Myanmar military authorities have arrested former British Ambassador to Myanmar Vicki Bowman and her husband, BBC reports.

She is accused of violating visa regulations and her husband of helping her stay in Myanmar, charges that can lead to up to five years in prison.

Bowman served as ambassador to Myanmar from 2002-2006. She is married to Htein Lin, a Burmese artist and former political prisoner. Bowman now runs the Myanmar Responsible Business Center based in Yangon.

The couple was sent to Insein Prison in that city, with a court hearing scheduled for September 6.

The British Embassy said it was providing consular assistance to her. The arrest came as the UK announced new sanctions against Myanmar's military authorities.

UK sanctions target military-related businesses in Myanmar.