Loyalist and republican prisoners could rebel against a tough new separation regime at a top security Northern Ireland jail, it was claimed today.

The separation of loyalists and republicans at a Northern Ireland prison has left staff morale at an all-time low, it was claimed tonight.

Hopes for an end to the protest at Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim were raised today when one of the four inmates climbed down off the roof.

Parts of Belfast city centre were sealed off today as police negotiated with a man on the roof of a building who claimed to be protesting at the prison conditions at Maghaberry jail.

Four prisoners were tonight staging a rooftop protest in a county Antrim jail, just days after the British government commissioned a review of prison safety.

Search procedures at a prison were under urgent review tonight after the discovery of a bomb detonator.

Radio veteran John Peel is to be the MC for a live concert spanning four continents to celebrate 70 years of the BBC World Service.