Trio arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism

Three men have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

The trio - aged 35, 36 and 51 - were arrested at three separate locations and taken to custody for questioning. 

Police activated four search warrants were executed at around 7.30pm in Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley areas, with officers still remaining at the different scenes tonight.

The force believe there is no wider threat to the general public at this time and are taking measures to minimise disruption to local residents. 

They were and taken into custody for questioning and scenes remain in place at the four addresses as inquiries are conducted under the Terrorism Act 2000, the force said. 

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the north west, said: 'This evening we have executed a number of planned warrants as part of an ongoing counter terrorism investigation.

'Three men have been taken into custody for questioning and scenes remain in place as we conduct further enquiries. 

'Today's activity has been the culmination of much detailed planning and we have put measures in place to minimise disruption to local residents as much as possible.

'I understand that any time arrests of this nature are made it will cause concerns and people will naturally have questions. 

'Although we can't go into specific details of the investigation at this stage, I want to reassure members of the public that we do not currently believe there to be any wider threat linked to today's activity.

'Further detail will be released where appropriate as the investigation progresses.'