World news: Obama slams 'outrageous act' after airmen shot dead

Two United States airmen were killed and two others wounded when a man armed with a handgun opened fire on them at close range in Germany.

Yesterday's attack at Frankfurt airport, the first on American forces in Germany in a quarter of a century, was described by US president Barack Obama as an "outrageous act".

The suspect, identified as a 21-year-old man from Kosovo who apparently worked at the airport, was being questioned by authorities, said Frankfurt police spokesman Manfred Fuellhardt.

Family members in Kosovo described the suspect as a devout Muslim who was born and raised in Germany and worked at the airport.

The attacker got into an argument with airmen, based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, outside their military bus before opening fire, killing the bus driver and one other serviceman and wounding two others, one of whom was in a life-threatening condition, Mr Fuellhardt said.

The suspect then fled into the airport terminal, where he was grabbed and disarmed by two police officers and a US airman who had given chase.

"I'm saddened and I'm outraged by this attack," Mr Obama said.

Earhart bone test 'inconclusive'

Tests to determine if bone fragments found on a South Pacific island are the remains of Amelia Earhart are inconclusive, researchers said.

The results have dashed hopes that the tests might help explain what happened to the American aviator, who disappeared in 1937.

Hunt for quake survivors ends

New Zealand ruled out any chance of finding more quake survivors today, saying the operation was now in the recovery stage.

Families of more than 200 people listed missing after the February 22 quake that devastated Christchurch had been holding out hope someone else may be pulled alive from the rubble.

Many of the missing are among 161 bodies recovered but not yet identified. The final death toll could be as high as 240.

Great war veteran turns 110

One of the last two surviving First World War veterans is celebrating his 110th birthday today.

Claude Choules, who sneaked into the British navy in 1915 aged just 14, will enjoy a party with family, friends and military representatives in his adopted home town of Perth, Australia.

Stone's girl in the dock

The daughter of Rolling Stone Keith Richards appeared in a US court on drug and graffiti charges after police said they saw her painting on the side of a New York building.

Theodora Richards, 25, was released without bail after her arraignment. She did not enter a plea.

Libya: Rebel forces routed troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi in a fierce battle over the Berga oil port.But opposition leaders still pleaded for outside air strikes to help them in their bid to oust the long-time dictator.

Zimbabwe: President Robert Mugabe has threatened to seize British businesses in retaliation for Western economic sanctions targeting him and his supporters over alleged human rights abuses.