British ex-soldier detained in Abu Dhabi prison after refusing to board flight over fears there was bomb on-board

An Army veteran from Stockport has been detained in Abu Dhabi after refusing to board a plane over fears there may be a bomb on-board, according to his worried family.

Steve Long's family said they fear for the former North West Ambulance Service paramedic's mental health.

The 39-year-old father-of-four, from Offerton, served tours of Iraq and Bosnia and worked closely with bomb disposal unit. He flew out to the United Arab Emirates to visit a friend for three weeks in January.

READ MORE:Judge rules in favour of Andy Burnham's major bus reform

His visit coincided with an apparent terrorist drone strike on the capital Abu Dhabi, in which three people died and six were injured.

Steve has no history of mental health illness, but his family said concerns for him grew following the attack. His sister Clare Carrie, 37, a nurse from Offerton, said the plan was to fly Steve back home, but he was held at Abu Dhabi International airport ahead of his flight then charged with 'making a false claim'.

She said he was taken to hospital under police guard then appeared before a judge via video link from his bed. The family said Steve was told he would face a jail sentence unless a huge fine of £103,000 was paid.

Clare said on Wednesday Steve had now been transferred from hospital to a prison. "We don't know if or when we will see him again," she said.

"The UAE wants him to pay more than £100,000 or else he will go to prison. We are terrified of what might happen to him.

"Steve was arrested at the airport as he told staff he was scared there was a bomb on the plane - he worked with bomb disposal teams in the Army and has also provided medical support to teams as a civilian.

"He's no criminal."

The family have been trying to help him