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Jun 30, 2007 10:46 am US/Eastern
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London Surveillance Caught Terror Suspect On Tape
by Teri Okita, CBS News Reporter
LONDON (CBS) ―
One day after authorities prevented two car bombs from exploding near Piccadilly Circus, London police turning their attention to a terror suspect caught on tape.
Scotland Yard reportedly has a crystal clear picture from a surveillance camera of a man running from one of the cars filled with gas canisters and nails.
The attempted terrorist plot included two Mercedes left abandoned in Haymarket in the nightclub area between Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, and took place after former Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped down.
Each car contained gas and propane canisters wrapped with nails.
Authorities remain on heightened alert. They know there could be more bombings like the two uncovered Friday, which could have killed hundreds if they had gone off.
"Scientific analysis will tell us what damage or injury could have been caused by this device. However, even at this stage it is obvious that if the device had detonated, there could have been significant injury or loss of life," DAC Peter Clarke said on Friday.
"But I would like to repeat what I said earlier today. We are doing everything possible to protect the public. There will be more police patrols. The investigation is moving ahead," Clarke said.
This plot comes nearly two years after the terrorist attacks that killed more than 50 people in London. Residents have long dealt with the threats but do feel safe.
"I don't feel anything different. You sleep on it, you get over it, you just get on with your life," one London resident said.
London police are relying on the public and analyzing fingerprint and DNA evidence left behind. They are also looking through dozens of surveillance tapes for more clues.
"I'd ask Londoners to be alert and report anything suspicious to the police," Clarke said.
Authorities back home say there's no apparent terrorist threat to the U.S.
There are reports that police handed out information to local nightclubs two weeks ago warning of a potential car bomb but a British government source says there was no prior intelligence of at least an al Qaeda attack.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)