The dispute over coursework marking, which is subject to an official investigation this week, has sparked large numbers of angry e-mails from teachers, pupils and parents.

BBC: A-level marking 'grossly unjust'

The shooting raised questions about race relations and sparked large protest in Sanford after police declined to arrest George Zimmerman, who said he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense.

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Mr Zbudowskyj allegedly lost his temper and dived into the crowd, which sparked a large brawl.

BBC: Fabio and Leon Zbudowskyj

The hearing in Maidstone on Thursday heard that his disappearance sparked a large search and his family had travelled to Kent to help.

BBC: Sapper Josh Thomas drowned in Medway, inquest hears

Although a fund of that size could comfortably deal with the failure of individual banks, it would still not be large enough to prevent bank runs sparked by fear of redenomination.

ECONOMIST: The euro crisis

An alleged sighting of a large cat, "possibly a panther", in Norwich has sparked an unusual appeal by police.

BBC: Sighting of 'panther' in Norwich sparks police tweet

This trend continued unabated until the credit crisis sparked a near closure of the RMBS market, and several large wholesale lenders were acquired by major banks.

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