A SERVING member of the British Armed Forces has been arrested in Somerset on suspicion of Northern Ireland-related terrorism offences.
The 30-year-old was arrested at 12:20pm by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command as part of a pre-planned operation.
A Scotland Yard statement read: "Today’s arrest was pre-planned and intelligence-led as part of an investigation into Northern Ireland-related terrorism."
Scotland Yard had been working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit.
No armed police were involved in the arrest.
Scotland Yard said: "The public can be reassured that there is no intelligence to suggest an immediate threat to our communities."
The man was arrested at an address in Somerset and has been taken to a West Country police station.
The statement added: "Further searches are taking place in a wooded area in south Devon, which has been cordoned off, and by PSNI in Northern Ireland in connection with this inquiry.
The Ministry of Defence also released a statement saying they were aware of the arrest.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a police investigation involving the arrest of a member of the Armed Forces under the 2000 Terrorism Act and will assist this investigation fully.
The current threat to England, Wales and Scotland from Northern Ireland-related terrorism is said to be "substantial."
The threat level in Northern Ireland is "severe."
The police and security services have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
