A major retailer is grappling with a severe IT disruption allegedly mounted by a notorious hacking collective demanding millions in ransom, prompting Scotland Yard to mount a formal investigation.

Nurses, teachers and council workers have threatened to strike over pay rises and cuts to services, with Labour facing criticism for appearing too soft on unions.

More than 350 publicly funded bosses now earn a higher salary than the PM, with at least 1,500 receiving more than £100,000, prompting renewed pressure on Labour to fulfil its pledge to curtail these expenses.

A television presenter has acknowledged feeling profound distress after facing serious allegations about past behaviour, emphasising that any offending comments never stemmed from malicious intent.