Four arrested in anti-terror operation in Birmingham

Four men have been arrested in a major counter terrorism operation, police in Birmingham have said.

It followed a pre-planned raid on their addresses early on Tuesday in the Sparkhill area of the city.

The suspects, three of whom are aged 19 and one aged 24, are suspected of fundraising in the UK and training in Pakistan for terrorist purposes.

Eight others have already been charged in connection with the investigation, known as Operation Pitsford.

Seven of those are currently on remand after appearing in court.

Detectives have an initial 48 hours to question the four men arrested on Tuesday.

Officers must then either charge them, release them, or apply for a warrant to question them further.

West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit said the arrests were not in response to any immediate threat to public safety.