Junior school pupils suspended over 'happy crack' sugar bust

Our pick of the strange stories from around the world.

Schoolchildren suspended after 'happy crack' sugar bust

Nine pupils have been suspended from a junior school in South Carolina after staff saw them buying and selling "happy crack" – a mixture of Kool-Aid flavoured drink powder and sugar. Despite parental protests, Eagles Nest school is standing by its decision, saying possession of anything that looks like an illegal substance is a violation of school policy.

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Man arrested for pranking 911

Police have arrested a man after he called emergency services to ask how many legs an octopus has. John Dargan Barron, 69, of Ohio, was cautioned for misusing 911 - but then called back 30 minutes later to ask if the Russian alphabet was the same as the English one. When officers went to his home, Barron greeted them without any trousers on. He was arrested and taken to jail, but refused to get out of the patrol car, claiming he was stuck in the back seat. Police say alcohol may have been a factor.

Officer shoots himself fighting off rabid raccoon

A US Park Police officer is recovering in hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the foot while fighting off a rabid raccoon. The officer was attacked by the animal in north-west Washington and fired his weapon in an attempt to kill it. He was airlifted to hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The raccoon was killed by a second officer.