Six arrested as part of counter terrorism investigation into suspected PKK activity

A number of people have been arrested today, Wednesday 27 November 2024, as part of a significant Counter Terrorism Policing investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.

Six people ([A] a 59-year-old woman, [B] a 27-year-old man, [C] a 31-year-old woman, [D] a 62-year-old man, [E] a 56-year-old man and [F] a 23-year-old man) were arrested at separate addresses across London early this morning. They have all been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and are in custody at a London police station.

There is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public linked to the matters under investigation.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “This activity has come about following a significant investigation and operation into activity we believe is linked to the terrorist group PKK. These are targeted arrests of those we suspect of being involved in terrorist activity linked to the group.

“I hope that these arrests show that we will not tolerate any sort of terrorist activity and that we will take action where we believe there is harm being caused to communities here in the UK or elsewhere.”

As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at eight addresses across London, including at the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey, north London. The search activity at all eight locations is ongoing. The search at the community centre is expected to last up to two weeks. Both the centre and the surrounding area will be closed to the public while officers continue their work there.

Additional local officers will be carrying out patrols and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, with officers available to speak with any members of the public who may be concerned.

Acting Commander Flanagan added: “This investigation and activity is about protecting all of our communities, but particularly those in our Turkish and Kurdish communities. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been affected or targeted by those linked to the PKK to get in touch.

“We are also very mindful that closing the community centre may cause inconvenience to some people. Officers will be working as quickly as they can, but these are very serious allegations so it is important that we take care in identifying and gathering as much evidence as we can.”

Anyone with concerns or information relating to the investigation or activities of the PKK can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or by visiting www.gov.uk/ACT