MERSEYSIDE’S chief constable has praised his officers for their quick response after a security blunder brought planned anti-terror arrests forward.
Five men arrested in Liverpool on Wednesday were last night still in police custody, being held under the Terrorism Act. The raids which took place across Liverpool, Greater Manchester and Lancashire are thought to have been planned for today, but had to be brought forward at a moment’s notice after a top secret file was snapped by photographers outside Downing Street.
The man carrying the file, Assistant Met Commissioner Bob Quick, resigned after the blunder and apologised for putting Operation Pathfinder – which had gathered months of intelligence – at risk.
Chief Constable of Merseyside, Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “I would like to personally thank all the police officers and staff in Merseyside for their amazing responsiveness to yesterday’s operation. Many officers went above and beyond their duties to make sure our city remains a safe place to live.
“In light of the decision to bring the operation forward, the flexibility and commitment shown by those involved is also to be commended – I am very proud of what they achieved.
“All those involved did an excellent job. The extra patrols, cordons and measures we have in place have been implemented to make sure we are doing everything we can to reassure the public and maintain public safety.”
It is believed the 12 suspects are being questioned at police stations in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. Akbar Ali, of the Liverpool Islamic Institute, last night condemned Mr Quick as “irresponsible”.
He said: “Wednesday’s events were very worrying because the police are accusing people of the most evil deeds and the way in which it was handled does not inspire confidence.
“I know young Muslim men who have been arrested and then released without charge, but by that point their standing in the community is stained with the most terrible allegations.
“The police have a duty to ensure when those allegations are suspected they have their facts right.
“Sound judgment is vital and Mr Quick was irresponsible.”
