A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Teens detained over airgun attack
EDINBURGH – Police have detained two teenagers after 11 youngsters were injured in an airgun attack near a school. No one was seriously hurt in the incident in Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, yesterday afternoon.
Officers were called following reports that an airgun had been fired in the town’s Church Street, near Auchinleck Academy, at about 1.40pm.
Chief Supt John Thompson said five girls and six boys between the ages of 12 and 16 were struck by pellets, mainly on their legs and torsos. It is understood one pupil remains in Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock.
Two males aged 15 and 18 are in police custody. – (PA)
Fresh gun battles erupt in Ivory Coast
ABIDJAN – Fresh gunfire and explosions shook Ivory Coast’s main city yesterday after forces loyal to incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo moved on an area where gunmen backing his rival had repelled them a day before, according to witnesses.
“I’m hearing heavy weapons booming all over the place,” said a resident of the Abidjan suburb of Abobo.
It has suffered days of clashes between security forces and supporters of presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara calling for Mr Gbabgo to step down after a disputed election.
An army officer said the offensive was to “re-establish order and security in zones infested by armed elements.” – (Reuters)