Terror cops raid home in Burnopfield, County Durham

Jun 2 2009 By Rob Pattinson

ANTI-TERROR cops have swooped on the home of a suspected white supremacist in County Durham.

A pain-staking search of the man's home was underway today while a teenage relative was also arrested at an address nearby.

The 41-year-old man was detained on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.

He is believed to be involved in extreme right-wing activity and was arrested at a house in Myrtle Grove, Burnopfield, County Durham.

He is being held for questioning by officers from Durham Constabulary and the North East Counter Terrorism Unit at a police station in West Yorkshire.

The arrest follows a long-running intelligence-led operation and enquiries are on-going.

Det Supt Neil Malkin, the man leading the investigation, said: "People across the force area can be reassured we are better prepared than ever before to combat the threat of terrorism whether it stems from home or abroad and are committed to tackling extremism in all its forms."

An 18-year-old man has also been arrested at Grampian Court, Annfield Plain, on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

He has been taken to Consett police station in County Durham for questioning.

Durham Chief Inspector Stu Exley said: "This morning’s arrest was carried out in a proactive response to intelligence received and not as a result of an identified threat to the local or wider community."