Six O'Clock News

Police in Devon say the former Conservative minister, Ann Widdecombe, was attacked 24 hours before being found dead at her home on Thursday. The force says its investigation is moving at "pace" and detectives are searching for a suspect -- believed to be a white man.Also: Rachel Reeves comments on Andy Burnham, Russia strikes several regions of Ukraine and TV presenter and prostate cancer campaigner Dermot Murnaghan dies age 68.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Also: Officials in Spain say four British citizens are believed to be among 12 people who have been killed by a big wildfire in the south of the country. And the British wildcard Arthur Fery has crashed out of Wimbledon in the semi-finals.

Jersey has become the first part of the British Isles where legislation to allow assisted dying has been formally approved by Royal Assent. Also: calls for an apology from the leader of the Restore Britain party, after comments he made about the Dunblane school shootings. And the singer Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75.

President Trump has threatened to hit Iran 'hard" again after declaring the ceasefire agreed three weeks ago 'over'. Also: Nigel Farage defends his decision to trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency. And the British wildcard, Arthur Fery, triumphs at Wimbledon.

The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, has announced he will be standing down as the member of parliament for Clacton, triggering a by-election he will stand in. Also: Prince Harry and six other defendants including Sir Elton John, have lost their privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers. And a signed first edition of a Virginia Woolf book found in a charity shop has fetched more than £25,000 at auction.

President Trump has confirmed he called the head of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, to ask him to review the suspension given to the US striker Folarin Balogun. Also: Prince Harry is told he can't stay at Buckingham Palace because he didn't accept the invitation soon enough. And Sky buys ITV's media and entertainment divisions and promises hit shows will remain free to watch for now.

Reform UK has rejected claims that its leader Nigel Farage failed to declare benefits provided by a crypto-entrepreneur, who was jailed for fraud in the United States nine years ago. The Sunday Times says George Cottrell provided Mr Farage with security and social media support before he was elected, as well as use of a rented property in central London. In other news, Police Scotland say they're making inquiries after a complaint was made about the finances of Yes Scotland - a group which campaigned in favour of independence during the 2014 referendum. And England are taking on Mexico in their crucial World Cup knock-out game in Mexico City.

The former Home Secretary, Lord Blunkett, has told the BBC that the police service in England and Wales isn't good enough, and that its leadership needs, in his words, an 'ethical reset'. The Labour peer has carried out a review of police leadership, which will say there are significant causes for concern. Also: Vast crowds of Iranians loyal to the Islamic Republic have gathered in Tehran to pay their respects to the country's former supreme leader. And: Prince Harry will not be joined by his wife and their two children when he visits London next week.

Three men have been found not guilty of murdering the journalist and author, Lyra McKee, in Londonderry in 2019. Also: The United Nations has warned that another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan. And Taylor Swift fans surround Madison Square Garden in New York for what's billed as the wedding of the century.

Two teenagers who avoided jail for raping two girls in Hampshire have been ordered to serve four years in detention after the Court of Appeal ruled their original sentences were unduly lenient. Also: The Prime Minister has apologised for the role of the British state in historical forced adoptions. And a man has been pulled alive from the rubble in Venezuela, more than a week after two powerful earthquakes hit the country.

Two police officers who arrested Henry Nowak after he was fatally stabbed in Southampton, are being investigated for potential gross misconduct. Also: President Trump has rejected claims of a conflict of interest after it emerged he made more than a billion dollars from cryptocurrency last year. And tributes are paid to the frontman of the Village People, Victor Willis, who's died at the age of 74.

The outgoing Prime Minister has hailed what he called "a generational transformation of our armed forces," after the government published its delayed Defence Investment Plan. Also: The US Supreme Court has struck down President Trump's attempt to end automatic citizenship for babies born in the US. And Shetland backs a plan to dig undersea tunnels between islands.

The likely next prime minister, Andy Burnham, has set out a vision for what he says would be the biggest change in the way the country is run in our lifetime. Also: Resident doctors in England have accepted the government's latest pay offer, ending a series of strikes. And one of the leading comedy actresses of the 1970s and early 80s, Dame Penelope Keith, has died.

Ben Stokes, the captain of England's men's test cricket, has announced his retirement from the international game. Iran has warned that any challenge to its control of the Strait of Hormuz will only further increase tensions, as the ceasefire with the US remains under strain. Venezuela's interim president says thirty-three people have this weekend have been rescued from rubble - after Wednesday's twin earthquakes.

