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Islamic State releases second video appearing to show British journalist John Cantlie

By PA Mediapoint

Islamic extremists have released a new propaganda video appearing to feature British hostage John Cantlie.

The clip – the second showing the journalist to be circulated by Islamic State militants in less than a week – emerged in the early hours of this morning, according to reports.

SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors Jihadist groups, described the latest footage as the "first episode" in a series involving Cantlie speaking about the group.

The clip, which lasts for almost six minutes, follows a similar pattern to the first video featuring the photojournalist, showing him sitting at a desk dressed in the now-familiar orange outfit worn by other IS hostages.

Cantlie looks calm and appears to be reciting a prepared script. It does not show any of his captors and features no threats to kill.

The clip is introduced with the title Lend Me Your Ears and Messages From The British Detainee John Cantlie before the Briton appears on screen.

Last week a video surfaced showing Cantlie in a similar setting saying he would speak about IS in future videos.

Both videos appear to be well-produced, with good quality sound and lighting.

Links of the video posted on Youtube appeared to have been removed.

Cantlie has worked for newspapers including The Sunday Times.

British news organisations intially held back from naming Cantlie following guidance issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. All have now, however, including the Mirror, which initially said it would not.

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