Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Anti-terror police swoop on upmarket Bristol area to arrest suspected Islamist, 33, over 'fears he was plotting or arranging attack'

  • Planned operation stormed a residential property in Clifton, Bristol yesterday 
  • He was arrested on suspicion of commissioning or preparing acts of terror 
  • Arrest is not linked to London Bridge attack on November 29, police confirmed  
Anti-terror police stormed a property in an upmarket area of Bristol last night and arrested a man.
The 33-year-old man was detained as part of a planned operation at the residential address in Clifton.    
He was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41b of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The arrest is not linked to the London Bridge attack on November 29, police have confirmed.  
Counter Terrorism Policing South East said the arrest was linked to Islamist-related terrorism and there was no risk to the public. 
The man remains in custody and officers are searching the address.
Police vehicles are pictured in the Clifton area of Bristol where a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of terror offences last night
Police vehicles are pictured in the Clifton area of Bristol where a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of terror offences last night 
Clifton is a leafy area of central Bristol that boasts large Georgian townhouses and upmarket boutiques.
It is home to one of the campuses of the University of Bristol and its halls of residence.  
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, head of CTPSE, said: 'At around 11pm, counter-terrorism detectives arrested a man on suspicion of terrorism offences and are currently carrying out searches at a residential property in Bristol.
'This was part of a pre-planned operation by CTPSE working alongside colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW).
The property in Clifton, Bristol, targeted in this morning's raid
The property in Clifton, Bristol, targeted in this morning's raid 
'I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out searches and continue our investigation.'
Police described the arrest as 'intelligence-led' and said inquiries continue.
Superintendent Andy Bennett, Avon and Somerset Police area commander for Bristol, said: 'I would like to reassure the local community that the arrest made today was part of a pre-planned operation by the Counter Terrorism Policing network.
'We will have an increased policing presence in the local area and, should anyone have any questions or concerns about this incident, I encourage them to speak to one of my officers.'
A map shows the location of the property raided in Clifton, Bristol, today where a man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism
A map shows the location of the property raided in Clifton, Bristol, today where a man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism 

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