Liverpool Echo : Liverpool library anti-terror raids

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Liverpool library anti-terror raids

By Luke Traynor and Ben Schofield | April 8, 2009

[UPDATED TWICE]

~~~

FIVE terror suspects were swooped upon by armed police the North West Anti-Terror Unit have confirmed.

Three were arrested on Cedar Grove, one on Earle Road and one outside Liverpool's John Moores University library.

They were arrested along with seven others as part of a North West operation. The ages of the twelve men remain unclear but range between a teenager in his mid to late teens and a 41-year-old man.

Searches are still taking place at Cedar Grove, Earle Road and Highgate Street.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the North West CTU said: "Today's action is part of a continuing investigation and we have acted on intelligence received.

"Although the operation is ongoing, this phase is still in its very early stages, so the information we can release about it is limited.

"We understand that this kind of police activity can cause concern to people living in nearby communities, and we have ensured they will be able to discuss issues or concerns linked to today's operation with local officers who are providing a high-profile presence.

"We are also distributing letters around the areas concerned and will be meeting with community groups to address any concerns they may have."

The force confirmed several hundred officers were involved in today's operation, including armed officers who were deployed during some of the arrests.

~~~

8 April 2009 19.38:

A LIVERPOOL university library was hit by anti-terror raids after Britain's most senior counter terrorism police officer was caught on camera with sensitive documents.

It is believed tonight's raids were brought forward following a security leak earlier in the day.

Britain’s most senior counter terrorism police officer Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, head of Scotland Yard’s specialist operations wing, was caught on camera clutching sensitive documents as he arrived in Downing Street.

Among a large bundle of papers under his arm was a white document clearly marked "secret" and carrying an outline briefing on an ongoing counter-terrorism operation.

The information, which cannot be reported, included the names of several senior officers, locations and details about the nature of the overseas threat.

The senior officer was due to meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to discuss police reform.

Mr Quick was attending the meeting in his role as lead for counter terrorism and for the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).

Mr Quick apologised to Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson tonight following the blunder. He said he ``deeply regretted'' leaving the document on show.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Assistant Commissioner Quick accepts he made a mistake on leaving a sensitive document on open view and deeply regrets it.

"He has apologised to the Commissioner and colleagues."

~~~

8 April 2009 18.00:

ARMED police stormed a Liverpool university library to apprehend two men in a suspected terrorist related incident.

John Moores University students screamed in horror when officers burst into the building on Maryland Street, in the city centre, at around 5pm.

Eyewitnesses described how police chased the men before wrestling them to the ground.

It is believed that the two men were incapacated by two officers using Tazer-style weapons.

Students who were in the building told of how they were instructed to move away from the glass walls while the suspects were pursued.

Armed officers held them at gunpoint for 30 minutes while around 200 people were kept in the building, off Hardman Street.

One student said: "The police rushed in and told everyone to stay on their chairs.

"Then we saw the police chasing two blokes before they jumped on them and held them down.

"There was loads of shouting and it was pretty frightening."

It is believed the men were arrested and a thorough search of the library was carried out.

Further arrests were made by police across the North West in a intelligence led operation.