this is bbc news broadcasting in the uk and around the globe. i'm ben brown. our top stories. the british pm warns that russian is planning the biggest conflict in europe since world war two. borisjohnson, says plans for an invasion of ukraine may have already begun. i am afraid to say that the plan that we're seeing points to something that could be really the biggest war in europe since 1945, just in terms of sheer scale. it comes as russia and its ally belarus take part in huge military exercises, just 160 kilometres from ukraine's border the legal requirement to self—isolate after catching covid in england is expected to be dropped from next week — as part

of the government's "living with covid" plan. great britain gets gold on the last day of the winter olympics. eve muirhead's women's curlers beat japan 10—3 in beijing, at her fourth games it's been hard work, there's been ups, there's been downs, but do you know what, when you get this round your neck at the end it's definitely worth it. hello and welcome to bbc news. hello and welcome to bbc news. the uk government has issued its strongest warning so far about a possible russian invasion of ukraine. talking to the bbc, the prime minister, borisjohnson, said the operation had — "in some senses" — already begun, and he warned that evidence from russia and ukraine points to vladimir putin planning what could be the biggest conflict in europe

since the second world war. the prime minister also threatened moscow with what he called "the toughest possible" economic sanctions. mrjohnson was speaking from munich, where world leaders are meeting for an annual security conference. here's our political correspondent, damian grammaticas. in eastern ukraine... explosion ..the ukrainian interior minister and journalists accompanying him forced to run for cover. their convoy had come under shell fire close to areas controlled by the russian—backed separatists. ukraine says these are russia's attempts to provoke it to strike back and provide a pretext for war and borisjohnson agrees. meeting western leaders in munich yesterday, he said the attacks are a sign president putin's plan for an invasion is already being put into effect. in munich, in an interview with the bbc�*s sophie raworth, he warned of what's to come. i'm afraid to say that the plan that we're seeing is for something that could be really the biggest war

in europe since 1945, just in terms of sheer scale. i think people need to understand the sheer cost in human life that that could entail, notjust for ukrainians, but also for for russians and for young russians. ukraine's president told the gathering the time for appeasing russia was over. translation: for eight years, ukraine has been a shield. - for eight years, ukraine has been holding back one of the greatest armies in the world, which stands along our borders, not the borders of the european union. but should russia move to destroy ukraine and its democracy, borisjohnson gave his strongest warning yet of sanctions to come. notjust hitting the associates of vladimir putin, but also all companies, organisations of strategic importance to russia. we're going to stop russian companies raising money on uk markets, and we're even, with our american friends, going to stop them trading in pounds and dollars. that will hit very, very hard.

so ukraine waits and watches. mrjohnson warned a lightning russian war might initially overwhelm these defences. but the west, he said, could not tolerate the destruction of a democracy and would, even if it took time, ensure such aggression did not pay off. damian grammaticas, bbc news. let's speak to our correspondent in ukraine, james waterhouse. james, there has been lots of talk about the russians looking for a pretext to launch an invasion, looking for a sort of false flag opportunity in the east of ukraine. the prime minister borisjohnson talking about we are seeing provocations in donbas in eastern ukraine. what's the latest from there? . , , ., , .,

there? there has been a string of false accusations _ there? there has been a string of false accusations by _ there? there has been a string of false accusations by the - there? there has been a string of| false accusations by the separatist militants of aggression from the ukrainian forces, to be frank with you. the latest overnight that came via russian state tv where an apparent ukrainian spy who was captured and then interrogated, and in that interrogation he confesses to plans by ukraine's forces to launch an assault on donetsk and luhansk. one of the leaders said he felt war was likely. this was off the back of an announcement in the area yesterday of potentially hundreds of thousands of people into russia across the border into the rostov region. we then had a claim of ukraine launching a shell into that region where a refugee effort is apparently taking place. ukraine has denied such plans. but it is this sort of rise in blaming alongside a rise in fighting, so we

