An investigation has been launched into claims that prison officers at a young offenders’ institution at the centre of a judicial inquiry into the race-hate murder of a young Asian man laid bets on “Gladiator-style” fights between black and white inmates.

A FORMER Government porter at the centre of a suspected IRA spy ring copied top security papers on Northern Ireland’s most senior army officer, a court heard yesterday.

The closing date for applications to run the new Northern Ireland Police Force was passing today, with the North's acting chief constable expected to rule himself out of the race.