Nightcap saved Britons

Mel Potter was staying at the hotel with Dewhirst colleagues

Three men from the north-east of England have told how a farewell drink saved them from the terrorist attack in Morocco.

Mel Potter, Tony Wilson, Brian Reed and another man who does not want to be named, were staying at the Hotel Farah on a business trip to Casablanca.

At least 40 people were killed in five explosions that shook the city on Friday night, which has been blamed on al-Qaeda.

The bombings damaged the Jewish community centre and cemetery, the Belgian consulate, a restaurant and the hotel where the men were staying.

The North East trio, who work for textile manufacturer Dewhirst in Peterlee, County Durham, were reunited with their families on Sunday.

But Mr Jones, a garment technician manager, said a nightcap meant he and his colleagues narrowly avoided the suicide bomber who blew himself up in the reception of the hotel.

The 51-year-old, of Peterlee, said: "I dread to think what would have happened had we not gone for that drink.

"We went out into the city as normal, never thinking it was a dangerous place.

At least 40 people died in the terrorist attacks in Casablanca

"At around 1900 BST we went for a meal at a restaurant about 200 yards from the hotel.

"After we'd eaten we left at about 2200 BST and decided to turn right down the road for a last drink with colleagues who were leaving.

"As we walked we heard a huge bang. If we'd had turned left back to the hotel, who knows what would have happened.

"My van was parked facing the hotel and my windscreen was totally blown out.

"I've been coming here for eight years and never felt at risk. I'm going home for the sake of my wife and my family."

Mr Jones's wife Susan, 47, said: "He phoned to say there had been a bomb blast but that he was OK.

"I was in bed, and it was only a short conversation because we got cut off. But the main thing is that he's fine."

Mel Potter, a 50-year-old father-of-two from Durham City, said he he had no problems with going back to Morocco but would have to discuss the matter with his colleagues.

He said: "We dealt with it, we are all back here safe and sound. Life goes on and now it is 'back to normal'."

At least 30 people have been arrested in a major security operation across Casablanca.