Blazing Man Dies

A man who was seen on fire in the garden of his home has died in hospital from his injuries. Police investigating the death of the man in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, described it as "unexplained" after the 40-year-old suffered extensive burns and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he later died from his injuries. A police spokesman said the death was not believed to be suspicious. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out later.

Driver Dies At Crosskeys

A 72-year-old driver has died after a road traffic collision on the A467 at Crosskeys in Caerphilly county, Wales. Gwent Police said the man, who was driving a Volvo car, and a 41-year-old motorcyclist, from the Somerset area, were both taken to hospital. The driver of the Volvo, who was local, sustained fatal injuries, while the motorcyclist broke both arms. The A467 was closed for three hours just before 6pm on Wednesday. Gwent Police are asking witnesses to contact their non-emergency 101 number or their collision investigation unit on 01633 642404.

Lurgan Death 'Murder', Says Police

The discovery of a man's body in Co Armagh is being treated as murder the police have said. The body was found in a house in the Mansefield area off Lurgan's Old Portadown Road at about 8.30pm on Thursday. Detectives have launched a murder inquiry and a 35-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned. No further details about the death or the victim have been released by the police at present. Meanwhile, Gardaí investigating the murder of 78-year-old retired farmer Finbar Fahy have been operating checkpoints on roads in the area throughout the night. Mr Fahy, who lived alone at Tullira near the village of Ardrahan, Co Galway, was found dead in the living room of his home Wednesday morning. Irish police still have not established a motive for the killing but it seems likely that he was beaten to death during an attempted robbery.

Builder Buys Houston-Based Contractor

The international infrastructure group operating in construction services, Balfour Beatty, has announced that it is to acquire SpawMaxwell Company, the largest interior construction contractor in Texas and the sixth largest general contractor in Houston, Texas. The business is being acquired from its management for a total cash consideration of up to $25 million. The acquisition enhances the position of Balfour Beatty Construction US as a single source of construction capabilities in the Texas building markets and is in line with its strategy of expanding in selected geographic markets.

Rogue Gas Fitters Warning Issued

As temperatures drop and central heating systems are switched on for the winter, trading standards chiefs are warning householders to look out for rogue gas fitters. More than 250,000 gas jobs are done every year by rogue traders who do not have the right skills and qualifications, according to the latest research by the Gas Safe Register. Scambusters Scotland, with offices in Dundee and Motherwell are urging consumers to be aware of who they are letting into their homes. Katherine Hart of the Scottish Scambusters North East Team said: "If you need work on any of the gas systems in your home check the Dundee Trusted Trader Scheme before you make any calls to tradesmen. The scheme, run by Trading Standards, lists firms and businesses in the area that adhere to a code of practice and you can see what previous customers have said about their work."

(BMcC/NS)