Other News In Brief

Three Soldiers killed In Afghanistan Blast

Three British soldiers have been killed in a blast in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed. The troops, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, died from wounds sustained in the enemy attack in the Gereshk district of Helmand Province, it said. A medical helicopter was called but all three were pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed. Task Force Helmand spokesman, Commander Paula Rowe, said it was a sad day for the whole task force.

Man Suffers 'Serious' Injuries After Fall

A man has suffered serious head, leg and arm injuries after falling into a deep hole at a construction site at a grain store in Aberdeenshire. Police, fire and ambulance crews were alerted to the incident at the grain store in Whiterashes at about 8.20am on Wednesday. Grampian Fire and Rescue said the casualty was believed to have fallen into a two-and-a-half metre hole. He was rescued and taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious injuries. Grampian Police said it was aware of the industrial accident.

New Chair For Advantage West Midlands

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today announced the appointment of Sir Roy McNulty as the new Chair of Advantage West Midlands (AWM). The appointment will initially be until December 2012 and the remuneration is £80,510 for a time commitment of 3 days per week. Lord Mandelson said: "I am delighted to appoint Sir Roy McNulty as the new Chair of Advantage West Midlands. Sir Roy's experience in business will be vital as AWM takes a lead role in steering the West Midlands economy through this difficult period." Sir Roy McNulty will be appointed Chair designate for a period of three months prior to taking up the appointment, working closely with the current Chair to ensure continuity within the RDA at this critical time. He will take up the post of Chair on 1st September 2009.

Teen Held Over Sex Assault

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a girl, also 16, in Risca, near Newport, on Sunday. The boy is being questioned by Gwent detectives. A 21-year man arrested by police on Monday remains in custody. Police are investigating the incident in an alleyway near Risca train station early on Sunday. A 17-year-old youth from the Cwmcarn area who was arrested on Sunday has been released on police bail. Officers want to speak to anyone who may have seen a male and female walking up Maryland Road towards the train station between 1.00 and 1.30am.

Police Recover Body From River

A body has been recovered from the River Avon near Bradford-in-Avon in Wiltshire about 200m (656ft) downstream from the weir. The body was found on Tuesday evening and has been taken to the mortuary at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. A post mortem examination will be carried out at 11am on Wednesday by Home Office pathologist Huw White. There has been no formal identification and police hope to be able to give more information later. Wiltshire Police are still investigating the disappearance of Antonietta Guarino, 61, of Trowbridge, who has not been seen or been in contact with her family since 7 January. Two men have been charged with her murder.

(JM/BMcC)