Law firm Appleby is taking legal action against the BBC and the Guardian over their reporting of leaked documents detailing offshore tax-avoidance schemes, known as the Paradise Papers.

It is suing for breach of confidence and wants the documents disclosed. Appleby said confidential information had been taken in a "criminal act".

The BBC and the Guardian said they would "vigorously" defend the revelations, which were in the "highest public interest".

...About half of the 13.4m leaked documents were from Appleby, one of the world's largest providers of offshore legal services.

Appleby is also seeking a permanent injunction stopping any further use of the information, and the return of all copies of the documents. In a statement, it said its overwhelming responsibility was to its clients and colleagues.