Liberal Egyptian editor missing

Police in Egypt are investigating the disappearance of a prominent journalist, Reda Hilal.

He was last seen in the capital, Cairo, on Monday.

The Egyptian Union of Journalists says it is very concerned about the disappearance of Mr Hilal, the deputy editor of the daily newspaper, Al-Ahram.

The BBC Arabic service says Mr Hilal was known for his liberal views, his criticism of the former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, and his support for improved relations between Egypt and Israel.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service