Man arrested as anti-terror police raid homes

Police today raided three addresses in connection with alleged "Islamic extremist terrorist activities" committed outside the United Kingdom.

Police today raided three addresses in connection with alleged "Islamic extremist terrorist activities" committed outside the United Kingdom.

West Midlands Police said officers and members of the security services executing warrants under anti-terrorism legislation searched three addresses in the Birmingham area.

A police spokesman said one man was arrested for firearms offences and was being held in custody.

A large quantity of cash, documentation and electronic equipment was seized by police for forensic examination, the spokesman added.

Police confirmed that two houses, a shop and a number of vehicles had been raided this morning.

At least 10 police officers, some wearing blue overalls, searched an Islamic bookshop in the Sparkbrook area of the city.

Police took several items away from the Maktabah Al Ansaar Islamic Booksellers and Publishers in Ladypool Road, although officers refused to confirm if the premises were searched under anti-terrorism legislation.

Books on display in the window of the shop included titles such as The Virtues of Jihad, Declaration of War, and Defence of the Muslim Lands.

The police spokesman added: "This is an inquiry which is likely to take some time to complete."