Terror arrest over Oldham police station car park attack

A vehicle parked close to the police station was searched by specialist officers

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence after a car was attacked at a police station.

Greater Manchester Police said a man was seen entering Oldham police station car park at about 22:00 GMT on Tuesday.

A spokesman said the man then ran at a police vehicle "and attacked it while making threats to the officers inside".

A 31-year-old man, who was held on suspicion of assaulting an officer and criminal damage, was later further arrested under the Terrorism Act.

The force spokesman said 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".

He said the man, who was also initially held on suspicion of being found in enclosed premises, was Tasered during his arrest "to ensure the safety of the officer and the wider public".

Police said the attack was "believed to be an isolated incident".

The man was found in the grounds of Oldham police station on Tuesday night

Ch Supt Chris Bowen said the officers involved had shown "immense bravery and quick-thinking".

"Thankfully, despite being understandably shaken, the officers didn't sustain any physical injuries and we are doing what we can to support them," he said.

He said that due "to suspicions raised" during subsequent inquiries, "our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing North West have subsequently arrested the suspect and are now questioning him under the Terrorism Act".

"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," he added.