The prospect of the biggest shops group the country has ever known being created put the shares of many stores under pressure. Great Universal Stores fell 46.5p to 726p and Marks & Spencer 18.75p to 423p. Boots gave up 27p to 855.5p and Dixons 44p (after 80p) to 1,343p. MFI, the furniture chain seen as a

The official death toll is seven.The Indonesian army says that Mr Guterres' group are auxiliaries who will work with the police to keep public order. Colonel Tono Suratman, the local commander, said: "For 23 years we've worked to keep East Timor secure. But as you know, there aren't enough police."But one militia officer said: "We're

It was like doing a fisheries degree in one easy, sweet-sucking afternoon, although I suspect, made much easier.*Sportfish: 01544 327111 or 0171 839 9008.a.barbieri independent.co.uk. LET'S SUPPOSE you are out in the park, okay, and you see, running towards you, a Teletubby. (It isn't important whether it is Tinky Winky, Laa-Laa, Dipsy or Po) You

"I've not really been practising," the world snooker champion said. "I've been going to the club and just going through the motions." The candour was a surprise as much as the sentiment. If Jimmy White or Ronnie O'Sullivan had said it no one would have batted an eyelid, but Higgins? Given that no first-time winner

Substitutes used: O'Connor, Goldspink, Smith, Jones.Referee: R Smith (Castleford).n Leeds, the Challenge Cup finalists, were unconvincing 22-18 winners last night against a Hull side lacking 11 first-team squad members. The home side looked a pale shadow of the team which beat Wigan, St Helens and Bradford en route to Wembley.. Sheffield Sharks 75 Greater London

Opponents Sheffield Eagles have won their last three matches to emphasise that they must be treated with respect and could have Matt Crowther and Martin Pearson in their squad at Knowsley Road.Third-placed Castleford entertain Gateshead, who have signed the Newcastle Falcons back-rower Steve O'Neill on a short-term contract to begin after the Pilkington Cup final