UK & World News
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
Lizzie and Rebecca win 2012 medals
21:05, Jul 29 2012
Cyclist Lizzie Armitstead and swimmer Rebecca Adlington have won Great Britain's first medals of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Adlington, 23, won a bronze medal in the women's 400m freestyle final, which was won by Camille Muffat of France.
Earlier, Armitstead banished the disappointment of the men's road race as crowds billowing "Lizzie, Lizzie" swept her to silver.
Union Jack flag-waving fans lined the home straight of the 140km women's road race despite the traditionally British weather, banging the hoardings as Armitstead secured her place on the podium.
"It's something very special and it hasn't sunk in yet," she said. "I'm really, really happy. Maybe later I'll start thinking about that gold, but I'm happy with silver at the moment."
Her mother Carol said she was "so proud" of her silver medal in the women's cycling road race, adding: "It is more than we can have hoped for."
But Britain's marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe's Olympic dream was over as she was ruled out through injury. "It hurts so much to finally admit to myself that it isn't going to happen," the 38-year-old said after a foot problem flared up again.
It came as London 2012 organisers again called in the troops, this time to help prevent Olympic venues from looking empty. Servicemen and women, widely praised for stepping in when private firm G4S failed to supply enough guards, were asked to help out again by watching the Games and filling seats in their rest periods.
An urgent investigation was launched after gaps were visible at a number of sites on the first full day of competition yesterday, including the Aquatics Centre where British medal hope Hannah Miley missed out on a podium place.
Pair in court over officer's death 14:05, Feb 11 2013
Two homeless men have been charged with causing the death of a young police officer whose patrol car was hit by a stolen 4x4 in Londonderry. more
Pope hailed over decision to quit 14:05, Feb 11 2013
The three most senior figures in the Catholic Church in England and Wales have paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI after the Pontiff announced he was leaving office on grounds of age and infirmity. more
Cable urges open business policy 13:05, Feb 11 2013
Britain must make sure its borders are "as open as possible" to genuine foreign business visitors and investment, Business Secretary Vince Cable has said. more
Tributes for killed photojournalist 13:05, Feb 11 2013
The family of award-winning British photojournalist Tim Hetherington, who was killed covering the Libyan civil war, have described him as a "wonderful humanitarian". more
BBC staff threaten one-day strike 13:05, Feb 11 2013
BBC journalists are to stage a one-day strike unless the corporation agrees to end compulsory redundancies, it has been warned. more
Pope Benedict to resign his post 12:05, Feb 11 2013
The pope is to resign his office after declaring he was too old to carry on as head of the Catholic Church. more
Foreign rioters facing deportation 11:05, Feb 11 2013
Just one in 13 foreigners who took part in the riots of 2011 have been deported, it has emerged. more
Briton death sentence appeal filed 10:05, Feb 11 2013
An Indonesian lawyer representing a convicted British grandmother has formally appealed against the death sentence she received for smuggling cocaine worth 2.5 million US dollars (£1.58 million) into the resort island of Bali in a suitcase. more
Legal action plan in horse meat row 09:05, Feb 11 2013
Legal action over the horse meat scandal is to be mounted in Europe, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said as he described the contamination of beef products as a case of fraud against the public. more
Snow triggers weather warnings 06:05, Feb 11 2013
Parts of the country are waking up to more than four inches of snow, prompting fears of ice and disruption during rush hour. more
The latest UK & World news stories from the Press Association.
