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11/08/2006
UK remains on terror alert following plane bomb plot
Britain is remaining on a 'critical' level security alert as police continue to investigate an alleged plot to blow up ten transatlantic flights.
Police are continuing to question 24 people, reportedly all Muslims, in connection with the plot, which would have targeted flights between Britain and the US.
It has been reported that nineteen of those arrested have had their UK assets frozen. These suspects have been named by the Bank of England. They include a 17-year-old and three men who are believed to be Muslim converts - Abdul Waheed, who was previously known as Don Stewart-Whyte, Ibrahim Savant, who reportedly changed his name from Oliver, Umar Islam.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ed Balls, said that the Treasury had taken the decision to freeze the suspects' assets on the advice of the police and security services.
On Friday, Home Secretary John Reid said that the security threat level would remain at 'critical'. He said: "More than ever we need to draw on the tolerance and resilience of all parts of our community in the days ahead.
"This is a common threat to all of us and we should respond - all of us - with a common purpose and common solidarity. This is in the nature of the British people."
On Thursday night, it was revealed that seven people were arrested in Pakistan last week in connection with the alleged plot. Two British nationals are understood to be among those arrested.
It has also been reported that police are still searching for five other suspects who remained at large.
The plot is understood to have involved plans to detonate liquid-based explosive devices, concealed in hand luggage carried on board flights, while the planes were in the air. It is thought that the devices would have been ignited using detonators disguised as electronic devices such as a camera or a mobile phone.
Searches are continuing at addresses in east London, Buckinghamshire and Birmingham in connection with the plot.
Thousands of air passengers faced delays and cancellations in airports across the UK on Thursday as a result of the alleged plots and more delays were expected on Friday.
All British Airways long-haul flights are understood to be going ahead, except for flights to New York, LA, Washington and San Francisco, 70% of short-haul and domestic flights are also expected to go ahead.
However, easyjet and Ryanair are understood to have cancelled a number of flights.
Delays are expected across the UK due to Thursday's disruption and passengers are advised to check with airlines and airports before setting off on their journey.
Hand luggage restrictions also remain in place. Passengers will only be able to take essential items, such as wallets and purses, passports, medicines, glasses, baby items, sanitary items and tissues, on board the plane, carried in transparent plastic bag.
(KMcA)
Police are continuing to question 24 people, reportedly all Muslims, in connection with the plot, which would have targeted flights between Britain and the US.
It has been reported that nineteen of those arrested have had their UK assets frozen. These suspects have been named by the Bank of England. They include a 17-year-old and three men who are believed to be Muslim converts - Abdul Waheed, who was previously known as Don Stewart-Whyte, Ibrahim Savant, who reportedly changed his name from Oliver, Umar Islam.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ed Balls, said that the Treasury had taken the decision to freeze the suspects' assets on the advice of the police and security services.
On Friday, Home Secretary John Reid said that the security threat level would remain at 'critical'. He said: "More than ever we need to draw on the tolerance and resilience of all parts of our community in the days ahead.
"This is a common threat to all of us and we should respond - all of us - with a common purpose and common solidarity. This is in the nature of the British people."
On Thursday night, it was revealed that seven people were arrested in Pakistan last week in connection with the alleged plot. Two British nationals are understood to be among those arrested.
It has also been reported that police are still searching for five other suspects who remained at large.
The plot is understood to have involved plans to detonate liquid-based explosive devices, concealed in hand luggage carried on board flights, while the planes were in the air. It is thought that the devices would have been ignited using detonators disguised as electronic devices such as a camera or a mobile phone.
Searches are continuing at addresses in east London, Buckinghamshire and Birmingham in connection with the plot.
Thousands of air passengers faced delays and cancellations in airports across the UK on Thursday as a result of the alleged plots and more delays were expected on Friday.
All British Airways long-haul flights are understood to be going ahead, except for flights to New York, LA, Washington and San Francisco, 70% of short-haul and domestic flights are also expected to go ahead.
However, easyjet and Ryanair are understood to have cancelled a number of flights.
Delays are expected across the UK due to Thursday's disruption and passengers are advised to check with airlines and airports before setting off on their journey.
Hand luggage restrictions also remain in place. Passengers will only be able to take essential items, such as wallets and purses, passports, medicines, glasses, baby items, sanitary items and tissues, on board the plane, carried in transparent plastic bag.
(KMcA)
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10 August 2006
Airport chaos as police foil terror plot
Airports across Britain are facing major delays, following the disruption of a terrorist plot to blow up flights travelling between UK and the US. It is believed that the plot involved plans to smuggle explosives aboard several airliners with the intention of detonating the device mid-flight.
Airport chaos as police foil terror plot
Airports across Britain are facing major delays, following the disruption of a terrorist plot to blow up flights travelling between UK and the US. It is believed that the plot involved plans to smuggle explosives aboard several airliners with the intention of detonating the device mid-flight.
13 December 2006
Briton cleared of bomb plot involvement
A British man has been cleared of terrorism charges connected to an alleged plot to blow up transatlantic flights. Rashid Rauf was cleared of terrorism charges by a court in Pakistan.
Briton cleared of bomb plot involvement
A British man has been cleared of terrorism charges connected to an alleged plot to blow up transatlantic flights. Rashid Rauf was cleared of terrorism charges by a court in Pakistan.
16 August 2006
US flight diverted in security scare
A flight from London to Washington DC has been forced to land in Boston following a disturbance onboard. The plane, United Flight 923, left Heathrow airport carrying 182 passengers. Three passengers were reportedly involved in a confrontation with the crew onboard the flight. A female passenger was reported to have become "hysterical".
US flight diverted in security scare
A flight from London to Washington DC has been forced to land in Boston following a disturbance onboard. The plane, United Flight 923, left Heathrow airport carrying 182 passengers. Three passengers were reportedly involved in a confrontation with the crew onboard the flight. A female passenger was reported to have become "hysterical".
15 August 2006
Airport security relaxed following terror alert
Restrictions on hand luggage at UK airports have been relaxed, following the government's reduction in the security threat level from 'critical' to 'severe'. However airport operator BAA has warned that strict security is remaining in place at all UK airports, with passengers still facing delays at some airports.
Airport security relaxed following terror alert
Restrictions on hand luggage at UK airports have been relaxed, following the government's reduction in the security threat level from 'critical' to 'severe'. However airport operator BAA has warned that strict security is remaining in place at all UK airports, with passengers still facing delays at some airports.
04 April 2008
Bomb Plot Accused Made 'Martyrdom Videos'
Several men accused of plotting to blow up passenger planes during transatlantic flights filmed Islamic martyrdom videos. The jury at Woolwich Crown Court were shown footage and read transcripts from some of the videos recorded by the suspects.
Bomb Plot Accused Made 'Martyrdom Videos'
Several men accused of plotting to blow up passenger planes during transatlantic flights filmed Islamic martyrdom videos. The jury at Woolwich Crown Court were shown footage and read transcripts from some of the videos recorded by the suspects.
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