Police make terror arrests 'as part of Europe-wide investigation into Islamic extremism'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism in raids as part of a Europe-wide investigation into Islamic extremism, according to reports.Investigators have been given further time to interview the three men - aged 35, 36 and 51 - on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.The probe is ongoing following raids at addresses in Wigan and Bolton on Wednesday evening.

Sources have told the Manchester Evening News that the arrests were "significant" and "concerned Islamic extremism".Greater Manchester Police has declined to explain the nature of the investigation.

In an update posted on the force's social media channels on Friday night, officers said North West counter terror cops have been granted a warrant of further detention for the three men in custody. "This allows officers to keep the men in custody for a further five days," said the statement.At the time of the arrests, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the North West, said: “This evening we have executed a number of planned warrants as part of an ongoing counter terrorism investigation.“Three men have been taken into custody for questioning and scenes remain in place as we conduct further enquiries.

Today’s activity has been the culmination of much detailed planning and we have put measures in place to minimise disruption to local residents as much as possible.“I understand that any time arrests of this nature are made it will cause concerns and people will naturally have questions.