THE LIBERTINES - THE LIBERTINES LP LEAKED ONTO INTERNET

THE LIBERTINES have suffered another major blow as they re-group following co-frontman PETE DOHERTY's forced hiatus from the band - their new album's been leaked onto the internet.

Fans have reportedly been able to download the British outfit's eponymous follow-up to 2002's UP THE BRACKET since the weekend (03/04JUL04) - seven weeks ahead of its 30 August (04) release date.

It's believed a music insider with access to the mastered copy of the band's CD is to blame for its availability on the web.

The bad news comes just days after Doherty was kicked out of the group's forthcoming tour as he battles his ongoing drug addiction.

A representative for The Libertines says, "There are perhaps 1,000 kids who'll get their hands on it before it comes out.

"And they'll be the real diehard fans, the ones who'll probably buy it again anyway for all the artwork."