Other News In Brief

Fifth Victim Of Swine Flu

A nine-year-old girl in south London has become the fifth victim of swine flu. The girl, had "underlying health problems", NHS London said. A 19-year-old man, also from south London, became the fourth victim of the H1N1 virus last week. The man - who also suffered from underlying health problems - died after contracting the virus.

Police HQ Evacuated After 'Bomb Scare'

Hundreds of staff have been evacuated from Lothian and Borders Police headquarters following a suspected bomb scare. The alarm was raised at about 8.50am as administration staff were arriving for work. Police officers and office staff are being housed at Broughton High School. The bomb disposal unit is at the scene in Fettes. A suspect package was found on the premises during a routine security search in the mailroom.

Teen Held Over Attack Death

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died after he was attacked. Adam Rogers, 24, suffered serious head injuries in Northgate, Blackburn, at 3.35am on Sunday, but later died in hospital. A 16-year-old youth was being held on suspicion of murder, Lancashire Police confirmed. Mr Rogers, of Dukes Brow in the town, was near the Gladstone monument when he was attacked. He had been attacked after he and a group of friends got involved with a group of five others who had been drinking in the Live Lounge bar.

Shotgun Stolen In House Robbery

A shotgun was stolen during a robbery in Didsbury, south Manchester. At about 11pm on Thursday 2 July 2009, four men forced their way into a house on Parkfield Road South and attacked a 19-year-old man who was alone inside. A shotgun and some other items were stolen by the men who then ran off. The four men were all described as being of slim build and in their early 20s. They all wore black clothing and had their faces covered with black balaclavas. Detective Constable Mark Evans, from West Didsbury CID, said: "The fact the men have stolen a shotgun is obviously very concerning. I would like to reassure residents we are doing all we can to identify those responsible and recover the weapon, but we need your help. Did you see a group of men acting suspiciously in the area that night or have you overheard someone talking about the gun? If so please get in touch."

Man Critical After Falling From Taxi

A 26-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after falling from a moving taxi in Denton. The victim was travelling along Ashton Road in a minibus with three friends just after 3am on Sunday 5 July 2009, when he fell out. He suffered serious spinal injuries and was taken to Hope Hospital. No one else was injured. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call traffic police on 0161 856 8473.

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash

A 22-year-old man has died after his motorcycle hit the central reservation of the M8 shortly before midnight. The driver of a car involved in the incident was slightly injured. Police put in diversions near the Shotts interchange, (J5), and closed the westbound carriageway for several hours while investigations took place. In a separate incident, a 19-year-old man is in hospital with serious head injuries after a motorbike crash on Niddrie Mains Road in Edinburgh. Police said there were two other cars involved in the incident at 1.50am on Sunday 5 July.

Man Dies At Railway Crossing

A 48-year-old man has died on a railway line just outside a Denbighshire railway station on Saturday evening. Police and an ambulance crew were called to a public foot crossing near Prestatyn station following reports of a person being struck by a train. The alarm was raised just before 7.30pm and involved the 1750 Manchester to Llandudno service. North Wales Police said an investigation had begun. The man's identity has not been released.

Arrest Over Firearms Offence

A man has been held in connection with a firearms offence, after a police armed response unit discharged a baton round in an incident in Hertford. Officers were called to Windsor Drive in the town at about 8.00pm on Saturday to reports of a man with a firearm. Police said: "Following negotiations with the man to hand over the firearm, officers discharged a baton round." A 57-year-old man was arrested and taken to the QEII Hopsital, Welwyn Garden City, but later discharged. He is currently being interviewed by detectives, Hertfordshire Police said.

(JM/BMcc)