A 48-year-old British tourist has been arrested in Portugal on suspicion of taking photographs of children.

The man was arrested by police after concerned parents saw him taking pictures of children playing on a beach on the Algarve and reported him to authorities.

The children concerned are said to be between the ages of eight and 15.

Maritime Police arrested the man, who has not been named, on Thursday afternoon in the resort of Vilamoura and released him on bail. He is understood to have appeared in court yesterday.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "A British national was detained on Thursday August 19 by Faro's Maritime Police.

"Consular staff in Portimao have offered consular assistance to the detainee."