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Terrorism: Searches of properties in Larne after terror arrest NI terrorism: Larne and Devon searches after armed forces member arrested in Somerset
(35 minutes later)
Several properties in Larne, County Antrim, are being searched following the arrest of a man on Northern Ireland terrorism-related offences. The arrest of an armed forces member in Somerset over Northern Ireland-related terrorism has been followed by searches in Larne, County Antrim.
He is a serving member of the armed forces and was arrested in Somerset. The 30-year-old man was detained by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command.
The 30-year-old man was detained at 12:20 BST on Wednesday by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command. The Met is working with Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which is conducting the searches in Larne.
It is understood the arrest and searches are connected to two arms dumps near Larne earlier this year.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 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.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. Both of the weapons dumps were suspected to be linked to dissident republican paramilitaries.
Detectives are also carrying out searches at an address in South Devon. 'Intelligence-led'
The man is suspected of being involved in preparing for acts of terrorism. On Wednesday afternoon, at least two properties on the Old Glenarm Road in Larne were searched by PSNI officers.
Detectives in England are also carrying out searches at an address in South Devon.
The man under arrest is suspected of being involved in preparing for acts of terrorism
He is being held at a West Country police station.
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 at 12:20 BST 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.
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."