have had more reported shell attacks, mortar attacks, have had more reported shell attacks, mortarattacks, hundreds attacks, mortar attacks, hundreds over the attacks, mortarattacks, hundreds over the past few days as well, that's higher than normal. you've got to remember there has been eight years of fighting so far. so those two things in tandem are raising concerns here, alongside the assessments we have just heard from the west on the broader likelihood of an invasion. you the west on the broader likelihood of an invasion.— of an invasion. you have talked to us in the last _ of an invasion. you have talked to us in the last few _ of an invasion. you have talked to us in the last few days _ of an invasion. you have talked to us in the last few days about - of an invasion. you have talked to us in the last few days about how| us in the last few days about how relatively calm people there in ukraine are given the threat of 190,000 russian troops on the borders. is there a growing sense now that they think an invasion is coming? and if it does come, are they prepared to fight and resist? you're right, bend, it defies what is going on. just take today, it is a bright, sunny, peaceful morning, there is no military presence around, there is no signs of what is looming around the borders, if you like. and one of the most striking things has long been how used to this aggression from russia ukrainians have become. that said,

there have been more conversations we have had with people who live here in kyiv who are starting to get worried, worried about what could happen over the next days and weeks. we have to remember this has been a week when some predicted an invasion would happen. on wednesday, we were told. there has been demonstrations of unity and patriotism, because we have to remember this is a battle, for most people, about identity and sovereignty. some people are worried. some people's friends have decided to up sticks and move to western parts of the country, places like lviv. some say ijudge them for that, this is our home, what are our options? this is a really difficult position that people find themselves in. all while we have this continued military build—up. there arejoint exercises scheduled to finish today between russia and belarus to the north, a three—hour drive from here, and we are not clear on whether those estimated 30,000 russian troops are going to stay there

beyond today. so tensions are only going in one direction.— beyond today. so tensions are only going in one direction. james, good to talk to you. _ going in one direction. james, good to talk to you, thank _ going in one direction. james, good to talk to you, thank you _ going in one direction. james, good to talk to you, thank you very - going in one direction. james, good to talk to you, thank you very much | to talk to you, thank you very much indeed. our chief international correspondent lyse doucet is in munich. world leaders have been gathering at the munich security conference, with only one real issue on the agenda there, ukraine. and that pretty stark warning from borisjohnson that russia, he fears, is about to launch an invasion, and it will be the worst conflict, the most bloody conflict in europe since the second world war. , conflict in europe since the second world war-— world war. yes. the warnings this mornin: world war. yes. the warnings this morning are _ world war. yes. the warnings this morning are certainly _ world war. yes. the warnings this morning are certainly dire, - world war. yes. the warnings this morning are certainly dire, and - world war. yes. the warnings this. morning are certainly dire, and with reason. but in this grand hotel behind me the diplomacy is still intense. nato allies of ukraine and all of their partners are saying they are standing together, doing everything possible to try to avert the kind of conflict that you have already been talking about in this

programme. at this 11th hour, can something still be done? russia still saying of course it has no plans to invade ukraine. one of the country is present in munich is a country is present in munich is a country with one of the largest diasporas of ukrainians, that's canada. we arejoined by diasporas of ukrainians, that's canada. we are joined by the diasporas of ukrainians, that's canada. we arejoined by the foreign minister of canada. you are looking at the same intelligence as the us, and britain are the facts are worrying, but are you drawing the same conclusion that an invasion, an incursion by russia, is imminent? the intelligence we have shows the threat _ the intelligence we have shows the threat is _ the intelligence we have shows the threat is real and imminent, i've been _ threat is real and imminent, i've been saying that for some days and we still_ been saying that for some days and we still have the same assessment, but that— we still have the same assessment, but that being said, diplomacy is still possible, a peaceful solution is still_ still possible, a peaceful solution is still possible, that's exactly why i'm — is still possible, that's exactly why i'm here, exactly what canada is doing _ why i'm here, exactly what canada is doing in_ why i'm here, exactly what canada is doing in this — why i'm here, exactly what canada is doing in this conflict, engaging with everybody, because we are really _ with everybody, because we are really good friends to the americans, we know that, our neighbours, but also really good

