A YOUNG man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.
The 20-year-old was detained in the early hours of this morning at a residential address in Congreve Road, Worthing, under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act.
He was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation, or instigation of an act of terrorism and currently remains in police custody.
Officers searched the address as part of an intelligence-led investigation and linked the arrest to Islamist-related terrorism.
Detective Chief superintendent Kath Barnes, head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East said: "This arrest forms part of a pre-planned operation by CTPSE, working alongside colleagues at Sussex Police.
"I would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out searches and continue our investigation."
We have helped counter-terrorism officers who made an arrest in #Worthing this morning. It was carried out in complete safety and there is no threat to the local community. See details here👉 https://t.co/lAjRDzTBsU pic.twitter.com/ERBXJRiA2d
— Adur&Worthing Police (@AdurWorthingPol) February 24, 2020
Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, district commander for Adur, Worthing and Horsham, said: "Sussex Police are working closely with the counter-terrorism investigators to support their operation which is intelligence-led and not in response to any specific threat to our local area."
Enquiries are currently ongoing.
Sussex Police urged people to report any possible threats from terrorism.
He said: "Every year thousands of reports from the public help police tackle the terrorist threat.
"If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting to police in confidence.
"Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them. Action Counters Terrorism.
"Remember, in an emergency always dial 999."
On the morning of the arrest, leaflets were handed out by Counter Terrorism Policing South East urging residents to report any suspicious behaviour they had seen in the area.
It stated: "The police are investigating whether or not a crime has been committed by a resident local to here.
"This is in relation to a terrorism investigation.
"Have you or any other occupant of your address seen or heard anything suspicious in the area."
It provides a number for the anti-terrorist hotline.
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