Africa

Pistorius trial nears close, as a date is set for final arguments

Lawyers defending Oscar Pistorius on charges of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp have rested their case, heralding the final stages of the high-profile trial that has gripped South Africa for months.

Asia

Super typhoon strikes Japan and neighbouring countries

Powerful typhoon Neoguri has lashed Japan’s southern Okinawa islands, forcing over half a million people to seek shelter, as the region’s worst storm in years damaged buildings, downed trees and brought air and sea traffic to a halt.

Taiwan police bust racing pigeon kidnapping ring

Five people have been arrested in northern Taiwan for allegedly kidnapping dozens of racing pigeons for ransom, police say.

Europe

Teen dies in rollercoaster fall

A teenager from Iceland plunged to his death from a soaring rollercoaster ride called “Inferno” at an amusement park in eastern Spain’s tourist resort of Benidorm, officials say.

Former winner Schleck out of Tour de France

An injured knee has seen 2010 Tour de France winner Andy Schleck pull out of this year’s race after just three stages.