Title: 'Terror' Arrests in Manchester & Bolton
Description: 5 men, 16th Nov 2009
Description: 5 men, 16th Nov 2009
Sinclair - November 16, 2009 08:08 AM (GMT)
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Page last updated at 07:57 GMT, Monday, 16 November 2009 Four arrested during terror raids About 40 officers were involved in raids at four properties Four men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act after raids in Manchester and Bolton. Greater Manchester Police have said armed officers were not used in the operation, which took place at about 0400 GMT. About 40 officers were involved in the raids on three addresses in Manchester and one in Bolton and more arrests could follow later, police said. The arrests were related to an alleged overseas threat. There was no imminent terrorist danger to the Greater Manchester area, police said. Those living in nearby communities will see a "high-profile police presence" during the day and will be able to discuss issues with officers, said police. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8361758.stm |
Timed to coincide with Gordon Brown's speech at the lord mayor's banquet tonight:
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UK biggest threat 'still al-Qaeda' 16/11/2009 SPEECH The Prime Minster will today warn that the threat posed by al-Qaeda is as strong as ever as he tries to rally support for the war in Afghanistan. Gordon Brown will claim the terror network still remains the "biggest threat" to our national security. ... http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2...15875-21825253/ |
Bridget - November 16, 2009 09:16 AM (GMT)
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| Page last updated at 08:59 GMT, Monday, 16 November 2009 Five arrested during terror raids  Five men have been arrested after 40 officers raided properties Five men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act after raids in Manchester and Bolton. Police said armed officers were not used in the operation, which took place at about 0400 GMT. The raids took place in Manchester on Stockport Road in Levenshulme, Victoria Terrace in Longsight and Bowdon Avenue in Fallowfield. A property on Willows Lane in Deane, Bolton, and a property in Stalybridge were also raided. Further arrests could follow later. About 40 officers were involved and the raids which were related to an alleged overseas threat, police said. There was no imminent terrorist danger to the Greater Manchester area. Those living in nearby communities would see a "high-profile police presence" during the day and would be able to discuss issues with officers, said police. |
Bridget - November 16, 2009 10:41 AM (GMT)
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| Latest News Five men arrested under Terrorism Act The North West Counter Terrorism Unit has today, Monday 16 November, arrested five men under the Terrorism Act 2000. Arrests took place in a co-ordinated operation starting at 4am this morning and three addresses in Manchester and one in Bolton are now being searched. People living in nearby communities will see a high profile police presence during the day and will be able to discuss issues with local officers. This was a low-key operation and no armed officers were involved. Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit this morning attended: Stockport Road, Levenshulme Victoria Terrace, Longsight Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield Willows Lane, Deane, Bolton. The breakdown of arrests from this morning's operation are as follows: A man aged 52 was arrested at Victoria Terrace, Longsight. A man aged 21 was arrested at Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield. A man aged 62 was arrested at Willows Lane, Deane, Bolton. A man aged 27 was arrested at Rydal Walk, Stalybridge. A man aged 26 was arrested at a hotel near Heathrow Airport. No arrest was made at Stockport Road, Levenshulme, but the address is being searched. gmp |
Sinclair - November 16, 2009 04:07 PM (GMT)
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Raids on suspected terrorist recruitment network Counter-terrorism police have arrested five men, including a Muslim preacher, after raids allegedly sending young men to receive terrorist training abroad. By Duncan Gardham, Security Correspondent Published: 2:50PM GMT 16 Nov 2009 Raids in Manchester and Bolton coincided with the arrest of a 26-year-old man at a hotel near Heathrow airport. Sources were unable to confirm that he was planning to travel to Pakistan or Afghanistan. It is thought the men had been under surveillance for some time and Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson of Greater Manchester Police said: "This is a complex and ongoing investigation, which has now reached the point where it was necessary to make arrests and speak to a number of people.” Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit began the operation at 4am raiding houses across Greater Manchester. Neighbours said a 62-year-old man arrested at his home on Willows Lane, Deane, Bolton, taught the Koran at a number of mosques across the region. "I'm surprised. He carries out spiritual sessions twice-a-week. He is very spiritual," said one source within the Muslim community. The other suspects included a 52-year-old from Longsight in Manchester, a 21-year-old arrested in Fallowfield, Manchester and a 27-year-old held in Stalybridge, Cheshire. Officers also searched a mobile phone shop and the flat above it at Stockport Road, Levenshulme, in Manchester but no arrests were made. Police described the operation as “low key” and said no armed officers were involved. Mr Thompson said there was no direct threat and the arrests were the “latest stage of a thorough investigation.” "Protecting people both at home and abroad is our primary concern, which is why we take such steps,” he added. Around 40 unarmed officers were involved in the raids and on-going searches at the properties. A neighbour on Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield, said: "The family have been here for about 20 years. There are eight children. "I got up at up at six o'clock this morning, looked out of my window and saw about 12 to 16 police officers coming out of the house. The scene was hectic.” In Victoria Terrace, Longsight, a neighbour said the arrested man lived in the neat terraced house with his wife, two daughters and a son. The neighbour added: "They have lived there for about five years and seemed okay to me. They were always quiet and nice so this has come as a big surprise. I am absolutely gob smacked." Shabnam Yunis, 26, a solicitor who works a few doors away from the shop raided on Stockport Road, Longsight, said: "The two lads who own the shop are really decent friendly lads." Greater Manchester police moved to reassure Muslim communities that have been upset after raids last Easter led to 12 men being released without charge. The government is now trying to deport six on the grounds of national security. That operation was based in Cheetham Hill and Rushholme in Manchester but police sources said the two inquiries were not linked. Mr Thompson said: "We have been liaising with local people to provide reassurance about what has happened and will continue to keep a high-profile presence in affected areas. "Officers will also be distributing letters around the areas concerned and speaking to residents to let people know what has happened and to ask them to continue to work with us in the coming days.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/6582086/Ra...nt-network.html |
Sinclair - November 19, 2009 03:12 PM (GMT)
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Page last updated at 15:03 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009 More time to quiz terror suspects Five men have been arrested after 40 officers raided properties Officers have been given more time to question five men arrested on suspicion of inciting terrorism overseas. The men, aged between 21 and 62, were arrested during a low-key operation in Greater Manchester and a hotel near Heathrow Airport on Monday. Greater Manchester Police said searches of properties in Manchester, Bolton and Stalybridge were continuing. A court granted the force further time to question the men in custody, until Monday 23 November. Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "We understand that this is an incredibly sensitive time for the communities affected by this investigation and that they are keen for a resolution as soon as possible. We share this view. 'Rigorous and independent' "The arrests were the result of 15 months of investigation and having now made those arrests, it is important that those arrested are given an opportunity to answer questions concerning these issues. "We have been granted an extension after a rigorous and independent scrutiny by the court. "I would stress that we will not keep anyone in custody longer than is absolutely necessary and this will be continually under review throughout the next seven days. "I would also like to reassure communities that we are continuing to work closely with local partners and key contacts to ensure that any relevant information is shared as quickly as possible." The operations took place in Longsight, Fallowfield, Levenshulme, Deane in Bolton, Stalybridge and a hotel near Heathrow Airport in the early hours of Monday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8366687.stm |
Bridget - November 22, 2009 02:43 PM (GMT)
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| Page last updated at 13:20 GMT, Sunday, 22 November 2009 Terror raid protest at police HQ  Police officer outside property on Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield Five men were arrested after 40 officers raided properties About 120 people are taking part in protest outside Greater Manchester Police (GMP) headquarters in support of those arrested in terror raids. Five men were arrested on Monday on suspicion of inciting terrorism overseas following raids across Greater Manchester and near Heathrow Airport. Police were given seven days to question the men, aged 21-62. A force spokesman said it recognised the community had some concerns regarding the ongoing investigation. He said: "We fully recognise people's right to protest and whenever an event is organised GMP will work alongside the organisers to ensure a safe event." The raids took place in Longsight, Fallowfield, Levenshulme, Deane in Bolton, Stalybridge and a hotel near Heathrow Airport in the early hours of Monday. |
