9am news briefing

THE death of Libya’s ousted dictator Col Muammar Gaddafi was today welcomed by an Edinburgh bouncer who went to fight with Libyan revolutionaries against the dictator.

Ragab Ballali, who grew up in Wester Hailes and is now recovering from his wounds after battling the regime, said: “I feel elated and relieved. A lot of people have died in this war, there has been too much blood spilled for one man.

“It’s not over, but the hardest part is over. It’s a great country and will pull through.”

• FIREFIGHTERS had to break into the home of a woman who had left a grill pan on, setting fire to her kitchen.

The incident took place just after midnight at an address on Gorgie Road. Neighbours reported hearing a smoke alarm from a first floor flat.

The only way fire crews could gain entry was to break in, they said. The 38-year-old was taken to safety and treated by paramedics at the scene.

• A MILLIONAIRE who went undercover in one of Edinburgh’s poorest areas has spoken of his concern at how he might fit in.

Businessman Ivan Massow spent time living in Pilton for Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, which will be aired on Sunday.

And while he found the experience working for local homeless charity Fresh Start worthwhile, he added that he did have reservations about blending in.

The 44-year-old, said: “I was more concerned about being a gay Englishman in a deeply Scottish area and being branded a ‘soft southerner’.”

• SPECIALIST police at Scotland’s nuclear base could be cut as the Ministry of Defence attempts to save money.

It was reported today the 1000 trained officers at Faslane, who are equipped to deal with terrorism, could be replaced by military personnel. Sources said the move would be a mistake, and risk security at the base.