Police given more time to question terror suspects 'linked to Europe attacks'

Armed police at Gatwick airport FILE IMAGE @sarmina9 /Twitter
@sarmina9 /Twitter
Hatty Collier16 April 2016
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Detectives have been given more time to question four people detained in connection with a suspected terror cell allegedly linked to the Paris and Brussels attacks.

Four men and a woman from Birmingham were arrested on Thursday and Friday after an investigation involving MI5 and authorities in France and Belgium.

Counter-terrorism officers were today given seven further days to question three of the men, two aged 26 and one aged 40, and a 29-year-old woman, West Midlands Police said.

A 59-year-old man has been released on bail "with strict conditions".

Detectives detained three men, aged 26, 40 and 59, and a 29-year-old woman in Birmingham on Thursday night.

A second 26-year-old man was arrested at Gatwick Airport in the early hours of Friday.

West Midlands Police (WMP) said the arrests formed part of an extensive inquiry into "any associated threat" to Britain following terrorist atrocities in the French and Belgian capital and that it was continuing to search a number of properties in Birmingham.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale said: "This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe.

"There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned."

All five people arrested were held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

West Midlands Police has refused to confirm reports that images of landmarks in Birmingham, including a shopping mall, were found on a mobile phone belonging to a ringleader involved in the Paris atrocities.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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