Mid-air terror suspect may be British

A man who allegedly tried to set off improvised explosives during a trans-atlantic flight may be British.

American Airlines flight 63 from Paris to Miami was forced to make an emergency landing in Boston.

The man, identified by French police as 28-year-old Tariq Raja, is currently being questioned by FBI agents in Boston.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "It is believed he is a British citizen."

Earlier French police claimed he was a Sri Lankan national travelling on a British passport.

But in America, there are reports he is Syrian.

Terri Evans, press officer for the British consulate in Boston, said inquires were continuing into how the man acquired the passport.

She said: "We are still trying to confirm the details."

"We are trying to find out more about the circumstances of issuance of that passport."

Rajawas tackled by passengers and crew after a flight attendant smelt sulphur and believed he was attempting to start a fire.

He was restrained and belted into his seat by passengers aboard the aircraft before two doctors sedated him with injections of drugs from the plane's on-board medical kit.

The US Embassy in Paris, where security has been an overriding concern, had no immediate comment on the incident.

According to reports, security sources were uncertain whether the shoe contained C-4 plastic explosive.