Fifth soldier arrested on suspicion of being members of National Action neo-Nazi group

The man, from Northampton, was initially detained in Cyprus by Royal Military Police but is now being held in the West Midlands as part of a "pre-planned and intelligence-led" police operation.

He joins four men, including a 22-year-old from Birmingham, who were arrested earlier this week and are still being held by detectives after they were granted more time to question them.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said the suspects were arrested "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act".

West Midlands Police said there was "no threat to the public's safety".

The arrests, which included a 32-year-old from Powys, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton, were carried out with West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit in conjunction with the Wales Extremism Counter Terrorism Unit and the East Midlands CTIU.

National Action became first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

It was banned, making it a crime to support or be a member, after December 16 last year.

It was the first time a far right group had been banned.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said at the time: "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."

A Home Office spokesman said: “The group’s online propaganda material, disseminated via social media, frequently features extremely violent imagery and language. National Action also promoted and encouraged acts of terrorism after Jo Cox’s murder.”

People breaking proscription offences face up to 10 years in prison and an unlimited fines.