Searches continue in Exminster after man arrested under Terrorism Act

Police searches will continue in Exminster in connection with yesterday’s arrest of a 30-year-old man in Somerset on suspicion of terrorism offences.

A man was arrested at 12.20pm by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police, on suspicion of being involved in the preparation for acts of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

Searches are now being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) and local uniform officers under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act at an address in Exminster, near Exeter.

Further searches are taking place in Powderham New Plantation which is a near-by wooded area. This area has been cordoned off by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in connection with this inquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Antony Hart said: "Local officers will be in the Exminster area and will be speaking to residents to help offer reassurance. Searches are expected to continue throughout the weekend at the property in question. Searches are also continuing at the nearby wooded area.

“Road closures will be in place on some of the minor roads surrounding the wooded area and are also expected to remain in place throughout the weekend.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause and thank the public for their patience."

The police and security services are working closely in response to the threat from terrorism and ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.