Investigation Update
Issued Tuesday 16 September
Four men, arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, have been released without charge.
The men, from Leeds, Huddersfield, Derby and London, were arrested on September 5, on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The pre-planned, intelligence led operation saw searches conducted at properties in Leeds, Huddersfield, Derby, West Bromwich and Hounslow.
The 49-year-old man from London was released without charge on Friday, September 12. The remaining men, a 33-year-old man from Leeds, a 31-year-old man from Huddersfield and a 34-year-old man from Derby were released this afternoon.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: “Extensive enquiries have satisfied the investigation that there are no grounds to charge these men with any offences.
“Please be reassured that there is also no evidence to suggest a threat to the UK in connection with our ongoing investigation.
“Public safety remains our priority at all times, and we will continue to work with our partners and policing colleagues to act on any information which could indicate terrorist related activity.
“We would always encourage the public listen to their instincts if they see or hear anything suspicious. Call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or visit gov.uk/ACT for more information. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
Further Extension Granted for Terrorism Suspects
Issued Tuesday 9 September
Counter Terrorism Policing North East can confirm a warrant of further detention has been granted to continue questioning four people arrested on Friday. This afternoon (Tuesday, September 9) an extension was approved by the court, giving detectives until Wednesday 17 September to hold and question the individuals in custody.
On Friday 5 September, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested four men on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000:
- A 33-year-old man from Leeds
- A 31-year-old man from Huddersfield
- A 34-year-old man from Derby
- A 49-year-old man from London
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, said:
“I appreciate the concern these arrests have caused within our communities with visible police presence at a number of properties that have been searched in connection with this investigation.
“These searches have all now concluded and I would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while officers have been in attendance.
“Please be reassured that there is not believed to be any immediate risk to the public in connection with our ongoing investigation.”
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Counter Terrorism Policing North East granted more time to question four terrorism suspects
Issued Saturday 6 September, updated Tuesday 9 September
Counter Terrorism Policing North East can confirm it has been granted a warrant of further detention to continue questioning four people arrested on Friday 5 September on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
This afternoon an extension was approved by the court, giving detectives until Wednesday 10 September to hold and question the following individuals, if required:
- A 33-year-old man, from Leeds
- A 31-year-old man from Huddersfield
- A 34-year-old man from Derby
- A 49-year-old man from London
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, said: “I appreciate the concern these arrests have caused within our communities and in particular the impact of speculation around them.
“Please be reassured that there is not believed to be any immediate risk to the public in connection with our ongoing investigation.
“Public safety remains our utmost priority, and we will continue to share more information with our communities as and when we are able. In the meantime, we’d ask people not to be alarmed and to go about their business as normal.”
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Four Men Arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing North East
Issued Friday 5 September
Today (5 September) officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East have arrested four men from Leeds, Huddersfield, Derby and London on suspicion of terrorism offences.
- A 33-year-old man has been arrested from an address in Leeds on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- A 31-year-old man has been arrested from an address in Huddersfield on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- A 34-year-old man has been arrested from an address in Derby on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- A 49-year-old man has been arrested from an address in West Bromwich on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The men have all been taken to a local police station for questioning.
Searches are at ongoing at a number of properties in relation to this investigation.
This activity was pre-planned and intelligence led and there is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public in the UK linked to this investigation.