NEWS AND VIEWS

"An Egyptian chemistry expert sought by police over the London bombings has been arrested in Cairo, Egypt.

Magdi Mahmoud al-Nashar, 33, had not been seen by colleagues in Leeds since early July.

British police are searching a house in Leeds linked to Mr al-Nashar, but have not formally named him as a suspect in their investigation.

Egypt's Interior Ministry said Mr al-Nashar denied having any role in the bombings, and was in Egypt on holiday.

Mr al-Nashar had planned to return to London, according to the ministry.

'He pointed out (to questioners) that all his belongings remained in his apartment in Britain,' a statement said.

Earlier, police said they were hunting the financiers, supporters and chemists who assembled the bombs used.

British police have said they want to question Mr al-Nashar, who completed a PhD in chemistry at Leeds University.

BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera said Mr al-Nashar's alleged link to the plot was unclear, but it was believed he handed over keys to a house in Leeds used by the bombers."

# posted by R @ 3:30 PM