Anti-terror police raid Cardiff council house of former bio-tech boss

A man has been charged with explosive offences and possessing terrorist documents.

Edward John Harris, from Cardiff, was arrested following reports of explosive materials being held at an address in the Ely area of the city.

Counter-terror police stressed there is no evidence of a specific terrorist threat against the Welsh capital.

Police searched the property and found suspicious items including documents they claim could be useful for terrorism

Police said a second suspect remains in custody for further questioning 

Harris, 27, was a former director of a company involved in the ‘research and experimental development on biotechnology’ which was registered at his council house home in Cardiff.

The company, The Ed and Nat Experience Ltd was dissolved in October 2014.

Harris will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with four offences of making or possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, under Section 4 of the Explosives Act 1883.

Armed counter terrorism police raided the property in the Ely area of Cardiff on Wednesday.  

He also faces four charges of possessing a document containing information useful to terrorism under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Detective Superintendent Jim Hall, the head of the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) said: ‘Our investigation continues but we must stress that there is no evidence to suggest any specific terrorist threat against Cardiff or that people in Cardiff are at any greater risk, however we would remind people to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the police.’

Police are continuing to question a 51-year-old woman who has also been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Police stressed they have no evidence about any planned terror attack on the Welsh capital