David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has admitted there is a "very high level of concern" about the five British sailors detained by the Iranian authorities.

Speaking outside the Foreign Office in central London, Mr Miliband stressed that the detention of the yachtsmen had nothing to do with politics adding that he hoped it would be resolved in a "speedy and professional manner".

But acknowledging the seriousness of the situation he added: "There's obviously a very high level of concern about the five young yachtsmen and their position. It's a particularly worrying time for the families."

Mr Miliband said the men, who were sailing from Bahrain to Dubai to take part in a race when they strayed into Iranian coastal waters, were being treated well but their location was unknown at the present time.

Iran has threatened to take "serious" measures against the sailors if it finds they had "evil intentions" and the British Foreign Office is awaiting for a further statement on the matter.

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