09 March 2011

Other UK News In Brief

Appeal Launched Over Man Missing Since 2004

Detectives from Hackney investigating the disappearance of Barry Walsh are renewing appeals for information regarding his whereabouts. Barry Walsh, 37, was last seen on 11 April 2004 at his home address in Pownall Road, east London.There have recently been two possible sightings of Barry, one in the village of Hardwick in Buckinghamshire and the other by the Big Wheel in Manchester. Barry is described as white, of slim build, brown hair and approximately 5' 10" in height. He also has a tattoo of a heart on his lower right arm. Barry is very much missed by his sister and daughter. Anyone who thinks they may have seen Barry or has any information concerning him should contact Hackney's Missing Persons Unit.

Smokers Urged To Quit For The Sake Of Future Generations  

The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland is marking National No Smoking Day by calling on smokers to quit the habit and help to ensure a smoke-free Scotland for future generations.   The BMA believes that the UK could be tobacco free by 2035, and by making the decision to stop today, smokers could be helping to achieve this target.   Smoking kills over 13,000 people every year in Scotland, which equates to around a quarter of all deaths, and the NHS has to allocate vast resources to treating smoking related illness.   Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman of the BMA's Scottish General Practitioners Committee said:  “Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. It ages skin, makes your breath smell and stains fingers yellow. Every day doctors witness the death and despair caused by smoking. Tobacco is highly addictive and people need support to give up. Most people who smoke tell us they wish they had never started.   It is essential we break the tobacco trap. Young smokers will become tomorrow’s parents who smoke and they will continue the cycle of smoking-related ill-health and premature death. One of the best ways to prevent children starting to smoke is for their parents to quit. By stopping today, smokers are taking the first step to a tobacco free future for their children.”

Police Appeal After Attack On Train Driver

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are appealing for information after a man punched a train driver - leaving a 12cm cut to his head. Detective Constable Rod Harbron said that the incident took place on Monday, 14 February. He said: “The victim, a 51-year-old train driver from Bexleyheath had stabled his train at Grove Park railway station at 10.22am. Shortly afterwards, an argument developed when the train driver asked a passenger to pick up some litter that he had dropped. The passenger became abusive and aggressive and punched the victim in the head, resulting in a large cut to his head which required extensive hospital treatment.” DC Harbron continued: “This was a violent attack on a man who was simply doing his job, if you have any information then we want to hear from you.” Investigating officers arrested a 19-year-old man from South London in connection with the incident. He was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

(BMcN/KMcA)