Search for real-life Qs with anti-terror ideas

A real-life "Dragon's Den" for inventors with ideas for anti-terror gadgets was launched by the Government today.

Ministers want scientists who think their latest invention could be turned against al Qaida to come forward.

The experts could act like fictional boffin "Q" from the James Bond films and millions of pounds could be available to fund the right product.

Ideas already made real include a maritime "stinger" able to stop a terrorist speedboat.

Police in pursuit will fire the rocket-propelled net to disable the terrorists' boat's propellor.

Scientists have also developed a barrier to protect public buildings from suicide trucks.

The steel and concrete wall can stop a 7.5-tonne truck doing 40mph or a car doing 90mph.

The scheme is part of the Home Office's three-year Science and Technology Counter-Terrorism Strategy, published today.

Security Minister Lord West said: "The UK currently faces a real and serious threat from terrorism and we need to utilise our position as a world leader in science and technology to counter this.

"We need to match products and ideas to problems, which is why we are actively inviting people to join us and share expertise.

"The UK is a leading innovator in the design and provision of defence and security solutions.

"British technology can have greater practical applications across the world and is just one more tool in our fight against those who would wish to do us harm."