Car theft may be linked to taken toddler

A MAN who stole a car with a toddler inside is also wanted over the theft of another vehicle at a nearby petrol station, Brisbane police say.

The second incident happened just 25 minutes after the car with the toddler on board was taken from a driveway and dumped after the child's mother gave chase.

Police say a silver Ford ute was driven from a service station at Springwood, south of Brisbane, while its owner was paying for fuel about 5.15pm (AEST) on Friday.

It was taken by one of two men who had been refuelling a green Toyota sedan with stolen number plates.

The other man stayed with the Toyota and drove off without paying for the petrol.

Police have released photos of the pair and believe they are linked to the earlier theft of the car with a 15-month-old inside in nearby Woodridge.

They say a woman left the vehicle's engine running while checking her mailbox about 4.50pm (AEST) when a man ran up, jumped behind the wheel and drove off.

The woman gave chase on foot and tried to block the car's way before she was struck at low speed.

The man drove along Kingston Road, Woodridge, south of Brisbane, about 50 metres before abandoning the vehicle and running off through a Marlow Street unit complex.

The woman suffered minor injuries and the child was not injured.

The man is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, around 180cm tall and of a slim build.

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NSW police hunt for Cenotaph vandals

Police are hunting for two men who allegedly vandalised the Cenotaph in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

POLICE are hunting for two men who allegedly vandalised the Cenotaph in Sydney's CBD.

Police said two men were seen climbing on the statue in Martin Place about 3am on Saturday.

They said CCTV footage showed the men climbed one of the bronze soldiers and put a traffic cone on its head, before snapping a number of photographs of their handiwork.

Police said the men also bent the bayonet on the bronze model's rifle.

Officers conducted a patrol of the area but were unable to locate either of the men, police said in a statement.

Police attempted to repair the bayonet by straightening it, while the traffic cone was taken away for forensic analysis.

The minister responsible for veterans' affairs, Victor Dominello, condemned the vandalism, saying the "act of desecration" would anger the community at large, particularly so close to Australia Day.

"Veterans and their families will be outraged by this attack on one of the state's sacred shrines dedicated to those who fought and died for their country," he said in a statement.

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Anxiety grows over hostage raid in Algeria

British PM David Cameron has expressed concern over the hostage raid in Algeria's border with Libya. Source: AAP

WESTERN governments have voiced alarm over the fate of dozens of foreigners seized by Islamists at a gas plant in the Algerian desert after several hostages were killed in a dramatic rescue operation.

The Algerian military assault left "several people" killed or wounded but freed a "large number" of hostages, according to Communications Minister Mohamed Said, as special forces took control of a residential compound at the complex.

Hundreds of hostages were being held at the compound, part of the sprawling In Amenas site, after Islamist militants took control of the gas plant on Wednesday purportedly to avenge a French-led offensive in Mali.

Algerian officials said soldiers were still surrounding the site's main gas facility, which was yet to be secured in the air and ground assault.

Algerian reports said nearly 600 local workers and four foreigners - two from Britain, one from France and one from Kenya - were freed during Thursday's operation.

One man from Northern Ireland escaped. According to his brother, Stephen McFaul fled when the convoy in which he was travelling came under fire from the army, and had earlier "had explosives tied around his neck".

A total of 41 foreigners had been reported among the hostages. The huge plant employs workers from Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United States among others, and there was widespread anxiety at the fast-moving developments.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who cancelled a key speech on European policy to monitor the crisis, described a "very bad situation" at the site near Algeria's border with Libya.

"Already we know of one (Briton) who has died," Cameron said.

"It is a very dangerous, very uncertain, a very fluid situation, and I think we have to prepare ourselves for the possibility of bad news ahead."

Foreign governments said Algeria gave them no prior warning of the raid. A senior US official said Washington "strongly encouraged" the authorities to make the safety of the hostages their top priority.

Japan's government also urged Algiers to protect the hostages, arguing that the army raid was "regrettable" and that there was no clear information emanating from the scene.

The kidnappers said 34 captives had died in the assault but this was impossible to confirm. They told Mauritanian news agency ANI they would "kill all the hostages if the Algerian forces succeed in entering the complex".

The site is run by British oil giant BP, Norway's Statoil and Algerian energy firm Sonatrach. Japanese construction company JGC said it had confirmed the safety of three out of its 17 Japanese staff, and one Filipino.

