Security blunder over Musharraf's visit to Britain
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-07 14:16

British police were probing why a top secret file detailing security arrangements for the visit of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to Britain this week was found abandoned on a London street.

British police were probing why a top secret file detailing security arrangements for the visit of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, pictured arriving with his wife Sehba at Number 10 Downing Street, was found abandoned on a London street. [AFP]

The 17-page document was reportedly found by a delivery driver in a brown envelope on upmarket Curzon Street hours before Musharraf and his wife touched down at Heathrow from Washington on Sunday.

Titled "Visit of His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan", the papers reportedly disclosed the security arrangements at the London hotel where the president and his entourage were staying.

The dossier containing maps showing Musharraf's movements, explaining how to identify undercover police, and giving details of police radio channels and secret police call signs, was given to the Daily Mirror newspaper.

"The documents did not detail personal protection arrangements for the president," said a spokesman from London's Metropolitan Police. "His personal protection was not affected.

"Our understanding is that they were found by a member of the public and handed in to the Mirror, who gave them to us yesterday," he said. "We have reviewed our policing operation, and liaised with the Pakistan High Commission."

An investigation has been launched by the the police's Directorate of Professional Standards into the circumstances surrounding the loss of the documents.

Musharraf is in London for talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Pakistani High Commission and Blair's office did not comment on the security blunder.

Close

Today's Top News     Top World News
Record deals inked with Germany, Italy         US against Taiwan's moves to alter names         Presidents tout strong relations with Italy         Poor mines barred, on hold         Swan Lake protection needs more attention         Khatami: Iran's democratic reforms failed	Ukraine leader agrees on measures for fair vote       Northern Japan hit by new powerful quake       Ohio certifies Bush win by 119,000 votes       ETA sets off 7 bombs across Spain, at least 5 hurt       Khatami: Iran's democratic reforms failed       Twelve killed in attack on US mission