Police granted time to quiz six terror suspects

West Midlands Police last night confirmed they had been granted warrants of further detention to question the suspects who are all being detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism in the UK.

Officers now have until about midnight on Sunday to charge, release or apply for an additional extension. The men, all from Birmingham and aged 25 to 32, were arrested on Sunday night and Monday morning as part of a major pre-planned counter terrorism operation involving MI5.

A seventh person, a 22-year-old woman from Saltley, who was arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000, was released on bail on Monday night.

It is understood the investigation relates to suspected Islamist extremism, but it is not thought that an attack or threat was imminent. A spokesman for the force said forensic teams have searched at a total of 16 properties.

The men were taken into custody in the Moseley, Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Ward End and Balsall Heath areas.

It was not related to the Liberal Democrats’ conference taking place in the city.