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Friday evening news briefing: Sir Alex Ferguson makes trial appearance

Your evening briefing from The Telegraph
Your evening briefing from The Telegraph

Good evening. It’s been a day of star witnesses at the trial of Ryan Giggs for assaulting and coercing his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, charges which he denies. Sir Alex Ferguson, his former manager has just given evidence.

Today's trivia: Bill Clinton was born on this day in 1946. In 1998, he became the first American president to be impeached in 130 years. Name the other two to be impeached. Scroll down for the answer

Inside track with Chopper's Politics email | Audio | Crossword

The big story: Sir Alex Ferguson gives evidence

The trial of former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs entered its 10th day today, with the defence inviting numerous witnesses to give evidence. Just this afternoon, the legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who was Mr Giggs’s boss throughout most of his playing career, was asked by the defence to give evidence. He spoke about Mr Gigg’s temperament and their relationship while the player was still a teenager. Gareth Davies is at the trial and has all the latest details in our liveblog, including Kate Greville's 'final goodbye' letter to Mr Giggs.

Killer storms hit Europe

After baking in powerful heatwaves and droughts, much of Europe is now being battered by storms. A British woman was among five people, including a teenage girl, killed in violent storms in Corsica as the holiday hotspot was battered by hurricane-strength winds on Thursday. The tourist went missing while kayaking off Erbalunga, near Bastia on the west coast of Corsica. Authorities there took part in about 80 rescue operations during the freak winds. Two victims, including a teenage girl, were killed when trees fell in campsites, two were at sea and one died when a beach hut hit her car.

A further seven deaths were reported across the Continent, including two children in Austria. They were killed when sudden strong wind toppled trees leaving the area looking “like a battlefield”. A further 13 people were injured, two of them seriously, in the Lavant Valley. Officials said many of those hurt were tourists to the holiday destination.

Tell-tale signs used by car thieves

It’s a simple habit, but stopping to check you’ve actually locked your car could save you from having to deal with an embarrassing and expensive theft. That’s just one of the tips from jailed criminals who have been advising a university expert on their methods. Charles Hymas has all the details, including the high-tech equipment and simple giveaways that car thieves use to target your vehicle.

Evening briefing: Today's other essential headlines

Comment and analysis

Around the world: One year on from the fall of Kabul

Twelve months ago, the Afghan capital fell once more to the Taliban after twenty years of relative freedom backed by Nato forces. Despite total chaos at the airport following the West's withdrawal of troops, around 18,000 people were successfully evacuated to the UK. Eleanor Steafel spoke to some of the people who witnessed those final days for a special article on where they are now. In Kabul itself, Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, reports on what life is like now for Afghan women.

Friday interview

Ben Davies: 'If Conte tells you to run, that’s what you do.'

Ben Davies, the Tottenham full-back, tells Jason Burt about how Antonia Conte, the intense new manager, has turned the club around.

Read the interview

Sport briefing: Disaster for England

England's cricketers have been unceremoniously stuffed by South Africa in the first test, losing by an innings on only the third day. Is this a sign that "bazball", the team's aggressive new playing style, isn't all it's cracked up to be? Get all the reaction to the humiliating defeat here.

Editor's choice

Dealing with kids | Our intelligent daughter doesn't want to go to university – how do we persuade her?’

Money thoughts | Eight reasons why cash is king in Britain

Late getaways | 20 summer holidays that are much better in September

Business briefing: Britain's gaping financial hole

A combination of soaring inflation and Liz Truss’s planned tax cuts will blow a £170bn hole in the UK’s public finances this year – well above the official forecast of £99bn, economists have warned. That came as July's deficit proved £4.7bn higher than expected by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and amid a 63pc jump in debt interest costs. Meanwhile, Szu Ping Chan hears from former MPC members on how the Bank of England lost control of inflation.

Tonight starts now

Summer delights | The heatwave might be over but the weather is still bright and hot. What better way to enjoy it than with that classic combination of melon and wine? Victoria Moore has the all-important recommendations. If you're after something a bit more substantial, Eleanor Steafel has this recipe for a delightful nectarine and halloumi salad. Finally, if a quick and easy cocktail is more your thing, read our guide to the best tinned cocktails.

Three things for you

And finally... for this evening's downtime

'I have always drawn the line at sharks' | Our intrepid war reporter, Danielle Sheridan, has braved artillery and bullets in Ukraine but on a diving holiday to Fiji she faced her greatest fear.

Answer: Andrew Johnson and Donald Trump (twice)