Two held over Madonna security freed

Madonna and Guy Ritchie at the christening ceremony for Rocco

DORNOCH, Scotland (Reuters) -- Two men arrested by police after what appeared to be an attempt to record the baptism of Madonna's son in Dornoch Cathedral have been released.

Police would not say if charges planned against the two had been dropped or if there would be further police action against them.

The plot involved one of them hiding for more than 24 hours in the organ loft of the dimly lit 13th century cathedral where four-month-old Rocco Ritchie was christened.

Police had said that two men aged 51 and 33 had been charged with "a number of offences" and would appear in court "at a later date."

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The 51-year-old was arrested in the cathedral an hour after the christening and the second man was picked up at a Dornoch hotel six hours later.

Police sources said a tape recorder with the baptism ceremony on it was confiscated from the first man and two black plastic bags he used as makeshift lavatories were seized as evidence. He has been charged with breach of the peace and vandalism.

Madonna's big day on Friday was strictly off limits for the press who have turned the pop icon into one of the world's most photographed women.

Three security teams, equipped with thermal heat-seeking equipment, prowled the pine forests around the Gothic-turreted Skibo Castle in search of intruders.

Three paparazzi have already been ejected from the grounds. Up to 1,000 reporters from around the world have invaded the sleepy Highland town of Dornoch.

Madonna, whose fortune is estimated at $200 million, has spurned the celebrity magazines who were seeking exclusive photos of the wedding.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Mystery over Madonna wedding
December 22, 2000
Arrest follows 'Madonna' christening
December 21, 2000

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