Bristol terrorism raid: Bomb squad called in as 'object' found during arrest of man accused of trying to join Daesh
Residents were asked to leave their homes during a bomb squad operation in which an “object” was found during an anti-terrorism operation.
Homes were evacuated after the item was found when a man was arrested. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East arrested the man yesterday. The 21-year-old is being held on suspicion of attempting to join a proscribed organisation - Daesh - contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The operation, led by CTPSE, was supported by officers from Avon and Somerset Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South West.
Due to a suspicious item found inside the house, officers cordoned off the area as a precaution. As a result a "small number" of residents in nearby properties were asked to leave their homes as a precaution.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We appreciate arrests of this nature can cause concern in the local community, but we’d like to reassure everybody this was part of a pre-planned operation by our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
“To ensure the public’s safety a cordon is now in place around a property while an object is assessed. A small number of people in nearby properties have been asked to leave their homes as a precaution. We appreciate the local community’s understanding while police activity takes place. If anyone has any concerns or information you think may be relevant, please don’t hesitate to speak to us.”
A spokesperson for CTPSE said: "Officers from CTPSE arrested a man in Bristol today in connection with a terrorism offence. A 21-year-old man from Bristol was arrested earlier on suspicion of attempting to join a proscribed organisation (Daesh), contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The operation, led by CTPSE, was supported by officers from Avon and Somerset Police and CTPSW. People in the Horfield area of the city may notice an increased police presence while the investigation is ongoing.
"Due to a suspicious item found inside a residential property during search activity, officers have cordoned off the area as a precaution while the item is assessed."
The raid was in Francombe Grove, Horfield, Bristol. The arrested man remains in police custody.