Three men arrested at Gatwick Airport under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have been released without charge,

Special Branch detectives questioned the men but today said the three had been "de-arrested".

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "This means they were not charged with any offence and are not likely to be charged with any offence under terrorism powers.

"They have been de-arrested and sent back to the immigration authorities."

The men were stopped by suspicious immigration officers at Gatwick on Thursday night.

Sussex Police and armed Special Branch men were called in and the suspects were taken away for detailed questioning.

A Home Office spokesman today confirmed the men had been returned to immigration.

A decision will now be made whether to allow them to enter the UK or return them home.

It is not yet known whether the men will make any legal claim for compensation for wrongful arrest.