Bridget - November 22, 2009 11:36 PM (GMT)
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| Page last updated at 23:00 GMT, Sunday, 22 November 2009 Four charged with terror offences Four men have been charged with terror-related offences after raids last week, Greater Manchester Police have said. Israr Malik, 21, of Fallowfield, Manchester, has been charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism, namely violent jihad. Three others face charges of intending to assist others to commit terrorism. Raids took place in Manchester's Longsight, Fallowfield and Levenshulme districts, Stalybridge, Deane, in Bolton, and a hotel near Heathrow. The other men to be charged are: Matthew Newton, 27, of Stalybridge, Munir Farooqi, 52, of Longsight, and Haris Farooqi, 26, of Levenshulme. All four are due to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday. A fifth man, aged 62, from Deane, was released without charge. He is understood to be a Muslim cleric. Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit detained the men last Monday in what was described as a "low-key operation". About 120 people took part in a protest over the raids outside Greater Manchester Police's headquarters on Sunday. A force spokesman said it recognised the community had some concerns regarding the investigation. |
Bridget - November 23, 2009 02:12 PM (GMT)
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| Page last updated at 13:19 GMT, Monday, 23 November 2009 Four men face terrorism charges Four men are due to appear in court charged with terror-related offences after raids in Greater Manchester. Israr Malik, 21, of Fallowfield, Manchester, is charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism. Matthew Newton, 27, of Stalybridge and Haris Farooqi, 26, of Levenshulme, Manchester are accused of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism. Munir Farooqi, 52, of Longsight also faces terror charges. All are to appear in court in London later. Munir Farooqi was charged with three counts of soliciting or encouraging another to murder on 6 July, 15 October and 16 October this year. Protest at raids He also faces charges of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism. The four men are due before the City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London. Unarmed officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit detained the men last Monday in what was described as a "low-key operation". It followed a 15-month investigation into alleged terrorist activity overseas. A 62-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences has been released without charge. He is understood to be a Muslim cleric from Bolton. About 120 people took part in a protest over the raids outside Greater Manchester Police's headquarters on Sunday. A force spokesman said it recognised the community had some concerns regarding the investigation. |
Sinclair - November 23, 2009 03:33 PM (GMT)
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November 22, 2009 UK: 4 charged in terror arrests - "Religious leader" goes free ... Update: About Matthew Newton: Matthew Newton w/ Bez before Islamization. --->[PIC ON SITE] Newton was reported to have previously run a clothing business with the son of the former Celebrity Big Brother winner Bez, of the Happy Mondays band. For his part, Bez sez - Bez, the Happy Mondays' dancer and winner of the Celebrity Big Brother television series in 2005, discovered this week one of his friends was arrested for allegedly recruiting British citizens to train in Taliban camps in Afghanistan. According to Britain's The Sun tabloid, Matthew Newton, who once ran a T-shirt firm with Bez's (real name Mark Berry) son, Arlo, was arrested with four men aged 21 to 67 in a sweep on Monday. "It's shocking for me and my dad," Arlo told The Sun. "Matt's a top geezer. I've known him for two or three years. He got on with my dad and with everyone." [PIC ON SITE]<--- Matthew Newton after Islamization. The Sun reports Newton converted to Islam two years ago. It also says his Facebook page shows in clean-shaven with Bez at one point, and later wearing "Muslim garb" and sporting a beard. Bez's spokesperson told The Sun Newton's arrest has "nothing to do with Bez." http://dinahlord.typepad.com/dinah_lord/20...-goes-free.html |
Sinclair - November 23, 2009 04:52 PM (GMT)
