Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen admits that he took performance-enhancing drugs for 12 years between 1998 and 2010.

Two drug addicts who tortured a retired bus conductor, believing he had hidden money at his Norwich home, are convicted of his murder.

US personal incomes jumped 2.6% in December, the biggest rise since 2004, official data indicates, as investors sought to beat a New Year tax rise.

US personal incomes jumped 2.6% in December, the biggest rise since 2004, official data indicates, as investors sought to beat a New Year tax rise.

Millions of the poorest households in England face a rise in council tax from April because of benefit changes coming into force, a report says.

Russia expresses grave concern at an alleged Israeli air attack on Syria, amid reports that either a research facility or a weapons convoy had been targeted.

Russia expresses grave concern at an alleged Israeli air attack on Syria, amid reports that either a research facility or a weapons convoy had been targeted.

A 15-year-old Icelandic girl has won the right to use the name her mother gave her, after she took authorities to court over it.

A 15-year-old Icelandic girl has won the right to use the name her mother gave her, after she took authorities to court over it.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg moves to stamp out rumours that the social network is planning to make its own mobile phone.

The boss of Electronic Arts denies a link between video games and violent acts, in the wake of US school and cinema shootings.

The boss of Electronic Arts denies a link between video games and violent acts, but says his industry needs to "step up" and address a "perception problem".

Polish officials voice dismay over an EU freeze on nearly 1bn euros (£859m) of funding for Polish road projects, amid suspicions of fraud.

Spain's ruling conservatives deny allegations that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and others benefited from secret party accounts.

Spain's ruling conservatives deny allegations that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and others benefited from secret party accounts.

Twenty four hours of news photos: 31 January

Hackers in China have attacked New York Times computers, the paper says, in a move it links to its reports on the Chinese premier's relatives' wealth.

Hackers in China have attacked New York Times computers, the paper says, in a move it links to its reports on the Chinese premier's relatives' wealth.

The A&E department at Lewisham hospital is to be downgraded after a neighbouring trust ran up debts of £150m.

Eyewitness account of Algeria hostage crisis