a let's get more now on our top story today, the series of suicide bomb attacks in sri lanka which have left at least 160 people dead and hundreds more injured. aa a a short time later, there were

explosions at another small hotel and a private house. britain's high commissioner to sri lanka so that some britons were amongst those caught in the blast. they came here to pray. on one of the most sacred days of the year. but just before nine the most sacred days of the year. butjust before nine in the morning, the sanctity of their easter service was shattered. asa was shattered. as a violent bomb—blast ripped through the st anthony's shrine in colombo they ran to escape. look closely at the left of frame. this amateur video is said to show the moment the explosion happened and the smoke billowing from the church. i heard the explosion and then the roof fell on us, we took the children and ran out from the rear door. but when i came to the hospital, i saw my brother—in—law, and son on the ground. at almost the same time two other

churches in the area were also hit by deadly explosions. leaders speaking on be after of the country's christian minority called for peace and harmony in the wake of these attacks. i uld would like to call upon all, to pray, that all those who are injured may be healed soon, and that all these families who lost someone maybe consoled. i condemn with my, to the utmost of my capacity this act that has caused so much death and suffering to the people. and it wasn't just people. and it wasn'tjust churches. bombs also exploded at three hotels popular with tourists. a number of foreigners are among the dead. the british high commission in sri lanka said some uk tourists have been caught up in the blast, it is unclear to what extent right now. outside the shangri—la hotel,

investigators are surveying the damage, an eyewitness who was staying on the 25th floor told the bbc what happened. we heard two loud bangs and the entire room was shaking, i could see that a lot of guests are being taken to hospitals, there were casualties, the hotel staff and guests. as grieving relatives waiting for updates two further blasts were reported. the sheer scale of these attacks suggest they were co—ordinated. translation: this is a serious situation. aimed eat destabilising the country and the economy, i condemn this attack aimed at religious institutions and some hotels in the capital. the island of sri lanka is on a state of high alert. next month, marks ten years since the country's civil war ended. today's blasts are the worst this country has seen for more

our reporter azzam ameen is in colombo. there have been some arrests haven't there? just one hour ago police surrounded an area in the suburbs an arrested two people, there was reports of a shoot out but three police officers have died. seven suspects have been arrested. the state defence minister said they believed that most were suicide bomb attacks and he said one group is behind it but he didn't name them. he said there is an investigation and a police curfew has been imposed at the latest. eight attacks have taken place. there will be a countrywide curfew, they asked the public to remain inside, don't come out and, because the situation was panicking, there we re the situation was panicking, there were a lot of rumours going about,

attacks and the public were worried and social media, social media especially facebook and whats an have been restricted because of the disinformation spreading. thank you. the pope has condemned the attacks in sri lanka describing them as a "cruel act of violence". speaking at his annual easter day address at the vatican, pope francis said he stands by the victims of the attacks, saying that christians have been hit by "mourning and pain". our rome correspondent james reynolds reports. days after one catholic monument in europe was badly damaged by fire, attention turned to another of the church's most iconic structure, st peter's basca in rome. under grey skies worshippers pilgrims and tourists gathered in the square, the pope celebrated easter mass, he called for peace in conflicts in the middle east, africa, and latin america. from the basilica's main

balcony he offered prayers for the victims in sri lanka. i heard of the serious attacks in sri lanka today with great pain and sadness, that on easter sunday have brought mourning and suffering, i would like to express my closeness and affection to the christian community, struck while gathered in pray and to o a victims of the cruel violence. the archbishop of canterbury this morning leading a service in canterbury cathedral called on people to stand with sri lanka in prayer, condolence and solidarity. the will to power leads to the murder of innocents in sri lanka, the utterly despicable destruction that on this holiest of days, seeks to challenge the reality of the risen christ. the queen, today

celebrating her 93rd birthday led the royal family to an easter service at saint george's chapel in windsor. and in paris, catholic worshippers who would normally go to not redam gathered at the nearby church, a stand in cathedral. until notre—dame itself labour's deputy leader says the party must promise another brexit referendum in order to counter the electoral challenge posed by nigel farage. tom watson said labour could "not sit on the fence" but the ex—ukip leader said a new referendum "would be a total insult" to the labour supporters who voted leave. britain has been granted an extension to leaving the eu until 31 october. ukraine is heading to the polls to elect its next president. voters will decide whether to elect the country's current leader — petro poroshenko — or comedian volodymyr zelensky, who is new politics and has an edge in the polls. the winner of today's vote will be

