Family had contacted security agencies over failed bomber

The family of a Nigerian man arrested after a failed airliner bomb plot say they contacted security agencies two months ago, after losing contact with him.

In a statement, the family of Umar Abdul-Mutallab said their son's disappearance was 'completely out of character' and only a 'very recent development'.

The 24-year-old was arrested on Christmas day after he allegedly tried to detonate a bomb on a passenger jet flying into the US.

Passengers travelling to the US for the New Year are facing long delays as security is stepped up following the incident.

In Britain, passengers flying to America are being hit with delays of up to three hours but it's understood there are no delays at Shannon and Cork Airport and only minor delays in Dublin Airport.