A female newsreader has appeared on Saudi state television without a headscarf.

The unnamed reporter was reading a piece from London for the Al Ekhbariya channel. Traditionally news readers tend to wear head scarves or some even wear veils.

Al Ekhbariya has offices in the Middle East, Europe and America.

A spokesman for Saudi radio and television is reported as saying, "She was not in a studio inside Saudi Arabia and we do not tolerate any transgression of our values and the country's systems," he added.

He promised that all measures would be taken to ensure there is no repeat of the incident after many viewers expressed outrage.

Many on Twitter meanwhile have commended the action.

It is illegal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia and Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced by the police.