PSNI surveillance landmark hearing takes place in London

The judge said they had acted properly in protecting their sources in a lawful way and the PSNI later paid damages amounting to £875,000.

The journalists are arguing that there were repeated and unjustified attempts by the police to identify their sources.

They say the extent of their conduct to unmask their confidential sources has been kept secret for many years.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal often conducts its work behind closed doors.

The hearing began with legal arguments to decide whether a hearing to determine if some evidence should be heard in public or private should itself be heard in public or private.

The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London is scheduled to last four days.