Substantial Evidence Includes Chemicals, Videos

Bomb-making chemicals and "martyrdom" videos are among items placed in evidence against eight British Muslims and three others formally charged Monday in a suspected conspiracy to blow up airliners en route to the US from the United Kingdom.

"This morning I made a decision that there was sufficient evidence and authorized ... the charge of 11 individuals," prosecutor Susan Hemming told reporters at a Monday news conference.

"Eight are currently being charged with two offenses relating to the alleged plot to manufacture and smuggle the component parts of improvised explosive devices onto aircraft and assemble and detonate them on board," Hemming added.

Reuters reports the eight individuals are charged with conspiracy to murder, and preparing acts of terrorism -- a recently-created criminal offense.

British police say they have a large amount of evidence against the 11, taken in 69 searches of homes, businesses, vehicles and other locales associated with the plot.

"Since August 10 we have found bomb-making equipment," said Peter Clarke, head of the London police anti-terrorist branch. "There are chemicals including hydrogen peroxide, electrical components, documents and other items."

Police say those items include over 400 computers, 200 mobile telephones and 8,000 memory sticks, CDs or DVDs.

"We have also found a number of video recordings -- these are sometimes referred to as martyrdom videos," Clarke added.

As Aero-News reported, authorities in London uncovered the alleged plot against US-bound airliners from Britain nearly two weeks ago. That news raised the threat level in the UK to "critical" immediately after -- causing chaos at several British airports, as passengers struggled with new restrictions on carry-on luggage, and cancelled flights. 

FMI: www.met.police.uk/terrorism/