Newcastle area evacuated as police arrest man on suspicion of plotting terror act

Newcastle community on lockdown with locals evacuated as armed police arrest man, 33, on suspicion of plotting terror act

  • A 33-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in Newcastle
  • A large area of Arthur’s Hill has been taped off and 100 officers are on the scene
  • Residents evacuated from their homes as raid was carried out by armed officers 

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after armed police raided a home in Newcastle this morning.

A large area of Arthur’s Hill, a residential area west of the city, has been taped off and around 100 officers and 40 police vehicles are at the scene.

The operation, centred around Philip Place, is being led by the Counter Terrorism officers, who have taken the suspect to a station in West Yorkshire for questioning. 

They say he has been arrested on suspicion of ‘being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism’.

An armed police officer stands guard outside a property as it is searched by investigators

A forensic tent is set up by investigators at a property in Arthur's hill, a suburb of Newcastle

A forensic tent is set up by investigators at a property in Arthur’s hill, a suburb of Newcastle

Armed police in riot gear stand guard after a 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences

Armed police in riot gear stand guard after a 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences

A large area of Arthur's Hill, a residential area west of the city, has been taped off and around 100 officers and 40 police vehicles are at the scene 

A large area of Arthur’s Hill, a residential area west of the city, has been taped off and around 100 officers and 40 police vehicles are at the scene 

The suspect has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where he will be questioned by counter-terror officers

The suspect has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where he will be questioned by counter-terror officers

Residents were evacuated from their homes in what the police have described as part of an ‘intelligence led and pre-planned’ investigation.

Residents have spoken of their shock after armed police knocked on their doors this morning and advised them to leave their properties.

Eric Johnson, 59 said: ‘Just after 10am, armed police came to our door and asked us to evacuate.

‘I hadn’t seen what was going on, there was just police everywhere. We have an elderly neighbour next door and she’s still in her property.’

Theresa Johnson, 59 said: ‘My husband came up the stairs and told me to get dressed and that we had to go. I was so confused.

‘The police said they couldn’t tell us anything further at this time. It’s a bit of a shock really. I was just in bed now I’m out here freezing.’

Kyle Paterson, 25 said: ‘The armed police came to our door and advised us to evacuate.

‘They told us it was suspected terrorism, it was a shock. I didn’t think it would be anything to do with terrorism.’

It is understood residents were evacuated from their homes in what the police have described as part of an 'intelligence led and pre-planned' investigation

It is understood residents were evacuated from their homes in what the police have described as part of an ‘intelligence led and pre-planned’ investigation

Residents have spoken of their shock after armed police knocked on their doors this morning and advised them to leave their properties

Residents have spoken of their shock after armed police knocked on their doors this morning and advised them to leave their properties

Kayleigh Bradford, 31 added: ‘When armed police advise you to do something you do it. They were knocking every door, I don’t know if everyone left though.

‘I don’t know what to think of it. I just woke up, got dressed and left the house. We haven’t had any updates yet.’

Chief Supt Neil Hutchison, local policing commander for Newcastle, said: ‘I understand our communities will have concerns about this morning’s police activity but I want to offer my reassurance that we are here to serve and protect the public of Northumbria.

‘We work very closely with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing North East and we will ensure we maintain these strong links in order to provide a high level of service to you. Public safety is our utmost concern.

‘Our officers are patrolling the local area and would ask members of the public to contact them if they have any concerns.

‘If you see or hear something that could be terrorist related, act on your instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321 .

‘In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information.’

Police officers stand guard in the road as anti-terror personnel carry out inquiries in the street in Arthur's Hill, Newcastle

Police officers stand guard in the road as anti-terror personnel carry out inquiries in the street in Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle

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