Around the world: Theft theory behind killer fuel explosion

The blast yesterday unleashed a ball of fire that ripped through the town of Dosquebradas. Authorities said they were investigating what caused the explosion and suspected it was set off by thieves who may have tapped the pipeline to steal fuel.

Eight people died near the explosion and three others died later at hospitals, according to town officials.

Robert De Niro a father again at 68

Robert De Niro has become a father again at the age of 68.

The actor’s spokesman said De Niro and his 56-year-old wife, Grace Hightower, welcomed a healthy 7lb 2oz baby girl, Helen Grace Hightower, through a surrogate mother. She is the couple’s second child.

The Goodfellas and Heat star has four other children from previous relationships.

Suicide blasts leave 40 dead

Twin suicide car bombs have exploded outside two buildings of Syria’s powerful intelligence agencies, killing at least 40 people and wounding more than 100, authorities said.

They were the first such attacks since the country was thrown into turmoil by the nine-month-old uprising against the rule of President Bashar Assad.

Fraud probe police find crocodiles during raid

Police discovered 11 Nile crocodiles and an alligator at a house in northern Belgium.

They were searching the villa of a German man suspected of fraud in the village of Lapscheure when they came across the reptiles. Five of the crocodiles were found in a small shower, five others in an aquarium made for only two and the alligator was rolled up in blankets.

“They were really kept in horrible conditions,” said Frederik Thoelen, a biologist at the Nature Rescue Centre where they are now being kept.

Actor Mel Gibson finalises divorce in LA court

BRAVEHEART star Mel Gibson has finalised his divorce from his wife of 28 years.

Attorneys for the Oscar winner and his ex-wife appeared briefly in a Los Angeles court yesterday to submit a proposed judgment, which a judge signed.

Robyn Gibson filed for divorce in April 2009, just months before Gibson’s then girlfriend gave birth to a daughter.

Four arrests as trainer fans break into store

At least four people were arrested in a mad dash by customers hoping to buy a pair of the new Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes at a suburban shopping mall in Georgia.

Up to 20 squad cars responded when a large crowd broke down a door to get inside before a store opened.

Atlanta police say they escorted most of the people back outside, but took four into custody.