three people are shot dead and 16 injured in a series of attacks by a suspected islamist gunman in southern france. the attacker took shoppers hostage in a local supermarket before being shot and killed by police. i invite all citizens to be aware of the seriousness of the terrorist threat but also understand the strength and resilience of our people, who have been attacked. one police officer is fighting for his life in hospital. we'll have more on this latest terror attack in france. also tonight... inside porton down. we gain exclusive access to the military chemical facility investigating the salisbury nerve agent attack. it comes as health officials say anyone who was in key areas at the time of the attack should have dry—clea nable clothes destroyed. meanwhile, the european union recalls its ambassador to moscow, in a protest against russia over the salisbury poisoning meeting the man who could make a difference —

the family who've given up single—use plastic for ten days quiz the minister. and it's back to school for harry and meghan on a visit to northern ireland. and coming up on bbc news: england manager gareth southgate takes a look at his options as world cup preparations start to take shape with a trip to the netherlands. good evening. a gunman who went on a shooting spree in southern france, killing three people and injuring 16, has been killed by police. the attacker, named as 26 year old redouane lakdim, pledged allegiance to the islamic state group. he is thought to have killed and wounded his victims in three separate incidents which began

in the city of carcassone. he is then believed to have driven to a nearby town, where he took people hostage in a supermarket. a police officer who swapped himself for one of the hostages is now fighting for his life in hospital, as james robbins reports. a small town in southern france, the supermarket was suddenly the main target of this terror attack. security forces surrounded the building where the gunman had a woody shot and killed two people and then heated at least one hostage. as then heated at least one hostage. as the police moved in, the senior officer offered himself to the attacker in exchange. translation: the lieutenant colonel who was with those men voluntarily swapped himself for a hostage, who the terrorist then let go. the officer stayed with him and then the

terrorist opened fire, so our forces intervened and brought down the terrorist. the heroic officer had been wounded but his actions surely saved other lives. while held hostage he apparently kept his mobile phone relaying down to collea g u es mobile phone relaying down to colleagues who ended the siege. the entire attack have started in the historic town of carcassonne, about eight kilometres away. the killer first hijacked a car using extreme violence. the passenger in the car was killed and the driver injured but soon afterwards he shot and wounded policeman who was jogging with colleagues then he drove about 15 minutes to the small village, taking hostages and shooting and saying i am a solder of islamic state. —— a soldier. the killer has been named as redouane lakdim, described by the french interior minister as a petty delinquent.

though identified by intelligence services he was not regarded as a serious threat. today he killed repeatedly and was apparently demanding the release of this man, the most important surviving suspect in the paris attacks of november 2015. the attacks killed a total of 130 people. after d—day plus max supermarket siege, tonight the president said the heroic gendarme was critically wounded. he's saved lives and brought honour to his service and nation. he is now fighting for his life. our thoughts are with him and his family. this is the most serious terror attack in france during emmanuel macron‘s ten months as president full. it seems to follow a far longer patterns of young men moving from petty crime to

murder in the name of extremism. just not true. those are the words of the director of the military research centre at porton down to russia's suggestion the facility was the source of the poison that's left a former russian spy and his daughter in a critical condition. scientists at the chemical defence unit have been analysing samples taken after the attack in salisbury on sergei skripal and his daughter yulia. our security correspondent, gordon corera, has been give exclusive access to porton down and has just sent this report. it is one of the most sensitive and secret sites in the country. porton down, home to the defence science and technology lab, and now at the heart of the salisbury poisoning investigation. inside one of the labs, scientists demonstrated to us one of the many ways used to detect the presence of chemical agents. a call came here to porton down and nearly hours of monday march the 5th. —— in the early hours.

within hours, a specialist response team was deployed down the road to salisbury. they collected samples that were brought back to laboratories at the site and which identified a military grade nerve agent. based on that, as well as other information, the government said it is highly likely that russia was responsible for poisoning sergei and yulia skripal. security at porton down is tight. russian diplomats have raised questions as to whether somehow nerve agent from here could have got out. that is something officials say is impossible. you know, we have the highest levels of controls of security around the work that we do here. we would not be allowed to operate if we had a lack of control that could result in anything leaving the four walls of the facility here. so, you know, we have complete confidence that there is nothing that could have come from here out into the wider world, as it were. is a frustrating when you hear that kind of accusation? yes, it is a coincidence that it is down the road, that this has happened, it is very frustrating to hear that.

