Extra time to quiz terror suspects

13 April 2012

Police have been granted extra time to question nine suspects in custody over the alleged airline bomb plot, Scotland Yard said.

A High Court judge sitting at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London granted officers an additional week to hold eight of the suspects.

The ninth suspect, named as Umair Hussain, 24, from east London, had his custody extended for another 24 hours.

Under new anti-terror laws, which only came into force earlier this year, terror suspects can now be questioned for up to 28 days.

The extensions granted today are the first time any suspects have been held beyond the previous 14-day limit.

Earlier, police released without charge another suspect, named as Tayib Rauf, 22, who had been in custody in Birmingham.

An 11th suspect is still being held, Scotland Yard said.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "In all operations some people may be released without charge while others may remain in custody for further investigation.

"This is not unusual and is to be expected in large and complex criminal inquiries where a number of arrests have taken place."

The judge's decision means officers can hold eight of the suspects until August 30, and Umair Hussain until Thursday night. Police can apply for a further week's custody next Wednesday.

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