UK news in brief

Northern Ireland: A Catholic police officer was fighting for his life today after being critically injured by a booby trap bomb blamed on dissident republicans.

Peadar Heffron, 33, had just left his home outside Randalstown, County Antrim, when the device exploded under his blue Alfa Romeo car.

• Southampton: Bookmaker Ladbrokes has refused to pay out an accumulator bet worth 7.1 million to a man who wagered snow would fall on Christmas Day because it was accepted by mistake.

Cliff Bryant placed two 5 accumulators on snow falling across 24 towns and cities.