everybody here knows that is not true. they emphasise that the work here is purely defensive. chemical agents are pumped into this chamber to test how well the chemical suits given to soldiers stand up. there have been allegations in russia that a new chemical weapons factory is being built. but officials showed us the local planning application, saying what is being built here is actually going to be a facility for the analysis of explosives. what about the accusation that it is a secret chemical warfare facilities here, all being built here? that is just nonsense. this is a defensive organisation and we know that the russians have been suggesting certain buildings are for making chemical warfare. that is just complete rubbish. this afternoon, the park bench in salisbury where sergei and yulia skripal were found was taken away. international inspectors from the opcw are now taking samples from the scene. they are also working inside porton down itself to independently

confirm its analysis, including the conclusions that point to russian involvement. gordon corera, bbc news, porton down. in the last hour, public health england have issued new advice for members of the public who were in two locations visited by sergei and yulia skripal on the days surrounding the attack. duncan kennedy is in salisbury. what are they saying? you remember that two weeks ago the advice from public health england was anyone who was in zizi's restaurant or the mill power was for people to dump their clothing or bag it. now they say anyone who was in zizi's or the pub on monday the 11th of march or the 5th of march should wash their clothing immediately. as for dry

cleaning, do not dry clean it. call the council. they will send someone over, take away the dry cleaning item and destroy it. public helping them say people will be compensated for that. while there is no immediate health risk, it is possible but unlikely that any substance that has come into contact with clothing or belongings could still be present in minute amounts and therefore contaminate your skin. so, nearly three weeks after this incident, the advice from public health england continues to evolve. thank you. a convoy of vehicles left the british embassy in moscow this morning, as the deadline for the expulsion of british diplomats was reached. president putin has called on the russian people to unite behind him during what he called this ‘challenging time'. eu leaders today promised an "unprecendented" diplomatic response. steve rosenberg reports from moscow to applause from colleagues and friends, the british diplomats headed home. the sendoff far warmer

than the moscow spring. russia had expelled 23 from the embassy here. it was tit—for—tat. britain had ordered out 23 russians. for those left behind, it was an emotional moment. they can feel the chill in uk—russian relations. but now, european governments are moving closer to expelling russians. so, is moscow feeling the pressure? there is little sign of it. we are absolutely against any pressure from abroad. we are ready for discussions but we cannot accept any attempt of pressure against my country. and we have proved that within 1000 years of our history. today, president putin told russians he had made history with his landslide election win. no mention of diplomatic tensions over the salisbury attack. one thing the kremlin has been working hard

to do in recent years, with some success, is to drive a wedge between different countries in the european union, to sow discord in europe. that is why a strong, coordinated response by eu states to the salisbury attack, that would come as a surprise to moscow. this evening, russia took on brazil in a pre—world cup friendly. tension with the west risks overshadowing the tournament. russia will be hosting. translation: sport and politics should be separate. the world cup should bring people together. translation: they always blame russia for everything. it is rubbish. translation: it would not bother me one bit if england did not come. they can believe what they want. it is their problem. england fans will be safe here, says moscow. but salisbury has set the scene for a political showdown — russia against europe. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. as we've heard, european union

leaders have said they are preparing co—ordinated measures against russia following the nerve agent attack. separately they've approved guidelines for the negotiation of future relations with the uk — in what's being seen as a key step in the brexit process. our political editor laura kuenssberg reports from brussels. they don't always look so pleased to see each other. the eu's chief negotiator grasping the prime minister's hand. today, the day when formally, finally, the stage right after brexit, the transition was agreed. i welcome the fact that the eu council this morning has agreed the details of the implementation period. this gives certainty to people in businesses. it gives clarity to plan for theirfuture. i believe we are approaching this with a spirit of cooperation, a spirit of opportunity for the future as well. and we will now be sitting down and determining those workable solutions.

not much will change for nearly two years after we leave. but how closely will the uk hug the continent after? that is the next fight on the table — the next details to be worked out. time is of the essence, the eu's most powerful voice said. if the uk wants to leave the customs union and the single market that means a free trade agreement, germany's angela merkel said. agreeing a buffer zone between leaving the eu and cutting off all ties was never in doubt today. but theresa may's argument also swayed eu leaders to turn up the pressure on russia. the union even pulling back its own ambassador here to brussels. perhaps, after months of difficulties, britain's stock here was on the up. it's notjust the eu ambassador leaving moscow. other european countries say they'll send russian diplomats back there in co—ordinated moves next week.

but leaders here have been willing to walk the walk alongside britain, matching theresa may's stance in contrast to an awkward pause yesterday. the european union agrees with the uk government's assessment that it is highly likely that the russian federation is responsible for this attack and that there is no other plausible explanation. despite the tough brexit negotiations, the european union has demonstrated unanimous and unequivocal unity with the uk in the face of this attack. we decided to call back our european ambassador in moscow. this is an extraordinary measure — we never took it before. this time, although the uk's leaving the eu, the continent still stands together. the next 12 months could fray those alliances.

