02 May 2021

Five in custody after arrests in right-wing terrorism investigation

02 May 2021

Three men, a woman and a teenage boy remain in custody after they were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested a 29-year-old man, a 30-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman in Keighley, West Yorkshire, on Saturday morning on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Anglesey, north Wales, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested in Swindon, Wiltshire, on Saturday morning on suspicion of the same offence.

All five have been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said.

A number of properties were searched in connection with the arrests, which are part of an ongoing investigation into right-wing terrorism.

West Yorkshire Police said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) had been called to offer advice on “potentially suspicious material” found at an address in Keighley.

A police statement said: “As a precautionary measure, a cordon was put in place and a number of local residents were evacuated to allow for the examination of suspicious material and the safe removal of any items requiring disposal.

“These examinations have now concluded and residents are being allowed to return to their properties. We are grateful for their patience and understanding while these assessments were carried out and apologise for this unavoidable disruption.”

The force confirmed all searches at residential properties in Swindon and Anglesey have now finished. The investigation is continuing.

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