Evening briefing Monday 19th October

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1:25Curfews are being introduced in parts of France tonight as authorities try to stop widespread rioting and looting. Violence has spread across the country following days of unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Le Corneau says he can't rule out declaring a state of emergency. Former French MP Jacques Maillard has been speaking to Times Radio about the violence. If it goes on, we are on the edge of civil war. And to prevent this is that we have to give a clear sign, a clear signal that we are not going to accept any more plundering, any more loitering. And this is why I am in favour of a strong report which will, of course, stop the movement.

2:12A woman accusing Russell Brand of rape has told his trial she closed her eyes and pretended not to be there during the alleged attack. The jury heard her account of an alleged incident at a London bar in 2004. Brand denies all seven charges against him, including three counts of rape. Times News Radio's newsroom reporter Olly Cole was in court to hear the comedian's defence lawyer cross-examine the woman. He claimed that, in fact, she was extremely excited to meet him and happily accompanied Russell Brand while at the bar into the toilets and didn't, in fact, protest at all. Why didn't you slap him in the face when he grabbed your breasts, Mr Winter Casey asked the woman.

2:56She said that she was dazed, confused, slightly disassociated and did recall saying no to him. Detectives are investigating hoax bomb threats sent to around 300 schools in Northern Ireland, with many closing this morning as a result. Police Scotland are also looking into similar emails received by schools there. Up to 20 maternity units across England could close amid safety concerns. NHS bosses say staff shortages and rising numbers of caesareans are putting smaller units under pressure. In Devon, birthing services in Barnstaple remain suspended, with some mothers facing a 53-mile journey to Exeter.

3:34Labour MP and Government Maternity Advisor Michelle Welsh has been speaking to Times Radio. Firstly, on the closure of maternity units, I'm not in that place and the government's not in that place whatsoever. We understand the situation. We're trying to get consultants and obstetricians to work in those areas, in those units, but actually we're not in that place at all. And if anything, we've got a really positive announcement around the maternity unit in Devon. But there are a number of things that need to change. And I go back to the premise of it shouldn't take families having to stand up over and over again and relive the most atrocious time in their life before anything happens.

4:11Police forces are turning to volunteer deer stalkers to put down deer injured in road accidents. Up to 74 ,000 deer are involved in collisions across Britain every year. The scheme will free up armed police officers and prevent injured animals being left suffering for hours. There's more on these stories throughout the day on Times Radio.

4:38When something significant happens in British politics, stories are always unfolding behind closed doors. The State of It podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times takes you inside the room where it happens. I'm Stephen Swinford, the political editor of The Times, and with me are Patrick Maguire, Lara Spirit and Ben Riley-Smith. We will bring you scoops and analysis about what is really going on in Westminster. Listen to The State of It twice a week, wherever you get your podcasts.