British police extend search in terrorism investigation

British police said yesterday they were searching a 10th address as part of a major counter-terrorism operation in northwest England to thwart a suspected al Qaeda plot involving Pakistani nationals. Twelve men - 11 of them Pakistanis - were arrested in dramatic daylight raids by hundreds of officers on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Britain rejected Pakistani criticism over security screening yesterday as police in northwest England investigated a suspected al Qaeda plot involving Pakistani nationals who entered on student visas.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas described as a "red herring" criticism from Pakistan's High Commissioner of British checks on foreign students.

Responding to British demands that Pakistan do more to combat terrorism, the diplomat, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, said Pakistani authorities could help carry out background checks on student visa applicants but had not been allowed to.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had spoken with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari by telephone on Thursday night to discuss the operation.

Mr Brown's office said they agreed that Britain and Pakistan "share a serious threat from terrorism and violent extremism", and had committed to "work together to address this common challenge".

Most terrorist plots in Britain since September 11, 2001 have had links to Pakistan, including suicide bombings in July 2005 which killed 52 people on London's underground and bus network.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement that the new search was taking place at an address in Liverpool. They added that the suspects arrested were still in custody "in various locations across the country". Police did not anticipate making any further announcements on Friday.