Other News In Brief

Bomb Targets

IRA terrorists behind a two-year bombing campaign in the 1970s compiled lists of hundreds of possible targets - including MPs, soldiers and Buckingham Palace - newly released files have revealed. Police found a huge number of names and addresses when they raided a north London flat used as an IRA bomb factory after the Balcombe Street siege of December 1975. A list of the potential targets was prepared for then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Missing Man's Body Found

Police searching for a missing man in southern Scotland have discovered a body in a field near Dumfries. No formal identification has been made but it is believed to be Stanley Cumming, 64, who was last seen in the town's Darlieston Avenue on Saturday. A police statement confirmed Mr Cumming's family had been informed about the discovery. Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

Students Smart

A burns specialist has warned prank students they will have permanent scarring after branding themselves with heated coat hangers. The group of 15 students from the University of Exeter branded their chests with the initial of the halls they lived in last year. A reshaped metal coat hanger was heated on a stove before being pressed against the participants' flesh for 10 seconds. Following the private house party last month, three of the branded students were treated in hospital and given antibiotics to fight infections.

Naked Truth

A paramedic accused of misconduct was bullied at work because of being a naturist, a hearing has been told. Angela Armitage, who works at Honley Ambulance Station near Huddersfield, is accused of stealing money from patients between 2003 and 2007. Colleague Pat Kenworthy told the Health Professions' Council committee that a small group of employees had gossiped about Mrs Armitage's lifestyle. She told the HPC Mrs Armitage had been the victim of "malicious backstabbing". Ms Kenworthy told the conduct and competence committee she had worked with Mrs Armitage for 20 years and her behaviour at work was perfectly normal. Asked what aspect of her lifestyle attracted comment, she replied: "That she is a naturist." The hearing continued this week.

Scotland Needs High Speed Rail

Scotland must share in the economic and environmental benefits of a high speed rail link across the UK, a report submitted to the company responsible for examining the proposed link outlined this week. The formal submission of the Scottish Strategic Business Case to High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) outlines the preference for a line that splits north of the border with links to both Edinburgh and Glasgow and backs the Scottish government's commitment to ensure Scotland shares the benefits of a high speed link to the rest of the UK and mainland Europe. Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson outlined the Scottish Strategic Business Case, prepared by Transport Scotland on behalf of a Scottish stakeholder group created to input into the UK planning process.

(BMcC/KMcA)