Two British nationals arrested in Lebanon after two children abducted
TWO British nationals have been arrested in Lebanon in connection with the abduction of two children.
Two Britons arrested on suspicion of kidnapping
Lebanese authorities have detained four Australians – including journalists – on suspicion of being involved in the abduction of two children in Beirut.
A British citizen has been arrested on suspicion of planning to smuggle the children out of Lebanon on his boat, according to reports.
The Britons were arrested in Beirut, Lebanon
A second Briton, with dual Australian nationality, is believed to also have been detained by police.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are providing consular assistance to two British nationals following their arrest in Beirut on April 7."
The five are being probed over the kidnapping of the son and daughter of a Lebanese man, Ali el-Amien, and Australian woman, Sally Faulkner.
Three Australians were also arrested
Police say the children’s Lebanese grandmother, Ibtissam Berri, was attacked as she was taking the pair to school near their home in the Lebanon capital.
Speaking about the incident Ms Berri said: “They were faster than lighting. One hit me on the head with a pistol butt, knocking me down on the road
“I held the boy and started screaming 'They are kidnapping the children.' No one helped me.”
It is believed Ms Faulkner recently came to Lebanon to try and gain custody of two children, Noah, three, and Lahela, five.
At first, police said the mother and children were at the Australian Embassy.
The incident allegedly happened following a family despute
But later the Lebanese officials declared the mother was detained and was being held by police with her children.
The Australian journalists work for Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes.
The children were found safe and well but police did not say where they were found.