Anti-terror police were today quizzing two men arrested in Mid Wales over alleged links to the Tamil Tigers.
The pair, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in Newtown yesterday by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command following a series of raids on addresses in the town.
Police said the pair were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
They were taken to the high security Paddington Green police station in central London for questioning. A third man was also arrested following simultaneous raids in Mitcham in South-West London and Surrey.
Officers remained outside the addresses in Newtown yesterday, while neighbours spoke of their shock at being woken before 7am by the noise of the raids.
One, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard the police arrive and then saw a man being bundled into the back of a police vehicle and being driven away.”
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “The two men are currently being questioned by police and properties in Newtown are still being searched, so it may be some time before we can release any further details.”
Police confirmed the pair were arrested in connection with alleged links to the Sri Lankan separatist group, the Tamil Tigers. The group is fighting for autonomy for minority Tamils in the north and east of the country.
A Dyfed-Powys Police statement said: “We would like to reassure our communities arrests of this nature in the force area are rare and they should not be unduly alarmed. The investigation is not linked to al-Qaeda and we don’t believe there was a risk to the local community.”
Anyone with specific concerns can contact Dyfed Powys Police on 08453 302000.
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