Other News In Brief

Gerrard Receives Writers' Footballer Of The Year Award

Liverpool captain Stephen Gerrard has been named the 2009 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the year. The 28-year-old midfielder pipped Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to the poll voted for by journalists. Gerrard, who scored 23 goals this season said he was "delighted" but a "little bit surprised". He added: "When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award. It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine. Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans." Gerrard is the first Liverpool player to win it since John Barnes in 1990, the last time the Anfield club won the top-flight title.

Shot Soldier Dies In Hospital

A British soldier has died in hospital in the UK, three days after being shot in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The officer, who has not yet been named, died at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital, the Ministry of Defence said. The soldier, of the 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards, was described by colleagues as a "brave officer". His next of kin were at his bedside at the military hospital when he died. A total of 158 UK troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001. The officer had been given medical attention on the ground and at a field hospital before being flown back to the UK for further specialist treatment, the MoD said.

Three In Court Over Man Death

Three men have been charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in a Stoke-on-Trent flat. 36-year-old Robert Freeman’s body was discovered in Fullwood Walk, Bentilee, on Sunday night. A post-mortem examination found he died from stab wounds. Gareth Dennis, 27, from Carren Street, Fenton, Tom Boyd, 20, from Beverley Drive and Michael Grocok, 27, from Lowthorpe Street, all in Stoke-on-Trent, are expected to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court later. A 24-year-old man has been released on bail over the matter.

Police Appeal For Attack Witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attack on a 48-year-old man in Glasgow. The incident happened in Langdale Street, in the Blackhill area of the city, at about 1600 BST on Tuesday. It is understood the victim is Ian Macdonald, a convicted bank robber. The man's injuries have been described as "not life threatening". Last week a suspicious device was found under a car owned by Mr MacDonald in the north east of the city.

Appeal After Two Robberies

North West Leeds police are appealing for witnesses following two linked armed robberies at shops yesterday. At about 1.55pm, two men armed with metal bars went into Raynville Superstore, in Raynville Road, Bramley, and threatened staff but left without taking any cash. Then at 2.25pm, the same two men, again armed with metal bars, entered The Village Newsagents, in The Cross, Bramhope, and threatened the shopkeeper and left with an amount of cash. No-one was injured in either incident. The men were described as wearing dark clothing with hoods masking their faces. Anyone who witnessed either incident or anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Inspector Neil Beattie at Weetwood police station via 0845 6060606 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

(JM/BMcC)