this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm: thousands of homes are without power in parts of wales and england as the uk struggles with the bitter winter conditions. that's my car there, so that's not going anywhere and then all the local trains and buses are cancelled. people are just going around on sledges on the main road yesterday. several flood warnings have been issued for parts of england due to high tides and strong winds. further travel disruption is expected. three men have been charged with manslaughter and arson over an explosion in leicester which left five people dead and a number of people injured. the prime minister has helped bring together remain and leave supporters according to the health secretary, jeremy hunt. video assistant referees are set to be used at this year's world cup in russia after football's lawmakers voted to approve the technology. and 50 years on, witness takes a look at one of the turning points of the vietnam war — the tet offensive. that's in half an hour here on bbc news. thousands of homes are still

without electricity, and motorists and rail passengers face continuing disruption, as the uk struggles with the bitter weather. snow drifts are blocking some major roads and many rural communities remain cut off. as temperatures begin to rise, easing problems in some areas, there's a new threat of flooding, with severe warnings in place in parts of north—east and south—west england. dan johnson reports. at least manchester and leeds were reconnected this morning when the m62 reopened. lots of other roads over these hills are still blocked, though. it has been incredible,

never seen anything like it, we have had drifts around where we live, cars getting stuck, including police cars and so on. the ice roads of the north pennines. this lane leading to the tiny village of bewcastle‘s been blocked since wednesday. this morning, local farmers cleared the snow. you never see a gritter out here, never. people here are feeling a bit forgotten. i rang the highways department yesterday morning asking them to send out some assistance as our tractor was stuck in a neighbour's. and they said there's no way anybody was going to be out our way. i think it's absolutely disgusting. right across the north, there's still plenty of snow to clear. we don't want any more, but, you know, it is what it is and we can cope with it. when you see the amount of snow here you get an idea of what this community has had to endure this week. this is not the only village that has been cut off.

high tides and flooding are now a risk. this is dawlish on the south—west coast. and look what the trains have to plough through in scotland. we are actually hopeful of a near normal service tomorrow, which will set everything of people going back to work on monday morning. very hopeful we can provide a really good service come monday. hundreds of homes across wales were without power. leaking boilers have only added to the misery. bedding is damaged, the bed itself is gone, soaking wet, the carpet saturated. some supermarkets are running short — after the beast from the east, the hysteria from siberia. there are signs of warmer climes back in bewcastle. the long, slow thaw might have started, that doesn't mean the problems are over. an operation‘s under way tonight to reach people at lynton in north devon, who've been completely cut off by huge snowdrifts. devon county council's warning

of "treacherous" conditions on many roads on exmoor and dartmoor. meanwhile there are also nine flood alerts in place across devon and cornwall. andy birkett reports. unless you've got one of these, you're not going anywhere. while much of the south west returns to normality, lynton remains cut off. this is the a399 ten miles away, deep snow here means the roads are impassable. drifts up the road come to the top of the telegraph poles. it has been a lock in with a difference for this pub owner. he has not had a delivery here since wednesday. this is the main road. it goes from lynton on to the moors and up the top there, you can see the sheep in the field. there is grass they can get to but in other places where the snow has drifted, there is no chance for them at all. efforts are being made to clear the road in and out of the town but it is not expected

to happen before midnight. we hope to be able to get in there but there are a lot of snowdrifts, some of them up to 12 foot deep and the snow blowers and snowploughs, it is a horrendous task and it is very treacherous conditions they are working in. while some areas have thawed out, north devon is not the only place where the roads are blocked. this isjust outside plymouth. at least you can see the car there. near okehampton, this vehicle is not quite so easy to spot. here on exmoor, you canjust about get directions still. the roads are not the only problem. for many, the biggest issue is dealing with power cuts and a lack of water. more than 700 homes were still without electricity a short time ago and many households are still without water. the low temperatures and the thawing process from the snow has resulted in a large break—out of bursts and leaks and we are struggling

