Boy mistaken for terror suspect

Javaid and his family were delayed at three airports

A seven-year-old boy from Lancashire has been mistaken for a terrorist suspect at three airports during a family holiday, relatives have said.

Javaid Iqbal's name is similar to that of a 39-year-old Pakistani man who was arrested after the attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001.

The boy's name raised a security alert on airport computers in Manchester, Orlando and Philadelphia.

His family, who live in Blackburn, said they would not be changing his name.

'Not fair'

Speaking about the experience Javaid's father Nadeem Iqbal said that the security services should take a more sensible approach.

"A suspect's date of birth should also be included on the security database," Mr Iqbal said.

"We do appreciate the security checks at Manchester, but this is not fair for someone who is seven years old."

The family faced delays at Manchester, Orlando and Philadelphia airports.

The 39-year-old Pakistani man was never charged over the attacks, but was deported from the United States of America.