British police were granted an extension to keep holding nine men in custody in connection with the
the alleged transatlantic plot to blow up several airplanes.

Police said eight of the 11 men who have not been charged could be kept in custody until Aug. 30, while another will have to be charged or released by Thursday.

Two others were released, Scotland Yard confirmed.

The 11 were among about two dozen people arrested Aug. 10 in police raids in London, Birmingham and High Wycombe.

It marks the first time that police have used new anti-terrorism laws to hold suspects for more than 14 days without charge, Britain's Home Office said.

The new laws allowing for holding terrorism suspects for a maximum of 28 days before filing charges.

Investigators said the evidence, including fingerprints, DNA samples and handwriting, was still being examined.

On Monday, Scotland Yard announced that 11 people had been charged in connection with the case, with eight accused of conspiracy to murder and preparing acts of terrorism.

British officials also confirmed that the plot involved the manufacture of liquid explosives that would then be assembled and detonated on board airliners.

With files from the Associated Press