to keep pace with the sheer demand for water for our customers and we have had quite a few problems with customers having leaks and bursts on their own pipes as well. water was also the problem on the rail line at dawlish but today the train link in and out of the region was restored, as were flights from exeter airport. some of the heaviest snow of the last week has been in scotland. our correspondent catriona renton has the latest from glasgow. it has been far from a normal saturday here in glasgow, places have felt a lot quieter than normal but things are starting to get back on track. we were out at glasgow central rail station earlier today and many services throughout the day came back on stream and scotrail say that they are hopeful they will have a normal service tomorrow which bodes well for the monday morning commute. the west coast main line between scotland and england, they had hoped that trains would be running on that this afternoon but they have been fighting

a battle with drifting snow and when the plough managed to move it, it came back on the line and they're starting again. hopefully that will be sorted soon. the airports have been open, passengers still advised to check with their airline, because there are still cancellations and delays. with the amount of disruption that there has been, you would expect that. on the roads, the main arterial routes are doing well, the problem is untreated side roads where the snow is compounding but not melting and it is becoming icy. underfoot and in the car, treacherous on some of the side roads and the advice is to make sure you are safe and check carefully before heading out. we have seen some tremendous community spirit and let me tell you the story of an elderly couple in the borders. their house was surrounded by about 12 feet of snow, but they were dug out by some police officers and the mountain

rescue team and we hear that they are safe and well. at holyhead port, in anglesey, which was hit by winds reaching 80mph, up to 80 boats were damaged or sunk in the storm. coastguard teams are assessing the damage but one boat owner at the port told us about how badly damaged his vessel was. it's just it'sjust depressing. it's just depressing. the it'sjust depressing. the boat it's just depressing. the boat has gone completely, big holes inside at the bottom, water comes in and out and there's nothing you can do. earlier, our wales correspondent tomos morgan gave us this update. it's been snowing on and off all morning but now the rain has begun, it's getting slightly warmer but it is around the freezing point here. this road actually is quite clear, one of the better roads in cardiff. but the majority of the suburban areas and residential streets

are still covered with snow. we were out earlier on and the community were shovelling up the streets so they could get their cars out finally after this winter spell. the transport across wales has come to a standstill over the past few days, cardiff airport completely closed yesterday. it has reopened but because of the cancellation of flights yesterday there has been a knock—on effect into today. trains are still disrupted to some degree across the country and there are still some roads, some main roads that are shut across wales, mostly in the northern areas. there are around 400 homes without power in north wales. scottishpower is looking to get the power back on by tea—time. the yellow warning that had been due to come to an end here in wales for ice was supposed to come to an end at ”pm but it has been extended into tomorrow,

around midday tomorrow in wales. an independent investigation is being launched after delayed train passengers were able to leave a train and walk down tracks in south—east london last night. southeastern rail services through lewisham were held up after ice affected power supply to trains and caused "major disruption". this led to frustrated passengers jumping off a train after pressing an emergency alarm and walking to the nearest platform. and we'll find out how this story and many others are covered you can keep up—to—date with the weather on the bbc news website and on your local radio station. and we'll find out how this story and many others are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10:30pm and 11:30pm this evening in the papers. 0ur guestsjoining me

tonight arejournalist yasmin alibhai—brown and penny smith who is a journalist and broadcaster. three men have been charged with manslaughter and arson over an explosion in leicester which left five people dead and a number of people injured. the victims included three members of the same family, who died when the shop and flat were destroyed last weekend. reports from syria suggest government forces have gained more ground in an assault on the rebel—held area of eastern ghouta, near the capital damascus. once again, no aid was delivered during the daily five—hour humanitarian ceasefire in eastern ghouta and no civilians made it out. president assad's ally russia says rebels have prevented civilians from leaving. the rebels deny this. the health secretary, jeremy hunt, has said the prime minister's brexit offer showed that it is possible to get "frictionless" trade with the european union while leaving the single market and the customs union. theresa may's speech, which she made in london yesterday, has largely been welcomed by leave and remain supporters in the conservative party. mr hunt said the prime minister's vision should please all shades of opinion. the prime minister, and i think this