then she'll make this departure for the final time. laura kuenssberg, bbc news, brussels. our europe editor, katya adler, is in brussels. how good a summit was it for theresa may? an astounding summit for the prime minister. let's take russia, theresa may came here asking eu leaders to condemn those attacks in salisbury in words. she got that and a lot more. as we heard, the eu has recalled its ambassador from more. as we heard, the eu has recalled its ambassadorfrom russia, a group of eu countries has coordinated a diplomatic response and this is notjust out of solidarity with the uk. they have concerns over russia, but still. and brexit, a symbolic day. for a long time the uk has wanted negotiations

to talk about trade and future relationship after brexit. yes, you can have that now said he eu leaders. and the uk asked for a bridging transition period, you can have that, said eu leaders here but the road to brexit is difficult with big issues to be resolved, such as the irish border issue and even though eu leaders here says yes to lots at the summit, they pointed out they are still planning for the possibility that brexit ‘s negotiations could break down and fail altogether. thank you. our top story this evening... three people are shot dead and 16 injured in a series of attacks by a suspected islamist gunman in southern france. and we will be live sport relief where the republic of ireland goalkeeper shay given has been trying to save for seven hours. coming up on sportsday on bbc news,

ominous signs ahead of the first race of the formula 1 season. mercedes and defending champion lewis hamilton are fastest ahead of the opening weekend in melbourne. this week, as part of our investigation on the impact of plastic on the environment, we've been following one family from bristol and their attempts to live without single—use plastic for ten days. last night they tried to find alternatives — today they meet the environment secretary michael gove to try to get some answers. jon kay reports. from this... ..to this. for ten days, the evans family tried to avoid single use plastic. and the milk is inside of a glass. reusing bottles, refilling tubs. we're trying to save the planet. their rubbish pile before... and after.

liz and andy have come to meet environment secretary michael gove at a zero—waste shop. to show him that going plastic—free has not been hassle—free. everything packaged in blinking plastic. or cheap. they want him to get tough with retailers. the big supermarkets are not falling in line with this quickly enough. that is where it comes down to us. because you are trying to do the right thing. you made a big commitment and a change, but it has cost you. what we have got to do is try to come up with the right regulations and the right government action, so that in all our lives, we are using less plastic. yes. and you need to do that quickly. they tell him that ditching plastic has doubled their shopping bill and they suggest a government app to give consumers free advice. andy has another idea. if we had a plastic—free aisle in the supermarket, that would bring it to the forefront, so people would actually see that the supermarkets are looking at doing something.

do you think we could do that? i think plastic—free aisles are simply one thing. if we look back in a year's time and if you say, did they act, did they listen, did they follow our example? i hope in 12 months you will be able to say that even if not everything is perfect, at least they have moved and things are better. what are you going to do? well, i can't. .. one of the things about being in government is that the prime minister is always the person that makes the big announcements. she absolutely gets it and she wants to make sure that this government is remembered for having stepped up to this challenge. so, a hint ofa law change, after pressure from people like the evanses. happy? not yet. what would make you happy? a ban of non—recyclable plastics. i will let the prime minister know. if you could, that would be great. happy now? no. liz and andy say they will stay plastic—free, if they get his help.

jon kay, bbc news. a police inspector has been found guilty of murdering his wife and dumping her body in a lake. darren mckie killed his wife leanne after she discovered he'd been taking out loans in both their names. jurors at chester crown court heard how the couple — who both worked for greater manchester police — owed more than £100,000. two lorry drivers have been jailed after causing a crash on the m1 in buckinghamshire that killed eight people last august. ryszard masierak was jailed for 1h years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. david wagstaff was sentenced to a0 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving. the teenager who planted a bomb on a london tube train that partially exploded at parsons green has been sentenced life in prison, and will have to serve a minimum of 3a years. ahmed hassan was convicted of attempted murderfor carrying out the attack last september

in which more than 50 people were injured. our home affairs correspondent june kelly reports. ahmed hassan — described today as the asylum seeker who cynically exploited the generosity of a country that gave him refuge, but which he hated. his bomb set off a fireball and, today, the judge mrjustice haddon—cave said hassan had been determined to create as much death and carnage as possible on the underground train at parsons green. and that it was luck the device only partially detonated. 23 people suffered burns, 28 sustained crush injuries in the stampede to get out of the station. some of hassan‘s victims were in court. he had got off the train before the explosion. thejudge told him, you wanted to save your own skin and were not prepared for martyrdom. he believed that hassan had spent time at is training camp and was wedded to their ideology,

blaming the west for his father's death in iraq. he said that hassan had lied he was 16 when he arrived in the uk so he could be classed as a child migrant. ahmed hassan left court to begin his 34—year sentence. thejudge told him he would have plenty of time to study the koran and to understand that islam was a religion of peace. june kelly, bbc news, at the old bailey. the italian restaurant chain prezzo is closing nearly a third of its outlets, as part of a restructuring plan to try to save the business. it's thought the move could lead to around 500 job losses. the chain employs 11,500 people. prezzo is the latest of a number of restaurant chains to run into difficulties. on a visit to northern ireland, prince harry and his fiancee meghan markle have been shown a peace—building initiative in lisburn, county antrim, and enjoyed a pub lunch in belfast. sarah campbell reports.

