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Specialist counter-terror units execute pre-planned raid over alleged social media support for Daesh
A 35-year-old man from Eastbourne is currently in police custody following a high-stakes operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) in the heart of Sussex.
The Investigation into Islamist Terrorism
The arrest, which took place on Friday morning, March 6, 2026, is the result of an intensive investigation into Islamist Terrorism. Authorities confirmed the suspect was detained on suspicion of expressing opinions supportive of Daesh (also known as ISIS), a proscribed terrorist organization. Unlike previous unrelated investigations in the area, this operation is specifically focused on the online dissemination of extremist ideology and the use of social media platforms to bolster the banned group’s reach.
Strategic Police Operation in Eastbourne
Specialist officers, supported by Sussex Police, descended on a residential property in the seaside town as part of a "pre-planned and intelligence-led" maneuver. The suspect was apprehended under Section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000, a legal threshold that criminalizes the reckless expression of support for terrorist groups. Forensic teams are expected to remain at the Eastbourne address for several hours to conduct a detailed search for digital evidence and electronic devices.
Public Safety and Community Assurance
Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw addressed the local community to mitigate concerns, clarifying that the operation was targeted and does not indicate an immediate physical threat to the public. The focus of the case remains on the suspect's alleged digital activities and the promotion of radicalism. Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online or physical activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline as the forensic investigation continues.
What Happens Next
The 35-year-old suspect remains at a secure police station for questioning. Under current counter-terrorism legislation, detectives have an initial window to gather evidence before deciding on formal charges. If charged, the suspect will likely appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court, which handles the majority of terrorism-related cases in the UK. Further updates regarding the suspect's identity and specific charges are expected once the initial 48-hour detention period concludes.