is why this speech has worked in terms of bringing people together, and she is in terms of bringing people together, is very honest about that. she said everyone is going to have to compromise, everyone will find something they can nit pick on. but in reality, for people who are passionate about brexit this is a package which gives the british parliament control over the destiny of the british people and therefore restores democratic control. for the people on the remain side one of the biggest worries is that we would lose that close business relationship with the eu, and here you've got a vision that which goes as far as becoming as associate member of european agencies and potentially becoming subject to some ecj rules in those areas. the co—leader of the green party, caroline lucas, has called brexit a crisis which risks peace in northern ireland. speaking at the party's

spring conference, the brighton mp described the government's approach to brexit negotiations as "reckless". let's not forget that the eu was originally a peace project. forged in the wake of the destruction and devastation of the second world war. rising from the rubble left by bombs and armies. the principles that nations that share resources will prioritise peace above war. and, conference, the cause of peace is at stake again today. the way this government is playing politics with peace in northern ireland is reckless and indefensible and our message to theresa may is this, sacrificing the good friday agreement on the altar of an extreme brexit is nothing short of criminal and it must not be allowed to happen! cheering and applause. and we have another message today, one we have always proudly and

uniquely championed. that free movement is good for our country. applause. we know that free movement goes in two directions and the right to study and travel and live and love in 27 other countries is a precious gift and we will stand up for it and stand up against those who will stoke racism and prejudice. how else to defend the nhs other than by defending freedom of movement? since the referendum, the number of nurses coming to work in the nhs from the eu has dropped by nearly 90%. the british medical association estimates that one fifth of eu doctors, currently in the nhs, will now leave as a direct result of the prospect of brexit. brexit is not just a political crisis unfolding in the corridors of westminster, it is happening in our hospital wards, in our university lecture theatres, in the fields where our food grows

and all of our workplaces. and for young people, in particular, who overwhelmingly supported remain, a tory brexit is an unforgivable act of intergenerational theft by a conservative government that has lost its moral compass and we will oppose it every step of the way. the headlines on bbc news: at least m00 homes in parts of wales and england are without power as the uk continues to struggle with the bitter winter conditions. several flood warnings have been issued for parts of england due to high tides and strong winds. continued disruption is expected on roads and railways. three men have been charged with manslaughter and arson over an explosion in leicester, which left five people dead and a number of people injured. sport now, and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre.

good evening, martine. it's been a fascinating day in the premier league and we will start at anfield. liverpool have gone second in the premier league after a 2—0 win over rafa benitez‘s newcastle. nick parrott watched the action. rafa benitez appeared to be the only person at anfield who didn't need to wrap upfor person at anfield who didn't need to wrap up for the cold. since he left, the spaniard has yet to lose against his former club and for much of his first half, his strategy stifled the usually free—flowing rents. liverpool were frustrated at being unable to make a break through, and

eventually persistence paid off through more salah. it was his 32nd goal of the season in all competitions, the second and the newcastle team has managed. newcastle team has managed. newcastle have often been found backing at the back but loris karius showed wide during club was right to make his number one. 0nce sadio mane made it two there was no doubt about the outcome, rafa benitez finally beaten as liverpool moved up to second in the premier league. you try to improve things when you see them but you have to score in the right moment and keep a clean sheet, so right moment and keep a clean sheet, so 2—0 is a fantastic result, if you asked me two weeks ago what i wished for against west ham and newcastle i would say twice i—0 so i will be at immediately. tottenham's rich run of form

