Other UK News In Brief

Police Launch Appeal Following Fatal Collision

A 17-year-old student who died after he was in collision with a bus in Walthamstow may have been involved in an altercation with a group of teenagers immediately beforehand. Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are appealing for witnesses to the collision which happened at approximately 7.15pm on Monday 24 January, in Forest Road at the junction of Pembar Avenue, east London. They also wish to hear from anyone with information about what happened just before. Officers believe that the victim had walked with four friends from nearby Essex Close into a courtyard area on Forest Road when they were approached by a group of teenagers who demanded his mobile phone. It is thought that some sort of altercation ensued and the victim managed to run away into Forest Road where he was in collision with a number 123 bus travelling towards Blackhorse Road railway station. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed but Police await formal identification.

New Look For Science Advisory Council

Changes to the Science Advisory Council (SAC) for Defra have been announced to help the department achieve better and more co-ordinated scientific advice. Following the review of Defra’s Arms Length Bodies last October, and a separate independent review of the SAC, the majority of Defra’s scientific and technical advisory bodies are being reconstituted as expert scientific committees to provide advice on specific areas. The SAC will be re-modelled based on the recommendations of the independent report. Although it will remain a Non Departmental Public Body, it will have a strengthened role in supporting the Chief Scientific Adviser in the oversight of all Defra expert scientific committees. Professor Bob Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser for Defra, said: “The reformed Science Advisory Council will be in a stronger position to provide independent advice to Ministers and to me on the science underpinning a wide range of Defra policies. I would like to thank the current SAC members for the valuable contribution they have made to Defra. It is vital that we continue to benefit from the expert independent advice the SAC provides and I look forward to working with the new committee.” The changes include the standing down of the twelve current members of the SAC. Seven new members, with expertise over a broad range of issues for which Defra is responsible, will be recruited over the next few months.

Man Severs Fingers At Bagel Factory

A man severed two of his fingers while operating unsafe machinery at a London bagel bakery city magistrates have heard. Mr Raakesh Patel, 26, from Harrow, was attempting to clear a dough blockage at the Ixxy’s Bagels factory in Park Royal, North West London, in November 2007, when a moving blade severed the middle and ring fingers on his right hand down to the knuckle. The City of London Magistrates Court heard that Ixxy’s Bagels Ltd was aware the equipment was faulty at the time of the incident. The rotating blade in the bagel dividing machine continued even when the rear doors were opened. Despite being aware of this fault, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Ixxy’s failed to take adequate steps to prevent Mr Patel, from using the machine. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Use of Work Equipment Regulations and was fined £2,250 with £9,719 costs.

(BMcN/GK)