30 January 2006 -- Iran says it has detained about 50 suspects in connection with a deadly double bomb attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz in mid-January.

Ahvaz's deputy governor, Abdolrahim Fazilatpour, announced the arrests today.

The official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying that different groups had claimed responsibly for the explosions, but did not elaborate. He added that the aim of the bombings was "to create the impression" that cities in the Khuzestan Province, specially its capital Ahvaz, are unsafe.

On 28 January, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Iran would hand over evidence to Britain that proved British involvement in the attack. London has denied any involvement.

Tehran has made similar allegations against the United Kingdom in the past.

At least six people were killed and dozens were wounded in the blasts on 24 January.

(compiled from local and international agency reports)