the audience couldn't quite believe who was walking in. prince harry and meghan markle surprised thousands of youngsters gathered on the site of the former maze prison, all there to help promote peace between their communities, part of an initiative launched by harry on a visit here last september. and then to lunch in one of belfast‘s best—known pubs. on the menu, irish stew — washed down with a little liquid refreshment, of course. meghan had half a guinness, and a half of the mourne mountain gold ale to sample with her lunch. harry! harry, this way! fed and watered, the couple brought their now familiar hands—on approach to the royal walkabout. these visits have partly been about introducing ms markle to the people, but also about giving her a greater understanding of the uk,

the place she has chosen to call home. cardiff in january, and mini harry and meghan gave their namesa kes welsh love spoons. in london, they took part in a broadcast on a community radio station. and in edinburgh, a close encounter with a shetland pony. rain today in belfast, the final uk capital city left for meghan to visit in her continuing journey from california girl to the wife of a british prince. sarah campbell, bbc news, belfast. it's sport relief today — with events taking place across the country to raise money for good causes. our entertainment correspondent colin paterson is in salford. hello, behind me be former republic of ireland goalkeeper shay given who is in the middle of a 12 hour penalty shoot out marathon. he is

saving more than half but that one has gone in, one of the younger penalty takers. and i can speak to somebody also involved. jb, formerly ofjail somebody also involved. jb, formerly of jail less. somebody also involved. jb, formerly ofjail less. he is saving quite a lot. that was hisjob, i should hope so. “— lot. that was hisjob, i should hope so. ——jls. lot. that was hisjob, i should hope so. -- jls. you are playing 12 hours of five aside football in a row. tell us about that. it is full on, my tell us about that. it is full on, d tell us about that. it is full on, my body is hurting. i have been in gold. saving penalties. morale is goodin gold. saving penalties. morale is good in the camp but we are starting to flag. this started at 11 and you have been in goalfor most to flag. this started at 11 and you have been in goal for most of it and it is robbie savage's all—star team. against all comers. we have had mixed teams, disability teams, a lot of people getting inspired and playing against us and we have had

pretty good games. what else can people look forward to? we have the rowing coming up. we have the celebrity come dancing. david ginola taking part. he has silky skills. and you are going to take a penalty against shay given live on the six o'clock news, possibly a first for the six o'clock news. there we have jls once ofjls. off the bar! i am afraid that did not go in. he is trying to go for a retake. never mind. 12 hours of football will do that to you. live on tv. thank you. sport relief on bbc one from seven o'clock. good sport. now the weather. the weather has been brightening up,

particularly in the north and east. in adam —— aberdeenshire, some blue sky. england and wales will see cloud increasing from the south—west with low pressure pushing get across south—western parts of england and wales, bringing outbreaks of rain. under clearer skies further north, likely to see a frosty start to saturday but through the weekend, the weather will be fairly fine and sunny spells particularly on sunday but showers packing in from the north west. temperatures average, not as cold as last weekend. in england and wales, we start the day with cloud. some outbreaks of rain. the lion's share of the sunshine in scotla nd the lion's share of the sunshine in scotland and northern ireland, although we will have showers moving in on the north—westerly wind. some of them falling as snow in the

mountains. most places in double figures on saturday. gradually we lose the cloud from england and wales on into the early hours of sunday. skies clearing, some wintry flurries in the far north—west. a cold and frosty start of the day in parts. it looks like sunday will be the better day of the weekend with more sunshine across england and wales compared to saturday and temperatures as little bit warmer, up temperatures as little bit warmer, up to 13 degrees on sunday. and do not forget the clocks are set to go forward as we go into british summer time on sunday morning. thank you. that's all from the bbc news at six. on bbc one we join the bbc‘s news teams where you are. headlines: three people have been killed and a policeman is critically ill after a gunman took hostages at a supermarket in southern france. a man was shot dead by security forces. the head of the defence

laboratory porton down says there is no way any never agent from the site could have got out after russia suggested that was a possible explanation for the salad grease by poisoning. frantic teams in salisbury are still at work, russia has condemned the eu for calling its ambassador to moscow and accused britain of attempting to force allies into conflict. —— salisbury poisoning. owen smith has been sacked from jeremy corbyn par shadow cabinet, after calling for a new eu referendum. two lorry drivers have been sentenced for calling a pilot which killed eight people in a minibus on the m1 motorway. —— sack from jeremy corbyn's shadow cabinet. suzuki has ended its advertising deal with and and deck,