Burnley and Accrington raids: 2 men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences

From the Lancashire Telegraph

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after police raided two properties in Burnley and another in Accrington. Early this morning, Thursday, Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West officers executed warrants at two addresses on Burns Street and Gordon Street in Burnley and an address on Manor Street in Accrington.

One man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The second man, aged 33, was arrested on suspicion of the dissemination of terrorist publications.

The men are now in custody and will be interviewed by detectives later.

Superintendent Stasia Osiowy, of Lancashire Police, said: “I recognise that events like this can cause people to worry and impact on wider public confidence. I want to reassure people that our information and intelligence lead us to believe that there is no immediate threat to local people. We will continue to engage with our local communities…”

Police stood guard at the front door of the raided property in Manor Street, Accrington, with detectives entering and leaving the house as inquiries continued. . . Neighbours said an Asian family of four have lived at the address for around four years – a husband, who is local and works for a local authority, his wife, who is of Bangladeshi heritage and from the south of England, and two children, a boy and a girl, both under five. 

The property was bought with a mortgage arranged through elders at a local mosque, according to the neighbour. The neighbour added: “There are always lots of visitors at strange hours, coming and going late at night.”

Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward in which the Burnley properties are situated, said: “I am completely surprised and find it difficult to comprehend. …