AVP sees the extraterrestrial species visit a Colorado town

The sequel to the 2004 original took �1.97m, beating the other new entry, Oscar-nominated No Country For Old Men, into second place.

Romantic drama PS I Love You starring Hilary Swank dropped down one place to number three.

Will Smith's futuristic thriller I Am Legend fell to four after spending three weeks at the top of the chart.

UK AND IRELAND BOX OFFICE 1. Alien vs Predator: Requiem - �1.97m 2. No Country For Old Men - �1.26m 3. PS I Love You - �1.19m 4. I Am Legend - �1.08m 5. Charlie Wilson's War - �890,000 18-20 January. Source: Screen International

Satire Charlie Wilson's War, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, dropped two places to five, with St Trinian's also falling two to six.

Family film Alvin and the Chipmunks and modern-day fairytale Enchanted took seventh and eight spots.

The Golden Compass was at nine after six weeks on the chart, bringing its total box office takings to �25.3m.