Spain uses first EU arrest warrant

A Swedish man has been arrested in Spain in what is thought to be the first ever use of the new European Union arrest warrant.

The man named as Michael Kurt, who is wanted in Sweden for alleged drink-driving and drugs charges, was arrested in Alicante on Wednesday.

Spanish magistrate Teresa Palacios issued the warrant against him after a request from the Swedish authorities.

Reports say Mr Kurt has agreed to be handed over.

The European arrest warrant, which came into force on 1 January, was designed to simplify extradition procedures across EU member states.

So far only eight states have adopted it: Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.