Police free former al-Qaeda man

Hassan Butt was arrested on 9 May

Police have released a former al-Qaeda recruiter without charge.

Hassan Butt had been held since his arrest on 9 May at Manchester airport by officers from Greater Manchester Police's counter terrorism unit.

The 28-year-old had been about to board a flight to Lahore in Pakistan when he was arrested on suspicion of financing, directing and supporting terrorism.

Mr Butt has spoken of his past involvement in terrorist activity which he says he has now renounced.

A police spokeswoman confirmed a 28-year-old man had been released without charge and said the police investigation was ongoing.

Previously, Mr Butt, a British citizen from Manchester, has admitted to fundraising for terror networks.

He has also claimed to have recruited "hundreds" of British Muslims to fight for al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the past he has met government officials to talk about how to steer young British Muslims away from extremism.