Latest news with #CounterTerrorism
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Fourth man arrested over ‘arson attack' at homes linked to Sir Keir Starmer after cops swoop on Stansted airport
A FOURTH man has been arrested as part of an investigation into a series of fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer in North London. Cops say a 48-year-old man was detained today at London Stansted Airport following the suspected arson attacks last month. 2 2 He was initially stopped by officers under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000, before being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The arrest is connected to an investigation into a fire involving the PM's former Toyota Rav4 on May 8, a property where he once lived on May 11, and his family's former house on May 12. The man has been taken to a London police station, where he currently remains in police custody. Police have already charged Roman Lavrynovych, 21, a Ukrainian national, with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life; Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, a Romanian national, with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life; Petro Pochynok, 34, a Ukrainian national, with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The three men have been remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, (June 6). The investigation is being led by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command due to the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May. Enquiries remain ongoing.
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Sky News
Liverpool parade latest: Man, 53, from Merseyside, arrested after pedestrians hit
Here's what we know so far Things are developing quickly in Liverpool after a car collided with a "number of pedestrians" this afternoon. Here's everything we know so far: Emergency service responded just after 6pm to an incident in Liverpool city centre after a car collided with several pedestrians; The incident happened as up to a million fans lined the streets to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title; A 53-year-old British man from the Liverpool area has been detained, but it is not yet known how many people are injured or if anyone has been killed; The ambulance service said at 9.24pm that it has now cleared the scene - and said it will update on casualty numbers at a news briefing expected at 10.30pm - we'll bring you live coverage here and across Sky News; The area has been cordoned off and a large number of emergency services remain at the scene; Merseyside Police are leading the investigation, with officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West supporting, the PA news agency understands; The prime minister has described the scenes as "appalling", and thanked the emergency services for their response - while the home secretary has said she is being kept updated by the police. Health secretary thanks 'amazing' NHS staff for 'heroic' actions The health secretary has just issued a statement as emergency services in Liverpool work to help people hit by a car that ploughed into pedestrians. Wes Streeting wrote on X: "I would like to thank our amazing emergency services for their heroic actions this evening in Liverpool. "My heart goes out to everyone impacted in this horrible incident. "My department is working with NHS England to keep across any developments for our NHS staff." Footage shows aftermath of incident Warning: distressing images This footage shows the aftermath of the car hitting pedestrians. Emergency responders can be seen tending to people on the scene, with a large number of police cars, ambulances and a fire engine in attendance. Watch the video in full below: Waiting for police to 'establish the facts' amid online speculation We are waiting for more detail from the police, who have launched a huge investigation. Sky News' Charlotte Leeming says there was a "strong police presence" in Liverpool before the incident, but this then rapidly expanded as the scene was turned from "jubilation and joy" to horror. The north of England correspondent adds that there were a lot of people still on the street at the time of the incident, despite the club's coach having passed through around thirty minutes beforehand. Merseyside Police have now put a forensics tent as well as a large van which acts as a "mobile office and a control room", so that multiple agencies can work together on scene. Charlotte says: "We see speculation on social media, but we're waiting on Merseyside Police to really establish some facts here." A "massive operation" is now underway, with multiple agencies, including counter-terror police, now investigating, Charlotte adds. She says that the priority for the emergency services was to help the people who were injured - though we don't know just how many people have been yet. There was also "a huge ambulance presence" in the minutes after the attack. She adds: "I don't think I've ever seen so many ambulances together in one spot. "They really have got the resources here." The main road is cordoned off to the public, as well as several side streets, she explains. 'There were a lot injured': Eyewitness describes 'frantic' moment car ploughed into crowds An eyewitness has described the "frantic" moment the car ploughed into the crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's win, saying: "There were a lot injured." Peter Jones was at the parade and described the incident as "shocking". The 44-year-old said: "We were walking up Water Street, thousands around us. "We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back. "He then drove into people, police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road." He added: "There were a lot injured. "We heard it behind us hit the crowds, then we saw half a dozen people [injured] in the road as we were walking up." "It was shocking. We're back at our hotel now, in a bit of a shock." The map below details the location of the incident, on Water Street: 'Not unusual to be waiting for casualty numbers at this stage' Graham Wettone has told Sky News that it is "not unusual to have no casualty figures released at this stage" yet. The police commentator says Merseyside Police have been "fairly quick and swift" at putting