Police questioning two 14-year-old boys arrested on suspicion of planning Yorkshire terror attack
Investigators granted extra time to question teenagers over alleged plot
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Police are continuing to question two 14-year-old boys arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack.
The teenagers – among the youngest terror suspects ever arrested in the UK – were detained on accusations of preparing an act of terrorism in the North Yorkshire town of Northallerton on Saturday morning.
The North East Counter Terrorism Unit said the unnamed boys were arrested “as part of an ongoing police-led investigation” and that three properties were searched following the raids.
Assistant Chief Constable Phil Cain, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Officers believe that this is an isolated incident and the wider community are not at risk.
“We appreciate the cooperation of local residents whilst the investigation continues.”
The Independent understands there was no immediate indication of a link to Isis or other foreign terrorist groups, but that investigators are continuing to analyse a large quantity of digital data and other evidence.
Police have been granted a warrant to detain the teenagers for further questioning until Wednesday, when a decision on whether to charge them is expected.
Amid unconfirmed reports that they had been planning a massacre at a school, Northallerton School and Sixth Form College has sent out a letter aimed to reassure parents.
Headteacher Chris Byrne said student safety was being prioritised, a month after he wrote a separate letter to parents to dispel rumours a student brought a weapon into school.
“We fully recognise that parents and carers have concerns as a result of these arrests,” his latest missive read.
“We would like to reassure you that the safety of the school is paramount and we are working with the police to support our students and prioritise their safety at all times.”
North Yorkshire County Council said the school was supporting the police in their investigation.
“Police continue to investigate with an open mind to establish what, if any, offences have been committed,” a spokesperson added.
"The school understands that parents and carers may have concerns as a result of these arrests.
“We would like to reassure them that the safety of the school is paramount and we are working with the police to support our students and prioritise their safety at all times.”
Searches were carried out at three properties, centring on the Romanby area of the town, with neighbours saying they saw about 10 police cars around a disused garage.
It comes amid a record number of terror-related arrests in the UK and warnings of a rising threat from both Islamists and the far-right.