Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 27 Aug 2012

1. SYRIA: WITNESSES DESCRIBE MASSACRE

Eyewitnesses have given more details of the massacre on Saturday of more than 200 people in the Sunni community of Daraya, on the outskirts of Damascus, by President Assad’s forces. One reported seeing scores of bodies, killed by gunfire and bayonets. “The regime finished off whole families - a father, mother and their children.”

2. HARRY DITCHES HIS FACEBOOK PROFILE

On the advice of his private secretary, Prince Harry has reportedly deleted his Facebook account, run under the pseudonym ‘Spike Wells’, in the wake of the naked photos scandal. The Sun reports that two of his friends, who were with the prince in Las Vegas, have also closed their accounts, as has one of Harry’s minders.

3. BRANSON OFFERS TO RUN LINE FOR FREE

Sir Richard Branson has offered to run the West Coast rail line for free to allow Parliament time to review the contentious decision to award the franchise to First Group. Branson’s Virgin Trains has argued that First Group’s winning bid of £5.5bn is so high it can never be profitable unless services are cut.

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4. SAMSUNG SHARES DIVE ON IPAD RULING

Samsung shares plunged 7% in Seoul today, wiping $12bn off the South Korean giant’s market value, after the company was ordered on Friday to pay $1.05bn in damages to Apple for copying critical features of the iPhone and iPad. Samsung will appeal the ruling, but Apple is seeking a ban on the sale of Samsung products in the US.

Samsung shares fall $12bn after Apple patent ruling

5. STORM ISAAC DELAYS ROMNEY CONVENTION

Tropical storm Isaac, expected to become a Category 1 hurricane as it makes landfall in America, has prompted the Republican Party to delay until Tuesday the opening of its convention in Tampa, Florida, which will formally nominate former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney to run against President Obama.

Can Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan weather the credibility storm?

6. POLICE HUNT LION SPOTTED IN ESSEX

Essex police with armed units and two helicopters were last night hunting a lion reported to be running loose in fields near St Osyth. Residents were ordered to stay indoors after experts from Colchester Zoo confirmed that the reports appeared to be genuine. The owner of a local circus has denied any lion has gone missing.

7. PUSSY RIOT GIRLS FLEE RUSSIA

Two members of the anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot have fled Russia to avoid prosecution for staging a protest against Vladimir Putin, the band said yesterday, and are in a country without an extradition agreement with Moscow. Three members were jailed on 17 August, and police have been hunting others in the all-girl band.

8. ‘GIVE ARMSTRONG A STATE FUNERAL’

There are calls for Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, to be accorded a state funeral in Washington DC, an honour normally only granted to former presidents. However, the astronaut who died on Saturday was notoriously reserved and it is not certain his family would accept the honour if President Obama were to offer it.

Tributes for Neil Armstrong, as astronaut dies at age of 82

9. AFGHANS BEHEADED FOR PARTYING

Fifteen men and two women found beheaded in Afghanistan’s Helmand province today were killed by the Taliban as punishment for attending a mixed-sex party, according to Reuters. They were enjoying music and dancing on Sunday night when they were attacked by the Taliban, who condemn mixed-sex get-togethers unless they're between relatives.

Seventeen beheaded by Taliban for mixed-sex dancing

10. CHELSEA TOP BUT ARSENAL GOALLESS

Premier League champions Manchester City were lucky to draw level 2-2 with a much-improved Liverpool side at Anfield yesterday. Arsenal v Stoke finished 0-0, meaning the Gunners have yet to score this season. Chelsea are top of the table having played a game more than Swansea and Everton, the only other teams to have 100% winning records.

Liverpool raise their game but Arsenal still can’t find the net