out information into the public domain so far, to prevent misinformation spreading online. But he says people must recognise that "these are very confusing incidents". He explains that casualties will be taken to different hospitals, including ones further away than the ones immediately nearby, to manage demand on A&E departments. Some may be taken to one before being sent to another, while others may be discharged. Wettone also says that not everybody will have been taken by ambulance, with some taken by police car. He says: "It then takes time to collate that information" and he adds that "those numbers can be quite confusing in the first few hours". Asked if it is unusual to lack detail at this stage, he responds that "it doesn't surprise me at all... that there are no factual details yet". He says a casualty bureau that will collect all of this information will be established, and that this will cross-check the numbers against names to ensure that nobody is counted twice. "As with most things, the police, the ambulance service, the hospital service will be keen to get these details absolutely factually correct before they release them", he concludes. Hospital trust urges public not to call A hospital trust has urged members of the public not to call to ask about their loved ones after the Liverpool victory parade incident because next of kin would be contacted. In a statement, NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group said: "Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones. "Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard." Police fighting wave of speculation, expert says We can now bring you some analysis on the unfolding incident from police commentator Graham Wettone. He has explained how one issue Merseyside Police is facing is a wave of speculation on social media in the immediate aftermath. "That's always a problem in today's day and age, social media taking over so much news reporting, with so many people as well present at the scene where that awful incident took place, mobile phones out, people recording it, and then posting it almost straight away," he said. He added: "It potentially is a huge issue for Merseyside Police to try and manage this situation and the inaccurate speculation." Wettone went on to explain how he had already seen "completely inaccurate" posts, adding it was "far too early to speculate". He said the local police force had done well to come out so quickly with information on the incident, sharing what they are able to at the current time. Alongside that, he repeated a police plea to not share images and video of the incident, instead sending it straight to the force. For context: Last summer, in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings that took the lives of three young girls, there was widespread speculation over the identity of the attacker. This led to anger and riots, and violence breaking out across the country. Ambulance service has cleared the scene - update on casualties tonight The North West Ambulance Service said it has cleared the scene in Liverpool. The service said it will give an update on casualty numbers later tonight. A spokesperson said: "North West Ambulance Service has now cleared the scene following the incident in Liverpool and will be updating on casualty numbers at a press conference scheduled for later tonight. "Details of this will be announced shortly." Where did the collision take place? This map shows the location of the incident on Water Street. The car smashed into crowds celebrating in Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been arrested, Merseyside Police said. Footage shows the car smashing into pedestrians in the street, with people rushing up to hit the windows and police running towards the scene. Several people were seen being taken away by ambulances and a large police cordon has been put in place. A large blue tent has been set up, with two fire engines parked in front. Video shows moment car ploughs into crowd Warning: distressing images Footage shows the moment the car ploughs into the crowd as well as the aftermath. People can be seen swarming around the car and hitting the windows as the police rush to respond. Just to warn you, the video contains distressing images. Sky News has edited it to not show pedestrians being hit by the vehicle. You can watch the video in full below:
The Independent
26-05-2025
- The Independent
Man arrested after car ploughs through crowd at Liverpool's Premier League parade
A Car struck pedestrians during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory Parade on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. The incident occurred around 6pm, with footage showing the vehicle accelerating into the crowd before being stopped by police and bystanders. A 53-year-old man from the Merseyside area was arrested, and Counter Terrorism Policing North West is supporting the investigation led by Merseyside Police. While the number of injuries is unconfirmed, several casualties were seen being treated by emergency services. Witnesses described chaotic scenes. Officials, including the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, expressed concern and thanked emergency responders. The Premier League and Liverpool FC offered support to those affected.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Cops turn up at Kneecap surprise gig in London hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, charged with terror offence
