Two teenagers in Greater Manchester have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences.
Two 16-year-olds, one girl and one boy, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of “being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism”, Greater Manchester police (GMP) said.
They are not suspected of involvement in an international terrorist plot, the force said.
The teenagers were picked up after anti-terror police received intelligence about their activities, according to a GMP spokesman.
The pair remained in custody on Tuesday while their addresses in Mossley, Tameside, were searched by officers from the north-west counter terrorism unit (NWCTU).
Ch Supt Caroline Ball said: “I know news of an arrest made under terrorism legislation in this community will cause a certain amount of anxiety and people will understandably have questions.
“What I want to stress very clearly is that this investigation is in no way linked to any sort of international terrorist plot nor have we recovered any evidence to suggest the community of Mossley is at risk.
“This investigation has arisen as a result of information from law enforcement agencies so it is prudent we act on that information and carry out a thorough, professional investigation to determine the circumstances and details of the activity reported.
“Members of our community will see a lot of police activity at these addresses over the coming days but rather than cause anxiety I want people to be reassured that we have taken this precautionary action to ensure the safety of our residents.
“Again I would stress there is no current threat to either the Mossley community or wider and there is no reason to be unduly worried.
“If anyone is concerned, please approach one of the local officers who will be happy to speak to you.”
On Monday a man in Liverpool was charged with attempting to obtain a chemical weapon.
The 31-year-old man was arrested following a joint raid by the NWCTU and Merseyside police.
Mohammed Ammer Ali, from Liverpool, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday.
The charge followed an investigation by NWCTU and Merseyside police, according to GMP.
Ali is accused of attempting to have a chemical weapon in his possession between 10 January and 12 February, contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and the Chemical Weapons Act 1996.
A 29-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of encouraging terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation.
The arrest relates to “suspected online postings which reference the Islamic State”, West Midlands Police said.
Counter terrorism officers detained the man at his home and he is currently in custody.
West Midlands Police said the arrest was “pre-planned and intelligence led”, adding that the action was not taken because of any immediate risk to public safety.
It is not connected to the police activity in Manchester.
