Ten arrests in Manchester terror raids

Monday, 19 April 2004 12:00 AM

Ten people have been arrested after a series of terror raids on premises in Manchester.

"Ten people in total have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism," said a police spokesman.

The raids were carried out at approximately 05:30 BST today. The BBC reports that they were undertaken by police in Staffordshire, the West Midlands and South Yorkshire in addition to Greater Manchester Police.

The BBC has also reported that the three locations a mile south of Manchester city centre were raided by police and are closed.

The police cordon at the site of the raids includes three properties - AK Computers, Dolphins takeaway and Funky Fones on Upper Brook Street. The road is a major route near Manchester University.

The top two storeys of these properties consist of flats.

Media reports indicate that officials dressed in forensic suits were operating at the locations.

"A number of search warrants have been executed by Greater Manchester Police under the Terrorism Act 2000," police said.

"No other details are available at this time.

"We would ask for your patience and co-operation, as further details will be provided when possible."

The new raids come less than a month after eight people were held for questioning after raids across south east England.

Those operations recovered more than half a tonne of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, a major component of the Bali, Oklahoma and Docklands bombs.

Sky News is reporting that it has sources claiming the arrests are linked to a suspected terror plot aimed at the Trafford Centre - Britain's biggest indoor shopping centre.

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