Sky News : Police Release Last Two Terror Suspects

Police Release Last Two Terror Suspects

April 22, 2009

The final two suspects held during anti-terror raids in north west England have been released without charge, Greater Manchester Police have said.

Earlier the lawyer for some of the 10 men already freed told Sky News he wants an independent inquiry into the raids.

A total of 12 men - all Pakistani nationals - were detained in swoops across Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire two weeks ago.

They were suspected of being involved in a bomb plot and are now facing deportation.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said the men were released after the Crown Prosecution Service advised there was not enough evidence to charge them.

The raids were brought forward after Britain's top anti-terror officer inadvertently showed details of the operation to the media.

Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick was photographed in Downing Street carrying documents, clearly marked "secret", about an ongoing police investigation.

All the suspects, aged 18 to 38, have been released into the custody of the UK Borders Agency (UKBA).

The Government has said it wants to deport them, even though they have not been charged with any offences.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are seeking to remove these individuals on grounds of national security."

But lawyer Mohammed Ayub, who acts for three of the men, has described their arrests and detention as a "very serious breach of their human rights".

He told Sky News:"What I would like to see happen is an independent inquiry into this operation and I don't say this lightly.

"Our clients have no criminal history, they were here lawfully on student visas and all were pursuing their studies and working part-time. Our clients are neither extremists nor terrorists."

Mr Ayub, of Chambers Solicitors, Bradford, insisted his clients should be allowed to "complete the studies they came here for" and said he intended to challenge the deportation orders.

He added: "As a minimum, our clients are entitled to an unreserved apology and no further action should be taken against them."