Saddam Hussein captured in Iraq - report

Reports are coming in that Saddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq.

The reports, from the Iran News Agency and an Iraqi Kurdish leader, claim he's been arrested in Tikrit.

There has been no confirmation from the US Defence Department or Britain's Ministry of Defence.

"Saddam Hussein was arrested in his hometown of Tikrit," the agency IRNA quoted top Iraqi leader Jalal Talabani as saying. It gave no further details.

The reports have sparked celebrations by hundreds of people in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.

In Baghdad, a US spokeswoman told reporters that a "very important" announcement would be made at a news conference scheduled for 3pm local time (12.00 Irish time) but did not say who would be the speaker.

In Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, rumours that the former dictator was in custody were making the rounds, but reporters attached to the 4th Infantry Division, the US unit in charge of security in the area, said there was no unusual activity there overnight or early today.

"We are celebrating like it's a wedding," said Mustapha Sheriff, a resident of Kirkuk. "We are finally rid of that criminal." This is the joy of a lifetime," said Ali Al-Bashiri, another Kirkuk resident. "I am speaking on behalf of all the people that suffered under his rule."

Saddam, who ruled Iraq for 23 years until April, has been a fugitive with a $25m (€20m) bounty on his head.

Rumours about Saddam's capture or death periodically surface, and a hotline set up by the occupation authorities for tips on his whereabouts is flooded with callers.