Tornadoes swept through portions of the Midwestern United States, killing at least three people in Missouri and blowing roofs off homes in Illinois and Arkansas.

Powerful storms again swept across the midwestern United States and beyond, knocking out power to thousands of people and spawning tornadoes that levelled buildings and hurled mobile homes through the air.

BUILDING materials group CRH yesterday announced details of its 22 acquisitions totalling €324 million in the second half of 2003. The group employs over 30 people who work full-time on identifying businesses to add to the CRH stable.