A Maidstone family has been caught up in a plot involving the assassination of a Hamas commander in Dubai.

According to The Daily Telegraph, former Yalding man Paul Keeley, pictured right by AP/Dubai Media Office, was named by police in Dubai as a member of a 11 person suspected Israeli hit squad blamed for the assassination Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in his hotel room last month.

However, Foreign Office said that passports had been issued in those names, but said details of the documents released by Dubai were fake.

Self employed builder Mr Keeley, who moved to Israel around 15 years ago, confirmed to the Telegraph that his identity had been stolen by those responsible.

Speaking in Hebrew to Israeli media on Wednesday, Mr Keeley said: "I am in shock - what do you mean what do I think about it? I am in shock. I need to check with the Consul what is going on here."

Mr Keeley's father, who still lives in Yalding, declined to comment when he was approached by the Kent Messenger this morning. He said he did not know how his son had been caught up in the situation and had been besieged by reporters since his son's name first appeared.

The Foreign Office described the situation as an "ongoing Emirati investigation", which they had offered assistance and support to.

A spokesman said: "We are aware that the holders of six British passports have been named in this case. We believe the passports used were fraudulent and have begun our own investigation.

"We have informed the authorities in the UAE that this is the case, and continue to cooperate closely with the Emiratis on this matter."