16/02/2009

Police Given Longer To Quiz Terror Suspects

Police in England have been granted a further six days to quiz terror suspects with alleged links to a Gaza aid convoy.

Three men, held by police in Lancashire, were detained following a series of raids at homes in Burnley.

On Friday a total of nine men were arrested on a Preston motorway. Six were later released without charge. The remaining three are facing anti-terrorism law charges.

Police also commandeered three vans, which were part of a 100 vehicle aid convoy bound for Gaza.

"Three vehicles seized as part of the operation are also being searched as a priority in order to release them as soon as possible so they can continue on to their destination," police said.

Viva Palestina, a pro-Palestinian organisation, had organised the convoy, which left London Saturday.

The group has posted YouTube video showing an assortment of vehicles, including one towing a yacht, leaving the capital on Saturday.

It is expected that the volunteers will drive over 5,000 across Europe in a bid to cross the border at Rafah into Gaza in early March.

According to the group, the vehicles included a fire engine and ambulances, all carrying clothes, blankets and toys.

(PR/JM)

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