Greater Manchester Police : CTU Arrests Update

CTU Arrests Update [homepage]

April 22, 2009

All of the suspects arrested by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit during the recent operation have now been released. Ten of the 11 men have been transferred into the custody of the UK Borders Agency.

On Wednesday 8 April 2009, in an intelligence-led operation that required intervention to disrupt activity, 12 men were arrested under the Terrorism Act. One was subsequently released into the custody of the UK Borders agency.

The remaining 11 men were questioned and the evidence gathered presented to the CPS who advised there was insufficient evidence gathered within the permitted timescales which would have allowed a warrant of further detention to be gathered or charges to be pursued.

It is not possible to bail people under terrorism legislation so the men were released.

“When it comes to the safety of the public we can’t take any chances, we must act on information we receive. We don’t take these decisions lightly and only carry out this kind of action if it was wholly justified.

Public safety is always the police’s top priority and all information is fully considered and acted upon appropriately to minimise risk to the public.

If anyone has any concerns about suspicious activity or behaviour they should call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

Peter FahyGMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “As there are ongoing issues of matters of national security around this investigation, it does limit what we are able to say.

“This has been an extremely complex investigation that has involved officers working closely with other agencies to gather and examine large amounts of evidence.

“We had a duty to act on 9 April to protect the public and a subsequent duty to investigate what lay before us.

“When it comes to the safety of the public we can’t take any chances, we must act on information we receive. We don’t take these decisions lightly and only carry out this kind of action if it was wholly justified.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the communities who have been affected by the work we have been doing over the past few weeks. People have been extremely supportive and worked with us to ensure we’ve been able to work effectively.

“Over the coming weeks we will continue to work with communities and address any concerns they may have. This North West Counter Terrorism Unit will continue to work to protect people living in the North West and across the UK.”