A Gloucestershire police officer has been arrested for terrorism offences.
The constable, aged in his 30s, was arrested at a property in Gloucester today (Tuesday).
He is being held in custody on suspicion of providing support for a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – namely Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (Hamas).
Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) is leading the investigation and the man has been detained at a custody suite outside of the Gloucestershire policing area.
Specialist officers are carrying out a number of searches in relation to this investigation, including of a vehicle and an address in Gloucester.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said: “The arrest of a serving officer on suspicion of such a serious offence will no doubt cause our communities concern, as it does everyone who works for Gloucestershire Police.
“It’s important to note the suspected support relates to activity online and the searches taking place are predominately to locate digital devices for analysis.
“The arrest has been made to allow for a prompt and effective investigation to take place and we must not draw any conclusions at this stage.”
