Rebels hold police officers hostage in Iraq

Rebels have broken into a police station in western Iraq and are holding a number of officers hostage, officials said today.

Anbar province deputy governor Dhari Arkan said the Iraqi army has surrounded the police station in the town of al-Baghdadi.

He said insurgents are holed up inside and have taken police officers hostage.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Ismail, of Anbar police, confirmed the incident.

Both men said there was no immediate word on casualties.

Anbar province has been a hotbed of the insurgency for years.