"Most of the provisions brought into force today aim either to reduce delays or promote greater equality between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK as regards certain sexual offences, " he said.

BBC: Longer terms for sex offenders

The figures, provided by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), also reveal that new measures allowing police to stop and search people for terrorist material have not been used since they were brought into force in March 2011.

BBC: Terror-related arrests up by 60%

In a scenario where both SMU and Houston are brought into the league, it would force Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma to be in the north division of the conference.

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The force said the leak had been brought under control by 20:25 GMT and traffic was allowed back into the area.

BBC: Trains cancelled after Portsmouth gas leak