Police find 'martyr videos' - claim

The BBC has reported that police had found martyr videos on laptops in the course of searches connected to the alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic flights.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman refused to comment.

The alleged bomb plot involved plans to blow up US-bound transatlantic passenger jets in mid-flight using liquid-based explosive devices hidden in hand luggage.

It has led to the introduction of tough new security measures at airports, including restrictions on hand luggage size and bans on carrying most liquids and gels onto aircraft.

Detectives have been granted more time to question the 23 suspects being held in London over the alleged plot. They have another week to continue questioning 21 of them, and another five days to question the other two.

However, the complexity of the case means they are likely to continue applying for a series of further extensions - taking them close to limit of 28 days - before deciding whether to charge or release the suspects.

A person arrested in the Thames Valley area on Tuesday was released without charge.

The ongoing investigation in Britain has seen searches being held at a number of residential and business premises across London, the West Midlands and Thames Valley.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman disclosed that a total of 49 residential and business premises plus one area of woodland had been searched.

Of those, 36 searches were complete and 14 remained ongoing, including the search at the woodland, she added.