Portsmouth Terrorism Arrests: Two Bailed

15 October 2014, 10:55 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man and a woman from Portsmouth, arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, have been bailed.

The 57-year-old man was being held on suspicion of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism, engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts and arranging availability of money and property for use in terrorism.

The woman, aged 48, was arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.

Six people in total were detained following an operation by the South East Counter Terrorism Unit yesterday morning (Tuesday 14 October).

Two other men from Portsmouth, aged 23 and 26, and two women, aged 23 and 29 and from Farnborough and London, are still being questioned on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

The South East Counter Terrorism Unit worked alongside officers from Hampshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police to carry out a number of search warrants on Tuesday.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said:

``Officers would like to reassure residents that the police activity today is in relation to conflicts overseas and is not linked to any immediate threat to local communities or anywhere else in the UK.''

A Thames Valley Police spokesman confirmed the latest arrests were related to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Police were standing guard outside a terrace house in Hudson Road, Portsmouth, which has been targeted as part of the terror raids.

The door window was smashed and police tape surrounded the property. Officers arrived at the scene with large property bags.

The house was previously raided by terror police in April this year. It is understood to be the family home of Ifthekar Jaman, who was killed in Syria in December last year after travelling to the war-torn country to fight government troops.

Jaman had become known for his online advice and encouragement to fellow British Muslims seeking to go to Syria, including women whom he urged to marry men back from the front lines.

An elderly neighbour said:

``There are always people going in and out, young men. You don't know what's going on.

``The police have been here before. There were lots of them, all with their lights on and everything.''

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: ``I was woken up this morning by the police running in and shouting.''