Britain today: Offer staves off BBC conference strike

Unions were looking at an "improved" offer today for BBC staff pensions which prompted them to call off a planned strike during next week's Conservative Party conference.

The walkout by thousands of journalists, technicians and other broadcast staff was planned for October 5 and 6.

Tax fillip sees Isas soar

Sales of Isas have more than doubled since the Government increased the tax-free savings allowance, figures showed today. The amount people invested in equity Isas reached a record level in October last year, when the annual limit for the amount that over-50s can save was raised from 7,200 to 10,200.

Taser firm chief 'killed himself over Moat hunt'

A COMPANY director believed to have killed himself was "destroyed" by criticism of his firm for supplying the Tasers used during the stand-off with gunman Raoul Moat, his business partner said.

Peter Boatman, director of operations for Pro-Tect Systems, was found dead at his Northampton home yesterday. The Home Office revoked the firm's licence to import and sell Tasers on Tuesday for breaching terms by supplying X12 to police during in the Moat manhunt.

Suicide victim 'harassed'

One of the women who died in a copycat double suicide pact contacted police to complain she was being harassed, it has emerged.

The woman, who has not been named, fled to a flat in Putney, south-west London, owned by a not-for-profit trust that helps vulnerable women.

She and another woman apparently gassed themselves after sealing doors and windows at the property.

Elementary choice of host

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will pit his wits against Paul Merton and Ian Hislop when he joins Have I Got News For You as guest presenter.

The actor, who will present the first show in the new series, said: "I am terrified but cannot resist."

• London: A man was being quizzed by police today over a hit-and-run death in which the woman victim was thought to have been dragged for up to a mile.

The 20-year-old student, who is believed to be originally from Singapore, was found lying in the road with fatal injuries in Haverstock Hill, early on Thursday morning.

• Portsmouth: Arsonists are believed to have destroyed a 53ft tall dinosaur built for a touring art project, police said. The steel and polyester model of an "ultrasauros", called Luna Park, was erected on Southsea Common in Portsmouth this summer.