Papers consider poisoned spy's death

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The death of Russian Alexander Litvinenko, a former spy, dominates the papers.

The Independent devotes it first five pages to the question on its front, "Who killed Litvinenko?"

It talks of "a life of intrigue, a death shrouded in mystery".

The Times focuses on UK intelligence agencies' claim that the death bears "the hallmarks of a 'state-sponsored' assassination".

The paper says President Putin must prove by deeds that he was not linked to Mr Litvinenko's death.

The Daily Express highlights predictions that middle Britain is about to be hammered by a series of new stealth taxes disguised as green measures.

It says they will be announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown in the run-up to Christmas.

Cross rethink

"Amen" is the Daily Mail's response to the decision by British Airways to rethink the rule that barred a check-in worker from wearing a cross.

The Sun claims it as a victory for its readers who signed a petition.

"What a deadly farce," also says the Sun of the events at Stormont, after armed loyalist paramilitary Michael Stone burst in, claiming he had a bomb.

The Guardian talks of "a miserable day that reminded Northern Ireland of the past it has escaped".

"The storming of Stormont," is how the Daily Mirror sums up the incident.

It also says lasting peace in Northern Ireland is too important to be derailed by the dramatic and dangerous protests of extremists.

Royal passengers

The Express tells how commuters did a double-take when they spotted the Queen and Prince Philip on the five o'clock train from Liverpool Street.

A spokesman for the train company, One, says the first-class carriage was full with other customers sitting within a seat or two of the royal couple.

And the Times reports how blind tenor Andrea Bocelli is pioneering the Braille CD cover.

His new album will have all the details of song titles and artists in Braille.