BBC investigative reporter Paraic O'Brien joins Channel 4 News

Channel 4 News has appointed BBC London investigative journalist Paraic O'Brien as its newest reporter, as part of a series of changes to the flagship news bulletin.

O'Brien will join Channel 4's London-based newsroom, being responsible for reporting on stories across the editorial agenda.

He will particularly be tasked with covering stories with "insight, analysis and distinctive character", as well as engage viewers through social media channels.

Working in television news for over ten years, O'Brien has most recently worked at the BBC, covering a variety of stories for the corporation's news channels, including the rioting in England and the Pope meeting victims of clerical abuse. He joined the BBC as a trainee in 2001 and has also worked in a reporting role on Radio 4.

"Channel 4 News still manages to surprise. It surprises with its scoops, it surprises with its storytelling," said O'Brien.

"It's a fantastic time to be joining the programme, and I'll be looking to tell stories with the creativity and character that Channel 4 News' remit allows and indeed, encourages."

Channel 4 News editor Jim Gray said: "The reporter role at Channel 4 News is a demanding one – requiring the versatility to apply distinctive, memorable journalism across the editorial agenda to domestic stories, and on occasion, beyond.

"We think Paraic's tremendous on-screen presence and proven skill for investigation means he will fit the bill perfectly."

O'Brien is the latest name to join Channel 4 this year, following the arrival of Jackie Long as social affairs editor, Morland Sanders as North of England correspondent, and Matt Frei as Washington correspondent.

Other changes have included Cathy Newman becoming the third main presenter alongside Jon Snow and Krishnan Guru-Murthy, while Liam Dutton joined the team this month as Channel 4's first ever weather presenter.