Two teenagers in custody after arrests for terrorism offences
An 18-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Essex on suspicion of encouraging terrorism
Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of an ongoing investigation.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at an address in Essex on Wednesday (18 May) on suspicion of encouraging terrorism.
He was originally detained under PACE. On Thursday (19 May) he was detained under TACT and a warrant of further detention application was granted by Westminster Magistrates’ Court, allowing detectives to keep him in custody until Wednesday 25 May.
He is being held at a London police station while enquiries continue.
On Friday (20 May), a 17-year-old girl was arrested at an address in east London as part of the same investigation.
She was arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and has been taken to a London police station.
Officers say the investigation related to alleged offences linked to extreme islamist ideology.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We have seen three teenagers arrested this week by Met officers for terrorism offences, albeit as part of separate investigations.
"We need to let this investigation run its course, but it is a further indication of a concerning upward trend in police action against younger people for terrorism-related matters.
“Across the country, police are working hard to try and prevent young people from being radicalised, and acting quickly when it is suspected that offences have been committed.
"Police rely on information from the public in our mission to tackle terrorism. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and contact police.”
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