Man held in Ireland over murder 14 years ago

A man has been detained after a European arrest warrant was issued for a murder in Ireland 14 years ago, police said today.

Ian Bailey will appear at the High Court in Dublin today in connection with the death in west Cork of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, 39.

Bailey was arrested at his home near Schull in west Cork just before midnight last night and is being held in garda custody.

This is the third time he has been arrested in connection with the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier, who was beaten to death outside her isolated holiday home at Toormore near Schull in west Cork two days before Christmas 1996.

Bailey has denied involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier's death.

Two years ago investigating Magistrate Patrick Gachon was appointed by authorities in Paris to conduct his own inquiry under French law into the film maker's death, after the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland announced that nobody would be charged arising from the garda investigation.

The European arrest warrant executed by detectives from the extradition section at Garda headquarters in Dublin was sought by Judge Gachon's investigation.

Mr Bailey arrived at Bandon garda station at 1.15am this morning.

He is expected to challenge any move to bring him before Judge Gachon's investigation in France.