Veteran Islamist fighter Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a one-eyed Algerian jihadist with al-Qaeda ties, has claimed responsibility for launching Wednesday's attack.

Belmokhtar, dubbed "The Uncatchable" by French intelligence and "Mister Marlboro" for his cigarette smuggling, was until recently one of the leaders of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

But he was pushed out of the organisation towards the end of last year and set up a group called Signatories in Blood. He has been blamed for previous abductions and the killings of both Algerians and foreigners.

The chief hostage-taker on the ground, Abu al-Baraa, was reported killed in the Algerian operation by ANI, which often carries reliable reports from al-Qaeda linked groups.

"We demand the Algerian army pull out from the area to allow negotiations," Abu al-Baraa had earlier told Aljazeera news channel.

But Algeria insisted it would not negotiate with "terrorists".

The hostage drama dragged Algiers and Western powers into the Mali conflict, taking the spotlight off French and government troops battling the Islamists in control of the country's vast desert north.

The rebels have held the north since April last year and moved south into government-held territory last week, prompting France to intervene in its former West African colony before they could threaten roads to Mali's capital Bamako.

The UN special envoy for the Sahel, Romano Prodi, said the French air and ground intervention in Mali was the only way to stop Islamists creating "a terrorist safe haven in the heart of Africa".

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Sydney swelters with hottest day on record

SYDNEY has recorded its hottest day on record as paramedics treat scores of people across NSW for heat-related conditions.

The mercury in Sydney hit 45.8C at 2.55pm (AEDT) on Friday, exceeding the previous Sydney record of 45.3C set on January 14, 1939.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the temperature is significantly higher than the 39C it had originally forecast because an expected breeze had not moved onto the coast from the sea.

"If the sea breeze moves inland it will cool off pretty quickly, so at the moment we're just watching to see what happens," meteorologist Julie Evans told AAP.

Sydney's weather is comparable with places in NSW's far west, such as Whitecliff, which have recorded temperatures around 44C on Friday.

But Sydney was topped by temperatures in Penrith, in western Sydney, which reached 46.5C and could even make 48C.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Penrith broke a record," she said.

As the state swelters, paramedics have been swamped with emergency calls.

As of 1.10pm on Friday, the Ambulance Service of NSW had responded to 21 cases of heat exposure, a third of which were for people over 60.

In addition, there had been 62 cases of unconsciousness or fainting, many attributable to the heat, as well as 22 instances of vomiting.

Ambulance crews were carrying extra bottles of water to distribute to patients, an Ambulance Service spokeswoman told AAP.

People have been reminded that extreme heat can easily lead to life-threatening situations if precautions are not taken, such as staying indoors, drinking lots of water, and staying cool.

Elderly, sick and very young people were at greater risk of heatstroke, the Ambulance Service said in a statement.

Sydney's extreme heat is forecast to ease on Friday evening when a cool change will sweep through the city accompanied by strong winds.

"Because it is so hot it will be very gusty when the change comes through," Ms Evans said.

While Sydney swelters, the state record - 49.7C at Menindee in 10 January 1939 - looks like it will stand firm.

"Out west we don't have temperatures anywhere near that, so Menindee's record is safe - but Sydney's isn't," Ms Evans said.

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Vic campers warned to evacuate after fire

Around 8000 firefighters are on standby in Victoria as temperatures soar across the state. Source: AAP

HOMES in the outer Melbourne suburb of Pakenham are under direct threat from a series of fast moving grassfires, the CFA says.

The CFA issued an emergency warning for Pakenham and Pakenham Upper over the fires, which are expected to impact on the area before 4.45pm (AEDT) on Thursday.

A CFA spokeswoman said residents near Army Road and Reynolds Road needed to implement their fire plans.

"It looks like we have a collection of small, fast-moving grassfires in that area," she told AAP.

"There are crews at the scene working on the fires."

The cause of the fires is unknown, the spokeswoman said.

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Woodside on target to hit 2013 guidance

WOODSIDE Petroleum has achieved a record 2012 production result and hopes to do even better this year as it develops more projects overseas.

The energy producer lifted production and revenue by about 30 per cent in 2012 due to its massive Pluto liquefied natural gas operations in Western Australia.

