British news presenter George Alagiah is battling bowel cancer.

The revered journalist, 58, will take a break from his duties helming the Bbc's flagship News at Six and News at Ten programmes while he undergoes treatment.

A statement from the network reads, "He is grateful for all the good wishes he has received thus far and is optimistic for a positive outcome.

"George asks that he and his family are given the space and privacy they require whilst he recovers. Our thoughts are with him and his family and we send them our very best wishes during this time."