Other UK News In Brief

Eleven Arrested After Boy Stabbed To Death

Eleven males have been arrested in connection with a stabbing in north-west London and remain in police custody. A 17-year-old boy was found stabbed to death in the Mill Hill area. Around 0025 BST Police were called to reports of a disturbance. They found the boy, with a stab wound to the torso, close to the junction of Bray Road with Bittacy Hill in Mill Hill. He died soon after being taken to hospital. The next-of-kin have been informed and post-mortem tests will be held later today.

Financial Secretary Announces 'Junior ISA'

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban, today announced that the Government will create a new tax free children’s savings account. The new account, described as a ‘Junior ISA’, will offer parents a simple and tax free way to save for their child’s future. The Government will now work closely with stakeholders to finalise the structure of the accounts, and intends for the new accounts to be available by autumn 2011.

The Government is committed to encouraging saving for children, within the constraints of the public finances. Following an informal consultation with a range of stakeholders, it is clear that there is an appetite for families to have a clear, simple and tax-free savings option for their children, following the end of Child Trust Fund eligibility from January 2011. Mark Hoban said: 

"I am committed to ensuring that all parents can save for their children’s future in a simple and straightforward account. The introduction of this new account means that we can still offer people a clear way of saving for their children, while saving the half billion pounds a year that we currently spend on Child Trust Funds".

Police Launch Assault Appeal

Police are appealing to the public for help and information to locate a man wanted in connection with an assault. Kyle Fredericks, 23, from Shepherds Bush is wanted for assaulting his former partner at her home in North West London in October. It is alleged he attended the house and assaulted her leaving her with a serious neck injury. DI Glyn Jones, Metropolitan Police Service, Hammersmith and Fulham CID said: "We urgently need to locate and speak to Kyle Fredericks. We know he has links to the Acton and Shepherds Bush areas but despite extensive police enquiries we have not yet located him. We are now appealing to the public for their assistance in locating Fredericks and because of the seriousness of the incident we are offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the location, arrest and prosecution of Kyle Fredericks." Fredericks is described as black about 5'11" tall with short black hair. He has brown eyes, a moustache and small beard and pierced ears. A scar from a dog bite can be seen on his arm and he is said to be very muscular. When last seen it is thought he was wearing a blue tracksuit with the trousers tucked into his socks.

(BMcN/GK)