishment is likely to be less severe. Realistically, they know they are unlikely to be given a custodial sentence."

Throughout the whole of last year, 1,073 cycles were stolen across Hull.

"It's clear from the latest figures that it is becoming more of a problem," said Sgt Whittle.

"If you look at the amount of cycles that have already been stolen this year, you get an idea of what the total is likely to look like come the end of the year."

While opportunist thieves are being blamed for part of the problem, Sgt Whittle revealed there is intelligence to suggest well organised gangs are operating across the city.

He said: "It seems to be an extremely well-organised operation.

"We believe bikes are being stolen, taken out of the city and then exchanged with other stolen bikes to avoid detection."

Sgt Whittle said in respect of this element of the problem, Humberside Police is working with colleagues in Lincolnshire, although he was unable to elaborate for operational reasons.

In Hull, Sgt Whittle said officers are taking a "proactive" approach, which includes uniformed and plain clothed officers patrolling hotspots on bikes.

Officers also plan to visit schools to give crime prevention tips, while electronic "matrix" signs, more often used to warn motorists of possible delays, will urge cyclists to beef up security.

Sgt Whittle believes owners also have an important role to play if they are to reduce the number of thefts.

He said: "If people choose to store their bikes in sheds and garages they should be appropriately locked and secured to a ground anchor.

"The question I ask people is this, 'Would you leave a diamond ring in your shed?' Yet we find people will happily leave a £2,000 bike in a shed."

Sgt Whittle said wider society, not just cyclists, will benefit from the crackdown.

"We know criminals use bikes as a means to escape from the police after committing burglary or vehicle crime," he said. "It can be very difficult for the police to catch someone on a bike."

Sgt Whittle wants the public to be their eyes and ears.

He said: "I would like information regarding people suspected of handling stolen bikes."

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Organised criminal gangs send bike thefts soaring across Hull

Hull 'tornado': More than 100 trees cleared away in 1,000-hour clean-up

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MORE than 100 fallen trees had to be cleared away as council workers spent a total of 1,000 hours cleaning up after last month's tornado in the city.

The twister ripped through streets in east Hull and Bilton on Sunday, August 10.

A mile-long path of destruction was left by the tornado, while heavy downpours led to treacherous driving conditions and flooding in other parts of East Yorkshire.

The tornado through Hopewell Road blew off tiles, pulled up trees and even destroyed cars.

At the time, Hull City Council said it would take a couple of weeks to clear up.

The council received its first report of trees falling down at 2pm that day, with the last reported almost three weeks later on Friday.

The tornado came down at the junction of Marfleet Lane and Hopewell Road, across to Staveley Road and Barham Road, and was about half a mile wide.

A "full tree gang team" was assigned to the area immediately and worked until late in the evening, making sites safe, concentrating on property and vehicle damage.

The tree gang had full kit including chippers, chainsaws, tractor and trailers, JCBs and skip wagons.

More than 100 trees and branches were cleared.

For the first week, about 20 workers were involved in the clear-up, but this fell over the next couple of weeks to five staff.

More than 1,000 hours have been worked to clear the area.

Adam McArthur, assistant city manager for waste, cleansing, grounds and parks, said: "As soon as we were made aware of the mini-tornado on Sunday, August 10, a full tree gang team was immediately sent to the area and worked until late in the evening and was supplemented with a further two crews in that week making trees and branches safe.

"The team did a fantastic job and their commitment and flexibility is commendable.

"To experience extreme weather like the mini-tornado tests our plans and how quickly we respond. I was pleased with how the operation went.

"We cleared more than 100 trees and branches and, in total, more than 1,000 hours of work undertaken, which shows the impact the mini-tornado had within a small area of the city."

Several council houses suffered minor damage to roofs and guttering, while one property had a tree leaning into it, again with minor damage to roof and guttering.

The call-out officer attended and repair orders were issued for the relatively small amount of repairs.

