In Short

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Kosovo bomb that killed two linked to gangs

PRISTINA -A bomb blast killed two people when it ripped through shops in the capital of Serbia's breakaway Kosovo province early yesterday in what police said was probably a showdown between criminal gangs.

Police said two people died at the scene and a third was critically injured. Ten others were wounded in the explosion, which happened shortly after 2am. It destroyed several shops, cafes and a burger bar, scattering chairs and glass across Pristina's Bill Clinton Boulevard. - (Reuters)

READ MORE

Second cow had bluetongue virus

LONDON -A second cow has tested positive for bluetongue disease at a farm near Ipswich, eastern England, where Britain's first case was detected at the weekend, Britain's farm ministry said.

The animal has been slaughtered, it said. Bluetongue causes fever and mouth ulcers and in some cases turns an animal's tongue blue. It is transmitted by insects and can be highly dangerous to sheep and cows, although it does not affect humans.

Meanwhile, a herd of cattle culled in Surrey yesterday on suspicion of foot-and-mouth tested positive for the disease, the ministry said last night. - (Reuters)

Italian soldiers freed in raid

KABUL -Two Italian soldiers kidnapped in Afghanistan were freed yesterday during a raid by Nato-led troops, Italian officials said.

The soldiers were wounded during the raid to free them, in southwestern Farah province. One was in serious condition with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Both went missing two days ago in neighbouring Herat province. - (Reuters)

Tornadoes wreak havoc in Britain

LONDON -Tornadoes ripped through parts of Britain yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction.

Reports suggested that as many as 11 twisters formed separately early yesterday morning as a cold front moved northeastwards across England.Violent winds tore down trees and pulled off roofs. - (PA)