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Man arrested in Cornwall on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offence | Man arrested in Cornwall on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offence |
(about 7 hours later) | |
A young man has been arrested at a curry house in a Cornish holiday resort on suspicion of a terrorism offence linked to Syria. | |
The 26-year-old Bangladeshi national is being questioned by counter-terrorism officers following the raid on the Balti King restaurant in Hayle, which is famous for its golden sandy beaches. | |
Police said he was being held at a police station in the Devon and Cornwall force area on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism. | |
A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said the arrest was related to “internet activity around the conflict in Syria” and not linked to any immediate threat to the UK. | |
Police have not confirmed whether the suspect worked at the Indian restaurant but said he had “an association with the premises.” | |
The man was arrested following a joint operation by the south-east counter-terrorism unit (Sectu) and the local force. | |
West Cornwall local police area commander Superintendent Jim Pearce said: “I would like to reassure the community that this investigation should have very little impact on local residents. The arrest was pre-planned and was not made in response to any immediate threat to public safety in Hayle. Our officers will continue to maintain a presence in the area, offering reassurance to the local community.” | |
There was alarm in the resort at what appeared to be a huge police presence, but the force said this was related to a separate major incident exercise. | |
British counter-terrorism police have made a number of arrests linked to the conflict in Syria in recent weeks but a Sectu spokeswoman would not confirm whether the latest arrest was linked to any other case. | |
The Balti King’s windows were covered over with brown paper to prevent onlookers in busy Fore Street from peering in as officers worked inside. | |
Bini Barnes, 43, who manages a shop next to the restaurant, said: “I’m completely gobsmacked, it seems unreal. Living in Hayle, you don’t expect this sort of thing to happen on your doorstep. I am absolutely terrified.” Taniele Schultz, 22, a tanning salon manager, said: “I’m really worried, it’s just so shocking.” | |
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