Man questioned under Terrorism Act after incident outside the Oldham Police Station

A man is being questioned under the Terrorism Act after he is alleged to have entered Oldham Police Station’s forecourt and attacked a police car on Tuesday evening.

Police said a man accessed the car park at around 10pm on Tuesday night and proceeded to run at the vehicle and attack it while making threats to the officers inside.

The man, 31, was Tasered. He remains in custody.

He has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, assaulting a police officer and being found on enclosed premises.

Due to the nature of the attack, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West were made aware of the incident and have further arrested the man on suspicion of section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

A large cordon was put in place across the town centre near to the police station after a vehicle close to the car park was believed to possibly have suspicious items inside it.

The car was inspected by specialist search officers and was found to not contain any items of concern.

Police have said it is believed to be an isolated incident and there is not thought to be a threat to the wider public at this time.

Chief superintendent Chris Bowen, commander for Oldham district, said: “Last night our officers showed immense bravery and quick-thinking by detaining a man so swiftly after threats were being made and a vehicle was attacked as it was about to go on patrol.

“Thankfully, despite being understandably shaken, the officers didn’t sustain any physical injuries and we are doing what we can to support them after this incident.

“Due to suspicions raised based on enquiries made so far, our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing North West have subsequently arrested the suspect and are now questioning him under the Terrorism Act.”

He added: “While this will cause understandable – and shared – shock and concern in the community, I want to make it clear that there is nothing to so far suggest there is any wider threat to the public, and our officers will continue to be on the front line doing all we can to keep the streets of Oldham safe.

“As ever, anyone with suspicions or concerns should report it to us via their local neighbourhood police team, via our website, or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Source: Oldham Times