Palestinian President: Johnston is alive

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, believes kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston is alive, he has said.

Earlier this week a little-known political group in the country claimed it had killed the Gaza correspondent who has been missing for more than a month.

But, speaking to reporters in Stockholm, Abbas commented: "Yes, I believe he is still alive. Our intelligence services have confirmed to me that he’s alive."

His father Graham welcomed the message: “That’s good news, that’s really good news. The other day was the worst day of my life.

“This is the news I’ve been waiting to hear and I don’t think the Palestinian president would say this unless he was convinced it was true.

“But we still don’t have proof of life. That’s what I want desperately. It’s been nearly six weeks now."