The Times - 8th September 1888

WOOLWICH ARSENAL BURGLED

Anarchist Bombing Campaign Feared

Arsenal guards discovered the break in at five O'clock this morning and immediately informed the police. It is thought that the thieves masqueraded as soldiers, making a delivery to fool the night watchman. The police are not revealing the exact items which were stolen, although C.I. Richson reported it contained a large amount of high grade explosive.

The Woolwich arsenal is known to house considerable amounts of cannon and howitzer shells and other types of explosives including dynamite and 'TNT'. The Arsenal also holds the army's stocks of the new Lee Metford rifle and Maxim machine guns. So it is therefore possible that these audacious criminals are now equipped for a small war.

The burglary follows treats from anarchist groups to start a bombing campaign to destabilise the governments of Europe. A threat which certain officers in the police force feel themselves unable to cope with.

James Richardson.

GLADSTONE ARRESTED

The ex prime minister, Mr Gladstone was arrested late last night in a house of ill repute, situated in the Haymarket. Mr Gladstone is a known philanderer, but this is the first time it has been brought to the publics attention in such a dramatic way. Lord Salisbury said his conduct was deplorable.

TWO OENOTRIAN WARSHIPS DESTROYED

Captain Jack Daniels RN in his gunboat "Vulcan" yesterday engaged two Oenotrian screw galley warships, when they violated British airspace. In the two hour battle, three naval ratings were killed, Johan Grieg, Fraser Doyal, and Sam Smith. However both of the enemy ships were sent plummeting to the ground in flames, leaving no survivors.

This is the first act of war with the tyrants in Oenotria and it is unlikely that any of the enemy ships will be able to penetrate far into British Mars.

The "Vulcan" an Aphid class gunboat showed for the first time what these new aerial ship can do against other naval vessels. The Navy are pleased with its trial under fire and four more are being commissioned.

A Wells.

RACE RIOTS IN DOCKLANDS

Three hundred men, last night, armed with truncheons, staves and knives invaded the Polish and Irish areas near St. Catherine's Dock.

Nine people died in the clashes and fifty were injured before the police managed to separate the two opposing factions and a number of arrests were made.

Dr Eric Shade of the English National Workers Party, said "It is beginning to be said that we are a nation of low class foreigners. The English worker must take up arms to defend his right to work in London, instead of having exiles and vagabonds from abroad."

The E.N.W.P. has growing support among the dockmen who have suffered from undercutting by the Irish, who are willing to work for less. The situation could erupt into an all out war, if the police do not stamp the troubles out now.

SHIRE HALLS OPEN

Following the Local Government Act 1888, county councils have been set up throughout England and Wales. Under the Act a number of councillors will manage a county, taking power away from the sheriffs and aristocrats. The Earl of Romsey Wilbur Lashman, opened Kent's shire hall in Canterbury, and said "It's a bad day for the old order and it's bound to end in disaster. Just another namby pamby idea from the milk and water Liberals. Back to Feudalism !"

KIDNEY SENT TO THE POLICE

Half a human kidney arrived at Marylebone police station this morning. A note claimed it was from the murder victim Annie Chapman, slain yesterday by 'Jack the Ripper'. This adds a disturbingly macabre tinge to the police operation. CI Swanson said "taunts like these only make us more dedicated to catching the maniac."

Dr Reginald Byrne revealed his plan today, to photograph the retinas of the murder victims. This image can then be studied to find the last thing the victim saw. Police are pleased with the tests and will soon put it into operation.

GREENLAND EXPEDITION

Frintz Nansen of Norway returned yesterday to Sondre after a two month expedition to explore the frigid ice fields of Greenland. Mr Nansen is refusing to make any comment on why ten of his fellow explorers failed to return or what happened in the glaciers. He returns today to Norway.