COPS have turned up at Kneecap's surprise gig in London just hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, was charged with a terror offence. Officers were seen entering the 100 Club on Oxford Street, central London, where rap trio Kneecap had announced a surprise gig for Thursday night. 2 2 At least three officers were seen walking into the venue at around 7.35pm. A short queue formed outside the venue before the doors opened, including one man in a band T-shirt. The band said on X that the event sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. It comes after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27 — a member of Kneecap — was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. The incident unfolded on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum, in Kentish Town, London. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command launched an urgent probe after being made aware on April 22. An investigation was carried out after reviewing video footage from the event. O'Hanna, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was later charged with an offence relating to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. Hezbollah is a proscribed terror organisation, and it is a criminal offence to "invite support" for the group. The rapper is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Earlier this month, the Met said it was investigating online videos allegedly showing the group shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". Kneecap said previously they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and would not incite violence against any individual. They argue the video has been taken out of context. A number of gigs featuring the band have been called off. A Met Police spokesperson said: "A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. "Liam O'Hanna, 27, of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hezballah, a proscribed organisation. "On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. "Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. "An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge. "O'Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 June." Who are Kneecap? Kneecap are an Irish hip hop trio from Belfast, Northern Ireland, composed of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J. J. Ó Dochartaigh. Their stage names are Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, respectively. They rap in a mixture of English and Irish and their first single C.E.A.R.T.A., cearta meaning rights in Irish, was released in 2017. Their debut studio album 3CAG followed in 2018., while their second Fine Art was released in 2024. The group also had a biographical film made about them the same year. It won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025. The Guardian described Kneecap as "the most controversial band in the UK" earlier this year. In April, the group faced backlash after sharing messages about the war in Gaza during their set at Coachella. They were dropped by their sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG). Footage emerged from their gigs have also investigation by counter-terrorism officers.
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Irish rappers Kneecap deny Hezbollah support after terror charge
Irish rappers Kneecap on Thursday denied supporting a proscribed group and vowed to defend themselves after a singer was charged with a "terror" offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert. The Iran-backed Lebanese force Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are banned in the UK and it is an offence to support them. "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction," the band said on X. Liam O'Hanna, 27, known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged late on Wednesday with showing support for a proscribed group during a performance on November 21. Daring provocateurs to their fans, dangerous extremists to their detractors, the Belfast group rap in the Irish language as well as English. They have courted controversy since they were formed in 2017. Last year the group was catapulted to international fame by a semi-fictionalised film, partly in Irish, partly in English, that won multiple awards including at the prestigious Sundance festival. The movie, which is laced with music, drugs and biting satire, also made shortlists for Oscar nominations in the best international feature film and best original song categories. London's Metropolitan Police said officers from its Counter Terrorism Command launched an investigation after a video of the London event in November surfaced online last month. In its statement, Kneecap attacked the "establishment" for trying to focus attention elsewhere while the population of Gaza suffered, and accused Israel of committing genocide. "We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage." The charge follows growing scrutiny of Kneecap's performances after footage circulated online showing political statements made by the band on stage. One video appeared to show a band member shouting: "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah." - Confrontational style - The band, known for its confrontational style and Irish nationalist, pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel messaging, has denied supporting violence or banned groups. In April they debuted at the Coachella music festival in California, which band member DJ Provai said was another "milestone" for the group, whose signature look is wearing balaclavas. They said they had been surprised by the success of the film. But Mo Chara told AFP in April: "It's an international story of languages being oppressed, because obviously the first protocol for colonialism is to eradicate the language and the culture." Another video clip under investigation by London police appears to show the band urging an audience to kill British Conservative MPs. Kneecap later issued an apology to the families of Labour Party MP Jo Cox, who was killed in 2016, and Conservative lawmaker David Amess, who was killed in 2021. The rows have turned attention on concert promoters, with a slew of European and US dates lined up for the group this summer. The trio were also scheduled to perform at a festival in London on Friday. It was not immediately clear if that concert would go ahead. Several of their gigs have already been cancelled, including three in Germany and one in the UK, while the British government has urged the Glastonbury festival organisers to "think carefully" about the band's planned appearance there next month. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said there was a coordinated campaign to target Kneecap for their outspoken views on Israel's offensive on Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied charges of genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory. Prominent British musicians and groups including Paul Weller, Massive Attack, Brian Eno, Pulp and Primal Scream have also defended Kneecap and signed a letter denouncing a "concerted attempt to censor and de-platform Kneecap". pmu-har/jkb/gil