Meanwhile, an east Hull taxi driver was inches away from death after a tree branch smashed through his windscreen during the tornado.

Russell Ramsbottom, 34, was travelling along Main Road, Bilton, when the tree fell on to his car.

The branch crashed through the windscreen and missed Mr Ramsbottom's head by about 4in.

He was the second 706 Taxis driver to suffer a near miss after the dramatic twister.

June Stephenson, 57, was sitting in a 706 taxi in Hopewell Road when a tree smashed through the window.

She had to be taken to hospital to be treated for cuts and bruises but the driver was unhurt.

Mr Ramsbottom suffered minor cuts from the shattered glass.

He said: "I still remember it all like it was yesterday.

"I still get nervous driving past trees when the wind is blowing.

"706 Taxis has given me a car to carry on my job as a taxi driver, but I am still trying to sort out with the insurance company whether my car can be fixed."

But Mr Ramsbottom says the area hit by the tornado has recovered.

He said: "Everything is pretty much back to normal now.

"The council did a very good job of clearing up the area."

Hull 'tornado': More than 100 trees cleared away in 1,000-hour clean-up

Hull woman and her six-year-old granddaughter 'told to wait outside' in pouring rain for emergency dentist

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A HULL woman claims she and her six-year-old granddaughter were forced to wait in the pouring rain for an emergency NHS dental appointment.

Julie Dixon took her granddaughter Aleisha Mae to an emergency appointment at the Freetown Way Dental Practice last Saturday, after her face had swollen and she had been up all night with a bad toothache.

After calling emergency number 111, Miss Dixon, 46, was told to take Aleisha Mae to an emergency appointment at the Freetown Way centre at 1pm.

"I got there at 12.45pm and rang the bell and a woman on the speaker told me she was the only person working and we would have to wait outside," Miss Dixon said.

"It was chucking down with rain and Aleisha Mae was crying in pain.

"I told the woman this, but she told me it was their policy and we would have to wait outside."

Miss Dixon was eventually let into the practice, ten minutes later, soaking wet.

"The woman told me I needed to fill a form in for Aleisha Mae, which I did while I waited for my daughter, Kirstie, to arrive.

"When my daughter got there, I told her what had happened and she was furious."

Miss Dixon claims she was again forced to wait outside in the rain once her daughter arrived.

She said: "The woman in there told me the rules stated there was only one visitor per patient and that I would have to wait outside.

"The way I was spoken to was disgusting.

"I have arthritis in my neck and asthma. I should not have been made to wait outside in the rain."

Miss Dixon, of east Hull, says she feels let down by the way she was treated by NHS staff. She said: "I am so glad we got Aleisha Mae sorted as she was in a lot of pain, but the way I was treated was absolutely appalling.

"Surely, they could have let us wait inside.

"It wouldn't have been so bad if it was sunny but it was absolutely chucking it down."

The Mail contacted Freetown Way Dental Practice and was told an emergency dental service is held at the surgery as a separate NHS service on a weekend. The dentists and staff are different to those working at the NHS daytime practice.

A spokesman for NHS England in North Yorkshire and the Humber said: "It is important that we hear from people when they do not get the service they expect from us, so we can make improvements.

"We don't know all the details of this case, but we do take all complaints made by our patients very seriously and we would welcome the opportunity to look into the issue raised regarding the Emergency Dental Service."

Hull woman and her six-year-old granddaughter ‘told to wait outside’ in pouring rain for emergency dentist

Biker Thomas Aitchison caught doing 90mph in 60mph zone

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A BIKER was "over-eager on the throttle" when he was caught travelling at 90mph along the B1248 in Wetwang, a court heard.

Thomas Aitchison, 52, was tailed by an undercover police rider during Operation Archilles – a schemed designed to reduce the number of bikers being killed on East Riding roads – on May 5.

Prosecutor John Thirkettle told Hull Magistrates' Court: "Mr Aitchison was observed by the officer.

