Police in Mansfield say they are extremely worried about a series of drive-by shootings using guns which fire ball-bearing pellets.

It is believed the same gang are behind the shootings, which have occurred at a number of locations across central and north Nottinghamshire over the last two weeks.

Inspector Barry Harper, local area commander for Ashfield, says the guns have the potential to cause serious injury or even death.

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Judge's verdictl

A former Nottinghamshire judge has given his support to calls for more information to be given in court about defendant's previous convictions.

Keith Matthewman is responding to a BBC survey which shows that more than three quarters of people questioned thought juries should know if the defendant had a criminal record.

Mr Matthewman told BBC Radio Nottingham he believed it was important information for the jury to consider.

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A-level row

Nottingham North MP Graham Allen is demanding a Department of Education inquiry into the row over the marking of A-levels by the Oxford and Cambridge exam board.

he board's chief executive has confirmed that some grades were changed to make sure this year's exams were the same standard as last year.

Some independent schools have accused the board of acting unfairly.

Education Secretary Estelle Morris has said the row should not be allowed to undermine students' confidence in the system.