Nick Dunn is 'case of concern' Theresa May tells Indian PM

Theresa May has raised the case of Nick Dunn, one of six British ex-servicemen jailed in India, with the country's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

During almost three hours of talks in New Delhi, Mrs May told her Indiancounterpart that the plight of the so-called Chennai Six was "a case ofconcern" in the UK.

British sources said that Mr Modi assured the PM he was aware of UK concerns and held out the prospect of considering whether there was anything that could be done by the two governments once the current appeal process has concluded.

The Chennai Six were given five-year prison sentences earlier this year after an Indian court found they had entered Indian waters in 2013 without permission carrying unlicensed firearms.

They insist they were conducting legitimate anti-piracy work protectingmerchant ships.

Family and friends have conducted a high-profile campaign to lobby for them to be freed.

The British Government has not taken any position on the allegations against the men and has made clear it respects the independence of the Indian judiciary.

Ministers have already raised the case around 40 times - including five times with Mr Modi - but diplomatic action has focused on ensuring the matter is resolved as swiftly as possible.

Following Monday's talks, a UK source said:

The imprisoned ex-servicemen are John Armstrong, 28, from Cumbria; Nick Dunn, 30, of Ashington, Northumberland; Ray Tindall, 41, of Chester; Nicholas Simpson, 45, of Catterick, North Yorkshire; Paul Towers, 52, of Pocklington, East Yorkshire; and Billy Irving, 35, of Oban, Scotland.