UK

Terror arrests at record rate amid unprecedented security threat

Terror suspects are being arrested at a record rate. Stock image by Anthony Devlin, Press Association
Terror suspects are being arrested at a record rate. Stock image by Anthony Devlin, Press Association Terror suspects are being arrested at a record rate. Stock image by Anthony Devlin, Press Association

Terror suspects are being arrested at a record rate as security services attempt to contain the unprecedented threat.

Official figures show there were 304 arrests for terrorism-related offences in Great Britain in the year to the end of March.

This was an increase of 18 per cent on the previous 12 months, and the highest number in any financial year since data collection started in September 2001.

It also emerged that the number of British nationals arrested has passed 2,000 for the first time since current records started, reaching 2,001.

Of the 304 arrests in the most recent financial year, 108 resulted in a charge, including 91 suspects charged with terror-related offences.

One hundred people were released without charge, 88 were bailed pending further investigation and eight faced "alternative action".

The tally for 2016/17 includes 12 arrests made as part of the investigation into the Westminster attack in March. All were released without charge and told they would face no further action.

Since the Westminster atrocity there have been two more deadly attacks, in Manchester and London Bridge, while counter-terror agencies have foiled five alleged plots.

The scale of the threat facing the country has been laid bare with figures showing police and MI5 are running 500 investigations involving 3,000 individuals at any one time.

There are also 20,000 former "subjects of interest" whose risk must be kept under review.

The new figures, released by the Home Office, show that in 2016/17:

:: International terrorism accounted for three-quarters of the arrests, while 16 per cent were logged in the domestic terrorism bracket

:: The increase in total arrests was driven by a sharp rise in the number of individuals from white ethnic groups, up from 68 to 113

:: Stops made at ports, airports and railway stations under counter-terror powers fell by 31 per cent to 18,103, continuing a decline in the use of the measure in recent years

The report also said that at the end of March there were 186 people in custody in Great Britain for terrorism-related offences or domestic extremism – an increase of 15 per cent on the previous year.

International terrorism refers to activity linked to or motivated by any terrorist group that is based outside the UK which operates in and from third countries other than Northern Ireland.

Domestic extremism covers activity where there are no links to either Northern Ireland-related or international terrorism.

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman said: "The UK's counter-terrorism network is currently dealing with an unprecedented level of demand.

"Police forces across the country are working closely with partners to bring an increasing number of suspects before the courts under terrorism legislation, and where they cannot do that they are using criminal legislation to disrupt terrorist activity.

"Officers and staff are working tirelessly to overcome this growing threat, but they need the public's help to do so effectively."

The spokesman urged anyone who sees something suspicious that could be related to terrorism to call police on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency dial 999.