Shark cull fury fuels passionate protest

Thousands of protestors gathered at Cottesloe Beach to voice their objection to the State Government's shark cull policy. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: News Limited

PROTESTERS vow that yesterday's passionate rally at Cottesloe is just the starting gun on their campaign to scrap the Barnett Government's shark catch and kill policy.

And as the Greens said their lawyers were exploring a legal challenge, acting Premier Kim Hames said the Government was unmoved by the furore and would press ahead with the plan to place 72 baited hooks off beaches from Friday.

Speaking after 4500 protesters gathered on WA's most iconic beach, Dr Hames said there would be a bigger public outcry if anyone sabotaged the drum lines.

"What . . . if someone gets taken on the Rottnest Island swim for example, or a child at Scarborough Beach? Where will their protest be then?'' he said.

Meanwhile, the Greens said their lawyers were investigating the legality of killing protected shark species.

They are also looking into so-called "irregularities" in the tender to maintain the shark drum lines, which will be deployed 1km off beaches in Perth and the South-West.

Great white, tiger and bull sharks will be shot and discarded at sea, most likely in waters past Rottnest Island. A contract to patrol the lines will be awarded to commercial fishers late this week.

Protesters said the turnout at Cottesloe indicated the level of opposition to the policy, which was announced after the death of surfer Chris Boyd near Gracetown in November.

Sea Shepherd Australia director Jeff Hansen said: "Western Australians have spoken. It's the biggest rally I think we've ever seen in WA - and it's for sharks. People are educated and they understand the importance that sharks play in our oceans.

Anti-shark cull protesters were out in force at Cottesloe Beach. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Limited

"Save Our Sharks", "Cull Pollies Not Sharks" and "Stop Cullin Barnett" were among the banners held aloft as the crowd chanted: "Two, four, six, eight - we don't want your bloody bait".

Ben Taylor performed a welcome to country ceremony and told the crowd that great white sharks were part of his culture.

"Colin Barnett should hang his head in shame for what he is doing. We must all stand together against this," he said.

Organiser Natalie Banks, a scuba diving instructor, invited the protesters to turn and bow to the Indian Ocean. She vowed to continue the fight and is planning a second rally for February 1.

Simultaneous protests were yesterday also held in Bunbury, Broome and the eastern states. Ms Banks estimated more than 4500 were at ¬Cottesloe.

Surfer Cody Robinson, 18, of Port Kennedy, was among them and said: "I have told my family that if I get eaten by a shark I don't want any harm to come to it because I was fully aware of the risks when I went in the water."

Mother-of-two Kellie Pearse, 30, of Clarkson, added: "There is no science behind this decision. I don't go out too far in the water because I'm scared of sharks, but I don't want to see them being killed."

Other beachgoers, however, backed the State Government's new stance.

Gerald Simenson, 79, who has swum at Cottesloe beach since he was four years old, said: "If sharks come within 1km of the shore they should be destroyed. I am for survival, I want to live and I want to enjoy the ocean."

Thousands of protestors gathered at Cottesloe Beach to voice their objection to the State Government's shark cull policy. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Mosman Park agricultural banker Crawford Taylor, 46, added: "If this helps to keep people confident in the safety of beaches then I am for it until we get more information.

"If you are in government, you are damned if you do and damned if you don't in terms of trying to protect the public at beaches."

The Greens' Lyn MacLaren said her party was pursuing legal avenues to stop the "illegal" killing of great white sharks.

"Whether it's an injunction or something taken up in the federal parliament, we don't know that yet," the member for the South Metropolitan Region said.

Dr Hames said drum lines had been used in Queensland for 10 years and the hooks used off WA would be bigger to ¬reduce the risk of bycatch.

Ross Weir, founder of Western Australians for Shark Conservation, urged boaters to document evidence of dead sharks and bycatch, which he suggested could include smaller sharks, turtles and dolphins.

Labor's fisheries spokesman Dave Kelly spoke against the "indiscriminate killing of sharks", but said legal options "were not immediately apparent".

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Women could vet 'boyfriend's' past

Young woman holding hand out in front of her body, suggesting stop. Source: News Limited

WOMEN will be able to check if a new boyfriend has a violent past under a scheme being considered by the WA Law Reform Commission.

The proposal is being looked at as part of a wider review of the state's domestic violence laws.

The idea for the public disclosure scheme is based on a similar initiative in the UK known as Clare's Law. After successful pilot programs in four major cities there, the law will be rolled out across the UK in March.

Anti-domestic violence campaigners in WA say the scheme - allowing police to disclose sensitive information - would help women who had concerns for their safety.

But the legal fraternity warns it could be abused.

The WA Law Reform Commission has invited submissions - which close at the end of this month - on the proposal despite having its own reservations.

In a discussion paper last month, the commission said any potential benefit needed to be considered in the context of "potential detriments" of other schemes, such as the public sex offender register that was launched in October 2012.

"There is a real risk that the disclosure process will provide a false sense of security to an applicant where there is no information to disclose," the paper said.

"In addition, disclosure of past history of family and domestic violence may carry with it a risk of its own if the person receiving the information decides to raise it with the perpetrator.

"Further problems may arise if information received is passed on to other persons."

In the UK, 386 people, mostly women, have made applications seeking information about their partners since the pilot programs were launched two years ago. Of those, 25 per cent were from a concerned third party such as a parent or guardian. From the 386, 111 applicants were successful.

The UK scheme also allows police and other agencies to disclose information to a person they know is at risk without that person needing to make an application.

In WA, the Women's Council for Family and Domestic Violence supports the introduction of the scheme in conjunction with other initiatives.

"There's an element of the UK model that will give greater access for victims in new relationships where they start to fear for their safety, where they can contact police and be given some sort of an idea if (the partner) has a violent history," chief executive Angela Hartwig said.

Shash Nigam from the Australian Lawyers Alliance said there could be some benefits from such a scheme, but was more concerned that it would be abused.

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Jail transfers halted as search goes on

Two prisoners who escaped at Geraldton Airport are violent and should not be approached, WA police say.

CORRECTIVE Services chief James McMahon yesterday cancelled all non-essential prison transfers in the wake of the shambolic escape of a notorious rapist allowed privileges at Christmas.

Commissioner McMahon also ordered a review of the prisoner transfer process, as the State Opposition called for a parliamentary inquiry into the debacle.

Cameron John Graham, 22, sentenced in November to 11 years jail for brutally raping a mother, escaped from custody after being flown from his Perth prison cell to Geraldton to be close to his family for Christmas.

He and another prisoner were still on the run last night.

CorrectIve Services Commissioner James McMahon faces the media today. Source: News Limited

Opposition spokesman for corrective services Paul Papalia said yesterday Labor would move a motion calling for the inquiry when State Parliament resumed next month.

Mr Papalia said it was "inconceivable" that one month after starting his jail term Graham would be transferred from a Perth prison - believed to be Hakea Prison - to Greenough Regional Prison to be closer to his family for Christmas.

Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis yesterday refused to front the media, leaving acting Premier Kim Hames and Mr McMahon to face a barrage of questions.

Mr McMahon said that as a result of the incident only prison transfers approved by him would go ahead.

Mr Papalia said Graham did not deserve the festive season perk.

He said the "risks were too high'' for Graham to be transferred to Greenough.

When Graham broke into the woman's home on January 15 last year, he threatened to murder her children.

He then forced her to undress before repeatedly raping his terrified victim in her walk-in-robe.

Afterwards he ordered her to drive to a nearby cash machine and withdraw $400.

The woman was so traumatised, she and her family have left Australia.

At sentencing, District Court judge Christopher Stevenson said Graham's offending was of "such gravity" it was difficult to finds words "as a human being to describe the nature and depravity of it".

But one month later, Graham was rewarded with a taxpayer-funded flight to see his family in Geraldton.

