A sixth British man has been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with a series of bomb attacks against westerners.

Businessman Glen Panard is the latest to be held in prison by the Saudi authorities, who blame the violence on an illegal alcohol racket.

But supporters of the Britons claim they are innocent and have been framed.

And a BBC investigation has learnt that some of those arrested have been tortured.

Ron Jones says he heard screams in prison

The first bomb killed Christopher Rodway two years ago and since then there have been 10 more bombs aimed at westerners.

Saudi police have arrested eight westerners and six have confessed on Saudi television to planting bombs.

A Briton and a Canadian have been sentenced to death, which usually takes the form of a public beheading.

Ron Jones, a Scottish accountant arrested after being injured in a blast in March 2001, says he was tortured before being released.

Agony

And scientists in London and Copenhagen using ultrasound technology have proved that Mr Jones was repeatedly beaten on the palms and soles of his feet, raising fears about the welfare of the other detainees.

Mr Jones also claims he was hung from a bracket for so long he screamed in agony.

Their research is examined in a BBC2 documentary on Sunday evening.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said: "I don't care what the so-called experts say, they are wrong."

James Cottle has an 18-year sentence

Alexander Mitchell from Glasgow and Bill Sampson from Canada have been sentenced to death.

James Cottle, 51, from Manchester, confessed to a series of bombings and has been sentenced to 18 years.

Les Walker and James Lee also appeared on Saudi television, along with the Canadian and a Belgian suspect.

Bin Laden supporters

The four Britons were found guilty, together with Peter Brandon, who did not appear on television.

Some believe the bombers are Islamic extremists loyal to Osama Bin Laden.

But for the Saudi authorities to concede that would be to admit they are losing their absolute grip on power.

Four Britons released in January after being questioned about the bombings also claimed they were beaten.

Saudi Arabia - State of denial, Sunday 24 November 2002 on BBC Two at 1915 GMT