Formal talks between BA and Unite broke down earlier this week.

The union representing British Airways cabin crew plans to announce strike dates later this morning, the BBC understands.

Unite has to give at least seven days' notice of any action, meaning strikes could start from Friday 19 March.

The union has pledged not to strike over Easter in the dispute over pay and staffing levels.

The announcement will come at a press conference at 1100 GMT. BA said it was "available for talks at any time".

But the BBC's business correspondent John Moylan said: "It does look like this is going to escalate later. There are always opportunities for a last-minute intervention, but the plan is to announce strike dates."

Sahil Saeed was taken by robbers after a raid on his grandmother's home

The father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan has returned home, against the wishes of the country's police, the BBC has learned.

Sahil Saeed, five, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was seized by an armed gang while staying with relatives last week.

Interior minister Rehman Malik told the BBC that police had wanted the boy's father Raja Saeed to stay as a witness.

Mr Malik has said someone " very close to the family" had taken Sahil. Mr Saeed has not been named as a suspect.

A source close to the family had told the BBC they were unaware he had left Pakistan.