Ninth arrest after Birmingham raids
Police conducted the anti-terror raids at about 04:00 GMT this morning
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Wednesday, 31, Jan 2007 07:51
Nine people have been arrested as part of anti-terrorism raids in Birmingham, police have said.
West Midlands police said eight arrests were made at about 04:00 GMT this morning as part of a "counter-terrorism operation co-ordinated and led by the Midlands counter-terrorism unit".
And this afternoon it was confirmed that a ninth person has been arrested on a motorway in the Birmingham area.
Those arrested this morning are being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Twelve properties in the Sparkhill, Washwood Heath, Kingstanding and Edgbaston areas of Birmingham have been sealed off and are being searched by officers as part of the investigation, which also involved the Metropolitan police, that was months in the planning.
Police refused to comment on media reports that the arrests were related to an alleged kidnap plot, saying that they are unable to release more details while the investigation is ongoing.
Speculation has mounted that the alleged plot involved the possible filmed execution of a serving UK soldier, in a style similar to that seen in hostage-taking in Iraq.
But speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable David Shaw of the West Midlands police warned the media that the ongoing speculation was "potentially damaging" to the ongoing operation.
He was also keen to add that police were aware that today's activities could pose problems for the local communities concerned, but insisted officers would "do everything to minimise disruption" in an operation that could continue for up to seven days.
Police said there was no "specific threat to the West Midlands" but added that an "enhanced police presence" will be in operation as a "precautionary measure".
"We would ask for the continued support and cooperation of the public," the force representative added.
"Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant. Public safety is our absolute priority."
A Home Office spokeswoman confirmed that home secretary John Reid was "fully briefed on the operation and is receiving regular updates as developments occur".
"The operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face," she added.