Other News In Brief

Economic Benefit From Offshore Wind Is Key Priority

Maximising the economic benefit from offshore wind is a key priority for Government, reveals a new report.

The Offshore Wind Programme Board (OWPB) annual report explains how the board is pursuing a comprehensive programme of real action to drive down costs and maximise benefits to the UK economy - tackling issues from skills to innovation, from financing to contracting.

As of January 2014 the UK is the clear world leader with some 3.6GW of installed operating capacity, and a further 1.4GW under construction. Over one thousand offshore wind turbines have already been installed and the UK is the most attractive destination for investment in the world. DECC and Industry have set out a plan to continue to be the largest global market for offshore wind, with the scenarios recently published enabling deployment of 8-15GW by 2020, and up to 41GW by 2030.

Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: "The UK is the world leader in offshore wind - with more deployed than any other country, and a framework in place to retain our global lead. The benefits that offshore wind can bring are clear: as costs fall it can enhance our long-term energy security, reduce our dependence on imports and help reduce our carbon emissions. And, crucially, offshore wind can play a vital role in driving growth - adding billions of pounds of value to the UK economy and supporting thousands of jobs."

2014 will be the year that the work of the OWPB moves from planning and establishment of structures to real delivery.

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was attacked at her home near Horsham.

The 61-year-old woman was attacked by a man with a weapon in Emms Lane at around 4.30pm on Tuesday . She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where she underwent surgery for serious, but not life-threatening injuries to her head and face.

Detective Sergeant Sian Harding said: "We do not believe this was a random attack and we are currently trying to establish the circumstances. We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a blue van, displaying a French registration plate, in the area on Tuesday afternoon or who may have information that could assist our investigation.

"A French-registered van was located near a ferry terminal in Portsmouth later on Tuesday evening and the male occupant was arrested by colleagues from Hampshire Police."

The arrested man, a 54-year-old, remained in custody on Wednesday afternoon.

Woman Attacked Outside Swinton Social Club

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was attacked outside a social club in Swinton.

The 22-year-old walked out of the Borough Social Club on Station Road at around 11.30pm on Friday 31 January 2014.

Following an altercation with a woman and a man outside the club, she was punched in the face by both before she walked off.

The man is described as being white, in his early 20s, 5ft5 in tall, and had a shaved head.

The woman is described as being white, in her early 20s or 30s, of larger build than the man and had long dark hair.

Detective Constable Paula Scholfield based at Swinton police Station said: "Words were spoken between the victim and the couple before she was attacked. She was punched by both offenders with such force that she suffered a broken jaw and has needed a metal plate to be inserted.

"We have studied CCTV footage and have found images of those who were stood outside in the smoking area of the club. We believe they may have witnessed the attack and are asking them to come forward to speak to us."

(CVS/CD)