Briton arrested in Dubai after reporting rape

A British woman who went to police in Dubai to report she had been raped was then arrested for having sex with her fiance, it was reported today.

The 23-year-old from London said she was assaulted by a waiter in a hotel toilet after celebrating her engagement to her 44-year-old boyfriend, according to The Sun.

But when she reported the alleged rape to police in the Middle Eastern state, she and her boyfriend were held for having sex outside marriage and illegal drinking outside licensed premises, the paper said.

It is understood the couple have been bailed but are still in Dubai.

A cellmate of the woman told The Sun: "She's a British girl but a Muslim, so I think they were tougher on her because of that.

"She was trying to report the rape but soon realised the policemen were more interested in how often she has sex with her boyfriend."

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "I can confirm that two British nationals were arrested in Dubai on January 1.

"Our embassy in Dubai is providing consular assistance."

He would not confirm any details, but added: "As with all consular cases, if they raise concerns with us we will look into them."

This is not the first time Britons have fallen foul of Dubai's strict laws.

Businessman Vince Acors and publishing executive Michelle Palmer received three-month jail terms after being convicted of having sex on a beach in July 2008.