The team, working with Dutch NGO Bontvoordieren, are understood to have been filming the killing of seals for some twenty minutes before a group of hunters approached and assaulted them - reportedly punching them to the ground and hitting them with clubs.

Their cameras and video footage were also seized in the incident, which happened about 7am this morning.

Police subsequently arrived before arresting the pair on suspicion of trespass and obstruction.

According to Jim Wickens, a seal hunter again attacked them whilst they were being held in a police vehicle.

They pair are currently being held at a local police station.

Andrew Wasley, co-director of Ecostorm, said: "We are at present working with the British High Commission in Namibia to establish the full picture and secure the release of our team. Clearly this was a violent and unwarranted attack on two journalists doing their job - gathering information and pictures of the highly secretive Namibian seal hunt."

He continued: "As well as calling for the immediate release of Jim Wickens and Bart Smithers we want the Namibian authorities to investigate the assaults and theft of equipment"

Bontvoordieren - and a growing number of international campaigners - are calling for the immediate release of the pair from police custody.

http://www.bontvoordieren.nl/

CONTACT :

Andrew Wasley (Ecostorm) +44 (0)7977 239406 info@eco-storm.com

Claudia Linssen (Bontvoordieren) +31 206766600 info@bontvoordieren.nl

www.bontvoordieren.nl/