A jack-knifed truck has blocked the M7 Limerick to Dublin motorway just outside Limerick.

A father and his two young children survived a crash at an impact speed of almost 140mph after colliding with a car being driven on the wrong side of the motorway, British police said today.

Manchester United fans who might be tempted to stage a disruptive Cup Final demonstration against the takeover of their club by an American businessman were warned today that police have drawn up their plans for the game with the precision of a military campaign.