Bristol man arrested in connection with terrorism offence


A 21-year-old man from Bristol has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to join a proscribed organisation (Daesh), contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

An operation led by CTPSE was supported by officers from Avon and Somerset Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South West. 

During a search, officers found a suspicious item inside a residential property. The area was cordoned off while the item was assessed.

Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) attended the scene to assess the item, which has since been removed and the cordon has been lifted

Chief Inspector Keith Smith, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We appreciate arrests of this nature can cause concern in the local community, but we’d like to reassure everybody this was part of a pre-planned operation by our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

“To ensure the public’s safety a cordon is now in place around a property while an object is assessed. A small number of people in nearby properties have been asked to leave their homes as a precaution.

“We appreciate the local community’s understanding while police activity takes place. If anyone has any concerns or information you think may be relevant, please don’t hesitate to speak to us.”