Dome plot suspect awaits extradition moves

A Briton suspected of planning the world’s biggest attempted diamond heist was today under arrest in Spain awaiting extradition moves.

James Hurley, 46, from south London, was arrested at gunpoint by Spanish police, who were accompanied by Metropolitan Police Flying Squad officers, in Marbella on Friday.

He is wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy to rob an exhibition of the £350 million De Beers diamonds from the Millennium Dome on November 7.

Nine people have so far been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

‘‘A 46-year-old man is currently being held in custody. We are asking for his extradition,’’ a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

‘‘It is a matter that will be before the Spanish courts and they will decide if his extradition will be granted.’’

Hurley was arrested as he got out of his car after driving into town from the luxury villa he shares with his pregnant girlfriend. The secluded villa is on a golf estate near Porto Banus.

He is currently being held in Madrid ahead of an extradition hearing.

It is hoped that a new extradition treaty signed with Spain in March could pave the way for Hurley to be quickly returned to Britain.