A seventh person has been arrested as part of an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.
The 31-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon in west London. He has been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and is in custody at a London police station.
This follows the arrest of six others, a 59-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman, a 62-year-old man, a 56-year-old man and a 23-year-old man yesterday morning in connection with the ongoing investigation. They were all detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and remain in custody at a London police station.
Acting Commander Helen Flanagan from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “I want to stress that today’s arrests are targeted specifically at those we believe may be involved in suspected terrorist activity.
“We understand these arrests have caused some concern amongst certain local communities – particularly those in the Kurdish community. I want to reassure the community that our activity is being carried out to keep everyone safe from potential harm, including those within the Kurdish community itself.
“I would also ask that people avoid speculating or sharing unverified details online about this activity. Local officers will continue to be present in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak with these officers.
“Local officers will also continue to hold meetings with community leaders, the local authority and local resident and community groups to keep them updated directly on the progress of this investigation.”
Officers continue to carry out search activity at the Community Centre as part of the ongoing investigation, and it remains closed to the public at this time.
A group of protestors gathered in the vicinity of the Kurdish Community Centre following the arrests.
Additional officers have also been deployed to the area in relation to the protest activity and are engaging with the protest group. Four protestors from among the group have been arrested, although the arrests are not directly connected to the investigation into those arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command.
Story: METROPOLITAN POLICE.
