Police freeze two accounts ‘supporting Kurdish terror group’ after arresting seven individuals over ‘exercise linked to PKK’

Two bank accounts have been frozen as part of a counter-terrorism probe after the Met Police arrested seven people for alleged activity linked to a Kurdish group.

Freezing orders were applied to the accounts believed to be supporting or funding terrorist activity connected to the prescribed Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK.

The separatist group wants an independent Kurdish state in south-east Turkey and has been banned in the UK since 2001.

It has been fighting against the Turkish state since the early 1980s.

This comes after seven people were arrested at separate addresses across London on November 27 as part of the force’s crackdown on Counter Terrorism Command.

Five men aged 23, 27, 31, 56, and 62 as well as two women aged 31 and 59 were arrested last week.

Five men aged 23, 27, 31, 56, and 62 as well as two women aged 31 and 59 were arrested last week (Stock photo) 

The police have now confirmed warrants of further detention for all seven have now been obtained meaning they can be detained until Monday.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: ‘Our officers continue to work around the clock to gather and review evidence as part of this investigation into what are very serious allegations.

‘I want to reiterate that this investigation is being conducted with complete operational independence and ask that people to avoid speculating or sharing unverified information either online or elsewhere.’

Searches were carried out at eight addresses in London as part of the investigation, the force said.

The Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey was one of the locations that was under scrutiny but has been given permission to reopen.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for the Haringey area, said: ‘We are very aware of the ongoing impact this investigation is having on the local community – particularly those from the Kurdish community.

‘We have liaised closely with representatives from the community centre while searches have been ongoing there, and we recognise the impact of it being closed while officers have been carrying out important searches there as part of their investigation.

‘I want to thank the local community and residents for their ongoing support and understanding, and should anyone have concerns, then please get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can work with you to keep everyone safe.’