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Six Arrested Over 'Terrorism' Are Released

Six people arrested by counterterrorism police have been released without charge.

Three men and two women, aged between 21 and 47, were arrested by UK police on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism.

They were among a group of nine people from Rochdale, five adults and four children, who were detained by Turkish authorities at the border with Syria almost three weeks ago.

The sixth, a 30-year-old man, was arrested on the same charge in the Rochdale area earlier this month,

Greater Manchester Police said that all six have now been released without charge.

The force said in a statement: "No evidence was uncovered to suggest any imminent threat to the communities of Rochdale or the UK."

One of the men released is 21-year-old Waheed Ahmed.

His father Shakil Ahmed, a Labour councillor, spoke of his relief.

He said: "Waheed is very happy to be back with his family. I believe it is important to remind some of the media and fellow politicians that all people should be regarded as innocent unless proven otherwise.

"We should be careful not to express negative comment prior to the completion of an investigation or court process, otherwise we risk stigmatising and demonising a family as well as potentially jeopardising people's right to a fair trial.

"This has been a very stressful time for our family and friends.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our lawyers and everyone else who have supported us through this difficult time, including MEP Afzal Khan. We ask that you respect our privacy and allow us time to get our lives back to normality."