INVESTIGATIONS were on-going today after a man was arrested in Harwich by the Metropolitan Police’s counter terrorism command unit.

The 37-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday and is being held on suspicion of the preparation or instigation of terrorist acts.

The Met Police said the arrest is linked to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism and there is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “There is no update at this time, but when there is this will be released proactively.”

Searches are being carried out at the address where the man was arrested.

Police said the man was yesterday still in custody at an Essex police station.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s counter terrorism command, said: “I’d firstly like to reassure the community in Essex and beyond we are not aware of any imminent threat to the public in relation to this arrest.

“However, with the terrorism threat level recently being increased to severe, I would like to remind the public of the need to remain vigilant and if they do see or hear anything suspicious, then please get in touch and report it to us.”

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson said he has not been briefed about the situation officially.

He said: “I only knew it happened because of Facebook posts. The arrest was made around Parkeston village.

“It’s really worrying that mysterious criminal activities such as terrorism have now reached Harwich.

“I’m really pleased that our police, anti terrorism officers and all the security agencies are on top of it.”

Harwich councillor Bill Davidson lives in the Parkeston area.

He said: “I knew there was a case, but I didn’t know it was in the Parkeston area and I’m absolutely gobsmacked that I haven’t been informed about it.

“I live here and I thought I knew everyone in the area, so that’s really concerning.”

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said he could not provide a comment for security reasons.