A British man suspected of involvement in a plot to blow up trans-Atlantic airliners has escaped from police custody. Rashid Rauf fled after a court appearance in Pakistan. Britain is seeking to extradite him in connection with another case, the murder of his uncle. Barbara Plett reports.

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Mr Rauf has been described as a key suspect in the alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic jetliners. His arrest in Pakistan in August 2006 prompted a major security alert at airports worldwide.

The government here has since dropped all charges against him, but he has been kept in jail apparently awaiting a decision on a British extradition request. The British authorities want him in connection with the murder of his uncle.

Barbara Plett, BBC News, Islamabad

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handcuffs
a pair of metal rings joined by a chain used to hold a prisoner's hands together

evade
escape from

a court appearance
he had been in a law court to answer questions, give information, etc.

a key suspect
one of the main people believed to have been involved

alleged plot
plans which are believed to have been made

prompted
lead to, resulted in

dropped all charges against him
taken back its official accusations against him

a British extradition request
a call from Britain for him to be sent back there to face trial