McCartney says ‘Paul is dead’ theory was ‘great publicity’

Sir Paul McCartney says the conspiracy theory that he died and was replaced by a body double on the cover of Abbey Road was “great publicity”. The former Beatle says although the theory “didn’t make sense” it did not trouble him. “People said: ‘what do you want to do about this?’” he remembers. “I said: ‘Just leave it. It’s great publicity for the album. I put a statement out saying: ‘I’m not dead.”

Mummified man died after eating only grasshoppers

A mummified man who lived in Texas 1,400 years ago died of extreme constipation after eating only grasshoppers for several months. Scientists who have been experimenting on the mummified remains of the man say he probably embarked on the diet after an infection made his colon swell up to six times its normal size. One of the researchers said grasshoppers are “high in protein” and “pretty high in moisture”.

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Peruvian cops adopt Santa disguise for drug raid

Police in Peru dressed up as Santa Claus and an elf to capture a suspected cocaine dealer. Reuters says the tactic of launching drug raids using operatives in costumes is a common and successful tactic of Peruvian police to bring an element of surprise. Police say they found hundreds of small bags that appeared to contain drugs, a revolver and a balaclava.