Manhunt as three Iraqi doctors go missing in Glasgow after terror attack

The men arrived in the UK in May to take part in a Government-backed training programme, but failed to turn up for their flights back to Baghdad earlier this month.

They disappeared just two weeks after Bilal Abdullah, an Iraqi-trained doctor who worked at a Glasgow hospital, was arrested and charged with terrorist offences over the airport attack on June 30.

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He was a passenger in a Jeep driven by Kafeel Ahmed, an engineer who is being treated for extensive burns after the vehicle burst into flames as it hit the doors of the passenger terminal.

Two other junior doctors of Middle Eastern origin, who worked at the same hospital as Abdullah, the Royal Alexandra in Paisley, were arrested on July 2, but released without charge on July 15.

Last night, the Department of Health – which has been forced to defend itself against criticism of its security vetting – insisted that the three missing doctors were not being linked to any anti-terror investigations.

They were part of a group of 26 doctors flown to Britain from Baghdad by the international consultancy group Mott MacDonald, which is contracted by the Government to run a training programme to improve the management skills of Iraqi medical staff.

The stressful conditions and dangerous working environment in Iraq have led to a 'brain drain', with many top doctors fleeing the country. The training programme is part of an international effort to repair some of the damage caused by the exodus – with the doctors gaining improved clinical skills and knowledge, so that they can improve health services in Iraq when they return.

Training had initially taken place in Iraq, but when the security situation deteriorated they were forced to move it to the UK.

The group undertook their training at four hospitals in the city, the Glasgow Royal Infirmary – where Ahmed is being treated for his burns – the Western Infirmary, the Gartnavel and the Southern General, but the Department of Health said none of them visited the Royal Alexandra.

They were due to fly back in two groups on July 13 and 14, but only 23 turned up at the airport. Abdullah, 27, who had worked at the Royal Alexandra since last March, has been charged with conspiracy to cause explosions.

It is believed he entered Scotland from Pakistan – a known training ground for Al Qaeda terrorists. Patrick Mercer, Tory MP for Newark and former party spokesman on homeland security, said the episode proved vetting procedures were too lax.

'This underlines the need for an effective border security service,' he said.

'It is vital that we keep track of foreign visitors, and particularly those coming into the country from hotspots.'

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm three Iraqi doctors gaining experience in the UK have failed to return.

'We are satisfied that there is no link to the recent terrorist incidents. Police are investigating, and are working closely with the immigration service.

'We are disappointed that three participants chose not to return, but glad that 23 will now be helping improve services for Iraqis.'