2 held in Dewsbury terror probe
POLICE have arrested two men on suspicion of planning acts of terror.
Loud bangs were heard as Counter Terror officers forced their way into two addresses in Savile Town, Dewsbury, West Yorks.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East said men aged 52 and 21 were arrested “on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.
They have been detained at a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning, and two homes were last night being searched in connection with the investigation.
A spokeswoman for the unit said: “The public may have heard loud bangs at the time police officers entered the properties.
“We would like to reassure them that this was part of the method of entry to gain access.”
Planned
The arrests were planned and “part of a proactive, intelligence-led investigation”, the unit added.
They were not being linked to an ongoing malicious communications investigation into the so-called “Punish a Muslim” letters.
Police activity was centred on two houses, 300 yards apart, on Headfield Road, in the Savile Town area of Dewsbury, home to a large Asian population.
A large police presence, including armed officers, remained outside the first house yesterday.
Neighbours said an elderly lady used to live at the address until her death and the house has since been rented out, with the blinds always kept closed and few people seen coming and going.
Raid
Locals said there had been a raid, or police activity, at this property, a couple of months ago.
Further down the street forensics officers wearing purple gloves could be seen going in and out of another property.