Police given more time in terror case

Police have been granted extra time to question two men on allegations of terrorism.

The men, aged 31 and 52, were arrested on Friday after officers raided a property in Buttermere Close, Cheltenham.

After finding a number of unspecified items, more than 100 people were evacuated from their homes and a 200-metre cordon was put in place. Residents were last night allowed to return home – a development which was described as a “huge relief”.

Officers are continuing their investigations in the street and at the police station.

A spokesman said: “Police have been granted warrants of further detention to continue questioning two men being detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism in the UK (contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000).

“Officers from the South East Counter Terrorism Unit now have until Friday, 18 May to charge, release or apply for an additional extension. A 25-metre cordon will remain in place around the garage, but this area does not contain any homes.

“Officers from Gloucestershire Police will be carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area along with reassurance patrols over the coming hours and days.”