Tensions "are high" among the Muslim community in Crawley following reports up to five properties are being searched in relation to the suspected Crawley suicide bomber.
Police and South East Counter Terrorism officers have been at a second property in Langley Green this morning (Thursday) in what is believed to be part of the inquiry.
South East Counter Terrorism officers are understood to be at a home in St Joan Close, just around the corner from the property where Abdul Waheed Majid and his family lived in Martyrs Avenue.
Counter terrorism officers searched his home yesterday (Wednesday) in connection with a suicide bombing in the Syrian city of Aleppo last week, which he is suspected of carrying out.
Now a spokesman for the Muslim community in Crawley has said more properties are thought to be being searched today.
Arif Syed, chairman of Crawley Mosque and a spokesman for the town's Muslim community, said: "As I understand there is one property being searched in Langley Drive, one in St Joans Close, but I’m also being told that there will be further searches carried out.
"These people are being kicked out of their homes and the police have the audacity to ask us to house them at the mosque while they carry out their searches.
"It’s a witchhunt. The public are going ballistic.
"The Muslim community are absolutely outraged by this – tensions are very high.
"They are all friends of Mr Majeed, I’m a friend of Mr Majeed, this is such a tight-knit community here.
"We are all set to meet tomorrow at the mosque and I already know that the temperature will be high."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel