UK arrests in Tamil Tigers probe

Three men have been arrested by counter-terror police as part of an investigation into the Tamil Tigers.

The arrests are said to be part of a long-term investigation into the Sri-Lankan-based group.

Two men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in dawn raids at separate addresses in Newtown, Powys, and a third, aged 33, arrested in Mitcham, south-west London. All three were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

A raid also took place in Surrey, Scotland Yard said.

Community reassured

The men are to be questioned at the high-security Paddington Green police station in central London.

A Scotland yard spokesman said: "This is part of a long-term investigation into alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas and two people have already been charged in connection with this investigation.

"It is not linked to al-Qaeda type activity or inspired terrorism. It is in relation to support, procurement and fundraising for a proscribed organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [Tamil Tigers]."

Dyfed Powys Police stressed there was no risk to people in Newtown and that the arrests were in relation to alleged support of terrorism overseas.

A spokeswoman said: "The investigation is not linked to al-Qaeda and we don't believe there was a risk to the local community."

She said letters had been posted through doors of properties close to where searches were being carried out in a bid to reassure local residents. She said these searches were expected to go on for some time but efforts would be made to keep disruption to a minimum.

Military equipment

Two men from south London have already appeared in court charged with terror offences in connection with the investigation.

One is accused of arranging meetings of the Tamil Tigers and addressing an event in Hyde Park, central London.

He is also accused of amassing a hoard of military equipment including machetes, combat boots, camouflage clothes, spades and handcuffs. He denies the offences.

In November, the leader of a breakaway faction of the Tamil Tigers, Colonel Karuna Amman, was arrested in a joint operation by British police and immigration officials.

No details have been released of where he was detained or whether Sri Lanka will begin extradition proceedings.