Two arrested in South Wales as probe into banned right-wing group National Action
Two men from South Wales have been arrested by counter terrorism police as part of an investigation into banned extreme right-wing group National Action.
A 28-year-old man from Swansea was arrested on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation and possession of terrorism material/documents.
A 23-year-old man, also from Swansea, was on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation.
Eleven in total have been arrested - with six of the men from the north West of England, two from West Yorkshire and one from the Wiltshire area.
Their ages range from 22 to 35.
Eleven properties are also being searched, police said.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police conducted the arrests, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.
It follow several others in connection with National Action earlier this month.
Why are National Action banned?
National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.
The proscription meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment.
In the official list of proscribed groups, it is described as a "racist neo-Nazi group" that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which "conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities".
The document adds that the group is "virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic" and says its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people.