While the bidding process goes on, Leeds Carnegie may not survive as a club beyond the current Premier League campaign.

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PCSOs can easily be sold to local authorities, housing associations and shopping malls, doing their bidding while remaining under the nominal control of the police.

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In the auction room, where they come out in force, bringing along wives and children who sometimes disrupt proceedings, the Nahmads argue with each other even while they are bidding.

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