this is bbc news. the headlines: a 17—year—old boy is charged with the murder of three girls and attempted murder of ten other people at a taylor swift—themed dance class in southport. prime minister keir starmer is to meet with police as protests spread in parts of england after the southport stabbings. the funeral of hamas leader ismail haniyeh is held in tehran. benjamin netanyahu says his country delivered crushing blows to its enemies. iran vows revenge. the us pentagon says the alleged mastermind of the september 11th terror attacks and two of his accomplices have agreed a plea deal. returning now to our main story — a 17—year—old has been charged

with murder and attempted murder following a knife attack in southport, in northwest england, on monday. he can't be named because of his age, and is due to appear at liverpool magistrates court this morning. six—year—old bebe king, seven—year—old elsie dot stancombe, and nine—year—old alice dasilva aguiar were attending a taylor swift—themed dance class when they were killed. eight other children and two adults were also injured. the attack has prompted reaction across the country, including violent clashes in southport on tuesday night. merseyside police said more than 50 police officers were injured and five people were arrested. our reporterjohn maguire has been to southport to hear how the local community is dealing with the aftermath. once again, this community is responding. just hours after they stood shoulder to shoulder in silence at monday night's vigil, they came together once more, just as determined to help a neighbour. i'm just clearing these.

sound, no worries. i think everyone's just coming together and trying to help everyone out. i think it's been brilliant, the last couple of days. it's just last night that ruined it. it's just not what southport�*s about, what last night was. and i think half of the people here rioting last night were from southport. volunteers from the building trade were going from house to house, offering their time and expertise. walls that has been torn down by the mob being rebuilt by the community. we heard about what had been going on and obviously saw the state that people have caused to the area. we got in contact this morning, cos i'm from ormskirk branch, claire works in the southport one, so we just wanted to come and donate some of our stock that will help clear up the area for them, bring the community together. what sort of stuff

have you got in there? just gloves, bags, rubble sacks, tubs, things to help carry and move the stuff away. there are three families devastated and they're organising funerals for their loved ones, and we should be grieving and we should be left alone. and they come from various parts of the north west and they behave like that, and ijust think it'sjust awful, it really is. they need to look at themselves and say, should i really be honouring a child's memory by smashing up somebody's house? well, no, not really. it was terrible. the rioters had used social media at its very worst but the response from locals shows its best side, as calls for supplies and help were answered. it really was humbling. i came, i've seen it, it brings tears to my eyes because, although i know the people of southport and i know how beautiful they are, this was still a moving experience.

i will pray for the whole of southport, i will pray for the victims of the awful attack on monday and i will pray for the police and i will pray for the whole community to stay as beautiful as they've always been. police officers, described as heroic by the mother of one of monday's young victims, walked the streets that the night before they had fought to defend. above, firefighters help to repair the mosque's shattered windows. and everywhere, random acts of kindness — pizzas donated and then offered around, a small gesture of appreciation. just saw you drop off some pizzas? yeah, i'm from the dog grooming shop down the road. ijust think it's horrific, the depths that people will sink, man's inhumanity to man, i can't fathom it. i cannot understand. i drove past when the mob

was gathering yesterday and i cannot possibly understand how people can hate other people because of religion, colour, creed, whatever — we're alljust people. and i think it's been amazing to see the show of solidarity between all of the residents here, showing all the support to the people at the mosque, people at the minimart in the corner, everyone who's been affected. itjust breaks my heart. not far away, near the scene of the attack, the tributes continue to build. families with young children, just like those who were killed. southport has endured the worst times imaginable but despite those who have set out to destroy, there are many more are here prepared to stop them and prepared to help and support each other.

