French police are investigating after a British baby was killed by a Belgian shepherd dog.

The two-month-old child was being looked after by friends of the parents, who live in the village of Holque, near Calais, when it was attacked. French reports said the dog was one of two at the property and is now being held at a rescue centre.

jetty drama: A teenage girl who became trapped on a jetty last night at the Headland, in Hartlepool, had to be rescued by fire crews. The frightened girl used her mobile phone to contact the emergency services. Paramedics treated the 14-year-old at the scene for shock.

Fire peace? An end to the nine-month firefighters' dispute was in sight last night after union leaders urged acceptance of a "final" deal worth 16 per cent over two-and-a-half years.

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DOG RESCUE: A black Labrador sparked a rescue alert off the coast of Saltburn last night as it tried to retrieve its ball from the sea. But before the lifeboats could be launched, two local canoeists had managed to paddle the distressed dog back to shore.

KITE death: Police were yesterday investigating the death of a 28-year-old man who fell more than 30ft while flying a stunt power kite at Stowmarket, Suffolk. It is thought that the man, who was harnessed into the steerable kite, took off in winds gusting at up to 40mph.

FACE-SAVING POLICY: Bristol housewife Nicole Jones, 26, worried her husband might leave her if she loses her looks, has insured her face for £100,000. For £200 a year, the FaceSafe policy will pay out if she is no longer deemed to be attractive.

157mph charge: Motor-cyclist Andrew Osborne, 31, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, appeared before magistrates in Aylesbury yesterday accused of doing 157mph - said to be one of the fastest speeds recorded on a British road. The case was adjourned.

TUFNELL's SHOW: King of the Jungle Phil Tufnell has landed his own radio show. Tufnell - who is to become a panellist on BBC1's They Think It's All Over - will host his own cricket slot on Radio 5 Live.

MAD COW alert: A cow in Alberta has been diagnosed with mad cow disease in Canada's first known case since 1993. The US immediately imposed a temporary ban on importing Canadian beef until the situation is resolved.

strike change: Home Secretary David Blunkett is expected today to scrap a controversial law which bans prison officers from going on strike.