London man is 'Bin Laden lieutenant'

A London-based Muslim extremist has been named as Osama bin Laden's key European lieutenant with links to al Qaeda agents across the Continent.

Abu Qatada, 40, from Acton, is described as Bin Laden's "spiritual leader", and a key financier by Spanish investigators seeking to question him over his alleged role in the planning of the 11 September attacks, it was reported today.

The Spanish are apparently baffled as to why Britain will not arrest Mr Qatada, a Palestinian sentenced to life imprisonment in Jordan for masterminding bomb and grenade attacks in 1994.

Although, MI5 are monitoring his activities and he faces internment under new antiterror laws being debated in the Commons this week. He has had a bank account holding £180,000 - said to be a front for al Qaeda - frozen by the Treasury.

Spanish investigators say the mullah met nine suspected al Qaeda terrorists across Europe in recent months including Madrid-based mullah Abu Dahdah, 34, who has been charged with helping plan the 11 September attacks. Eighteen videos made by Mr Qatada were also found in the Hamburg flat used by Mohammed Atta and two of the other hijackers.

The Spanish indictment says Mr Qatada was one of Dahdah's main contacts in Britain. It also says Dahdah organised al Qaeda funds to be sent to Mr Qatada, who channelled them to four other named terror suspects. Last night Mr Qatada declined to comment on any allegations. Previously he has denied any links with Bin Laden.

Bin Laden: Don't let them take me alive