friends _ neighbours, but also really good friends to— neighbours, but also really good friends to europe, and we know also ukraine _ friends to europe, and we know also ukraine very— friends to europe, and we know also ukraine very much. you friends to europe, and we know also ukraine very much.— ukraine very much. you are in reuular ukraine very much. you are in regular contract _ ukraine very much. you are in regular contract with - ukraine very much. you are in | regular contract with president zelensky�*s office, he came here yesterday criticising the west saying you are expecting us to be your buffer with russia, calling for sanctions now and don't wait. do you appreciate, even agree with his criticism. i appreciate, even agree with his criticism. , ., appreciate, even agree with his criticism. , . ., criticism. i understand that emotions _ criticism. i understand that emotions are _ criticism. i understand that emotions are high. - criticism. i understand that emotions are high. i - criticism. i understand that - emotions are high. i understand the pressure _ emotions are high. i understand the pressure he — emotions are high. i understand the pressure he is under and the frustration because obviously there is 175,000 — frustration because obviously there is 175,000 russian troops amassed at his horden _ is 175,000 russian troops amassed at his border. that being said, as a country— his border. that being said, as a country we — his border. that being said, as a country we have done a lot to support — country we have done a lot to support ukraine. i was there a month a-o, support ukraine. i was there a month ago, i— support ukraine. i was there a month ago. i had _ support ukraine. i was there a month ago, i had the chance to meet with him _ ago, i had the chance to meet with him the _ ago, i had the chance to meet with him. the first thing he asked me, he asked _ him. the first thing he asked me, he asked our— him. the first thing he asked me, he asked our government, was to support financially _ asked our government, was to support financially ukraine because of the financial— financially ukraine because of the financial instability caused by the security— financial instability caused by the security threat, so we provided $120 million _ security threat, so we provided $120 million in _ security threat, so we provided $120 million in terms of sovereign loan, and we _ million in terms of sovereign loan, and we also — million in terms of sovereign loan, and we also announced last week a

$500 _ and we also announced last week a $500 million more to support ukraine, _ $500 million more to support ukraine, we have also trained thousands of military personnel in the ukrainian forces and national guard _ the ukrainian forces and national guard since 2014, and also we have decided _ guard since 2014, and also we have decided to— guard since 2014, and also we have decided to send lethal weapons. so we have _ decided to send lethal weapons. so we have been on the side of ukraine and also _ we have been on the side of ukraine and also we — we have been on the side of ukraine and also we are supporting them in the diplomatic conversations they are having, and making the link with france _ are having, and making the link with france and _ are having, and making the link with france and germany in the context of the normandy format. what france and germany in the context of the normandy format.— the normandy format. what do you make of the — the normandy format. what do you make of the criticism _ the normandy format. what do you make of the criticism he _ the normandy format. what do you make of the criticism he made - make of the criticism he made yesterday, he has made it many times before, that all of this talk of a possible war is making that war even more possible? is the rhetoric ramped up too much?- more possible? is the rhetoric ramped up too much? there is no provocation _ ramped up too much? there is no provocation on — ramped up too much? there is no provocation on the _ ramped up too much? there is no provocation on the part _ ramped up too much? there is no provocation on the part of - ramped up too much? there is no provocation on the part of the - ramped up too much? there is no i provocation on the part of the west. you are _ provocation on the part of the west. you are talking about it a lot saying president putin will attack on fabry 16th, saying president putin will attack on fabry16th, he was going to attack yesterday... the on fabry16th, he was going to attack yesterday. . .— on fabry16th, he was going to attack yesterday. . . attack yesterday... the fact there has been the _ attack yesterday... the fact there has been the classification - attack yesterday... the fact there has been the classification of - has been the classification of intelligence is a new form of countering this information on the part of— countering this information on the part of russia by shedding light on

facts _ part of russia by shedding light on facts -- _ part of russia by shedding light on facts. —— february16. ithink it has— facts. —— february16. ithink it has been — facts. —— february16. ithink it has been very effective right now. i think— has been very effective right now. i think also— has been very effective right now. i think also that the threat, like i said. _ think also that the threat, like i said. is— think also that the threat, like i said, is real, the threat is imminent— said, is real, the threat is imminent and president zelensky needs— imminent and president zelensky needs to — imminent and president zelensky needs to prepare his people to this reality _ needs to prepare his people to this reality we — needs to prepare his people to this reality. we know that ukraine has been _ reality. we know that ukraine has been underwar since reality. we know that ukraine has been under war since 2014 so there is a strong — been under war since 2014 so there is a strong resilience on the part of ukrainian people. but at the same time we _ of ukrainian people. but at the same time we need to be ready to face a potential— time we need to be ready to face a potential conflict, a further invasion, _ potential conflict, a further invasion, and in that sense we are supporting — invasion, and in that sense we are supporting president zelensky's government. supporting president zelensky's government-— supporting president zelensky's government. supporting president zelensky's rovernment. , ., , government. president putin and his officials have — government. president putin and his officials have mocked _ government. president putin and his officials have mocked the _ government. president putin and his officials have mocked the west - government. president putin and his officials have mocked the west for l officials have mocked the west for talking about robust and punishing sanctions, expecting that, particularly european nations and the americans, will fall apart when it comes to sanctions which will also hurt them. if there is a full frontal assault, that may be one thing, but if there is a minor incursion, can you really expect all of the nato allies, including

