Chemical bomb plot foiled

2004-04-06 17:21

London - British and US intelligence services foiled a plot to detonate a chemical bomb in Britain by a group thought to be sympathetic to al-Qaeda, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

Security services intercepted communications between the potential attackers, who were planning an attack with a highly toxic chemical called osmium tetroxide, the BBC said on its website.

The potential target was thought to be areas in which there would be concentrations of people, possibly within a confined space, the BBC added, without naming a source for its report.

"The plotters were thought to be sympathetic to the aims of al-Qaeda and the intended target was believed to be British civilians," it said.

Police in London however declined to comment, with a spokesperson saying: "We're not prepared to discuss" the reports.

Osmium tetroxide can be bought on the internet, and can cause victims to choke to death in agony, according to Britain's domestic Press Association news agency.

The substance also attacks the eyes and can lead to blindness.

- AFP