Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 11 Aug 2012

1. POLICE ARREST TIA SUSPECT

Detectives have arrested the partner of Tia Sharp's grandmother after discovering a body at her home in New Addington, Croydon. Stuart Hazell was arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery. Police are being criticised for finding the missing 12-year-old's body during previous searches of the house.

2. PM TO ANNOUNCE COMPULSORY SPORT

The Prime Minister is to announce that competitive sports will be made compulsory for all school children in England. A new curriculum will rule that pupils must participate in "recognised and recognisable sports" and will make "team outdoor and adventurous activity" mandatory. Cameron wants the Olympics to "lead a revival of competitive sport in primary schools".

3. US HAS 'EYES' IN IRAN PROGRAMME

America has claimed it has "eyes" and "visibility" inside Iran's nuclear programme and will know if Iran makes a "breakout move towards acquiring a weapon". The remarks, from White House spokesman Jay Carney, follow a claim from a former CIA official that President Obama would accept a nuclear-armed Iran, preferring "containment" to confrontation.

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4. HAGUE CRITICISED FOR SYRIA AID

The government is facing criticism over its decision to give £5m to Syrian opposition groups, after human rights groups accused the rebels of war crimes. Foreign Secretary William Hague acknowledged reports of "atrocities" by the rebels and insisted the UK aid will be used for non-military equipment.

5. MAN UTD SHARES FLOP ON WALL STREET

Shares in Manchester United made a flat stock market debut on Friday. The club sold 16.7 million shares as expected, but at a price of $14 each, significantly below the expected range of $16 to $20. There are concerns that the poor performance will shrink the funds available to Sir Alex Ferguson in the transfer market.

6. 'SERIAL RAPIST' HITS FRENCH CAMPSITES

French police are hunting for a suspected serial rapist who is targeting young girls holidaying on campsites in the Ardeche region. Up to seven girls between the ages of seven and 12 have been assaulted in the area over the last six weeks. Campsite owners are installing tight security measures to try and prevent further attacks.

7. ROMNEY TO REVEAL RUNNING MATE

White House hopeful Mitt Romney is expected to reveal his choice of running mate in the November election on Saturday. Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan and New Jersey governor Chris Christie are among the names tipped to take the role. President Obama has a seven-point lead over Romney in recent polls.

8. BBC FEARS CHRIS EVANS BROKE RULES

BBC bosses fear that David Cameron's appearance on Chris Evans' Radio 2 breakfast show may have breached impartiality rules. Corporation executives say they were unaware the Prime Minister had been booked to appear. "Nobody knew anything until it was too late to do anything about it. It was a huge cock-up," an insider told The Guardian.

9. FARAH AND DALEY GO FOR GOLD

Tom Daley and Mo Farah are bidding for medals in the day's Olympic programme. Diver Daley scraped unconvincingly into the men's 10m individual platform semi-finals last night. Farah, who won the 10,000m last Saturday, hopes for an Olympic double as he competes in the 5,000m. Usain Bolt will race in the 4x100m relay.

10. MANCINI TALKS DOWN CITY'S CHANCES

Roberto Mancini has played down Manchester City's chances of retaining the Premier League crown in the forthcoming season, claiming his side are only “third or fourth favourites” to win the title. Justifying his prediction, he pointed to his club's disappointing performance in the summer transfer market. City play Chelsea in the season's Community Shield curtain-raiser on Sunday.

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