Police offer terror suspects help

Liaison officers already help relatives of serious crime victims

Police family liaison officers are to be assigned to help relatives of terrorist suspects deal with the aftermath of an arrest or raid.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said the move could help reduce community tensions after high-profile anti-terrorist operations.

A dedicated team may include Muslim officers and community volunteers.

Acpo said the plans had been discussed for some time but were given fresh impetus by the recent Forest Gate raid.

It is established practice for a specially trained officer to help families of murder victims and serious crimes.

Police apology

They liaise between the family and investigation team, as well as dealing with media enquiries and court visits.

But Acpo says families of people arrested for terrorism offences should also have liaison officers because of the "major stigma" they suffered.

Earlier this month, brothers Abul Koyair, 20, and Mohammed Abdulkahar, 23, were the subject of a anti-terror raid by police in Forest Gate, east London, in which the latter was shot.

The men spent several days in custody following the raid.

They were later released without charge.

Metropolitan Police's Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman later released a statement in which he apologised for the "hurt" officers may have caused the men.