Australian officials warn Cyclone Yasi, approaching Queensland with winds of up to 295 km/h (183 mph), could be the deadliest storm in living memory.

Swiss bank accounts held by Haiti's ex-leader Jean-Claude Duvalier are blocked as a new law takes effect in Switzerland.

Five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe says a visit to London has inspired him to come out of retirement in a bid to compete at the 2012 Olympics.

The crew of the Mars500 simulated mission to the Red Planet have gone into "orbit" around their target.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg laughs off reports he stops work at 3pm each day - saying not working hard enough is not one of his flaws.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh says he will not extend his presidency, or appoint his son to the role, when his current term expires in 2013.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who scored twice in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, says Chelsea can push his team all the way in the title race.

Former Labour MP Jim Devine's trial over his expenses claims gets under way after he pleads not guilty to charges relating to his expenses.