Police officer in his 30s is arrested on suspicion of terror offence

A serving police officer has been arrested by Counter Terrorism Police on suspicion of 'supporting Hamas'.

The constable, aged in his 30s, was arrested at a property in Gloucester on suspicion of the terror offence - contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He was subsequently taken to a police custody unit outside of the Gloucestershire area.

Gloucestershire Police revealed that the officer's suspected support for the Palestinian militant group ‘relates to activity online'.

Specialist officers are currently carrying out searches of a vehicle and an address in Gloucester in relation to the investigation.

Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said: 'The arrest of a serving officer on suspicion of such a serious offence will no doubt cause our communities concern, as it does everyone who works for Gloucestershire Police.

'It's important to note the suspected support relates to activity online and the searches taking place are predominately to locate digital devices for analysis.

'The arrest has been made to allow for a prompt and effective investigation to take place and we must not draw any conclusions at this stage.'

In 2021, the Government announced that it had proscribed the military and political wings of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

This means it is a criminal offence to belong to or invite support for it or wear clothing which could be seen to support the group.

The penalty is a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a fine.