Colchester man Matthew Quinn has launched a High Court compensation claim in which he is suing Essex police for damages for alleged assault and battery. Quinn seeks damages, including aggravated and exemplary damages, for alleged assault, battery, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. His writ says the claim is a due to police actions on and after 17 March 1990 in High Street, Colchester, and Colchester Police Station.

Writ issued by BM Birnberg & Co, London NW1. Q31

A woman of Bexley, Kent, who was seriously injured when kicked by a horse is suing Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre. Janice Cole, 42, is claiming damages from the centre at West Yoke, Ash, Kent, over injuries received in September 1993 during a riding lesson. Her writ says she was kicked without warning and suffered fractured ribs on her left side, a cracked left elbow, an injury to her left kidney and a ruptured spleen. The writ says the horse was known to have an unpredictable nature and was likely to kick unless restrained. Cole claims those responsible for the centre knew or ought to have known this.

Writ issued by Pritchard Joyce & Hinds, Beckenham.

Two children and a woman are suing for damages after an explosion at a chemicals factory, in Pontypool, Gwent. Alex Caldicott and Andrew Caldicott, who are minors and suing through their father Kenneth, and Patricia Taylor, all of Pontyfelin House, Lower New Inn, Pontypool, Gwent, have issued a High Court writ claiming damages from Rechem International, of Pontyfelin Industrial Estate, Pontypool. They are claiming for nuisance and alleged negligence arising from a fire and explosion at the plant on 20 July 1995 and for emissions from the plant.

Writ issued by Leigh Day & Co, London WC1. C552

The owners of Swansea airport face a massive damages claim after a U-turn last year in the face of demonstrations over live animal exports. Italian cattle exporter Duroc SRL is claiming breach of contract damages, lost profits and wasted aircraft hire costs from Swansea Aviation, which owns and runs the airport. Duroc accuses Swansea Aviation of breach of contract and claims that under the terms of its Civil Aviation Authority licence the airport is licensed for public use to all persons on equal terms.

Writ issued by Clyde & Co, London EC3.