UK news: Nurse in court after deaths at hospital

A nurse was to appear in court today after the deaths of five patients at a Stockport hospital.

Rebecca Leighton, 27, is accused of causing damage with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life was being endangered. She is also said to have tampered with medical products at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Diver search called off

Rescuers looking for a missing scuba diver off the south coast of England have called off their search. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the man was 16 nautical miles south east of Portland Bill in Dorset when he failed to surface. Despite intensive searches the missing diver was not found.

Thousands to protest over train contract snub

Thousands of people were demonstrating in Derby today in support of the UK's last train manufacturer.

German firm Siemens was awarded the 1.4 billion contract to build carriages for the Thameslink route between Bedford and Brighton, ahead of Derby-based Bombardier, which has since announced plans to cut 1,400 jobs.

Union leaders, MPs and local politicians were expected to address a rally in Derby following the march through the city.

15 stranded whales die

Fifteen whales have died and many others have become stranded at Kyle of Durness, on the north Highland coast.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the whales were believed to be from a pod of as many as 60. Rescuers trying to save the pod said the long-finned pilot whales had perished when they got stranded at low tide. About 35 beached as the water in the sea loch receded.

Harry presents Ascot prize

Prince Harry was presenting a trophy at Ascot today. The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, commemorating the Queen's late parents, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Harry hands over the cup to the winner of the 1.5-mile race at the Berkshire track.

Luton: A woman in her 40s was severely injured and three children aged between six and 11 were hurt when a "fireball" engulfed a portable gas barbecue at a playing field in Stopsley Way, Luton, at about 4.30pm yesterday. The badly burned woman was airlifted to the specialist burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Nottinghamshire: A security guard has been shot in the leg during an attempted robbery at a Tesco Express store in Nottinghamshire. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.