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Brit Official Blunders on Terror Probe

He walks with secret file in open view; arrests are sped up

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2009 5:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – One of Britain's top counter-terrorism officials may want to invest in a briefcase. The official, Bob Quick, showed up for a meeting at 10 Downing Street and walked by photographers carrying documents clearly marked "Secret" that outlined the government's plan to bust a suspected al-Qaeda cell, the Telegraph reports. When the photos became public and compromised the investigation, Scotland Yard immediately arrested 12 suspects.

The raids, though, came earlier than planned, and Quick apologized for his gaffe. "Assistant Commissioner Quick accepts he made a mistake on leaving a sensitive document in open view and deeply regrets it," said a Scotland Yard spokesman. Meanwhile, authorities aren't offering many details about the suspects or any alleged plots.

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Scotland Yard arrested 12 terror suspects, but earlier than they would have liked. (Shutter Stock)

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He has apologised to the Commissioner and colleagues. - Scotland Yard spokesman

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Brit Official Blunders on Terror Probe