Further big cuts in defence spending would lead to the loss of the UK's military capability, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond warns.

A North Sea oil platform is partially evacuated for the second time this year after another oil leak is detected.

The Nato-led Isaf force apologises for the deaths of two young Afghan boys, killed when a coalition helicopter fired mistaking them for insurgents.

Firefighters in Poland say a small dog probably saved the life of a three-year-old girl who went missing from her home overnight in freezing temperatures.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano appeals to political leaders for realism and a sense of responsibility in resolving their post-election deadlock.

Lewis Hamilton sets an eye-catching pace on the penultimate day of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

The two front-runners in Kenya's presidential election, Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta, hold final campaign events before Monday's vote.

The world body that governs the rules of football is to investigate allowing players to wear heart monitors during games.

Internet retailer Amazon is continuing to list clothes from a US firm despite a row over a T-shirt with the slogan "keep calm and rape a lot".

The army in the Democratic Republic of Congo says it has recaptured two eastern towns held for months by the M23 rebels.

Two men from Kent are arrested in connection with the case of a former New York policeman accused of plotting to eat women.

Ferocious clashes are reported around the northern town of Raqqa, amid further fighting between government and rebels forces across Syria.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is receiving chemotherapy in a Caracas hospital after cancer surgery in Cuba, the vice-president has revealed.

US media reports a Louisiana man sues a clinic accusing his ex-girlfriend of stealing his sperm and using it to get pregnant.

Russia's foreign ministry expresses concern after the Texas authorities rule the death of adopted three-year-old Max Shatto was an accident.

Leading loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson is remanded in custody on six charges connected to the ongoing union flag protests in Belfast.

A senior Tory MP warns against seeking to oust David Cameron over the Eastleigh by-election and instead blames Westminster for being out of touch.

Jessica Ennis's coach says the Olympic champion's hopes of defending her title will be dealt a blow by the closure of a Sheffield stadium.

Three people are killed after demonstrators protesting against the death sentence of an Islamist party leader clash with police for a third day.

Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader is expected to urge his party to "strive for parity" with Scotland, whatever the Scottish devolution referendum outcome.