Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 24 Aug 2014

1. THE 'JIHADI JOHN' SUSPECT IS NAMED

British security services believe they have identified the man who beheaded the American journalist James Foley, say senior government sources. Although the sources did not name the man, The Sunday Times says a “key suspect” is Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 23, who left his family’s £1m home in London last year. He recently tweeted a picture of himself holding up a severed head.

2. CLIFF RICHARD INTERVIEWED BY POLICE

Sir Cliff Richard has been interviewed under caution in connection with an alleged historical sexual offence, says South Yorkshire Police. The singer voluntarily met officers on Saturday and was not arrested or charged. The interview comes after his Berkshire apartment was searched by police as part of the investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a religious event in 1985.

3. THOUSANDS SLIP THROUGH UK BORDERS

UK border controls are in chaos allowing thousands of illegal immigrants to disappear through the UK’s porous borders each year, says the Sunday Telegraph. Figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws showed that 3,527 immigrants absconded after failing border checks in 2013. Just 846 of them were found, meaning 76% – around 2,700 – remain at large.

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4. WILL EBOLA MAN BE FLOWN TO UK?

Health authorities insist the Ebola risk to the UK is “very low” after reports that a British charity worker who tested positive for the virus in Sierra Leone may be flown to these shores. He would be flown to RAF Northolt and taken to the Royal Free Hospital. Professor John Watson, deputy chief medical officer, said: "The overall risk to the public in the UK continues to be very low.”

5. CHRISTIANS ‘FORCED TO HIDE BELIEFS’

An “aggressive form of secularism” is forcing British Christians to hide their beliefs, a former attorney general has warned. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Dominic Grieve argues that the trend risks pushing Christianity “out of the public space”. He says the persecution of Christians in Iraq means it is “more important than ever” for people to express their religious beliefs.

6. ISRAEL RETRACTS UN SCHOOL CLAIM

The Israeli military has retracted its allegation that the mortar that killed a four-year-old Israeli boy on Friday was fired from a UN school in Gaza. A spokesperson has retracted the claim, tweeting: “After further review, the school the mortar was launched near from is not being used as a shelter by @UNRWA.” He adds that the mortar was fired from “a shelter maintained by #Hamas authorities in #Gaza”.

7. FOOTBALLER DIES FROM PROJECTILE

A Cameroonian footballer has died after an object thrown from the stands struck his head. Striker Albert Ebosse was fatally struck by a projectile at the end of JS Kabylie's game against USM Alger in Algeria. The 23-year-old had scored a goal in the game, which his side lost 2-1. Spectators threw objects after the match as the players were returning to their changing room.

8. ANN SUMMERS LAUNCHES ‘ISIS’ RANGE

Lingerie retailer Ann Summers has apologised after launching a range of underwear called Isis, which matches the colours of the terrorist group’s flag. The company insists it chose the name for the underwear range before the Islamist organisation came to the public’s attention. The retailer said it “in no way supports or condones” terrorism.

9. FRANKIE BOYLE: CLARKSON IS “A TUMOUR”

The BBC should sack Jeremy Clarkson because he is a “cultural tumour”, says comedian Frankie Boyle. The Scot said that the frequently controversial Clarkson “comes from a very bad place” but is “tolerated” because he is a friend of prime minister David Cameron. Speaking at the Edinburgh television festival, Boyle also described Rupert Murdoch as a “tumour”.

10. CHELSEA MAINTAIN THEIR 100% START

Chelsea remain top of the Premier League after maintaining their 100% form with a 2-0 win over Leicester City. Arsenal fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, Swansea City are in second place after beating Burnley 1-0. Manchester United travel to Sunderland in the pick of today’s action.