British journalists detained in Libya

Two British journalists have been arrested in Libya, the Foreign Office has confirmed.

Nicholas Davies, a reporter, and cameraman Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, who work for Iranian-owned Press TV, are being held in Tripoli alongside two local men, the news network said on its website.

The reporters and the two others, identified only as Muhammed and Assad, were detained by members of the Misrata Brigade, and efforts are under way to secure their release, the English-language organisation added.

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A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that two British nationals have been detained. The embassy in Tripoli is providing consular assistance.” The Iranian news network, whose presenters include former MP George Galloway and Tony Blair’s sister-in-law, Lauren Booth, last month had its UK licence revoked by communications watchdog Ofcom as it was ruled that its overall control rested with Press TV International based in Tehran and not its licence holder.