BBC journalists released after Eire arrests

Four BBC journalists arrested in the Republic of Ireland on Sunday have been released without charge.

They were held under the country's Offences Against the State Act by Gardai, Irish police, investigating paramilitary activity.

Gardai and the BBC today confirmed the group had been released. Seven men arrested with them remain in custody.

The BBC said its employees were working on a current affairs investigation, thought to be for BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight, which is linked to Panorama. They had editorial authority and those arrested with them knew they were journalists, the corporation said.

Gardai questioned the journalists at stations close to the border with Northern Ireland in County Donegal. A garda spokeswoman said yesterday: "The arrests relate to ongoing investigations into paramilitary activity."