Police get more time to question 7/7 suspects

LONDON (Reuters) - Police have been given five more days to question four suspects arrested this week in connection with the 7/7 London bombings, including the widow of ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan.

"There was an extension granted which lasts until Wednesday for all four," a Scotland Yard spokeswoman said on Friday. "Questioning continues and all four remain in custody."

Khan's widow Hasina Patel, her brother and two other men were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Terrorism suspects can be held for questioning for up to 28 days in total, but police must apply to a judge to extend their initial detention after the first 48 hours and then at weekly intervals.

Khan and three other young British Muslims blew themselves up on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people on three London underground trains and a bus in the first suicide attacks by Islamist militants in Western Europe.

Wednesday's arrests were the second set within weeks. Three men were charged last month with conspiring with the bombers.

Police say a key focus of their investigations is to trace people who may have known what the bombers were planning or provided them with logistical support such as money or accommodation.