Kenya Frees Britons Held on Suspicion of Fighting in Somalia

Four Britons who were seized in Kenya on suspicion of fighting alongside an Islamist militia in Somalia are to return home after being handed to British authorities, the Foreign Office said last night.

The men, who were detained on the Somali border on January 20 after escaping from Ethiopian troops, were deported to Somalia on February 10.

The Foreign Office said last night they had been flown to Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and officials were facilitating their return to the UK. "These four men are in Nairobi in the care of UK officials," the spokesman said. "The consul has been to see the men, they are in good physical condition and the high commission is facilitating their return to the UK."

A Metropolitan police spokeswoman was not able to confirm whether the men would be arrested on their arrival in Britain in connection with their activities in Somalia and it remains unclear what their status will be.

When Somali troops backed by Ethiopia routed the Islamist fighters earlier this year, reports emerged that Britons had fought alongside the Islamists.

There were also claims that some financial support for the Islamist militants was coming from the UK. Kenyan police officials said at least 10 foreigners, including the Britons and two Americans were in custody after fleeing Somalia.