CCTV from BP Cue petrol station showing escapee Cameron John Graham wearing orange cap and dark T shirt with "LA" in large letters on the front. Source: Supplied

Kelden Edward Fraser, 23, who escaped from a prison van in Geraldton. Source: Supplied

Asked by the media yesterday why Mr Francis was missing in action, Dr Hames said: "I don't know where he is. He is not my responsibility.

"I don't know the circumstances behind Joe not being able to talk today. The Minister has a full understanding of the implications of his responsibilities as a Minister. It's up to him to make those decisions and up to the Premier to make judgments on whether those decisions are accurate or not.''

Mr Papalia said: "Corrective Services minister Joe Francis needs to provide the community a full explanation as to why this perk was allowed.

"This is a guy (Mr Francis) who chases publicity for self promotion and spin but is shy when there is an issue. I will be writing to the Minister and asking him for the specific process that occurs for transfers of prisoners for the sake of proximity of family. The process needs to be reviewed."

Mr Papalia said Serco, the private company responsible for prisoner transfer, should also be part of the inquiry.

"Serco has had a series of failures in the past few months,'' Mr Papalia said.

Mr McMahon said a detailed investigation was also being conducted by Serco.

Graham was being transferred back to Hakea on Friday when he kicked the door out of a prison van at Geraldton airport and stole a rental car at 1pm.

Kelden Edward Fraser, 23, on remand at Greenough for alleged armed robbery, also escaped.

The car allegedly stolen by the pair was found bogged 39km north of Mullewa.

Officers had resumed the search at first light after reports the escapees were seen refuelling at BP service station in Cue, 620km north east of Perth, about 8.30pm on Friday.

They were seen by police travelling along Great Northern Highway but disappeared 15km north of Mount Magnet.

About 2.30am, police spotted the car on the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Rd heading east. A car chase ensued but officers lost them.

Serco has been contacted for comment.

Anyone who sees the vehicle or either of the men should call police on 131 444.

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Suicide is WA's top teen killer

Dr Rosanna Capolingua. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

SUICIDE is now the most common cause of unexpected death among WA teenagers.

The revelation contained in a new report has already triggered a major investigation into youth suicide by the WA Ombudsman, The Sunday Times can reveal.

Eminent health experts say the fact that suicide now outranks car crashes and illness as the leading cause of sudden death among 13 to 17-year-olds was a cause for alarm.

Child death review data shows 39 per cent of youths from this age bracket who died suddenly between July 2009 and June 2013 took their own lives. This compares with 29 per cent from car crashes and 14 per cent from medical conditions.

"The Ombudsman (has) decided to undertake a major own-motion investigation into youth suicide," a spokeswoman for Ombudsman Chris Field said on Friday.

Responsibility for child death reviews was transferred to the WA Ombudsman in 2009. The state coroner is required by law to notify the Ombudsman of any unnatural, unexpected or violent deaths of children.

Of the 123 child death notifications for teenagers received by the Ombudsman since 2009, 48 involved children taking their own lives, including one child aged 13 and 18 children aged 14 or 15. Almost two-thirds were from the Perth metro area. One-third were Aboriginal.

Rosanna Capolingua, chair of the Governing Council for Child and Adolescent Health in WA, said she feared statistics for the second half of 2013 would be even worse.

"Something significant is happening to kids in that age group in WA and maybe across Australia for them to take their lives and we know that social media plays a big role in this," she said.

"I think parents are aware, doctors are aware, but sometimes we don't know what to do. As well as the bullying, social media encouraged children to dwell on negative emotions, such as pain and suffering. Suicide is heralded as a wonderful thing (on social media)."

She said early intervention was needed and we needed to "bust the myth" that talking about suicide would make the problem worse.

Michael Gannon, the AMA WA vice president. Source: News Limited

Australian Medical Association WA vice-president Michael Gannon said WA's mental health system was "collapsing."

"In the whole state we have got eight (mental health) beds available at PMH and another 12 beds available at Bentley and that's all we've got for adolescent patients," he said.

"Not only is there a reasonable amount of evidence that life just gets more stressful as every generation goes on and more difficult, these are also young people who unfortunately are increasingly exposed to illegal drugs which are extremely powerful in their effect on the brain and there is a higher rate of mental illness in people who are using illicit drugs."

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the causes were complex.

"We are working to ensure young people can access a dedicated youth-friendly stream of care and not fall in the gap between child and adolescent services and the adult system," she said.

Opposition Health Spokesman Roger Cook said he was "alarmed" by the figures, while Lifeline WA chief executive Fiona Kalaf said "families were often unsure about how to navigate the maze of mental health services."

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24-hour telephone service) crisischat.lifelinewa.org.au (online chat service)

Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 (24-hour telephone service) www.kidshelp.com.au

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The gender gap that's killing men

A SPECTACULAR gender gap has resulted in men's health problems being allocated a quarter of the funding women's health research gets, ranked just ahead of parasitic infections.

This is even though men die four and a half years earlier than women, and are 60 per cent more likely to die from cancer.

It is one reason there is still no reliable test to detect aggressive forms of prostate cancer, a bigger killer than breast cancer.

Men's health ranked 36th for federal government health research funding in 2012, behind sexually transmitted infections and just ahead of parasitic infections, an exclusive analysis by News Corp Australia shows.

Since 2003 women's health research received more than $833 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council compared to less than $200 million for men.

Breast cancer received $60 million more than prostate cancer and ovarian cancer $64 million more than testicular cancer.

The smaller funding for men's health research is a paradox given their average life expectancy is just 79.7 compared to 84.2 for women.

And the fact that one in two Australian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 compared to only 1 in 3 Australian women.

Prostate Cancer Foundation chief Dr Anthony Lowe says "it is unexpected for men to find themselves in this position" and he says men's failure to seek healthcare for themselves is partly to blame.

"We know men are much worse at health seeking behaviour and have worse health outcomes," he said.

NRL identity Darryl Brohman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 and is concerned about the lack of knowledge of this cancer that impacts the lives of 1 in 7 men.

Men need to be more aware of health issues ... NRL and media personality Darryl Brohman believes there's a lack of knowledge out there. Source: News Limited

"I do think men need to be more aware," said Mr Broman.

"It is something that you would never know you had if you didn't get checked. A simple blood test could save your life. It did for me."

Legendary broadcaster Alan Jones, who has suffered from prostate cancer and melanoma, said men were their own worst enemies when it came to generating awareness and funding for male-specific cancers.

"Women tend to be braver and tougher - they have talked about their experiences and so people feel more comfortable addressing breast cancer and cervical cancer," Mr Jones told News Corp Australia yesterday.

Mr Jones said he had many prominent CEOs and political figures who had told him of their private struggles with cancer but were terrified of the news going public because "they were worried the share price of their company would go down" or "they wouldn't be able to stand for a leadership position".

Radio personality ... Alan Jones says men can be their worst enemies at times. Source: News Limited

Jones said cancer struck all genders and age groups and so more research funding should be directed at the overall causes of cancer.

"We've got to see if there is something common to all forms of cancers, regardless of if it is a female cancer or a male cancer," he said.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is now trying to attract more researchers into men's health and says fund raising campaigns like Movember are helping.

Dayne Hudson and Johnny Crotti have been bringing awareness to the lack of men's health funding. Picture: Jeremy Piper Source: Supplied

Greg Andresen from Men's Health Australia says health research funding shouldn't be a competition between the sexes but he admits men's health advocacy is decades behind women's.

A longitudinal study on women's health has been underway for almost two decades but Australia only got its first men's health policy in 2008 and the Ten to Men longitudinal study into men's health only began in 2011.

The NHMRC says the main primary reason for the difference in funding between women's and men's health relates to the types of applications it receives.

There were twice as many applications to the NHMRC for breast cancer as for prostate cancer and five times more for ovarian cancer than testicular cancer in the decade 2003-2013, an NHMRC spokesman said.

Ben Peacock was diagnosed with testicular cancer eight years ago at the age of 33.

"I thought it was an old man's disease," Mr Peacock said. "But then I found out it was the second biggest killer of young men and more common than I thought."