Venezuela's main airport, near the epicentre of Wednesday's twin earthquakes, has partially reopened, raising hopes that mobile hospitals can be brought in for the many casualties. The government is introducing what is calls a "capped, safe and legal" route for refugees to come to Britain, starting in the autumn. Germany has broken its all-time temperature record, with a reading of 41-point-5 celsius taken in in the east of the country.

Rescue teams from around the world, including the UK arrive in Venezuela where tens of thousands of people are missing after 2 powerful earthquakes on Wednesday. Hundreds of people are confirmed to have died. Also: The record for the hottest June day in the UK has been broken for a third day in a row, and BBC Radio 4 prepares to broadcast on Long Wave for the final time.

Rescuers in Venezuela are searching the rubble in the capital, Caracas where more than 100 buildings have collapsed after a double earthquake hit the country last night. 164 people have died and almost 1000 other people have been injured. The record for the hottest day recorded in the UK in June has been broken for a second day in a row, with 36.7 celsius recorded in Somerset. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says she'll back Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister, despite speculation that he would demote her to a junior position in the cabinet.

Hundreds of mothers and babies suffered serious injury or died because of systemic failures at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust according to the biggest maternity inquiry in the history of the NHS. Also: The Met Office says the June temperature record has been broken. And scientists find sperm whales have regional accents.

Many schools across England and Wales were partially or fully closed today, with more set to shut tomorrow, as temperatures continue to rise. Also: The former SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, is jailed for five years for embezzlement. And the Reflecting Pool in Washington is set to be drained as President Trump again blames vandals for its condition.

After less than two years as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after accepting he no longer has the support of his MPs. Also: The former DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, is found guilty of child sex offences, including rape. And the Met Office issues a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales.

Sir Keir Starmer is pondering his political future tonight amid growing expectations he will resign as Prime Minister -- with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow. The US vice-president, J D Vance, has hailed the start of talks with Iran in Switzerland as "historic". The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning -- saying temperatures could reach the high 30s in parts of England and Wales in the coming days.

Iran's military says it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz -- in response to Israel's continued strikes on southern Lebanon. Israel launched a wave of attacks this morning -- just hours after agreeing a ceasefire with Hezbollah -- saying it was responding to the firing last night of dozens of projectiles by the Iran-backed group. President Trump had said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping as part of the framework peace deal agreed between the US and Iran, and signed three days ago.Police say nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital after yesterday's fatal train crash near Bedford. A train driver was killed and scores of passengers were injured when one East Midlands Railway passenger service ran into the back of another. Counter terrorism police are investigating a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks that left five men injured in Edinburgh last night. Officers say they have arrested a 36-year-old white Scottish man.

The Transport Secretary urges Sir Keir Starmer to hand over power, after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Also: A fragile ceasefire begins between Israel and Hezbollah. And Italy hits back after President Trump claims it's Prime Minister begged him for a photo.

A teacher from Blackpool who sexually abused and murdered a baby he'd adopted is told he will never be released from jail. Also: A man has been arrested for attempted murder after a seriously injured boy was found in a crocodile enclosure in a zoo in Cambridgeshire. And a pendant featuring a carved portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first is to be sold at auction in the UK.

Campaigning is nearing its climax in the constituency of Makerfield in what is being viewed as one of the most consequential parliamentary by-elections ever held. Also: President Trump has warned that he is ready to resume military action if Iran doesn't abide by its obligations. And the BBC announces details of its latest round of cuts.

The Ministry of Defence is investigating after a UK-registered yacht said a Russian warship fired warning shots near it in the Channel this morning. The incident is believed to have involved the Russian frigate -- Admiral Grigorovich -- and took place between the Isle of Wight and Normandy, outside UK territorial waters. Also: President Trump has delivered a rare public rebuke of Israel at the G7 summit of the world's biggest advanced economies in France. And: In tennis, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Serena Williams and her sister, Venus, will return to Wimbledon after being handed a wildcard to compete in the women's doubles.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that by next Spring, under-16s in the UK will be banned from social media. The landmark move will affect platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok - but not messaging services such as WhatsApp. Also: President Trump says the details of a blueprint for peace negotiations between the US and Iran will be published "pretty soon". And: The BBC has found evidence that Russia was behind arson attacks on a car and house linked to Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Keir Starmer says Russia has been dealt a 'blow' by British forces intercepting one of President Putin's sanctioned 'shadow fleet' oil tankers in the Channel. Helicopters and Royal Navy frigates were involved in the operation early this morning. Also: Israel has carried out fresh strikes on a suburb of Beirut -- after President Trump said a deal to end the fighting between the US and Iran was scheduled to be signed today. And: Lewis Hamilton wins his first Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver.

