Newcastle man charged with terrorism offences

A man from Newcastle has been charged with planning an act of terrorism.

The 33-year-old man from the Arthur's Hill area will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with one count of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism.

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East were assisted by Northumbria Police when they arrested the man on Tuesday.

He was taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where he was questioned on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Police said the arrest was intelligence-led and was planned as part of an ongoing investigation by the counter-terror unit.

Chief Superintendent Neil Hutchison, local policing commander for Newcastle, said officers will continue to patrol Arthur's Hill and speak to anyone with concerns.

He added: "We recognise that the activity in the past week will have caused some concern and unavoidable disruption to the communities we serve.

"We work very closely with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing North East to keep our communities safe.

"Our main priority will always be public safety and protecting the people of Northumbria."