we canjust we can just bring we canjust bring it we can just bring it these pictures are to we can just bring it these pictures are to come we can just bring it these pictures are to come into we can just bring it these pictures are to come into us we can just bring it these pictures are to come into us in we can just bring it these pictures are to come into us in the we can just bring it these pictures are to come into us in the last we can just bring it these pictures are to come into us in the last few minutes of the 17—year—old who is arriving at liverpool magistrates�* court for that hearing. he has been charged with murder and attempted murder following that knife attack in southport. we have been saying that he cannot be identified, he cannot be named because of his age. we�*ll bring you the latest from the court as we get it, is that hearing takes place. a line of breaking news now from the reuters news agency in jerusalem, they say that the heads of the hamas military wing was killed in an israeli air strike in gaza last month, but has come from the israeli military, at the israeli

defence force has said that onjuly the 13th, idf fighterjets struck the 13th, idf fighterjets struck the area of khan younis and following an intelligence assessment can be confirmed that the military leader was eliminated in that strike. that has come from the idf there. the bank of england will reveal its latest decision on interest rates today, with millions of mortgage and loan holders keeping a close eye to see if the base rate will be cut let�*s speak to megan hall, who works as a mortgage brokerfor fb mortgages. we are expecting this announcement shortly. can you tell what a rate cut would do for the housing market as it stands? i cut would do for the housing market as it stands?— as it stands? i think that lenders have already _ as it stands? i think that lenders have already assumed _ as it stands? i think that lenders have already assumed that - as it stands? i think that lenders have already assumed that the l as it stands? i think that lenders . have already assumed that the base rate will start to go down and interest rates will be cut already.

we have seen nationwide release interest rate set a positive change already. if there is a cut today, lenders will be more committed to putting it down but there have been positive changes so far. what putting it down but there have been positive changes so far.— positive changes so far. what are those changes? _ positive changes so far. what are those changes? is _ positive changes so far. what are those changes? is the _ positive changes so far. what are those changes? is the housing i positive changes so far. what are - those changes? is the housing market is beginning to move, first—time buyers more able to buy and will that change things today? i don't think we will _ that change things today? i don't think we will see _ that change things today? i don't think we will see drastic - that change things today? i don't| think we will see drastic changes, there have been positive changes already, slightly, ithink there have been positive changes already, slightly, i think there will not be a massive impact. i think there are lots of first—time buyers are still buying, i think that people just accepted this as the new norm. at the base rate does go down we may see first—time buyers took to get more faith in the markets, yeah. it took to get more faith in the markets, yeah.— took to get more faith in the markets, yeah. took to get more faith in the markets, eah. , ., ., markets, yeah. it is often noted the first time buyers _ markets, yeah. it is often noted the first time buyers struggle _ markets, yeah. it is often noted the first time buyers struggle with - markets, yeah. it is often noted the first time buyers struggle with the l first time buyers struggle with the huge deposit they need to get on the housing ladder, is there any option

for them in terms of a higher renting lates, a 95% mortgage, for example, that they have to save less money to get on the housing ladder? were seeing people put down less deposit and take the mortgage over a prolonged period of time. you may see first—time buyers are putting down of 5% deposit over 35 years but because the interest rates are still run high, it is not obtainable for everyone. it is difficult for first—time buyers. we everyone. it is difficult for first-time buyers.- everyone. it is difficult for first-time buyers. everyone. it is difficult for first-time bu ers. ~ , ., first-time buyers. we will see what ha ens, first-time buyers. we will see what happens. thank _ first-time buyers. we will see what happens, thank you _ first-time buyers. we will see what happens, thank you for _ first-time buyers. we will see what happens, thank you for your - first-time buyers. we will see what happens, thank you for your time. | happens, thank you for your time. thank you. donald trump has questioned the racial identity of his democratic rival for the us presidency, kamala harris. ms harris has long self—identified as both a black and south—asian american. but speaking at a convention for blackjournalists, mr trump said she had "become a black person all of a sudden." i�*ve known her long time indirectly, not directly very much,

and she was always of indian heritage and she was only promoting indian heritage. i didn�*t know she was black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn black, and now she wants to be known as black. so i don�*t know, is she indian or is she black? she has always identified as a black woman... i respect either one but she obviously doesn�*t because she was indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person. laughter. just to be clear, sir, do you believe...? i think somebody should look into that too, when you ask and continue in a very hostile, nasty tone. well, kamala harris responded directly to those remarks about her racial identity at an event in texas. donald trump spoke at the annual meeting of the national association of blackjournalists. and it was the same old show. the divisiveness and the disrespect. and let me just say,

the american people deserve better. the american people deserve better. applause. the american people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. we deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us, they are an essential source of our strength. some live pictures from lagos, nigeria, where the country is bracing themselves for process over economic hardship. this has been organised by young nigerians over

social media and inspired by recent demonstrations in kenya. the authorities are pleaded for more time to fix the economy, which has been seen as the worst inflation in a generation. but activists say they want to go ahead with the protest and as we can see, there is evidence thatis and as we can see, there is evidence that is currently happening. we have a correspondent there so we will have the latest when we can get it for you. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news.

