Terror Plot Disrupted

U.K. police say they've disrupted a major plot to blow up as many as 20 planes heading from the UK to the US with explosive devices smuggled aboard as carry-on luggage to detonate over UK & US cities. Police already have arrested 20 people in London - the culmination of a covert counter-terrorist operation lasting several months. Security sources are said to be believe that liquid explosives would have been the likely substance used, since they could be missed during the x-ray screening of such luggage. Those arrested were reportedly to be mainly young, British-born Asian men.

The U.K.'s Home Secretary, John Reid said the alleged plot was a "major threat" to bring down a number of planes. The Home Office's level of security - indicating public risk - has been raised from 'severe' to 'critical'. The swoop followed a pre-planned intelligence led operation by the Met's anti-terrorist branch and security service.

A police statement said: "This is a major operation which inevitably will be lengthy and complex. We will provide further information as soon as possible."

At this point all flights from the region have been cancelled, along with flights scheduled into Heathrow were cancelled - apart from those already in the air. Flights to Britain from some continental cities have also been cancelled.