Following the arrest of a 21-year-old man for suspected involvement with a banned organization, residents in a Bristol neighborhood have been advised to leave their homes due to the discovery of a suspicious item. A joint operation involving officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW), and Avon and Somerset Police took place in Francombe Grove, Horfield. As a precautionary measure, a small number of residents in nearby properties were asked to evacuate while the police investigate the object.
The arrested individual is currently in police custody. Chief Inspector Keith Smith from Avon and Somerset Police assured the public that the operation was planned in advance and emphasized the need for heightened police presence in the area. He mentioned that the safety cordon around the property and the evacuation of some residents were necessary steps for public safety during the examination of the object.
A spokesperson for CTPSE confirmed the arrest and detailed that the 21-year-old man was apprehended on suspicion of attempting to affiliate with a proscribed group (Daesh) under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ongoing investigation in the Horfield area may result in increased police activity due to the precautionary cordon set up around the residential property where the suspicious item was found.