Taliban minister says Yvonne Ridley is free

Yvonne Ridley has been freed, say the Taliban.

Information Minister Qatradullah Jamal has made the announcement in Kabul.

He says the Sunday Express journalist has not left Kabul yet.

"Today she has been released. She is free," he said.

Ms Ridley's parents, Allan and Joyce, who live in West Pelton, Co Durham, say they can not comment until they know for sure that their daughter is safe.

A family spokesman said: "There's been too may false confirmations. They want to know she's safely across the border before they say anything."