canada, to stand together and impose a whole raft of really, really bad sanction? ~ ., a whole raft of really, really bad sanction? ~ . ., , sanction? well, we are ready in terms of our— sanction? well, we are ready in terms of our own _ sanction? well, we are ready in terms of our own sanctions - sanction? well, we are ready in - terms of our own sanctions package, we already— terms of our own sanctions package, we already have more than 440 sanctions — we already have more than 440 sanctions that were imposed on individuals and entities following the crimea invasion. and so we have worked _ the crimea invasion. and so we have worked with— the crimea invasion. and so we have worked with the uk, with the us and australia, _ worked with the uk, with the us and australia, and also with europe. we are ready— australia, and also with europe. we are ready for any form of scenarios. but if— are ready for any form of scenarios. but if it— are ready for any form of scenarios. but if it is— are ready for any form of scenarios. but if it is a — are ready for any form of scenarios. but if it is a small incursion rather than a big frontal assault, who makes the decision that this is big enough? this who makes the decision that this is big enough?— who makes the decision that this is big enough? this is something that we will take — big enough? this is something that we will take is _ big enough? this is something that we will take is a _ big enough? this is something that we will take is a decision _ big enough? this is something that we will take is a decision within - we will take is a decision within the g7 — we will take is a decision within the g7 and _ we will take is a decision within the g7 and within the alliance. we had an— the g7 and within the alliance. we had an important meeting yesterday of the _ had an important meeting yesterday of the g7 _ had an important meeting yesterday of the g7 foreign ministers, and obviously— of the g7 foreign ministers, and obviously we want to make sure that we work _ obviously we want to make sure that we work together. why? because sanctions — we work together. why? because sanctions have a lot of impact when they are _ sanctions have a lot of impact when they are coordinated, when it is a block— they are coordinated, when it is a block taking a decision once and for all. block taking a decision once and for all~ but— block taking a decision once and for all. but that being said, what i can tell you _ all. but that being said, what i can tell you is — all. but that being said, what i can tell you is there is nothing like having — tell you is there is nothing like having a — tell you is there is nothing like having a common threat to create a unity _ having a common threat to create a unity and — having a common threat to create a unity. and so in that sense putin

should _ unity. and so in that sense putin should not— unity. and so in that sense putin should not underestimate the unity of the _ should not underestimate the unity of the west. should not underestimate the unity of the west-— of the west. melanie joly, foreign minister of canada, _ of the west. melanie joly, foreign minister of canada, thank - of the west. melanie joly, foreign minister of canada, thank you - of the west. melanie joly, foreign minister of canada, thank you forl minister of canada, thank you for joining us. at this munich security conference the russians stayed away, so the big message, the only real message coming out of munich this year is that nato, the western alliance, the transatlantic alliance, the transatlantic alliance, as they like to say here, is standing together with one message to russia. we want to use diplomacy to end this war, but if you do go into ukraine we will also respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, thank ou respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, thank you very _ respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, thank you very much, _ respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, thank you very much, and - respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, thank you very much, and thanks l respond, and swiftly. lyse doucet, | thank you very much, and thanks to your guest, the canadian foreign minister. here in the uk, the government's expected to announce that people in england who test positive for covid will no longer have to isolate, as part of plans to "live with covid". all remaining restrictions in the country are set to end in the coming days, but labour have warned against "declaring victory

before the war is over" — as gareth barlow reports. we've been living with covid for nearly two years, but for people in england, the prime minister wants that relationship to change. as from next week, the legal requirement to self—isolate after catching the virus is expected to end. speaking in the house of commons earlier this month borisjohnson said dropping restrictions would be based on an encouraging trends. mr speaker, i can tell the house today that it is my intention to return on the first day after the half—time recess to present our strategy for living with covid. provided the current encouraging trends in the data continue, it is my expectation that we will be able to end the last domestic restrictions, including the legal requirement to self—isolate if you test positive, full month early, mr speaker. the move is part of the government's living with covid

