Naturally, broadcasters have been transmitting heavily edited versions of the beheading videos put out on Islamist websites in recent days.

But the unedited versions sometimes make it into newsrooms on one of the many agency video streams that flow into the building.

With so many large monitors around my newsroom, it's all to easy for someone who'd rather not see them (ie anyone with an ounce of sensitivity in their body) to catch a glimpse.

As a result, a new procedure has been introduced.

Our picture producers will tannoy a warning when gruesome pictures are expected -- and an e-mail will be sent out to all relevant newsdesks.

When this happens, anyone who doesn't want to see the images is being advised to change channels or switch off their monitors for at least ten minutes.