Dance teacher is detained in Taiwan after an 'item' is found in his suitcase

A 25-year-old dance teacher has been detained in Taiwan after authorities found an 'item' in the suitcase he was carrying. 

Lewis Potter has been in custody in Taiwan since June after authorities detained him when examining a suitcase he had agreed to carry for a 'trusted friend'. 

His devastated family said they are 'heartbroken' and have not spoken to Lewis for more than a month as they search for answers. 

Andrina Law, his mother, said: 'As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives. 

'For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn't know what had happened. The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. 

'Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this.

'We are also deeply worried about Lewis's mental health and wellbeing. He is alone in a foreign country, unable to communicate with his family, and we haven't even been able to hear his voice. 

'As parents, not knowing how he is coping has been absolutely heartbreaking.'

Ms Law, from Fife, said her son was detained after authorities allegedly found a substance in a suitcase he was carrying. 

Lewis has repeatedly denied knowing the substance was there.

She added that her son had initially planned to travel to Taiwan with a friend who pulled out shortly before the trip. 

The friend allegedly asked Lewis to take his suitcase for him instead, with Ms Law saying: 'Lewis says this was someone he trusted, and he had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the suitcase.'  

Ms Law added: 'His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation as the legal process continues.' 

Mr Potter's family have launched a Crowdfunder to help cover his legal costs. The appeal has so far raised £1,340.

The dance teacher and tutor at LP Creative, who graduated from Liverpool Theatre School, travelled to Taiwan on what was intended to be a holiday. 

His family said: 'Lewis is only 25-years-old and is a professional dance teacher who has dedicated his life to helping children and young people through dance. 

'He owns his own dance business and spends his days inspiring children of all ages to grow in confidence and follow their dreams. 

'Anyone who knows Lewis knows what an incredible person he is. He is kind, caring, hardworking and always puts others before himself. 

'He has an amazing ability to make people smile, even when he is facing challenges of his own. He is a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his absence has left an enormous hole in all of our lives.' 

The family said they are facing legal costs of about £12,000 to get Lewis back to the UK, with £6,000 needed during the investigation and a further £6,000 if the case proceeds to court.

The Daily Mail contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.