"Due to a the number of serious accidents involving motorcyclists, police are targeting those who ride at excessive speed."

Aitchison, of Wellington Street, west Hull, pleaded guilty to speeding in a 60mph zone.

Carl Codd, defending, said the manner of his client's riding was never called into question.

He said: "It was early in the riding season.

"He had been over-eager, shall we say, with the throttle.

"He had left Wetwang and was accelerating out of the village.

"The police officer did not take issue with the manner of Mr Aitchison's riding.

"When he came across other vehicles, he slowed down. He manoeuvered past them, giving them plenty of space.

"It was simply a case of excessive speed."

Mr Codd said his client chalked up, on average, 30,000 miles a year. Prior to the hearing, he had a clean driving licence.

Mr Codd said: "This indicates a careful driver."

Mr Codd asked the bench not to disqualify his client, because it would cause him exceptional hardship.

"As of Wednesday this week, there is a 30-day consultation in respect of Mr Aitchison's employment," said Mr Codd.

"He will need to reapply for a position. That requires him to have a driving licence.

"I hope, in the circumstances, having regard to the number of miles Mr Aitchison has travelled without picking up points, and the comments made by the officer that you will find disqualification will not be necessary."

Graham Barnett, chairman of the bench, told Aitchison: "We have taken everything into account and we are not going to disqualify you, but we are going to give you six penalty points.

"You were travelling well above the national speed limit."

Operation Achilles was launched in 2004 with the aim of catching speeding bikers at accident blackspots.

Last year the scheme was highly commended in the motorcycling category of the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in London.

Ruth Gore, of Safer Roads Humber, which runs the scheme and the region's network of mobile speed cameras, said: "We have issues in the East Riding around speeding motorcycles."

Although she took on board the officer's view that Aitchison's riding was not below standard, Ms Gore said his reaction time would have been compromised travelling at 90mph.

She said: "Travelling at such a high speed, Mr Aitchison would not have had much time to react to a situation."

Biker Thomas Aitchison caught doing 90mph in 60mph zone


Slipper checks after patient death and multiple falls at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill

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ONE patient has died from a fall and 240 others have fallen in one month at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.

Patients fell out of bed, from chairs, from commodes and after slipping on wet floors during June, the latest figures reveal.

Hospital bosses are launching an action plan this week to tackle the number of falls at both hospitals.

Nurse director Jo Ledger said: "When a patient comes into hospital, the last thing they or their relatives expect is to experience more harm or injury as a result.

"Some patient groups, such as the elderly, those with dementia or those with neurological conditions, are statistically more likely to experience falls, but this doesn't make it acceptable."

Falls among patients are the most commonly reported accidents at both hospitals and an investigation in under way into the death of the patient who died after a fall. Although 241 patients fell in June, the number has been declining since April.

Now, slippers worn by patients when they come into hospital will be checked for their suitability on hospital floors and people will be assessed shortly after arrival.

Patients at risk will be given a tailored care plan to check for eyesight problems, where they are placed on a ward, the positioning of their bed and the availability of any walking aids they may need if they are considered at risk of falling.

Ms Ledger, lead nurse for falls at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Inappropriate footwear, such as badly fitting slippers, is one of the most common reasons for slips and trips among older people in their own homes, so we also look at the footwear people come in with to see if it's appropriate and whether it can offer them the right level of safety and stability.

"If not, we will involve their relatives and request more suitable footwear be brought in, or in some cases, we can refer a patient for bespoke outdoor shoes if these are felt to be necessary.

"Even the kind of surfaces people have been used to walking on at home affect their likelihood of having a fall. If people have carpets at home, which offer a bit of resistance, but then come into hospital where we have smooth flooring, it can be hard to adjust."

From now, patients considered at a higher risk of falling will wear yellow bands to warn staff if they see them walking unaided that they may need help.

Ms Ledger said: "These are just simple yellow bracelets which act as a visible alert staff, so if they see a patient wearing one who is up and about, they are likely to need urgent attention or assistance."