continued against huddersfield. no goals from harry kane this time — instead son providing both in their 2—0 victory at wembley. in today's other results, bournemouth drew with leicester, southampton. i goal igoal in i goal in the 90th minute. and bottom off the table west brom lost to watford. well, the weather has played havoc with most fixtures in scotland but both of today's scottish cup game survived, aberdeen will have to replay kilmarnock after they drew 1—1 but celtic are safely into the semifinals, beating championship side greenock morton. moussa dembele opened the scoring and made it two with a penalty, while 0dsonne edouard made it 3—0. let's switch our attention

to the world indoor athletics championships where in the last few moments... a culmination of a pretty good night for britain because there could be another bronze medal for them because elliott giles originally finished fourth in the final of the 800 metres but we are hearing it has been upgraded to third place after the american drew windle who finished first was disqualified, but he is not happy and he has walked out with them at last as they head towards the medal ceremony. at the moment britain have two bronzes so far. having eased through the heats earlier today, cj ujah was disqualified in the first

60—metre semifinal for a false start. his gb team—mate andrew robertson has also failed to reach the final after finishing fifth in the third semi. much more on bbc two, you can follow the athletics there. that's all the sport for now. we'll have more for you on bbc news throughout the evening. the trial use of new video technology to assist football referees is proving controversial in the english game. now football's lawmakers have approved its use, and it's set to be used at this year's world cup in russia. the system allows referees to review key moments during a match, such as goals and penalty calls. but critics say it's slowing down the action and ruining the game, as richard conway reports. from diego maradona's hand of god to injustice in the biggest games. football has long opposed technology to help officials make the important decisions. but after an historic vote, all that has changed. video assistant referees,

or var, as it's known, finally given the go—ahead. var is good for football, it's good for refereeing. it brings more fairness in the game. and for these reasons we have decided to approve. var will be used to correct errors relating to goals, penalties, straight red cards and mistaken identity. nearly 1000 games have formed part of a two year var experiment. tottenham's match against rochdale last week was included in the trial but was criticised given lengthy delays while the referee reviewed incidents. leading to claims technology is killing the atmosphere and pace of the match. some now question whether var should be used at all, including at the summer's world cup in pressure. ——

pressure. the holy grail of football is the world cup, surely if it's not good enough for the fa cup we can't we let out into the most prestigious tournament we have every four years. but one of the architect of the new system told me there is evidence video assistant is working. 0n clear error situations, the accuracy of the referee decisions went from, initially, 93% up to around 99%. of course there are grey areas where an incident could be a penalty, could not be a penalty, and they will always remain grey areas. football's leaders want to eliminate game changing mistakes but as the experiments have shown, anyone who thinks technology. controversy may wa nt to thinks technology. controversy may want to think again. scientists are testing new technology which could lead to the early detection of oesophageal cancer. it's one of the deadliest forms of the disease, claiming around 8000 lives each year in the uk. 0ur science correspondent richard westcott reports. right now this is how you find one of britain's deadliest cancers. 0esophageal cancer kills 21 people a day because it is so difficult to spot.

using a camera with a normal white light on the end, the doctor's looking at the dark red patch. these physicists already use different coloured lasers to study electrons. now they are adapting the technique to look for early signs of disease. what happens as the tissue becomes cancerous is we get a change in the chemical composition, and different chemicals have different colours, meaning that if we look at the cancer with a technique that allows us to capture information from all of the different colours of light that are being reflected, we can get a fuller picture of the disease state that is present. and this is how it might look. two thirds of our patients present with a cancer that is already spreading to the lymph glands, and after that it can go to distant organs like the liver. if we treat a cancer at the point at which it is still within the tissue of the liver

or oesophagus itself and has not spread anywhere, we can remove it all and cure it. that is is that what happened to jackie. they caught her disease in time, and now she is fine. i knew there was something wrong. people should not have heartburn for 20 odd years, actually it was 30 years. they will start trials of the new camera on patients in the next few weeks. if successful, it could also be used to spot other cancers before they become fatal. more now on the severe weather that's been battering the uk over the last few days — and it's sporting fixtures that have borne the brunt of the continuing cold temperatures this weekend. but in the face of having their team's irish football cup quarterfinal called off fans at one club in county armagh took matters into their own hands. they worked late into the night at glenavon fc with shovels to clear the pitch of snow. declan harvey reports. frozen ground forced some of the bigger stadiums in northern ireland to turn fans

