Yahoo News Andy Burnham speaks out after terrorism arrests in Greater Manchester with police cordons in place
Andy Burnham has said three men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism arrests in Bolton and Wigan as a 'preventative move'.
The Greater Manchester Mayor spoke on BBC Radio Manchester this morning after Greater Manchester Police officers arrested three men - aged 35, 36 and 51 - on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism last night (May 8). The arrests were made after four raids were carried out at properties in Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley.
Police scene remains in place across four locations this morning, including outside a house on Crankwood Road in Abram and on Fairclough Street in Hindley, while the men remain in custody. Follow live updates here.
When asked by host Mike Sweeney for an update on the police operation, Mr Burnham said: "Obviously people will read that [news] and it's a worrying development but on the other hand, we have GMP taking action to apprehend people.
READ NEXT: Multiple police scenes in place across Greater Manchester after terrorism arrests
"I cannot really say more than that. This has been a preventative move. We will say more in due course."
The police scenes are expected to remain in place for a number of days while investigations are carried out. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the North West, said there was not believed to be 'any wider threat' following the arrests.
In a statement issued last night, he 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.
"Although we can’t go into specific details of the investigation at this stage, I want to reassure members of the public that we do not currently believe there to be any wider threat linked to today’s activity. Further detail will be released where appropriate as the investigation progresses."
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