Nurses will also walk the wards at regular intervals throughout the day to identify any potential hazards and address any concerns from patients.

Ms Ledger said extended visiting hours had already played a part in reducing falls on wards treating elderly patients.

She said: "Not only does this mean patients can spend more time with their loved ones, but Wards 8 and 80 are proof that by extending visiting hours across the day, the number of falls can also be reduced as more patients are under the direct care of their loved ones.

"Relatives are able to help patients with some of the simple things, such as moving from the bed to a chair or reaching for a glass of water, which you or I might take for granted but which, without assistance, could result in a fall for an elderly person.

"Coupled with other simple yet effective initiatives, such as high-visibility zones on wards where vulnerable patients are more easily observed and daily patient safety briefings, we are hoping to bring down the number of slips, trips and falls."

Slipper checks after patient death and multiple falls at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill

'We will improve': Thomas Ferens Academy parents reassured after resignation of principal Juliet Strang

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PARENTS are being reassured quick and decisive action is being taken to turn around the fortunes of a city academy after its principal resigned.

Juliet Strang quit her role at Thomas Ferens Academy last week after a second set of woeful GCSE results.

Just 20 per cent of pupils at the academy gained the gold standard of five A* to C grades including English and maths – the same as last year.

The results were 12 per cent lower than those of Sir Henry Cooper, where the majority of the pupils came from when the academy opened just two years ago.

Now, parents are being reassured the focus is on rapid improvement.

Dr Richard Heseltine, chair of governors at Thomas Ferens Academy, said: "As soon as Juliet Strang resigned, we were very clear that we didn't just want to tread water until we appointed another principal.

"We were really clear that we wanted to make rapid progress and we want to use this time to do just that – move as fast as we can."

Mr Heseltine said he contacted Dr Cathy Taylor, principal at Sirius, after Ms Strang's resignation.

But he said it had been in his mind to work with another school even before her departure.

He said: "As soon as Juliet Strang resigned it very quickly came to the front of our minds.

"Sirius Academy has expertise and additional resources that we think we need.

"There is no specific timescale for the partnership, we are focusing on the immediate future.

"My focus is now until Christmas to get as much done as possible.

"We are asking all the staff to really have that focus.

"There's the need to focus on the fundamentals here in the academy.

"It's about learning, teaching and behaviour, and giving all the staff clarity, focus and the consistency they need to take things forward."

Andy Dulson, an assistant vice- principal at Sirius Academy, will take up the interim principal role.

Ms Taylor said: "As we said at the time when we achieved Ofsted outstanding, we see it as a gateway to continue to raise standards and this is an opportunity of raising standards not just at Sirius, but also for pupils in north Hull."

Ms Taylor and other members of her leadership team will also support the senior team at Thomas Ferens.

Staff from Sirius will also work within the north Hull academy offering support.

Mr Dulson has already begun at the academy and will speak to pupils a year group at a time when they return on Monday.

He will tell them what the expectations are for them as well as the academy's priorities.

Ms Taylor said: "We have a relatively large team at Sirius and having spoken with Mr Heseltine we identified the academy needed a strong leader who is going to provide strategic direction for the academy.

"Andy Dulson has been on the journey from developing certain areas to being judged outstanding by Ofsted and I have every confidence he will do a superb job."

Mr Dulson has been with Sirius Academy from day one.

He said: "I have experienced the full journey.

"One of the first things I want to do is to create a climate and environment where children have belief in themselves and that students believe they can achieve and succeed. We then need to ensure there is rapid progress in the next couple of months."

Mr Dulson said pupils will have a more tailored curriculum for their needs and additional support.

With tough times ahead, it will not be plain sailing for the academy, but Mr Dulson says its a role he is relishing.

He said: "I had no hesitation whatsoever in taking up this challenge.

"Based on the principle that we have experienced the journey in west Hull, we genuinely want to support pupils in the north of Hull and do what is best for the children in this city."

