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Remembrance poppies: Why Britain commemorates war dead with artificial flowers

Now that November is here, Brits are beginning to wear the traditional red poppy as it gears up for Remembrance Day.

The artificial flower is worn by millions to show respect for fallen soldiers who have bravely fought and died on behalf of UK citizens.

Nowadays, the paper and plastic design has been joined by poppy badges, broaches - known as ‘bling poppies’ - car attachments and computer designs on social media.

But why exactly are poppies used for the annual service - and when did the practice begin?

In the UK, wearing a poppy to commemorate soldiers who have died in wars first began in 1921, three years after the end of World War I.

Poignant: John McCrae wrote about poppy fields in his WW1 poem In Flanders Fields (Wikipedia)

The idea to use the bright red flower came from the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, written by Canadian surgeon John McCrae in 1915 - during the First World War.

The opening lines read:

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.”

These lines refer to how poppies grow naturally on disturbed earth - like in times of war.

Blood red: Poppies grow naturally on disturbed earth after times of war, like these fields in France (Rex)

Bare land on Flanders, that covers part of Belgium, were coloured blood red by the poppies over the destroyed ground of soldier’s graves from the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century.

During WW1, this earth was once again destroyed by fighting, with the bodies of soldiers falling on the same ground.

And, once again, poppies grew on the same spot, often around the bodies themselves and, as highlighted by the poem, became a symbol for military personnel that died in battle.

Symbol: The poppy represented those who died in conflict since 1914 (Getty)

But it was US professor Moina Michael who, while acting as a volunteer for the American YWCA in 1918, felt inspired by In Flanders Fields and wrote a poem called ‘We Shall Keep The Faith’ where she promised to always wear a poppy to remember the dead, writing:

“And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honour of our dead.”

Michael wore a silk poppy attached to her coat at a War Secretaries conference, giving more out to 25 attendees and she went on to successfully campaign for it to be adopted as a national symbol of remembrance by the National American Legion.

French-woman Anna E. Guérin was inspired to introduce the artificial poppies at a conference in 1920 and after sending poppy sellers to London in 1921, Field Marshal Douglas Haig, a founder of the Royal British Legion adopted the flower that is still used in Britain today.

Honoured: poppy wreaths are laid by politicians every Remembrance Sunday (Rex)

The first official Legion Poppy Day was held in Britain on November 11, 1921 - Armistice Day - and the tradition has been adopted ever since.

The simple design of the artificial flower is not an accident - in fact, they were originally designed so that someone who had lost the use of one hand could make them.

Today they are made at the Poppy Factory in Richmond, who employs approximately 30 disabled veterans and disabled dependents of ex-Service personnel.

Charity: Millions of poppies are sold every year to raise money for injured servicemen (Rex)

Along with with around 30 home workers, the factory produce a staggering 11 million poppies for the annual Remembrance Day appeal.

The original version of the poppy emblem did not have a leaf, much like the flower itself.

However, demand for leaves went up after they were first introduced in the 1960s and in1984 demand for leaves had grown to 12 million a year prompting the Poppy Factory to produce leaves as a mass produced item, but still issued separately to the poppy.

It wasn’t until 1995 that poppies were offered with leaves for the very first time.

These days more intricate and creative versions of the flower are used alongside the traditional artificial form, especially by public figures like politicians who are expected to wear them as a mark of respect.

Jewellery: More intricate and sparkly designs are increasingly used as well as the traditional artificial flowers (Rex)

However, there are some people who choose not to wear them as they see them as potentially glorifying or justifying current wars.

West Bromwich Albion footballer James McClean said last year that he would not be wearing the poppy on his match shirt.

The 27-year-old Irishman said at the time that “because of the history where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that [British conflicts].”

Protest: Irish footballer James McClean has previously refused to wear a poppy (Rex)

Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow has also refused to wear them on screen, arguing that he does in his private life but would not wear anything which “represents any kind of statement” on air.

And only this week Fifa said it was against regulations for England footballers to wear poppies on their kits - something that Prime Minister Theresa May described as “outrageous”.

But players are set to defy these rules when they play Scotland on Remembrance Sunday, according to the FA.

Alternative: White poppies are sometimes worn by pacifists in an attempt to promote peace (Rex)

Others choose to protest war by wearing white poppies, which were introduced by Britain's Co-operative Women's Guild in 1933.

These flowers are often worn by pacifists, including by current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who last year was embroiled in controversy when he refused to say whether he would wear the white poppy for the wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday.

