The day in pictures - 12th December 2012
London, England
A London policeman in a helicopter snapped this stunning sunset image as freezing fog caused travel disruption - and sniffles - across the capital.
Seoul, South Korea
Anti-North Korean protesters in Seoul, South Korea, burnt a mock North Korean missile, its flag and an effigy of Kim Jong-Un during a protest against the North's rocket launch.
Dusseldorf, Germany
Clocks in Dusseldorf prepare to mark the passing of 12:12 on 12/12/12.
Vatican City, Vatican
Pope Benedict XVI's Twitter adventure got off to a shaky start today as TV images appeared to show him fail his first attempt at tweeting.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan's economy contracted for a second straight quarter in July-September, revised government data showed this week.
Ardeley, England
Some 200 turkeys at a Hertfordshire farm are due to be slaughtered in time for Christmas day.