The four Briton's held at Guantanamo Bay have been handed over to the UK, with the American authorities saying that Britain has "accepted responsibility for these detainees".

Following their arrival in Britain, they are being questioned by police officers in London.

Moazzam Begg, Feroz Abbasi, Martin Mubanga and Richard Belmar have all been detained without trial under the Bush administration's controversial anti-terror policies.

The government has said that it will be for the police to decide how they are dealt with on their return.

A Metropolitan Police statement said they would be held at the high security Paddington Green station, but would be able to meet with their families given the "unique circumstances" of the case.

On-going talks

But as the men flew back to Britain, the Pentagon confirmed that the transfer had taken place following discussions.

"During these discussions, the UK government requested their transfer and accepted responsibility for these detainees," it said.

"It has assured the US government that the detainees will not pose a continuing security threat to the United States or its allies.

"The Department of Defence has strong confidence in the UK's commitment and ability to fulfil this responsibility."

Human rights

While the transfer brings to an end a difficult chapter in US-UK relations, around 545 other detainees continue to be held at the base.

Amnesty International said Britain should be calling for an end to the "illegal and abusive regime" at Guantanamo Bay.

"Whether or not the UK authorities deem it necessary to hold any of these men on arrival in Britain, they should certainly release them as soon as practicable, not least in light of the fact that they have been detained for several years and intensively questioned during part of that time," said director Kate Allen.