JUNIOR doctors on strike in Northern Ireland have apologised for the disruption caused but said they have been left with no other option.

They took to picket lines this morning for a 48-hour stoppage over pay and staff retention, and are set to stage further action in June.

The action — from 7am on Wednesday to 7am on Friday — will see doctors withdraw their labour from hospitals and GP surgeries across Northern Ireland in search of an improved pay deal.