Author: Loveworld UK

Zimbabweans are voting for the country’s next president – and for the first time in nearly 40 years Robert Mugabe is not on the ballot paper. Long lines formed outside many polling stations in the capital, Harare.Thousands of election observers will be watching to ensure there are no irregularities after opponents’ claims that the process is biased against them.Past votes have been tainted by violence and intimidation.The two key candidates are current president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mr Mugabe in November, and MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.In total, there are a record 20 presidential candidates.Cheers and whistles greeted…

GVC Holdings, the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, has confirmed its $200m (£153m) tie-up with the world’s biggest casino operator. GVC and MGM Resorts International, owner of famous Las Vegas brands including the MGM Grand, Bellagio and The Mirage, will be equal partners in the venture to create a sports betting and interactive gaming platform in the US.The new enterprise will cement the companies’ bid to dominate what is poised to become a multibillion-dollar US sports betting market, following the loosening of restrictions in the country.The firms said they were “excited” about the launch ahead of the upcoming professional American football…

Hundreds of tourists stranded on an Indonesian mountain after an earthquake are being helped down by rescuers and special forces. More than 500 hikers from 26 countries were stuck on Mount Rinjani on Lombok island after Sunday’s quake triggered a landslide.The military said that by Monday afternoon more than 250 people had made it to a relief post in Sembalun village and that rescuers had reached hundreds more near the crater lake. Image: The quake destroyed many buildings on the island Image: Mount Rinjani, an active volcano, is the second tallest mountain in Indonesia Some had minor injuries and were…

Zimbabwe’s former leader Robert Mugabe has refused to back his successor just a day before the country’s historic Monday vote. Mr Mugabe addressed the nation for the first time since stepping down in November and declared that “I will not vote for those who have illegally taken power.”Referring to current president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took office with the military’s support, the 94-year-old told reporters on Sunday: “I cannot vote for those who have tormented me.” Image: Grace Mugabe had been poised to take over from her husband before he was ousted Mr Mugabe gave a slow and rambling address that…

Hundreds of people have attended a memorial service in Greece for the dozens who perished in a wildfire that devastated the area. Funerals have begun for the 86 people who died when fires swept through the Greek seaside resort of Mati, near Athens, six days ago.The number killed could continue to rise as the search for bodies continues.Leading the service, Bishop Kyrillos said the community is mourning the loss of family, neighbours and friends. Image: Firefighters and volunteers fought to extinguish the flames In a message read out during the service, in what appeared to be a reference to the…

A fleeing suspect unwittingly gave police a helping hand by abandoning his bike – only for a quick-thinking officer to give chase on it and catch him. Video of the two-wheeled pursuit emerged after the policeman’s response team colleagues in Birmingham posted his bodycam footage on social media. The unnamed officer’s actions have earned praise on Twitter from fellow officers and members of the public alike.Chief Superintendent Chris Todd of West Midlands Police, tweeted: “Everyone’s got the #TourdeFrance2018 bug! Great work!”.Another Twitter user joked: “I sincerely hope you were shouting nee naw nee naw whilst chasing him.” I sincerely hope…

A young girl has died after a collision between a car and two pedestrians in the West Midlands. The incident, which took place at about 10.50pm on Saturday, involved one vehicle on Oldbury Road in Smethwick.West Midlands Police tweeted that a “young girl has lost her life” following the incident, though it is not known how old she was.A spokesperson said: “The circumstances around the incident are being established.”Oldbury Road is likely to remain closed for a number of hours while the scene is made safe.”The driver of the car is assisting officers with their investigation.:: Officers asked anyone with…

One of the UK’s biggest independently owned IT hosting providers is laying the groundwork for a £350m public flotation amid booming‎ demand for cloud-based services. Sky News understands that UKFast, which was founded in 1999 by Lawrence Jones and his wife Gail, has appointed the investment bank GCA Altium to lead a review of its strategic options.The process, which is expected to be announced on Monday, will pave the way for the public market debut of another leading British cloud-hosting business.UKFast directly employs 325 people, and last year reported 18%‎ organic revenue growth alongside profit margins not far short of…

The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral will unveil a $200m (£153m) tie-up with the world’s biggest casino operator next week in a bid to dominate what is poised to become a multibillion dollar US sports betting market. Sky News can reveal that GVC Holdings is this weekend finalising the details of a long-term joint venture with MGM Resorts International, owner of famous Las Vegas brands including the MGM Grand, Bellagio and The Mirage.City sources said the deal, which will ultimately encompass online sports betting and other interactive gaming services across the US, could be announced as soon as Monday.Although the…

A monster wildfire is raging out of control in northern California after killing two firefighters. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to flee the blaze which has destroyed hundreds of buildings as it ripped through Shasta County, some 160 miles north of Sacramento.Around 3,400 firefighters are on the ground battling the inferno, covering 48,300 acres (19,500 hectares), while helicopters and planes attempt to tackle the flames from the air. Image: Around 3,400 firefighters are on the ground battling the devastating inferno The fire, which is just 3% contained after starting six days ago, has been fuelled by high…