THE family of a Portland man who has been working in Afghanistan are desperate for news as they fear he is being held by the Taliban after being detained.

Grant Bailey, 55, who had been working for a non-governmental organisation, was reportedly arrested at gunpoint hours before he was due to leave the country.

Concerns for the dad's safety are growing, as officials urgently attempt to locate him.

It is not known why he was arrested and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Mr Bailey's brother Robin said he was taken from his hotel in Kabul on Saturday, December 18 and has not been seen since.

It is feared he is being held by the Taliban following a security clampdown.

Mr Bailey is desperate to find out more about his whereabouts, having not heard anything since seeing an initial report on television.

Mr Bailey said: “We just need peace of mind either way, until they admit to having him we fear the worst.

“I just want all of the family to know what’s happening particularly for my dad’s sake because he is not well.

“I only found out on Christmas morning when I drove up to my dad’s, who I look after, and put the news on when I saw his name go along the ticker tape at the bottom.

“I thought at first, no it won’t be him but it was.”

Mr Bailey says his brother had been working in Afghanistan for several years having returned to the country in September, after Kabul had fallen to the Taliban, which ‘stunned’ his brother.

Mr Bailey was due to fly out on December 19, the day after he went missing - but having not heard anything since, his brother fears the worst.

Robin Bailey continued: “His wife must be in pieces and our dad is absolutely flattened, he doesn’t know what to do.

“If the Taliban took him, they took him for a reason and if they don’t say they have got him they are not going to get what they want.

“I’m scared it’s too late, he was there to help. You’re thinking the worst but hoping for the best.”

British officials are said to be urgently trying to locate him with Embassy staff working remotely having fled the country in August following the Taliban taking control.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of the detention of a British national in Afghanistan and have been in touch with their family to support them.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax confirmed he was aware of the case and that he had been in touch with the Foreign Secretary personally.