30/03/2009

Other News In Brief

Man Dies In 'Street-Fight'

A man believed to be in his 20s has died after being stabbed in a street fight in south-east London in the early hours of the morning. The victim was discovered by police called to reports of a fight in Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich. He was taken to King’s College Hospital with stab wounds but did later. According to police a mixed-race man around 5ft 10ins was seen running down St Alfege Passage towards Roan Street.

Divers Search For Burn Murder Clues

Police investigating the murder of a Scottish teenager, whose body was discovered in a Perthshire burn, are searching the area for evidence. The body of Robbie Thompson, 17, was found by a police dog and its handler in Coupar Burn in Coupar Angus on Thursday. Det Ch Insp Bruce Kerr, the officer leading the inquiry, said: "We are still conducting a forensic search of the area looking for any items that may be connected to the murder of Robbie Thomson. That search will extend to the water today and we have enlisted the assistance of a police dive team from Central Scotland Police to help us do that. Over the course of the weekend officers have been speaking to a number of people in a bid to piece together Robbie's last known movements."

Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash

A motorcyclist has died after two bikes crashed on a racetrack on Anglesey. The 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene at the Anglesey Circuit at Ty Croes, near Rhosneigr, on Sunday afternoon. A second biker was airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor with back and leg injuries, but was not in a life-threatening condition. A spokesman at the circuit said the crash was a freak accident and their thoughts were with the families. Richard Peacock, the operations director added: "Paramedics were on the scene in less than a minute. The crash couldn't have happened any closer to the paramedic station."

Boy In Hospital After Dog Attack

A boy is in hospital after being seriously injured in an attack by a dog. The 11-year-old was taken to hospital after the attack by a pit bull-type terrier in the Alway area of Newport on Wednesday afternoon. Gwent Police said the boy suffered "puncture and tear" injuries which were serious but not life threatening. The dog has since been destroyed and police are continuing to investigate the incident. Police said the boy was in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

First Female Chair Of Civil Aviation Authority Appointed

The Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, has appointed Dame Deirdre Hutton CBE as Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after an open competition. She is the first woman appointed to the post. She will take up the position in August 2009 when the term of office of the present Chairman, Sir Roy McNulty, comes to an end after eight years of distinguished service. She will sit on the Board of the Authority during the intervening period. Dame Deirdre is currently Chair of the Food Standards Agency. She is used to regulating where safety is the top priority. She will also bring to the CAA expertise in consumer issues and engagement in Europe. Her previous appointments include Chair of the National Consumer Council, Deputy Chair of the Financial Services Authority and Deputy Chair of the European Food Safety Authority. She remains a non-executive director of the Treasury.

(JM/BMcc)

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