News / Crime
21-year-old arrested on suspicion of attempting to join Islamic State
A cordon remained in place in Horfield on Wednesday morning after a man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join the Islamic State.
Authorities evacuated multiple residents on Francombe Grove as a precaution after discovering a “suspicious item” during the operation.
The 21-year-old is being held on suspicion of attempting to join proscribed organisation Daesh, contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He remains in police custody.
Residents were asked to leave their homes during a bomb squad operation in which an “object” was found during an anti-terrorism operation
Residents were asked to leave their homes during a bomb squad operation in which an “object” was found during an anti-terrorism operation
The arrest was made after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East which was supported by officers from Avon and Somerset Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South West.
Chief inspector Keith Smith, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We appreciate arrests of this nature can cause concern in the local community, but we’d like to reassure everybody this was part of a pre-planned operation by our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
“To ensure the public’s safety a cordon is now in place around a property while an object is assessed.
“A small number of people in nearby properties have been asked to leave their homes as a precaution.
“We appreciate the local community’s understanding while police activity takes place. If anyone has any concerns or information you think may be relevant, please don’t hesitate to speak to us.”
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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