British forces are detaining 80 to 90 Afghan nationals in a holding facility at Camp Bastion, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed, BBC reported.

UK lawyers acting for eight of the men said they had been held for up to 14 months without charge in what could amount to unlawful detention.

They compared it to when the public became aware of Guantanamo Bay and want the UK High Court to free the men.

But Mr Hammond said their release would put British troops at risk.

British forces in Afghanistan are allowed to detain suspects for 96 hours.

However, in "exceptional circumstances" to gather critical intelligence, for example they can hold them for longer.