elected for a five—year term. climate change protesters say they will pause their demonstrations, after seven days of protesting. so far over 830 people have been arrested. our correspondentjon donnison is at marble arch — where the group have set up camp. jon — it seems to be a change in tactic? very much so, and a shift from disruption, to negotiation and what the organisers say they want the debate in the media to shift, away from debating their tactic, whether they have been too extreme, whether police have been too stretched, towards what they actually want and what they want over this coming week they say is talks with the mayor of london, talks with mp, and talks with the government for the mayor of london they want him to bring in a people's assembly, to discuss issues of the environment, they want him to speed up policies to address the climate emergency, that has been

declared in london and to, in particular, to make the city carbon neutral so this disruptive phase for now is coming to an end. what the organisers say this shows they are not just a rabble, organisers say this shows they are notjust a rabble, they see themselves as rebels with thank you john. amir khan has lost his world title fight against terence crawford in new york. khan was being outclassed by the wbo welterweight champion and was knocked down in the first round. but he was then caught by an accidental low blow in the sixth round. khan said he was in too much pain to carry on, and crawford, who was ahead on all scorecards, retains his crown. you can see more on all of today's stories on the bbc news channel. the next news on bbc one is at 18.35, bye for now. since april 2017, the rate of closures has half, with 76 closing each month. two years ago, a new business rates system was

introduced. since then, many public houses have received a discount on their bills. this year, the average pub is estimated to have had £6,000 knocked off their rates. the industry says business rates, together with high beer duty and rising general costs, are a heavy burden on the sector. there have been calls for further changes to the way

hello. you're watching the bbc news channel with martine croxall. let's get more now on our top story today, the series of suicide bomb attacks in sri lanka which have left more than 200 people dead and hundreds more injured. seven people have been arrested. the sri lankan prime minister, ranil wickremesinghe, has been speaking about the attacks. translation: i see this as a serious situation aimed at destabilising the country and the economy. i strongly condemn this attack aimed at religious institutions and some hotels in the capital. earlier i spoke to asela waidyalankara — he lives in colombo and can see the smoke from one of the blasts from his house.

we were watching the news on the other explosions when we heard a loud explosion very close by. i climbed to my rooftop to see what was happening and i could see white belching smoke about 1 kilometre away from where i am. immediately afterwards, there were some helicopters that flew by and then we could hear ambulances and fire trucks coming. a little bit later, we saw another helicopter doing a flyby as well. what was the target of this seventh explosion? what we heard from local news sources it was a small hotel very close by to the national zoo. that seems to be the area of the seventh explosion. how are you getting your information? how easy is it, because i understand social media platforms have been closed down? currently, it's only been mainstream news. there is currently

a curfew in operation. there was a subsequent news bullletin that told us that the curfew was immediately in effect, indefinitely. social media—wise, facebook, instagram, whatsapp are not accessible to sri lankans at the moment. however, twitter is still available so that it is one social media platform still available to sri lankans. when you look outside, given this curfew, how quiet is the city? it is eerily quiet, there is no vehicle traffic at the moment. everyone is at a standstill, there is a very uneasy feeling. obviously, in the past, some time ago, there was violence in sri lanka but life has changed for the better in that respect in recent years, hasn't it? absolutely.

next month would be ten years without any major violence, suicide bombings or terrorist attacks in the country. the government seem to think there were two real targets here. churches, of course, christians at easter. but also foreign nationals because the reports are that nine foreigners are amongst the casualties. what is the view, generally speaking, in sri lanka towards visitors? it's a much visited country. we are very warm, welcoming, generous people. tourism has been on the uptake for the last five, six years. i think last year, we welcomed about 2.5 million tourists into sri lanka. basically, this is the height of the tourism season. sri lankan new year was just last week. businesses are closed down, it's a very easy—going atmosphere.

sri lankans are generally open to foreigners and welcoming to them. it has boosted our tourism industry. in a few minutes, we'll be speaking to thusiyan nandakumar from the tamil guardian newspaper. sport — and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's olly foster. amir khan says he's not a quitter and wasn't looking for an easy way out of his world title fight against terence crawford in new york. he lost the bout after being caught with a low blow from the wbo champion khan was outclassed from the very start at madison square garden and was knocked down in the first round. he was then caught by an accidental shot below the belt by the american, in the 6th. khan said he was in too much pain to carry on, but he also seemed to be struggling with an elbow injury. crawford, a three weight champion,

who remains unbeaten, was ahead on all the judges scorecards and retains his crown. i've never quit from anything. i'd rather be knocked out. i'd rather honestly be knocked out than quit a fight. it'sjust not in me to quit. obviously, i was hit with a low shot. i couldn't recover from it. that's the reason the fight was called off. i tried to continue, but it was getting worse and, obviously, virgil in the corner called it off and we just chose to not fight. so what now for khan? our reporter ade adedoyin was at the fight. and all the time that i've watched amir khan's career, whether it was amateur or pro, i've never seen him dominated in a way that he was this evening. he has been knocked out in the past but in those bouts, he was doing well, he was winning. in this

fight, he couldn't get a foothold, right from the opening round. he has aas to right from the opening round. he has a as to what he does next. has fought out of the elite level throughout his career, amateur and pro. tonight, he wasjust throughout his career, amateur and pro. tonight, he was just one step behind. he behind. he says he has a lot to offer the spot but does he wa nt to lot to offer the spot but does he want to be a contender or a possible opponent? that is the danger he had. he is going to take some time away, spend some time of his family, his trainer told me he will support our mei trainer told me he will support our me i would support a meal whatever he decides the day. i asked them he wa nted he decides the day. i asked them he wanted to quit, he said that it is not my decision. he has to talk to his family and decide what to do. both of them believe you still have something to offer the sport, but tonight was about was for amir khan. the first of the day's football matches is under way. it's goalless between hibs and celtic — no matter what happens,

celtic can't win the title today. it's now over to liverpool in the premier league title race. they are playing catch up again. manchester city are top of the table by a point after beating tottenham yesterday. liverpool kick off at 4pm at strugglers cardiff. manchester united have the chance to move into the top four, if they win at everton — and arsenal will move up to third if they beat crystal palace. chelsea women play the first leg of their champions league semi—final this afternoon in france. lyon have been european champions for the past three seasons chelsea have never been beyond the semi—finals in europe and were also knocked out in the last four of the womens‘ fa cup by manchester city last weekend. they are out of the title race so europe is their last chance of any silverware this season and they know that they couldn't have a tougher tie. to win the champions league, you have got to play the best and beat the best. at some point you have to face them. we have a semifinal. the fantastic thing about football is, after the heartache of sunday, there's always the next game to get

you raring and ready to go. what a spectacular moment for us to try and do it and play lyon. the morning session is over at the world snooker championship in sheffield. the four—time championjohn higgins leads mark davis 6—3. ding junhui resumed 6—3 up against anthony mcgill. it was a tight session, but ding came through 10 frames to 7. a century break securing his passges to the second round. the afternoon session starts at 2.30pm at the crucible. former champ shaun murphy is in action. you can find more on all those stories the fed cup tie between great britain and kazakhstan is tied 1—1. johanna konta lost the first set but

is up johanna konta lost the first set but isupa johanna konta lost the first set but is up a break in the second. you can follow that on the website. i'm off to enjoy the sunshine. let's go back to our top story, the explosions in sri lanka. with me is thusiyan nandakumar, member of the editorial board at the tamil guardian newspaper. the way these explosions are being described changed in the last hour oi’ described changed in the last hour orso, described changed in the last hour or so, they are now being described as suicide attacks. yes, the defence minister has come out and said that some of the last have been characterised as suicide bomb attacks. that has been a reported gun battle between sri lankan police officers, the special task force, and some suspects. at least two police officers have been confirmed as killed. it is all a very fluid situation at the moment. hundreds of people hooked have died, many more injured but arrest had been made

already? yes, those are the reports coming in. the sri lankan government hasn't heard too much about the arrests or who is behind the attacks but we do not a lot is going on as we speak. and the coffee was originally meant to start at 6pm but was brought forward. yes, the military has imposed a curfew so no one is allowed to be on the streets without permission. curfew like this has not been seen since the days of conflict. it makes it difficult for journalists to gather information, also the block of some social media websites. yes, people on the island are switching to other more secure a rts are switching to other more secure arts and forms of messaging, as well as the mainstream media which is really controlling the narrative at the moment. next month is the tenth anniversary since the civil war was thought to have ended. for this to

come now, at easter, with that anniversary not far away— what's the people's response been across the island? i think everybody is devastated by the attacks, it's horrific. just last month, the un high commissioner for human horrific. just last month, the un high commissionerfor human rights one there may be further violence on the island because there has been, since the end of the conflict, no one has been held accountable for the massacre of tens of thousands. we are looking at those in the wider context of no accountability, no justice for those kind and continuing ethnic and religious tension. it is dangerous to speculate, we are deliberately not doing that. how important is it for people on the island to have some sort of truth or reconciliation process ? sort of truth or reconciliation process? yes,, i think this about the un high council try to push showing four. to have something which holds sri lankan soldiers

accountable for their crimes and brings charges against military leaders. unfortunately, that has not happened, the purity has continued and we have seen further violence. the issue for some commentators here is that the nature of the attacks is highly coordinated in a country which is still highly month rise in some places is not in keeping with the kinds of tax we have seen any pass. that is precisely it. given the amount of motorisation and cute and security on the island, to see attacks like this is highly unusual. you expect a high degree of organisation for something as coordinated as this to have happened. i think it is unusual. security forces and government will have a lot to answer. a helicopter is being brought in to help fight a large fire which is continuing to burn on ilkley moor in west yorkshire. more than 70 firefighters are still at the scene, and people are being advised to stay

