Former world boxing champion Chris Eubank is stranded in the Middle East.

The Hove celebrity travelled to the region on business before air strikes against Afghanistan began on October 7.

He is now too afraid to fly back to the UK as the war against terrorism escalates.

Speaking from the Middle East he said: "I really want to get back but obviously I'm not going to throw caution to the wind. There are a lot of options to consider about getting home and driving is one of them.

"There is no way I am going to take any risks. The atmosphere at the moment is very tense and I am apprehensive about what could happen.

"Obviously I'm feeling quite nervous about things and I'm hoping I'll be able to get out soon. We are looking at all the options.

"I miss my wife and children and all I really want to do is get back home and be with them."

The former WBO world middleweight title-holder was due to fly back to the UK to begin an eight-date nationwide speaking tour in Leeds on October 14, ending on November 9 in Dundee.

The dates have been cancelled and 35-year-old Eubank has apologised, saying he will carry out the tour next year.

The former boxer, whose 4x4 jeep is a regular sight on the streets of Hove, said he was considering a gruelling overland drive to reach home.

His wife Karron and four children are worried for his safety. Karron said: "The news about what is happening in Afghanistan seems to be exaggerated in the Middle East and Chris is unsure and worried about what is really going on.

"He's used to being in dangerous situations because of his boxing but he doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks by flying back to the UK.

"I speak to him all the time to make sure he is all right but I am worried.

"He is out there on business and is with some very important people and they don't want to put themselves in a dangerous situation by flying. Some of them have said they will drive back to England but that will take a long time."

Chris's personal assistant, who did not want to be named, said: "Chris is very concerned about the current situation in the Middle East. He says there's a lot more going on out there than we realise and he is very worried about flying back to the UK.

"I can't say which Middle East country he is in but he is still there now.

"His four young children are missing him dreadfully and are desperate to see him again. His wife Karron is very worried.

"They don't want him to take any chances though and they don't want him to fly back to the UK if he feels it is dangerous."