'Terror' suspects in photos blunder

IC Wales
Aug. 31, 2005

ANTI-TERROR cops swooped on three asylum seekers because they were taking photos near the Celtic Manor, we can reveal.

The men, two aged 20 and one aged 26, were arrested under the Terrorism Act by Gwent Police on Thursday but released without charge on Friday night. They had been detained following reports of suspicious activity in the Chepstow Road area of Newport. They are believed to have been near the five-star resort taking pictures.

Dave Phillips, chief executive of South East Wales Race Equality Council (Sewrec), who had a briefing with Gwent Police on Friday morning, said last night: "The men just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time because we have got the EU summit here next week.

"They wandered into an area around the Celtic Manor, somewhere that was part of the security operation, and it was just a coincidence that they went there.

"The men weren't doing anything that was illegal, but probably panicked a bit when they saw lots of police cars."

Zahid Noor, from the Welsh Refugee Council, added: "While the police must take every measure to protect the public, unfortunately the aftermath of these types of events can generate fear and scapegoating of communities. It is imperative that this does not happen in Wales.

"Refugees and asylum seekers have been positively welcomed in Newport. The public response has been for communities to come together to unite against terrorism, and we believe this spirit must be preserved."

Gwent Police said the men, who are living in Newport, were released after extensive inquiries established no offence had been committed.

A police spokeswoman said: "We responded swiftly to the information, in light of the current terrorist threat.

"The public can feel assured that the force has the capacity and resources to ensure their safety.

"Gwent Police will remain vigilant against any suspicious activity and continue to work with other forces across the UK to combat terrorism."

The arrests came as Newport is at the centre of national attention for the next two weekends.

One of the biggest celebrity events ever held in Wales teed off last night at the Celtic Manor Resort, with the celebrity All*Star Cup golf tournament featuring film stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.

A summit of EU ministers led by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is due to be held at the hotel on Thursday and Friday.

Last night a spokesman at the Celtic Manor confirmed security operations at the plush hotel had been doubled.

The management has recruited 40 army servicemen and another 40 volunteers from the army, alongside a large police presence.