Terror suspect arrested in Merseyside after series of raids

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/11/terror-suspect-arrested-merseyside-raids

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Counter-terrorism detectives have raided five addresses in Merseyside, north-west England, and arrested a 31-year-old man

A 31-year-old man was held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The arrest follows an operation by the UK’s domestic security service, MI5, and police officers from the north-west counter-terrorism unit.

The addresses searched were in Rainhill, St Helens and the Kensington area of Liverpool. Officers wore protective clothing at some of the locations because of fears of noxious fumes. The searches could last several days, police said.

Police added that there was no intelligence of an imminent threat to the Merseyside area.

There was police activity around the Salt and Pepper Bar and Restaurant in Prescot Road in the Kensington area of the city.

The Press Association said officers used electronic “wizzer” saws to cut through the steel shutters on the shopfront, described as an African and English restaurant, which opened less than a year ago.

Police then used battering rams to crash through the doors, leaving the pavement outside strewn with the glass and debris. A street-level door of a stairway leading to a flat above the restaurant was also smashed down by officers. One shopkeeper said: “Police came and cut the shutters with razors. “I went out and they shouted ‘Stay away! Stay out! Stay in your shop!’. I stayed here two hours. No customers.” A silver Audi A7 parked around the corner from the restaurant was also taken on a low-loader by police.

Det Ch Supt Tony Mole from the NWCTU said: “The NWCTU are conducting a joint investigation with Merseyside police following the receipt of information from law enforcement agencies. It is our intention to carry out a thorough, professional investigation to determine the circumstances and details of the activity reported.

“We are taking all measures necessary to ensure public safety, which is our primary concern. Members of the public will see a lot of police activity at a number of addresses in the coming hours and possibly days. However, it is absolutely vital to stress – and I hope at the same time reassure the public – that there is no current threat or evidence of an imminent attack. We will of course keep the public informed as things progress and would once again encourage them not to be unduly worried.”

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should contact local officers or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.