Sixth Arrest Made in Parsons Green Explosion Investigation

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Boy aged 17 arrested at 5am this morning in Thornton Heath

A sixth arrest, this time of a 17 year-old boy, has been made by detectives investigating the Parsons Green terrorist attack in Thornton Heath this morning, Thursday, 21 September.

Police say a 17 year-old male was arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act after officers executed a warrant at an address in Thornton Heath at around 5am this morning. Officers have begun a search of the property.

To date, a total of six men and one boy have been arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act in connection with the investigation.

An 18 year-old man was arrested by Kent Police in the port area of Dover at approximately 7.50am on Saturday, 16 September. A warrant for his further detention was granted by Westminster Magistrates' Court until 23 September.

A 21 year-old man was arrested in Hounslow at 11.50pm on Saturday, 16 September. A warrant for his further detention was granted by Westminster Magistrates' Court until 21 September.

A 25 year-old man was arrested at an address in Newport, South Wales at around 7pm on Tuesday, 19 September.

A 48 year-old man and a 30-year-old man were arrested at around 5.10an on Wednesday, 20 September, at a second address in Newport.

All six are in custody at a south London police station.

Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met Counter Terrorism Command, said: "This continues to be a fast-moving investigation. A significant amount of activity has taken place since the attack on Friday.

"We now have six males in custody and searches are continuing at five addresses. Detectives are carrying out extensive inquiries to determine the full facts behind the attack.

"We anticipate that the searches will take some days to complete and may cause further disruption. However, it is important that we continue with these searches and I'd like to thank all those affected for their support, patience and cooperation.

"As police and our partners do all we can to confront the threat, public vigilance remains as vital as ever.

"We urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling us, in confidence, on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency by dialling 999.

"We are asking the public to look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn't seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing, but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist-related, trust your instincts, then act, and call us."

The arrests in Newport were carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, supported by colleagues from Gwent Police and the Welsh Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU). Searches at the two addresses in Newport are ongoing.

Searches at two addresses in Surrey are still ongoing and are expected to last some days. The search of an address in Thornton Heath has commenced. The search at a commercial property in Hounslow has now concluded.

Police say they would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation.

Anyone with footage or images from the incident is urged to upload them at UK Police Image Appeal where they will be looked at by investigators.

 

September 18, 2017