Brookside Actor Charged With Murder

A former soap star has been charged with the murder of a bouncer in Liverpool. Brookside Actor Brian Regan, 53, who played the character of Terry Sullivan, is accused of killing Bahman Faraji, 44. On February 24, the nightclub doorman was shot outside an Aigburth pub. At Liverpool magistrates, Regan was also charged with perverting the course of justice. Another man, Lee George Dodson, 42, was also charged with murder. Both men were remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on April 18. Edward James Heffey, 40, was charged with Mr Faraji's murder on April 1.

NHS Modernisation Highlighted At Downing Street Listening Event

Representatives from the voluntary sector will today share their views with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley at Downing Street, as part the listening exercise on NHS modernisation. The membership of the NHS Future Forum, that will drive engagement in the listening exercise, was also announced today. Chaired by Professor Steve Field, the group includes patient representatives, clinicians, health experts and representatives from the voluntary sector, including Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, who will also attend the event. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “I welcome the level of enthusiasm from all interested parties to get involved and take this opportunity to pause, listen, reflect and improve our plans for the NHS and safeguard it for the future. Voluntary sector groups, like those attending today, will greatly benefit from our proposals, with Any Qualified Provider giving them greater opportunity to provide services that really benefit patients. There are many fantastic examples of the innovative services the voluntary sector are delivering, including improved wheelchair services provided by Whizz-Kidz for children in Tower Hamlets.” Health Minister Lansley also announced a further £18.13 million in 2011/12, through the Voluntary Sector Investment Fund, to help charities to make the most of the opportunities in the NHS.

Advice Issued Ahead Of FA Cup Semi-Finals

The FA Cup semi-finals will be taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April, between Manchester United FC and Manchester City, and Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City. In preparation for the weekend of semi-final ties, the Metropolitan Police Service and Wembley National Stadium Ltd have issued warning letters to 196 people, currently on Football Banning Orders, reminding them that non-compliance with their order, will lead to police action and arrest. An appropriate policing operation has been put in place led by an experienced command team. The police are working closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety of all those attending or working at the match, as well as the safety of those who live, work and travel through the areas affected by the match. As usual for high profile games, teams of experienced Football Intelligence Officers - also known as 'Spotters' - will on the look out for anyone on a Football Banning Order, ticket touts and those who are intent on disrupting the games. Those attending are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour.

(BMcN/GK)