World News: Riot police fire tear gas in attack on protest camp

Bahrain riot police firing tear gas and wielding clubs stormed a landmark square occupied by anti-government protesters early today, driving out demonstrators and destroying the makeshift encampment that became the hub for demands to bring sweeping political changes to the kingdom.

The main opposition group Al Wefaq said at least two people were killed in the pre-dawn assault on Pearl Square in the capital Manama, which was littered with flattened tents, trampled banners and broken glass.

There was no official word on deaths or injuries, but hospitals reported dozens of people with wounds and respiratory problems.

Hours after police retook control of the plaza, the tiny island nation was in lockdown mode. Police checkpoints were set up along main roadways and armed patrols moved through neighbourhoods in an apparent attempt to thwart any mass gatherings.

Barbed wire was put up around Pearl Square and a message from the Interior Ministry declared the protest camp "illegal". The air still carried the smell of tear gas more than four hours after the assault.

Serbia calls for UN probe

Serbia has urged the UN Security Council to launch an international investigation into claims that Kosovo rebels led by the man who is now prime minister trafficked in human organs before, during and after the country's 1999 war for secession.

A December report by the Council of Europe claimed that Hashim Thaci was once the head of a criminal organisation behind the organ trade during the 1998-99 war against Serbia.

President takes tough stance

Uganda's president says he will jail anyone who tries to spark Egypt-style unrest in the country amid elections today that are widely expected to see him extend his 25-year grip on power.

"There will be no Egyptian-like revolution here," Yoweri Museveni said. "That is out of the question."

Money found for RoboCop

A group working to build a 7ft statue of 1980s fictional crime-fighting cyborg RoboCop in Detroit, Michigan, said it has reached its fundraising goal of 31,000.

The next step is convincing mayor Dave Bing and city chiefs. "I am very positive that it's going to happen," organiser Brandon Walley said.

Berlusconi: 'I'm not worried'

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has said he is not worried about his impending prostitution trial or calls for his resignation.

The 74-year-old leader is accused of paying for sex with a 17-year-old Moroccan girl then using his influence to cover it up.

TB outbreak is blamed on elephant

United States: A TB outbreak among workers at a Tennessee elephant sanctuary has been blamed on one of the pachyderms.

The TB spread to eight employees, a report by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said.

China: Animal activists say a magic trick with synchronised goldfish swimming for the Lunar New Year may have involved abuse including implanted magnets and urged state TV not to show it.