A purple poppy was also introduced in 2006 to remember the animal victims of war, with proceeds going to Animal Aid, while money raised from traditional red poppies go to the British Legion and used to help injured soldiers and their families.

Top pic: Wikipedia

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Eating eggs for breakfast ‘lowers the risk of having a stroke’

Good news for eggs fans as a daily breakfast of the yolky stuff could reduce your chances of having a stroke.

Scientists have studied more than 30 years of research and concluded that one egg a day can cut the chances of suffering a stroke by as much as 12%.

Study principal Investigator Dr Dominik Alexander, said: "Eggs do have many positive nutritional attributes, including antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Benefits: One egg a day could lower your chance of having a stroke (Rex)

"They are also an excellent source of protein, which has been related to lower blood pressure.”

The study also smashed the notion that eggs can increase cholesterol levels and promote heart disease.

Doctor Tia Rains, Interim Executive Director of the Egg Nutrition Centre, added: "This systematic review and meta-analysis underscores prior research, showing the lack of a relationship between eggs and heart disease and now suggests a possible beneficial effect of eating eggs on the risk of stroke.”

One large egg contains six grams of high-quality protein and antioxidants in the egg yolk, as well as vitamins E, D, and A.

Are you more likely to have eggs for breakfast from now on? Tweet us @YahooStyleUK

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Everyone thinks London’s new £800m skyscraper looks very rude indeed from the air

It may be costing close to a billion pounds but London’s newest skyscraper is set to be something of an embarrassment for the designers.

Critics of the £800m Spire London building, that is set to dominate the capital’s skyline when it is built in London’s docklands, say that it looks like male genitalia when viewed from above.

View from above: Spire London will be situated close to City Airport (SWNS)

MORE: 'Complete idiots’ pictured surfing on a TURTLE could be fined £12,000 MORE: Cop killer Dale Cregan boasts of living cushy life behind bars

And with the 67-storey skyscraper - set to be the tallest residential building in western Europe - located close to City Airport, countless commuters will see the unfortunate shape when flying into London.

Website Londonist said of these air passengers: “If they are as infantile as us, they will see a massive dong.”

Huge: The skyscraper is set to be the tallest residential building in western Europe (SWNS)

Spire London will stand at a staggering 771ft upon completion in 2020 - more than 150ft taller than St George Wharf Tower, the current tallest residential building in the capital.

Anyone lucky (and rich) enough to be able to afford a home there can look forward to dancing fountains at the entrance, luxury interiors, a concierge and a choice of nine lifts to get them to their front door.

Top pic: Greenland Group

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'Complete idiots’ pictured surfing on a TURTLE could be fined £12,000

A pair of beachgoers who posed while standing on top of a turtle as if they were SURFING could face a fine of £12,000 for their antics.

The two men, who smiled as they stood on the back of the animal on a beach in Fraiser Island, Queensland, Australia, were also seen holding what appears to be cans of beer.

A status on Facebook, uploaded by a user called Ricky Rogers, read: "Surfed a tortoise on zee weekend.. gnarly duddddeeeee (sic)."

The RSPCA have now slammed the men as “complete idiots”.

Status: The photo uploaded by Ricky Rogers has seen been deleted (Facebook)

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Spokesman Michael Beatty told the Fraser Coast Chronicle: "These guys are just complete idiots - there's no way they should be doing what they were doing.”

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service believe there is evidence in the photo that suggests the turtle was dead when the picture was taken.

However, the men could still face a hefty fine.

A spokesman said: "QPWS are taking this matter seriously and investigating further.”

The Instagram and Facebook pages for Ricky Rogers have been made private and the image has been removed after it went viral.

Top pic: Facebook

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Judge ‘congratulates’ man for reaching 100 convictions - then jails him

A career criminal has been jailed after he managed to rack up his 100th conviction.

Colin Danes is celebrating his magic century by spending 27 months at Her Majesty’s pleasure for a range of offences.

The 40-year-old was caught breaking into a vet’s, a campsite and a building site and pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary at Taunton Crown Court in Somerset.

Judge David Ticehurst was full of damning praise for Danes, who has a charge sheet that goes back to when he was 14, at his latest sentencing.

He told him: “Dear, oh dear. What a waste your life has been so far.

Century: Danes was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court (Google)

MORE: Man in Wilko cuts off his big toe with bolt cutters and ‘EATS IT’ in front of horrified shoppers MORE: Dad hands out sweets to passengers on Halloween flight so daughter can trick-or-treat

“You now have over 100 theft or burglary related offences. You’ve actually hit your century. It’s extraordinary.”

