BBC film 'disturbed polar bears'

A film-maker who shot a BBC documentary about polar bears could be fined up to £5,700 after Norwegian authorities said his methods disturbed the wild animals.

Jason Roberts was making The Polar Bear Family and Me, in which bears were filmed from a clear plastic hide.

One attacked the box and the Svalbard islands' deputy governor said the crew broke regulations because they looked "like they are disturbing the animals".

Mr Roberts said he had "never bothered, disturbed or injured" the bears.

Mr Roberts was named as associate producer on the series, which was fronted by cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan and broadcast on BBC Two in January.

Svalbard deputy governor Lars Erik Alfheim said he had sent a letter to Mr Roberts informing him he could be fined up to 50,000 kroner (£5,700) under the province's environmental protection act.