One foreign oil worker was killed and another was wounded during a hostage rescue attempt today, according to private security contractors and Nigerian security officials.

Six hostages have escaped from an oil facility in Nigeria where they had been held since armed men raided it earlier this week.

Nigerian rebels have demanded $40m (€31.5m) for the safe return of four kidnapped British oil workers.

The bitter cold seizing Russia retained its icy grip today and severe freezing temperatures spread westwards into much of Europe.