Ian McKellen

News headlines at 15:26

Expert warning over new swine flu
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu which has broken out in Wales will become much more common as the virus mutates, a flu expert said.

Fearful pirate-held pair in TV plea
The British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates have spoken on camera for the first time to warn that their captors are "losing patience" and could kill them within a week.

Police should see all crime victims
Every victim of crime should be visited by the police, irrespective of how serious the offence, Home Secretary Alan Johnson has indicated.

Town out to honour fallen soldiers
A town centre came to a standstill as thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to two soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Brown pledges £1m to flood victims
Gordon Brown has pledged an extra £1 million of Government money to help flood-hit communities in Cumbria.

Death bridge 'structurally sound'
A bridge which collapsed sending a policeman tumbling to his death in a swollen river was inspected last year and found to be "structurally sound", a council said.

Archbishop and Pope meet in Rome
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Pope have agreed to "consolidate" the relationship between their two churches.

Atom smasher up and running again
Scientists have switched on the world's largest atom smasher for the first time since the £6bn machine suffered a spectacular failure more than a year ago.

Children in Need total hits £20.3m
The BBC Children in Need appeal total has passed the £20 million mark after a galaxy of stars turned out for the television extravaganza.

Man dies after nightclub shooting
A man has died in hospital and another victim is being treated for gunshot wounds after a shooting at a nightclub.