Free parenting classes are not a "nanny state" policy, David Cameron insisted as he unveiled a number of initiatives aimed at helping families.

Detectives have warned families to check the well-being of friends and relatives who may have come into contact with a double-murder suspect.

The detective leading the manhunt for a man suspected of killing two people in their own homes has urged him to give himself up.

The prime suspect in a double murder in the North of England was on bail when he beat his two vulnerable victims to death, according to police leading a nationwide manhunt yesterday.

Murder suspect James Allen knew one of his alleged victims, police said today.

Police hunting for a 35-year-old man wanted in connection with two "brutal" murders are involved in an "ongoing operation" on a housing estate.

Police investigating the separate murders of a 50-year-old woman and an 81-year-old man have released the name of the man they are seeking.

An 81-year-old found dead in his terraced house after he failed to turn up at his favourite club was murdered, police said today.

A cocaine dealer caught with £1.3 million of the class A drug and amphetamines valued at up to £450,000 was jailed for 10 years today.

Stuart Pearce's track record as a player and manager makes him a strong contender to replace Fabio Capello on a permanent basis, according to England Under-21 coach Brian Eastick.

Marge Carey started her working life checking football pools coupons for Vernons in Liverpool but her rise to prominence in the Labour and trade union movement owed more to hard work than luck. After many years as a shop steward representing low-paid workers she rose to become both one of the few women officials in a union where the senior posts were dominated by men, and one of the leading figures in the Labour Party. The former Prime Minister Tony Blair said of her, "She was a wonderful woman full of strongly expressed common sense, goodwill and good judgement."

Ex-England footballer Paul Merson has been given a 14-month driving ban after a court heard how he crashed his Mercedes into a 38-tonne truck while over the legal alcohol limit.

Firefighting manager understands local pride is at stake in tonight's FA Cup tie with Sunderland. He talks to Martin Hardy

England and Liverpool star Stewart Downing will not face charges after he was arrested last month on suspicion of assault, police said.