News: Backlane Bloodshed

'Three men have been charged with aggravated assault following what has been described as an "unapologetic" attack on a group of bystanders who were misidentified as members of a rival group.'

'The group were playing football in the backlane mid-afternoon when the men, described as drunk and aggressive, approached the group hurling abuse and insults their way.'

'One man, identified as Patrick O'Brien, pleaded guilty without incident. He is waiting for a further court appearance.'

News: Soldiers Injured

'Soldiers have clashed with Republicans today as tensions rise between the two waring sides. Soldiers were sent in to assist the police against both Loyalist and Republican attacks that have increased in the past few days.'

'One particular soldier, Private Capaldi, was struck over the head with a bat, drawing blood. The injury required stitches as no protective headgear was worn. Another soldier, Private Dickenson, was struck by a projectile, possibly a brick or some form of rock, knocking him to the ground.'

'A spokesman said that these attacks will not go unpunished as the lives of soldiers were at risk.'

News: Football Fans Clash

'Today, fans of football rivals Sunderland and Newcastle clashed in the street this afternoon. It was instigated by a one Scott 'Scotty' Johnson Senior. He threw a glass bottle at a group of Newcastle fans walking through the city centre. It struck a fan and all hell broke loose.'

'Boots and fists were flying everywhere as a sea of red and white scarves jumped in, battering the Newcastle fans. The fans fought back, however, and a well-known hooligan pulled a knife on Scotty Senior and slashed his Donkey Jacket open.'

'Police arrived on the scene in no time, carrying truncheons as per usual. This is when the fighting stopped between the fans. The violence was then focused on the policemen, with Newcastle and Sunderland fans fighting together against the men sent to quash the situation.'

News: Football Unites a Divided Region

'Tonight's report looks at how a simple sport has united a divided community, so here's John McDonald bringing you a well thought out report.'

'Over recent months, our region has been hit with an increase in violent activities, from both sides, but tonight I am looking at how Football, the working man's game, has sealed the gap between the two warring communities.'

'Every day, in parks, school yards, and backlanes all across the region, children from both sides of the divide come together to play a quick game of footy, using jumpers as goal posts, and sliding at each other's ankles. What unites these kids is the love of local football teams, like Sunderland. Politics don't matter to these boys and girls. As they say, ignorance is bliss and that really shows here.'

'Even amongst adults, this beloved sport can bridge a divide as members of both sides stand and watch Sunderland at Roker Park. No guns. No violence. No hate.'

News: Policeman Attacked

'PC Allan Whitman, 40, has been attacked in the Chester Road area of Sunderland today after clashes between armed police and republican protestors. Eye witnesses said that Whitman, a well respected man amongst Loyalist communities, was struck by a brick thrown at him from over a fence.'

'The fence in question was erected by a joint agreement between the police force and the British Armed Forces. This was to keep the warring communities apart, acting as a deterant. However, in the past months, there have been several cases in which members of both communities have scaled the fence in order to attack each other. Warning shots have failed to act as a deterant and the fence has garnered criticism from leaders on both sides.'

'Plans have been put into action to have the 10 foot security fence taken down, however many members of the acting council have declined any further action other than to increase security forces at the checkpoint.'

News: Loyalists Set Up Garrison In Sunderland

'Welcome, to the News at 10, since our last broadcast we have been informed that Loyalists, those loyal to the crown, have set up garrison in the town of Sunderland. Met with hostility from the working classes and the republican community, they have set up roadblocks along some of the towns main roads, enabling them to smoke out those suspected of Republican activity.'

'They have been backed, and trained, by Her Majesty's Armed Forces and have been supplied with ex-military equipment. These men have exchanged gunfire with Republicans in the town centre, no deaths have been reported but several Republicans have been injured in the struggle.'

News: Republicans Take Up Arms

'Today, on the fifth of July, a surge in paramilitary activity has spread across the North of England, mainly, as well as across other parts of England and Wales. Their leaders, well known terrorists the Corrigan Brothers, have declared war on the occupying Royalist forces in County Durham. Cells in Newcastle and Middlesbrough have also taken up arms against occupying forces. Earlier in the week, two unarmed British Paras were shot and killed by a group of masked men at a military checkpoint. Although they haven't been identified, and no one has stepped forward, sources agree that it was likely down to that of the County Durham Republicans. Officials have told soldiers active in the North East area to stay alert and not to stray too far away from checkpoints and posts.'

'Sources close to the BBC have claimed that the CDR are supplied with arms from supporters across the water in Ireland, as well as other parts of the UK. These include Varients on the AK47, Sterlinh SMGs and Browning Hi-Power handguns. We'll have more news at 10.'