Caught unaware ... Ben Peacock was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Source: News Limited

Before being diagnosed, he was completely unaware of testicular cancer.

"I found out about the disease and survival rates along the way," he said.

Today he is an author, co-founder of sustainability communications company Republic of Everyone, co-creator of the multi-award winning Garage Sale Trail, a husband and a father.

"My battle has taught me about myself and what it means to be a man. I would have been dead five years ago if I hadn't done anything about it."

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Convicted rapist among two prison escapees

TWO prisoners are on the run after escaping from the back of a security van at Geraldton Airport today.

Cameron John Graham, 22, and Kelden Edward Fraser, 23, escaped from the security van at Geraldton Airport about 1pm while being transferred to Perth.

The men are believed to be travelling in a silver or grey Toyota Kluger, registration number 1DGZ 627, stolen from the airport.

The men are considered violent and should not be approached.

Fraser is 180cm tall, and also has a dark complexion, a medium build, brown eyes and black hair.

Kelden Edward Fraser, 23, who escaped from a prison van in Geraldton. Source: Supplied

Graham is described as 170cm tall, has a dark complexion, a medium build, brown eyes and short brown hair.

He was sentenced to 11 years jail over a terrifying home invasion in Beeliar last year during which he raped a woman as her children slept nearby.

Graham repeatedly raped the woman in her home before forcing her to withdraw cash at an ATM.

Graham had just been released from prison several weeks before the incident.

He was on a three day drug bender when he broke into the woman's home.

After confronting the woman in her bedroom, Graham told her that her children, who were sleeping downstairs, would die if she did not comply.

He then forced her to undress before repeatedly raping her.

Graham then ordered the distraught woman to drive him to a nearby cash machine, where she withdrew $400.

In handing down the 11 year jail term District Court Judge Stevenson said: "The offending is of such gravity it is difficult to find words as a human being to describe the nature and depravity of it."

Graham was ordered to serve at least nine years in prison before being considered for parole.

Both were last seen wearing prison greens.

Anyone who sees the vehicle or either of the men should call police on 131 444.

Cameron John Graham, 22, who escaped from a prison van in Geraldton. Source: Supplied

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Violent drunken brawl erupts on Tube

Crowds chant and yell as a dramatic fight breaks out on the tube in London on NYE.

VIDEO footage revealing how a drunken brawl erupted on London's famous Tube train has emerged, which led to numerous arrests on New Year's Eve.

Five French men were arrested after the fight at Old Street station on the Northern Line unfolded.

A short video, which was made up of Vine videos posted online, reveals how the massive brawl began in the doorway of a rail carriage.

Brawl erupts on the London Tube. Source: Supplied

A red-headed girl in a white coat is seen standing in the carriage and shouts for someone to call the police before she falls into the side of it.

Two groups are seen arguing, sparking a wall of others outside the carriage to shout, jump and wave their arms in the air.

The brawl continued on the inside and outside of the train carriage. Source: Supplied

Some men can be heard yelling "fight, fight" before clapping and cheering as people inside continue to fight.

The brawl ends after a man leaves the train door carriage.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "Five male French nationals aged between 20 and 26 have been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed ... pending further inquiries."

The brawl starts to end after a man exits the train carriage (far left). Source: Supplied

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Olympics spark outer terror games

Russia has stepped-up security following several bombings that killed dozens of people across the country.

ATHLETES preparing to travel to Sochi in Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games next month should be in no doubt about the fanatical commitment that Chechen Islamic terrorists have to their cause.

Under the leadership of Russia's most wanted man, Doku Umarov, former president of the self-proclaimed separatist Chechen Republic of Ichkeria with a $5 million bounty on his head, Chechen rebels have wreaked havoc across Russia since the military launched a full-scale war against their forces in 1994.

Volunteers carry an injured victim after special forces stormed a school seized by Chechen separatists on September 3, 2004 in the town of Beslan, Russia. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Since then hundreds of innocent civilians have been murdered, from Moscow to Beslan and Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad). The terrorists favour suicide bombs, car bombs and bus bombs, but their most appalling act of all was the September 2004 siege of a school in Beslan that left 350 people dead - including 200 children. In 2002 Chechen rebels seized a theatre in Moscow that left 40 rebels and 130 civilians dead.

The Chechen disease even spread to the United States during 2013 when Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev planted bombs near the finish line of the Boston marathon killing three and injuring more than 200.

Indeed Chechen fighters have been found almost anywhere there is an Islamic extremist group operating, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty in the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured more than 260 others. His brother died following a shootout with police. Picture: AP Source: AP

And Australian troops have killed Chechen fighters in Afghanistan, potentially making sporting events here, such as the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, terrorist targets.

The group's most recent attacks (a female suicide bomber at a train station and a male suicide bomber on a trolley bus) in Volgograd, 900km north of Sochi, last month left more than 30 civilians dead and provided a chilling warning to athletes and others going to the games.

The wreckage of a trolleybus following a suicide attack that destroyed the packed trolleybus killing 14 people in the southern Russian city of Volgograd. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Umarov, who has been declared dead several times by Russian authorities, has labelled the Olympics the "satanic games,'' and he has urged his followers to attack the infidels.

"They plan to hold the Olympics on the bones of our ancestors, on the bones of many, many dead Muslims buried on our land by the Black Sea. We as mujahideen [soldiers of God] are required not to allow that, using any methods that Allah allows us," he said in a video translated by Canadian intelligence.

Umarov, 49, leads an armed Islamist group known as Imirat Kavkaz (IK) that has been fighting to impose Islamic rule in the mountainous North Caucuses region that borders Sochi and houses several Islamic republics.

Doku Umarov, the leader of the Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus, who claimed responsibility for the March 29, 2010 metro bombings in Moscow in a Russian-language video released in 2010. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

As athletes from around the globe prepare to travel to the Black Sea venue about 850km west of Chechnya, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been busy assuring the Olympic Committee and foreign governments that his security forces can protect the thousands of foreigners who will take up residence in Sochi for the games.

The Russians will establish a 100km by 40km security zone around the city for the duration of the games and the security force will number 40,000 personnel.

Australian snow boarder and gold medal contender Torah Bright has said she will not compete if the attacks escalate and others would surely follow her lead.

Torah Bright of Australia won Gold for the Ladies Halfpipe at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Australian Olympic Committee chairman John Coates has assured athletes that the games will be secure and he has already warned athletes against venturing outside the fortified zones. Coates has also told them to leave Russia as soon as the games are over.

Terrorism expert from Sydney's Macquarie University Clive Williams said he would advise anyone not travelling to Sochi in an official capacity to stay at home and watch the games on TV. He said the athletes and officials should be quite safe due to the intense security effort, but those outside the tent were at risk.

Pierre Boda has a place in the Australian team to compete at the 2014 Wnter Olympics in Sochi. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Limited

Professor Williams said he doubted that rebels would target the games security zone, but with 40,000 security personnel in Sochi there were bound the be weaknesses elsewhere in Russia.

"They will continue to go for `soft' targets so travelling on the trains or by roads could be a big problem," he said.

Former test cricketer Geoff Lawson was coach of the Pakistan national team during 2007 and 2008 when the country was boycotted due to the threat from Islamic extremists. Australia has not played there since 1998 and in 2002 a bomb killed 14 people outside the New Zealand team's hotel in Karachi.

During Mr Lawson's time at the helm the Champions Trophy and an Australian tour were cancelled after personal pleas by the former fast bowler to both Australian and Kiwi players fell on deaf ears.

In March 2009 the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by heavily armed gunmen in Lawson's former home town of Lahore just two months after he finished with the team.

He said he always felt perfectly safe in Pakistan despite the odd bombing.

"Driving on the roads was much more dangerous," Mr Lawson said.

His advice to winter Olympians and others travelling to Sochi was to go to as many sources as possible for security information and advice.

"Don't rely on the media or foreign affairs speak to someone who has lived there or trained there," he said.

