07/02/2007

Two suspects released in 'beheading plot' investigation

Two of the nine men arrested during anti-terrorism raids in Birmingham last week have been released without charge.

The pair, who were released from Chace Avenue police station in Coventry in the early hours of Wednesday morning, issued a statement after their release saying that police had not mentioned the alleged plot to kidnap and behead a British Muslim soldier.

Their solicitor Gareth Peirce said: "They have left the police station without any better understanding of why they were than when they first arrived seven days ago. Not a word was ever mentioned to either of them about a plot to kidnap or the grizzly suggestion of a beheading or even of a soldier at all.

"Both have been met with a consistent refusal over seven days for any explanation for their arrest."

On Tuesday, police were granted a further 72 hours to question the other seven men arrested last week.

The men are being held on suspicion of the commission, instigation or preparation for acts of terrorism.

On Monday, police investigating the alleged plot revealed that they had finished conducting searches at 18 addresses in the Sparkhill, Alum Rock, Kingstanding and Edgbaston areas of Birmingham.

(KMcA/SP)

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