Police have smashed a paedophile ring in the UK that repeatedly subjected two young girls to sickening sexual abuse for nearly three years, it can be reported today.

Gold medal hopeful Kelly Sotherton lies fifth in the heptathlon in Beijing after two events.

Olympic swimmer Andrew Bree failed to qualify from his 100m breaststroke heat despite a personal best time of 1:01.76.

Share prices closed higher led by Telecom ahead of its results tomorrow, and with sentiment boosted by Wall Street's gains overnight, dealers said.