Al Qaida suspect ‘protected by British intelligence’

A suspected al Qaida leader and his family are living in a safe house in northern England where they are being looked after by British intelligence, it was claimed today.

Muslim cleric Abu Qatada, said to be Osama bin Laden’s ambassador in Europe, was sentenced to death in his absence in Jordan and is accused by the US, Spain, France and Algeria of being a key influence in the September 11 attacks.