The controversial Bahrain Grand Prix went ahead without disruption but British journalists were held by police elsewhere on the Gulf island.

The Bahraini government has said it is “confident” today’s Grand Prix will not be disrupted by continuing clashes between pro-democracy demonstrators and security forces.

Armoured vehicles have been deployed onto the streets of the Bahraini capital Manama following another night of clashes between police and protestors.

Ireland is to open an Embassy in the United Arab Emirates this year, it was revealed today.