Demonstrators armed with flares interrupted Saturday night's Lotto draw while it aired live on BBC One.

The protesters, who had been in the audience, invaded the stage shortly after the programme began. A caption was placed on the screen while they were removed from the studio at BBC Television Centre.

The group known as "Fathers 4 Justice," which was previously thought to have disbanded, has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the incident.

"Tonight marks the dramatic return of Fathers 4 Justice," said group spokesperson Guy Harrison.

The Lotto draw was however not delayed; BBC One joined the pan-European live simulcast of the Eurovision Song Contest on schedule.