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Terrorism: Searches of properties in Larne after terror arrest | Terrorism: Searches of properties in Larne after terror arrest |
(35 minutes later) | |
Several properties in Larne, County Antrim, are being searched following the arrest of a man on Northern Ireland terrorism-related offences. | Several properties in Larne, County Antrim, are being searched following the arrest of a man on Northern Ireland terrorism-related offences. |
He is a serving member of the armed forces and was arrested in Somerset. | He is a serving member of the armed forces and was arrested in Somerset. |
The 30-year-old man was detained at 12:20 BST on Wednesday by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command. | |
It is understood the arrest and searches are connected to two arms dumps near Larne earlier this year. | |
In March, the PSNI said they had uncovered a "significant terrorist hide" of bomb-making components and explosives at Carnfunnock Country Park. | |
In May, a second significant arms cache, including an armour-piercing improvised rocket and two anti-personnel mines, was found at Capanagh Forest, near Larne. | |
A PSNI spokesperson said that several properties on the Old Glenarm Road in Larne were being searched on Wednesday afternoon. | |
Detectives are also carrying out searches at an address in South Devon. | Detectives are also carrying out searches at an address in South Devon. |
The man is suspected of being involved in preparing for acts of terrorism. | The man is suspected of being involved in preparing for acts of terrorism. |
Police said the arrest was pre-planned and intelligence-led as part of a collaboration between the Met, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit. | Police said the arrest was pre-planned and intelligence-led as part of a collaboration between the Met, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit. |
The arrest was made by Met detectives supported by officers from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police. | The arrest was made by Met detectives supported by officers from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police. |
Woods in South Devon have been cordoned off as a search continues. | Woods in South Devon have been cordoned off as a search continues. |
The man is being held at West Country police station. | The man is being held at West Country police station. |
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: "We are aware of a police investigation involving the arrest of a member of the armed forces under the 2000 Terrorism Act and will assist this investigation fully. | A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: "We are aware of a police investigation involving the arrest of a member of the armed forces under the 2000 Terrorism Act and will assist this investigation fully. |
"It would be inappropriate to comment further on an ongoing investigation." | "It would be inappropriate to comment further on an ongoing investigation." |