Oldham: Police arrest and taser man, 31, on suspicion of terror offence after patrol car attacked

A man has been tasered and arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence after a police car was attacked inside a police station car park in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident took place at 10pm on Tuesday night but the suspect, arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and police assault, has now been further arrested under the Terrorism Act.

The spokesman said: “An officer about to go on patrol in his police car saw a man who had entered the car park.”

Police claim the suspect ran at the patrol car and “attacked it while making threats to the officers inside.”

The spokesman added: “A 31-year-old man was tasered to ensure the safety of the officers and the wider public, and was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, assault of a police officer, and being found on enclosed premises.”

A vehicle parked close to the police station was searched by specialist officers, after it was "believed to possibly have suspicious items inside", but was found "not to contain any items of concern.”

“Due to the nature of the incident and initial enquiries conducted so far, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West were made aware of the incident and have since further arrested the suspect on suspicion of section 41 of the Terrorism Act. He is currently being questioned in custody.” The spokesman said.

The police commander for the Oldham district, Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen said: "Last night our officers showed immense bravery and quick-thinking by detaining a man so swiftly after threats were being made and a vehicle was attacked as it was about to go on patrol.

“Thankfully, despite being understandably shaken, the officers didn’t sustain any physical injuries and we are doing what we can to support them after this incident.”

Chief Superintendent Bowen added: “While this will cause understandable - and shared - shock and concern in the community, I want to make it clear that there is nothing to so far suggest there is any wider threat to the public, and our officers will continue to be on the front line doing all we can to keep the streets of Oldham safe.”