Princess Latifa says she has been held captive in a "villa jail" in Dubai by her father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since an attempt to flee in 2018.

She says Shamsa was also captured by her father.

Shamsa, now 38, was abducted from the streets of Cambridge on August 19 2000 and has not been seen in public since. It is believed she was returned to the United Arab Emirates.

Cambridgeshire Police previously confirmed "aspects" of its 2001 investigation - which found insufficient evidence to take any action - will be revisited, although the force insisted the investigation was no longer "active".

In a letter from Latifa to the force, obtained by the BBC, she wrote: "All I ask of you is to please give attention on her case because it could get her her freedom... your help and attention on her case could free her.

"She has strong links to England... she really loves England, all of her fondest memories are of her time there."

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesman said: "The review into the disappearance of Princess Shamsa continues.

"This is a very complex and serious matter and as such there are details of the case that it would be inappropriate to discuss publicly.

"We can confirm officers have recently received a letter, dated February 2018, in relation to this case which will be looked at as part of the ongoing review.

"In addition to this, we are also looking at the contents of the recent BBC Panorama documentary to identify whether it includes anything of significance to our case."

Footage filmed by Latifa of her life in the "villa jail" was broadcast this month and was described by UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab as "very distressing", and triggered worried responses around the globe.

But a family statement released through the UAE embassy in London downplayed allegations of mistreatment, and said she was being cared for at home.

It said: "She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time."

Australian Associated Press