Oxford terror police search homes as man and woman arrested

A 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, both from Oxford, were arrested today, Thursday, March 26, on suspicion of arranging funds for the purpose of terrorism contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Thames Valley Police, are carrying out search activity at a residential address in the city.

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Supt Jen Hogben, of Thames Valley Police, said: “Arrests of this nature can cause some in the community to feel concerned, however they form part of a pre-planned operation led by our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East and there is no immediate risk to the public.

File picture of police in Oxford (Image: Ed Nix) (Image: Ed Nix)

“We will continue to offer support to Counter Terrorism Policing South East while their investigation continues. 

“Residents living in the Cowley area may notice an increased police presence while search activity is ongoing. If there are any concerns anyone wishes to raise, please contact police.”

The arrested man and woman remain in police custody.

It comes just one week after a 16-year-old boy from Didcot, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on charges relating to supporting Islamic State following a separate investigation.

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The teenager faces seven terrorism charges and is alleged to have stockpiled weapons, explosives and a suicide vest at his family home, the court heard.

Wesyminster Magistrates’ Court (Nick Ansell/PA)

It is said he had 17 knives, including machetes, in his bedroom when the home was raided by counter terrorism police on March 12, and he is suspected of sharing IS propaganda on terrorist attacks in Paris as well as footage of battlefield explosions and killings.

The boy, who has converted to Islam as a teenager, is said to have had swords and a knuckleduster in his possession, as well as homemade explosives.

As well as the terrorism charges, the boy has been charged with refusing to give police access to his phone while in custody after his arrest.

He appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 19, and Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him into custody in secure accommodation designed for youth defendants.

Through his lawyer, the boy indicated not guilty pleas to all eight charges against him.

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According to the charges, it is said he sent a video “containing footage of Islamic State and attacks in Paris” to his cousin in November last year, and the following month shared a “battlefield video containing footage of Islamic state”.

On arrest, he is accused of possessing IS magazine Inspire 1, a document called 100 Deadly Skills, a suicide vest, a selection of knives and swords, and “homemade improvised explosive devices”.

The boy is due to appear at the Old Bailey for a further hearing on April 17.