Other News In Brief

Arrests Over Human Trafficking

More than 20 arrests have been made after raids as part of an alleged anti-human trafficking operation in Bedfordshire. The raids, at five businesses and four houses in the Dallow area of Luton, were carried out on Thursday. They were the result of a long-running investigation into organised crime gangs who enable foreign nationals to live and work in the UK illegally. The operation was carried out by police, the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the UK Border Agency. Supt Andy Martin from Bedfordshire Police said the enforcement operation was aimed only at those people responsible for bringing foreign nationals illegally into the country.

Binman Killed By Refuse Lorry

An 18-year-old binman from Staffordshire died when he was hit by his refuse lorry, it has emerged. Craig Reaney suffered multiple injuries in the accident, at the junction of Oaktree Road and Waterside in Rugeley at about 1445 on Thursday, police said. An air ambulance was deployed but Mr Reaney, from Cannock, was pronounced dead the scene. His family have been informed of his death although formal identification is yet to take place, police said. The Health and Safety Executive is to launch an investigation into the incident.

Study Into Isle Of Wight Ferry Services

The OFT has today announced that it is to launch a market study into Isle of Wight ferry services. This study will focus on a local market where consumers are wholly dependent on a small number of suppliers and where price, quality and general service have a major impact. It follows a complaint to the OFT, supported by 8,000 signatures, alleging high prices, unclear charging and declining levels of service. The study will examine the nature of competition between operators and potential barriers to entry. This will include looking at port ownership arrangements, route competition and pricing. Its findings are expected to be published in May 2009.

Olympic Village Bridge Construction Underway

Construction is underway on a new bridge that will link the Olympic Village to the rest of the Olympic Park during the London 2012 Games. The 18m-high arched bridge spans rail lines within the Park and will form part of the Olympic Park Loop Road in 2012. The huge arch is made up of three sections, each weighing around 65 tonnes. The final section of the arch was lifted into place last week using an 800-tonne crane. After the Games the bridge will provide essential links for local residents to the Stratford City retail and leisure development. It will comprise four road lanes as well as two footpaths and a cycle path.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said: "This bridge will form a pivotal point between three of the biggest regeneration projects in London, providing an essential new link between the thousands of new homes in the Olympic Village, the huge retail and leisure development at Stratford City, and the new world-class sporting venues and parklands in the Olympic Park."

(JM/BMcC)