TERROR suspects who are released without charge could face having their DNA profiles stored for life.

Proposals announced by the Home Office could see the infor-mation on anyone arrested for terrorist offences but either not charged or acquitted kept indefinitely on the national database.

Under the plans, senior police officers would review each case every two years on national security grounds to see if holding on to the genetic profile of each individual was warranted.

Even under 18s arrested but not charged could have their DNA profiles stored for much longer periods than for other crimes.

Home Office minister Alan Campbell said terror offences needed to be treated differently from other crimes because of the length of police investigations.

He said the proposals were “proportionate” and would ensure the right people were on the database.

“The reality is many investiga-tions of certain terrorist activity take a very long time indeed, and they have to be treated differently to the other offences we are talking about,” he said.

In a policy document launched today, the Home Office signalled a partial retreat in the face of outrage over plans to hold the DNA of thousands of innocent people for more than a decade.

Adults who are arrested but not convicted of a serious crime will have their profiles held for six years instead of the 12 proposed this summer.

Juveniles cleared or not char-ged with serious crimes will have their data kept for three years, or six if they are aged 16 or 17.