The Prime Minister has welcomed the decision that six British former soldiers who have been imprisoned on weapons charges in India since 2013 are to be released.

The men, including Nick Dunn from Northumberland, were arrested in 2013 while working on a ship in the Indian Ocean.

A judge has now ruled that they be acquitted.

Theresa May's official spokesman said: "The Government, from the Prime Minister down, has worked hard for over four years to support the men and their families and we share their happiness at the court's decision to give a full acquittal to each of the men.

"We are now working with the Indian authorities to discuss the next steps. We will continue to offer the men and their families consular assistance for as long as it is needed."

Image source, AFP/Getty

The family of Nick Dunn reacted with joy on hearing he will be released from a jail in India.

Nick Dunn's famiy have celebrated with champagne after hearing he will be released from the jail in India where he has been since 2013.

The Ashington man is one of six former British soldiers who were arrested while working on a ship yo combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.

His sister Lisa said: "This is the best champagne in the world, it tastes like the best drink.

"The longer it went on, as much as you still have an element of hope, it does dwindle after having so many delays and setbacks.

"But that hasn't happened today and we've had the best news ever. It will make all of our Christmases, all of our dreams have come true today."

Mr Dunn's father, Jim, said: "Absolutely fantastic, the best news in the world. "We haven't been a full family for a long time now. Nick won't fully realise it's over until his feet touch down in Newcastle."

The Facebook page for the Chennai Six campaign, which has been campaigning for the freedom of the six men including Nick Dunn from Northumberland, has been cautious in its welcome for this morning's news that they have won their appeal.

It says that if the authorities wish to appeal, the men may be released from prison but not allowed to leave India.

The six former soldiers, who are to be released from jail in India, were arrested while working as guards on ships to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.

They denied the charges, which were initially quashed but later reinstated. They were sentenced to five years in 2016.

The men who were working on the anti-piracy ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio, were:

• Nick Dunn from Ashington, Northumberland
• Billy Irving from Connel, Argyll
• Ray Tindall from Chester
• Paul Towers from Pocklington, East Yorkshire
• John Armstrong from Wigton, Cumbria
• Nicholas Simpson from Catterick, North Yorkshire

Image source, Getty Images

The moment the family of Nick Dunn, one of the Chennai Six, found out he will be freed from jail in India.

Six men - including one from Northumberland - who have been imprisoned in India since 2013 have won their appeal and will be released, a judge has ruled.

More to follow.

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Six Britons who have been imprisoned in India since 2013 will find out later if they will be released.

Nick Dunn, from Ashington, Northumberland is one of the so-called Chennai Six who were jailed on weapons charges while working as guards on ships to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Families of the ex-soldiers, who have been in prison in Chennai, India, have been campaigning for their release since their arrests four years ago.

An appeal hearing was held earlier this month and the judgement will be handed down today.

The other men who are imprisoned are:

• Billy Irving, from Connel, Argyll
• Ray Tindall, from Chester
• Paul Towers, from Pocklington, East Yorkshire
• John Armstrong, from Wigton, Cumbria
• Nicholas Simpson, from Catterick, North Yorkshire

Image source, Family photos

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