Security fears after conference guard 'found with fake passport'

The man, an Algerian national, appeared in court yesterday charged with possessing a fake passport.

Marouane Bourannane, 35, from Kent, had been working as a "security officer" for the private company Group 4 Securicor. He was arrested at the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool at the weekend.

He was employed by G4S to work alongside police and Special Branch officers guarding the safety of senior Tories, such as Mr Cameron, their leader.

But, potentially more significantly, it is understood he worked at last week's Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. His mobile phone is said to contain a photograph of himself with the Prime Minister, taken in Bournemouth.

Mr Bourannane was found with a forged French passport in the name of Mohammed El Mir.

It is believed he travelled to England from France using the fake documents.

He appeared at Blackpool Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with possessing a false document in contravention of the Identity Cards Act 2006.

Bourannane was remanded in custody and will appear at Preston Crown Court on 18 October.

Both Downing Street and the Home Office maintain a strict policy of never commenting on the security arrangements for senior politicians.

But the revelation may put new scrutiny on the role that private security firms play at party conferences.

Last night, G4S Security Services UK said it had launched an inquiry.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that a Mr Mohammed El Mir, also known as Marouane Bourannane, worked as a security officer for the company and is currently under investigation regarding irregularities with his immigration documentation. The company is currently assisting the appropriate authorities with their investigation and has launched an internal inquiry into the circum-stances regarding the individual's employment.

"The company's vetting and screening procedures comply with the highest industry standards established by the Security Industry Authority."