Pictures from the new series of Line Of Duty has been released showing this series' new stars Stephen Graham and Rochenda Sandall in their roles.

Rumours of Graham joining the cast began circulating last year after a blurred image of the This Is England and Boardwalk Empire star was shared online.

He has now been shown in character alongside guest star Sandall in their roles as John Corbett and Lisa McQueen.

The picture released by the BBC shows the new characters looking stern, surrounded by a gang of associates in their organised crime group.

Read more: Martin Compston: Expect the unpredictable when Line Of Duty returns

They are at the command of a mysterious figure known only as "H".

Graham has previous playing crime kingpin Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire, while Sandall recently starred in Silent Witness.

Graham previously said of his casting: "It's an honour to have been asked to be part of the Line Of Duty team.

"I'm especially looking forward to working with Martin Compston and Vicky McClure again."

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The pair will be joining series regulars Greenock born Martin Compston, who plays DS Steve Arnott, McClure as DS Kate Fleming and Adrian Dunbar in the role of Superintendent Ted Hastings.

Penned by Bodyguard writer Jed Mercurio, Line Of Duty will return to BBC One with a six-part series later this year.

In an interview on ITV's Lorraine Compston said he expected the new series to air around April this year.

Line of Duty has already been commissioned for a sixth series.