Joanna Yeates's killer faced allegations today that he strangled her for sexual thrills.

August's riots appear to have done little damage to activity on Britain's high streets, a survey of shopping activity shows.

A policeman was convicted today of kicking a Trinidadian drug convict while arresting him.

It was not quite a winning performance from Oscar but it was a momentous one. Entering the home straight in the Deagu Stadium in the outside lane yesterday, Oscar Pistorius held the lead in heat five of the 400m. He was overtaken by Chris Brown, the world indoor champion from the Bahamas, and by Martyn Rooney, the UK champion from Croydon, but crossed the line third in 45.39 seconds, qualifying for today's semi-finals.

More dramatic footage has emerged of the riots in Croydon showing a man being pushed off his bike before it is stolen.

A seventh person has been arrested in connection with the murder of three Birmingham men who were hit by a car while trying to protect their community from looters.

A man appeared in court yesterday accused of starting the fire that destroyed a furniture shop in Croydon during the London riots.

What a time to have been away – especially when the mother with whom I was supposed to have been away ended up staying at home in the town in which I was born and where she still resides.

Detectives investigating the murder of a man shot dead during the London riots believe his killers were actively involved in looting and robbed at least two people on the night of his death.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Trevor Ellis, the 26-year-old father-of-four who became the riots' first fatality.

Magistrates appeared to be taking a stricter stance when sentencing rioters yesterday, following pressure from police chiefs and politicians who accused them of having been too lenient.