JACK STRAW knew the role of Home Secretary would put him at the cut and thrust of British politics - but a spear-wielding warrior is probably more than he bargained for.

But for a brief spell this week, that is what appeared to be on the cards as Aborigine leader Ken Colbung landed in the country looking to reclaim the head of his spiritual leader - and was prepared for a spear fight to the death with the Blackburn MP.

However, times have changed since the head of the Aborigine fighter Yagan was hacked off by European settlers in Perth, Australia and returned to this country in 1833. And luckily for Mr Straw, Mr Colbung, a direct decendant of Yagan, is a strong believer that the pen is stronger than the sword - or in this case the spear.

Mr Colbung is asking the Home Secretary to licence him to open an unmarked grave in Merseyside where the head had been dumped. He argues that Yagan will not be allowed to enter the spirit world until the head is reunited with the torso back in Australia.

But his wishes seem unlikely as the plot in an Everton cemetery is also the grave of 20 stillborn babies and some of the parents have objected to the grave being disturbed.

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