Students quizzed over links to al-Qa'ida

Four university students are being questioned by anti-terrorist police on suspicion of involvement with the al-Qa'ida network.

Three of the four were arrested during a late-night raid at the University of Bradford halls of residence on Friday. The fourth, aged 19, was detained shortly afterwards in Bradford.

Two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old were taken to London for questioning and the fourth is being held by West Yorkshire Police. All are believed to be British and are being questioned about terrorist activities abroad.

Police said the arrests were not connected to investigations into the terror attacks on 7 July and the failed attacks on 21 July in London last year. Three of the four suicide bombers on 7 July were from West Yorkshire.

Ashar Ehsan, a spokesman for the University of Bradford, said: "The nniversity is fully co-operating with the police. Our first priority is the welfare of our students and we will continue to offer them support."

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "Three men were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000. A fourth was arrested later in the Bradford area and is in custody in West Yorkshire. He is being questioned on suspicion of the same offences."