Police arrest man in Bristol on suspicion of terror offences

The arrest took place last night at around 11pm in the evening.

A 33-year-old man was arrested in Clifton. The man remains in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

He was arrested at a flat in Tyndale Court on Imperial Road, just off the busy Whiteladies Road, Bristol.

The accommodation in the building is managed by Places for People. It is listed online as a sheltered housing scheme providing rented accommodation for elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people.

The ground floor of the building is used by the Bristol Language School, although a member of staff from the centre said it was not affiliated with the floors above.

A spokesperson for Places for People said: "There was an incident at one of our properties in Bristol and we are supporting the police service as required.

"Our customers' safety and well-being are paramount and any customers who were directly affected by this incident are safe and being looked after.

"As this matter is being managed by the police service we are not able to provide further details about the incident."

One resident, who asked not to be named, said she only found out about the raid when she turned up for her Italian lesson this morning.

She said: "I saw the police as we were coming in. I'm rather surprised, but not shocked.

"If you were someone inclined towards terrorism it would be better protection to park yourself in a nice, friendly area - not somewhere where police are often in the community.

"You see that in other places in the country. They keep quiet, they seem nice.

"It's a university area. It's residential. It's considered one of the better areas in Bristol. It's a very nice place to live.

"It's where you would tell someone to live if you were moving to the area. There's usually minimal crime."

Another local, who also asked to remain anonymous, said the blue lights initially made her think of a more grisly outcome.

She said: "I thought it was someone trying to commit suicide when I turned up. The homes are for people with problems."

A third added that she thought she had seen officers looking at "twigs on the ground" when she walked home last night but could not elaborate further.

A section of the building was cordoned off while police searched the property but has now been removed. A marked van is still stationed outside.

The identity of the arrested man remains unclear.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, head of counter terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), said: "Counter terrorism detectives arrested a man on suspicion of terrorism offences and are currently carrying out searches at a residential property in Bristol.

"This was part of a pre-planned operation by CTPSE working alongside colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South West.

"I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out searches and continue our investigation."

Superintendent Andy Bennett, of Avon and Somerset police, said: "I would like to reassure the local community that the arrest made today was part of a pre-planned operation by the Counter Terrorism Policing network.

"We will have an increased policing presence in the local area and should anyone have any questions or concerns about this incident, I encourage them to speak to one of my officers."

Police were keen to stress that the raid was not linked to the London Bridge terror attack and enquiries into the matter were underway prior to that incident.