Three British plane spotters have been arrested in Dubai and are being held in prison.
Conrad Clitheroe, 53, and his friend Gary Cooper, 45, have been detained along with their former work colleague, expat Neil Munro, since February 21, according to Mr Clitheroe's wife Valerie.
The trio were reportedly taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 80 miles from Dubai.
They were stopped by an off-duty policeman and were accused of committing a "national security offence".
It is understood the men are being held at Fujairah prison and the case is being dealt with by Dubai public prosecution.
Mr Clitheroe's wife says her husband is forced to share a cell with more than 20 men.
He was originally due to fly home on February 22 following a planned four-day trip.
She said: "We were just totally shocked when we heard and couldn't believe it was true.
"He's really choked up every time I've spoken to him. They're trying to help each other but it's difficult not knowing.
"They would never do anything that would risk national security. They weren't taking pictures. They didn't realise plane spotting was such an issue."
She has spoken to her husband three times on the telephone since his arrest and is worried about the state of his health.
"He's got high blood pressure and a heart murmur," she said. "He goes for regular check ups and takes quite a lot of medication which will have run out now."
One solicitor had told her it would cost her $30,000 (£20,000) for just one visit.
The charity Detained in Dubai has now intervened and is seeking the release of the three men.
Its founder Radha Stirling said: "All three friends have a shared hobby of plane spotting and were keen to see Fujairah airport, where many older and rarer aircrafts can be seen.
"The practice is legal in the UAE though not widely understood, nor appreciated by authorities."
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said: "We can confirm the arrest of three British nationals in Dubai on 22 February. We are providing consular assistance at this time."
It is not the first time British plane spotters have got into trouble abroad. In 2010, two men were arrested in India after asking for a hotel room overlooking a civilian runway. In 2001, 12 spotters were held in Greece for taking photos at an air show.
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