British armed forces member arrested over Northern Ireland-related terrorism offences

A serving member of the British armed forces has been arrested as part of an investigation into Northern Ireland related-terrorism. The 30-year-old male was arrested in Somerset on suspicion of being involved in the preparation for acts of terrorism by Met Police, supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Police said no firearms officers were involved in the arrest and it was part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation. Police reassured the public that there is no intelligence to suggest an immediate threat to communities.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Searches are being conducted by SO15 [Counter-Terrorism Command] and local uniform officers under Schedule 5 of the Terrorism Act at an address in South Devon.

"Further searches are taking place at a wooded area in south Devon, which has been cordoned off, and by PSNI in Northern Ireland in connection with this inquiry.

"The police and security services are working closely in response to the threat from terrorism and ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We are aware of a police investigation involving the arrest of a member of the Armed Forces under the 2000 Terrorism Act and will assist this investigation fully."

The UK has raised the terror threat level from Northern Ireland in May from moderate to substantial, meaning there is a "strong possibility" of an attack.