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UK arrests in Tamil Tigers probe | UK arrests in Tamil Tigers probe |
(40 minutes later) | |
Three men have been arrested by counter-terror police as part of an investigation into the Tamil Tigers. | |
The arrests are said to be part of a long-term investigation into the Sri-Lankan-based group. | The arrests are said to be part of a long-term investigation into the Sri-Lankan-based group. |
Two men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in dawn raids at separate addresses in Newtown, Powys, and a third, aged 33, arrested in Mitcham, south-west London. | Two men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in dawn raids at separate addresses in Newtown, Powys, and a third, aged 33, arrested in Mitcham, south-west London. |
All three were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. | |
A raid also took place in Surrey, Scotland Yard said. | A raid also took place in Surrey, Scotland Yard said. |
Military equipment | |
The men are to be questioned at the high-security Paddington Green police station in central London. | |
A Scotland yard spokesman said: "This is part of a long-term investigation into alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas and two people have already been charged in connection with this investigation. | |
"It is not linked to al-Qaeda type activity or inspired terrorism. It is in relation to support, procurement and fundraising for a proscribed organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [Tamil Tigers]." | |
Two men from south London have already appeared in court charged with terror offences in connection with the investigation. | |
One is accused of arranging meetings of the Tamil Tigers and addressing an event in Hyde Park, central London. | |
He is also accused of amassing a hoard of military equipment including machetes, combat boots, camouflage clothes, spades and handcuffs. He denies the offences. | |
In November, Tamil Tiger leader Colonel Karuna Amman was arrested in a joint operation by British police and immigration officials. | |
No details have been released of where he was detained or whether Sri Lanka will begin extradition proceedings. |