British journalists released after three weeks held in Libya

Two British journalists held in Libya after they were accused of spying have been freed, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed.

Nicholas Davies-Jones and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, who had been working as freelancers for the Iranian state-owned Press TV, were captured by militia on 22 February.

The Foreign Office said in a statement last night: "We welcome the release of the two British journalists who have recently been detained in Libya.

"Foreign Office officials are providing them with consular assistance which we have done throughout. The men are in the care of consular staff, they are well and look forward to being reunited with their families soon."

Montgomery-Johnson's sister Melanie Gribble told BBC Radio 5 Live she was called by her brother last night to say he had arrived at the British embassy and that the pair were looking forward to coming home.

She said: "One day you'd get a bit of positive news heading in the right direction, and then two or three days where you just thought this is not going anywhere at all. It's been a trial."

In a video clip recorded by the militia last week, the journalists said they were in good condition. Montgomery-Johnson said in the video: "We are sorry for causing any inconvenience. We love Libya and we came here to film its struggle for freedom and report the news."

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