Police today were deciding the fate of three men arrested in Brighton in connection with failed bomb attacks in London.

Metropolitan officers have to charge, release or seek authority to further detain them.

The three were arrested with a woman and three other men who have already been released without charge.

They were at Fairways Flats in Dyke Road, Brighton, on Sunday when Metropolitan and Sussex police swooped.

A man saying he was a friend of the seven contacted The Argus yesterday saying the arrests had been a "cock-up" on the part of police.

He said: "I know them and they are innocent," but would not comment further.

Meanwhile, forensic experts yesterday continued searching the Dyke Road flat and a semi-detached house in Southall Avenue, Moulsecoomb, Brighton.

Asked why the searches had lasted five days, a Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "There is no suggestion any explosives were at the addresses but this isn't a case of going in and looking in a few cupboards and drawers.

"This is a fingertip search and involves taking minute forensic samples and fingerprints."

Forensic experts also continued to examine a car found in Hove and linked to the July 21 bungled suicide bombings.

The Argus yesterday revealed exclusively how a Nissan Primera was dumped in Goldstone Crescent opposite Hove Park just days before four men tried to blow themselves up on a London bus and on the Tube.

No bombs were found but it was taken away for examination.

Armed police patrolled rail stations in Sussex yesterday, a month after 56 people died and 300 were injured in the July 7 bombings.

A police spokesman said: "We were there to provide reassurance. We would ask the public to report anything suspicious."