Two British men held in 'horrific' African prison finally freed after 100 days

The pair were swiftly arrested upon arrival and accused of espionage, despite believing they had the correct paperwork to be in Guinea.

They appeared in court and were told they would be going to prison, beginning an ordeal that would last over three months.

The conditions in Conakry prison were described as "horrific" by Perham, who explained that they "had to literally fear for our lives each day".

Inch, who also works as a mountain bike guide, said he feared the water might be contaminated.

The 80 inmates were forced to share a toilet and a shower.

"Sleeping through the night, you'd have rats and mice and cockroaches crawling over your body," Inch told BBC.

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After a couple of months, the pair believed they were going to be released, but were told to turn around following a phone call to the prosecutor.

Perham said: "We had to turn around and walk straight back in for another month. It was devastating."

They remained stuck in Guinea for another 42 days following their release, unable to return home.

After the additional six weeks, the pair finally returned home, landing in London.

Cheryl Potter, Inch's partner, said: "Every single day has been a constant battle worrying about him."

Inch thanked supporters, the British embassy in Conakry, and his local MP Liz Saville Roberts for helping them return home.

Saville Roberts said: "This has been a nightmare for the two men and their families and friends who have been focused, resourceful and determined to ensure that never a day went by without seeking their release."

Lord Collins of Highbury, the Foreign Office minister for Africa, also posted on X: "I am pleased to hear of the safe return of Paul Inch and Richard Perham from Guinea following their lengthy ordeal. Welcome home."