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News headlines at 22:18

Kidnap couple's captors 'impatient'
The British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates said their captors were "losing patience" and they could be killed within a week.

Brown 'an optimist' over UK economy
Gordon Brown has brushed aside gloomy economic news, insisting he remained an "optimist" over the future of the country's finances.

Policeman dies amid flooding chaos
It was the wettest day ever - and a family were left mourning a "heroic" policeman while thousands of others were left counting the cost.

Widow pays tribute to 'best friend'
The widow of a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has paid a moving tribute to her husband.

'Dream' man free after killing wife
A man has walked free from court after strangling his wife during a nightmare.

Stars out for BBC Children in Need
Children in Need burst into life in its usual blaze of colour as BBC big guns pulled out the stops in a bid to smash last year's fundraising total of £38 million.

Carjacker convicted of GBH on woman
A carjacker has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a mother of four by running her over in her own vehicle.

Expenses-row MP denies 'house ban'
The head of the Commons committee that deals with MPs' expenses abuse has dismissed an allegation that his wife banned him from the constituency home he claimed for as "akin to Harry Potter".

Town holds 100th repatriation event
The widow of a soldier killed in Afghanistan bravely clutched a teddy bear as she watched his coffin pass through a town hosting its 100th repatriation ceremony.

'No need' to keep troops in Germany
British troops could be withdrawn from Germany for good, nearly 70 years after the end of the Second World War, if the Conservatives win the general election.