20/07/2007

Two arrested under Terrorism Act in Bristol

Two men have been arrested in Bristol under the Terrorism Act, police have confirmed.

A man of Afghan origin was arrested in the Castle Park area of Bristol on suspicion of drugs-related offences around 10pm on Wednesday night.

Following his arrest, an address in Stapleton Road was searched by officers who found a substance, which, they said, led them to believe that there may be a potential link to terrorist activity. A further thorough search has now been initiated as a result.

The substance will be subjected to a full forensic analysis.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore said that containers marked hydrogen peroxide had been found and said that if this was the substance contained in them that this would "obviously cause extreme concern".

The chemical was used in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005 and also the July 21 failed bomb attacks the same year.

The first man was arrested under the Terrorism Act following the discovery of the substance and is now being held at a police station in the Avon and Somerset area.

A second man was also arrested following further investigations.

Avon and Somerset Police said that the priority was public safety and said that while the incident did not involve a specific threat to anyone, police were undertaking an extensive investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore said: "This investigation is in its very early stages and we hope to clarify the situation at the earliest possible opportunity.

"Our message to the public for some time now has been that while we don't want people to be unduly afraid, everyone should be aware of the potential risks and be vigilant."

Officers have also been speaking to community leaders in the Stapleton Road area to provide information and reassurance.

(KMcA/JM)


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