But the documentary still cannot be shown, pending a possible appeal.

The injunction was imposed by the High Court hours before the Inside Story documentary Supergrass was scheduled for broadcast on BBC One on 3 February.

The documentary features an interview with a key witness in the trial of two men jailed for the 1995 murders of three drug dealers.

'No increased risk'

The man, who is under witness protection, obtained an injunction just two hours before the documentary was to be shown.

The injunction stated that the programme should not reveal any physical characteristics of the plaintiff, or reveal details of his family or those living with him, or in any way identify his whereabouts.

The BBC tried unsuccessfully to overturn the injuction by telephone immediately after it was imposed by Mr Justice Poole.

In announcing his decision to overturn the ruling, Mr Justice Morland said: "I have come to the clear conclusion that no significantly increased risk to life or limb will be occasioned to the plaintiff or his family if the programme in its present state of editing, as seen by me, is broadcast."

Shot in the head

Immediate leave to appeal was denied, but lawyers for the plaintiff can present their case to the Court of Appeal if the application is made no later than Thursday.

The BBC has made plans to broadcast Supergrass on 2 March, pending the outcome of the appeal.

The documentary covers events surrounding a drugs feud that led to the deaths of Patrick Tate, 37, Anthony Tucker, 38, and Craig Rolfe, 26.

All three were shot in the head at close range as they sat in a Range Rover on an isolated track in Rettendon, Essex.