Dial M for murder: The Mafia gun disguised as a mobile phone

It's the mobile phone that could leave you with more than a warm ear.

As startled Italian police discovered, the device seized in a raid on a Mafia gang is actually a pistol.

The phone gun - complete with a dummy display - holds four .22 bullets.

It was fully loaded and ready to be used when it was found in Naples.

The phone transformed into a gun by sliding the keypad section.

The stubby antenna is the barrel, and a touch on a particular key fires a bullet.

A police spokesman said: 'This is the first time such a weapon has been seized and shows the sophistication that the crime syndicates are turning to.

Tests are being carried out to see if it has been used recently or has been involved in any shooting attacks.'

The raid in a Naples suburb was part of an operation against the Gionta crime family of the Camorra, the port city's version of the Mafia.

Officers from the paramilitary Carabinieri police also seized two ordinary handguns, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, drugs and cash.

A 28-year-old man was arrested during the raid in the Torre Annunziata area but several other suspected gang members escaped.

My little pony: The tiny horse that wants a name for Christmas

Toy horses are usually pink and plastic – and aimed at young girls.

But this little pony is 100 per cent natural – and ready to make friends with anyone her size.

Born ten days ago at a stud in the southern state of Victoria, Australia, the 15in miniature horse – which is yet to be named – has already formed a bond with Sam Leith, 12.

Silver dun tovero in colour, she was given a clean bill of health – and should reach 24in when grown.

The birth has generated such excitement in the community that local people are entering a competition to give the horse a name in time for Christmas.

Owner Lee Scown said she wanted a name that reflected the tiny, unique nature of the horse.

'It’s the smallest horse I’ve ever had and she’s so gorgeous,' Ms Scown said.


'It’s amazing to see a horse so tiny, and she’s about the size of a week-old lamb.'

The horse is the smallest born at Riverdance and its arrival surprised even its breeder.

'We got told the mare wasn't due for another four weeks but on Sunday morning I walked outside and called her, and out ran the little foal behind her.'