Other News In Brief

Fish Kill Probed

The Environment Agency is looking into a deadly spillage that killed fish and said it could start a criminal investigation. Hundreds died after about 1,000 gallons (4,546 litres) of liquid soap leaked into a stream. The water in Chalvey Ditch, near Slough, Berkshire, turned cloudy-white following the spillage. Other creatures including frogs and eels have also died and a clean-up operation is expected to last for several days.

Fall Woman Named

A 47-year-old woman who died after falling down steep crags walking on a Snowdonia mountainside has been named. Patricia Jillian Cowie, from Llanfairfechan, Conwy, is thought to have been alone when she fell 700 ft (212m) on the Idwal Slabs, Glyder Fawr. An inquest has been opened and adjourned by the north west Wales coroner, Dewi Pritchard Jones. Ms Cowie was reported missing on Monday evening.

McCanns May Sue

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann believe their daughter is still alive and may sue a former detective after he wrote a book claiming the missing toddler is dead. The couple have flown to Portugal to speak to their lawyers about getting an update on the search for Madeleine and legal matters and are also considering launching a defamation action against ex-Portuguese police officer Goncalo Amaral and his publishers, and are believed to be looking for £1.2m in compensation.

Killer Won't Drive Taxis

A paranoid schizophrenic killer will not be allowed to study to become a black-cab driver following protests from taxi drivers. The man, who cannot be named, strangled his wife in 2000 and was jailed indefinitely for manslaughter in 2001. Yesterday, it was claimed that moves to allow him to train jeopardised the industry's reputation, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said and now, Transport for London (TfL) said he was removed from the Knowledge course because of his criminal history.

(BMcC/GK)