Nearly five years after his capture by insurgents, Sgt Bowe Bergdahl’s "safety and health were both in jeopardy" and officials had to act quickly to obtain his release, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday.

The only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed and is in US custody, according to US officials.

At half-past five this afternoon, Manchester City take on Everton knowing that three points will carry them to the brink of Premier League glory.

Government officials believe the latest tape of Osama bin Laden was made recently and are trying to determine whether its release now may be a signal of an impending attack.