London metropolitan police have confirmed, through our NZ Police liaison office in London, that the man identified as living at a Mount Albert guest house during 2004 is not Mr Yasin Hassan Omar, the person arrested in London in relation to the recent bombings there.
Assistant Commissioner, Crime Reduction and Public Safety, Peter Marshall says the quest house lodger had been arrested on unrelated matters during his stay in NZ. His fingerprints have been checked against Mr Omar's and Interpol confirmed they are two separate people.
"We appreciate the vigilance of the public in reporting suspicious incidents to us and encourage them to continue to do so.
"We also value and are encouraged by the ongoing positive relationships we are developing with Muslim communities throughout the country."
Assistant Commissioner Marshall says the prompt way this recent situation was able to be resolved reinforces the value of our police liaison officers network and the close relationship we maintain with overseas law enforcement agencies.
ENDS
Supplied by Media Relations: 04 474 9442 or 474 9482
After Hour Pager: 021 101082