25 years ago: Vandals in Bradford were reported to be literally painting the town red at night with New York-style graffiti.

50 years ago: High numbers of road accidents were predicted for the year after the total for January reached 336, the first time figures for the month had exceeded 300.

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1929: The first area of “Green Belt” was approved, five miles of land near Hendon, Middlesex.

1983: Karen Carpenter, US singer who with her brother formed the successful Carpenters duo, died from heart failure as a result of complications arising from anorexia nervosa.