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'UK student' in jet terror probe 'UK student' in jet terror probe
(about 1 hour later)
Police are conducting searches at a mansion block in London in connection with the inquiry into an attempted act of terrorism on a US passenger plane.Police are conducting searches at a mansion block in London in connection with the inquiry into an attempted act of terrorism on a US passenger plane.
Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, a Nigerian being held after the flight to Detroit, is reportedly an engineering student at University College London. Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, a Nigerian being held after the flight to Detroit, is thought to have been a student at University College London.
The Met Police said its searches were part of "ongoing inquiries". Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the UK would take "whatever action was necessary" to protect passengers.
British airport operator BAA said passengers should expect increased searches on UK flights to the US. UK airport operator BAA said searches on flights to the US would increase.
Meanwhile, a statement on British Airway's website said Washington has revised its security arrangements for all travellers to the US and they would only be allowed one piece of hand luggage.Meanwhile, a statement on British Airway's website said Washington has revised its security arrangements for all travellers to the US and they would only be allowed one piece of hand luggage.
We are monitoring the situation and will make any assessments as necessary as this develops Department for Transport US probes flight 'terror attack'We are monitoring the situation and will make any assessments as necessary as this develops Department for Transport US probes flight 'terror attack'
A BA spokesman said the directive meant US-bound passengers on all airlines would be subjected to additional screening.A BA spokesman said the directive meant US-bound passengers on all airlines would be subjected to additional screening.
"We apologise to passengers for any delays to their journeys. Safety and security are our top priorities and will not be compromised.""We apologise to passengers for any delays to their journeys. Safety and security are our top priorities and will not be compromised."
Extra resourcesExtra resources
Passengers on the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 operated by Delta say a man was overpowered on Christmas Day after trying to ignite an explosive device as the Airbus 330 approached Detroit from Amsterdam.Passengers on the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 operated by Delta say a man was overpowered on Christmas Day after trying to ignite an explosive device as the Airbus 330 approached Detroit from Amsterdam.
According to reports in the US, Mr Abdulmutallab has links to al-Qaeda.According to reports in the US, Mr Abdulmutallab has links to al-Qaeda.
Mr Brown said he had been contact with Sir Paul Stephenson, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, because of the "serious potential threat".
He said: "The security of the public must always be our primary concern.
"We have been working closely with the US authorities investigating this incident since it happened."
BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera said the British authorities were informed of a possible connection to the UK on Thursday evening.
The MI5 and police teams assigned to the case are trying ascertain first of all whether the reported identification is correct, our correspondent said.
It is understood one of their key priorities will also be to check whether the arrested man has cropped up in the course of any other investigations.
BBC News correspondent Richard Slee said there was fairly low-key police activity at the last known address of Mr Abdulmutallab, a basement flat in a smart mansion block near Harley Street in central London.BBC News correspondent Richard Slee said there was fairly low-key police activity at the last known address of Mr Abdulmutallab, a basement flat in a smart mansion block near Harley Street in central London.
The plane was carrying 278 passengersThe plane was carrying 278 passengers
Police forensic officers have been seen going into the building on Mansfield Street, our correspondent said. Reporting from the scene, he said police forensic officers have been seen going into the building on Mansfield Street.
A blue English Heritage plaque states that philanthropist Sir Robert Mayer once lived there.A blue English Heritage plaque states that philanthropist Sir Robert Mayer once lived there.
Police and MI5 said they have assigned extra staff and resources on the UK inquiries as a matter of urgency. The Metropolitan Police said its officers were liaising with the US authorities.
It is understood one of their key priorities will be to check whether Mr Abdulmutallab has cropped up in the course of any other investigations.
UCL said it was looking to confirm whether it had a student under that name and the Metropolitan Police said its officers were liaising with the US authorities.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "We are in liaison with the US authorities.A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "We are in liaison with the US authorities.
"Searches are being carried out at addresses in central London.""Searches are being carried out at addresses in central London."
A UK Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "In response to events in Detroit the US authorities have requested additional measures for US-bound flights.A UK Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "In response to events in Detroit the US authorities have requested additional measures for US-bound flights.
"We are monitoring the situation and will make any assessments as necessary as this develops.""We are monitoring the situation and will make any assessments as necessary as this develops."