BBC ON THIS DAY

1980: John Lennon shot dead

Former Beatle John Lennon is shot dead by an unknown gunman who opened fire outside the musician's New York apartment.

1965: New UK race law 'not tough enough'
The new Race Relations Act comes into force today making racial discrimination unlawful in public places.

President Reagan's hand signs INF treaty

1987: Superpowers to reverse arms race
Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev sign an historic agreement to reduce the size of their nuclear arsenals.

2003: Greek terrorists convicted
The trial of 19 members of a left-wing group that killed British Brigadier Stephen Saunders three years ago comes to an end.

Headmaster Philip Lawrence is stabbed to death trying to break-up a fight outside his school

1995: Youth gang stabs head teacher to death
A head teacher dies after being stabbed outside his west London school.

1983: Television cameras allowed into Lords
Cameras will be allowed into the House of Lords after its members vote in favour of allowing live broadcasts from its chamber.

Around this Day

5 December

Top Story1977: Egypt severs ties with Arab hardliners

6 December

Top Story1975: Couple under siege in Balcombe Street

7 December

Top Story1941: Japanese planes bomb Pearl Harbor

9 December

Top Story1973: Sunningdale Agreement signed

10 December

Top Story1988: Death toll rises in Armenian earthquake

11 December