2nd LD Writethru: Five arrested in Birmingham and Gatwick Airport on suspicions of terror activities

ive people have been arrested in Birmingham and at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of terror activities, West Midlands Police confirmed Friday.

The five people, all from Birmingham, have been arrested "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

Four people, including three men aged 26, 40 and 59 respectively and a 29-year-old woman, were arrested in Birmingham on Thursday night. Another 26-year-old man was arrested at Gatwick Airport in the early hours of Friday, police said.

"This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU), together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe," said Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale of the West Midlands Police.

"The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned," added Beale, who leads on counter terrorism for the West Midlands.

All five are currently being held in the West Midlands, where they are being questioned by WMCTU officers, according to the police.

Police are also searching a number of properties in Birmingham as part of the investigation. Enditem