Mosque Attacks: Two Arrested In Small Heath

18 July 2013, 19:20 | Updated: 18 July 2013, 19:42

Two men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in relation to explosions near to a mosque in Walsall on 21st of June and also in relation to the explosion outside the Tipton mosque on 12 July.

Detectives from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit arrested a 25-year-old and a 22-year-old man on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism (under the Terrorism Act 2000).

The men, both eastern European, were arrested on Talbot Way, Small Heath at 2.50pm on Thrusday the 18th of July. The first was arrested after being spotted by officers working in the local area and the second was arrested at a property nearby.

An area around Talbot Way, Small Heath was searched, but as a precaution, properties around the industrial estate were temporarily evacuated.

Army bomb disposal experts were at the scene.

A number of road closures were in place:

 - Small Heath Highway at Golden Hillock Road (into city)
 - Golden Hillock Road at Small Heath Highway (out of city)
 - Coventry Road at Talbot Road

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale is leading the operation:

"I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support and the way in which they responded to our appeal.

"I appreciate that there is significant disruption whilst experts search and check this area. These road closures are essential to ensure that we keep everyone safe.

"Investigations like this are complex and we need to ensure that we obtain every piece of information or forensic evidence possible. This could take some time. What I can say is that we will endeavour to return the local area to normal as quickly as possible."

Police ask that anyone who has shared the CCTV images of a man who was released as wanted in connection with the investigation into the explosion at the Walsall mosque to now remove them in the interests of the investigation.

Anyone with information which may help detectives with the ongoing major investigation should call police on 101 or the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.