24 years ago (1999)
Thirty-one people died and 417 were injured when an outgoing Thames Train collided with an incoming Great Western 125 Express. It was the second major accident on the Great Western Main Line in a two-year period.
An inquiry resulted in the improved safety regulation and management of the UK’s rail network.
50 years ago (1973)
Egypt and Syria launched a joint attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Israel suffered heavy casualties but launched a successful counter-attack.
By the time of the UN-brokered ceasefire on October 25 neither side had made significant gains.
38 years ago (1985)
PC Keith Blakelock, 40, was stabbed to death during riots at the Broadwater Farm Estate, North London.
The officer had been trying to protect firefighters when he and a colleague were attacked by a mob. The violence erupted after
Cynthia Jarrett suffered a fatal heart attack as police raided her home.