Parents were told of Ms Strang's resignation by letter last week, ahead of the new term.

They are now being invited to a meeting at the Hall Road academy on September 11, where they can ask questions about any concerns they have.

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'We will improve': Thomas Ferens Academy parents reassured after resignation of principal Juliet Strang

Hull court listings: Find out who has been sentenced (September 3, 2014)

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An update of people convicted and sentenced in the courts in Hull and the East Riding.Martin Trory, 40, of no fixed abode, was conditionally discharged for 12 months for using threatening words or behaviour. He must pay a £15 victim surcharge.Karina Turner, 43, of Ernests Avenue, Holland Avenue, east Hull, east Hull, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for being drunk and disorderly. She must pay a £15 victim surcharge.Michael Zriny, 44, of Melrose Street, west Hull, was fined £110 and banned from driving for 18 months for drink-driving. He was fined a further £110 for driving without insurance. Zriny must pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.John Osborne, 43, of Denaby Court, east Hull, was jailed for 38 weeks for stealing £60 of confectionery bars from Poundland on two separate occasions, and attempting to steal bedding worth £42.98 from Home Bargains.John Wilson, 38, of Alliance Avenue, west Hull, was jailed for 18 weeks for stealing £95 of coffee, three jars of Nescafe Gold Blend, worth £19.08, and £65 of meat from Sainsbury's.Louis Bateson, 20, of Barnsley Buildings, Nornabell Street, east Hull, was fined £100 for failing to comply with the sex offenders register by not informing police of a change of address. He must pay £50 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.Eamonn Bailey, 29, of Estcourt Street, east Hull, was jailed for 24 weeks for stealing £20 of cheese and £32.50 of wash gel from Sainsbury's, causing £80 of damage to a cell door belonging to Humberside Police, and stealing two packs of cooked meat, worth £4, from a newsagents.Jack Carling, 20, of West Park, west Hull, received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for using threatening words or behaviour to staff. Carling put his victims in real fear of violence. He must pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.Alhagi Mbenga, 38, of Melville Street, west Hull, was conditionally discharged for 12 months for using threatening words or behaviour. He must pay a £15 victim surcharge.

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Hull court listings: Find out who has been sentenced (September 3, 2014)

Work to start on Hull £14m @TheDock digital hub which will transform Fruit market

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WORK to create a £14m office development that could transform the Humber's digital economy is set to get under way in the next month.

Branded @TheDock, the 84,000sq ft scheme is being developed by Wykeland Group on land next to the old dry dock near Hull's Fruit Market.

Its centrepiece will be the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI), a 21,000sq ft building aimed at technology start-ups and existing digital firms, and equipped with KC Lightstream connectivity.

Construction is due to begin in October and once the development is completed, it will sit alongside more than 60,000sq ft of high-end office space, opposite The Deep and with views across the Humber estuary.

Wykeland development director Stephen Hudson said: "@TheDock is one of the most important development projects going on anywhere in the North.

"No other building will have such a transformative effect on its environment as @TheDock will.

"It will play a major role in transforming the digital economy of the Humber region over the coming years, which is one of the foremost growth areas, and will play an equally major role in helping physically transform the Fruit Market area of Hull."

Demolition at the site is now nearly finished and flood defence work will begin next week.

As well as transforming the once-derelict area into a thriving business hub, the scheme also aims to foster growth in Hull's developing IT sector.

Mr Hudson said: "For us to have reached this stage is incredibly exciting.

"With the site now almost clear, we can prepare to get under way with the construction phase and see all the hard work and planning that has gone into it become a reality."

The Fruit Market also has a growing cultural role in city life.

It hosts the Humber Street Sesh music festival and several art and music businesses are based nearby.

Part of the old dry dock will be converted into an open-air amphitheatre, creating a new public area for outdoor music events and other artistic performances.

C4DI co-founder Jon Moss said @TheDock would create a fantastic venue in which to work.

