 A man arrested in Birmingham by anti-terror police could be one of the suspects in the failed 21 July attacks, security sources have told the BBC. The man was held after being shot with a Taser stun gun and has been taken to London for questioning. A suspect package was found during his arrest and is being examined.
A further three arrests were made by anti-terror police in Birmingham overnight. And two people were held on a train travelling to King's Cross (London). In London, hundreds of police and MI5 agents are continuing the hunt for the men who tried to bomb three underground trains and a bus six days ago. A flat in north London linked to two of the suspects is being searched, and police say chemicals found there and in a garage may have been for explosives.
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The man taken to London for questioning is thought to be at the high security Paddington Green police station. His arrest, in Heybarnes Road, in the Hay Mills area of Birmingham at 0430 BST on Wednesday, followed a joint operation between West Midlands Police and officers from the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Branch. Although the man was shot with a Taser stun gun, police say no firearms were used.
| On the other hand, a Taser to the head will flat ruin your day... |
"A suspect package was found and as a precautionary measure evacuations have been undertaken in the vicinity," a police statement said. Following Army advice, residents of neighbouring homes have been moved out and a controlled explosion is due to take place.
"Excuse me, ma'am, there's a bomb next door and you should move out of range!"
"Good idea! How far away shall I go?"
"600 miles should do it."
"I'll get my purse." |
Shortly after the man's arrest, a second address in Bankdale Road, in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, was raided and the other three men were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000. Forensic tests are taking place at both addresses in Birmingham.
"Clive, run some forensic tests on this mess!"
"Yessir!"
"And put that cigar out!" |
The two men arrested on the King's Cross-bound train were held at Grantham railway station, in Lincolnshire, following information from two off-duty Met police officers. A neighbour of the flat being searched in London said she saw one of the suspects outside her home on the day after the failed bombings.
EFL |