Bomb Operation After Two Terror Arrests


A bomb disposal team has performed a controlled explosion at a garage block in Cheltenham after two men were arrested on terror charges.

Residents of more than 100 homes remain evacuated after police set up a cordon following the arrests.

The alarm was first raised yesterday following raids at two properties in the town.

Officers initially searched a home in Brooklyn Road, Hester's Way, where they arrested a 52-year-old local man under the Explosive Substances Act.

Police then found items "requiring further investigation" in a garage in Buttermere Close, in the Up Hatherley area of the town.

A 31-year-old man was subsequently arrested, Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed.

"At the moment we unfortunately are not able to say when we will be able to lift the cordon (in Buttermere Close)," Assistant Chief Constable Richard Berry told Sky News.

The garage is located less than one mile from the Government electronic eavesdropping centre GCHQ.

"It remains in place for the public's safety and we have seen that it is justified by the results of the search thus far," Assist Chief Const Berry said.

"However we will endeavour to return the area to normality as soon as practicable when we can ensure there is no risk of harm to local residents."

A rest centre has since been set up for residents evacuated from their homes in St Margaret's Hall for those needing support.

There, care staff from NHS Gloucestershire will be on duty to provide information and advice on medication and health concerns.

Chief Executive of Cheltenham Borough Council Andrew North, said: "The joint working with Gloucestershire Police and other agencies has been fantastic.

"We understand how distressing this may be for a number of Cheltenham residents, but people should be reassured that we will get things back to normality as soon as possible."

Earlier today, police confirmed they had re-arrested two men who had initially been detained on Friday evening.

A spokesman said: "The two men arrested in Cheltenham yesterday, have both been further arrested on suspicion of the commission, instigation or preparation of a terrorist act (contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000).

"The South East Counter Terrorism Unit has assumed responsibility for the on-going investigation but will continue to work closely with Gloucestershire Police.
"The 52-year-old man and 31-year-old-man are both from Cheltenham. They remain in police custody at this time."
Source http://web.orange.co.uk/article/news/over_100_homes_evacuated_after_terror_arrests

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How a cyber attack hampered Hong Kong protesters

‘The chances of nuclear use are minimal. Both Russia & Ukraine are well aware of results’: DB Venkatesh Varma

Pak off FATF Grey List; ‘Black Spot’ on Fight Against Terror Irks India; J&K Guv Says 'World is Watching'