British diplomat hurt in bomb blast

A British diplomat was among those injured in a bomb blast in Pakistan last night. Two people were reported to have been killed. The bomb was believed to have been planted in an area behind the Luna Caprese restaurant in Islamabad, popular with foreigners. Nobody claimed responsibility for the blast – the first on foreigners in the recent series of attacks.

Canon beaten in ‘faith-hate’ crime

Police say they are treating an attack on a Church of England clergyman as a faith-hate crime. Canon Michael Ainsworth, 57, was taken to hospital after he was attacked and abused by three Asian youths outside St George in the East church in Tower Hamlets, east London late on Friday. Reverend Alan Green, the chairman of the Tower Hamlets inter-faith forum, said: “Any incident that involves abusive faith-related language should be handled in this way.”

Bond girl’s role

Gemma Arterton, the 22-year-old actress who landed the role of Agent Fields in the upcoming Bond film Quantum of Solace, has been signed to play the lead role in a new BBC1 production of Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Her previous film role was as head girl Kelly in the remake of St Trinian’s. The drama will be broadcast in the autumn.

Dizaei promoted to commander

Ali Dizaei, 45, the Metropolitan police officer who once accused his colleagues of racism, has won his battle for promotion and is to be made a commander. Dizaei, the president of the National Black Police Association, has been battling for the £90,000 a year job.

Woman cyclist stabbed to death

A woman cyclist aged 26 was stabbed to death in Anfield, Liverpool late on Friday, apparently after an argument. Two women, aged 25 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Man charged after Heathrow alert

Ketheeswaran Uthayakumar, 27, a Sri Lankan of no permanent address, has been charged with endangering an aircraft at Heathrow on Thursday, and was remanded in custody by magistrates.

Teenager dies of gunshot wounds

A teenager was shot dead in Stockwell, south London. The victim, aged 19, was found with gunshot wounds at the Myatts Field Estate and died early yesterday.

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