The Police to play free show in Cuba

Reformed rockers The Police have accepted an invitation to play a free show in Cuba at the end of the year.

The group was invited to play its first concerts in Cuba by the communist country's government, and now they are keen to play there in December.

In a statement, the band said: "We initiated discussions of a free concert in Havana as an expression of gratitude to Cuban fans who have supported The Police throughout the years.

"It was in this spirit that a Christmas season concert in Havana was conceived. While planning details are currently underway, it is the band's intention to put on a free show in Havana this December."

The Police kick off their 30th anniversary reunion tour in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on May 28.

Tickets for The Police's gig at Croke Park in Dublin later this year have sold out in just less than two hours this morning.