poor eyesight and high cholestorol have been identified as two factors which can increase the chance of developing dementia. the lancet commission says that by managing these issues — along with other factors linked to unhealthy lifestyles, like smoking and excessive drinking — nearly half of all dementia cases could be delayed or prevented. let�*s speak to david thomas, who is head of policy and public

affairs at alzheimer�*s research uk. thank you for your time on bbc news. this is interesting research, what do you make of it? i this is interesting research, what do you make of it?— do you make of it? i think it's really important. _ do you make of it? i think it's really important. in _ do you make of it? i think it's really important. in the - do you make of it? i think it's really important. in the uk, | do you make of it? i think it's - really important. in the uk, have nearly a million people living with dementia. it has a huge impact on their lives, their loved ones and their lives, their loved ones and the economy and society more widely. there is long been an assumption there is nothing you can do about dementia, it is inevitable. this research shows it is not inevitable and there are actions we can all collectively take as individuals to lower our risk of dementia and to minimise the impact it is having on society at the moment.— society at the moment. there are --eole society at the moment. there are peeple here _ society at the moment. there are people here watching _ society at the moment. there are people here watching that - society at the moment. there are people here watching that have . people here watching that have parents who have suffered dementia and are worried themselves — what would be the key things that should look out for and therefore be getting help for two prevent having

dementia in later life? at getting help for two prevent having dementia in later life?— dementia in later life? at this research sets _ dementia in later life? at this research sets out _ dementia in later life? at this research sets out 14 - dementia in later life? at this research sets out 14 different| research sets out 14 different changes that can be made to lifestyle and health to minimise people�*s risk of getting dementia. there�*s no sure—fire way of an individual preventing themselves getting dementia but there are actions you can take to reduce your risk. we have a campaign that called thank brain health about how we can support people to lower their risk. the message is that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain, so being physically active, not smoking, lowering alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet — all of these things can contribute to lowering dementia risk. it is important we think about doing this in midlife but it is never too early or too late to make some of these changes for individuals to then lower their risk.— changes for individuals to then lower their risk. david thomas, thank yom _

let�*s bring you an update on the breaking news from earlier, the israeli military has said they can now confirm that mohammed deif, the hamas second—in—command in gaza, was killed in an israeli air strike in the gaza strip onjuly i3. killed in an israeli air strike in the gaza strip onjuly 13. it goes on to say the air strike targeted a compound in khan younis where mohammed deif and another senior hamas commander were located. the israeli electorate have said that mr deif range, planned and executed the october at the seventh massacre. hamas has denied so far that mr deif was killed. that isjust hamas has denied so far that mr deif was killed. that is just coming hamas has denied so far that mr deif was killed. that isjust coming into us that the israeli military confirms that mohammed deif, the hamas second—in—command in gaza, was killed in an israeli air strike on

the 13th. venezuela�*s president nicolas maduro says the country�*s opposition will never ever be in power, and accused them of having blood on their hands. several opposition figures are sheltering in the argentine embassy in caracas, which is surrounded by police. mr maduro was declared the winner of sunday�*s election but argentina, along with several other countries, refuses to recognise him as president. he addressed the country on wednesday after days of protests, in which several people died. on wednesday, president maduro asked the supreme court to take action against those who he accused of instigating violence in the streets, a reference there to some of the protests that have broken out since the disputed election result on sunday night. i think this is certainly paving the way for more arrests, more detentions to take place. the government�*s prosecutor has said that more than 1000 people have already been arrested as a result of some of these protests. government figures, including the president himself, have not only accused the opposition

of instigating a coup but said that the opposition leader and opposition candidates should be arrested. it�*s not clear if that�*s something that will happen but the rhetoric is something that has concerned opposition figures. the opposition say that they, with more then 70% of the receipts from the electronic voting machines around the country can prove that they, not the government, won the election and that some members of their team, some supporting the opposition because, face detentions. they�*ve even said that one of their figures has essentially faced torture, which is something they have called on the un to help them investigate. in response, president maduro has held these opposition figures directly responsible for some of the protests that have been taking place, which is certainly something that has raised concern. they, along with many other foreign governments, have demanded that president maduro release proof of the election results, which he says that he won.

