Five arrested in Lancashire terror raids
Five men continue to be questioned following counterterrorism raids in Lancashire
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Monday, 16, Nov 2009 05:00
By Richard James.
Five men are continuing to be questioned by police following a series of counterterrorism raids across Lancashire this morning.
In its latest update, Greater Manchester police confirmed the first of the arrests had taken place at 04:00 GMT, with all five made under the Terrorism Act 2000.
All the men aged, 52, 21, 62, 27 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences including inciting an act of terrorism overseas.
The operation involved some 40 officers but has been described as "low-key" with no armed officers involved.
Three of the addresses raided this morning were in Manchester, one in Bolton and one in Stalybridge. All five locations are now being searched with warrants.
GMP said the raids were made as the latest stage of an investigation that has spanned more than 15 months.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "Protecting people both at home and abroad is our primary concern which is why we take such steps.
"This is a complex and ongoing investigation, which has now reached the point where it was necessary to make arrests and speak to a number of people.
"There was no direct threat against Greater Manchester and the arrests are the latest stage of a thorough investigation. We have been liaising with local people to provide reassurance about what has happened and will continue to keep a high profile presence in affected areas.
"Officers will also be distributing letters around the areas concerned and speaking to residents to let people know what has happened and to ask them to continue to work with us in the coming days.
"The community will be concerned that these arrests caused disruption and distress to people living there. There is no suggestion that those other people were involved in any offences and our priority is to look after these people."
The raids were part of coordinated operation involving the north-west counterterrorism unit.
Two of the men were arrested in Manchester, one in Bolton, one in London and another in Stalybridge.
Police have urged anyone with any information about suspicious activity to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321 or speak to their local officers.