Image caption The couple said they had sought asylum in Canada from murderous "Hollywood star whackers"

Actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi have been released from an immigration detention centre in Vancouver.

The actor and his wife, arrested last week on US warrants for vandalism charges, were freed after Evi Quaid was declared a Canadian citizen.

The pair's lawyer told Canadian media Mrs Quaid's father was born there.

The case stems from a dispute over a California house the couple once owned and were last month accused of illegally occupying.

The Quaids fled to Vancouver, where they were arrested on Thursday after missing a court appearance in California.

They sought asylum status in Canada, saying they were being pursued by murderous "star whackers" who had killed eight of their friends from Hollywood.

Mr Quaid, 60, is best known for his roles in The Last Picture Show, Independence Day and National Lampoon's Vacation, and for being the older brother of actor Dennis.