Moazzam Begg
Moazzam Begg was released from Guantánamo Bay without charge in 2005 Reuters

One of the four people arrested in the West Midlands on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offences is former Guantánamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, police have confirmed.

Begg, 45, from Hall Green, Birmingham, was arrested by counter-terrorism police accused of attending a terrorist training camp and facilitating terrorism overseas.

A 36-year-old man from Shirely, a 44-year-old woman, and her 20-year-old son, were also arrested on suspicion of facilitating terrorism overseas.

After being seized in Pakistan in 2002, Begg was held at Guantánamo Bay by the US without trial, before being released in 2005 without charge.

He was one of several British citizens who successfully sued the British government for damages following his incarnation at the detention camp.

He has also became a campaigner for the human rights organisation Cage, who say they exist "solely to raise awareness of the plight of the prisoners at Guantánamo Bay and other detainees held as part of the War on Terror".

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Moazzam Begg was arrested this morning.

"We are confirming this name as a result of the anticipated high public interest to accredited media."

Police added that naming Begg does "not imply any guilt".

All four suspects are being held at a police station in the West Midlands for questioning.

Police said the suspects' homes are being searched by officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit. Vehicles and electronic equipment are being removed for forensic analysis as part of the operation.

Police stressed this was a pre-planned operation and there was no immediate risk to the public.

Head of investigations for West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, Det. Supt. Shaun Edwards said: "All four arrests are connected. They were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no immediate risk to public safety.

"We continue to urge anyone planning to travel to Syria to read the advice issued by the Foreign Office."

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