'Suspicious' item removed after terror arrest

Police said a "suspicious item" was removed from a property during a counter-terror operation.

A 21-year-old man arrested in the Horfield area of Bristol on suspicion of attempting to join the Islamic State group on Tuesday remains in police custody.

A woman who lives below the property said she had to spend the night in a hotel after being evacuated. Police neighbours are now able to return home after the suspicious item was "assessed and removed" by bomb disposal experts.

"We found out online what he has been arrested for. Even though I was in the property below, I wasn't scared, I wasn't frightened, I was just in disbelief," the neighbour added.

"Everyone is in shock because you would not think it," she told BBC Radio Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police said they found the suspicious item during a search of a residential property in Francombe Grove and a cordon was put in place while the object was assessed, but has now been lifted.

The operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East with support from Avon and Somerset Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South West.

Ch Insp Keith Smith, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The arrest was part of a pre-planned operation and a small number of people who were asked to leave their homes temporarily are now able to return. I would like to thank them for their understanding while this was necessary.

"There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public, however I appreciate police activity can cause some people to feel concerned. If you wish to speak to an officer, please do not hesitate to contact us."

The neighbour told the BBC that police turned up to her house on Tuesday "with armed police and dogs".

"They said we need you out, grab what you need. Everyone was doing the school run so a lot of people weren't in when the door was knocked."

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