OIL giant BP has reported profits of £6.14bn for the half year to the end of June - up from £5.66 bn last year.

This represents profits of £1.4m an hour. Profits for the second quarter came in at £3.3 bn ahead of City forecasts, compared with £2.69 bn for the same period last year.

A results statement from the firm made no reference to the retirement of BP's much respected chief executive Lord Browne.