PSNI release journalist and his wife arrested yesterday

Police in the North have released Liam Clarke, Ireland editor of the Sunday Times, and his wife, Kathryn Johnston, following their arrest yesterday in connection with the leaking of transcripts of bugged telephone conversations between Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and British officials.

The pair were released on bail today "pending further inquiries".

The transcripts of the telephone calls were included in an updated biography of Mr McGuinness being co-written by the couple.

A former RUC Special Branch officer arrested in connection with the leaks on Wednesday remains in custody.

The telephone calls were bugged by British spies while Mr McGuinness was Education Minister in the North's suspended Executive.