Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 27 Mar 2015

1. POLICE SEARCH HOME OF ALPS CRASH LUBITZ

Police are searching the two homes of Andreas Lubitz, co-pilot of the Germanwings flight which crashed on Tuesday after investigators said they believed he had deliberately flown into the French Alps. Police said they had made a “significant discovery” in his flat but insisted it was not a suicide note.

Andreas Lubitz: Germanwings pilot tore up sick note for day of crash

2. POLL: CAMERON BEAT MILIBAND ON TV

A snap poll by ICM for The Guardian suggests David Cameron’s performance last night was more impressive than that of Ed Miliband - even though Jeremy Paxman “mauled” the PM with questions about his influential and wealthy circle of friends during the first of the televised party leaders’ interviews.

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Should Theresa May call an early general election?

3. STUDENTS ‘SELL SEX TO MEET LIVING COSTS’

A study by Swansea University has found that 5% of UK students have sold sex to cover their living costs - and around a quarter say they have thought about it. Of those who work as prostitutes, 56% said it was to cover basic costs, while 45% said it was to avoid debt and 39% to reduce debts they face as graduates.

4. YEMEN’S HADI SEEKS REFUGE IN SAUDI ARABIA

The president of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, has arrived in Saudi Arabia, where he is seeking refuge from Houthi Shia rebels, backed by Iran, who have gained significant ground in recent weeks. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia of Gulf and North African states including Egypt and Sudan are fighting the rebels.

Yemeni government rejects US ceasefire

5. ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET MELTING SPEEDS UP

The melting of floating ice shelves around the Antarctic continent is speeding up more than previously thought, a team of US researchers has warned. The collapse of the ice shelves is expected to lead to rising global sea levels because they currently stop glaciers behind them from melting at speed.

6. POLICEMAN ARRESTED FOR WIFE’S MURDER

A serving police officer in Northampton has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife. The 49-year-old’s name has not been disclosed and no details have been released about the victim. A statement yesterday said the investigation team “will not include anyone from the Northamptonshire force”.

7. RICHARD III TOMB TO BE UNVEILED TODAY

The tomb of King Richard III is to be revealed to people who won a ballot at 1pm today. The last Plantagenet monarch, whose bones were found under a car park in Leicester, was buried in the city’s cathedral yesterday. A two-tonne tombstone made from Swaledale fossil stone has now been laid on top of the grave.

8. DOWNTON ABBEY TO END AFTER SIX SERIES

The producers of ITV’s international hit costume drama, Downton Abbey, have announced that the next, sixth, series will be the last. Created by Julian Fellowes and starring Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Maggie Smith, the show has won two Baftas, three Golden Globes and 11 Primetime Emmys.

Downton Abbey Christmas Special trailer: a happy ending?

9. EDINBURGH PANDA INSEMINATED AGAIN

Tian Tian, the UK’s only female giant panda, has been artificially inseminated using sperm from her ‘mate’, Yang Guang. Edinburgh Zoo said that natural mating would also be attempted before the animals’ notoriously short breeding window closed. A previous artificial insemination did not result in a pregnancy.

Edinburgh panda: latest attempt to get Tian Tian pregnant

10. BRIEFING: AMANDA KNOX VERDICT TODAY

Amanda Knox's court case could finally come to an end today if Italy's highest court definitively ratifies her murder conviction. But her defence was dealt a blow on the eve of the ruling when Raffaele Sollecito, her former boyfriend, changed his story and withdrew his support for her alibi on Tuesday evening.

Amanda Knox claims inmate tried to seduce her behind bars