Scotland prepare for their opening world cup match, as the team returns to the tournament after 28 years.

The King and Queen have led the tributes to David Hockney - one of the most influential British artists of the past century - who's died at the age of 88. His large canvases, featuring boldly colourful landscapes and portraits, such as The Big Splash, hang in some of the most prestigious galleries in the world. In other news: SpaceX has officially started trading on the open stock market; and the prime minister has insisted that defence and security are his number one priorities for the country - despite the resignations yesterday of his defence secretary, John Healey, and armed forces minister, Al Carns, over the government's new defence investment plan.

The defence secretary, John Healey, said he had "no option" but to resign over the financial settlement for the government's defence investment plan. In a letter to the Prime Minister he said that the Treasury had been "unwilling" and that Sir Keir Starmer was "unable" to provide the necessary resources to keep the country safe. In other news: for the first time, the government has published the number of NHS patients in England receiving care outside formal treatment areas; and the 2026 World Cup is due to get under way.

A court has heard that Stephen Ogilvy has lost his left eye, his right eye is damaged, and he has neck and back injuries. The suspect, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder. Also: President Trump threatens to hit Iran 'hard'. And: England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, has been left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand.

Police say the suspect is a refugee from Sudan, in his thirties. Also: President Trump says the US must respond after Iran shot down an American helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. And: NASA names the four astronauts who will take part in the Artemis Three mission.

The claims are part of a joint investigation by BBC Panorama, and The Times newspaper. Also: Israel and Iran have agreed to stop attacking each other, following their first strikes since April. And: Sir Keir Starmer tells tech companies to introduce safety features to make it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images.

A major government-backed project to modernise steel production in South Wales may be delayed by up to eight months. Tata Steel says there have been problems connecting the new electric furnace in Port Talbot to a suitably strong power supply. Also: President Zelensky holds talks in Downing Street about the defence of Ukraine. And Marks and Spencer launches a new training scheme designed for young people struggling to find a job.

The co-chairman of West Ham football club, David Sullivan, steps down in response to allegations dating back to his time in the pornography industry. BBC Panorama and The Times are due to publish a joint investigation on Monday. Also: A Ukrainian commander involved in drone strikes on St Petersburg tells the BBC it was easy to hit Russia. And some of Britain's last surviving D-Day veterans mark the 82nd anniversary in France.

A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison after being found guilty of the rape of a woman more than two decades ago. Andrew Malkinson served 17 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the crime. The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has dismissed President Zelensky's proposal for a meeting to end the war. Also: astronauts on the International Space Station told to take emergency shelter.

The prime minister has accused Elon Musk of 'interfering' in UK politics, after he posted repeatedly on X about the police's treatment of Henry Nowak.NHS England says it will ban staff from wearing political badges as part of measures aimed at tacking antisemitism and other forms of racism. Britain's only serving female commando Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher has been named as one of the three members of the Royal Navy who died in a helicopter crash yesterday. She was on board the Merlin 4 aircraft alongside 42-year-old Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green.Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has said his party may have claimed back tax on items purchased by its former chief executive Peter Murrell, who last week admitted embezzling more than 400 thousand pounds from the SNP.01:56 Henry Nowak treatment 06:50 NHS antisemitism measures 10:06 Helicopter pilots named 12:05 Lebanon ceasefire 15:04 SNP on Murrell's tax 17:46 World Cup water bottles 20:02 Teacher shortages 21:54 Hampshire rape sentencing 24:30 Strikes in Crimea 27:59 Bob Harris tribute(Image: Reuters)

The Princess of Wales has expressed her sorrow at the death of the three Royal Navy personel who died after their helicopter came down during a training exercise in Devon early this morning.The Chief Constable of Hampshire Policehas has apologised for his force's handling of the murder of the teenager Henry Nowak, which sparked violent unrest in Southampton. The former Head of MI6 - Sir Alex Younger - has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. President Trump has suggested he would be willing to meet the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, if an agreement can be reached between Iran and the US.(Image: PA)

The Prime Minister has said there are "serious questions" for the police to answer about the murder of a student who was handcuffed and arrested while he lay dying - after his killer falsely accused him of racism. Henry Nowak was stabbed as he returned from a night out in Southampton in December last year. Also: New phase of the El Niño could be one of the strongest ever recorded. Evacuations in Ukraine's Kharkiv region as Russian attacks intensify. UK Athletics fined for manslaughter after athlete killed by collapsing shot-put cage. And: Knighthoods and Damehoods for Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean and Meera Syal.