He said: "It is integral to the business community in the Humber region that there is a strong digital offering and @TheDock is where that will be focused.

"The @TheDock scheme will create a community of like-minded people, some in the digital sector and some outside of it, who can share knowledge and help each other grow, and by doing that, help grow the economy of the entire region."

Mr Moss believes the development will also complement other work going on to revamp the Fruit Market.

He thinks the area can become a key selling point for those seeking to attract investment in the city.

He said: "The Fruit Market is destined to become the digital, cultural and creative centre of Hull and will be a hive of activity running up to 2017 and beyond. With water on three sides, spectacular views and the best available office space in the region, @TheDock will form an integral part of that and we're delighted to see work get under way."

Office space at the development is available through East Yorkshire agent PPH Commercial.

The firm, which has a long association with Wykeland, expects it to be extremely popular.

Director Ben Medhurst said it was likely to become one of the region's most prestigious business addresses.

He said: "@TheDock will be one of the most technologically advanced office developments anywhere in Yorkshire.

"We expect space to be snapped up very quickly as it will undoubtedly be some of the most sought-after office space in the region."

C4DI is already based nearby in Queen Street. The organisation has only been running since last year but is a key part of Hull's technology infrastructure.

Its present office, C4DI Beta, was intended to show what could be achieved when the full-scale site came into being.

The current building features 35 desk spaces available for members to share at different times, as well as a communal break-out area.

When @The Dock is finished, it is expected to house about 450 people.

The road to construction has been a rocky one.

It was almost scuppered by a derelict stable block.

The development had been recommended for refusal by council planning officers, who felt the 19th-century building should stay.

But the project was unanimously approved by councillors last September.

At the time, Councillor Terry Keal said: "I do believe we can develop this area into something really special."

To find out more about available office space, call Nick Pearce on 01482 648888 or follow @TheDockHull on twitter.

Work to start on Hull £14m @TheDock digital hub which will transform Fruit market

West End star Charlotte Riby returns to North Ferriby for wedding to Ivan De Freitas

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SHE has toured the country and found fame appearing in the West End production of Billy Elliott.

Now, former South Hunsley School pupil Charlotte Riby will return to her North Ferriby roots to marry director and choreographer-to-the-stars Ivan De Freitas.

The couple, who met while performing at neighbouring theatres in London's West End, will marry at All Saints Parish Church in North Ferriby on Friday.

Charlotte, who currently stars as dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliott, said: "I'm so happy to be getting married in North Ferriby – it is where my life started.

"I'm really excited to have all our friends from London come up to East Yorkshire and see my home.

"There is nowhere I feel happier than being back here."

Ivan, who is currently working alongside choreographer Karen Bruce on BBC One prime-time programme Tumble, proposed to Charlotte while they were on holiday in Prague in October last year.

The couple have been together for three-and-a-half years and live in south London.

"We actually met at a charity event called West End Bares," Charlotte said.

"Ivan was starring as Willie Lopez in Ghost at the Piccadilly Theatre, and I was performing in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert at the Palace Theatre – strangely enough, both theatres are very close to one another.

"We started chatting and would then go out every Thursday for our date night."

Charlotte attended Skelton Hooper School of Dance and Theatre in Hull until she was 16, before moving to London to attend the Laine Theatre Arts college in Epsom, where she trained for three years.

Her breakthrough role came when she landed the star role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.

Charlotte is currently staring in Billy Elliott at the Victoria Palace Theatre until May.

"It is such a wonderful show to be a part of," Charlotte said.

"It's been running for ten years now and just about to go live in cinemas for one night only on September 28, which is very exciting.

"I am very lucky to be where I am today – I am living my dream.

"Right from being tiny, all I have ever wanted to do is perform on stage."

The couple will marry at 1pm, before celebrating with friends and family at a reception at Rascal Wood in Holme-on- Spalding Moor.

West End star Charlotte Riby returns to North Ferriby for wedding to Ivan De Freitas

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