http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/8773065/Seven-arrested-in-Birmingham-in-major-terror-raids.htmlSix men and one woman have been arrested in Birmingham as part of a large counter-terrorism operation intended "to ensure public safety", police said.
8:55AM BST 19 Sep 2011
The suspects were detained at or near their homes overnight on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism in the UK.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said six men, aged between 25 and 32, were taken into custody by unarmed officers in the Moseley, Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Ward End and Balsall Heath areas of Birmingham between 11.30pm last night and 1am today.
ln addition, a 22-year-old woman was arrested at 6.30 this morning on suspicion of failing to disclose information, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.
Although the nature of suspected offences has not been disclosed, the arrests are not believed to have any connection to the Liberal Democrats' autumn conference, which is currently taking place at Birmingham's International Convention Centre.
A West Midlands Police statement said: "Searches are now being conducted by specialist teams at these and seven other properties in the city – six domestic and one commercial.
"The suspects are being held for questioning at a police station in the West Midlands Police area."
Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale of the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit said: "The operation is in its early stages so we are unable to go into detail at this time about the nature of the suspected offences.
"However, I believe it was necessary to take action at this time in order to ensure public safety."
Any one with information that may assist counter terrorism investigations is asked to call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Police are believed to be searching a house in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham.
Plain-clothes police officers and forensic teams could be seen at a house in Turner Road.
Meanwhile, a grey estate car was covered with tarpaulin and driven away on the back of a flatbed truck in nearby Ladypool Road.
West Midlands Police have refused to confirm the addresses of properties which are being searched in the city as part of the investigation.
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