Was the recent FG reunion near here?
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:13 am
Times Online January 31, 2007
Eight men arrested in Birmingham anti-terror raids
Adam Fresco, and Daniel McGrory of The Times
Security services say they have foiled a suspected plot to kidnap and torture a British soldier who has recently been serving abroad before beheading him live on the internet.
In a series of dawn raids eight men were arrested at several addresses in Birmingham at 4am. John Reid, the Home Secretary, has been informed of the arrests and is receiving regular updates about the operation.
Security sources said that the carefully planned operation had averted the alleged plan to kill the soldier, which was in its later stages.
The sources said that the alleged plotters planned to force their victim to plead for his life in online videos before torturing him and executing him much as Ken Bigley, the Liverpool hostage, was killed in Iraq in October 2004. The beheading would have been shown live on an extremist website.
The target, a man in his 20s who has not been named, is thought to have found out about the plot. He is now said to be in protective police custody.
In an unusual move, West Midlands police have called a press conference for later today to give more details about the police operation and to reassure the local communities.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a major counter terrorism operation took place earlier today led by West Midlands Police.
"The Home Secretary was fully briefed on the operation and is receiving regular updates as developments occur. This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face."
A spokesman for West Midlands police said that the men were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.
"The arrests were part of a counter-terrorism operation co-ordinated and lead by the Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, supported by officers from the West Midlands Police and Metropolitan Police," a spokesman said.
"A number of addresses in Birmingham have been secured and sealed off and are currently being searched by officers from West Midlands Police and Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
"Whilst this operation poses no specific threat to the West Midlands, as a precautionary measure we will have an enhanced police presence at these locations.
"We would ask for the continued support and co-operation of the public. Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant. Public safety is our absolute priority."
A man who works in Poplar Road in Sparkhill, south east Birmingham, where one of the raids took place, said: "I came in this morning to find police vans all over the area, the whole place is swamped with officers."
Vijay Jakkula, who lives on the same road, said the area was predominantly Muslim. "There are quite a few mosques around here but it is a friendly area," he said.
The street is made up of largely residential terraced homes. Mr Jakkula said the majority of houses are ex-council, having been bought by the tenants.
Eight men arrested in Birmingham anti-terror raids
Adam Fresco, and Daniel McGrory of The Times
Security services say they have foiled a suspected plot to kidnap and torture a British soldier who has recently been serving abroad before beheading him live on the internet.
In a series of dawn raids eight men were arrested at several addresses in Birmingham at 4am. John Reid, the Home Secretary, has been informed of the arrests and is receiving regular updates about the operation.
Security sources said that the carefully planned operation had averted the alleged plan to kill the soldier, which was in its later stages.
The sources said that the alleged plotters planned to force their victim to plead for his life in online videos before torturing him and executing him much as Ken Bigley, the Liverpool hostage, was killed in Iraq in October 2004. The beheading would have been shown live on an extremist website.
The target, a man in his 20s who has not been named, is thought to have found out about the plot. He is now said to be in protective police custody.
In an unusual move, West Midlands police have called a press conference for later today to give more details about the police operation and to reassure the local communities.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a major counter terrorism operation took place earlier today led by West Midlands Police.
"The Home Secretary was fully briefed on the operation and is receiving regular updates as developments occur. This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face."
A spokesman for West Midlands police said that the men were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.
"The arrests were part of a counter-terrorism operation co-ordinated and lead by the Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, supported by officers from the West Midlands Police and Metropolitan Police," a spokesman said.
"A number of addresses in Birmingham have been secured and sealed off and are currently being searched by officers from West Midlands Police and Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
"Whilst this operation poses no specific threat to the West Midlands, as a precautionary measure we will have an enhanced police presence at these locations.
"We would ask for the continued support and co-operation of the public. Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant. Public safety is our absolute priority."
A man who works in Poplar Road in Sparkhill, south east Birmingham, where one of the raids took place, said: "I came in this morning to find police vans all over the area, the whole place is swamped with officers."
Vijay Jakkula, who lives on the same road, said the area was predominantly Muslim. "There are quite a few mosques around here but it is a friendly area," he said.
The street is made up of largely residential terraced homes. Mr Jakkula said the majority of houses are ex-council, having been bought by the tenants.
this was nothing to do with me!
:wah: