Pirates: Just give us expenses and we could free British couple

The pirates holding British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler hostage have reduced their ransom demands.

They originally wanted $7 million (£4.5 million) but they have now suggested they might release the couple if they can recoup their expenses.

Ali Gedow, one of the pirates holding the Chandlers near the Somali coastal town of Harardhere, put that figure at about $2 million (£1.3 million).

He said it includes the cost of 150 guards watching them, vehicle rental and food.
British-based Somalis have called for the release of Mr Chandler, 60, and his wife, 56.

The couple from Tunbridge Wells were seized on 23 October as they sailed from the Seychelles to Tanzania.

Ridwaan Haji Abdiwali, of satellite station Universal TV, said: "Since Somalis began pressuring them it seems they are reducing their demands."