Production in 2012 was 84.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), up 31 per cent from 64.6 mmboe in 2011 and close to the top-end of previously-issued guidance.

"Our full-year production levels clearly demonstrate what a game-changer Pluto is for Woodside, with production levels consistently above our expectations," Woodside chief executive Peter Coleman said on Thursday.

Production began at the Pluto project in April 2012, and its ramp-up has exceeded expectations.

Revenue in the 12 months to December 31 was $6.2 billion, up 30 per cent from $4.8 billion in 2011.

Woodside reiterated its 2013 production target range of 88 to 94 mmboe, comprising 41 per cent from Pluto, 47 per cent from North West Gas facilities and 12 per cent from other assets.

Mr Coleman said the strength of the Pluto project had enabled Woodside to pursue growth opportunities, such as the recently-announced exploration agreements in Israel and Myanmar (Burma).

In the fourth quarter Woodside's production was up 46 per cent from the previous corresponding period.

State One analyst Peter Kopetz said the company would look to new overseas projects as production at Pluto hit the top-end of guidance.

"That bodes well for what's going to happen in 2013," Mr Kopetz said.

"Hopefully they can come through with the goods like they did in 2012."

Woodside would continue to focus on Pluto which had turned around the company's cash flows.

"With lower capital expenditure they've decided to venture outside, looking at Israel, Myanmar and shale gas in the US."

He said the company was seeking to diversify and lower its risks in the lead up to a final investment decision (FID) on the controversial Browse gas project in Western Australia in mid-2013.

Morningstar resources analyst Mark Taylor said Woodside's 2013 production guidance was realistic, but he does not support management's decision to go into Israel after the company broke even on a venture in Mauritania last decade.

"I'm not thrilled about it," he said.

"You start making some money from Pluto at long last and you're going to run over into Israel, into somewhere that's not particularly familiar with all those sovereign risk issues and everything else.

"I don't think it's a good idea."

At 1528 AEDT Woodside shares were 12.5 cents, or 0.34 per cent, higher at $35.32.

Woodside will release its 2012 full year financial results on February 20.

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Melbourne rapper wanted over carjackings

A MELBOURNE hip-hop artist is wanted for questioning over a series of armed robberies and carjackings.

Police believe Corinthian Morgan, who performs as Mr Morgz, could be behind an attempted carjacking which left a 70-year-old woman with cuts and bruises.

A man fitting Morgan's description threatened the woman with a sawn-off shotgun in the Preston Market car park on January 7, police say.

The pair struggled and the car key snapped off in the ignition.

The man then pushed the woman to the ground and fled with her handbag.

Morgan could also be linked to an attempted carjacking at Reservoir in late December, in which a man armed with a tomahawk approached a family seated in their car, according to police.

The driver sped away when threatened.

Police are also linking him to similar offences in Shepparton.

He could still be in possession of the sawn-off shotgun and his behaviour could become more erratic, Detective Senior Constable Meaghan Briggs said.

"These incidents have all involved vulnerable people, often women, people on their own," Det Snr Const Briggs told reporters on Wednesday.

"We don't want to alarm the public about it but while he is at large there is the risk of another offence occurring."

Morgan, 27, failed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court in October in relation to charges of robbery and intentionally and recklessly causing injury.

He is about 190cm tall with a medium build, olive complexion and a tattoo on the left side of his neck saying 'Mr Morgz'.

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Vic at 'considerable risk' of bushfires

VICTORIAN Premier Ted Baillieu says the state faces "considerable risk" of bushfires as temperatures soar over the next couple of days.

The temperature is tipped to reach the high 30s in southern Victoria on Thursday, and the low 40s in the state's north.

"The next couple of days will be a test for Victorians," Mr Baillieu told reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday.

"With the high temperatures over the next couple of days, that means there will be considerable risk of bushfires in many parts of Victoria."

Mr Baillieu urged residents to remain vigilant, and to seek updates from emergency services.

Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said crews had worked hard to bring all current fires under control.

"That means we move into Thursday with no significant fires on the board that we have got major resources at," he said.

Mr Lapsley said farmers should postpone the use of mechanical equipment when the fire danger was high.

The CFA will consider issuing fire bans later on Wednesday.