TERRORISM AND SPORT

* 1972 - Palestinian terrorists slaughtered 11 Israeli athletes and a German policeman in Munich

* 1996 a former soldier plants a bomb at the Atlanta Games village killing two and injuring 120

* 2002 - 14 people killed by suicide bomber outside New Zealand cricket team's hotel in Karachi Pakistan

* 2002 - Car bomb planted by terrorist group ETA explodes near Madrid's Bernabau football stadium

* 2009 - Sri Lankan cricket team bus attacked by gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan eight dead six injured

* 2013 - Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev plant pressure cooker bombs near finish line of Boston marathon, three dead 264 injured.

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Mourners pay tribute to alleged punch victim

Irishman Thomas Keaney, who died after an alleged punch attack in Northbridge. Source: Supplied

MOURNERS at a Perth mass tonight held in memory of Irishman Thomas Keaney, who died after an alleged assault in Northbridge, have prayed for an end to street violence.

Family, friends and mourners gathered at St Joseph's Church in Subiaco to pay tribute to the 23-year-old barman.

Mr Keaney's life support was switched off on Saturday, 11 days after he was allegedly punched outside a kebab shop and hit his head on the road. The heartbreaking decision was made by Mr Keaney's parents, who flew to Perth from Ireland to be at his bedside.

His parents Tom and Ann Keaney were at tonight's service and conveyed their sincere gratitude to the people of WA through priest Father Joseph Walsh.

Mr Keaney, who is originally from County Galway, had been in Australia for just over year and was working at The Cure Tavern in Northbridge.

The church service was streamed live online so Mr Keaney's siblings and extended family and friends in Ireland and Chicago could witness the memorial.

Fr Walsh said Mr Keaney's death was a "horrendous tragedy" at such a Christian time of year and called for an end to street violence. He said everyone should find comfort in Mr Keaney's strong faith.

"One thing is absolutely certain - none of us want to be here. But we are here in numbers to celebrate the short, 23 years of Thomas' life," he said.

Fr Walsh said while Mr Keaney's family had suffered anger, hurt and disappointment over their senseless loss, they had also experienced extraordinary hospitality, warmth and support from their surrogate "Australian family".

He said Mr Keaney's parents wanted to thank everyone for their help during this awful time, including the Australian embassy, police, hospital staff, the Claddagh Association and those who had befriended Mr Keaney during his time in Australia, many of whom were at the hospital "every day and night".

The priest invited Mr Keaney's parents back to WA this time next year to "see us as we are" and said they had left a lasting legacy by graciously donating their son's organs.

The Claddagh Association, which assists Irish people during times of crisis throughout WA, is supporting the Keaney family.

"The Irish community have once again rallied around to provide that much needed support during this time of crisis for Thomas's family and friends," the association said in a message on Facebook.

"Our thoughts are with the family here and in Ireland, it is our wish that the outpouring of grief from the Irish in Perth is reflected in coming together to bid farewell to Thomas on his final journey home."

It is understood Mr Keaney's parents will fly home to Ireland at the weekend.

A fundraising event was held in Perth on New Year's Eve, with collection buckets placed in several well-known Irish venues.

Donations to the Keaney family can be made by visiting http://www.claddagh.org.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/Thethomasfund

A 22-year-old Girrawheen man has been charged over Mr Keaney's death and will reappear in court later this month.

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Clarke's injury a bizarre blow

Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke has injuring his knee while on his Christmas break. Source: News Limited

FREMANTLE has suffered a bizarre injury blow, with ruckman Zac Clarke injuring his knee while on his Christmas break.

The Dockers expect Clarke, 23, to miss up to eight weeks of training after damaging his right posterior cruciate ligament at a concert in Victoria.

Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said Clarke was not expected to need surgery.

Clarke is likely to miss Fremantle's pre-season matches against West Coast on February 18 and the Western Bulldogs on February 26.

Given his limited preparation, the Grand Final ruckman could struggle to force his way into the side for the Dockers' Round 1 showdown against Collingwood on March 14.

Fellow ruckman Jon Griffin is also eyeing a return from his own knee injury.

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Passengers rescued from trapped ship

Professor Chris Turney, his crew and passengers on the Akademik Shokalskiy are finally rescued by helicopter after a tense wait in the Antarctic. Courtesy Chris Turney/YouTube/Vine.

ALL 52 passengers have been airlifted from a Russian research vessel icebound in Antarctica and are safe on board an Australian supply ship, rescuers said.

"Aurora Australis has advised AMSA that the 52 passengers from the Akademik Shokalskiy are now on board," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said.

Passengers were flown to the Australian ship in groups of 12 by a helicopter from a Chinese icebreaker.

The Akademik Shokalsky has been stuck in ice since December 24 100 nautical miles east of the French base Dumont d'Urville, with several icebreaking attempts failing to reach it.

After a number of false starts a helicopter evacuation of the research vessel's passengers began on Thursday evening, with official confirmation that it was underway reaching AMSA at 6.15pm AEDT.

Help from above... A helicopter from the nearby Chinese icebreaker Xue Long picking up the first batch of passengers from the stranded Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The Australian agency, which is coordinating the rescue mission, reported all passengers were safey on board the Aurora Australis - an Australian government supply ship - at 10.15pm, some four hours later.

Passengers were airlifted from a makeshift landing pad on the ice beside the Russian ship to an ice floe near the Australis.

Expedition leader Professor Chris Turney expressed relief that the wait was finally over.

"We've made it to the Aurora Australis safe and sound. A huge thanks to the Chinese and the (government's) Australian Antarctic Division for all their hard work," Prof Turney tweeted.

Rescue mission... The helicopter mission to rescue 52 passengers trapped on the icebound Russian research ship finally got underway in Antarctica on January 2 after a number of false starts and failed icebreaking attempts. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

A helicopter rescue was announced on Tuesday, but heavy rain and winds saw it shelved until Thursday morning, when a second attempt was foiled by unfavourable sea ice.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the complex, multi-vessel operation would go ahead as soon as weather and ice conditions permitted, with the situation likely to change rapidly.

By late afternoon a favourable window had opened, with Prof Turney announcing that a helicopter from the nearby Chinese icebreaker Xue Long had arrived at the marooned ship to begin evacuating passengers.

"The Chinese helicopter has arrived at the Shokalskiy. It's 100 percent we're off! A huge thanks to all," Prof Turney tweeted.

His posting was accompanied by footage showing the Xue Long's red helicopter touching down on a landing pad marked out on the ice beside the Akademik Shokalskiy and an orange-suited rescue crew disembarking.

"If it all goes well we'll be off in about an hour's time," Mr Turney said on the film.

Sticky beaks... A pair of Adelie penguins  inspecting the scene as the first load of passsengers from the stranded Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy wait for a helicopter. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority this morning said weather conditions in the Antarctic had improved and those marooned on the MV Akademik Shokalskiy would soon reach the end of their ordeal.

"Wind in the area is now down to 10 knots and visibility has improved. Weather conditions are expected to remain favourable over the next 36 hours," a spokeswoman for AMSA said.

"The helicopter on board the Chinese flagged vessel Xue Long will be used to rescue the passengers from the MV Akademik Shokalskiy."

A screen-capture from the Aurora Australis' web camera shows the ice-breaker approaching the Chinese rescue ship Xue Long  - here little more than a speck on the left-hand side of the image.

The spokeswoman said the mission to rescue those on board the Russian ship, trapped in sea ice around 1500 kilometres from Hobart since Christmas Eve, would be complex and was expected to take around five hours.

The passengers, including scientists and researchers who begun an expedition to Antarctica to study sea ice, were airlifted to safety, while the 22 crew will remain on board.

It is not yet clear if the passengers will then be brought to Australia.

Australia's Rescue Coordination Centre continues to coordinate the incident. 

Rain and winds up to 30 knots have delayed the rescue of passengers stranded on a ship off Antarctica.

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in Antarctic ica as it waits to be rescued. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in Antarctic ica as it waits to be rescued. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

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NYE murder accused faces court

A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of James Dorloff at a Wedge Island beach rave party on New Year's Eve.

