Other UK News In Brief

Man Helping Terrorism Probe

A man is still being questioned by police in West Midlands in relation to terrorism offences. "The 30-year-old man arrested yesterday on suspicion of possessing material likely to be of use to a terrorist and of distributing terrorist publications remains in custody, where he is continuing to help police with their enquiries," a spokesman for the force said. Two properties in Kings Heath and Sparkhill are still being searched by officers.

Sex Cop 'Guilty'

A Metropolitan police officer has pleaded guilty to misconduct after he was found to have had sex on duty with a woman he was meant to be helping. Constable James Formby, 31, and a colleague responded to a suspected domestic abuse incident in Bromley last September, but after he stayed with the victim as a man was taken to a police station, he engaged in sexual activity with the woman, who had been drinking. Formby, who has been suspended from the force, will be sentenced on 1 March. He pleaded guilty to one charge of misconduct in public office at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.

Appeal For Missing Cumbria Man

Ulverston police have this morning renewed their appeal to help trace missing man Stewart Griffiths of Steel Street in Ulverston. Mr Griffiths, 48, has been missing since late evening on Wednesday 13th January 2010. He left the Cattle Market Public House at around midnight on his white coloured mountain bike and has not been seen or heard of since. Ulverston police Sergeant, Rupert Johnston, said: "Stewart Griffiths has been missing now for a week and concern for his safety is growing. Stewart’s wife Christine is desperately concerned for her husband and the public's help is needed in order to trace him. Anyone with any information about Stewart's whereabouts is asked to contact the police."

Central Scotland 'Flasher' Sought

Police are appealing for information after a man exposed himself in Stenhousemuir around 8pm on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred as a 20-year-old woman walked along Foundry Loan. Police are keen to trace the man who was described as being in his mid 20s, 5’5” tall, with dirty blond hair which was short at the sides and long on top in a messy/spiked style. He was wearing dark trousers and a dark long-sleeved top with a single white stripe down the outside of each arm. Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Pensioner Crash Death Probed

Lothian and Borders Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash in which an 87-year-old woman died. It happened at the Leadburn crossroads in Midlothian, which connects the A701, A703 and A6094, at about 10.20am on Tuesday. The collision involved a Daihatsu car, being driven by the pensioner, and a Citroen van.

Road Up!

Just 50% of the motorways in England reach the top safety rating, with other major roads much worse, a report has said. The study, which analysed motorways and major A-roads, says many also do not protect drivers who run off the road. The Road Safety Foundation says crashes cost £18bn a year and many roads could be improved relatively easily. But the Highways Agency says England's roads are among the world's safest, saying it funds the study to help identify where to focus improvements.

(PR/GK)