Two European men detained on Thursday afternoon, July 18, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act related to the explosions that occurred near a mosque in Walsall on 21 June, and also in relation to the explosion outside the Tipton mosque that happened on 12 July.
Detectives from the West Midlands Police arrested a 25-year-old and a 22-year-old man on suspicion of being involved in the commission and instigation of an act of terrorism. Army bomb disposal experts were at the scene.
The men, both Eastern European – Ukrainian – were arrested on Talbot Way, Small Heath at around 2pm on Thursday. The first suspect was arrested after being spotted by police officers, who were working within the local area. The second suspect was arrested at a property nearby.
It is believed that not only were the two suspects working there [Delcam], but they have been living there. Both men were arrested at Delcam – one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced CADCAM software product development solutions for the manufacturing industry.
There were severe traffic congestion, and both drivers and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area to prevent delays to their journey.
Assistant Chief Constable, Marcus Beale, who is leading the operation gave out a statement saying: “I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support and the way in which they responded to our appeal. I appreciate that there is significant disruption whilst experts search and check this area. These road closures are essential to ensure that we keep everyone safe.”
Tim Katoga
