Suspected far-right terrorist in Leeds charged with series of offences

Pawel Golaszewski faces six counts under Terrorism Act after 'intelligence-led' investigation

A police officer from Counter Terrorism Policing North East (PA)

A man from Leeds has been charged with a series terror offences after a police investigation into alleged far-right activity.

Pawel Golaszewski faces six counts under the Terrorism Act and has been charged with possession of a document or record "containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism".

The 33-year-old was arrested after an intelligence-led investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

"We have been continuing to liaise closely with our counter-terrorism colleagues while they have been progressing this investigation towards today's charges," said Steve Cotter, chief superintendent of West Yorkshire Police.

"We recognise that investigations of this nature can cause understandable public concern and we are speaking with key representatives across our communities to reassure them and keep them informed.

"Communities have a key role to play in defeating terrorism and we want people to be reassured that we remain committed to tackling all forms of extremism that can threaten public safety and security.

"Officers from our local neighbourhood policing teams can be contacted to discuss any concerns that people may have."

Mr Golaszewski is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Saturday.

Security services say the dominant terror threat to the UK comes from Isis and other Islamist groups, but have warned of the growing risk posed by the far-right following the Finsbury Park attack and murder of Jo Cox.

The proportion of far-right terror suspects has been rising in the UK and the number of people referred to the Prevent programme over suspected far-right extremism rocketed by 36 per cent from 2017-2018.

Additional reporting by agencies