Czech bootleg alcohol kills seven Published duration 11 September 2012

image caption The poisonous spirit was made from methanol

Seven people in the Czech Republic have died after drinking poisonous bootleg alcohol, officials have said.

The spirits were made from industrial chemical methanol and a further 22 people have been hospitalised for alcohol poisoning.

Police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the deaths.

Authorities have started a sweep of restaurants, bars, off-licences and shops across the country, in order to find the source of the drink.

The BBC's correspondent in Prague, Rob Cameron, says those poisoned were taken ill after drinking what they thought was vodka and rum bought in supermarkets and shops.