A plot to blow up several department stores filled with Easter shoppers in Manchester has led to the resignation of a top counterterrorism official and a desperate search for the bomb factory:A desperate search was under way last night for the terrorist bomb factory from which a suspected al-Qaeda cell planned to launch a devastating attack in Manchester. Hours after Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer resigned in disgrace, police operations were concentrating on a rundown block of flats east of Liverpool city centre. The block was cordoned off and large quantities of material were seized for examination. People were evacuated from the area around the flats, which had been rented out by a private landlord to foreign students. A dozen men are being questioned after raids that had to be rushed forward after Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, the country's most senior anti-terrorism officer, inadvertently disclosed details of the police plans. Mr Quick resigned as...(Read Full Post)