French hold alleged 'shoe-bomb' accomplices

French police today arrested six suspected Islamic militants linked to Briton Mr Richard Reid's apparent attempt to blow up a…

French police today arrested six suspected Islamic militants linked to Briton Mr Richard Reid's apparent attempt to blow up a flight last year with a shoe bomb.

The Algerians and Pakistanis suspects were picked up in the Paris suburbs. One of the six, who were not named, is an imam at a mosque north of the city, officials said.

Under French anti-terrorism laws, the six can be held for up to four days before being placed under investigation, formally charged or released.

Today's arrests were connected to a plot by Londoner Mr Reid to set off explosives in his runners during a December 22nd flight from Paris to Miami. He has been in US custody since then.

French anti-terrorism judge Mr Jean-Louis Bruguiere is investigating who Mr Reid may have met in Paris before boarding the flight.

AP

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