British police criticised for terror-raid

London, June 10 (UNI) Islamic groups warned of a further breakdown of trust between the security agencies and the community, as Scotland Yard freed two brothers, arrested in a high-profile anti-terrorism raid in east London, without charge.

Mohammed Abul Kahar (23) and Abul Koyair (20) were freed yesterday, a week after being arrested at their house in Lansdown Road, Forest Gate, which police suspected was being used for making a chemical bomb. Kahar, was shot in the shoulder during the operation.

The Metropolitan Police said they would undertake ''appropriate restoration work'' to the house after the raid, which involved almost 250 police officers. The two were freed as Scotland Yard confirmed that their search of the house was complete.

Justifying police action Home Secretary John Reid asserted the police acted ''in the best interests of the whole community. They, therefore, deserve the support of the whole community in doing what is often a very hazardous and dangerous job often involving difficult decisions.'' In an immediate criticism, General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said, ''We understand that because of the nature of this kind of intelligence work the police will inevitably make mistakes but it's also important that if mistakes are made that they are duly acknowledged.'' Jamal El-Shayyal, a spokesman for the Muslim Association of Britain, said, ''This has further dented people's trust and will increase people's fear.'' Police targeted the house on June 2 on 'specific intelligence' suspecting the existence of a chemical-based explosive device. But nothing of this nature was found. In a statement, police said they were continuing to develop this intelligence. The inquiry could move elsewhere and there might yet be further operations linked to the investigation.

UNI XC YA DS1523