He added: “It’s depressing for everyone here to keep seeing you.”

The court heard how Danes had been a heroin addict for 25 years and suffered from a difficult upbringing.

Patrick Mason, defending him, said: “He is completely sick of being in and out of prison.

“This is a man who knows he needs to sort out his drug problems.”

Danes was sentenced to nine months for the burglary at Dodd Lane, 12 months for the burglary at Kings Mead Centre and six months for the burglary at Orchard Veterinary Group, to run consecutively.

Top pic: SWNS

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Man in Wilko cuts off his big toe with bolt cutters and ‘EATS IT’ in front of horrified shoppers

Shoppers in a branch of Wilko were shocked when a man used a pair of bolt cutters to cut off his big toe - before reportedly EATING it in front of them.

Eyewitnesses inside the the Sheffield branch of the household store said the man grabbed the cutters from the shelf in the electrical aisle before mutilating his foot.

One horrified onlooker said: "A man went into Wilkinson's Haymarket, went upstairs to the electrical aisle, picked up some bolt cutters, chopped his big toe off and stood eating it.

"The aisle was taped off until police and forensics went.”

Emergency services rushed the unidentified man to hospital on Sunday morning and he is understood to still be receiving treatment for his injuries.

South Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services were called to a shop in Haymarket, Sheffield, at around 11.10am on Sunday following reports of concern for a man inside the premises.

Emergency: The incident took place at the Sheffield Haymarket branch of Wilko (Google)

MORE: A dog that was abandoned on a pile of rubbish for weeks has got his mojo back MORE: This police officer comforted abandoned pit bulls left in the middle of the road

"Upon officer arrival, the man was taken to hospital with injuries to his foot, where he remains.

"There are not believed to be any other parties involved. The incident is not being investigated as a crime."

A Wilko spokesperson confirmed that a "man caused self-injury" at their Sheffield Haymarket store.

The spokesperson added: "We thank our team members for their prompt action in dealing with a difficult situation and we have offered them support where needed.

"The area was cordoned off to safeguard our customers in the store and the police gave help and advice.

"The area affected has been thoroughly cleaned and we are trading normally again."

[andyjwells]

This police officer comforted abandoned pit bulls left in the middle of the road

A pair of pit bulls who were cruelly abandoned in the middle of the road found comfort in the arms of a passing police officer.

Patrick Hennessey was on his way to work in Orange County, Florida, at 4.30am when he noticed the two dogs huddled up to each other.

One of the dogs was injured and they were both scared and confused.

Rescue: Police officers immediately comforted the scared and injured pit bulls (Facebook/Orange County Animal Services)

MORE: Met Police apologise to gay man for not investigating homophobic abuse against him MORE: Father ‘threw £1,000 imitation Faberge egg at wife and killed her after she confessed to affair’

Deputy Reed and Deputy Boggs, from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, soon arrived and immediately cuddled up to the pooches while they waited for Animal Services to arrive.

The cops treated the injured dog and stopped the bleeding before both were taken away to a nearby shelter and named Justice and Liberty.

They are currently in isolation while staff treat them for physical and mental injuries before they are put up for adoption to loving homes.

Rescued: The dogs are now being cared for before they are adopted (Facebook/Orange County Animal Services)

Orange County Animal Services wrote on its Facebook page” "Deputies Boggs and Reed comforted the two scared dogs while waiting for Animal Services to arrive.

”These two ladies are now safe and thriving in our care."

Top pic: Facebook/Orange County Animal Services

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Met Police apologise to gay man for not investigating homophobic abuse against him

A gay man has won a lengthy court battle against the Metropolitan Police after it failed to investigate his claims of homophobic abuse by a neighbour.

David Cary alleged that the force discriminated against him on the grounds of his sexuality because it did not properly examine his complaint in 2007.

The case was due to be heard in the Court of Appeal but Scotland Yard has now agreed to compensate Mr Cary and apologised to him ahead of a decision on Monday, admitting it could have handled his complaint "more professionally and sympathetically”.

Mr Cary, 54, accused the Met of having "tolerated" homophobic abuse due to its failure to investigate the allegations, according to the BBC.

He said: "I felt belittled and treated like a second-class citizen. I felt they prolonged the case in the hope of wearing me down.

"Without the best legal representation and campaigning support that I had, they might have managed it.”

