Anti-terror police have more time to quiz six suspects in bid to smash suspected Christmas bomb plot after series of dawn raids
Cops have until Monday to question four men from Derby aged 22, 27, 35 and 36, a man, 27, from Burton, Staffs, and a woman, 32, from London
DETECTIVES have been given more time to quiz six people seized over a suspected Christmas shopper bomb plot.
The Sun told how anti-terror cops swooped over fears a jihadi gang were planning to launch an attack on a shopping centre.
They have until Monday to question four men from Derby aged 22, 27, 35 and 36, a man, 27, from Burton, Staffs, and a woman, 32, from London.
A police spokesman said the raids were linked to “international-related terrorism”.
Police carried out searches at properties in Derby, Burton and London - but no homes were evacuated.
An Army bomb squad was called to the Normanton area of Derby in what police described as a “precautionary measure”.
Forensic teams are searching properties including the terrace house in Leopold Street – half a mile from the former home of British suicide bomber Kabir Ahmed.
In February 2012 he became the first person in the UK to be convicted of “distributing threatening written material to stir up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation” and was jailed for 15 months.
RELATED STORIES
The raids were being led by the North East counter terrorism unit supported by local officers from Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the Metropolitan Police.
Police have said local officers will be patrolling the areas to speak to anyone with concerns.
A spokesman said: “We would ask people to remain alert and vigilant but not to be alarmed and we are grateful for the assistance, support and understanding of people locally.
“We are grateful for local residents understanding, patience and support while the searches are concluded.”