Terror suspects freed after raid arrests

Last updated at 09:34 29 April 2004


All 10 people arrested last week in a series of anti-terror raids have been released without charge, police said today.

The nine men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism in an operation led by Greater Manchester Police.

Six of the suspects, including the woman, were released earlier in the week and the final four were released overnight.

One was due to be deported to north Africa this morning, while six have been re-arrested and bailed on other matters.

Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable David Whatton said today: "As people will be aware, an operation was carried out on April 19 when 10 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000.

"The Act allows people to be detained for up to 14 days but after that time they can only be charged or released with no further restriction.

"In relation to the arrests, three people have been released without charge, six people have been released under the Terrorism Act and re-arrested and bailed while inquires continue in connection with other alleged criminal matters.

"The 10th was this morning due to be deported to north Africa."

Mr Whatton added: "Inquiries are continuing and will do for some time. As this is an ongoing inquiry, no further details are available.

"We remain confident that we are doing everything to ensure people in Greater Manchester remain safe and secure."

The operation involved 400 officers including members of the security services and the Metropolitan Police's Anti-Terrorist Branch.

Seven of the suspects were arrested in Greater Manchester, and a further three in Staffordshire, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.

The 10 suspects were described by police as being of north African and Iraqi Kurd origin.

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