Briton arrested in military compound

The British High Commissioner in Malaysia was tonight waiting to make contact with a Briton arrested after being discovered in a military compound in Kuala Lumpur, the Foreign Office said.

It was confirmed that the 32-year-old man - who was carrying a camera - was seized early Friday local time (Thursday 11.30pm BST) at the Malaysian Armed Forces Museum.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: 'A British national has been arrested and the High Commissioner is aware of the case and in touch with the Malaysian authorities.

'We will not confirm his name or where he is from until the next of kin has been informed.'

The spokeswoman added that the High Commissioner was in the process of making contact with the detained Briton.

Malaysia's news agency Bernama said the detained man was holding a camera, wearing slippers and a T-shirt when he was arrested by military police, and added that he was not believed to be a spy.

Bernama quoted defence minister Najib Tun Razak as saying: 'It is too premature to say the Briton was spying. Based on several preliminary facts it will be difficult for us to conclude that he is a spy. Even if he were a spy, he will be a foolish one, based on his actions.'

A Malaysian police spokesman confirmed the Briton was still in custody but would not reveal his identity.

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