Gardaí given another 12 hours to question FitzPatrick

Gardaí have extended the period of questioning of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Seán FitzPatrick by a further 12 hours.

FitzPatrick was arrested this morning as part of a garda investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the bank.

Gardaí from the Bureau of Fraud Investigation arrested Seán Fitzpatrick at his home in Co Wicklow at half past six this morning.

The former head of Anglo, who is in his early 60s, was brought to Bray garda station for questioning.

This evening, after 12 hours of questioning, detectives have extended FitzPatrick's period of detention by 12 hours, at which stage he will have to be released or charged.

This arrest comes as part of a garda investigation, set up more than a year ago, into alleged financial irregularities at Anglo Irish Bank.