A MAN from Burnley has been imprisoned in Afghanistan -- but his family today will not say why.

Relatives of Anwar Khan, 23, have refused to comment on reports that he had been jailed while fighting for the Taliban, the Islamic movement fighting a civil war in the country.

Anwar, whose parents live in Kent Street, Stoneyholme, is said to be in a cell with no electricity, running water or sanitation after being captured by government forces 18 months ago.

He now hopes to be released after giving a pledge that he will return straight home to Burnley.

One of his brothers agreed that a man photographed in an Afghan prison cell was his brother.

He said his family were not prepared to comment until they had sought legal advice.

Anwar has a three-year-old son Hamza living at a different address in Burnley with his mother, Zorah, 26.

A spokesman at the Foreign Office confirmed that Mr Khan was in prison in Afghanistan and that the High Commission in Islamabad were keeping an eye on the case.

Burnley MP Peter Pike has promised to take up the case with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.