Man arrested under terrorism act

The area is described as 'exceptionally quiet'

A man has been arrested in Kent under the Terrorism Act, police have said.

The man, who has not been named, was held at 0845 BST on Monday in Hawkinge, near Folkestone. He is being questioned at a police station in the county.

Police are examining a property in Curlew Place, which has been described as a quiet cul-de-sac.

A resident, who lives opposite the entrance to the modern development, said he thought the arrested man was Turkish, and owned a local kebab shop.

He is being held under the Terrorism Act 2000, a Kent Police spokesman said.

Scotland Yard said the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command was not involved in the operation.

The local resident, Cyril Halpenny, said: "They seemed a quietish family. I only knew them to say hello to, to pass the time of day."

When he returned home from work he saw number of people outside the house.

He said: "There were a couple of strangers - I think they were police officers - walking up and down with mobiles.

"I took no notice and went to bed and woke up at lunchtime and saw police cars outside the house and could see that something was going on."

He added: "This is an exceptionally quiet area."