Hopes raised for Brexit deal on Northern Ireland

A deal on post-Brexit rules for Northern Ireland could be announced in the coming days, UK and EU sources have indicated to the BBC.

It comes after plans to sign off an agreement between the UK and the EU earlier this week were delayed.

Developments are said to be moving "hour-by-hour" - and a deal could still fail to materialise.

Downing Street told reporters earlier that "intensive discussions" with the EU were ongoing.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been trying to win support for changes to post-Brexit rules for Northern Ireland, known as the protocol.

Expectations had risen earlier this week that a deal could be announced this week after more than a year of negotiations.