UK News: Neighbourhoods hit by 14m antisocial acts

COMMUNITIES were blighted by around 14 million incidents of antisocial behaviour last year, figures suggested today.

Around 3.5 million calls - 45 per cent of all calls to police - related to antisocial behaviour, but experts believe only a quarter of such incidents were reported.

Renewable investment call

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners today urged the Government to invest more in renewables, as the world's largest offshore wind farm was officially opened off the UK.

The Thanet wind farm has 100 turbines, which will produce enough energy a year to power the equivalent of more than 200,000 homes.

Consumer group warns of power supply lottery

HOUSEHOLDERS are facing an energy tariff lottery because of a lack of transparency around deals, a watchdog said today.

Which? said consumers faced a "game of chance" trying to secure the best deal, with as many as 89 tariffs on offer to the typical household.

It found that many consumers are also subjected to lengthy contracts that lock in customers, unreasonable time lags between switching suppliers and late notification of price changes.

Bramble denies rape claim

ENGLISH Premier League player Titus Bramble "strenuously denies any wrongdoing" after being arrested on suspicion of rape, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said.

The defender was questioned at a Newcastle police station after he and his brother Tesfaye were held at a city centre hotel.

Quinn said: "He will be doing everything within his power to clear his name.

Julia sparkles at premiere

HOLLYWOOD star Julia Roberts lit up London with her smile at the premiere of her new film, Eat Pray Love.

The Pretty Woman star, 42, said she wanted people to be moved by the romantic drama, which is based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Luton: A man was being questioned on suspicion of murder today after a 25-year-old woman was reportedly attacked and then died of her injuries. Three hours after yesterday's attack, officers were called to a bridge over the M1 motorway where there were concerns for a man's safety. The man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Belfast: New Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott was set to meet party staff and officers today following his landslide victory. The Co Fermanagh farmer, 46, saw off the challenge of Lagan Valley Assembly member Basil McCrea by 643 votes to 294.