Cops Saw Cumbria Killer

Police officers tried to chase mass killer Derrick Bird during his shooting rampage in Cumbria but could not stop him killing. An unarmed officer based at a Whitehaven police station heard shots at just after 10.30am on Wednesday and got into a passing car and followed Bird, who was in his own taxi, and saw him shoot another driver. Two other unarmed officers followed in a police van but were unable to halt Bird who killed 12 people on the rampage in west Cumbria before shooting himself.

Welsh Soldier Mourned

A young soldier killed in Afghanistan had always wanted to join the armed forces. L/Cpl Alan Cochran from St Asaph, Denbighshire, who was a member of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, told his former head teacher that it was his aim to join up. Last week, he died during a gun battle with the Taliban in Helmand Province. Ashley Jones, Head of Mold Alun School, said everyone was shocked at the death and said that he knew Alan Cochran's ambition was to join the armed forces.

Trump Golf Resort Plans Scrutinised

Donald Trump's £750m Aberdeenshire golf resort plans could take another step forward today. The conditions for the American Tycoon's plans for a championship course, hotel and hundreds of holiday homes are to be considered by councillors at a meeting later. Officials are recommending the plans for approval however objections have been raised. The Scottish government have already approved the application but with many conditions, these conditions have to be met and more detailed plans approved before any work can begin. Mr Trump has vowed to cut the ribbon on his golf resort in Aberdeenshire within 18 months. He said the resort will offer the best golf course in the world.

Security Firm Fined Over Guard's Death

A Glasgow-based security firm has been fined £7,000 following the carbon monoxide poisoning of a man employed as a security guard on a construction site in the city. Thomas Fraser, 37, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at an on-site flat used as a base for employees. He had been working as a security guard for Alpha Group Security Ltd on the construction site at Ann Street, Burnbank, Hamilton. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard a portable power generator was used inside the flat but Mr Fraser had not been provided with proper instructions on its safe use. The generator was operated inside the flat without appropriate ventilation and on 6 February, 2008.

(BMcC/GK)