Bomb plot arrests shock community

By Neil Aitchison
BBC News, Birmingham

The premises in St Margarets Road searched by police

Police searched a property in St Margarets Road

A community in Birmingham is trying to come to terms with the fact two people in their midst have been arrested over a bomb plot.

The arrests under the Terrorism Act were made on Thursday as the thwarted plot to blow up airliners was revealed.

Police searched two properties in Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green and St Margarets Road in Ward End.

Residents said they were shocked by the arrests as leaders called for calm to prevail.

The two roads are a 15-minute drive from the centre of Birmingham.

Local councillor Ansar Ali Khan described the area as deprived but that could not be guessed from walking round.

The community here lives together

Ayub Hussain

It is a working-class suburb with neat tree-lined streets and predominantly terraced houses. Less than 50 yards from each searched property there are busy shopping areas along the nearest main road.

The population is almost entirely of Asian origin, mainly Pakistani and Kashmiri. But the arrests have upset the community's spirit of harmony.

"These arrests do cause unease," said Mohammed Farooq, who runs the Highways newsagents just off Belchers Lane.

"I feel I have to be vigilant, wary, who's going to walk in to the shop now."

Ayub Hussain, 35, who lives in Belchers Lane doubted the arrested pair were terrorists.

"We're shocked to think this type of thing might have been going on here.

"I don't think there is any type of terrorism here, the community here lives together - all faiths, Asian, black and white."

People frightened

The house raided by police in Ward End faces a large children's play area, usually teeming with youngsters in the school holidays. But shop keeper Sajid Hussain said there have been few customers since the arrests.

"People here are scared to come out of their houses, I'm frightened, you don't know what's going to happen next - what door are they going to knock down next."

Mr Khan said the community would remain strong.

"The community is shocked to have two people arrested," he said.

"But the whole community here lives in peace and harmony and community leaders are working together so that peace stays and people remain calm."