Six in UK detained on terrorism charges

Three men and three women have been detained by the Thames Valley Police on suspicion of terror offences.

The arrests in Portsmouth, Farnborough and Greenwich come as the result of an operation conducted by the South East Counter Terrorism Unit.

Two of the men and two of the women, all between the ages of 23 and 29, were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which details suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

A 57-year-old man was arrested under Section 38(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000 failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism, Section 5 1(a) Terrorism Act 2006 engaged in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts and Section 17 Terrorism Act 2000 arranging availability of money and property for use in terrorism.

The sixth arrest was a 48-year-old woman who was detained under Section 38(b) Terrorism Act 2000 failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: “Officers would like to reassure residents that the police activity today is in relation to conflicts overseas and is not linked to any immediate threat to local communities or anywhere else in the UK.”

 “If anyone from the local community has any concerns or information contact police on the 101 number or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

 Although two of the five have been released, police said afterwards they thought they had disrupted the early stages of what could have turned into a ‘significant plot’.