president maduro has said now that they will release proof. the question now on lots of people�*s minds is when, how will they release it, and also why has it taken them so long. the breaking years were getting this hour that the israeli military has confirmed that mohammed deif, the hamas second—in—command in gaza, was killed in an israeli air strike in the gaza strip onjuly the 7th. of the gaza strip onjuly the 7th. of the israeli military has said that mr deif initiated, planned and executed the october the 7th massacre. hamas so far denied that mr deif was killed but the idf said the air strike targeted a compound in khan younis where mohammed deif

was and that they had doubts on the fate of mohammed deif but they have now confirmed he has been killed in that air strike. industrial action by gps in england could start today which would see recruitment in treatment. the doctors union say some practices are having to close because government funding has not kept up with rising costs. it comes as the department of health announces plans to recruit more newly qualified gps this year. there are new signs of life at the sycamore gap tree stump, where the iconic landmark once stood next to hadrian�*s wall, in northumberland, for nearly 200 years. there was an outpouring of anger when the tree was vandalised and cut down last year. eight shoots have now been spotted growing from its stump.

good news, there. plenty more on our website. stay with us on bbc news. you�*re watching bbc news. with the record—breaking opening a few days ago of the superhero movie deadpool & wolverine, as well as the success of animated hits inside out 2 and despicable me 4, the hollywood studios are breathing a sigh of relief that movie fans will venture out in big numbers to cinemas. but with overall box office still below pre—covid levels, there is an ongoing debate over how to make movie—going a more appealing prospect. as tom brook now reports, the length of films is seen as a pivotal factor. while the eagerly awaited and just

released superhero movie deadpool & wolverine has become a blockbuster, the biggest movie of the summer is inside out two, just one hour and 35 minutes long. in the us, the second biggest hit of the season has been another animation, biggest hit of the season has been anotheranimation, despicable biggest hit of the season has been another animation, despicable me four, also quite short at 94 minutes. and one of the biggest flops of the season was a very long film, the first instalment of kevin costner�*s epic case to case horizon: and american saga. many filmgoers say they prefer shorter from�*s. producers produce four hour firms, has got that much time?— producers produce four hour firms, has got that much time? versus ok for me but the _ has got that much time? versus ok for me but the culture _ has got that much time? versus ok for me but the culture is _ has got that much time? versus ok for me but the culture is leaning - for me but the culture is leaning towards — for me but the culture is leaning towards less. a for me but the culture is leaning towards less.— for me but the culture is leaning towards less. a research company olled towards less. a research company polled 2000 _ towards less. a research company polled 2000 americans _ towards less. a research company polled 2000 americans at - towards less. a research company polled 2000 americans at the - towards less. a research company. polled 2000 americans at the start of the summer movie season to find that there could be what could be termed an ideal length for a movie.

the findings were really interesting — it turns out the majority of the population prefers a pretty specific length of time for a movie, and that�*s 92 minutes. that�*s a pinpointed average from all respondents.— pinpointed average from all resondents. . ~ , ._ pinpointed average from all resondents. , , respondents. film-makers may bristle at the notion — respondents. film-makers may bristle at the notion that _ respondents. film-makers may bristle at the notion that the _ respondents. film-makers may bristle at the notion that the polling - respondents. film-makers may bristle at the notion that the polling of- at the notion that the polling of audience should determine the length of theirfilms, for them it is artistic consideration so account. steve mcqueen was last representing audiences a four—hour documentary on the summer occupation of amsterdam. to him, theirfather to stick the summer occupation of amsterdam. to him, their father to stick recent for the length. this movie could not be an hour and a half for obvious reasons. is a weight to it and it needs time to manifest that. and while audiences when polled say they may prefer shorter movies, they will go to longerfilms. may prefer shorter movies, they will go to longer films. films like titanic and avatar were more than