Thousands of documents published by the government have revealed that while Lord Mandelson was the US ambassador, he repeatedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer's leadership in discussions with ministers. The exchanges were released as part of the publication of the second set of documents relating to Lord Mandelson's time in Washington. In other news, Israel's military has told residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate after the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered his forces to target the area; and an international court has ruled that the UK will not have to pay Rwanda costs or compensation for the Labour government's decision to scrap the Conservatives' plan to deport some migrants there.

Romania expels a Russian diplomat and announces plans to strengthen its air defences -- after a drone crashed into an apartment block close to the border with Ukraine.A Canadian man who sent toxic chemicals to people in dozens of countries – including the UK, Australia and Italy – has pleaded guilty to aiding suicide.President Trump says he is meeting advisers at the White House to decide whether to back a proposed agreement with Iran.NASA considers how its plans for a permanent base on the Moon will be affected after a Blue Origin rocket dramatically exploded on the launchpad.And the charity hikers who were booed at the top of the highest mountain in Wales.

The regulator Ofgem says its energy price cap will go up by 13 per cent in July, because of volatility in the gas market, from the conflict with Iran. The British Medical Association says resident doctors in England, who are in dispute with the government about pay, will go on strike for five days next month. Ministers have dismissed Sir Tony Blair’s criticisms of Labour's policy agenda -- saying the government is taking "big steps" to change the country. 01:21 – Energy price cap to rise 05:38 – Resident doctors announce strike 07:29 – Reports of draft Iran deal 12:30 – Minister dismisses Blair criticism 16:50 – Student loan repayment complaints 21:02 – Ebola warning in DR Congo 23:09 – Jeffrey Donaldson trial 25:01 – Large Samsung pay offer 26:24 – Birth rates at lowest since 1970s 28:16 – Tap water — a legal entitlement?

The Attorney General says the sentences of three teenage boys who were spared custody over the rape of two girls in Hampshire, will be referred to the Court of Appeal. The boys were given rehabilitation orders by a Judge who said he would avoid "criminalising" them because of their ages. Bereaved parents meet the prime minister to urge him to ban social media for under 16s, as a government consultation on the issue draws to a close. Also: BP removes its chairman. Another record breaking hot May day. And: Part-time pilot becomes conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell, has been remanded in custody after admitting embezzling more than 400 thousand pounds from the party, over a period of 12 years. The estranged husband of the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will be sentenced next month. Also: The UK records its all-time hottest May temperature. The Pope warns about the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence. Man City bids farewell to Pep Guardiola. And: Scientists recognise tiny blue octopus from the Galapagos.

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed an urgent review of a judge's decision not to give custodial sentences to two boys found guilty of raping two girls. He also praised what he described as the "harrowing and brave testimony" of one of the girls, who told the BBC the sentences had made her question whether it was worth giving evidence in court. Also: Donald Trump says US negotiators should not rush into a deal with Iran. And: A heatwave is declared in several parts of southern England.

A team of scientists from Oxford University say the new Ebola vaccine could be ready for clinical trials within months. Also; police investigating Andrew Mountbatten Windsor could look into allegations of sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. He's denied wrongdoing. And, there's mixed messages from a NATO summit about US troop deployments in Europe.

The Prime Minister says the government is delivering on its promise to regain control of the UK's borders, after official figures showed that net migration fell sharply last year. Also: New papers released by the government suggest the late Queen Elizabeth was "very keen" for Prince Andrew to be made a trade envoy. And Aston Villa players take part in an open top bus parade in Birmingham to mark their Europa League victory.

The Labour MP for Makerfield has offered to give up his seat to allow the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, a chance to get into Parliament and possibly bid for the Labour leadership. Also: Wes Streeting resigns as the Health Secretary, saying he has "lost confidence" in Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. And Madonna, BTS and Shakira will headline the first ever football World Cup Final half time show.

Allies of the health secretary, Wes Streeting, say they expect him to launch a challenge against Sir Keir Starmer tomorrow. Also: A parliamentary investigation is to be held into whether Nigel Farage broke Commons rules by not declaring a five-million pound gift from a supporter. And the Princess of Wales embarks on her first foreign tour since being treated for cancer.