Apple, which posted disappointing iPhone sales figures on Wednesday, has seen its shares fall 37% since their record high last September.

BBC: Apple eclipsed by Exxon Mobil as most valuable company

An interim report by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons, released on Wednesday, showed the institute was "making sufficient progress" since its last inspection in 2009.

BBC: Glen Parva sign

Residents in Damascus said Wednesday's attack had been the heaviest since the army re-asserted its control of the capital last month.

BBC: Chemical weapons 'excuse for US to intervene in Syria'