A 23-YEAR-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Kelmscott man James Dorloff at a Wedge Island beach rave party on New Year's Eve.

Joseph Robert Houston, from Swan View, is also charged with attempted grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding of Tyson Cumming, who was also injured.

It is alleged Mr Houston slashed the victim across the throat with a machete after a fight erupted at the New Year's beach rave party.

Mr Houston, who is in custody, was not required to plead to any of the charges when he appeared in Perth Magistrate's Court today.

He was remanded in custody on a seven-day hospital order for a mental health assessment and will next appear in court on January 9.

The father of Joseph Houston, 23, talks to the media.

ACCUSED'S FATHER OFFERS 'DEEPEST SYMPATHIES'

The father of Mr Houston told media outside Perth Magistrates Court today his family gave Mr Dorloff's family their "deepest heartfelt sympathies."

"We don't know the full circumstances yet, but when we do, it will all come out in the wash," he said.

"Until then, please, just leave my family alone."

Wedge Island murder accused Joseph Houston,23, Picture: Facebook

Earlier, friends of Mr Dorloff, 21, took to social media to express their sadness over the New Year's tragedy, which unfolded on a remote beach about 160km north of Perth.

Their posts show a tight-knit circle of friends gutted by the events in Wedge Island.

"Thank you for riding shotgun through this car wreck that is my life," his friend Johnny Cady posted with a photo of Mr Dorloff.

"The maddest nicest most genuine cobba out always keen to party beyond sunrise drinkin 'n smoken with friend rember the good tyms with this loose kid! Next week Johnny have to catch up think a hug would do good x," a friend replied.

"Still can't come to terms, I'm in disbelief xx" said another.

Wedge Island rave party victim James Dorloff, 21. Picture: Facebook

Another friend Michelle Polette posted yesterday that her friend would be missed.

"Laying in bed with my eyes filled with tears knowing in not the only one broken," she wrote late last night.

"It's not fair how innocent life gets taking so young, you were a awsum mate to party with & a good bloke., pretty deverstating how people can't even have a good New Years with out sum dog bring weapons, hope the scum gets what's coming that did this RIP mate you will be missed James," Ms Polette wrote yesterday.

"Arhhh my body is just filled with anger!!!! Why do people think it's OK to take another's life! Why? This violence has to stop, it's so unfair!!!!! ;(((( see you soon enough James!!!!" Yvonne Ransom wrote on her page.

Mr Dorloff died and two friends - including a woman - were injured in a brawl at the remote beach on New Year's Eve.

The father of accused killer Joe Houston talks to the media after his son appeared in court charged with the New Year's Eve Wedge Island murder of James Dorloff. Picture: Kaitlyn Offer

Major Crime squad officers spent the day yesterday at the beach interviewing dozens of people who attended the rave party.

Forensic officers spent much of the day there yesterday.

A small community of fishing and holiday shacks makes up the Wedge Island settlement on the mainland.

Police were called to the beach at 1.30am New Year's Day, where officers were initially told a person had been seriously assaulted and that he was unresponsive and CPR was being performed.

Police and the RAC Helicopter were sent to assist the local medical team.

"Local police and detectives were deployed and upon arrival it was confirmed that a male person was deceased on the beach, and two other people were injured and required medical treatment," a WA Police spokeswoman said.

A man, 25, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital by helicopter with a serious arm injury and a woman, also 25, was taken to Joondalup Health Campus by road ambulance.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing and anyone with information is asked to telephone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Seven kids hurt in golf buggy crash

Seven children were injured in WA's South-West after a crash involving a golf buggy. Source: News Limited

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is in a critical condition after seven children were injured in a golf buggy crash in Yallingup overnight.

WA Police say the teenager was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries after the buggy collided with a tree on a private property in the South-West town.

Three of the seven children suffered serious injuries in the accident, with a 10 and 11-year-old boy in Busselton Hospital, and a nine-year-old boy set to be transferred to Bunbury Hospital.

Three other children have minor injuries.

In Lancelin, a 53-year-old woman suffered a head injury after she was struck in a car park by a cyclist.

She is in Joondalup Hospital.

VICTORIAN TOURIST DIES IN FLOODED KIMBERLEY

AN elderly Victorian tourist died yesterday when the vehicle she was in skidded off a flooded Kimberley highway and hit a tree.

The 73-year-old woman was with her husband, 74, when their hire car, a Mazda two-door hatch, was heading west along Victoria Highway, near the intersection of Lake Argyle Road turn-off, near Kununurra.

The vehicle entered a floodway and appears to have aqua-planed, causing the driver to lose control and hit a tree.

The area had received heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Christine in the previous 24 hours.

Both the tourists were taken to Kununurra Hospital with injuries, where the woman died a short time later.

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Schu's condition 'stable'

There were positive signs for Michael Schumacher's health after he underwent further surgery, but doctors are reluctant to assume the likelihood of a full recovery.

MICHAEL Schumacher has remained in a stable condition on his fourth night in hospital as he fights to overcome serious head injuries sustained in a skiing accident in France.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion's manager briefly updated waiting press at the Grenoble hospital where the German is being treated, also confirming there will be no more press conferences until there is further news.

"The good news for today is ... there's no significant changes," Sabine Kehm told reporters.

"Michael has been carefully supervised overnight, and his condition at the moment is stable and has been stable all over the night.

"That's why we don't feel to have the need to do a press conference, because as we told all of you we would only hold a press conference if there's something to report."

Yesterday, the F1 legend's manager confirmed Schumacher was not skiing at high speed when he suffered a severe accident.

Vision of the helicopter carrying Michael Schumacher leaving from the scene. Courtesy BFMTV

Details of the moments leading up to his skiing accident came after doctors revealed he had undergone a second operation to reduce swelling in his brain and internal bleeding.

The force of the crash caused his ski helmet to break in two and the 44-year-old was helicoptered for emergency surgery to a nearby hospital where he has been fighting for his life since Sunday.

Early media reports suggested he was skiing at high speed at the time of the accident, with some claims that he could have been going as fast as 60 to 100 kilometres an hour.

But his manager Sabine Kehm said it was not speed but a "chain of unfortunate circumstances" that led to his crash.

Schumacher was skiing "with a small group of friends'' as well as his 14-year-old son Mick at the time of the accident, Kehm said.

One of Michael Schumacher's doctors, Professor Jean-Francois Payen, insists it is still too early to consider the former world champion as healthy despite his successful surgery.

As a result of the accident, "apparently (his) helmet broke,'' she said.

"That doesn't mean that Michael was travelling at high speed. He seems to have hit a rock as he took a turn. It was a chain of unfortunate circumstances.''

JOURNALIST DRESSES AS PRIEST IN BID TO SEE SCHU

Kehm added that the accident could have happened even "at 10 kilometres per hour'' and took place during "a normal turning manoeuvre''.

"Michael was skiing on a normal piste with the group,'' Kehm said.

Doctors report 'a slight improvement' in the condition of Michael Schumacher in a French hospital.

"Nearby was an area of deep snow. Michael skied into it. He wasn't going fast because he had apparently just helped a friend who had fallen down.

"So Michael just got going again, skied into the deep snow and then - we suspect - hit the rock as he entered a curve.

"Michael was not going very fast. But unfortunately as he took the turn, we assume, he hit the rock and was catapulted upwards and then struck a rock head-first.''

Schumacher's group was on the normal ski slope run when one of the party fell and Schumacher stopped to help them up.

He then pushed off and attempted to make a turn onto a parallel run but instead hit rocky outcrops that sit between the two runs.

Sky Sports Germany's Sandra Baumgartner says Michael Schumacher's accident has had a profound effect on his home country where he is viewed as a national hero.

Doctors previously said if he had not been wearing a helmet he could have been killed almost instantly.

IN PICTURES: SCHUMACHER'S LEGENDARY CAREER

The team of four doctors treating the retired F1 supremo said last night he was making slight improvements.

