LONDON: The UK government on Saturday named two Britons detained in Iran as Craig and Lindsay Foreman, with their family saying they are determined to ensure the pair`s `safe return`.

The two are currently being held in the city of Kerman, the family said in a statement issued by the British foreign ministry. `This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing during this trying time,` they said.

The family added that it was `united in our determination to secure their safe return`. `We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community, which has provided us with strength and encouragement as we face this ordeal,` said the statement.

The BBC reported that the couple are in their early 50s and were on a motorbike trip around the world when they were detained in January.

Britain`s Foreign Office confirmed on Friday that it was `providing consular assistance to two British nationals detained in Iran` and were in contact with Iranian authorities. That came after Iran`s official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday that two British nationals were being held in central Kerman province on unspecified security offences.-AFP