Bristolian arrested over suspected terror offences

Police have confirmed that a 33-year-old man has been arrested in Bristol on suspicion of Islamist-related terrorism offences.

Having been detained on 9 December as part of a planned operation, the suspect is being held in custody while searches are carried out at the address.

Police have reassured that there was no risk to the public and the arrest was not linked to the London Bridge terror attack. Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South West, had made inquiries prior to that attack.

The man, from Clifton, is being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under section 41b of the Terrorism Act (2000).

Det Ch Supt Kath Barnes said: "At around 23:00, counter-terrorism detectives arrested a man on suspicion of terrorism offences and are currently carrying out searches at a residential property in Bristol. This was part of a pre-planned operation."