Relatives of the blind Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, have given detailed accounts of the torture and retribution they have allegedly suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities.

The US has plans in place to attack Iran if other measures fail to stop it developing nuclear weapons, Washington's envoy to Israel says.

A man is charged with making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police found items in a garage in Cheltenham.

Officials say prisoners have taken control of a jail in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula where at least one person died in a fight between inmates on Wednesday.

Please Don't Stop The Music scoops the annual Romantic Novel of the Year award

A scientist in North Carolina had a lucky escape when he was attacked by an alligator.

France's new government holds its first cabinet meeting, announcing a 30% pay cut for President Hollande and his ministers.

A man paid £20,000 by mistake because he has the same name as a council leader denies he was wrong to leave the UK.

Concern over the eurozone debt crisis has continued to weigh on financial markets, with the euro dropping more than a cent against the US dollar,

Education Secretary Michael Gove loses a High Court battle with Essex County Council over government cuts to nursery funding.

US singer Donna Summer, famous for disco hits including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, dies at the age of 63.

The first wave of a West African peacekeeping force lands in Guinea-Bissau to try to bring stability after last month's military coup.

Hundreds of people attend the first gay pride event to be held in Burma, where homosexual relationships are banned.

Mary Kennedy - the estranged wife of Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew of John F Kennedy - died of asphyxiation due to hanging, authorities say.

Roberto Martinez is given permission to speak to Liverpool and is one of several candidates shortlisted to succeed Kenny Dalglish.

Mobile phone data of suspects in police custody is to be extracted and retained, regardless of whether charges are brought, the BBC has learned.

Stuart Broad takes six wickets as England seize the upper hand against West Indies on day one of the first Test at Lord's.

Britain's Andy Murray is beaten 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-2 by 16th seed Richard Gasquet of France in the Italian Open third round.

The South African government's failure to provide textbooks to all state school pupils violates the constitution, the high court rules.

MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner is to retire at the end of the season, saying he no longer "has the passion" for the sport.