Dr Paul Goldwater, from the Women and Children's Hospital in North Adelaide, said that a recent rise in cot deaths in the state of Victoria - despite the "back to sleep" advice - raised question marks over its true role in the fall in sudden infant death.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Infant death 'doubts' challenged

Despite the reduction in deaths from paracetamol, the study found there had been no decline in overdose cases after 1998.

BBC: Fall in paracetamol deaths 'linked to pack limits'

The Association of Chief Police Officers says it will not review Tasers or pepper spray use at this stage despite three deaths in eight days.

BBC: Taser and pepper spray review ruled out by police

The study also found that motorcyclists were 30 times more likely to die in crashes than car drivers and made up one in six of all road deaths - despite accounting for only 1% of all miles travelled.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Derbyshire | Peak road 'death trap for bikers'

"In north Wales, despite their campaign the deaths have gone up, " he said.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Speed camera fines show 70% rise

Despite the decline in total cancer deaths, lung cancer death rates continue to rise among women in all EU countries.

BBC: Lung cancer 'overtaking breast cancer in European women'

Dr Harper defended her decision on January 7 to release the figures for deaths in Northern Ireland from swine flu, despite stating two hours previously that these figures were unavailable.

BBC: Health Committee

Other figures out recently show that cancer deaths have reached their highest number in almost 20 years, despite a fall in mortality rates for the disease.

BBC: Cancer 'changes outlook on life'

In Darfur, Sudan, despite a peace agreement the fighting and the deaths continue.

NPR: Doctor Describes Scene in Darfur

But despite the change in approach, Nato has been repeatedly forced to apologise over causing civilian deaths in recent years.

BBC: UN report of Afghan child casualties false, says Isaf