Bomb disposal squad called to home of arrested terror suspect

 Bomb disposal experts were called to an address near Middlesbrough last night after a man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, according to police.

The 21-year-old suspect, who is from the Middlesbrough area, was arrested and held in north London on Saturday in a pre-planned operation led by Counter Terrorism North East and Cleveland Police.

Following the arrest, police have been searching four addresses – one in north London, two in Middlesbrough and one in nearby Teesville.

Searches took place yesterday at one of the addresses in Middlesbrough and in Teesville after some potentially suspicious items were found at the latter, which meant that bomb disposal experts were called in.

One of the properties that has been searched is the suspect’s home, Cleveland Police said.

Ch Supt Dave Sutherland said he wanted to “reassure” people in the wake of the arrest, adding that the force would be stepping up patrols.

The suspect is being held on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism contrary to Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Ch Supt Sutherland said: “I know that the nature of this police activity will be concerning to residents in our local communities, and I want to reassure people that safety is our main priority.

“You will see increased patrols from the neighbourhood teams and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to these officers.”