09 May 2024 , 06:10
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A group of three men has been arrested on suspicion of ‘commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism’ after four police raids in the north of England.
The men, aged 35, 36 and 51, were each arrested at different locations and have been taken into custody for questioning.
Greater Manchester Police said the warrants were carried out in Bolton and its suburb Great Lever, as well as the town of Hindley and village of Abram.
The force said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public, though no further details were disclosed.
Officers are still present at some of the addresses raided, but efforts are being made to minimise disruption for local residents, a police statement said.
North-west counter terrorism chief Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: ‘This evening we have executed a number of planned warrants as part of an ongoing counter terrorism investigation.
‘Three men have been taken into custody for questioning and scenes remain in place as we conduct further enquiries.
‘Today’s activity has been the culmination of much detailed planning and we have put measures in place to minimise disruption to local residents as much as possible.’
He added: ‘I understand that any time arrests of this nature are made it will cause concerns and people will naturally have questions.
‘Although we can’t go into specific details of the investigation at this stage, I want to reassure members of the public that we do not currently believe there to be any wider threat linked to today’s activity.’