Six Britons 'to be deported' from northern China

The UK Foreign Office in Beijing has told the BBC it understands six British citizens held in northern China "will be deported soon".

They are among 11 Britons, including two with dual British-South African nationality, who have been arrested. It is not clear why they are being held.

They are believed to be among 20 foreigners detained in Inner Mongolia on 10 July.

African charity Gift of the Givers claims they are tourists.

Gift of the Givers said on Facebook, that the group, comprising South Africans, Britons, and one Indian citizen, were arrested when they landed in Ordos airport.

It said Chinese authorities "suggested that some members were linked to a terror group" and were "watching propaganda videos in their hotel room".

The charity said the group included some doctors and businessmen, none of whom had terror links.

UK officials have said they are "seeking further clarification" on the reason for the arrests, and that consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance.

South African newspaper Times Live said South African and British officials met with Chinese foreign ministry authorities on Tuesday.

News of the arrest comes as Beijing hosts South Africa's Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who met China's Premier Li Keqiang and Vice President Li Yuanchao on Tuesday.

Mr Ramaphosa arrived on Sunday for his five-day visit.