British suspect Rauf escapes Pakistan custody

December 17, 2007

Pakistani authorities have ordered an investigation following the escape of British bomb plotter Rashid Rauf.

Two Pakistani policemen are being questioned after Rauf broke free from custody in Islamabad following a court appearance.

Terror charges laid against Rashid Rauf in Pakistan were dropped last month but he was awaiting a decision on whether he will be extradited to the UK.

Rauf is wanted by West Midlands police investigating the murder of his uncle.

State media announced the probe after Rauf broke free from his handcuffs and ran off after a court hearing.

His guards are being questioned as police hunt for the missing man, she added.

A Pakistan government spokesman said earlier that "every possible effort" was being made to re-arrest Mr Rauf.

A spokeswoman for the British High Commission in Islamabad said officials were "urgently seeking clarification" of what had happened.

In Birmingham, Rauf's father Abdul said: "I don't know anything. I'm shocked."

Rauf's arrest in Pakistan in August 2006 prompted a major security alert at airports worldwide.

All charges against Rauf have since been dropped, but he has been kept in jail awaiting a decision on the British extradition request.

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