Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 13 Jul 2012

1. MI6: 'WE STOPPED IRAN GOING NUCLEAR'

The head of MI6 says the organisation prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons as early as 2008, but added that Iran is now “two years away” from becoming a “nuclear weapons state”. He said a strike on Iranian facilities by Israel or the United States is increasingly likely, adding it would be "tough" for either nation to accept a nuclear Iran.

2. ANNAN CONDEMNS SYRIA MASSACRE

Kofi Annan has said he is shocked and appalled at reports of a massacre in the Syrian village of Tremseh. The UN and Arab League envoy for Syria was reacting to news that more than 200 people died yesterday when Assad troops attacked with helicopter gunships and tanks, followed by execution-style killings. Syrian state media said "terrorist groups" carried out the attack.

Massacre of over 200 feared in Syrian village of Tremseh

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3. BRITISH AVALANCHE VICTIMS NAMED

The three British climbers killed by a huge avalanche near Chamonix in the French Alps yesterday have been named. They were Steve Barber and John Taylor from York and Roger Payne, one of Britain's most respected climbers. They and six others were killed on Mont Maudit, which translates as Cursed Mountain.

Mont Blanc avalanche: three British climbers dead

4. '50% CHANCE OF AN OLYMPIC BOMB'

A whistleblower who worked with G4S on preparing security personnel for London 2012 has said only 10% of candidates are up to the job and claimed there is a "50%" chance a person carrying a bomb could smuggle it into an Olympic venue. Elsewhere, trainees for the security roles have given their accounts of a "farcical" application process.

G4S whistleblower: 50 per cent chance of Olympics bomb

5. JOHN TERRY FOUND NOT GUILTY

Chelsea and England footballer John Terry has been found not guilty of racism. The defender was accused of verbally abusing Anton Ferdinand during a match against QPR last October but after a four-day trial the 31-year-old was cleared. Magistrates said it was impossible to know exactly what was said during an exchange of insults.

John Terry cleared of racism, but is the affair really over?

6. RAUSING ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF MURDER

Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing has been arrested on suspicion of his wife Eva's murder, after her body was discovered in their Chelsea home earlier this week. At the opening of her inquest police revealed that they had not yet been able to interview Rausing as he was taken to hospital on Tuesday suffering from alcohol withdrawal.

7. FEMALE SAUDI ATHLETES SET FOR 2012

Saudi Arabia will send female athletes to the Olympic Games for the first time this summer, after two women athletes were added to its team. Runner Sarah Attar and judo competitor Wodjan Ali Shahrkhani will wear special bodysuits, complete with hair cover. The International Olympic Committee said it is "delighted" by the move.

Rogge: London Games will not become an 'Olympishambles'

8. SUN'S HILLSBOROUGH 'BRIBE' REVEALED

The Sun newspaper once offered to build a sports centre in Liverpool in return for support for an apology over its coverage of the Hillsborough disasters, the Leveson inquiry has been told. Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, told the inquiry victims' families were "appalled" by the offer which they saw as a "bribe".

9. TOUR DE FRANCE: MILLAR WINS STAGE

Britain's domination of this year's Tour de France has continued after David Millar became the fourth man to win a stage of the race. He triumphed on stage 12 after joining a breakaway early in the day. Bradley Wiggins retains the yellow jersey after finishing in the peloton, teammate and fellow Briton Chris Froome is in second place overall.

Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome lead Tour de France

10. HOT TICKET: GIRLS’ MAGIC NIGHT OUT

The comedy-drama /Magic Mike/, directed by Steven Soderbergh, opens at UK cinemas today. Channing Tatum stars as a male stripper who begins to question his easy-money, party-hard lifestyle when his protégé goes off the rails. “Terrific entertainment,” says Empire.

Tatum shines in Magic Mike with his clothes on and off

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