Lancashire Chemical Plant Blasted

It is not yet clear what kind of chemicals are involved after three people today suffered serious burns in an explosion at a waste management plant in West Lancashire. Sixty firefighters were called to PHS waste management in Tollgate Road, Burscough, at about 10am and plumes of thick black smoke were billowing from the building and could be seen six miles away. A 52-year-old man was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital and the two others were taken by road ambulance to Whiston Hospital. They are being treated for burns to their faces and hands.

Man Sentenced For Barnet Robbery

A man has been jailed for six years following a robbery in which he assaulted an elderly shop keeper. Iulian Constantin Anisiu, 22, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at Wood Green Crown Court today. He pleaded guilty to the offence on 4 October. Officers were called to reports of an armed robbery at a Post Office in Barnet in July. Anisiu and two unidentified suspects forced their way to the back office and in the process they pushed a 74-year-old shop manager down to the ground. He was repeatedly kicked in the stomach. The injured man was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where he underwent treatment for abdominal injuries. He remained in intensive care for four days. All three suspects then made off in a Ford Ka. An imitation firearm was recovered at the scene. Cash and stamps to the approximate value of £11,700 were stolen. Anisiu was arrested on 30 July on suspicion of robbery. Detective Sergeant Adam Rodger, from the Metropolitan Police Service Finchley Flying Squad, said: "This was an appalling crime where a frail and elderly man was beaten up so badly, he ended up in intensive care with substantial internal injuries. The victim now requires specialist care at home and has flashbacks from the attack."

'Plant Wise' Hits The West Midlands

The Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly Government have today launched the second phase of the Be Plant Wise campaign. Defra launched the campaign to raise awareness of the damage caused by invasive aquatic plants at a time when pond owners may be thinking about tidying their ponds ready for winter. The release of just a tiny fragment of plant can establish a population that can choke an entire waterway, causing damage to the natural environment and costing the economy millions. Problems can be heightened at this time of year when gardeners may unknowingly assist the spread of harmful plants by disposing of unwanted pond plants inappropriately. By ensuring unwanted plants are composted properly and waste pond water is disposed of carefully away from streams, rivers, ponds or lakes, gardeners can help protect the environment and save the nation money. Launching the second phase of the campaign Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: "It's important we raise awareness and encourage pond owners to be more plant wise at this time of year when they are starting to think about tidying their ponds."

(BMcN/BMcC)