World News: Massive terrorist blast rips through cafe in Marrakech

It is understood 15 people were killed, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a Briton was among the dead, and at least 23 wounded in the blast a few minutes before noon in Djemaa el-Fna square yesterday.

It is the country's deadliest attack in eight years.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the British ambassador was travelling to Marrakech, although he gave no immediate confirmation of British casualties.

The explosion blew much of the facade off the two-storey Argana cafe. Panicked passers-by dragged away bodies and tried to put out flames.

At least two French nationals were among the casualties, although it was not immediately clear whether they were dead or wounded.

Andy Birnie, of north London, who is on his honeymoon, witnessed the blast. He said: "There was a huge bang and there was debris raining down from the sky. Hundreds of people were running in panic. We had just walked into the square, but were shielded by some stalls."

Kelly Gibbons and Daniel Hinton collect some of their belongings after a severe tornado ripped through the town of Tuscaloosa in Alabama, killing dozens of people.

Six dead after suicide bomb

A SUICIDE bomber has blown himself up in the eastern Iraqi town of Baladruz, killing at least six people and injuring 15, officials say.

The bomber targeted a mosque in the town, 90km north-east of Baghdad in Diyala province. The attack took place soon after evening prayers.

Air strike kills Libyan rebels

At least 11 rebel fighters have been killed in a Nato air strike in the besieged Libyan port city of Misrata.

Witnesses said a Nato warplane had carried out the bombing.

Nato said it had carried out a strike but could not confirm rebel vehicles were hit.

The port is a vital lifeline, permitting aid deliveries and refugee evacuations, but these have been disrupted as the city has been besieged by Colonel Gaddafi's forces.

Death penalty for Bahrain four

A BAHRAIN military court has sentenced four Shiias to death for the killing of two policemen during anti-government demonstrations last month.

Yesterday's convictions are the first related to the anti-government demonstrations staged by Bahrain's Shiia majority since February.

Holmes settles drug claim case

Actress Katie Holmes has reached a settlement in her $50 million defamation lawsuit against Star magazine after being falsely accused of being a drug addict. Star apologised and said it was making a "substantial donation" to a dance group supported by the actress.

Couple admit kidnap and rape of girl

California: A couple have pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a girl when she was 11 and holding her captive for 18 years. Phillip Garrido, who had two children with Jaycee Dugard, could be sentenced to 430 years in jail. Wife Nancy faces 36 years in prison.

Argentina: Authorities have detained a Colombian accused of being the brains behind submarines used to smuggle drugs to the US. Ignacio Alvarez Meyendorff denies the allegations.