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Rio Tinto lifts iron ore production

Rio Tinto lifted global iron ore production by four per cent to a record 253 million tonnes in 2012. Source: AAP

MINING giant Rio Tinto lifted global iron ore production by four per cent to a record 253 million tonnes in 2012.

The full year result was above previous guidance set by the world's second biggest iron ore producer of 250 million tonnes.

It shipped 247 million of those tonnes, also a record high amount, including 233 million tonnes out of the Pilbara in Western Australia.

The miner lifted fourth quarter iron ore production by two per cent on the same period last year to 66 million tonnes.

Rio described the shipments - or sales - result as a positive one due to severe weather disruptions and a shut-down during the year.

It was in line with analysts' expectations.

Production of the company's second biggest earner, copper, (representing about 20 per cent compared to more than 70 per cent for iron ore) increased by six per cent in 2012, to 548,800 tonnes in line with analysts' expectations.

Aluminium production slumped by 10 per cent, weighed down by the Alma labour dispute in Canada.

Rio Tinto produced 3.8 million tonnes of aluminium for the year.

It lifted production of key aluminium input bauxite by 11 per cent to 39.4 million tonnes and alumina by 12 per cent to 10 million tonnes.

Thermal coal production for the full year was 16 per cent higher than in 2011 at 20.6 million tonnes, but hard coking coal production fell by nine per cent to eight million tonnes, due to the impact of plant maintenance and a shutdown.

Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese described the result as a strong operational performance.

"Our expansion program continues on schedule, delivering industry leading returns for our shareholders," he said in a statement.

"Markets remain volatile, but our business continues to perform well.

"Across the group we are taking action to roll back unsustainable cost increases."

"This further enhances our resilience and competitive edge as we enter 2013."

The mining giant aims to reduce its operating and support costs by more than $US5 billion ($A4.75 billion) by the end of 2014 and will cut spending on exploration and evaluation projects by $US1 billion ($A950.53 million) over the remainder of 2012 and 2013.

Its shares were 14 cents lower at $65.85 shortly before 1600 AEDT.

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Five killed as Egypt troop train derails

FIVE people have been killed and at least 43 injured when a train carrying military conscripts derailed southwest of Cairo, the health ministry says.

The train carrying conscripts from south Egypt to Cairo derailed on Tuesday in the Giza neighbourhood of Badrasheen, state media reported.

Giza governor Ali Abdelrahman said emergency services were at the scene and ambulances were ferrying the injured to hospital.

The accident is the latest in a string of transport disasters plaguing the country.

In November, nearly 50 schoolchildren were killed when a train smashed into their bus in central Egypt after a railway signal operator fell asleep, prompting protests and resignations.

The railway network's poor safety record stems largely from lack of maintenance and poor management. In Egypt's deadliest railway tragedy, the bodies of more than 360 passengers were recovered from a train after a fire in 2002.

Egyptians have long complained that the government has failed to deal with the country's chronic transport problems, with roads as poorly maintained as railway lines.

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Volcano erupting in Russia's Far East

A VOLCANO erupting in Russia's Far East is sending plumes of gas and ash high into the sky and creating a lava lake.

The Plosky Tolbachik volcano is located in Kamchatka peninsula, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest residential areas.

Gennady Karpov, a volcano expert at Russia's Academy of Sciences in the Far East, said: "There were no lava lakes at Kamchatka volcanos before now. We have never seen this before."

Plosky Tolbachik has emitted jets of hot lava up to 200 metres high.

Its last eruption had occurred in November after the volcano was dormant for almost 40 years.

Russian officials say the current eruptions are not likely to end any time soon but that they aren't affecting flight patterns over Russia.

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Mubarak questioned over alleged gifts

Hosni Mubarak has been interrogated over gifts he allegedly received from the Al Ahram newspaper. Source: AAP

OUSTED president Hosni Mubarak has been interrogated over gifts worth millions of Egyptian pounds he allegedly received from the country's top newspaper as a show of loyalty while he was in power.

Mubarak is serving a life sentence after being convicted for failing to stop killings of protesters during 2011 uprising.

He was moved to a Cairo military hospital last month after slipping inside a prison bathroom and injuring himself.

A security official says Mubarak was questioned on Saturday over watches, pens, bags, belts and jewellery he reportedly received from the official Al Ahram newspaper.

Mubarak's lawyers and the newspaper could not immediately be reached for comment.

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