After considering the legal advice from the Department of Justice, the ICAC has decided to lodge an appeal in connection with the judgment over the application of Sing Tao Limited and a reporter to set aside the search warrants.

The legal representatives of the newspaper and the reporter have been notified of the impending appeal. The Department of Justice will, on behalf of the ICAC, submit a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal as soon as practicable.

Earlier today, the Court of First Instance has granted an application made by the ICAC to suspend the order to return the materials seized from the newspaper organisation and the reporter concerned, pending the filing of a notice of appeal within seven da ys.

An ICAC spokesman said: "In view of the far reaching implications of the judgment on law enforcement, the ICAC wishes to seek further ruling from the Court of Appeal."