Salford man feared dead is found alive - in British jail

A man who was feared dead in the tsunami disaster has been discovered safe and well - in prison in the UK.

Friends and family of Mark Doogue, 47, thought he was in Phuket in Thailand on a three-month holiday when waves swamped the island.

His sons Michael, 24, and Matthew, 19, from Salford, Greater Manchester, feared for his safety when he failed to get in touch and appealed for information. But police said last night that Doogue was in prison but had told his boss and colleagues he was going to Thailand. Further details of his detention were not available.

Greater Manchester Police, who issued a photograph of Doogue for his sons when they thought he was missing, said that he was "safe and well". A spokesman said: "Mark Doogue was believed to be on holiday in Thailand when the tsunami occurred and his family were concerned for his wellbeing."