Complaint: Police failed to investigate claims of homophobic abuse (Rex)

MORE: Don’t let your dog lick your face, experts warn MORE: Chinese tourists have been visiting the village of Kidlington for months - and now we know why

Mr Cary complained to police in February 2007 that a neighbour had used homophobic terms as he cycled home, but he said officers decided to take no further action after initially investigating.

He complained about their report, which the Met dismissed, and after two appeals to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) were rejected he began legal action against both organisations in 2010.

The IPCC settled the case in 2012, but Scotland Yard only apologised on Monday.

The Met said: "This case has taken a number of years to reach a resolution, due to a number of applications and appeals lodged by Mr Cary.

"The Metropolitan Police Service is pleased that this case was finally able to reach a settlement and we have apologised to Mr Cary. The way the organisation deals with homophobic crime and our internal practices and policies have changed dramatically since 2013.

"We look forward to the learning that Mr Cary can provide to ensure the positive changes we have made are long-lasting.”

Top pic: Rex

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Chinese tourists have been visiting the village of Kidlington for months - and now we know why

The mystery of why Chinese tourists have been flocking to the Oxfordshire village of Kidlington for months has finally been solved.

Residents have been left baffled as to why their homes were suddenly the centre of attention for groups of sightseers who battled to take selfies in front of their homes and gardens.

Some locals believed they were there because of the area’s connection to Inspector Morse - but the real reason is a lot sweeter.

Attraction: Chinese tourists have been flocking to Kidlington for months (SWNS)

MORE: This toddler’s mousetrap costume just broke Halloween MORE: Senior Tory Michael Heseltine says he strangled his mum’s pet dog after it bit him

One of the guides told the BBC that the tourists were simply there to get a “true sense” of what the UK is like.

The guide said villages like Kidlington don’t exist in China, adding: “The environment makes you feel you are closer to the simplicity of your original self.”

One resident, Baz Daniels, also got in touch with a friend in China, who told him that his home was used as a star attraction for holidaymaker.

Real Britain: A tour guide said sightseers wanted to get a true sense of the UK (SWNS)

He said: “Kidlington is apparently being marketed by Chinese tourist agencies as a beautiful English village on the way to Bicester Village shopping centre.

“Many of the visitors live in cities and love to see things like the hanging baskets and little flowers in people’s gardens.”

Top pic: SWNS

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Senior Tory Michael Heseltine says he strangled his mum’s pet dog after it bit him

Tory Grandee Lord Heseltine has shockingly claimed he killed his mum’s pet Alsatian after it became aggressive when he tried to stroke it.

The former MP, who was a prominent figure in Margaret Thatcher’s government, said that he strangled the pooch, named Kim, with his own dog collar.

Interviewer Charlotte Edwardes from Tatler magazine asked about the claims that he had "killed a dog with his bare hands after it attacked a child”.

Lord Heseltine then admitted that the incident involved the dog of his 83-year-old mother, Eileen.

Claims: Lord Heseltine said he strangled the Alsatian after it bit him (Rex/file pic)

MORE: This heartbroken cat refused to leave her dead owner’s grave for a YEAR MORE: Millionth passenger takes world’s shortest flight

He replied: "Ah! I can tell you what that was. I went to stroke him and he started biting me, here and there [on his hands].

"If you have a dog that turns, you just cannot risk it. So I took Kim's collar – a sort of choker chain – and pulled it tight."

Lord Heseltine added: "Suddenly he went limp.

"I was devoted to Kim, but he'd obviously had some sort of mental breakdown.”

The RSPCA has been notified of the claims, but have yet to comment.

The December issue of Tatler is on sale now.

Top pic: Rex

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This heartbroken cat refused to leave her dead owner’s grave for a YEAR

A cat so distraught at the loss of her owner has spent the past year living at her grave.

The mourning moggy’s cries were heard by passer-by Keli Keningau Prayitno, 28, who found her lying on the earth at the burial plot in Central Java, Indonesia.

Dad-of-one Keli decided to adopt the cat but she returned back to the headstone, returning only to her former owners for food.

Heartbroken: The cat spent an entire year at his dead owner’s grave (SWNS)

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Now she refuses to leave the grave, rolling in the earth and sleeping there every single night.

Keli said: "Since the cat's mother died she has stayed here at the grave. She does not want to go home. She has been here for almost a year.

"I thought she was homeless and tried to help but every time she would keep returning to the same place.”

Adopted: Keli Keningau Prayitno tried to give the cat a new home (SWNS)

He added: "It's very sad to see. It shows just how close animals are to their owners."

