Four men arrested during anti-terror raids 10 days ago have been released without charge, Greater Manchester Police say. They are the last of a group of 10 people to be released after being questioned under the Terrorism Act. Three were released without charge, and six were released under the Terrorism Act but rearrested and bailed for other offences, including immigration issues. The tenth man is due to be deported to North Africa on Thursday.
| Another one of the infamous "North Africans" |
The nine men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism in an operation led by Greater Manchester Police. Six of the suspects, including the woman, were released earlier this week, and the final four were released overnight.
"As people will be aware, an operation was carried out on 19 April when 10 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000," Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable David Whatton said on Thursday. "The Act allows people to be detained for up to 14 days but after that time they can only be charged or released with no further restriction." Mr Whatton added: "Inquiries are continuing and will do for some time. As this is an ongoing inquiry, no further details are available. "We remain confident that we are doing everything to ensure people in Greater Manchester remain safe and secure."
| Sometimes you have to shake the tree and see what falls out. Also watch who get's nervous in a different tree from the one you shook. |
The operation involved 400 officers including members of the security services and the Metropolitan Police’s Anti-Terrorist Branch. Seven of the suspects were arrested in Greater Manchester, and a further three in Staffordshire, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands. The 10 suspects were described by police as being of north African and Iraqi Kurd origin. The operation prompted extra security at Old Trafford football ground for last Saturday’s game, but police said it was to put the public at ease rather than because of a specific threat. Mr Whatton added: "Inquiries are continuing and will do for some time. As this is an ongoing inquiry, no further details are available.
Surprise-o-meter not budging an inch on this one. You’re a very naughty terrorist. Now don’t do that again. Off you go... |