Six O'Clock News

Rescue teams from around the world, including the UK arrive in Venezuela where tens of thousands of people are missing after 2 powerful earthquakes on Wednesday. Hundreds of people are confirmed to have died. Also: The record for the hottest June day in the UK has been broken for a third day in a row, and BBC Radio 4 prepares to broadcast on Long Wave for the final time.

Rescuers in Venezuela are searching the rubble in the capital, Caracas where more than 100 buildings have collapsed after a double earthquake hit the country last night. 164 people have died and almost 1000 other people have been injured. The record for the hottest day recorded in the UK in June has been broken for a second day in a row, with 36.7 celsius recorded in Somerset. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says she'll back Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister, despite speculation that he would demote her to a junior position in the cabinet.

Hundreds of mothers and babies suffered serious injury or died because of systemic failures at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust according to the biggest maternity inquiry in the history of the NHS. Also: The Met Office says the June temperature record has been broken. And scientists find sperm whales have regional accents.

Many schools across England and Wales were partially or fully closed today, with more set to shut tomorrow, as temperatures continue to rise. Also: The former SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, is jailed for five years for embezzlement. And the Reflecting Pool in Washington is set to be drained as President Trump again blames vandals for its condition.

After less than two years as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after accepting he no longer has the support of his MPs. Also: The former DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, is found guilty of child sex offences, including rape. And the Met Office issues a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales.

Sir Keir Starmer is pondering his political future tonight amid growing expectations he will resign as Prime Minister -- with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow. The US vice-president, J D Vance, has hailed the start of talks with Iran in Switzerland as "historic". The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning -- saying temperatures could reach the high 30s in parts of England and Wales in the coming days.

Iran's military says it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz -- in response to Israel's continued strikes on southern Lebanon. Israel launched a wave of attacks this morning -- just hours after agreeing a ceasefire with Hezbollah -- saying it was responding to the firing last night of dozens of projectiles by the Iran-backed group. President Trump had said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping as part of the framework peace deal agreed between the US and Iran, and signed three days ago.

Police say nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital after yesterday's fatal train crash near Bedford. A train driver was killed and scores of passengers were injured when one East Midlands Railway passenger service ran into the back of another.

Counter terrorism police are investigating a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks that left five men injured in Edinburgh last night. Officers say they have arrested a 36-year-old white Scottish man.

The Transport Secretary urges Sir Keir Starmer to hand over power, after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Also: A fragile ceasefire begins between Israel and Hezbollah. And Italy hits back after President Trump claims it's Prime Minister begged him for a photo.

A teacher from Blackpool who sexually abused and murdered a baby he'd adopted is told he will never be released from jail. Also: A man has been arrested for attempted murder after a seriously injured boy was found in a crocodile enclosure in a zoo in Cambridgeshire. And a pendant featuring a carved portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first is to be sold at auction in the UK.

Campaigning is nearing its climax in the constituency of Makerfield in what is being viewed as one of the most consequential parliamentary by-elections ever held. Also: President Trump has warned that he is ready to resume military action if Iran doesn't abide by its obligations. And the BBC announces details of its latest round of cuts.