Students in Quick 'terror' arrests freed without charge

MINISTERS were today facing an embarrassing deportation battle as nine Pakistani students held in the anti-terror raids that followed Bob Quick's photographed files blunder were released without charge.

The students were among 12 men arrested nearly two weeks ago in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire. The operation had been brought forward after Mr Quick, Scotland Yard's former anti-terror chief, was photographed with a file showing details of the raid plan. Gordon Brown said at the time that a "very big" terror plot had been thwarted.

Today two of those detained were in custody. Earlier one suspect was released and last night the remaining nine Pakistani students were freed without charge.

All nine, aged between 22 and 38, have been handed to the UK Border Agency for deportation on national security grounds. A lawyer for three of the men, Mohammed Ayub, vowed to fight to allow them to stay in the country. He said: "Our clients have no criminal history, they were here lawfully on student visas and all were pursuing their studies and working part-time." The Home Office insisted the deportation was necessary "to protect public safety".