A man from Bedfordshire who was arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence as part of an investigation being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command remains in police custody.
The 31-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, 14 May on suspicion of possession of articles for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 57 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2000. He was then detained under TACT powers and a Warrant of Further Detention was obtained on Thursday, 16 May at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, meaning that he can be detained in police custody up until Tuesday, 21 May.
The arrest comes after an investigation was initially launched by Bedfordshire Police on Monday, 6 May when items, including a number of suspicious substances, were found at a residential address in Caddington.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing explosions likely to endanger life and possession of Class A drugs. He was bailed while further enquiries were undertaken.
Due to the nature of items found, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command was informed at that time, although the initial investigation remained with Bedfordshire Police.
On Monday, 13 May, and following continued searches at the address, the investigation was subsequently passed to the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command to lead.
Specialist officers continue to carry out searches at the address in Caddington. A number of items and substances have been recovered from the address. These are being dealt with and removed in a safe way by specialist officers, and there is currently not believed to be any risk to other local residents or the wider public.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We’re aware of some media reports and speculation which has suggested that a ‘dirty bomb’-type device or materials may have been identified.
“However, I want to reassure the local community and the wider public that, at this time, we have found no evidence that any form of ‘dirty bomb’ has been or was being constructed, nor any evidence that one was being planned.
“As we’ve said previously, we have found a number of suspicious substances at the address in Caddington. Our priority at all times has been public safety – particularly in relation to other residents living nearby.
“We have had support from highly trained, specialist officers who have been helping us to identify and recover items and substances in the safest possible way, so as not to put those who are searching the property, nor those living in the area, at any risk.
“During the searches over the past few days, some very small traces of radiological material have been detected. I want to stress that at no stage was it identified as being at a level that would pose any kind of risk or harm to the public.
“I can also reassure the community that further enquiries and analysis has confirmed that the substances containing these traces are found in everyday use – such as material found in smoke alarms, or those historically used in paints for luminescent watch dials.
“Specialist officers continue to search the property, and we continue to monitor this extremely closely to ensure that there continues to be no risk to public.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the local community for their continued support and understanding while this investigation remains ongoing.”
Officers continue to work closely with colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) as the investigation continues.
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