Six individuals have been taken into custody in London as part of a counter-terrorism probe related to suspected activities associated with the banned group Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The arrested individuals include a 59-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman, a 62-year-old man, a 56-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man, who have been detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Law enforcement officers are conducting searches at eight different locations across London, including the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey, north London. The Metropolitan Police have assured the public that there is no immediate threat. Acting Commander Helen Flanagan from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command stated that the arrests were made after a thorough investigation into activities believed to be connected to the PKK.
“These arrests target individuals suspected of participating in terrorist activities associated with the group. It is crucial to convey that we will not tolerate any form of terrorist actions and will take necessary measures to prevent harm to communities in the UK or elsewhere,” said Commander Flanagan.
The police mentioned that the search of the community centre could last up to two weeks, resulting in its closure to the public and the surrounding area. Additional officers will be deployed to maintain security in the region. Ms. Flanagan emphasized that the operation aims to safeguard all communities, especially the Turkish and Kurdish communities. She encouraged individuals who may have been impacted by those linked to the PKK to come forward.
The PKK has been designated as a proscribed organization since 2001 due to its advocacy for Kurdish self-rule through political and armed means. The government views the group and its affiliates as a separatist movement seeking an independent Kurdish state in southeast Turkey.
In other news from London, the Groucho Club, a popular celebrity spot, has shut down following allegations of serious crimes on-site. Additionally, the historic Smithfield meat market is set to close after over 800 years of operation in the city. Moreover, a man has been released on bail after a shooting incident in Ladbroke Grove that left an eight-year-old girl seriously injured.
The Met has advised individuals to be patient during the closure of the community centre, as the investigation requires meticulous gathering of evidence. They reiterated the importance of protecting the community and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
