Key IRA agent revealed on the internet

The British Army and intelligence services have reportedly taken their top IRA agent into hiding after his identity was revealed on the internet.

According to British newspapers this morning, the man, known as Agent Stakeknife, was allowed by his British Army handlers to carry out between 20 and 40 murders in order to protect his cover.

As a key figure in the IRA's internal security unit he is believed to have taken part in the kidnapping, torture and execution of suspected informers.

He is also believed to have been involved in the murder of Co Louth farmer Tom Oliver in 1991.