A virtual massacre has robbed an online fantasy world of its greatest heroes. Hackers exploited a loophole in the sign-on systems for the popular online game Diablo II to hijack and kill many of its most powerful characters.

A Dutch teenager has been arrested for allegedly stealing virtual furniture from "rooms" in Habbo Hotel, a 3D social networking website. The 17-year-old is accused of stealing 4,000 euros (£2,840) worth of virtual furniture, bought with real money. Five 15-year-olds have also been questioned by police, who were contacted by the website's owners.