They revealed they saw a "surgical window of opportunity" and carried out a second operation, that lasted two hours, to remove blood on the brain and relieve swelling and pressure.

But the medical team monitoring his progress 24 hours a day say the motor ace is now stable but remains in a "fragile" critical condition.

Fans of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher have gathered outside the Grenoble hospital where he is being treated for serious brain trauma sustained in a skiing accident in the French Alps.

"The situation is more under control than yesterday but we cannot say that he is out of danger," said Jean-Francois Payen, head anaesthetician at the CHU Grenoble Hospital in the eastern French city.

"We have won some time but we must continue an hour-by-hour surveillance."

Doctors said they were very pleased there had been no worsening of Schumacher's condition and that he was showing "very slight" improvements but they could not say what will happen in coming days and the situation was still touch-and-go.

The second operation had its risks but Schumacher's family gave permission prior to it taking place at 10pm local time.

"We can't say he is out of danger but ... we have gained a bit of time," Dr Payen reiterated. "The coming hours are crucial."

As the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, Michael Schumacher amassed seven World Championships and 91 race wins in 307 starts for Jordan, Benetton, Mercedes and most famously Ferrari.

The F1 legend remained in an induced coma and in a state of hypothermia to give him the best chance to recover from the serious head trauma.

Doctors confirmed a number of lesions remained and he was still haemorrhaging in the brain.

SIX OF THE BEST SCHUMACHER FORMULA 1 DRIVES

Professor Emmanuel Gay, one of the specialists treating Schumacher said the German was not out of danger.

"We cannot say that we have won because there are still some highs and some lows, but it's better than yesterday," he said.

A Ferrari fan waits in front of the emergency department of the Grenoble hospital where Michael Schumacher is being treated for a severe head injury.

"He is still in a very critical condition, this has not changed. And we still cannot tell how he will be, which state he will be in when he does wake up. We cannot speculate on the future because once again it would be too early to do so."

Brain scans had shown intercranial haematoma (internal bleeding), cerebral contusions (brain tissue bruising) and oedema (fluid build up).

Further operations have not been ruled out but "strategies" would be considered over the next 48 hours.

"There are still many haematomas in the brain, with little bits everywhere," Professor Gay said.

"That is what makes the situation critical and it needs to be looked at hour by hour, day by day.

A file photo shows Michael Schumacher skiing in the Italian Alps in 2006. Schumacher is in a critical condition after hitting his head in a fall while skiing.

"The situation can still evolve, but we won't be able to evacuate the other haematomas at the moment because they are not accessible. They are not as big as the one we removed yesterday."

There has been huge global interest in the accident; more than 100 media were yesterday at the hospital waiting for word and broadcasting live updates around the world.

The German was on a private trip to the area where he owns a chalet to celebrate the New Year and his birthday on Friday.

His wife Carinna, 16-year-old daughter Gina-Marie as well as son Mick remained at his bedside overnight. They were joined overnight by his father Rolf Schumacher.

Meanwhile, Ms Kehm also revealed a journalist had allegedly dressed as a priest and attempted to enter Schumacher's intensive care room before being stopped by medical staff. Their identity or nationality has not been revealed.

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Man, 20, dies, two hurt at WA beach

A 20-YEAR-old man is dead and two others were injured in a brawl on a remote WA beach north of Perth on New Year's Eve.

A 20-YEAR-old man is dead and two others - including a woman - were injured in a brawl on a remote WA beach north of Perth. on New Year's Eve.

Major Crime squad officers are investigating the Kelmscott man's death, which is being treated as a homicide.

Forensic officers have travelled to Wedge Island, a 400m long piece of land just off the coast, this morning.

A small community of fishing and holiday shacks makes up the Wedge Island settlement on the mainland.

Wedge Island, 160km north of Perth, where a man died after a brawl on the beach early today. File Picture: Stewart Allen

A police spokeswoman would not confirm reports that the man was attacked with a machete.

Police were called to Wedge Island, near Lancelin, 160km north of Perth, at 1.30am today.

Officers were initially told a person had been seriously assaulted and that they were unresponsive and CPR was being performed.

One man is dead and two injured after an incident at remote Wedge Island, 160km north of Perth. The RAC rescue helicopter was used to airlift an injured man to RPH.

Police and the RAC Helicopter were sent to assist the local medical team.

"Local police and detectives were deployed and upon arrival it was confirmed that a male person was deceased on the beach, and two other people were injured and required medical treatment," a WA Police spokeswoman said.

A man, 25, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital by helicopter with a serious arm injury and a woman, also 25, was taken to Joondalup Health Campus by road ambulance.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing and anyone with information is asked to telephone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Man in court over mum, daughter deaths

A 19-year-old man charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of a Warwick mother and her daughter, has appeared briefly in court today.

A 19-YEAR-old man charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of a Warwick mother and her daughter, has appeared briefly in court today.

Major Crime Squad detectives last night charged Lesley Jonathan Cameron, in relation to the deaths of Tamara Alexandra Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen Anne Horstman, 67, who were found dead on Sunday afternoon in their Warwick home in Felgate Place.

He appeared in the Perth Magistrates (Northbridge) Court today, where the charges were formally read to him.

He was not required to plead to the charges and no application for bail was made.

He was remanded in custody to appear by video link in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on January 29.

Police have released the names of the mother and daughter found dead in a Warwick

Cameron, from Mirrabooka, was arrested at a house in Mirrabooka yesterday morning.

He was charged late last night with two counts of murder and one count each of aggravated burglary and stealing Ms Horstman's motor vehicle, which was found about 8km from her Warwick home the following day.

Warwick murder victim Tamara Horstman who was found dead with her mother Maureen. Picture: Facebook

Forensic police collect clues from Ms Horstman's car which was found in Mirrabooka. Picture: Alf Sorbello

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Police release names of mother, daughter

Police found the car wanted in relation to the murder of a mother and daughter in Warwick yesterday. Found on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court, Mirrabooka. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: News Limited

POLICE have released names of the mother and daughter found dead in a Warwick home yesterday.

Tamara Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen, 67, were found at their home in Warwick yesterday after Tamara didn't show up to work and a friend's parent went to the home to check she was ok.

The pair were found dead inside the Felgate Place home shortly after 2pm yesterday in separate rooms.

It's believed Maureen had sustained chest injuries and Tamara head injuries.

Tamara's car was located earlier today about 8km from where their bodies were found, parked on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court in Mirrabooka.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the blue Mazda 3 with the registration plate 1CZO 135 between 9am Sunday and midday today.

Police officers from the Major Crime Squad are treating their deaths as a homicide investigation.

A man is in custody assisting police with inquiries.

No charges have been laid.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Earlier today, police issued a plea for public help over the whereabouts of a Mazda 3 sedan linked to the case.

Meanwhile, police are still questioning another man over the death of a 50-year-old man in Balga last night.

Police were called to Princess Road about 10.30pm over a disturbance, where they found a man with stab wounds.

The victim later died from his injuries.

The Major Crime Squad are interviewing one man, who is known to the victim.

Investigators would like to speak anyone who was near the Princess Road Tavern or Balga Recreation Centre between 10pm and 11pm last night.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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RED ALERT: 200km/h winds, high tides to hit tonight

Forecasters are warning of a major storm surge when a category two tropical cyclone hits the Pilbara.

CYCLONE Christine has intensified to a Category Three storm off WA's North West coast and is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 200km/h when it hits the Pilbara late tonight or early tomorrow.

At 5pm Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine was 75km north, north-west of Port Hedland and 155km north-east of Karratha and moving south-southwest at 16km/h towards the Pilbara coast.

The very destructive inner core of Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine has begun to impact the coast between Port Hedland and Whim Creek.

Port Hedland is currently experiencing destructive wind gusts to 130km/h as the system makes its closest approach to that area.

