A Gloucestershire Police officer has been arrested by Counter Terrorism Police on suspicion of a terror offence.

The 30-year-old has been taken to a police custody unit outside of Gloucestershire whilst searches in relation to the investigation continued to be conducted.

The officer was apprehended at a property on suspicion of providing support for Hamas, as per Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Specialist officers are now conducting searches, including a vehicle and an address in Gloucestershire.

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.”

No further information on the officer or details of the offence have been given at this stage.

Hamas, designated as a terror group by the UK and US, conducted a murderous rampage in Israel on October 7th 2023, igniting a regional war in Gaza and beyond.

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