BNP link to explosives charges
Two men linked to the British National party have been charged with possessing chemical explosives after raids on their homes in Lancashire. Robert Cottage, 49, of Colne, and David Jackson, a dentist, of Nelson, have been charged with possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. Both were remanded in custody.

YouTube appeal
Detectives trying to catch the killers of schoolboy Jessie James, left, have posted an appeal on the video-sharing website, YouTube. The boy, aged 15, was shot in Moss Side, Manchester, on September 9. YouTube, which is popular with teenagers, is carrying a message from Jessie’s mother, Barbara Reid, and his sister Rosemary.

MoD inquiry into soldier’s death
An investigation into the death of a British soldier in Iraq is under way amid speculation he was the victim of friendly fire. The Ministry of Defence said Corporal John Cosby, 28, of the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry died from gunshot wounds in Basra in July.

BBC defends Norton’s drug claims
The BBC has defended Graham Norton, its star presenter, after he revealed that he had taken “loads of drugs” and praised ecstasy as “just fantastic”. The corporation said the comments, in a magazine interview, were aimed at adults and reflected his “frank and open” nature. Anti-drugs campaigners said Norton had acted irresponsibly for a person in his position.

Insight team shortlisted for prize
The Sunday Times Insight investigations into cash for honours, and the business affairs of David Mills, the estranged husband of Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, have been shortlisted for the 2006 Paul Foot Awards for campaigning and investigative reporting.

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