A British woman was in custody in the United Arab Emirates today after being arrested on suspicion of committing adultery.

Sally Antia, 44, who has lived in Dubai for more than a decade, was detained earlier this month following a raid on a hotel.

According to reports, she is locked in a custody battle with her husband, who is seeking a divorce, over the couple's two daughters.

The Sun reported that Mrs Antia's husband Vincent, 48, tipped off police, accusing her of having an affair and claiming she was in a five-star hotel with her lover.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm a British national, Sally Antia, was arrested on May 2 for adultery and is currently being detained pending a court hearing expected in the next couple of weeks.

"Next of kin have been informed and we are providing consular assistance."

The last posting by Mrs Antia, who is originally from Liverpool, on her Friends Reunited page read: "Living in Dubai for the last 12 years. Married with 2 girls now aged 11 and 13.

"Enjoying the sunshine, but often home to watch a match. Massive Red fan. Happy and healthy...what more can you ask for?"

News of Mrs Antia's plight comes a month after another British mother, Marnie Pearce, was released from a Dubai jail.

Ms Pearce, 40, originally from Bracknell, Berkshire, was given a three-month sentence after a Dubai court found she had cheated on her Egyptian ex-husband Ihab El Labban - a charge she has denied.

The supply teacher lost custody of her sons, Laith, eight, and Ziad, four, in February and had faced deportation on her release from prison, but this has been put on hold while she fights to win back her children.