'Ghost ships' sail through Channel

The first of the highly-contaminated US warships at the centre of an environmental row are to pass through the English Channel today.

The two so-called "ghost ships" are due to arrive in Hartlepool on Wednesday, where they were to be scrapped.

However, it is unlikely they will now be dismantled in the UK after the firm planning to do the job was told it would be flouting international law.

The ships may eventually be returned to America.