World News: British combat helicopters used for first time in Libya

British combat helicopters have been deployed for the first time in operations in Libya, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The RAF Apaches hit two targets near the Libyan town of Brega during the latest wave of Nato strikes against forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the MoD said.

Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Liam Fox acknowledged the "increased risk" attached to the deployment of attack helicopters, but stressed that they would play a key role in bringing a halt to the dictator's attacks on his own people.

The use of Apaches has alarmed some MPs about the prospect of an escalation in the conflict and the danger to British lives.

Nato confirmed that attack helicopters had been used for the first time overnight, saying that the targets struck included military vehicles, military equipment and field forces.

French Gazelle helicopters also took part in simultaneous attacks, it was reported.

"This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters," said operation commander Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard.

Pope flies out for Croatia visit

Pope Benedict XVI heads to Croatia this weekend with a pro-European Union message.

Benedict has long supported Croatia's attempts to join the EU, eager to have another stalwart Catholic country in the bloc alongside Italy and Poland.

Torture claim for suspects

Twelve visibly wounded suspects accused of killing a police inspector have appeared in a Zimbabwe court, and their lawyer said they were tortured repeatedly by police in jail.

Eight men and four women appeared with deep lacerations and welts on their legs and arms and swollen faces.

Worker dies in explosion

One worker is dead and six others are injured after an underground explosion rocked a suburb of the New Zealand city of Auckland.

Police communications manager Natalie Swart said the workers were about 13 feet below the ground working on a water main when the explosion took place this morning in the suburb of Onehunga.

She said it was unclear what caused the blast. Ms Swart said one of the injured men is in hospital in a critical condition.

UN's early HIV treatment call

The United Nations Aids agency called for increased funding for early treatment of HIV victims following a new study showing it could dramatically reduce the number of new infections through sexual transmission.

UNAids executive director Michel Sidibe said early treatment "is at the top of the agenda".

Police fire tear gas at protesters

Bahrain: Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators marching toward Pearl Square in the country's capital, two days after authorities lifted emergency rule.The square was the focus of weeks of Shia-led protests against the nation's Sunni rulers earlier this year.

United States: An 11-year-old girl has died after falling from a Ferris wheel at the Wildwood boardwalk in New Jersey. The cause of the accident is being investigated.