As preparations for 2012 London Olympic step up in the UK capital, the traditional ceremony of lighting the Olympic flame came to a flawless end in Greece today, officially ticking the countdown to the Games. The traditional ceremony took place in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Greece, the birthplace of the Ancient Games. London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and IOC president Jacques Rogg watched performers completing the elaborate torch-lighting routine wearing ancient costume. Greek actress Ino…

Actor Sean Bean, who was arrested yesterday over claims that he harassed his former wife Georgina Sutcliffe and sent her abusive texts and calls, had his fingerprints and DNA taken before a pre-arranged interview with police officers. “A 53-year-old man attended a central London police station by appointment… where he was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries. He was arrested on suspicion of harassment”, said a Scotland Yard spokesman. The Game of Thrones…

Over 400,000 public sector workers, including police officers, immigration staff and lecturers, are expected to join the nationwide strike and march the streets today to protest over pensions, pay and jobs. The dispute over the pension was fuelled by ministers claims in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech that they are pressing ahead with their controversial reforms. Unions leaders say the changes will leave workers paying more and working longer for lower pensions. However, government insists that current pension…