Britons may face Breivik probe quiz

Several British citizens could be questioned by Norwegian police as part of investigations into the mass killings by right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik, a spokesman has confirmed.

The names of individuals and several groups have emerged through questioning of British anti-Muslim blogger Paul Ray as well as further questioning of Breivik and other lines of inquiry, Oslo Police said.

Breivik, who has admitted the Oslo and Utoya Island attacks on July 22, was questioned again this week, with questions reportedly focusing on his anti-immigration manifesto, alleged links to a group called the Knights Templar, and potential ties to Britain.

"A lot of people are mentioned in Breivik's manifesto and we, of course, want to speak to them and there are some links to the UK," police press officer Roar Hanssen said. "I don't know if there are specific areas they are from but there are some right-wing groups."

He said they are now deciding what to do. The people mentioned could be taken to Norway for questioning, or Norwegian police could come to the UK to speak to them.

"We can ask for help from the British police. It is not decided what we will do yet but these are possibilities," he added.

Mr Hanssen said he could not comment on whether names of people from other countries had also come out of the investigation.

Breivik admitted killing the 77 people when he detonated a truck bomb outside government offices in Oslo and then went on a meticulously planned shooting spree at a youth camp at Utoya, 25 miles away.

However the 32-year-old denies criminal guilt because he believes the massacre was necessary to save Norway, claiming it was aimed at purging Europe of Muslims and punishing politicians who have embraced multiculturalism.

Last month thousands of people gathered in Oslo's Spektrum arena as the country concluded a month-long mourning period with a memorial service for Breivik's victims. Norway's King Harald told the service that the country would rise above its pain, saying: "I firmly believe that we will uphold our ability to live freely and openly in our country."