The nifty 250

ALLEGED UFO SIGHTINGS are being probed after claims they are in fact military rather than alien activity. The orange lights spotted above Southport and Liverpool are claimed to be related to HMS Daring which is docked in Liverpool. Investigators are trying to determine whether the sightings are part of counter-measures testing the radar system on the Navy warship or are infact a sign an extraterrestrial invasion is looming.

A GARAGE FIRE is the source of 400-people being evacuated in the Kirkdale area. The evacuees are being sheltered in the nearby Everton Park Sports Centre and those in their homes are being told to stay-put until further notice by the emergency services. The bellowing smoke from Brewster Street, which an been seen from the city centre, has led to surrounding roads being closed.

A MOTORCYCLIST IS IN A CRITICAL CONDITION after colliding with an unmarked police car. The crash happened on Tuesday after the victim smashed into the back of the police car on the A570 Rainford Bypass in Rainford. The motorcyclist has have serious head injuries and the driver of the police car is being “treated for shock”. The incident is being referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

MICHAEL SHIELDS will find out within a month whether he will be pardoned by the Justice Secretary Jack Straw. Commenting on Shield's case in Prime Minister's Questions, Gordon Brown said the Justice Secretary will make the “best and fairest decision he can”, once police have reviewed the Bulgarian conviction.