Keli said he had followed the cat and discovered her former owner had been an old lady called Kundari who had recently died.

And despite being offered new homes, the cat can still be seen at the grave night and day a year later.

Devoted: The cat later returned to the grave and refused to leave (SWNS)

Keli said: "We take some food and water to the cat but she still likes to go home.

“She’s at the grave everyday."

Top pic: SWNS

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‘It was a dream come true!’ Russian couple are ‘married’ by a 21-stone BEAR

Weddings are always memorable affairs but this Russian couple can truly claim that theirs was unforgettable.

Denis and Nelya said that their dreams came true when a 21-stone BEAR turned up as the guest of honour - and ‘married’ them.

The newlyweds, from Moscow, Russia, wanted brown bear Stepan to witness their nuptials, and they even got him involved in the ceremony itself.

Bear-y special guest: Stepan was the guest of honour at the wedding (Caters)

Important role: The bear acted as registrar for the couple (Caters)

MORE: NASA’s Mars Rover just spotted a dead grizzly bear on the Red Planet MORE: Cemetery worker is trapped in a grave on Halloween

And the resulting photos are something you wouldn't normally find on a Facebook album of the big day,

Denis said: "We both knew Stepan is a very kind bear but still it is a huge, unpredictable animal so we were a bit scared, but still happy to be able to make our dream come true.

"It was a fantastic experience to have this photoshoot with Stepan.

Special day: The newlyweds said having Stepan there was a dream come true (Caters)

Bizarre: The ceremony was not traditional (Caters)

"It is such a special feeling to hug a real, huge bear, and you cannot compare it to anything else.

"We will absolutely remember this day forever.”

We all will.

Top pic: Caters

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Where on Earth is Kim Jong-un’s wife? North Korea’s First Lady not seen for SEVEN MONTHS

Fears are growing for Kim Jong-un’s wife, who has not been seen in public for over seven months.

Ri Sol-ju married the dictator in 2012, but there has been no sighting of her since March 28, when she was on a tour of a new commercial district and health complex in Pyongyang.

Experts now believe that the First Lady of North Korea may be pregnant - or may have fallen out with Kim Jong-un’s younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, who is seen as the true power behind her brother’s rule in her lead role at the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

Missing: Ri Sol-ju was last seen in public in March (Reuters)

MORE: Men on stag do adopt seven newborn puppies after stray dog leads them to her babies MORE: Smartphones and tablets are stopping children from getting a good night’s sleep

Toshimitsu Shigemura, a professor at Tokyo’s Waseda University who study the leadership in the secretive nation, told The Telegraph that the Ri’s disappearance may be down to any number of reasons.

He said: ”There have also been reports of instability in Pyongyang and even of several attempted attacks, including by factions in the North Korean military, against Kim last year.

"It is possible that Ri has not appeared in public because she is being closely guarded.”

Dictator: Kim Jong-un married his wife in 2012 (Getty)

This is not the first time that Ri vanished from public view - in 2012 she was kept from the cameras while she was pregnant with a baby girl.

If she has fallen out with the leadership, her life may be in danger as Kim Jong-un has previously executed close family members.

His uncle, Jang Sung-taek, was described as “human scum” for an alleged plot to overthrow his nephew.

Top pic: AFP

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Men on stag do adopt seven newborn puppies after stray dog leads them to her babies

A group of men on a stag do ended up coming home with a litter of puppies after a stray dog crashed their party.

Mitchel Craddock was on the traditional male getaway with his pals at cabin in woods near Huntsville, Tennessee, before his upcoming wedding.

But their partying was interrupted when the stray pooch came knocking at the door, desperate for food.

Mitchel told The Tennessean: “We couldn't get her to come inside. She was just watching us as we ate breakfast with the door open.

New homes: The bachelor party each took home a dog from their trip (AP)

MORE: Sick Halloween pranksters leave body of decapitated cat on war memorial MORE: Man dressed as Freddy Krueger at Halloween party shoots five people

"It took a few minutes for her to gain our trust but from then on she was our best friend.”

The men followed the dog to the woods where they discovered she had given birth to seven puppies and was struggling to provide milk for her litter.

And rather than just leave them to an uncertain fate, the eight men decided to adopt all eight dogs and bring them back home with them.

Homes for life: The puppies’ mother was also adopted (AP)

Mitchel added: “You think of a bachelor party, and that's the last thing you think of.

“Eight guys go down to go four wheeling and come back with eight dogs.”

The doggy mum - now named Annie - and her pups Knox, Bear, Daisy, Gunner, Brimmy, Finn, and Rose all have a loving home with their rescuers.

Top pic: AP

[andyjwells]

Sick Halloween pranksters leave body of decapitated cat on war memorial

The body of a mutilated and decapitated cat has been left on a war memorial in what is thought to be part of a sick annual Halloween tradition.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

The body of the tortoiseshell cat, called Missy, was found in the grounds of St Catherine's Church, in Wickford, Essex on Saturday by the vicar.

The RSPCA has now launched an investigation after the disfigured body was collected and took to be examined by a vet.

RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton said: "The vet believes the cat's body was mutilated after she had died but it's not clear at this time how she died.

"The head, front legs and tail have been ripped off but all the organs are intact.

"These sorts of injuries can be caused by wildlife predating on the bodies of animals - such as cats - which may have been killed on the roads.”

Sick: The cat’s body had been mutilated (SWNS)

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She added: "It's just heartbreaking. Not only does this awful incident involve the sad death and shocking mutilation of a beloved pet cat, but also the desecration of a war memorial.

"The vicar told Missy's owner that every year, around Halloween, a 'prank' involving a mutilated animal occurs at the church."

The five-year-old cat belonged to Sandra Pillar who lives near to the church.

She told investigators Missy had gone out as usual on Friday afternoon but hadn't returned later in the day and she became worried when she failed to return at night - when she is not allowed out.

Gruesome discovery: The body of the cat was left at St Catherine's Church in Wickford (SWNS)

On Saturday morning, Missy was still missing so Ms Pillar and her neighbours went to look for her again when they heard from a local that the body of a cat had been found in the churchyard.

Ms Pillar said: ”They said it was a terrible sight, they said her tail had been hacked off and they couldn't find her head.

"It's just awful, I can't believe it. It's so scary.

"She was such a lovely little cat. She would go off into other gardens so everybody knew her, she was popular and she was so sweet."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 0300 123 8018.

Top pic: SWNS

[andyjwells]

Man dressed as Freddy Krueger at Halloween party shoots five people

A Halloween party turned violent over the weekend when a guest dressed as Freddy Krueger shot five people.

The unidentified suspect is said by witnesses at the party to have started causing trouble after arriving.

He had apparently turned up late - at around 5am on Sunday morning - to the party in San Antonio, Texas, with a group of several other men.

Eyewitnesses said that he soon pulled out a gun and shot into the crowd while dressed as the infamous Nightmare on Elm Street character.

Shooting: Police sent three people to hospital who were shot by the suspect (Kens5)

MORE: Woman makes each of her TWENTY boyfriends buy her an iPhone 7 so she could sell them and buy a house MORE: This man dressed up as his cat for Halloween and his cat was NOT happy about it

No one was killed in the incident, but police who arrived at the scene sent three victims to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

They said that one victim crashed her car on the way to the nearby University hospital, according to Kens5.

Police have so far not released any details of the suspect in the shooting and the search to find him is ongoing.

Top pic: New Line

[andyjwells]

Woman makes each of her TWENTY boyfriends buy her an iPhone 7 so she could sell them and buy a house

Raising money to buy a house can be extremely difficult - unless you have 20 boyfriends who would do anything for you.

A woman in China hit upon the ingenious - if slightly cynical - idea of making her devoted partners essentially pay for the deposit between them.

The woman, known only as Xiaoli, told the 20 men to buy her a brand new iPhone 7 - which she then sold to raise £14,000 for a house deposit.

Xiaoli, from Shenzhen, sold the handsets online and is now set to move into her own home in the countryside, according to the BBC.

Proud Qiaoba wrote on the Chinese blogging forum Tian Ya Yi Du: "Everyone in the office is talking about this now.

Scheme: The woman sold 20 iPhone 7s so she could buy a house (Flickr)

MORE: This man dressed up as his cat for Halloween and his cat was NOT happy about it MORE: Cold calls to the elderly about pensions should be banned, says helpline boss

"Who knows what her boyfriends think now this news has become public.”

Xiaoli was said to come from a poor family and was “under a lot of pressure” from her parents to buy a house.

Proud Qiaoba added: “But it's still unbelievable that she could use this method!”

Her story has split opinion on Chinese social media, with several users branding her “shameless”.

However, one woman wrote: "I can't even find one boyfriend. She can actually find 20 boyfriends at the same time and even get them to buy her an iPhone 7.

“Just want to ask her to teach me such skills."

Top pic: Getty