The UN refugee agency for the first time reaches a rebel-held area in northern Syria, saying 45,000 displaced people there live in "appalling" conditions.

A missing Irish property developer is found lost and emaciated with abuse carved on his head, eight months after he was reported missing.

Rescuers work to find survivors trapped after a deadly blast at the Mexico City headquarters of the state oil company, Pemex, following a blast that killed 32 people.

The MP who exposed a massive fuel scam costing Nigeria billions of dollars is charged with soliciting a $3m bribe from an oil tycoon.

Spain's public prosecutor says there are grounds to investigate alleged secret payments made to leaders of the ruling Popular Party (PP), including the prime minister.

Leaked comments from a UN security council briefing reveal peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi suggested President Assad must step down as part of any political transition.

Ed Koch, New York's colourful and controversial mayor from 1978 to 1989, has died aged 88.

Two children, aged 18-months and five, are found dumped on a Birmingham street after carjackers pull their mother from her car and drive off with the youngsters still inside.

Wales have not won in seven matches but captain Sam Warburton is optimistic about his side's Six Nations title prospects.

New York's outspoken former mayor Ed Koch remembered

The Government is accused of "turning its back on school sport" and undermining the Olympic legacy.

The architects behind Wembley Stadium are working with the European Space Agency on designs for 3D printed lunar buildings.

Two Australian DJs who made a hoax call to the London hospital treating the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge will not face charges, the Crown Prosecution Service says.

The Australian government is increasing its protection of the Great Barrier Reef in a bid to prevent the United Nations from removing its World Heritage status.

At least 21 people die and dozens are hurt in a suicide attack near a Shia mosque in the north-western Pakistani town of Hangu, reports say.

MPs say the police watchdog for England and Wales is overwhelmed, woefully under-equipped and not to get to the truth of allegations of wrongdoing.

An Indian court rules that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan should face a charge of culpable homicide for a hit-and-run incident 10 years ago.

Defending champions England lose to Sri Lanka in their opening group match at the Women's World Cup in Mumbai.

Scotland's economy moved out of recession between July and September, growing by 0.6%, according to official figures.

24 hours of news photos: 1 February 2013