Sierra Leone hostages "being well treated"

The British commander in Sierra Leone says the eleven British soldiers and one Sierra Leonean held hostage since Friday by a rebel group are being well treated.

Brigadier Gordon Hughes said he had made contact with his men and the kidnappers, and he was hopeful that dialogue would end the crisis.

He said the hostages are receiving food and shelter.

Some reports suggest that the militia group, known as the West Side Boys, are demanding that food and medical supplies are sent to their base in the forest, and the release of one of their commanders, known as "Bomb Blast."

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service