Shoe bomb suspect's mother tells of shock

The mother of the alleged shoe bomber Richard Reid spoke of her shock and concern about the claims her son had apparently tried to bring down a passenger plane.

Lesley Hughes, of Somerset, released a statement through an unnamed firm of Bristol-based solicitors.

"Other than what my client has heard or read in the media, she has no knowledge of this matter," the statement said.

"As any mother would be, she is deeply shocked and concerned about the allegations made against her son, but has no further comment to make."