A suspected supporter of ISIS has been arrested in Sussex, police said today (Friday 6 March)
The man was arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by colleagues from Sussex Police.
He was held on suspicion of posting material online in support of ISIS, which is also known as Daesh in Arabic.
Police said: “Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) has arrested a man in connection with a terrorism offence in Eastbourne on Friday 6 March.
“A 35-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of expressing an opinion in support of a proscribed organisation (Daesh), contrary to section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and is currently in police custody.
“The operation was led by CTPSE officers, with support from Sussex Police. The arrest is in connection with an Islamist terrorism investigation related to posts made on social media platforms. A search of a property in the town is ongoing.”
Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, of Sussex Police, said: “I appreciate arrests of this nature can cause people in the local community to feel unsettled.
“However, Sussex Police has been working closely to support our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East as part of this pre-planned operation.
“There is not believed to be any immediate risk to those in the community but I would urge anyone who has any concerns to contact police.”
Police added: “Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should call the UK Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