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'Terror' arrest man has been released 9:02am Monday 23rd November 2009 A 62-year-old Muslim preacher arrested and detained by anti-terror police has been released without charge. Asif Farooqui, known as Shayk Asif Hussain Farooqui, was arrested at his home in Willows Lane, Deane, early last Monday morning. He was questioned by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, along with four other men arrested in Greater Manchester and at Heathrow Airport. Police said there was no imminent terrorist danger to the Greater Manchester area and the arrests were related to an alleged overseas threat. The other four men have been charged on the evidence from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit the Crown Prosecution Service. Munir Ahmed Farooqi, aged 52, of Victoria Terrace, Longsight is charged with soliciting or encouraging another to murder another person or persons, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. He is also charged with the intention of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism, namely violent jihad, engaged in conduct in preparation of giving effect to that intention, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Haris Farooqi, aged 26, of Stockport Road, Levenshulme is charged with the intention of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism, namely violent jihad, engaged in conduct in preparation of giving effect to that intention, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Matthew Ronald Newton, aged 28, of Rydal Walk, Stalybridge is charged with the intention of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism, namely violent jihad, engaged in conduct in preparation of giving effect to that intention, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Israr Hussain Malik, aged 21, of Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield is charged with the intention to commit acts of terrorism, namely violent jihad, engaged in conduct in preparation of giving effect to that intention, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. They will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London today. http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/475395..._been_released/ |
Bridget - November 23, 2009 04:54 PM (GMT)
MPACUK discussion board Sufi leader Shaykh Asif Farooqi arrested in terror raid:
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| MP calls for calm after arrest of terror suspect 8:28am Wednesday 18th November 2009 A BOLTON MP last night called for calm in the town following the arrest of a 62-year-old man on suspicion of terror offences. Dr Brian Iddon said he learned of tensions within the muslim community following the raid on a house in Deane on Monday. Asif Farooqui, of Willows Lane, was one of five men taken into custody by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit. They are being questioned by officers at separate police stations across Greater Manchester. Dr Iddon, who is Mr Farooqui’s MP, said: “There already are increased tensions. I am getting reports from the community that people are not happy. “I would ask everyone to remain calm. “This gentleman is very well known. He comes from the Sufi tradition, a branch of Islam which is traditionally very peaceful. That is why the community is so surprised.” Police said there was no imminent terrorist danger to the Greater Manchester area and the arrests were related to an alleged overseas threat. Officers continued to search Mr Farooqui’s house yesterday — removing items in sealed plastic bags — as more details about his background emerged. He is thought to be a Sunni Muslim of Pakistani origin, and a well respected spiritual leader with about 2,000 followers across the UK. His beliefs, according to a senior figure at a mosque he used to run, are strict but peaceful. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, said Mr Farooqui believes that TV is sinful, that Muslims should wear traditional salwar kameez robes and that women should cover their faces with a veil. He regularly leads prayers at the Khankah Naqashbandia mosque, in Manchester, and his followers are sometimes nicknamed “the turban people”. One acquaintance said: “He is a nice, gentle fellow — a religious person. “His arrest was a surprise. He is the leader of quite a few people and they are not happy about what has happened.” Bolton Chief Supt Steve Hartley said yesterday: “Officers are keeping the community updated with information, through briefings and a letter, which includes a local contact to discuss any issues.” A petition has been started at the Al Rahman Mosque in Daubhill calling for the release of Mr Farooqui. Police have seven days to question him before they have to apply to a court for permission to detain him further. They have a maximum of 28 days before they have to decide whether to charge or release him. This is Lancashire |
Bridget - December 11, 2009 11:36 AM (GMT)
This appears to be linked to these arrests:
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| Page last updated at 11:06 GMT, Friday, 11 December 2009 More time for terror arrest quiz Police have been given more time to question a 58-year-old man from south Wales who has been arrested under anti-terror laws. Police are still searching the house in Hirwaun, Cynon Valley, where the man was arrested but say it is not linked to international terrorism. He has been taken to West Yorkshire where he is being questioned by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit. A court said police can detain him for seven days from when he was arrested. West Yorkshire Police said: "We can confirm the court has approved a warrant of further detention, pending further enquiries and the outcome of forensic examinations." The man in Hirwaun was arrested at 0715 GMT on Wednesday at a property in High Street. A 42-year-old man has also been arrested as part of the same investigation at Leigh in the Greater Manchester Police area. |