A Labour MP and distinguished cancer specialist called for a government inquiry into the potential health risks of wireless computer networks after The Times revealed that some schools were dismantling their equipment amid fears that it could be dangerous (Joanna Bale writes).

Ian Gibson, a former chairman of the Commons Science and Technology Committee, said: “We need a departmental inquiry into this situation. The Department of Health should be looking into it seriously. What we really need is another inquiry like the Stewart report into mobile phone masts.”

Dr Gibson is an honorary Professor and former Dean of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia.

Derby vote inquiry

Police are investigating allegations of electoral fraud during Derby’s local elections last May. The investigation concerns the use of postal votes in the Arboretum ward after a complaint from a member of the public. City councillors and the local authority’s returning officer are likely to be interviewed.

Memorial grant

Campaigners for a memorial to Britain’s “forgotten” Armed Forces heroes have been awarded a £2.8 million lottery grant. The donation from the Millennium Commission will go towards the memorial to 16,000 personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The project needs a further £1.5 million.

Breaks for carers

Gary Streeter, the MP for Devon South West, is to table a Bill to give 700,000 parents of disabled children the right to ask for regular short breaks after coming fourth in a private members’ ballot. It will be debated early next year but is unlikely to become law. Local authorities may still decline to provide the breaks.

Fortune teller fails

A clairvoyant’s husband was jailed for nine months after his wife failed to predict that he would be arrested over a benefits scam. Peter Holdridge, 61, from Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire, claimed tens of thousands of pounds while she was earning a five-figure sum as a psychic, Lincoln Crown Court was told.

Footballer in court on violence charge

Anton Ferdinand, the footballer, appeared in court yesterday charged with assault and violent disorder. The charges relate to an alleged incident outside Faces nightclub in Ilford, East London.on October 2. Ferdinand, 21, who plays for West Ham United, spoke only to confirm his name address and date of birth and was bailed to reappear at Redbridge Magistrates' Court on Friday. (PA)

Sex offender jailed

A retired school groundsman with a long record of sex offences against children may stay in prison for the rest of his life. Judge Peter Rook, QC, set no maximum term when Kenneth Tracy, 76, was jailed at Cambridge Crown Court after admitting sex offences against a 12-year-old boy.

Boiler scalds baby

A nine-month-old baby was in intensive care after a hot water boiler burst above her cot. Rhianna McKenzie suffered 95 per cent burns when the ceiling collapsed. Her father, Mark, needed hospital treatment after lifting her out of the cot at their house in Taunton, Somerset.

Tube death arrests

Three men have been arrested following the death of a man who was hit by a London Underground. Two men, aged 25 and 17, fell on to the track at Earl’s Court. The elder was killed, the younger was seriously injured. The arrested men are being questioned by British Transport Police.

Sister jailed for lies

Laura Campbell, 20, of Fulham, West London, was jailed for four years at Blackfriars Crown Court in London for giving a false alibi for her half-brother, Damien Hanson, 25, during his trial for stabbing to death the City financier John Monkton at his home in Chelsea.

Sheepish mistake

After a £10,000 investigation by Havering councillors, Denis O’Flynn, a former deputy mayor, has been censured for pretending he was a sheep while at a planning meeting. Mr O’Flynn admitted that he had made a “Baa” noise when he disagreed with a planning decision.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Everyone will get vaccine against swine flu
• Artificial sperm and the race to build a baby
• BBC jets out stars to tout for prizes