Police have launched a murder inquiry after the body of Lauren Pilkington-Smith, 10, was found in bushes near her home in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
Rowers head for record
Four Britons were yesterday on course in the north Atlantic to complete a multi-record rowing marathon. The crew of the 29ft Naturally Best are due to smash the 55-day Canada-Europe mark today.
Travellers jailed for giro scam
Five members of a family who ran a counterfeit giro scheme from a Traveller site near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, to claim almost £500,000, were sentenced at Bristol crown court yesterday, along with two others. Four of the accused were jailed, two received suspended terms, and one a rehabilitation order.
Ringo's old home reprieved
The birthplace of ex-Beatle Ringo Starr has won a stay of execution from the bulldozers. The Victorian terrace house in the Dingle area of Liverpool was one of 460 properties earmarked for demolition under a regeneration scheme.
Boy convicted over stabbing
A 12-year-old boy who stabbed his seven-month-old nephew with a kitchen knife after his cries distracted him from a PlayStation game was convicted in Hull yesterday of grievous bodily harm.
Hunger strike escalates
A hunger strike by detained Zimbabweans against deportation has escalated, the Home Office said. Of 99 detainees, 37 are now refusing food, four more than on Monday.
£4m jackpot goes to charity
A £4m national lottery prize has gone to charity because the winner did not come forward, Camelot said. A person had claimed to have the winning ticket just 35 minutes before last week's deadline, but failed to validate the claim within seven days.
