Fourth British Army soldier arrested over alleged neo-Nazi terror offences

A fourth British Army soldier has been arrested over his suspected involvement in an alleged neo-Nazi terror plot.

The 24-year-old man from Northampton was detained by Royal Military Police in Cyprus and has been taken to a police station in the West Midlands.

He was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism and of being a member of the National Action group, which was banned last year.

The 24-year-old is understood to be a member of the Royal Anglican Regiment.

A police spokesman said a further four men arrested on Tuesday – a 22-year-old from Birmingham, a 32-year-old man arrested in Powys, a 24-year-old arrested in Ipswich and a 24-year-old arrested in Northampton – continue to be held at a police station in the West Midlands.

Three of them are said to be serving in the British Army, including a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Detectives have been granted more time to question the men.

Police said the arrests were "pre-planned and intelligence-led", adding there was no threat to the public’s safety.

It has been a criminal offence to be a member of National Action since December 2016, when it was banned by Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

At the time, Ms Rudd told Parliament: "National Action is a racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation which stirs up hatred, glorifies violence and promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it.

"It has absolutely no place in a Britain that works for everyone."

The group conducts "provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities", according to the official list of banned groups, which says it tries to recruit young people.

The document also links National Action with the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016.

The phrase "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain!" – said by her right-wing extremist killer Thomas Mair in court – is associated with the group.

Police say 22 members of National Action were arrested last year.

(c) Sky News 2017: Fourth British Army soldier arrested over alleged neo-Nazi terror offences