three hours long, far longer than movie goers�* state a preference. but ultimately, why a pillow cover becomes success on cinemas probably has very little to do with its length. generally speaking, than anything else, for commercialfilms, anything else, for commercial films, the anything else, for commercialfilms, the greater shows, they want it to succeed, to keep an eye on the obvious — a strong narrative can really make a difference. i obvious - a strong narrative can really make a difference. i would sa aood really make a difference. i would say good storytelling _ really make a difference. i would say good storytelling is - really make a difference. i would i say good storytelling is paramount ultimately in film. and if a great film—maker can make a short film and tell a great story or delete a little longer to tell a great story, i think the audiences will respond at the end of the day. fiaak i think the audiences will respond at the end of the day.— at the end of the day. soak in the film industry. _ at the end of the day. soak in the film industry, still— at the end of the day. soak in the film industry, still permitted - at the end of the day. soak in the film industry, still permitted by. film industry, still permitted by covid and the rice of streaming do as it strives to bring people back to summers? that success of inside out two may be instructive. yes, it�*s short but is real strength was its satisfying screenplay which tells of the inner emotional life of a young girl. combines with

state—of—the—art animation, which was crafted to have a very broad demographic appeal to men, women, adults and children. so you can expect some copycats as it�*s now become the highest grossing animated film on the planet. weill. become the highest grossing animated film on the planet.— film on the planet. well, that's a review film on the planet. well, that's a preview of _ film on the planet. well, that's a preview of the _ film on the planet. well, that's a preview of the next _ film on the planet. well, that's a preview of the next ten - film on the planet. well, that's a preview of the next ten years! i just a reminder of the breaking news that we are getting this hour that the israeli military has now confirmed that mohammed deif, the hamas second—in—command in gaza, was killed in an israeli air strike on the gaza strip on the 13th. air strike targeted a compound in khan younis where mohammed deif and another senior hamas commander were targeted. the other commander �*s death was confirmed shortly after the strike but doubt heckling at about the fate of mohamed and israeli military says mr deif initiated, planned and executed the

october the 7th massacre. hamas has so far denied that mr deif was killed. we will have the latest at the top of the hour. our correspondent onjerusalem is on this. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. as we go through today, many of us will have a dry day with some warm sunshine, still feeling humid in the south. for some of us, thundery downpours. we�*ve seen quite a few of those this morning and into the afternoon, although there will be a lull as temperatures rise and they further develop. this morning�*s thundery downpours pushing into the north sea. some showers across parts of eastern scotland and northern england and then further thundery downpours which will be slow moving, heavy and also with hail and gusty winds around them, especially across parts of east wales, the midlands central southern england and the south east. but we won�*t all catch one by any stretch.

into this evening, we start to loose those thunderstorms, many fading away, clear skies and mist and fog patches forming. out towards the west, a new front will introduce thicker cloud, showery rain and stronger winds. humid tonight as well, and in places that have not been humid in the last few nights, like northern ireland and western scotland. tomorrow, here�*s our first front but low pressure dominating the weather in the west, bringing in thicker cloud, some rain and strengthening winds. it�*s only slowly pushing eastwards. ahead of that, the cloud will build. a lot of dry weather and sunshine around, some showers into the south east and highs of 27 degrees here. behind the cold front, things are freshening up a bit in the west. that will continue even more so as the fronts push across us through saturday. on saturday itself, we start with cloud and showery outbreaks of rain in the south east. a lot of dry weather, further showers and windy conditions coming in from the northwest

but in between some sunshine and variable cloud. but a difference in the temperature, 15 to 21 from the north to the west but still about 24 towards the south east. into sunday, wehang onto that fresher air across the board, temperatures returning to closer to the seasonal average. on sunday, a dry day, cloud building through the day with the front from the west introducing rain across western areas with gusty winds in the western isles.

live from london, this is bbc news. the suspect in the southport stabbings arrives in court after being charged with the murder of three girls and the attempted murder of ten other people. keir starmer is set to meet police leaders after more rioting overnight. more than 100 people were arrested after disturbances in central london yesterday. questions for the bbc over its handling of the huw edwards case as the corporation confirms police warned them its investigation concerned child abuse images israel says it�*s confirmed that the senior hamas leader in gaza, mohammed deif, was killed in a strike in khan younis last month. and in the olympics more chances

for medals for team gb today