Interpol Issue Warrant For NI Woman

Interpol has issued an international 'Red Notice' for the arrest of Samantha Lewthwaite.

At the request of Kenya, 29-year-old Lewthwaite is wanted on charges of being in possession of explosives as well as conspiracy to commit a crime dating back to December 2011.

In a statement on Thursday, the organisation released a 'Red Notice', which is used "to seek the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action".

The move comes after a deadly terrorist attack took place in a shopping centre in Nairobi.

More than 70 people died in the attack after militants linked to al Qaidi stormed the Westgate centre. Civilians and security forces, as well as five of the terrorists were killed.

There has been speculation that Lewthwaite, who is the widow of a July 7 bomber, was linked to the attack.

Lewthwaite, also known as the 'White Widow', spent her early years in Banbridge, Co Down. part of her childhood in Banbridge and her mother's side of the family hail from the Co Down market town.

She was born to English soldier Andy Lewthwaite - who met and married Christine Allen while serving in Northern Ireland during the 1970s - she spent her childhood on the Whyte Acres estate in the town.

When she was at primary school, the family moved to Aylesbury in England.

The 'Red Notice' has been circulated to all 190 Interpol member countries.

(JP/CD)