More time to quiz terror suspect

Officers sealed off the house and shop in Alva on Thursday

Police have been granted more time to question a 20-year-old man who was detained under the Terrorism Act in a Scottish town.

The Central Scotland force has been given a further five days to question Mohammed Siddique, who was detained in Alva, Clackmannanshire, on Thursday.

At a special hearing, the sheriff gave permission to extend the period he was held to a total of seven days.

Mr Siddique's lawyer Aamer Anwar said his client was innocent.

The sheriff, Mr Anwar and the procurator fiscal attended a private hearing at the high-security Helen Street police station in Govan, Glasgow, on Friday.

'Against terrorism'

In a statement, Central Scotland Police said: "Following an operation in Alva, Clackmannanshire, on Thursday, April 13, officers have been granted a further 120 hours to detain a 20-year-old man arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000."

Mr Anwar said he was present while his client was questioned from 0745 until 2300 BST on Thursday and from 0845 BST until almost midday on Friday.

He said: "Mr Siddique hasn't been charged. He has committed no crime and he just wants to be released and returned to his family.

"I've asked him about numerous reports in the press and he has said he is completely and utterly against terrorism and horrified at any suggestion he supports 9/11 and what happened in London on 7 July last year."

Anyone detained under the Terrorism Act can be held for up to 14 days but court permission must be given to hold someone for more than two days.