Police search Exminster house after man arrested under Terrorism Act

Police are searching a house in Exminster and nearby woods as part of a counter terrorism operation.

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Somerset today [24 August] on suspicion of terrorism offences.

He was arrested at 12.20pm by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police, on suspicion of being involved in the preparation for acts of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

A police spokesperson said: "Today’s arrest was pre-planned and intelligence-led as part of an investigation into Northern Ireland-related terrorism being led by SO15 in collaboration with Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit. No armed police were involved in the arrest.

"The public can be reassured that there is no intelligence to suggest an immediate threat to our communities."

The man, who is a serving member of the British armed forces, was arrested at an address in Somerset and has been taken to a West Country police station.

Searches are being conducted by SO15 and local uniform officers under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act at an address in Exminster. Further searches are taking place in a wooded area in South Devon, which has been cordoned off, and by PSNI in Northern Ireland in connection with this inquiry.

Officers say they are not able to provide further detail at this time.

The police and security services are working closely in response to the threat from terrorism and ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.