26/06/2012

Other UK News In Brief

Child Dies In Oldham Explosion

A child has died in a suspected gas blast in Oldham.

Five terraced houses were damaged and one was flattened in the explosion, Greater Manchester Police said.

One man was taken to hospital with 80% burns and firefighters are searching the rubble for another person, who is believed to be trapped.

The child victim's next of kin have been informed.

Fuel Duty Increase Delayed

A planned 3p-a-litre rise in fuel duty has been postponed until January.

The government delayed the price hike, originally planned for August, following a campaign by road users' groups.

George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said the move would benefit families and businesses.

Campaign groups said the increase would harm the economy.

Injured Paratrooper Carries Olympic Flame

A Paratrooper who lost both his legs in Afghanistan in 2006 has walked with the Olympic torch.

Ben Parkinson, who also broke his pelvis, broke his back in four places, shattered his arm and chest and suffered brain injury, walked for nearly half an hour, supported by an assistant.

His commanding officer Major David Walker was emotional at the scene, as the torch made its way from Sheffield to Cleethorpes.

He said: "I'm just about managing to keep it together. Ben's tenacity and sheer courage and determination is absolutely amazing."

(NE)

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