Terror shadow cast over London

Militant groups claiming to belong to Al-Qaeda network are preparing large-scale attacks against London.

A group calling itself Al-Qaeda-Europe is bracing up in the heart of Britain for a big operation, according to Shaikh Umar Bakri Muhammad, head of the London-based group al-Muhajirun.

Talking to Portuguese daily Publico, he said last month's deadly Madrid commuter train bombings were carried out by Osama bin Laden's "independent" followers.

Young people dreaming to join Al-Qaeda happen to act as "freelancers" by organizating operations similar to those by Al-Qaeda, the Shaikh added.

The London-based militant head confirmed that the 11-M terror was an act by such "freelance" groups.

Police in Britain have arrested several suspects since the discovery of the deadly poison, ricin, in a north London apartment in January.