Channel 4's Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off air for insulting minister

Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been taken off air for a week by Channel 4 News after he was recorded using an offensive insult about a government minister.

Guru-Murthy apologised "unreservedly" to Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker on Wednesday.

The presenter used a strong swear word in an off-air remark after what he described as a "robust interview".

On Thursday, Channel 4 said it has a strict code of conduct for employees and "takes any breaches seriously".

Following his remarks being picked up on social media, Guru-Murthy tweeted: "After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.

"While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly. I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry."

It is understood Guru-Murthy will not return to Channel 4 News before 4 November due to an additional pre-existing week of leave.