FOUR men serving at least 40 years behind bars for planning the failed July 21 London suicide bombings failed today in a Court of Appeal bid to challenge their convictions.

FOUR men serving at least 40 years behind bars for planning the failed July 21 London suicide bombings failed today in a Court of Appeal bid to challenge their convictions.

Three judges in London dismissed applications brought by Muktar Said Ibrahim, Yassin Omar, Ramzi Mohammed and Hussain Osman for leave to appeal.

They were jailed for life last July after being convicted at London's Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder.

Today's ruling was given by Sir Igor Judge, Mr Justice Forbes and Mr Justice Mackay, who heard argument in the case last month.

The judges also dismissed applications brought by Mohammed and Osman against sentence.

Sir Igor said: "These were merciless and extreme crimes. As they were rightly meant to be, the sentences were severe and extreme.

"Beyond doubt, however, they were utterly justified."