Egypt identifies body of probable bomber

A relative of Moussa Badran told The Associated Press that he disappeared after deadly attacks at two other Sinai resorts in October, and that some family members were detained afterward.

The development came as two security officials revealed that authorities received information of an imminent terror attack in Sharm el-Sheik several days before the bombings Saturday. But they believed casinos would be targeted, so security was increased around those sites, not hotels.

The officials would not say where the tip came from but said headquarters in Cairo told security forces in Sharm to be on alert and to step up measures around key locations.

It appeared authorities chose the wrong possible targets to watch, said one of the officials in Cairo. Both officials are close to the inquiry and spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not authorised for release.

Security was heightened around casinos on the theory they would be attacked because Israelis come to Sharm for gambling, which is banned in their country.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities had received a warning following the July 7 London bombings that the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh could be targeted, security sources told AFP yesterday in Cairo.

"Following the latest attacks in London, the Egyptian security services had received information that terror attacks could be perpetrated in Sharm el-Sheikh," a senior police source said.