Al Qaeda 'threatens more UK attacks'

A video-tape showing Osama Bin Laden’s deputy making terror threats against the UK has been broadcast on Arab television.

In the video, broadcast on the al Jazeera network, Ayman al-Zawahri blamed Prime Minister Tony Blair’s policies for the London bombings in July and warned of “more destruction” in the capital.

The video was released on the day that the last Tube line targeted in the July 7 attacks reopened. A limited service began on the Circle Line on Thursday and the Piccadilly Line also fully reopened.

There was a massive security presence in the capital today, with around 6,000 police officers guarding Tube and mainline stations and patrolling streets, in an attempt to prevent any further bomb attacks.

However, it was reported today that passenger numbers of the Tube had dropped by 30% at weekends and between 5% and 15% on weekdays since the bomb attacks four weeks ago.

The investigations into the four suicide bomb attacks on July 7, which killed 52 people, and the attempted attacks of July 21 are still continuing.

Fourteen people, including three of the suspected bombers, are still in custody following the attempted attacks on July 21. A fourth suspect, Hussain Osman, was arrested in Rome last week. It was announced on Thursday that he will face an extradition hearing on August 17.

The first person to be charged in connection with the July 21 attempted bombings appeared in court on Thursday. Ismael Abdurahman, 23, charged with failing to disclose information about Hussain Osman, was remanded in custody until August 11.

(KMcA/SP)