Residents of Australia's cyclone-battered tropical north east have emerged from their homes to find roofs lying in their yards, boats flung on to rocks and roads blocked by tangles of fallen trees and power lines.

Gas exploration firm BG Group turned up the heat on Australia’s Origin today by announcing plans to make an improved £6.7bn (€8.4bn) offer direct to shareholders.

BG Group expressed its surprise today after one of Australia’s biggest energy firms broke off discussions over a £6.6bn (€8.4bn) takeover.