A FATHER and son from East Lancashire arrested in South America for alleged drugs trafficking offences could remain in cells for a further five months.

James Thomas, 56, and his son Lee, 23, both from Rawtenstall, face the prospect of being held for a further 165 days before they are released or charged.

The pair were arrested in Ecuador last month as part of a local police operation.

Ecuador laws allow police to hold suspects for questioning for up to 90 days before they have to apply to a judge for an extension to hold them for a further 90 days.

The pair, who are thought to have flown to Mexico from the UK last month, have been detained in jail in the capital Quito since their arrest on Wednesday, April 28.

The British Consulate in Ecuador has visted the pair in jail, who could now remain there for a further five months.

Pasquale Lamanno, a Foreign Office spokesman, said: "Neither men have been charged by the local authorities.

"They are still helping out with inquiries which could take some time because under the current law they can be held for 90 days without being charged and police can apply for an extension of another 90 days for their inquiries to continue.

"We still don't have any information about the kind of operation they are alleged to be involved in or how the arrests actually came about."