The Sun apologises for article about investigator who travelled from Turkey to Paris without a passport

'We have since learned we were misled'

The Sun's spread on the journalist's supposed journey (The Sun)

The Sun has issued an apology for its article headlined "6 days to terror" written by a journalist who claimed to have smuggled himself from Turkey to Paris without using a passport.

The story said the path he took was similar to the route used by some of those responsible for the terror attacks in Paris, and by many refugees.

However, the Croatian Interior Ministry said it had proof parts of the story were made up and published a scan of Emile Ghessen's passport as proof.

"We have since learned that we were misled about his conduct during his journey," The Sun writes in its clarification.

"Contrary to what we were told, and published, Mr Ghessen used his passport to enter and leave the Croatian city of Zagreb. This has been confirmed by the Croatian authorities."

The newspaper now says it believes Mr Ghessen made use of his passport at other border points within Europe.

"We also now believe that he made use of his passport at the other border points within Europe. His story did not, therefore, demonstrate that the borders of Europe had lax controls."

It added: "We apologise for publishing misleading information. We have now changed our policy regarding the use of freelance journalists in stories such as these."