It all started with a bounce, not a bang

Physicists believe they have proved that there was life, or at least matter, before the Big Bang (Lewis Smith writes). Researchers from Penn State University in the US have used mathematical equations to disprove Einstein’s theory that the Big Bang was the beginning of everything. The Big Bang, they say, was one almighty explosion in a series of explosions that each created a new universe. They have dubbed their theory the Big Bounce.

Postal strike

Hundreds of Royal Mail workers are due to go on strike from 6am to noon today in protest at plans to close 85 Crown post offices and transfer their services to WH Smith shops. The Communication Workers Union says the action is necessary because 1,500 jobs would be lost in the move.

Madeleine photos

Stolen photographs of Madeleine McCann taken from her father’s wallet have been returned. A thief took Gerry McCann’s wallet from his back pocket during a trip to London two weeks ago.

The pictures of the abducted four-year-old girl were sent anonymously to the family’s home in Leicestershire.

Albatross visits

A bird never before seen in Britain was found exhausted on a beach in Somerset. Concerned birdwatchers took the yellow-nosed albatross, which is usually found in the South Atlantic, to a nearby wildlife rescue centre for treatment. A day later the bird was released into the wild and flew out to sea.

McGreen lorries

McDonald’s is to run its fleet of 155 delivery vehicles on cooking oil recycled from its fast-food stores. A high quality biodiesel made from 85 per cent cooking oil and 15 per cent pure rapeseed oil is to be introduced to all its vehicles. The company says that it will save 1,675 tonnes a year of CO2 emissions.

Prisoner hanged

An inmate has been found hanged in her cell at Holloway Prison. Staff tried in vain to revive Marie Cox, 34, who had been awaiting sentencing for trespassing with intent. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will hold an investigation into the circumstance of her death.

Bikes go for a ride

A bicycle is reported stolen every five minutes in England and Wales, according to figures released by the Liberal Democrats. Speaking before the start of the London stage of the Tour de France, Alistair Carmichael, of the party, said: “The Government should be encouraging cycling by doing more to tackle bike thefts.”

Bus driver killed

A bus driver was killed on his last day of work by a bus from his company. Henry Walker, 64, was driving home to begin his retirement after 30 years of working on the buses when his Ford Escort van collided with a double-decker at Eltham, South London. He was taken to hospital but died hours later from his injuries.

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