Specialist firearm officers have targeted a house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, this evening after a weekend of similar raids across the UK in Stockport, Manchester, Rochdale, Swindon and London
Counter terrorism police raided a house in Greater Manchester this evening and made two arrests after a weekend of action.
Specialist firearms officers targeted a property on Imkerman Street in Hyde. It has been reported two arrests have been made during the raid tonight, although it is yet to be confirmed. It is unknown if tonight’s event is related to similar raids at the weekend led by the Met Police when four Iranian nationals were arrested in Rochdale, Stockport, Manchester, Swindon and London. The nationality and age of the fifth man is still being established and he was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Witnesses told Manchester Evening News two people were taken away from tonight’s incident. Greater Manchester Police has been approached by the Mirror for comment.
One resident in the street said of tonight’s police raid: “My neighbour looked out and saw all these officers running round back with these big guns.”
Another resident added: “It’s scary when this is on your own front door. I had no idea what was going on. It happened so quickly.
“I don’t know anything about the people who live there, and I walk past here with my dog every day.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said yesterday of the weekend’s raids up and down the country: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.
“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.
“We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.
“We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”
As part of the investigation, officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with this investigation.
The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises. Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time.