plan underpinned by the treatments and vaccines and medical understanding that have been developed during the pandemic. alongside self—isolation ending in england, local authorities will be expected to manage outbreaks using their existing powers. and the vaccination programme will remain open to anyone who has not yet come forward. labour has warned against declaring victory before the war is over. a sentiment echoed by some scientists and charities who note current infections across the uk still hover at around 3 million. according to estimates from the office for national statistics. for people like piers rankin, a cancer patient who's clinically vulnerable, the planned changes once again pose questions as to how to manage and mitigate the risks posed by the virus. it's scary. we're taking a step into the unknown. i'm a high—risk individual to covid, and my family have to make sacrifices in order to try and keep me safe. and we constantly make risk assessments as the epidemic ebbs and flows. like, for example, how much covid is there going on in my local community, how much covid is going on in my children's schools, how much risk can we bear

without sort of essentially shielding again for an indefinite period of time? the proposed changes only affect england, with the other uk nations at various states of easing their own controls as we all continue to learn to live with covid. gareth barlow, bbc news. speaking to the bbc the prime minister was asked why he's not heeding warnings from some people that it's too soon to lift restrictions while covid infections are widespread. i think it's very important that we should remain careful, and we're certainly not asking people to throw caution to the wind. covid remains a dangerous disease, particularly if you haven't been vaccinated, and if you're vulnerable. so please, please, everybody, there are still people who haven't been properly vaccinated, there are still people who haven't had their booster. huge numbers have, but there are still people who haven't. so there is no case for complacency about this.

but we have now reached a stage thanks to the efficacy of the vaccine, well, the booster roll—out, which we did voluntarily, by the way. if you compare most other european countries, it's amazing what the british people did. we have reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, away from banning certain courses of action, compelling certain courses of action in favour of encouraging personal responsibility. was the prime minister. but the shadow health secretary wes streeting said borisjohnson is "declaring victory before the war is over". we don't want restrictions to be in place longer than is necessary,

which is why we published our plan for living well with covid back injanuary. yes or no, do you support it? people want to know. at this stage the prime minister risks muddying the waters, so i want to see, we want to see the government publish the scientific advice, because at the moment this seems very premature, it seems like borisjohnson is keen to declare victory before the war is over in the hope that he gets some headlines about victory day on covid, instead of police officers asking questions about actions in number 10. shadow health secretary wes streeting. more wet and windy weather is set to sweep the uk and across europe later hampering efforts to restore power to homes cut off after storm eunice caused what energy providers believe was the biggest national power outage on record. 155,000 households are still without power in the south and east of england and wales. with more weather warnings in place, the clean up could be slow, the clean—up could be slow,

as alice key reports. sweeping away in sussex, chopping through trees in the capital, and picking up the pieces in somerset — all part of the clean—up operation following one of the worst storms to hit the uk in decades. it was just absolutely brutal, non—stop. devastation everywhere, as you can see. hopefully we will never get it again. ever! many communities are still without power including this holiday park. having to turn families away during half term. we have ta ken we have taken the decision to close the park _ we have all had a rough couple of years and it is the first opportunity for people to come and stay in their caravan or come on holiday for the year so it couldn't have been a worse start to the season. in newport these houses were badly damaged by flying debris. we have probably a third of our roof

missing whereas the other two properties next door, they were not so lucky and have taken substantial damage. and their properties are probably going to be condemned. and they've had to, sort of, everyone has had to relocate as a result of what's happening. in london, rapper dave's upcoming 02 arena concerts have been postponed, after part of the venue's roof was ripped off. but there's more bad weather on the way. met office warnings are in place for heavy rain and gusts of up to 70 miles an hour predicted in the next two days. in the next few days. on the trains, delays and cancellations are set to continue. passengers at preston shared their frustration. it was absolutely awful, carnage. as we got on at the first stop, we got a seat and everything, but it was standing for a lot of people all the way down. people lost their lives in these winds and because we stood up on a train, we were just grateful to get home.

