Bomb Disposal Team Called In After Derby Terror Arrests

12 December 2016, 16:23 | Updated: 12 December 2016, 18:09

4 people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in Derby are being questioned by police - as an Army bomb disposal team was called in during a series of raids this morning.

Four men from Derby aged 22, 27, 35 and 36, a 27-year-old man from Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire and a 32-year-old woman from London have all been arrested on suspicion of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism.

Counter-terrorism officers are continuing to question those detained on Monday morning, while properties in Derby, Burton and London have been searched.

Police said the six arrests were linked to "international-related terrorism''.

An Army bomb squad was called to the Normanton area of Derby in what police described as a "precautionary measure'', however no homes have been evacuated.

A police cordon has remained in place and forensics team have been seen entering a house in Leopold Street, Derby, in a location thought to be linked to the on-going inquiry.

Steven Allen, 32, who lives in the road, said: "I've just come out of my flat, saw a police car there, thought it a bit odd.

"I heard absolutely nothing, I literally got out my flat door, saw a police car, saw the vans.

"It's usually a very quiet street.

"It's just such a shock to the system really because this is a very quiet street.''

The investigation is being led by the North East counter terrorism unit (Nectu) supported by officers from Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the Metropolitan Police.

In a statement, Nectu said: "All six arrests this morning were carried out under terrorism legislation, meaning officers have an initial 48 hours to charge, release or apply for a warrant of further detention.

"The arrests are linked to International-related terrorism.''