Greater Manchester: Anti-terror police arrest boy and girl of 16

Two 16 year olds have been arrested by anti-terror police in Greater Manchester.

The pair – a girl and a boy – were detained by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism. 

The force said: ” Following intelligence received, officers from the NWCTU are also currently searching two addresses in the Mossley area of Tameside.” The addresses being searched are in Hanover Street and Spring Mill Drive, Mossley, which is east of Manchester city centre. A spokesman said the searches “are expected to last some time”.

Police are urging the public to stay calm in light of the news, with their currently being no threat to Mossley or the wider area. “Members of our community will see a lot of police activity at these addresses over the coming days but rather than cause anxiety I want people to be reassured that we have taken this precautionary action to ensure the safety of our residents,” Chief Superintendent Ball said.

 The suspects were detained on Monday, police said on Tuesday morning. 

Separately, West Midlands Police said a 29-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging terrorism and supporting Islamic State.