Singer Michael Jackson dead from heart attack

by SHAUN MILNE

BREAKING NEWS: KING of pop Michael Jackson has died from a heart attack, it was reported in America tonight.

Both the newspaper the LA Times and respected website TMZ cited sources as stating the singer had died at the age of 50.

It followed other claims that the star – who was due to play a strong of 50-plus dates in the UK soon – had been in a deep coma.

Thousands of stunned fans began to gather at UCLA hospital in Los Angeles waiting for official news.

Local official claimed the star had been given CPR on his way to hospital.

The dad-of-three – described by some as the Elvis of his day – had massive worldwide appeal despite a life mired in controversy.

Friends and British based PR Jonathan Morris said Jackson was “touched by genius” adding that it had been and “honour and a privilege” to have worked with the man responsible for such hits as Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean and Bad.

Tickets for what had been billed as his final ever shows at the O2 Arena in London which were scheduled to start on July 8 until March 2010 are now expected top rocket in value among collectors.

Tributes are also expected to be held at Glastonbury music festival this weekend in honour of the man many say changed the face of pop.

He was to feature on the cover of Q magazine in just five days time.

His career began aged just 11 with the Jackson Five before his solo legend began in 1971.

The album Thriller released in 1982 remains among the biggest selling in history in part thanks to the iconic video that same with the title track and Beat It.

His famous Moonwalk has also been copied by generations.

His troubled life saw him twice accused of child abuse, his changing appearance was a constant source of debate, and he eventually lost his beloved Neverland Ranch and fortune.

Yet he sold more than 750 million albums in his career, had 13 number one hit singles and the same number of Grammy Awards.

Shortly before Midnight GMT time all major news channels and newswires confirmed that Jackson had died.

It lead to a wave of tributes from shocked friends, fans and commentators marking the passing of a legend.

Hero dog Jack’s barking saves owner from blazing flat

By MICHAEL MacLEOD

A TINY Jack Russell dog has been hailed a hero after saving his owner from a fire – by biting him on the nose.

John Crossan, 43, dozed off while cooking up a late night snack and his gas hob burst into flames.

Luckily his feisty little pet dog, Jack, sniffed out the smoke and woke his owner.

With his home engulfed in flames, John scooped up his dog and managed to feel his way outside to safety.

A relieved John says he owes his life to his 14-month old pooch, who he describes as his “best friend.”

He said: “Jack deserves a big bone as a treat for saving me – I’d be a goner without him.

“I had taken the batteries out the fire alarm earlier in the day when I was painting the ceiling, and stupidly forgot to put them back in.

“Luckily the dog has been my four-legged fire alarm and woken me up.

“He nipped me on the nose and I wok with a start.

“The flames were absolutely jumping out of the kitchen and the whole place is wrecked because of the smoke.

“I’m just lucky to be alive thanks to this wee guy.”

Family in hiding after Edinburgh shooting drama

By MICHAEL MACLEOD

A FAMILY has gone into hiding after a doting dad walking his dog was gunned down by a masked attacker.

Police are trying to find out why plumber Douglas Downing, 39, was targeted and refused to rule it out as a case of mistaken identity.

Mr Downing (Pictured), of Willowbrae, Edinburgh was still recovering in hospital tonight, and relatives were looking after his house.

They insisted the shooting was aimed at the wrong man.

One relative, who wouldn’t be named, said: “The family have moved away from here just now, which is understandable considering what happened.

“Dougie is doing okay but he and the family are very shaken up.

“It’s outrageous that someone is running about with a gun in an area like this, with a school so close by.

“It’s definitely a case of mistaken identity. Dougie is a family man and never had any trouble. Everyone is okay, just very shaken up.

“The police have warned us to be careful about what we say, so I can’t say much more than that.”

New exhibition lets kids play garden detectives

By Oliver Farrimond

SCOTS families will be given the chance to don their detective’s hats and explore the natural world at a new summer exhibition.

Inspired by the methods of legendary scientist Charles Darwin, visitors to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh will be able to track animals, peep inside hedges and even transform into insects.

The hands-on, interactive displays are designed to encourage kids to explore their own back gardens using their senses of taste, smell and touch.

The exhibition, entitled “Garden Detectives” opens today (Friday) at the National Museum, running until the end of September.

Dr Graham Rotheray, exhibition curator at the National Museums Scotland, said: “Our exhibition uses a mix of real specimens, interactive exhibits and displays to show young visitors how to see and investigate the rich diversity of wildlife in their own gardens.

Youngest Hearts season ticket holder

By Cara Sulieman

A SIX-MONTH old boy is in the running to be the youngest football fan in Scotland.

Little Arron Bain is now a Hearts season ticket holder after his granddad bought him his very own season ticket.

He also has a mini maroon football strip with Bain No 1 written on the back.

Both the treats were bought by his grandfather Donald, 50, who is a lifelong Hearts fan himself.

Edinburgh Playhouse could be put up for sale

By CARA SULIEMAN

ONE of Scotland’s most famous theatres is up for sale after its owners decided to sell all their venues in the UK.

The Edinburgh Playhouse is owned by a US company, Live Nation, who are looking to offload their 17 properties across the country.

But the future still looks bright for the iconic venue at the top of Leith around 20 theatre operators are interested in the building.

Gay police to march in Scotland for first time

By Cara Sulieman

GAY POLICE will be marching in their uniform for the first time in Scotland when they join the gay pride march in Edinburgh tomorrow.

Seventy members of the Gay Police Association from around the UK will be taking part after getting permission from their chief constable.

Thousands of people are expected to start their march down the Royal Mile at 1pm after hearing speeches from a number of invited guests.

And the historic decision comes exactly 40 years after the Stonewall riots in New York, where a police crackdown at the Stonewall Inn sparked three nights of battles in the streets of Greenwich Village.

Obama tops the polls again

By Cara Sulieman

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama is the person most Scots kids would choose to go on holiday with.

They were asked who would be the “most fun” celebrity holiday companion and Obama roared to victory for a second time with the youngsters.

He was the only politician on the list, which was the result of a Travelodge poll asking children what they wanted for their summer holiday.

Other than the victorious president, the list is populated by an array of stars of kid’s programmes and films.