The radical north London cleric Abu Hamza was arrested at his home this morning after American authorities applied for his extradition.

Scotland Yard said a 47-year-old British citizen was arrested by officers from the Met's Extradition Unit, about 3am today, after an extradition warrant was issued by Bow Street Magistrates Court.

He has been taken to a central London police station where he is in custody.

"The man is due to appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court, sitting at Belmarsh (prison), later today," said Scotland Yard.

His house is being searched by officers from the Anti-Terrorist Branch, under the Extradition Act 2003.

Mr Abu Hamza, who was born in Eqypt and gained UK citizenship through marriage, has courted controversy through his radical preaching outside the Finsbury Park mosque.

He was banned from the mosque by the Charity Commission, after being accused of exploiting his position for personal and political reasons.

He has also been a target of the tabloids, who have called for him to be thrown out of the country.

Mr Abu Hamza has already appealed against a deportation order.