Failed suicide bombers lose out in appeal on convictions

FOUR men serving at least 40 years behind bars for planning the failed July 21 London suicide bombings failed today in a Court of Appeal bid to challenge their convictions.

Three judges in London dismissed applications brought by Muktar Said Ibrahim, Yassin Omar, Ramzi Mohammed and Hussain Osman for leave to appeal.

They were jailed for life last July after being convicted at London's Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder.

On July 21, 2005, the men had tried to detonate rucksacks laden with explosives on three Underground trains at Shepherd's Bush station, Oval station and Warren Street station, together with a bus in Hackney Road, killing themselves and passengers, but the bombs failed to go off.

The attempted attacks came two weeks after four suicide bombers struck in central London, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770.

• Scotland is still at risk from attack by al-Qaida, the country's top anti-terror policeman was to tell a city conference today.

Strathclyde Police's counter terror leader Detective Inspector Jim Reid was to tell the Scottish Business Crime Group today: "They are targeting events like big football matches. They are looking at attacks on iconic buildings and major visitor attractions."