Other News In Brief

Investigation After Shooting

A man has died after being found with gun shot injuries in south London, police have said. Detectives were called to St Saviour's Road in Croydon on Monday to reports of shots being fired. The officers found an injured 27-year-old man who was taken to hospital but died soon after arriving. The Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident unit, which investigates gun crime in London's African and Caribbean communities, is looking into the murder.

Teen In Court Over 47-Year-Old Man Death

A teenage boy is to appear in court today charged with the manslaughter of a man who was hit by a vehicle after a confrontation with youths. The 15-year-old will appear at a youth court in Rotherham, over the death of Jonathan Harper, 47, of Dinnington, who suffered fatal head injuries when he was hit by a car following an altercation with teens in North Anston, near Roterhham on Friday. A post mortem examination revealed he died from multiple injuries.

Man Dies After Boat Accident

A man thought to be in his 40s has died after a speedboat accident off Mull. Rescue services were alerted by locals who reported hearing a loud bang and seeing lights flashing offshore. The rigid inflatable is believed to have struck Calve Island, in Tobermory Bay, at about 11.30pm on Monday. Three others were rescued after the coastguard was contacted by one of those on board. He said one man was unconscious with serious head injuries. All four were on holiday from England. Three other men, aged 39, 41 and 49-years-old suffered minor injuries and were treated at Dunaros Hospital on Mull.

Mortgage Support Helps Save Homes

Fewer people are losing their homes, due to measures introduced by the government to support homeowners during the current economic climate. A total of 17,054 orders against mortgage defaulters were issued by the courts from January to March 2009, compared to 29,771 in the previous quarter - a reduction of 43% - according to National Statistics released by the Ministry of Justice. The figures also show a drop of 13% in the number of claims issued since the last quarter of 2008. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, said: "The government has taken decisive action to support homeowners and protect vulnerable families from the threat of repossession. "Although there is no room for complacency, today's figures demonstrate that active intervention works and that problems can be resolved without ending up in court. We will continue to do all we can to help lenders and borrowers work together to find solutions."

(JM/BMcC)