Police officer arrested on suspicion of terrorism offence

Update published Thursday 14 November on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West:

A Gloucestershire Police officer arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) on Tuesday (12 November) on suspicion of a terrorism offence has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The officer is suspected of providing support online for a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The officer has since been suspended from all duties by Gloucestershire Police.

The investigation remains ongoing.

*The below press release has been issued on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West*

A serving Gloucestershire Police officer has today (Tuesday 12 November) been arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) on suspicion of a terrorism offence.

The officer, a constable, was arrested on suspicion of providing support for a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The officer was subsequently taken to a police custody unit outside of the Gloucestershire area.

Specialist officers are carrying out a number of searches in relation to this investigation, including of a vehicle and an address.

Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said: “The arrest of a serving officer on suspicion of such a serious offence will no doubt cause our communities concern, as it does everyone who works for Gloucestershire Police.

“It’s important to note the suspected support relates to activity online and the searches taking place are predominately to locate digital devices for analysis.

“The arrest has been made to allow for a prompt and effective investigation to take place and we must not draw any conclusions at this stage.”