Al-Qaida linked to British bomb plots

LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- British authorities have confirmed a link between al-Qaida and at least one suspect in car bomb plots in London and Glasgow, Scotland, it was reported Sunday.

One of the suspects was in contact with al-Qaida members in Iraq by telephone or e-mail in the months before the attack, the Times of London reported.

Intelligence received in April by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism unit

suggested al-Qaida terrorists were planning attacks to coincide with the departure of Tony Blair, who stepped down as prime minister last month, the Times reported.

The terrorist cell in Iraq is believed to be led by Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who took control of the cell when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed during a U.S. airstrike last year, the Times reported.

Eight people were taken into custody after two car bombs failed to detonate in London and a third car was driven into a terminal at the Glasgow Airport late last month.