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British plane spotters arrested in United Arab Emirates | British plane spotters arrested in United Arab Emirates |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Three British plane spotters have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of suspicious behaviour. | Three British plane spotters have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of suspicious behaviour. |
The men from Greater Manchester and another expat have been told they were arrested because of "national security", one family member said. | The men from Greater Manchester and another expat have been told they were arrested because of "national security", one family member said. |
Conrad Clitheroe, 54, Gary Cooper, 45, and Neil Munro were reportedly taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 80 miles (130km) from Dubai. | Conrad Clitheroe, 54, Gary Cooper, 45, and Neil Munro were reportedly taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 80 miles (130km) from Dubai. |
They were arrested on 22 February. | They were arrested on 22 February. |
'Using a telescope' | |
Mr Clitheroe, from Stockport, Mr Cooper, from Reddish in Stockport and Mr Munro, originally from Manchester, are being held at Fujairah prison, Mr Clitheroe's wife Valerie said. | Mr Clitheroe, from Stockport, Mr Cooper, from Reddish in Stockport and Mr Munro, originally from Manchester, are being held at Fujairah prison, Mr Clitheroe's wife Valerie said. |
They were near Fujairah Airport where older and rarer aircraft can be seen. | They were near Fujairah Airport where older and rarer aircraft can be seen. |
A local police official said the men had been taking photographs near an airport and were using a telescope. | |
The group attracted suspicion and were taken to a police station for questioning, where their belongings were searched. | The group attracted suspicion and were taken to a police station for questioning, where their belongings were searched. |
Mrs Clitheroe said: " I have spoken to him three times since his arrest last week - he is really upset, really sorry for upsetting me. | Mrs Clitheroe said: " I have spoken to him three times since his arrest last week - he is really upset, really sorry for upsetting me. |
"They are shocked.... It is a case of national security." | "They are shocked.... It is a case of national security." |
Mr Clitheroe and Mr Cooper had been visiting their friend Mr Munro and were due to return home on the day they were arrested. | Mr Clitheroe and Mr Cooper had been visiting their friend Mr Munro and were due to return home on the day they were arrested. |
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the arrest of three British nationals in Dubai on 22 February. | A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the arrest of three British nationals in Dubai on 22 February. |
"We are providing consular assistance at this time." | "We are providing consular assistance at this time." |
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