Terror arrests around Greater Manchester 'part of Europe-wide investigation into Islamic extremism'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The arrests of three men on suspicion of terrorism in raids around Greater Mancheter were part of a Europe-wide investigation into Islamic extremism, sources have told the Manchester Evening News.

One source told the M.E.N. the arrests were 'very significant'. As investigators were tonight given further time to interview the three men, aged 35, 36 and 51, on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said they would not speculate on our information.

An investigation is continuing following raids at addresses in Wigan and Bolton on Wednesday evening. One source told us the arrests were 'very significant' and concerned a Europe-wide investigation into Islamic extremism.

A second source confirmed the arrests were significant and concerned Islamic extremism. GMP has declined to explain the nature of the investigation. READ MORE: GMP issue update after violence erupts outside Manchester Crown Court In an update posted on GMP's social media channels tonight, the force 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.