Six O'Clock News

Swiss officials say they believe the fire that killed 40 people in a bar in Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations was "caused by sparklers attached to champagne bottles."

Officials in Switzerland say around 40 people have been killed, after a fire broke out in a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. 115 people were injured; many of them are being treated in specialist burns and respiratory units across the country. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, but the region's chief prosecutor said there was "no question" of an attack. At a briefing this afternoon the Swiss President - Guy Parmelin - said this was "one of the worst tragedies" his country had experienced.

Queen Camilla has praised the courage of BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his family - after his wife, Carol, and two daughters, Louise and Hannah, were killed by Louise's ex-partner.Israel's ban on almost 40 aid agencies working in Gaza and the West Bank is described as "unacceptable" by countries including the UK. The Israelis say the organisations must vet their staff more thoroughly.Plus: our political editor Chris Mason reflects on the prospects for Labour and the Prime Minister in 2026.

Thousands of travellers have their New Year plans disrupted by a power failure that closed the Channel Tunnel. Alaa Abd El-Fattah, the British-Egyptian activist who apologised yesterday for historical social media posts, is alleged to have endorsed new claims that he is the victim of a "smear campaign" initiated by Zionists and spies. Plus the world's oldest professional footballer – 58-year-old Kazuyoshi Miura in Japan – joins a new club.

The Conservatives call on the Home Secretary to take action over the British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who has apologised for past tweets about killing Zionists and the police. Also: Russia revises its stance on peace negotiations, after accusing Ukraine of targeting one of President Putin's official residences. And the next instalment in our series about next year's local and devolved elections in England, Scotland and Wales.