News

Three British planespotters are being detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being accused of breaching "national security".

Conrad Clitheroe, 53, his friend Gary Cooper, 45, and their former colleague, ex-pat Neil Munro, have been held since 21 February, Clitheroe's wife said.

The trio were reportedly stopped by an off-duty policeman while taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 80 miles from Dubai.

The are understood to be held at Fujairah prison on suspicion of a "national security offence", with the Dubai public prosecution is dealing with the case.

Mrs Clitheroe, from Stockport, Greater Manchester said she fears for her husband's health, after he raised concern in telephone calls.

"He goes for regular check ups and takes quick a lot of medication which will have run out now," he said.

Councillors and senior public officials could go to prison for up to five years if they fail to protect children from sexual exploitation, under new plans being considered by the government.

Under the proposals, being considered by David Cameron and currently subject to consultation, the crime of "wilful neglect" will be extended to cover children's social care and education.

Individuals and organisations found to have let children down could also face unlimited fines if the plans are passed into law.

The measures have been announced as the Prime Minister chairs a child protection summit of police officials and local authorities at Downing Street after a series of damning reports detailed the sexual exploitation of up to 1,4000 children over many years in Rotherham.

Child sex abuse has been has been prioritised as a "national threat", putting it on a par with serious and organised crime and meaning police forces, chief constables and police and crime commissioners have a duty to collaborate with each other across boundaries to safeguard children.

The measures come as a serious case review into on child sexual exploitation in Oxford is expected to show opportunities were missed to prevent the abuse.

Read: Councils reveal extent of child sexual exploitation

Dave Mackay, a former Tottenham Hostpur, Derby County, Hearts and Scotland footballer, has died aged 80.

Spurs confirmed the news in an official statement on their website, saying that the ex-midfielder passed away at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham on Monday.

Mackay won the double with Tottenham during an illustrious playing career, and later won the league with Derby as a manager.

He also represented Scotland 22 times, and was described by George Best as: “The hardest man I have ever played against – and certainly the bravest.”