the worst of storm eunice might be over, but insurers say clean—up costs could rise above £300 million, so its impact could be felt for a long time to come. alice key, bbc news. we are going to get a live update from our weather presenter darren bett who was with me now. we have had storm dudley and storm units and have another name to storm on the way now. have another name to storm on the wa now. , , ., have another name to storm on the wa now. , , . _ ~ way now. just named by the met office, is tom _ way now. just named by the met office, is tom franklin, - way now. just named by the met office, is tom franklin, taking i way now. just named by the met office, is tom franklin, taking a| office, is tom franklin, taking a different track to the previous storm eunice which swept right over the uk, the next storm is tom franklin runs between scotland and iceland, and it is already strengthening the winds across large parts of the uk. for a while now we have had a yellow weather warnings covering much of england and wales, northern ireland, south—western parts of scotland, those start at 12 o'clock today and run into about midday tomorrow, so we have had the other warnings. this is the lowest tier warning, and now it has been ramped up for northern ireland so the biggest impacts from franklin

are likely to be in northern ireland and probably going to come as the wind direction changes as the storm tends to move away in actual fact. what we are seeing today, the winds are more west, south—westerly, and overnight they will change to a more north—westerly wind that will bring northern ireland directly into the firing line. the amber warning issued by the met office runs from midnight tonight to seven o'clock tomorrow morning covers much of northern ireland, particularly northern parts of northern ireland. the winds will gust to 60, 70 mph along northern coasts where the winds could gust up to 80 mph so damage is quite likely. iloathed winds could gust up to 80 mph so damage is quite likely. what about the next few _ damage is quite likely. what about the next few days, _ damage is quite likely. what about the next few days, slightly - damage is quite likely. what about the next few days, slightly longer. the next few days, slightly longer term, what is the prospect? is it staying pretty tempestuous? the reason we staying pretty tempestuous? tue: reason we have staying pretty tempestuous? tta: reason we have had staying pretty tempestuous? t'ta: reason we have had three staying pretty tempestuous? tta: reason we have had three quick storms in succession is the strong jet stream propagating across the atlantic slamming those storms into the uk and strengthening them as well. thejet the uk and strengthening them as well. the jet stream the uk and strengthening them as well. thejet stream is the uk and strengthening them as well. the jet stream is still there, still strong across the atlantic, the storms or low pressure systems will be steered more to the north of the uk, so it will remain very

unsettled in the outlook. i'm not sure whether we will have any more named storms but it will remain very unsettled. we have bands of rain sweeping down from the north—west followed by showers which could be a bit snowy and wintry in northern parts of the uk, and really right through the week ahead it is going to remain windy. strong winds, gale force winds, and perhaps in the north—west some severe gales as well. north-west some severe gales as well. ., ,, , ., , north-west some severe gales as well. ., ~ i. , . well. darren, thank you very much indeed. darren _ well. darren, thank you very much indeed. darren bett _ well. darren, thank you very much indeed. darren bett with _ well. darren, thank you very much indeed. darren bett with the - well. darren, thank you very much indeed. darren bett with the very l indeed. darren bett with the very latest. in the us — two people are in hospital after the helicopter they were flying in crashed into the sea off miami in florida. it appears the helicopter lost engine power, but the pilot was able to steer away from people on the beach, even as the helicopter fell. russell trott reports. miami beach, florida, hundreds of holiday—makers relaxing in the sunshine. the only sounds were children playing in the sand and the gentle tide lapping the seashore. and then this. a helicopter falling out of the blue sky and into the water, miraculously missing the

crowds of swimmers.— water, miraculously missing the crowds of swimmers. about ten, 15 eo - le crowds of swimmers. about ten, 15 people just — crowds of swimmers. about ten, 15 people just standing _ crowds of swimmers. about ten, 15 people just standing by _ crowds of swimmers. about ten, 15| people just standing by immediately rushed towards the helicopter that was starting to sink in the water and sort of running away, knowing that there were passengers alive on board the aircraft trying to help them get out, whether that was by opening the door or breaking the glass. qt opening the door or breaking the class. , ., , ., opening the door or breaking the class. , ., glass. of the three people on board two needed — glass. of the three people on board two needed hospital— glass. of the three people on board two needed hospital treatment - glass. of the three people on board two needed hospital treatment and| two needed hospital treatment and are said to be in a stable condition. experts say two factors may have averted a disaster. a skilled pilot who had enough control of the helicopter to avoid those on the beach and in the water. the aviation authority is investigating what went wrong. they are alert to shark attacks in these waters, not aircraft falling from the sky. russell trott, bbc news. two benin bronzes have been returned to a traditional palace in nigeria more than a century after they were pillaged by british troops. the

