The Times - 12th September 1889

CHOKER KILLS POLICEMAN

Police constable Norman Anderson was last night strangled to death in Chigwell. P.C. Anderson was guarding an empty shop in St. John's Road, with a colleague P.C. Grimes, when the lunatic assault occurred.

P.C. Grimes heard the struggle and rushed to aid his friend. However he was too late to save him and apprehend the felon. All he saw was P.C. Anderson thrashing about in his death throws.

The house and shop were broken into and vandalised in a most disgusting manner. The murderer had made good his escape, by the time reinforcements arrived.

There was no sign of Spring Heeled Jack, in the area, who many believe to be the Chigwell Choker. Police are launching a massive hunt for the killer, in the belief that he will strike again soon.

LIFE ON LUNA

Sir Geogory Otterbein, the first man on the moon, today returned from a further perilous trip to our silent partner. The lack of atmosphere makes manoeuvring ether fliers in close proximity to the surface extremely difficult. Otterbein however successfully landed in the crater Tycho, which is one hundred and eighty miles across, in the southern highlands. Otterbein discovered iron ore deposits and a meteor which contained plant seeds of some kind, leading to ... continued page 19.

FENIANS FLEE AMBUSH

Six Fenian terrorists were last night lying dead in the gutters of Dublin. In this long running undercover operation by military intelligence, the army ambushed the terrorists on their way to commit outrages on innocent civilians.

Simon O'Rouke, a Fenian leader managed to escape capture and fled. He is now believed to have quit the planet, with the aid of misguided Americans. Mars is a likely destination of this infamous ruffian, where he could cause untold mischief.

SOCIETY LADIES DISAPPEAR

Three charity workers at the London Hospital have disappeared on their way home, after their shift. Lady Jane Hook-Norton, Miss Amelia Brakespears and Miss Phylis Fullers all boarded hansom cabs in the past two nights, but never arrived at their destinations. Police are questioning cab drivers for clues.

CONTACT LOST WITH SHASTAPSH

The city state of Shastapsh, under British rule since 1887, after a bitter and bloody conflict, has been cut off to trade and all communications. Military sources say that an uprising has occurred, led by the Ground Cleansers. A fanatical cult dedicated to removing the last trace of humanity from Mars.

Other rumours suggest a coup staged by either the Oenotrians or a hostile European power. However, the British authorities have refused to comment officially on the sudden break with the city.

New squadrons of the Meepsoor lancers are to be raised to deal with the problem and not dilute the front line with the Oenotrians.

The pro-British Prince Sulieman of Shastapsh is believed to be visiting Queen Victoria, in Balmoral, this week.

GENERAL SWARTZKOPF WOUNDED

General Swartzkopf, the leader of the Wild West Show in Hyde Park, was accidentally shot yesterday, whilst cleaning his collection of arms.

Although not believed to be serious the show will be cancelled for the next two days to allow the famed Indian fighter to recover.

RIPPER CONTROVERSY

Lord Perry Chwarel Wyne yesterday spoke out against the police handling of the recent spate of murders in the capital.

"The clue must start from a space of not more than two hundred square yards. Can no one find it ? The committee of Residents might do worse than invite a private agency to try !"

Lord Perry was speaking at the Lord Mayor's Dinner at the Banqueting Hall.

FIRE AT CAMBERLEY ASYLUM

A raging inferno swept through Camberley Asylum last night. Many of the inmates, including Lord Hurley, who was recently committed to the institution, died in the fire. It is not known how the fire started, but a warden Narbondo, claimed a lunatic had seized a lantern and broken it on his bed, setting it ablaze. The fire spread quickly and the wardens had little time to unchain the patients.

BALL LIGHTNING SEEN IN LONDON

Ball lightning was seen on four occasions yesterday. In Whitechapel, the Isle of Dogs, Newington and Knightsbridge, a record for the capital. This type of lightning has been seen in increased amounts as of late, about London.