A FATHER has been arrested in Turkey after he reportedly attempted to fly home with coins he found while snorkelling.

Tourist Toby Robyns was detained at Bodrum airport on Friday on suspicion of "finding Turkish artefacts without notifying authorities", according to national newspapers.

The 52-year-old father-of-five, of Southwick, is reportedly said to have discovered the 13 coins while snorkelling during a two-week holiday in Turgutreis and tried to take them home as a souvenir

It is thought he is being held at Milas prison while he waits to hear whether he will be charged.

Family friend James Stoneham said: "This was harmless fun on a holiday.

"When he went to get his flight home they dragged him off and searched his hand luggage."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are assisting a British man following his arrest in Bodrum and remain in contact with his family and the Turkish authorities."