artefacts considered to be amongst africa's most significant heritage objects were handed over at a colourful ceremony. you're watching bbc news. team gb have ended the winter olympics with a gold medal — thanks to the women's curling team. they beatjapan10—3 in this morning's final in beijing, to repeat the success of britain's gold—winning curling squad at the salt lake city games 20 years ago. katherine downes is in beijing and has been chatting to eve muirhead. a much easier watch compared to the men's final yesterday which bruce mouat and the boys lost out to sweden in such a tight match, but eve muirhead and the girls were in control from the very start, a very early morning for curling fans in the uk, it started about nine o'clock in beijing's this morning. and finally, a gold medal on the very last day of the games and finally a gold medal as well for eve

muirhead, herfourth olympic finally a gold medal as well for eve muirhead, her fourth olympic games, she won bronze in sochi eight years ago, came back injung chang four years ago but lost in the bronze medal match there, so agonisingly close to the medals, determined to come back and to have the olympic dream come true and i caught up with her earlier to find out how that feels. how does it feel, finally, four olympics and you've done it. i know, it's been a journey and, yeah, fourth olympics to have this gold medal around my neck is extra special. you know what, a lot of people say this but it really hasn't sunk in yet. it's the cliche, isn't it, but i can imagine you live in this bubble, it's the aim for you for a four—year period, and then all of a sudden it's here and itjust must be a very surreal reality to be facing. it definitely is. it's a long four years, isn't it, especially for myself after pyeongchang having surgery and then falling short there as well coming fourth, and then a disappointing

worlds last year, not even qualifying here for beijing. we went to the qualifier, we topped that, and, yeah, i'm absolutely delighted. i'm so proud of my team. they've got me here and they've made me a better curler and a better person. and, yeah, this is a dream come true. just talk to me about the dynamic within the team, because you know, you've been there, done that, four olympic games now. but these girls, they're all olympic debutants and now olympic champions. i know! that's a pretty special team, isn't it? it is. absolutely. and for those girls it is their first olympic games here, and to come out and get a gold medal is so, so special. ijust wish i did that! but do you know what, we have to praise everyone. uk sport, national lottery for ourfunding over the years to allow us to be full—time athletes. we've got the best facility in the world back in stirling, and, yeah, it's been hard work, there's been ups, there's been downs, but do you know what, when you get this round your neck at the end it's definitely worth it. and celebrating in the stands watching that match was bruce mouat and the men's team with the silver

medals around their neck. bruce will be the flag bearer for the closing ceremony, eve carried it into the stadium for the opening ceremony and bruce will carry it in the closing ceremony. the curling teams have pretty much saved these games for team gb. katherine downes invasion, thank you very much. wejust had an katherine downes invasion, thank you very much. we just had an update on the weatherfrom darren bett very much. we just had an update on the weather from darren bett but let's get a with him. hello there. the weather has been getting worse again today. the winds are continuing to strengthen, and a lot of rain around at the moment. it will stay wet into the afternoon across much of england and wales. already had a lot of rain in the lake district. further north in scotland and northern ireland it eventually turns brighter, more showery, some heavy showers, maybe some hail and thunder and some snow over the hills. the winds continue to strengthen, widely gusting 50, 60, possibly 70 mph around some western coasts of england and wales. it gets colder as it turns more showery in scotland and northern ireland. it is mild but wet and windy

for england and wales. those squally winds and rain sweep through. and then we look to the north to see some snow for a while and then wetter weather driving down across northern areas, strengthening the winds as well, and dragging in some colder air too. the temperatures will be lower tonight. the main story is the strength of the wind. we now have storm franklin, the biggest impact likely to be in northern ireland from midnight to seven o'clock tomorrow morning. gusts of 60, 70, possibly even 80 mph. this is bbc news. the headlines... britain warns that russian is planning the biggest conflict in europe since world war two. prime minister, borisjohnson, says plans for an invasion of ukraine may have already begun. unafraid to say that the plan that we are seeing could be something thatis we are seeing could be something that is really the biggest war in

europe since