"...we have no alternative but to issue an ‘18’ certificate to the game" this was part of a statement released today by the British Board of Film Classification and quoting David Cooke - the Director of the BBFC - which confirms that Manhunt 2 can be sold in the UK.

This statement says that the highly controversial Rockstar game, Manhunt 2, can be released in the United Kingdom with an 18 certificate.

The BBFC's decision comes after the the Video Appeals Committee (VAC) today announced it was not going to reconsider its decision to support certification of the game - which the BBFC has effectively banned by refusing to certify.

The BBFC had taken its appeal against the VAC to the High Court.

In January this year the High Court's Justice Mitting accepted the BBFC's appeal against the VAC's ruling. He had refused to provide any judgement himself, preferring instead to send the game back to the VAC with the strong advice that the Committee should reconsider its decision to grant a certificate.

According to the information we've just received, "The VAC has now reconsidered the appeal in the light of the High Court’s directions on the law but has decided, again by a majority of four to three, to allow the appeal on the basis that Manhunt 2 should be given an ‘18’ certificate.

In the light of legal advice the Board does not believe the VAC’s judgement provides a realistic basis for a further challenge to its decision and has accordingly issued an ‘18’ certificate."

The BBFC is far from happy, saying, "As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations. We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.

"However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an ‘18’ certificate to the game."

The VAC's decision comes with only weeks to go before the Byron Review into violent in video games is due to be released. It is widely expected that the review will recommend a new or significantly changed system of video game classification.

Don't forget to read our Manhunt 2 Preview right here.