The Metropolitan police and intelligence service MI5 were conducting searches in the last known London address of the student, named as Abdul Farouk Abdul Mutallab, 23, enrolled at University College London.

Inquiries

The police said its searches were part of “ongoing inquiries”, while the British airport operator BAA said passengers should expect increased searches on UK flights to the US.
Police forensic officers were seen going into a building behind Harley Street in London.
The police and MI5 said they had assigned extra staff and resources on the UK inquiries as a matter of urgency.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “We are in liaison with the US authorities. Searches are being carried out at addresses in central London.

“A UK Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “In response to events in Detroit the US authorities have requested additional measures for US-bound flights.

“We are monitoring the situation and will make any assessments as necessary as this develops. “Abdul Mutallab, had reportedly applied for a visa to attend a religious seminar.