Muslim protest after police terrorism raid (From Bury Times)

Muslim protest after police terrorism raid

10:53am Thursday 21st September 2006 in News By Gaynor Clarke

POLICE were continuing to search a house in Radcliffe yesterday after arresting a woman in connection with international terrorism.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Anti-Terrorism Unit swooped on the house in Bury Road on Tuesday afternoon as part of an ongoing investigation.

A 26-year-old woman is being held at Pendleton Police Station, Salford, where detectives are questioning her about the financing of terrorism and foreign training camps.

Friends and family of the woman gathered outside the station on Tuesday night to say prayers in protest of her arrest.

A detailed search of the house continued throughout yesterday and there has been an increased police presence on the streets of Radcliffe.

Officers have also been speaking to community representatives to reassure members of the public.

Residents living close to the house spoke of their surprise when they discovered what was happening.

One neighbour said: "I saw a lot of police cars and vans outside the house and around 12 police officers going inside.

"I had seen the woman around, but I didn't know her.

"It's certainly a shock."

Another resident said: "The family kept themselves to themselves, so I didn't know them really."

The woman is the fourth person in six weeks to be held under the Terrorism Act as part of an operation by Greater Manchester Police.

One man, who was arrested in Cheetham Hill on August 23 was yesterday charged with two terror offences.

Habib Ahmed, from Cheetham Hill, is accused of collecting information about potential terrorist targets.

He is also charged with travelling to Pakistan earlier this year for terrorism training.

Two men arrested on September 2 were released on Friday while the investigation continues.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Whatton said: "This is a very complex investigation and a team of officers are involved in reviewing around a thousand items that have been recovered.

"A significant amount of material has also been recovered from computers, and it is equivalent to nine articulated lorries full of paper.

"All this material is being assessed and considered by detectives, who have been using translators to assist the investigation.

"This is an international investigation which began many months ago and has involved co-operation between several law enforcement agencies.

"It is looking at terrorist financing, travel patterns and individuals attending terrorist training camps abroad."