ONE man's Chaplin-esque slip-up on an icy Dublin footpath, which featured on an Irish news bulletin, is nearing a million hits on YouTube.

The RTE News clip which shows the mystery man's fall has been watched more than 850,000 times on YouTube and attracted more than 2750 comments.

The story was an update about the supply of salt to keep icy roads open in Dublin during the recent cold snap.

The voiceover plays it straight as the man marches confidently down the street before falling spectacularly on the slippery footpath.

Later news bulletins had to assure viewers that the man had escaped uninjured after many worried callers contacted the station.

"Seriously this is the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages," said one of the thousands of comments left on Youtube.

"I’ve seen this 200 times and I can't stop laughing," said another. "Ouch! I don't normally laugh at this kind of stuff. but that looked SO painful."

The video has already spawned at least one parody.

In preparation for his much-awaited return to Formula One next season with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, Michael Schumacher will take part in a three-day GP2 Series test session in Jerez, Spain this week.

Following the approval of the FIA, the GP2 Series and the Formula One Testing Committee, Michael will drive the GP2 development car for three days from Tuesday 12 January to Thursday 14 January.

Michael’s desire to drive a high-performance competition vehicle as part of his preparations has found a match in the objectives of the GP2 Series to develop the 2011/2013 car. As GP2 are currently defining the technical features of the Series’ third generation car which will debut in Spring 2011, the Series organisers saw a fantastic opportunity to benefit from Michael’s experience and his legendary technical abilities.

One of the main goals of the three-day test will be to evaluate numerous suspension configurations in order to define several new set-up solutions which will provide more flexibility to GP2 drivers and engineers during the race weekends. Alongside that programme, the test will see the evaluation and validation of updated components, including a new clutch, to be introduced later this year.

GP2 Organiser Bruno Michel said: “Today’s test marks a milestone for the GP2 Series. It is an honour and a privilege for us to have seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car. The goal of the GP2 Series is to prepare young drivers for Formula One. This test will prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high-standards and competitiveness of our Series. Michael’s input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season.”

Cops have been warned to be on their best behaviour -- after they were filmed using riot shields to sledge down a snowy hill while on duty.

The group from Thames Valley Police had been on on Boars Hill, Oxford, earlier this week when they decided to have a bit of fun.

Much to the shock of other people who were playing in the snow, the officers arrived at the top of the hill carrying riot shields.

They then proceeded to put them on the floor and push each other down the hill - all the time in full uniform and high-vis jackets.

But after complaints bosses have told them their actions were "a bad ides" -- we agree, there weren't enough shields to go round.

Supt Andrew Murray said: "I have spoken to the officers concerned and reminded them in no uncertain terms that tobogganing on duty, on police equipment and at taxpayers' expense is a very bad idea."

(newslite.tv)