Alan Johnston tape investigated

A tape allegedly from the kidnappers of journalist Alan Johnston has been delivered to the al-Jazeera news channel.

It is believed the tape includes specific demands and shows pictures, including one apparently of Mr Johnston's BBC identity card.

A group calling itself Jaish-e-al-Islam (The Army of Islam) is said to have delivered the tape to al-Jazeera in Gaza. The BBC is investigating the contents but would not comment further.

The 44-year-old journalist has been missing for over eight weeks after he was seized at gunpoint on his way home in Gaza City on March 12

If the tape is genuine, it will be the first time Mr Johnston's kidnappers have made their demands public or had any contact with the media. Last month, the previously unheard of Tawhid and Jihad brigades claimed it had executed Mr Johnston.

The Palestinian government refuted this claim saying it had received information that he was still alive and said it was trying to organise Mr Johnston's release.

Various people have appealed for Mr Johnston to be freed, including Prime Minister Tony Blair, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour.

Mr Johnston has lived and worked in Gaza for the past three years.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.