Best of BBC news

The fiercest attack yet - involving heavy artillery - rocks the Syrian city of Homs, as the US closes its Damascus embassy over security concerns.

Robert Peston on biggest firms in UK feeling cross

The Arctic conditions sweeping Europe have tightened their grip, with more deaths reported in Poland and Ukraine, taking the toll to well over 200.

Horse-drawn carts will disappear from the streets of Colombians from 2013

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague accuses China and Russia of "betraying the Syrian people" by vetoing a UN resolution condemning violence there.

A South African man who claims to be a famous Zulu musician who apparently died in 2009 is in custody until DNA tests determine his identity, police say.

US President Barack Obama places new sanctions on Iran, blocking government assets held in the US, including the Iranian Central Bank.

The Queen visits a school in Norfolk and there are gun salutes around the UK as she marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

Radical cleric Abu Qatada is granted bail following a hearing at the UK's Special Immigration Appeals Commission.

At least 15 people die and 29 are missing after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes islands in the central Philippines.

At least 15 people die and 29 are missing after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes islands in the central Philippines.

Criticism of a charity facing allegations of financial irregularity is racially motivated, its chair suggests.

The Brazilian government privatises three airports, including the country's largest in Sao Paulo, in sales valued at $14bn.

The Brazilian government privatises three airports, including the country's largest in Sao Paulo, in sales valued at $14bn.

Red Bull launch their new car for the forthcoming season, to be driven by world champion Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber.

A factory has collapsed in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore with many people, including women and children, feared trapped.

Teachers say an increasing number of pupils are wetting themselves at school, because they are not toilet trained.

Network Rail bosses, including chief executive Sir David Higgins, say they will not accept bonuses this year amid growing political pressure.

Network Rail bosses, including chief executive Sir David Higgins, say they will not accept bonuses this year amid growing political pressure.

The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst on the resumption of Greece's debt crisis talks and China's refusal to pay a new EU airline tax.