Yorkshire right-wing terror plot: Boy 16 among five arrested – bomb squad evacuates street
POLICE have arrested five people, including a 16-year-old boy, on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Keighley: Police cordon off evacuated street after bomb scare
Counter terrorism officers carried out a series of raids this morning in West Yorkshire, Swindon and Wales. West Yorkshire Police said Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested two men and a woman from Keighley, as part of intelligence-led investigation into suspected right-wing terrorism. The men aged 29 and 30, and the woman aged 28, have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
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.
West Yorkshire Police added two addresses in Keighley are being searched in connection with the investigation.
The force confirmed a bomb squad has been deployed and a number of homes have been evacuated.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: “Following the discovery of potentially suspicious material at one of the addresses in Keighley the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) has been called to provide specialist advice and to arrange the safe removal of the items if required.
“As a precautionary measure, a cordon has been put in place and a number of local residents have evacuated whilst examinations are conducted.”
Police sought to reassure the public and insisted “there is not believed to be any immediate risk to the local community”.
The force added: “We recognise that local people may have concerns as a result of this activity.
“We would like to reassure them that these arrests are pre-planned and intelligence led and there is not believed to be any immediate risk to the local community.
“We are grateful for the understanding, patience and support of local residents while these enquiries continue.”