A British man is arrested by police in Costa Rica in connection with the murder of a young Czech woman.

An advisory body to the Arab League calls for the organisation's monitors to be withdrawn from Syria because of the continuing crackdown on protests.

President Obama signs into law a defence bill including tough new US sanctions against Iran, while expressing concerns about other provisions.

Thousands of revellers take to the streets across the UK to herald the new year with fireworks and parties.

A Swedish woman discovers her wedding ring on a carrot growing in her garden, 16 years after she lost it, says a newspaper.

Giving up alcohol or going on a detox for one month is pointless, especially after the excesses of the festive season, says a liver charity.

World stock markets finish one of the most dramatic years for the global economy, with most well down for the year.

Plans to make it a criminal offence for council tenants to sublet their homes are to be unveiled by the government.