British journalist could be freed 'within hours'

Hopes were rising that British journalist Yvonne Ridley could be released from Afghanistan some time today after her employers said she could be freed ‘‘within hours rather than days’’.

The Taliban told the British High Commission in Islamabad yesterday that the 43-year-old mother-of-one was to be set free, but did not say when.

But a spokesman for Express Newspapers, speaking after the news was released, said: ‘‘We have been told that it is likely that Yvonne will be off Afghan soil within hours rather than days and we look forward to welcoming her home to the Sunday Express.’’

He added: ‘‘We are thrilled that Yvonne is on her way home and would like to thank all those who have helped make this possible.

‘‘In particular, we are grateful to the Foreign Office and aid agencies as well as to the Taliban Government for making possible this happy outcome.

‘‘Richard Desmond, owner of Express Newspapers, has personally supervised the company’s part in helping bring Yvonne home and was instrumental in the decision to send senior representation to Islamabad to lend support.

The Foreign Office said yesterday it did not yet know when Ms Ridley was to be released as the Taliban had not confirmed the timing.

Ms Ridley’s father Allan said he had not heard reports that his daughter could be released within hours rather than days.

The family still knows from the Foreign Office only that the Taliban has said the reporter will be freed, but has no information about when that will happen.

Mr Ridley today told reporters: ‘‘There are too many conflicting reports, we just listen to what the Foreign Office say.’’