Anti-terror police have arrested 11 men in the early hours of Wednesday 27th September. Two of these men are from Yorkshire.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police conducted the arrests following several others in connection with the organisation National Action earlier this month.
National Action is the first extreme right-wing group banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.
The proscription meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Six of the men arrested are from the North West of England, including one man who has been produced from prison, while two are from the South Wales area, two are from the West Yorkshire area and one is from the Wiltshire area. Their ages range from 22 to 35.
A 22-year-old man from Lancashire was also produced from prison for police interview on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act and membership of a proscribed organisation.
A 28-year-old man from Swansea was arrested on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation and possession of terrorism material/documents, and a 23-year-old man from Swansea was on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation.
A 23-year-old man from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation along with a 26-year-old man from Leeds, while a 30-year-old man from Wiltshire was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence.
Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, who is responsible for counter-terrorism policing for the North West, said: “Individuals involved in proscribed organisations who support extremist ideologies bring damaging consequences to local communities but, with the help of the public and our partners, we will do everything we can do bring these people to justice.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said: “CT (counter terrorism) policing is committed to tackling all forms of extremism that threatens public safety and security.
“Investigations relating to alleged extreme right-wing activity are pursued with the same level or resource and vigour as other ideologies, in order to bring suspected offenders before the courts.
“Today’s arrests, while resulting from two separate investigations, have been coordinated by our officers across a number of forces. This maximises operational effectiveness for police and minimises disruption for the local communities.”
