Five Arrested Over Terror Charges

24 April 2012, 10:43 | Updated: 24 April 2012, 12:13

Five men have been arrested in Luton this morning (24th April) on terrorism charges. The Met Police counter terrorism unit carried out the raids at five seperate addresses - they say it was part of a "pre-planned, intelligence-led" operation.

Four of the men are in their twenties and one is thirty - they've been taken to a police station in London for questioning while thorough searches of the houses take place - this is expected to take a minimum of 24 hours. The addresses were in Bishopscote Road, Maidenhall Road, Crawley Road, Cornell Close and Shaftesbury Road.

No roads have been closed and there is no danger to other nearby residents. Families of those people who have been arrested have been advised to find alternative accommodation while the searches go on to minimise inconvenience to themselves, and if necessary the police will assist them with this. In the planning of these search warrants, full consideration has been given to treating those arrested, and especially their families, with appropriate respect for cultural and religious identity as far as is possible.

Bedfordshire Police officers from the Local Policing Team are in the area and will be for the duration of the operation.

If you have any concerns or would like to give information to the police about this or any other operation, please contact us on the non-emergency number 101; or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but could still receive a cash reward.