The British government was under pressure today to introduce new laws in Northern Ireland to help curb prostitution.

IRA membership charges were dropped against four men accused yesterday of kidnapping top dissident republican leader Bobby Tohill in Belfast.

Supporters of four men accused of a thwarted kidnap attempt on a top dissident republican in Belfast applauded as they were led from the dock today.

A second man has been arrested in connection with a vicious sledgehammer assault in Northern Ireland.

A schoolboy was filled with deep remorse after being accused of murdering a 30-year-old man in Belfast, a court heard today.