MIANWALI, May 27: A mysterious American national arrested by Bhakkar police two days ago from Sarai Mohajar was sent to Mianwali Central Jail on Tuesday.

District Bhakkar police was informed that a stranger with long beard and long hair had been living in the town with Hakim Abdul Qayyum Sajjad for the last 10 days. He was in his forties, wore shalwar kamiz and spoke Urdu.

Sarai Mohajir police when tried to arrest him, the US citizen who introduced himself as Simon Norman, resisted police and tried to escape. During the scuffle, the foreigner tried to injure himself with a broken glass but police foiled his attempt.

Dawn learnt police and other law enforcers, despite hours of interrogation, could not glean any information from the American.

Sources said the American inmate had put the jail staff on heel by shouting and threatening to commit suicide if he was not released. The jail authorities put him under strict surveillance cell.

Bhakkar District Police Officer Ahmad Kamal said the visa of Mr Norman had expired since Dec 2006 and he was living in Pakistan at different places without any legal permission. However, police could not ascertain why he had been in Pakistan for the last two years, the DPO said.

Police confiscated two cell phones and cash from him. Police also arrested his host.