away but here at glenavon, a community army has done everything they can to get the pitch in shape. loyal to the end, they rallied to the rescue when their match looked in doubt yesterday evening. the boys have been here from last night, some into the early hours of this morning, clearing the pitch. i turned up this morning to give them a hand. the referee has given us another hour to see if the pitch is playable and hopefully we'll get the match going. at 11 o'clock it was covered with snow. how deep? up to our knees in parts. we left here at three o'clock this morning. the body language from some of the officials, it is not looking great at the moment, but you can see the effort has gone in. shovelling snow is one thing, getting the ground to defrost is another. with no expensive equipment, they used car engines. backbreaking work for young and old.

a good family club and everyone is sticking together to try and get things to go ahead. an agonising second pitch inspection is completed with a thumbs up. cheering and applause. from both clubs' point of view, with other games being called off, none of the other teams playing today, it could be good financially for both teams as well which is important. testament goes to the community and all the supporters who have come along and helped. football is a funny old game. the home side later lost 2—1 and were knocked out of the cup. next year they won't bother clearing the pitch, will they? over the last few days,

we've been bringing you stories about some of the heroes who have been helping the country through the severe weather. 0ur reporterjohn maguire's been out in the streets of bristol meeting the wardens who've been keeping people safe in the snow. we have cleared along here. we better get some grit. their mission is to make our streets safer. these are the community snow wardens. let's get on with it. everyone got spades? yes! i like being part of the community and it feels that it is something that people appreciate. people are saying thank you. it is nice. trained by bristol city council in how to keep themselves safe and how to clear footpaths for their neighbours, there has not been a great need for their services in recent years. this is the first time you have used it. the first serious time. why do you do it? we live in a hilly area in bristol, if there is any difficulty moving around, the problem is ours. since it is our problem, we need to solve it ourselves. i happen to think the communities are as important as families. in a way, you've always

got your community, you might not always have your family. as vehicles slip and slide their way along the streets, most people here have opted to travel on foot. so, clear pavements are much appreciated. if we clear it first, it will be easier. that as we struggled to cope with whether many of us now rarely see in the uk... it is wide enough for a pram. for annie, visiting from the ukraine, this is a busman‘s holiday. i live in the ukraine. it was about —14 when i left. yes, slightly chilly over there. it is quite funny coming back and having this here in the uk. we're only around half a mile away from the centre of bristol, but as you can see, lots of these roads are still covered in snow and when you think about it, it does not matter how good a job

is done clearing our motorways and clearing our main roads, if you cannot get out of your front door, what is the point and that is where the snow wardens come in. thank you! as much as their efforts are appreciated, a thaw would make life in the city much easier. until that happens, these volunteers will be out in force and thankfully, in both senses of the word, there is plenty of grit. before we get the weather, let's bring you some remarkable video footage showing the link some farmers have to go to to care for their animals. this is dale wilson, a farmer in wales, who was having to dig out the sheep by hand that have been completely covered in this snowdrift, a particular problem

during lambing season. time for the weather with phil. at last i can bring you the news that it looks like we have seen the very worst of the cold snap, and the next few days the cold will ease off on with low pressure close to the south—west, we will continue to see spells of unsettled weather. that continues overnight, we push this belt of snow, not particularly heavy, further towards the north and into some pretty cold air. leaving in its wake, something milder than we have seen over the past few days. but there will be some issues as we start the new day on sunday, ice is a problem, particularly across northern parts. what really valuable and wintry showers growing from the south—west and pushing further east across the southern half of the british isles and further north the snow becomes