Terror suspect Butt released

Last Modified: 21 May 2008
Source: ITN

A self-proclaimed former extremist who was arrested by anti-terror police has been released without charge.

Hassan Butt, 28, was taken into custody on May 9 by counter-terrorism detectives at Manchester Airport as he was about to get on a flight to Lahore, Pakistan.

He was held on suspicion of financing, directing and supporting terrorism and held for 12 days before being released without charge.

Butt claims to have renounced his support for Islamic terrorism after previously boasting of recruiting hundreds of British Muslims to fight for al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has spoken widely about his past involvement with terror groups and met Government officials to talk about how to steer young British Muslims away from extremism.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said the investigation that led to Butt's arrest was "ongoing."

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