Three men have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of committing, preparing and inciting terrorist acts.
The trio – aged 35, 36 and 51 – were arrested at three different locations and taken into custody for questioning.
Police activated four search warrants around 7:30 p.m in the Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley areas, with officers still at the various locations this evening.
Police believe there is no wider threat to the general public at this time and are taking measures to minimize disruption to local residents.
They were taken into custody for questioning and scenes remain at the four addresses while investigations are carried out under the Terrorism Act 2000, police said.
Three men have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of committing, preparing and inciting acts of terrorism
Police activated four search warrants and executed them in the areas of Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley at around 7.30pm
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who is responsible for counter-terrorism policing in the North West, said: “This evening we executed a number of planned arrest warrants as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.
“Three men have been taken into custody for questioning and the scenes remain in place as we continue to investigate.
'Today's activity was the result of very detailed planning and we have taken measures to minimize disruption to local residents.
“I understand that anytime these types of arrests are made it will raise concerns and people will obviously have questions.
'While we cannot comment on specific details of the investigation at this stage, I would like to reassure the public that we do not currently believe there is a wider threat associated with current activities.
“Further details will be released as appropriate as the investigation progresses.”
This is a breaking news story, more to come.