The young and vulnerable are at greater risk of being drawn into terrorism during the Covid-19 pandemic, British police warned on Friday.
The lockdown is leading to more unsupervised time spent online where the young are at risk from grooming by dedicated extremists.
Social distancing measures means that those most likely to spot signs of radicalisation, such as social workers, teachers and health workers, are spending less time with those at risk, the UK’s largest force said.
Britain has a nationwide programme designed to protect people at risk of radicalisation that includes school visits and individual mentoring.
But referrals to the programme, known as Prevent, have dropped by half and nurses working on the programme have returned to frontline duties to cope with the health crisis.
The cut in referrals comes amid concerns over a rise in online hate crimes with Muslims falsely accused of breaking the lockdown to gather at mosques.
Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan said: “We’re not getting the number of referrals we normally would and cannot identify those who need support to steer them away from being radicalised and taken down a path into violent extremism or terrorist activity.”
The force said it planned to launch a guide for parents to talk to vulnerable children that accompanied a video released in January that charted the path of a British Muslim and a white Briton to murderous extremism.
A website – Let's Talk About It – also points out key signs of radicalisation including previous traumatic events, mental health problems and increased desire for status.
T20 World Cup Qualifier fixtures
Tuesday, October 29
Qualifier one, 2.10pm – Netherlands v UAE
Qualifier two, 7.30pm – Namibia v Oman
Wednesday, October 30
Qualifier three, 2.10pm – Scotland v loser of qualifier one
Qualifier four, 7.30pm – Hong Kong v loser of qualifier two
Thursday, October 31
Fifth-place playoff, 2.10pm – winner of qualifier three v winner of qualifier four
Friday, November 1
Semi-final one, 2.10pm – Ireland v winner of qualifier one
Semi-final two, 7.30pm – PNG v winner of qualifier two
Saturday, November 2
Third-place playoff, 2.10pm
Final, 7.30pm
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
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