away from the area. police say they've arrested several people. let's talk to our reporter, olivia richwald, who's at ilkley moor for us now. how well are they managing to contain this fire? at its height, the fire was very dramatic, the fla mes the fire was very dramatic, the flames could be seen from many miles away and it covers 25,000 square metres of moors. the flames are no art. down any town, you can see the moor, is rises as a backdrop to the town. everywhere in the town, you can still see a big black smouldering smoke coming out. that isa smouldering smoke coming out. that is a helicopter coming up behind me, it is the latest tactic the firefighters are using. it has been coming about every five minutes dropping in bucket loads of water onto the ground. now they need to saturate the ground, make it a very wet so that the fire does not reignite. it is a hot day, there is a chance the file could restart

which is why there are still 70 firefighters here at the scene. the police are treating this fire as deliberate and civil unrest have been made. this is a very popular place. —— and several arrests have been made. we can see people behind you, a lot of people are still being drawn to the area? they are but we are still quite a long way away from where the firefighting is going on. this is where they are getting the water. it is probably half a kilometre from here, behind those trees. a lot of people are very interested but they are not being allowed to get close to the scene.

people here are taking their pictures, they want to have a look. early in the year, but if i like the to have started? that is true, there was a fire in the south—west as well. the risk for wildfire is that ifi well. the risk for wildfire is that if i hearand well. the risk for wildfire is that if i hear and across the north west put a stop to a moderate risk in the south—west and wales. people are being asked to be extra careful at the moment because it is so dry. not to have barbecues, if they are smoking, be careful how they put their cigarettes out. if you have glass because if i can startjust from class being left on more land. the queen has attended an easter service at windsor castle on the day she celebrates her 93rd birthday. she wasjoined for by family members including the duke and duchess of cambridge and the duke of sussex. the duke of edinburgh, who has retired from public duties, and the duchess of sussex, who is expecting a baby, did not attend. here's what happened when her majesty left the chapel. crowd sings happy birthday

how do you address the queen and an impromptu round of happy birthday? nearly 1000 pubs closed in britain last year. landlords blame increasing costs and business rates but the rate of decline is slowing. there are calls for changes to the way pubs are taxed, to try to help those at risk of closure. rob young reports. the great british boozer, there aren't as many of them as there used to be. in the seven years, up until april 2017, 138 pubs vanished each month in england and wales, according to data providers. since april 2017, the rate of closures has half, of closures has halved, with 76 closing each month. two years ago, a new business rates system was introduced. since then many public houses have received a discount on their bills. this year, the average pub is estimated to have had £6,000 knocked off their rates.

the industry says business rates, together with high beer duty and rising general costs, are a heavy burden on the sector. there have been calls for further changes to the way they are taxed. there is relief at the reduction in the number of sites closing. and in better news about beer sales — the amount of beer sold in pubs rose in the last three months of 2018, the first time there had been an end—of—year increase for years. cheaper alcohol in supermarkets has hit some pubs. the local is regarded by many as an important part of culture and a valuable community asset. those pubs that have vanished could have been demolished or turned into homes, shops, or offices. rob young, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. we can cross the newsroom to phil avery.

a lot of that is cloud as well, probably not the worst because as you come away further to the west, you come away further to the west, you get closer to a weather front that has produced a fair amount of rain in the past few hours across the western isles. there are signs, i'm hopeful this front will pull away out into the atlantic. the cloud is also the across the western side of northern ireland. come away elsewhere and the temperature could weld top 25 degrees in one or two locations, many in my aiders will be in excess of 20 degrees. that pi’ocess in excess of 20 degrees. that process of pulling the rain away from the british isles start as early as tonight. eventually the cloud will be doubt away from the moment i was, and then he western isles. and at last, we can speak about all part of the british isles

tea m about all part of the british isles team some sunshine. i suspect, unlike today, some of the sunshine will be a bit hazy at times because there are no reports of cloud from france. it will still be a one day, you will settle it never is it returning in the western isles. things are becoming increasingly disturbed, not only across france. it is the south—west and quarter of the uk will see the first signs of example in our weather as you move to the middle part of the week. tuesday and acceptably for many, in excess tuesday and acceptably for many, in excess of 20 degrees. there will be some showers in the channel islands, maybe one or two going up as far north as northern ireland. where you will notice the difference is come wednesday,. forget all will notice the difference is come wednesday, . forget all about will notice the difference is come wednesday,. forget all about the high pressure and heat, that has gone followed over to the eastern side of the continent and we are looking more towards the atlantic. notice that we have