UK launches first Syria air strikes

RAF Tornado jets have carried out their first air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The strikes came hours after MPs voted in favour of UK air strikes in Syria.

They backed the action by 397 votes to 223 after a 10-hour debate in the House of Commons.

Four Tornado jets took off from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, shortly after the vote.

Two of the four Tornados landed back in Cyprus just over three hours later, shortly before 03:00 GMT.

BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said they had left RAF Akrotiri with three 500lb Paveway bombs each and returned to base without those weapons.

The Ministry of Defence is expected to give details of their targets later on Thursday, he added.

Following the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron said MPs had "taken the right decision to keep the country safe" but opponents said the move was a mistake.

A total of 66 Labour MPs sided with the government as Mr Cameron secured a larger than expected Commons majority.