The French operations of the US cosmetics giant Avon Products are to be closed by the end of the month, its Paris office says.

The death of a woman who became ill on board a cruise ship was "accelerated" when she was plunged into the sea while being transferred to a lifeboat, an inquest hears.

Striker Carlton Cole rejoins West Ham United on a three-month contract to provide cover for the injured Andy Carroll.

England's Steven Gerrard says the "haunting" memory of failing to reach Euro 2008 will motivate him against Poland.

Observations of young bonobos reveal that, like children, those more able to manage their own emotions are more likely to comfort others.

The music industry has a "culture of demeaning women" that forces stars to sell themselves as sex objects, according to singer Charlotte Church.

A UK soldier decorated for bravery in a gun battle in Iraq tells an inquiry he saw well over 20 Iraqis dead, but insisted prisoners he held were not mistreated.

The Libyan al-Qaeda suspect seized in a US raid on Tripoli on 5 October has been transferred to the US to face charges in New York, prosecutors say.