TERROR ON OUR STREETS

Armed officers swoop as families evacuated

FAMILIES have told of their shock after armed police descended on their neighbourhood and cordoned off their estate.

Phillip Place and Beaconsfield Street, in Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle, were among the areas taped off by counter terrorism officers yesterday morning and residents were evacuated from their homes.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences and has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning.

Northumbria Police say the arrest was intelligence led and pre-planned as part of an ongoing investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

However, people in the area, including pensioners and parents with young children, were shocked by events and described seeing balaclava-clad armed officers on the street. One local

said: “I was expecting the council to come and fix my bathroom – but it was the police with guns telling me to get out my house. I said ‘you don’t look like the council.’”

Resident Valerie Lewis added: “I was expecting my friend, and heard a copper’s knock. I could see dark clothing and opened it up and there was a policeman with a gun telling me to get out.”

Lewis Fiddes, 18, reported seeing police officers with shields and guns, and said they “looked like the ones from [video game] Call of Duty”.

Parents, with youngsters at Moorside Primary in Beaconsfied Street, said they were “worried” about what was going on, although they contacted the school and were reassured all children were safe.

Rob Knight told The Chronicle he had picked his daughter up from school and said pupils were being allowed to be collected if they wished, but added: “They are safe.”

Following the incident, police said a 33-year-old, who lives in Newcastle, was taken into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the Commission, Preparation or Instigation of Acts of Terrorism under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Chief Supt Neil Hutchison, local policing commander for Newcastle, said armed officers would remain at an address on Philip Place “for some time” but that residents had been allowed to go back home once officers were satisfied there was “no threat posed”.

As of 6pm yesterday police remained at the scene, with a cordon outside the house, a satellite dish and forensics tent.

Giving a statement outside Etal Lane police station, Chief Supt Hutchison said : “As part of the operation a number of residents were evacuated from properties as a precautionary measure.

“Officers also attended a nearby school to offer reassurance and ensure pupils were away from a nearby property which was being searched as part of the operation.

“When we were satisfied there was no threat posed at this address, residents were allowed to go back home and the school returned to normal.

“A police presence remains at the address, including armed officers, and activity will continue for some time.”

He added: “I understand our communities will have concerns but I want to offer my reassurance that we are here to serve and protect them. We work very closely with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing North East and we will ensure we maintain these strong links in order to provide a high level of service to you.”