Terrorism arrest after woman stabbed outside Cheltenham leisure centre

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after a woman was stabbed outside a leisure centre in Cheltenham.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism contrary to Section 41 of the Terrorism Act (2000), as well as on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act (2006).

Gloucestershire Police say the arrest is in relation to an incident that happened at about 9.15pm outside a leisure centre in Tommy Taylors Lane on Thursday (9 March).

In a statement, the force said a woman was stabbed and sustained serious injuries. She was taken to hospital for treatment, where she remains in stable condition.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East is leading the investigation, working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South West and officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The man in custody had previously been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder immediately after the incident. He was re-arrested last night under the Terrorism Act, and today (Saturday 11 March), a warrant of further detention has been obtained, allowing officers until Thursday 16 March to question him.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "I would like to reassure those living locally or visiting the county that we believe this was an isolated incident and we are not aware of any wider threat to members of the public. We are working closely with our partners in Counter Terrorism Policing.

"We appreciate that an incident of this nature may be concerning and we would encourage people to contact us via 101 with any additional information they may have about the incident."