Cyclone Christine is expected to continue on a south southwest track and the centre is likely to cross the coast close to Whim Creek by about midnight.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Very destructive gusts in excess of 200km/h are likely near the centre as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Port Hedland has had about 20mm of rain today but is expecting heavier falls in the next 24 hours as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected between Whim Creek and Port Hedland later this afternoon and continue overnight.

These winds should extend to the Karratha and Dampier region later tonight and extend well inland overnight and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. This was taken about 7pm. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Gales with gusts to 120km/h, together with heavy rainfall, are occurring between Bidyadanga and Whim Creek including Port Hedland and adjacent inland areas and should extend west to Karratha by this evening and then to the inland Pilbara overnight and possibly as far west as Onslow.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide tonight.

Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

Christine has already brought massive rainfalls to the Kimberley with Broome recording 97mm in 24 hours to 9am today, Lombadina 116mm and West Roebuck 86mm.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and Flood Warnings have been issued for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected to extend well inland on Monday night and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham are warned of the potential for

a very dangerous storm tide tonight and Tuesday morning. Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

A satellite image showing category three Cyclone Christine bearing down on the Pilbara coast. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

DFES State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts:

RED ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie, including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier. You need to immediately head to shelter and stay indoors away from doors and windows.

A red alert will be issues for Tom Price and Paraburdoo at 7pm.

Tropical Cyclone Christine's expected path as it crosses the Pilbara coast late today or early Tuesday. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

YELLOW ALERT: People in inland areas including Marble Bar, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica. You need to take action and get ready to shelter from the Cyclone.

BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Wallal and Pardoo and between Mardie and Onslow and the inland area from Marble Bar to Newman and between the Collier Ranges and Three Rivers incluiding Kumarina and east to Granite Peak, need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

Trucks line up in the Pilbara as dust brings an eerie light in the days before Cyclone Christine threatens the coast. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

MINING OPERATIONS CLOSE DOWN

Australia's biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast.

An eerie light over the Pilbara as Cyclone Christine threatens to unleash its 200km/h fury tonight. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Onslow, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow, and extending inland to Paraburdoo.

BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have suspended their port operations in the region.

BHP said ``tie-down'' activities at Port Hedland, Australia's largest iron ore export port, have been completed.

``Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services,'' BHP said in a statement.

``Any production impacts will be in our next operational report.''

The highest priority is to ensure the safety of employees, BHP said.

Rio Tinto said ship loading had now stopped, but mine and rail operations continue to operate as normal.

Fortescue Metals Group said its Port Hedland operations and rail operations had been secured, in line with the company's cyclone readiness procedures.

``Conditions are being closely monitored and plans will be updated accordingly,'' the company said.

KARIJINI CLOSED

The Department of Parks and Wildlife advises that Karijini National Park in the Shire of Ashburton will be closed until further notice from 12pm today due to Cyclone Christine.

Gales, destructive winds and heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Christine are expected in the region today and tomorrow.

PILBARA HEALTH SERVICES

The WA Country Health Service Pilbara wishes to advise residents of Karratha, Port Hedland and surrounding districts of health service access in the lead up to and during Cyclone Christine.

During Yellow Alert, people in Karratha requiring urgent medical care can access Nickol Bay Hospital however, it is recommended that only emergency patients or those requiring urgent care come to the hospital during this time.

As is usual practice in the lead up to a cyclone, an emergency medical team will be managing patients and where possible, transferring to other hospitals that are not in the predicted path of the cyclone.

Upon Red Alert status, an Emergency Medical Response Team will be located in the Karratha Leisureplex (Cyclone Evacuation Centre) immediately adjacent to Nickol Bay Hospital. This is where more people and services are expected to locate to ensure safe refuge.

Please do not go to Nickol Bay Hospital during a Red Alert. Medical staff will only be available at the Karratha Leisureplex.

Port Hedland residents are advised that they can seek urgent medical attention at the Hedland Health Campus.

Residents can keep up to date with Tropical Cyclone forecasts by checking the BoM website.

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No second chance for NYE louts

Assistant police commissioner Gary Dreibergs warns that drink-drivers and drunken louts will face the full force of the law tomorrow night. There will be no second chances, he said. Source: News Limited

AS MANY as 1000 extra police officers will be on the streets of WA tomorrow night, clamping down on anti-social behaviour.

Police warn there will be "no second chances" for people behaving violently on the last night of 2013.

Hundreds of thousands of West Australians are expected to head out for celebrations in major hot spots such as Fremantle, Northbridge, the coast and cities such as Bunbury, Mandurah and towns in the South-West.

Police have urged revellers to look out for each other, respect others and avoid drinking too much.

Where to go in Perth on New Year's Eve

Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs said at a press conference today that extra police will be in Northbridge, Fremantle, Mandurah and Rockingham - and drink-driving will be a major focus.

"We want every member of the community to feel comfortable to celebrate safely without being impacted by the behaviour of others," he said.

"If everybody goes out there and has an enjoyable night and respects one another than we shouldn't have too many issues."

Mr Dreibergs said booze buses and mobile police units that can head to scenes quickly will be used.

He also pleaded for people to avoid getting involved in "silly scuffles."

"Don't be involved in things that can lead to bad repercussions," he said.

"We just want people to be very vigilant."

Parents should be aware of where their children are and revellers should be wary of "unlicensed taxis" - drivers who offer people lifts for money.

"We would like to have a big focus on parents knowing and being vigilant of the plans of their children, basically knowing where they are going to be on the night (and) we'd ask people not to get into unlicensed taxis,'' Mr Dreibergs said

"We want every member of the community to celebrate safely without being harassed or putting

up with unacceptable criminal behaviour and as such when required we will step in and take

action, swiftly and effectively - so if you break the law expect to face the consequences".

On New Year's Day, about 35,000 people are expected to attend the Perth Cup at Ascot Racecourse.

What are you doing for New Year's Eve? Does a night out in Perth appeal? Tell us in the comments box below

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Woman dragged from car, robbed

POLICE are searching for witnesses to an incident where a woman was dragged from her car at traffic lights in Mirrabooka recently.

About 9.30pm on December 14, a 23-year-old Sorrento woman was driving a grey Honda Civic sedan east on Reid Highway when she stopped at the Alexander Dr traffic lights.

A man then approached the vehicle, opened the driver's door and dragged the woman out of the car.

He drove off in the vehicle in a northern direction along Alexander Dr. The vehicle, with the registration 1APP837, has not been found.

The man is described as being dark skinned, in his late 20s with a stocky build and short, dark hair.

He was wearing blue jeans and a light colour shirt.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Pollies' offices to cost further $3m

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Source: News Limited

TAXPAYERS are having to shell out an extra $3 million to refurbish offices for Barnett Government ministers, just 18 months after the same building underwent a $56 million facelift.

Dumas House in West Perth will undergo more work to accommodate two more ministers - Ken Baston and Bill Marmion. Other ministers are based there.

A spokeswoman for Premier Colin Barnett said the $3 million was money well spent and would be recouped in three years.

But the Opposition has described the expenditure as "outrageous", so soon after expensive refurbishments.

The $3 million, to be spent in 2014-15, was cited in the Government's recently released midyear financial projections statement.

Mr Barnett's spokeswoman said: "Two leases for offices currently occupied by ministers Baston and Marmion in London House and Allendale Square will expire in 2014, and will not be renewed.

"These two leases currently cost almost $1 million per year.

"The cost of fitout for the relocation of ministers at Dumas House will amount to approximately $3 million, meaning that the cost of this will be recouped in rent savings in just over three years.''

Government ministers previously in offices in St Georges Terrace were transferred to Dumas House in 2012.

Mr Barnett had the option of also moving to Dumas House, but instead built new offices for himself and his staff near Parliament House, at a further cost of $26 million.

Shadow treasurer Ben Wyatt said it was another example of extravagance and wrong priorities when the Government was taking the axe to projects such as light rail to bring debt under control.

"Colin Barnett always prioritises spending on himself and expects West Australians to cop cuts to frontline services to pay for it,'' he said.

Figures released in state parliament earlier this month showed that since November last year, security services for the Premier's offices at Hale House have cost taxpayers $555,023.

When utilities and gardening services are added, the bill rises to $720,660.

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Cyclone intensifies off WA's north coast

A CATEGORY two tropical cyclone off WA's Kimberley coast is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 165km/h when it hits the Pilbara.

Tropical Cyclone Christine was off Broome early this morning and was forecast to bring heavy rainfall and gales of up to 100km/h south of Cape Leveque. It is expected to intensify further as it moves towards the Pilbara coast.

Tomorrow, the cyclone is forecast to peak as a category three, bringing gales and heavy rainfall to Karratha and possibly as far west as Exmouth.

Coastal communities between De Grey and Mardie, including Port Hedland and Karratha, have been warned of the potential for a dangerous storm tide late on Monday or early on Tuesday.

The Port Hedland Port Authority has evacuated ships from the inner and outer harbours.

The Bureau of Meteorology late last week issued a cyclone warning for coastal areas from Cape Leveque to Whim Creek, including Broome and Port Hedland.

Regions in northern WA are on high alert with a tropical cyclone threatening to make severe impact.

Christine, now a Catergory 2 storm, was 300km northwest of Broome and 470km north northeast of Port Headland early this morning.

"Gales with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour are possible on the west Kimberley

coast south of Cape Leveque today. Heavy rainfall is expected today in coastal

areas of the west Kimberley and adjacent inland parts," the bureau warned.

"As the tropical cyclone begins to approach the Pilbara coast, gales are

expected to extend further west along the Pilbara coast to Whim Creek late

today or early on Monday.

"During Monday gales and heavy rainfall are expected to extend to Karratha and

possibly as far west as Exmouth, and then to the inland Pilbara late Monday and

on Tuesday. If Christine continues to develop as expected a severe tropical

cyclone impact on the Pilbara coast is likely late on Monday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert for people in or near the coastal and inland communities of Dampier Peninsula to Onslow.

This includes people in Broome, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier and surrounding areas.

DFES has advised that 30 SES and VES volunteers from the Kimberley and Pilbara are on standby and the Gibb River Road is closed from Lennard River to Wyndham.

Flood warning

The storm has also prompted a flood warning and people in Kimberley and Pilbara communities are being urged to prepare for heavy rainfall.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises that a flood watch for the west Kimberley has been issued and heavy rainfall is possible about the north and west Kimberley over the weekend.

For the next 24 hours, widespread rainfall of 70mm to 80mm with isolated heavier falls are forecast for areas from Broome to Kalumburu.

Rainfall during the past few days and the forecast rainfall for next 24 hours in the West Kimberley may cause significant stream rises with areas of flooding.

The rain is likely to extend into the Pilbara on Monday and Tuesday.

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Parents fly to Perth to be with one-punch victim

The family of 23 year old man attacked in Northbridge has made the decision to switch off his life support.

Northbridge one-punch victim Thomas Keaney. Source: Supplied

THE parents of an Irish barman on life support after he was allegedly assaulted in Northbridge have flown into Perth to be at his bedside.

Thomas Keaney, 23, from County Galway, who worked at The Cure Tavern and Irish Bar on Francis St, Northbridge, has been in Royal Perth Hospital since the early hours of December 17 when i t's alleged he was punched once in the head and fell on to the road.

Mr Keaney's parents arrived in Perth on Friday, Galway pub owner Brendan Keogh told The Sunday Times last night.

"His mother was telling me that after the incident she was about to go out there and the next thing he improved," Mr Keogh said.

"She was speaking to him on the phone and she was very happy that he was fine. He said to her, 'Don't worry about me, I'm OK'.

"On Christmas Eve they got the news that something had happened and his condition had deteriorated."

Abbas Al Jarood, 22, of Girrawheen, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court yesterday charged with grievous bodily harm.

His lawyer, Ken Bates, said police had advised it was anticipated Mr Keaney's life support would be switched off and he would not survive.

If that occurred a post mortem would be conducted and the charge might be upgraded, Mr Bates added.

Bail was not applied for and Mr Al Jarood was remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Perth Magistrates Court on January 13.

Earlier this week, Mr Keaney's sister, Lauren, posted on Facebook: "I would like to thank everyone for all the love, support and prayers ye have sent to Thomas. He is a legend and we are so touched by all the kind words!!"

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Australia takes 4-0 Ashes lead

A Chris Rogers century has led Australia to victory in the fourth Ashes Test, with one day and eight wickets to spare.

Shane Watson and Michael Clarke embrace after sealing the win. Source: Getty Images

MICHAEL Clarke has primed Australia for a 5-0 whitewash in Sydney after another emphatic victory over England.

"We're going to have a go, that's for sure," Clarke said once Australia won the fourth Test at the MCG by eight wickets with a day and a half to spare thanks to a Chris Rogers century (116).

Click here to see a full scoreboard, ball-by-ball commentary, stats and FoxTracker in our Match Centre.

A series of dropped catches and obscure tactics from England skipper Alastair Cook on Day Four of the Fourth Test has raised questions over just how well he is coping with the pressure of leading an underperforming touring side in Australia.

Taking a 4-0 series lead lifts Australia from fifth to third on the world rankings, jumping Pakistan and England, which led the table just 16 months ago.

Only months after losing the Ashes series in England to go nine Tests in a row without a victory Australia now stands on the verge of history.

Just Ricky Ponting's 2006-07 champions and Warwick Armstrong's 1920-21 team have achieved a 5-0 clean sweep of the old enemy.

Clarke has been blown away by the remarkable turnaround in his team's fortunes.

"To be 4-0 up is hard to describe. It's an amazing feeling." he said.

Chris Rogers celebrates after reaching his century. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

"Our goal is to win 5-0 given the position we're in."

The only question now is which team Australia will take into the Sydney Test, which begins on Friday.

Coach Darren Lehmann confirmed that Ryan Harris (knee) and Shane Watson (groin) were both in doubt for Sydney. Harris has a five-day break with the match finishing more than a day early and him last bowled on Saturday.

There were opposing attitudes in the press conferences held by Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke, with the England captain conceding he could be replaced as leader for the final Ashes Test.

"At the end of the day he's a valuable bowler for us, so we won't take any risks. But again, if he's fit and he can get through and do a job for his captain he'll play," Lehmann said

Watson appeared largely untroubled on Sunday, scoring an unbeaten 83 but Lehmann claimed the all-rounder must be able to bowl in Sydney.

Given he is coming off a century in Perth there may be an argument that Watson could play as a batsman, with George Bailey making way for all-rounder James Faulkner and inform wicket-keeper Brad Haddin moving to number six.

Former Australian opener Phil Jaques says the assertive batting of Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and David Warner has been the key to reaching 1/143 at lunch on Day Four.

However Lehmann, who is also a selector, was firm on where he stood with Watson.

"He's an all-rounder who has to bowl," the coach said.

Doug Bollinger and Nathan Coulter-Nile remain on standby for Harris.

If Australia does end up picking the same team again for the fifth Test in a row it will be the first time in a series since the 1989 Ashes, another imposing and unexpected success story.

Sunday was just the fourth time that Australia has successfully chased more than 200 batting last at the MCG and the first time in 53 years.

Chris Rogers has described his century which helped Australia to a 4-0 Ashes series lead as what dreams are made of.

Clarke claimed victory in this Test had an extra dimension because Australia was well behind on the first innings and at one stage England was 116 ahead with all 10 second innings wickets in hand.

"For the first time in this series we found ourselves behind in the game and over the last couple of days we've been able to turn that around and win convincingly today so I think the boys deserve a lot of credit," said Clarke.

After playing to near-full houses around the country more than 38,000 turned up at the MCG on Sunday, taking the four-day total to almost 272,000.

Re-live the action in our live blog below, featuring videos, analysis and reaction from the ground and around the world via social media. Join the conversation by commenting at the top of the blog, or contact us on Twitter @FoxCricketLive.

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