Evening Times

Drugbusters Police Squads Stage Dawn Crackdown On Crime Gangs

COPS battered down doors in the East End of Glasgow today as they swooped on drug gangs. More than 50 officers, and dog teams, were involved in the dawn raids - which followed months of surveillance.

City Park Ranger Attacked in Cemetery Crime

TWO men are being hunted after a vicious attack on a park ranger in a Glasgow cemetery. The 45-year-old's jaw was broken when he was assaulted by two men while driving on patrol through the Necropolis.

Upgraded Road Sees Deaths Cut to Zero A77 Success

THE upgrading of a killer nine-mile stretch of the A77 has made it one of Scotland's safest roads. Research by two orthopaedic specialists at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock discovered no one died or suffered serious injuries just a year after pounds-78million was spent making the road up to motorway standard.

48 Suitors Sweet On Coffee Shop Chain

ALMOST 50 expressions of interest have been made to buy all or part of one of Scotland's leading coffee shop chains which s in administration . Blair Nimmo, joint administrator of Beanscene, last night said that 48 interested parties -ranging from a large national chain right down to locals who have similar, or complementary businesses in the food and drinks sector - had been in contact.

Upgrade Hailed for Cut in A77 Death Crashes One-Time Killer Road Is Now Among the Safest Routes in Scotland

A KILLER road is now one of the safest in Scotland after a multi- million pound upgrade . Surgeons who treat accident victims discovered that not one motorist was killed or even seriously injured within a year of major improvements on the notorious A77 Glasgow-Ayrshire road.

Not Guilty Barry George Cleared of Jill's Murder

BARRY GEORGE was today cleared of the murder of TV presenter Jill Dando. An Old Bailey jury rejected the prosecution case that George shot Miss Dando, 37, through the head on her doorstep in Fulham, west London.

Three Die As Horror Blaze Hits Trawler Tragedy

THREE people died when fire ripped through a fishing boat early this morning. More than 40 fi refighters battled the flames which erupted on trawler, The Vision 2, in Fraserburgh harbour around 1.30am.

Mourners Say Final Farewell to Crampsey Funeral

HUNDREDS of mourners packed a church in the shadow of Hampden today to say a final farewell to Bob Crampsey. Big names from the world of football and broadcasting joined relatives for the former Evening Times columnist's funeral.

Ba Cuts Flights As Profits Plunge

BRITISH Airways is to axe hundreds of flights between Glasgow and London. The airline giant blamed soaring fuel prices today as it revealed it would drop 77 return flights to Heathrow and 210 return services to Gatwick from its winter timetable.

500 Say Final Farewell to Legend Crampsey Veteran Sports Expert Hailed As 'Multi-Gifted' Man

VETERAN sports writer and broadcaster Bob Crampsey was today remembered at his funeral service as a "multi-gifted" man. Bishop John Mone, a lifelong friend, said: "Bob has been remembered as a teacher, a broadcaster, a writer, a historian, an afterdinner speaker - you name it."

Newsbrief

First book for JK since Harry Potter AUTHOR JK Rowling has created a series of fairytales in her fi rst book since Harry Potter.

Tattoo Set to Thrill Thousands

THE spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be launched tonight - drawing thousands of visitors from Scotland and around the world. The annual outdoor event, set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, features pipes and drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and acts from across the globe.

Trains to 'Fly ' Flag Facelift Will See All Rail Firms Use Saltire Livery

SCOTLAND'S trains are to be given a facelift with the country's national fl ag. The rail network is to be rebranded with its fi rst uniform look using saltire livery.

Evil Knife Murderer Gets Life

A VICIOUS killer who murdered a teenage charity worker then mutilated her body has been jailed for life. Stuart Jack, 22, will spend a minimum 18 years in prison for killing 19-year-old Laura Milne in a savage attack in an Aberdeen flat last December.

The Area's so Bad It's Called Ground Zero but the Kids Are More Like Ground Force!

IT is easy to see why a stretch of Govanhill in the South Side of Glasgow has been nicknamed "Ground Zero". The block in Westmoreland Street typifies the area's problems: neglected slum housing; exploitative landlords and friction with a group of new residents.

Three Die in Blaze On Trawler Horror As Crew Trapped On Ship in Harbour Fire

THREE people died today in a fire on a fishing boat moored in a Scottish harbour. Around 40 firefighters tackled the fire on the 90ft trawler The Vision 2 at the height of the blaze.

Drug Swoop 10 Arrests Made in Series of Dawn Raids

TEN suspected drug dealers were arrested during several raids in Glasgow today. Officers using battering rams forced their way into a number of houses in the city's East End.

Gas Price Up 40-Per Cent with Direct Debit

DIRECT debit customers with Scottish Gas face a massive 40-per cent rise in their gas bills, it emerged today. But the energy giant today denied customers would be penalised with higher charges if they paid bills by direct debit.

Care Staff Prepare for Strike After Vote

HUNDREDS of care home workers in Glasgow are preparing for strike action. It is expected Unison members in residential homes for the elderly and young people will have endorsed industrial action in a consultative ballot over pay and conditions when results are revealed today.

Drunks Break Park Ranger's Jaw in Attack Attackers Tried to Choke Victim with Seat Belt

A PARK ranger had his jaw broken when he was viciously attacked by two drunks while driving on patrol through the Necropolis. One of the attackers tried to choke the 45-year-old victim with his seat belt while the other smashed him in the face with a rock.